A month or two ago, I wrote about a Norwegian law requiring large corporations (200 employees +) to have a 50/50 gender divide on executive boards. I applauded the move discussing the belief that it takes a law to cause change, that it is in our interests and for our benefits that we create and attempt to follow laws. Further, that laws are one of our greatest tools for social change.
Today I popped into BBC hoping to find the Asian markets had picked up overnight, and instead I see several different stories making my earlier, very simplistic view explanation of the role of law in a society seems like nonsense. The first article is about a youtube I happened to have been sent, made by Saudi women protesting laws against women drivers in their country! This is brilliant, I think, and highlights what laws are, why we have them and how they work. Laws are temporary explanations about how we agree to behave. I.e. all laws must at all times be subject to change. As a woman of western/catholic socialization I cannot really understand how barring women from driving is for their benefit, to protect them and their families or any of that. But I can imagine in a volatile country it is possible that limiting the movement of people is of benefit to the society. But now as Saudi Arabia is far more stable, it is time to let go of that and allow for a new social order.
The next article was about the reaffirmation of mortal sin by the Vatican. A move that has been made perhaps as an attempt to demonstrate to people how to interpret words like avarice or sloth. As I read, I worried about the loftiness of these new interpretations though. There are surely no more than a million billionaires, and not more than a hundred million millionaires, but that leave 5.9-6.1 billion people on the planet who need moral guidance. Which is the problem for us when we create laws. They are often almost always to narrow in their scope, leaving more people without guidance than need it.
Then there was an article about 24 hour drinking in the UK. This seems to me to highlight the UKs endemic dependence on law to order their society. Guidelines are necessary, they help us understand and interpret ways to communicate with those around us. Particularly as we have less and less of a close common history with our neighbours as we move from country to country, it is important that we have ways to open communication, to network and build community.
Which brings me to the last article, which I haven't read and don't want to read, but which is titled "STDs rife among US teenage girls." I'm assuming there are going to be some horrible statistics about the big 4 (HPV, herpes, Chlamydia, tric) and talk about vaccinating them all against cervicle cancer. No talk about guidance, about a growing desire to talk about and think about giving our kids less information and more guidence in how to behave.
So we do like laws. They do help us figure out ways to behave, but we should also keep in mind Sir Thomas More's idea: In his Utopia there were no laws, and each time it seemed an injustice had occured, it was weighed and discussed. The society debated and thought about it, and even when they came to a decision, it was only about that one case. Laws must be flexible enough to act as real and useful tools in the greater functioning of society.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
Missing conversations at What the Book? Used Books Shop, Itaewon, Seoul.
1.
"I mean, look at our fucking society!" Standing in front of the pop culture rack this late-twenty something exclaimed to his friend, "Fucking pregnant, pregnant, suspected pregnant, just had, broke up, broke down, broke out, got engaged, got divorced; this is our generation man and it sucks."
"Yea, i know what you mean. Look at this rubbish"
[Now, I suggest you take one step to your left, take a look at the alternative culture rack, Bitch, AdBusters; or two steps to the left for The New Yorker, Time, National Geographic. Or maybe turn around and se a tiny underground bookstore in the heart of Seoul packed with 20-30 something foreigners looking for something else to read on a Sunday afternoon. Yea, you're going to get a rather skewed and depressing perspective of our culture and generation if you judge it by the tabloid section. Open your eyes a little, delay judgement a moment, get a perspective from the girl behind you.]
2.
"I can't find the book I'm looking for, and its pissing me off," she claimed, her harsh south-central American accent grating against her sinus congestion.
"What book is that?" Her friend inquired, though I'm sure the question wasn't needed for the answer to come forth.
"The Kite Runner."
"Why do you want to read it, the film is coming out soon."
"Its just interesting the way things connect. Like the Russians in the 70s and now everyone in Afghanistan. Whatever. The computer says its here, but i can't see it. This is dumb. Let's go."
[Sigh. I thought, The Kite Runner tucked under my arm with a chuckle...I should give it to her, the film is coming out soon.]
3.
"Its supposed to be really good. Man Sherlock Holmes is brilliant. Do you know why?" No pause, "He sees the things that aren't there. He sees whats missing."
"Yea, maybe."
"Com'on you can tell its good! Look at it."
Look at the book in stunned silence.
"Thats how you find a good book at a used bookstore. If its all beat up, you know its been read lots."
[Other possibilities, it was written in 1986, published on crappy paper, with weak glue, and low grade ink, and it has moved from from some English speaking country to Korea, in someones carry-on. Or its been read by people like me, with a propensity for throwing books that are upsetting, crappy, uninteresting or full of plot holes. I'm sorry to say my copy of The Kite Runner now looks like a good book to read.]
4.
"I like to pick up a bunch of books then decide which one I want, I usually walk out of here with nothing, to be perfectly honest."
[So long as you put back those "bunch of books" where you found them, so those of us who usually walk out with a months supply can find them.]
If there is one thing I really miss about living in an country where I can understand what stranger are talking about, its listening to the nonsense that we strangers say everyday.
"I mean, look at our fucking society!" Standing in front of the pop culture rack this late-twenty something exclaimed to his friend, "Fucking pregnant, pregnant, suspected pregnant, just had, broke up, broke down, broke out, got engaged, got divorced; this is our generation man and it sucks."
"Yea, i know what you mean. Look at this rubbish"
[Now, I suggest you take one step to your left, take a look at the alternative culture rack, Bitch, AdBusters; or two steps to the left for The New Yorker, Time, National Geographic. Or maybe turn around and se a tiny underground bookstore in the heart of Seoul packed with 20-30 something foreigners looking for something else to read on a Sunday afternoon. Yea, you're going to get a rather skewed and depressing perspective of our culture and generation if you judge it by the tabloid section. Open your eyes a little, delay judgement a moment, get a perspective from the girl behind you.]
2.
"I can't find the book I'm looking for, and its pissing me off," she claimed, her harsh south-central American accent grating against her sinus congestion.
"What book is that?" Her friend inquired, though I'm sure the question wasn't needed for the answer to come forth.
"The Kite Runner."
"Why do you want to read it, the film is coming out soon."
"Its just interesting the way things connect. Like the Russians in the 70s and now everyone in Afghanistan. Whatever. The computer says its here, but i can't see it. This is dumb. Let's go."
[Sigh. I thought, The Kite Runner tucked under my arm with a chuckle...I should give it to her, the film is coming out soon.]
3.
"Its supposed to be really good. Man Sherlock Holmes is brilliant. Do you know why?" No pause, "He sees the things that aren't there. He sees whats missing."
"Yea, maybe."
"Com'on you can tell its good! Look at it."
Look at the book in stunned silence.
"Thats how you find a good book at a used bookstore. If its all beat up, you know its been read lots."
[Other possibilities, it was written in 1986, published on crappy paper, with weak glue, and low grade ink, and it has moved from from some English speaking country to Korea, in someones carry-on. Or its been read by people like me, with a propensity for throwing books that are upsetting, crappy, uninteresting or full of plot holes. I'm sorry to say my copy of The Kite Runner now looks like a good book to read.]
4.
"I like to pick up a bunch of books then decide which one I want, I usually walk out of here with nothing, to be perfectly honest."
[So long as you put back those "bunch of books" where you found them, so those of us who usually walk out with a months supply can find them.]
If there is one thing I really miss about living in an country where I can understand what stranger are talking about, its listening to the nonsense that we strangers say everyday.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Smoking: I just don't get it.
A UK health advisory body "Health England" has proposed that smokers should require a permit in order to buy cigarettes. The permit could cost £10 and would need to be renewed annually. It would require completing an application form and supplying a photo. Health England suggests that the permit process would help deter first time smokers, and would aid those who want to quit smoking in quitting by making it that much more difficult to get cigarettes.
There are so many mind-boggling plot holes in this lovely idea its just wonderful. First, the people proposing it suggest the form will be highly complex, perhaps this could be seen as a form of discrimination against those of lower literacy levels. Second, you think tobacco taxation is bad in Canada, its batty in the UK. A pack of smoke that will cost $9 in Canada will cost £9 in the UK...ie $21 CDN. So on top of paying outrageous levels of tax their will be an additional annual fee, which HE claim will go to NHS, to help bolster the system, but surely the cost of developing and implementing the system, then of enforcing it will cost far more than the £10 surcharge. What about elderly people, like my grandmother, who barely can leave their houses, how will they register each year? At this time in her life, the negative health impacts of quitting might be more than her system could handle...is such a proposal discriminating against people in her situation. What about foreigners, who come for vacations in England for a week or two or three...will they have to pay ten-quid and get an id card, will their be exceptions...or will they be expected to give up smoking for the duration of their stay in England?
HE suggests that it is necessary to have tight controls on tobacco, but to be honest it seems absurd. I think many Muslim states have it right, just ban it...if its such a monstrous thing. I think a more logical step is much like the steps taken in Canada around alcohol. Take it out of stores. Don't cell cigarettes at every venue in the country. Have Tobacconists and thats the only place you can buy it, that makes it more difficult to get cigarettes, and enforces a tighter control to keep younger cohorts away from the drug. It also centralizes profits from tobacco sales, so only the government makes money from it, then the money can be appropriately directed towards NHS.
Or maybe, if we really believe that cigarettes are harmful to health, the energy should be put into putting pressure on cigarette companies, to produce less toxic products. Ban preservatives in cigarettes, ban the use of glue on the paper, enforce the use or organic locally grown tobacco, enforce the use of non-toxic filters, either cotton or recycled paper-fiber. If the government is really so concerned over the health impacts of cigarettes, then why not put effort and energy into reshaping how the drug is retailed, rather than continually punishing the consumer.
Personally, I agree there is more that can be done to help burn tobacco companies out of our lives, but i think that it has a lot to do with ignoring them. Rather than wasting money contriving new and exotic forms of punishment, create more real, tangible and realistic rewards for those who refrain. Scholarships for kids who have never had a smoke; discounts on food for people who don't buy cigarettes; taxbreaks for families that are committed to smoke free living. Why not?
There are so many mind-boggling plot holes in this lovely idea its just wonderful. First, the people proposing it suggest the form will be highly complex, perhaps this could be seen as a form of discrimination against those of lower literacy levels. Second, you think tobacco taxation is bad in Canada, its batty in the UK. A pack of smoke that will cost $9 in Canada will cost £9 in the UK...ie $21 CDN. So on top of paying outrageous levels of tax their will be an additional annual fee, which HE claim will go to NHS, to help bolster the system, but surely the cost of developing and implementing the system, then of enforcing it will cost far more than the £10 surcharge. What about elderly people, like my grandmother, who barely can leave their houses, how will they register each year? At this time in her life, the negative health impacts of quitting might be more than her system could handle...is such a proposal discriminating against people in her situation. What about foreigners, who come for vacations in England for a week or two or three...will they have to pay ten-quid and get an id card, will their be exceptions...or will they be expected to give up smoking for the duration of their stay in England?
HE suggests that it is necessary to have tight controls on tobacco, but to be honest it seems absurd. I think many Muslim states have it right, just ban it...if its such a monstrous thing. I think a more logical step is much like the steps taken in Canada around alcohol. Take it out of stores. Don't cell cigarettes at every venue in the country. Have Tobacconists and thats the only place you can buy it, that makes it more difficult to get cigarettes, and enforces a tighter control to keep younger cohorts away from the drug. It also centralizes profits from tobacco sales, so only the government makes money from it, then the money can be appropriately directed towards NHS.
Or maybe, if we really believe that cigarettes are harmful to health, the energy should be put into putting pressure on cigarette companies, to produce less toxic products. Ban preservatives in cigarettes, ban the use of glue on the paper, enforce the use or organic locally grown tobacco, enforce the use of non-toxic filters, either cotton or recycled paper-fiber. If the government is really so concerned over the health impacts of cigarettes, then why not put effort and energy into reshaping how the drug is retailed, rather than continually punishing the consumer.
Personally, I agree there is more that can be done to help burn tobacco companies out of our lives, but i think that it has a lot to do with ignoring them. Rather than wasting money contriving new and exotic forms of punishment, create more real, tangible and realistic rewards for those who refrain. Scholarships for kids who have never had a smoke; discounts on food for people who don't buy cigarettes; taxbreaks for families that are committed to smoke free living. Why not?
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Touchy Subject
The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practised without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.
A difficult time we are in: has been so many years since the Olympics were held in a controversial location we are not entirely sure what to do about it? Maybe we should remember the mission of the games...I know some people are leary of China, mostly out of pure ignorance, having no clue what goes on in the "Far East." [Its scary to not know] But well, these games are filling with touchy debates about things that have little to do with the games.
England is currently working on the Team Members Agreement, in which they want athletes to agree not to make politically sensitive comments or gestures during the games. Supposedly this is either because England is afraid of tarnishing its business relationships with China, or perhaps a more sinister fear that something might happen to its athletes should they speak harshly of their hosts. Of course Human Rights activists are upset about such a move, as it is their intention to use the games as a time to highlight China's human rights violations, and lack of intervention in Darfur, and suggest that moves like the possible anti-political speeche clause in the TMA is not only a violation of the freedom of speech, but also shows cowardice on the part of the UK in facing the ongoing problems in China.
Now Steven Spielberg has pulled out as an artistic advisor (i guess that means no aliens in the show this year) citing his conscience can't allow him to participate, when their are global catastorphies and human rights violations going on. [There is a little known film with animated puppets called "Team America" that sheds some interesting light on the role of actors and movie types in politics]
I'm not sure why we think that on one hand we can award the games to a country, and then think that is excuse enough to chastise and criticize the country into changing to be more like US. Who are we anyway?
While it is clear that it is probably problematic to force athletes or anyone to agree to be a-political during the games, perhaps it is an unfounded fear. The amount of physical, mental, emotional focus that an athlete needs to put into competing at an Olympic Game, should be enough, why would a government want to deliberately add more pressure to athletes by giving them reason to fear their behaviour could have them booted off the team. It's understandable, many democratic governments are nervous about what will happen when China welcomes the world this summer, but let's not forget the spirit of the games, and the motivation for reviving and for participating in them. It is not the athletes who need to be signing agreements to just play their sport... really its a move that creates unnecessary tension for athletes without doing anything to either promote open political dialogue with China about its human rights record...Further, why are we suddenly so concerned and putting all this pressure on China? Because the games are going to be there? That's silly. Human rights are an ever present and ongoing concern, YOU DON'T NEED A REASON TO BULLY SOMEONE ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS. They are on their own, sufficient reason.
I'm glad Mr. Spielberg has a conscience. But how does his pulling out from participating in the games in any way going to benefit those persecuted in China, or the outrage that rages on in Sudan? If anything his actions further alientate the West and close means of creating meaningful and productive paths of communication.
There was an interesting debate about Canada's business relationship with China, maybe a year ago. Canadians were up set that we were doing business with a country with human rights violations (which i think is a bit posh to begin...but anyway). In the debate, the minister said we cannot do anything about problems in another nation,if we have no relationship with that nation. If we are not friends or partners in some respect, how can we even begin to talk about a nations problems.
But then it is in the Olympic charter that the mission of the Olympic movement is to place sport at the service of humanity, and thereby promote peace, to act against discrimination. So i guess its difficult (my new favourite word). Perhaps it is right to tarnish the sport in favour of the other political agendas that are catching fire on all sides. Perhaps.
A difficult time we are in: has been so many years since the Olympics were held in a controversial location we are not entirely sure what to do about it? Maybe we should remember the mission of the games...I know some people are leary of China, mostly out of pure ignorance, having no clue what goes on in the "Far East." [Its scary to not know] But well, these games are filling with touchy debates about things that have little to do with the games.
England is currently working on the Team Members Agreement, in which they want athletes to agree not to make politically sensitive comments or gestures during the games. Supposedly this is either because England is afraid of tarnishing its business relationships with China, or perhaps a more sinister fear that something might happen to its athletes should they speak harshly of their hosts. Of course Human Rights activists are upset about such a move, as it is their intention to use the games as a time to highlight China's human rights violations, and lack of intervention in Darfur, and suggest that moves like the possible anti-political speeche clause in the TMA is not only a violation of the freedom of speech, but also shows cowardice on the part of the UK in facing the ongoing problems in China.
Now Steven Spielberg has pulled out as an artistic advisor (i guess that means no aliens in the show this year) citing his conscience can't allow him to participate, when their are global catastorphies and human rights violations going on. [There is a little known film with animated puppets called "Team America" that sheds some interesting light on the role of actors and movie types in politics]
I'm not sure why we think that on one hand we can award the games to a country, and then think that is excuse enough to chastise and criticize the country into changing to be more like US. Who are we anyway?
While it is clear that it is probably problematic to force athletes or anyone to agree to be a-political during the games, perhaps it is an unfounded fear. The amount of physical, mental, emotional focus that an athlete needs to put into competing at an Olympic Game, should be enough, why would a government want to deliberately add more pressure to athletes by giving them reason to fear their behaviour could have them booted off the team. It's understandable, many democratic governments are nervous about what will happen when China welcomes the world this summer, but let's not forget the spirit of the games, and the motivation for reviving and for participating in them. It is not the athletes who need to be signing agreements to just play their sport... really its a move that creates unnecessary tension for athletes without doing anything to either promote open political dialogue with China about its human rights record...Further, why are we suddenly so concerned and putting all this pressure on China? Because the games are going to be there? That's silly. Human rights are an ever present and ongoing concern, YOU DON'T NEED A REASON TO BULLY SOMEONE ABOUT HUMAN RIGHTS. They are on their own, sufficient reason.
I'm glad Mr. Spielberg has a conscience. But how does his pulling out from participating in the games in any way going to benefit those persecuted in China, or the outrage that rages on in Sudan? If anything his actions further alientate the West and close means of creating meaningful and productive paths of communication.
There was an interesting debate about Canada's business relationship with China, maybe a year ago. Canadians were up set that we were doing business with a country with human rights violations (which i think is a bit posh to begin...but anyway). In the debate, the minister said we cannot do anything about problems in another nation,if we have no relationship with that nation. If we are not friends or partners in some respect, how can we even begin to talk about a nations problems.
But then it is in the Olympic charter that the mission of the Olympic movement is to place sport at the service of humanity, and thereby promote peace, to act against discrimination. So i guess its difficult (my new favourite word). Perhaps it is right to tarnish the sport in favour of the other political agendas that are catching fire on all sides. Perhaps.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Home Sweet Homeish
Wow, what an adventure. So I'm back from Japan! Totally sweet and wicked. Way better than the trip in September. I guess the stress of trying to function without being able to speak the language or communicate directly is becoming more and more apparent to me, and I guess I'm learning about being the linguistic minority (weird for an English speaker, but I must say a life lesson in patience). It's an interesting position though, working on different ways to communicate. Through infinitive verbs and gestures. Writing things down, carrying maps all these secondary communicative tools become primary. Then learning to speak in a simplified English. Shorter sentences, simpler tenses, basic adjectives, slow down, emulate Japanese pronunciation.
Anyway. Here's a sense of where i was, in a quiet mountain town. It snowed like a bastard. about 45 cm my second day there. And how do they handle the snow...not with salt, as that would damage the rice fields, nope...they use water. Even though it snows like a bastard, the temperatures rarely go below 0 C. So they have sprinklers basically, that run water to melt the snow and wash it away.
But i went to visit Nate's host family. The father is a 5th generation vinegar maker. Amazing! The factory is attached to the house (although now he has a second factory for the fermenting and bottling processes). Really amazing tour. Then great temaki...i had temaki twice, and maki three times...now I'm super sad to be in Korea where sushi is usually with kimchi and not fish :(
Also listened to some killer jazz. Built a tobogganing hill, even though the village is surrounded by mountains on all sides, the mountains don't really have any good sled runs.
Even the lack of heating in the houses was a small trifle, it was cold...don't get me wrong, but somehow a pleasant cold. I know i couldn't stand it back in Canada, but i suppose that is the difference when temperatures don't go below 0, or maybe at night get down to -5. Anyway, anyone traveling in Japan, a strongly suggest you forgo the big cities, for little Fukui prefecture. It's just a lovely little hideaway in what I had always thought of as a country of metropolitan cities stretching across the expanses.
Anyway. Here's a sense of where i was, in a quiet mountain town. It snowed like a bastard. about 45 cm my second day there. And how do they handle the snow...not with salt, as that would damage the rice fields, nope...they use water. Even though it snows like a bastard, the temperatures rarely go below 0 C. So they have sprinklers basically, that run water to melt the snow and wash it away.
But i went to visit Nate's host family. The father is a 5th generation vinegar maker. Amazing! The factory is attached to the house (although now he has a second factory for the fermenting and bottling processes). Really amazing tour. Then great temaki...i had temaki twice, and maki three times...now I'm super sad to be in Korea where sushi is usually with kimchi and not fish :(Also listened to some killer jazz. Built a tobogganing hill, even though the village is surrounded by mountains on all sides, the mountains don't really have any good sled runs.
Even the lack of heating in the houses was a small trifle, it was cold...don't get me wrong, but somehow a pleasant cold. I know i couldn't stand it back in Canada, but i suppose that is the difference when temperatures don't go below 0, or maybe at night get down to -5. Anyway, anyone traveling in Japan, a strongly suggest you forgo the big cities, for little Fukui prefecture. It's just a lovely little hideaway in what I had always thought of as a country of metropolitan cities stretching across the expanses.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Now that's interesting
This morning when I arrived at work and did my regular peruse of different news agencies I frequent when bored at work, an startling article appeared. Now i don't really know anything about business. I wish I did (maybe i will have to learn now). Anyway, a French bank suffers from a rogue trader I suppose trading away 5bn euros of bank profits.
I didn't fully understand the article because 5bn euros seems like a lot of money, but the bank didn't seem to be too worried...at least not as it was reported. Well just now as I checked back to try and better understand the situation...one how does any one perhaps have the power to control 5bn euros, two why would someone do something like that, three what is the impact of such an act of fraud I read a headline "Bank uncovers $7bn fraud". I thought, oh the plot thickens. But no, the reporting agency (the same one I read the first article at) had just changed the original article so the amount was reported in American dollars instead of Euros. Press...that is not your job! It was Euros that were lost, report the lost Euros, don't try to inflate emotions by misleading readers. Grr it makes me upset. As a non-money type, a little help Media, would be nice. Perhaps explain what was this trader doing..."massive fraudulent directional positions in 2007 and 2008 beyond his limited authority"...what is a directional position...it sounds like a bet. but do banks bet...i guess, they must, even the weathermen bet to try and keep their inability to demonstrate and real predictive force of the weather afloat. How can you bet 5bn Euro...who would take that bet...im sure not the local bookers...
I'm worried about this, it seems like the cash system is more delicate than even i had imagined.But so what....what should we do.
Anyway, any of you businessy types, if you can suggest places to get laymans explanations on this story I would appreciate it.
I didn't fully understand the article because 5bn euros seems like a lot of money, but the bank didn't seem to be too worried...at least not as it was reported. Well just now as I checked back to try and better understand the situation...one how does any one perhaps have the power to control 5bn euros, two why would someone do something like that, three what is the impact of such an act of fraud I read a headline "Bank uncovers $7bn fraud". I thought, oh the plot thickens. But no, the reporting agency (the same one I read the first article at) had just changed the original article so the amount was reported in American dollars instead of Euros. Press...that is not your job! It was Euros that were lost, report the lost Euros, don't try to inflate emotions by misleading readers. Grr it makes me upset. As a non-money type, a little help Media, would be nice. Perhaps explain what was this trader doing..."massive fraudulent directional positions in 2007 and 2008 beyond his limited authority"...what is a directional position...it sounds like a bet. but do banks bet...i guess, they must, even the weathermen bet to try and keep their inability to demonstrate and real predictive force of the weather afloat. How can you bet 5bn Euro...who would take that bet...im sure not the local bookers...
I'm worried about this, it seems like the cash system is more delicate than even i had imagined.But so what....what should we do.
Anyway, any of you businessy types, if you can suggest places to get laymans explanations on this story I would appreciate it.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Gone with the wind on 'kite ship'
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7205217.stm
Its as though, we forgot that ships used to be the greenest form of mass transport. I don't get it, check out the link for the full article, but look at the "kite" that is helping this ship...what happened to sails? Maybe i should do some research first. But I see this massive barge with a single kite to help if reduce fuel use.
I mean check out this barge from treasure planet, a remarkable ship that uses sails to catch galactic winds, the sails are made of a solar cell fabric, that catches solar radiation to supply a backup energy supply and uses a traditional furnace to keep transportation power consistent, supplying extra thrust when necessary.
And so far we have managed to add a kite.
Go team green. This is about as exciting as hydrogen cell fueled cars.
Its as though, we forgot that ships used to be the greenest form of mass transport. I don't get it, check out the link for the full article, but look at the "kite" that is helping this ship...what happened to sails? Maybe i should do some research first. But I see this massive barge with a single kite to help if reduce fuel use.
I mean check out this barge from treasure planet, a remarkable ship that uses sails to catch galactic winds, the sails are made of a solar cell fabric, that catches solar radiation to supply a backup energy supply and uses a traditional furnace to keep transportation power consistent, supplying extra thrust when necessary.
And so far we have managed to add a kite.
Go team green. This is about as exciting as hydrogen cell fueled cars.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Correctness
I received a very hurtful, but perhaps well intentioned forward today, and I'm not really sure what to do about it. Looking down the back links its been forwarded from friend to friend down a chain of born and bred Canadians. So perhaps as an immigrant I'm a bit touchy on the subject of what is and should be expected of people moving to countries like Canada, America and Australia. ie. English speaking colonies founded in the past 300 years largely by Christians and neo-Christian politicians looking to change and reshape European values. I had an easy time, having moved from and English speaking country with very close values to Canadian values, and having moved at a young age that I did most of my growing up in Canada.
The main belief supported by the forward (and alleged speech by John Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia...though a quick google will show it is a highly edited shoddy fabrication of sound bites and clipped together and given under the name J.H.) is that because the colonies were founded by WASPs that it is good and right that the main moral, legal and cultural code should be that of the former WASP. It lays claims such as "We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society. Learn the language!" and "It is immigrants, not Australians that need to adapt."
When did the rules change? Did the founding immigrants of our countries adapt? Did they learn the language of the land they came to? Did they even speak English? (in the case of Canada) Did those who wrote our constitutions and who continue to REVISE our constitutions adapt to their setting, or bring about and insist on change? Change is the most necessary and most exciting part of life. And especially for those of us who live in the new world--in countries whose cultural legacy can be remembered in its entirety, whose countries are a diverse fabric of people bringing to that table what they can--it is our identity.
As Canadian working in South Korea, helping students practice and learn to speak English, and as a Canadian who had to take those painful 10 years of French classes, I have a sence about learning a language. 1. it takes time. 2. its not easy. 3. Its not necessary to function in a society. Our three countries have the amazing benefits of having people from all countries in the world living in them, this means we may well have speakers of close to every language in the world. We have amazing knowledge in that, amazing power for communitcation and community. So how can we be so pig-headed as to insist all new immigrants be fluent in English? Especially when there are ways to function in a native language through family, friends and community. Granted, I'm only a migrant worker and not an immigrant here, but I've learned to function in a society that speaks mainly Korean, that there are many ways to function without being able to speak, or with only the most rudementary knowledge. Its a matter of support and networks.
And this question of adapting. If Australians don't want to adapt anymore thats for them to decided, I for one hope i never stop adapting, I hope that those adaptations are mostly for the better--for the improvement of my condition and of those around me--I hope Canadians and Americans and Australians and Saudi Arabians, and Sri Lankans and Koreans and Indians and Pakistanis and Mongolians and Brazillians and Europeans (as a whole and in their individual cultures) and Eritrians and Kenyans and all the rest of everyone continue to change and adapt to the many new and exciting posibilities that are presented to them.
Now the root of the problem. Sharia Law. And I agree here with the position Australia took, with the position Ontario took and with the position that you obey and follow that law of the land. WHATEVER that law is. If that means no pot in Korean, that is the law, and we must obey it. If that means I cannot enter Libya until I'm married or without my father, that is the law I must obey. If that means I must cover my body entirely in Saudi Arabia, that is the law and I must obey. If that means I can pay for sex in Amsterdam but not in Sweden, so be it. Those are the laws of that land, and I am obliged to follow them. That's what a law is, we agree to follow them, that is how they help all of us. Also that as a citizen of a country you have the right to challenge, ammend, rewrite the law, to introduce new law and to have old laws removed. A great example of this is the announcement today that women in Saudi Arabia can now stay at a hotel alone. Recognizing the great limits on women in this culture this is an exciting move towards recognizing the road to gender equity. It seems small but its how we go about making our countries better places. The government also allowed that it would consider allowing women to drive. Again, bit by bit we see who a government is moving to adapt to changing times, to better serve its citizens and to allow its citizens to better serve the government.
If there are laws in Sharia Law that can be used by all Canadians then it is for those citizens best versed in these laws to help bring them to legislation. Where we as a nation can decided if this is a law for our nation. But yes, in a country there is only one law and it applies in the same way to all citizens in that country. But that doesn't mean that we turn our backs on everything immigrants bring to their new homes.
Its scary how the rhetoric of things like this so easily sweeps us up, makes us forget to think for ourselves, to reflect on how much we owe our immigrant parents/grandparents who put up with the racist shit, so that we could have an easy life in these countries.
Which brings me to the title of this entry: correctness. Not political correctness. Political Correctness is not saying what you mean so as not to offend or exclude anyone. While its a practice that upsets many people because it reduces our ability to express our feelings and opinions, its a dangerous practice because it marrs the more important practice of correctness. That is speaking in ways that are considerate of the fact that we don't know everything, we can't take everything into account all the time, its also a way of speaking that is forgiving of difference, that helps us to recognize that we are all strangers trying to build this dream of a world that works, fully. I think it is blind, selfish and pig-headed to insist that the way things have been is the way things always will be. Instead of spending our energy writing and propegating hate speech, we should be working on solutions; rather than laying blame on the new guy, we should be working to recognize the problem; rather than engaging in empty rhetoric that affirms division of societies, that insists on the continued antagonism of different cultures, we should be opening our hearts and minds and affirming our beliefs while listening to new beliefs.
The main belief supported by the forward (and alleged speech by John Howard, former Prime Minister of Australia...though a quick google will show it is a highly edited shoddy fabrication of sound bites and clipped together and given under the name J.H.) is that because the colonies were founded by WASPs that it is good and right that the main moral, legal and cultural code should be that of the former WASP. It lays claims such as "We speak mainly ENGLISH, not Spanish, Lebanese, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian, or any other language. Therefore, if you wish to become part of our society. Learn the language!" and "It is immigrants, not Australians that need to adapt."
When did the rules change? Did the founding immigrants of our countries adapt? Did they learn the language of the land they came to? Did they even speak English? (in the case of Canada) Did those who wrote our constitutions and who continue to REVISE our constitutions adapt to their setting, or bring about and insist on change? Change is the most necessary and most exciting part of life. And especially for those of us who live in the new world--in countries whose cultural legacy can be remembered in its entirety, whose countries are a diverse fabric of people bringing to that table what they can--it is our identity.
As Canadian working in South Korea, helping students practice and learn to speak English, and as a Canadian who had to take those painful 10 years of French classes, I have a sence about learning a language. 1. it takes time. 2. its not easy. 3. Its not necessary to function in a society. Our three countries have the amazing benefits of having people from all countries in the world living in them, this means we may well have speakers of close to every language in the world. We have amazing knowledge in that, amazing power for communitcation and community. So how can we be so pig-headed as to insist all new immigrants be fluent in English? Especially when there are ways to function in a native language through family, friends and community. Granted, I'm only a migrant worker and not an immigrant here, but I've learned to function in a society that speaks mainly Korean, that there are many ways to function without being able to speak, or with only the most rudementary knowledge. Its a matter of support and networks.
And this question of adapting. If Australians don't want to adapt anymore thats for them to decided, I for one hope i never stop adapting, I hope that those adaptations are mostly for the better--for the improvement of my condition and of those around me--I hope Canadians and Americans and Australians and Saudi Arabians, and Sri Lankans and Koreans and Indians and Pakistanis and Mongolians and Brazillians and Europeans (as a whole and in their individual cultures) and Eritrians and Kenyans and all the rest of everyone continue to change and adapt to the many new and exciting posibilities that are presented to them.
Now the root of the problem. Sharia Law. And I agree here with the position Australia took, with the position Ontario took and with the position that you obey and follow that law of the land. WHATEVER that law is. If that means no pot in Korean, that is the law, and we must obey it. If that means I cannot enter Libya until I'm married or without my father, that is the law I must obey. If that means I must cover my body entirely in Saudi Arabia, that is the law and I must obey. If that means I can pay for sex in Amsterdam but not in Sweden, so be it. Those are the laws of that land, and I am obliged to follow them. That's what a law is, we agree to follow them, that is how they help all of us. Also that as a citizen of a country you have the right to challenge, ammend, rewrite the law, to introduce new law and to have old laws removed. A great example of this is the announcement today that women in Saudi Arabia can now stay at a hotel alone. Recognizing the great limits on women in this culture this is an exciting move towards recognizing the road to gender equity. It seems small but its how we go about making our countries better places. The government also allowed that it would consider allowing women to drive. Again, bit by bit we see who a government is moving to adapt to changing times, to better serve its citizens and to allow its citizens to better serve the government.
If there are laws in Sharia Law that can be used by all Canadians then it is for those citizens best versed in these laws to help bring them to legislation. Where we as a nation can decided if this is a law for our nation. But yes, in a country there is only one law and it applies in the same way to all citizens in that country. But that doesn't mean that we turn our backs on everything immigrants bring to their new homes.
Its scary how the rhetoric of things like this so easily sweeps us up, makes us forget to think for ourselves, to reflect on how much we owe our immigrant parents/grandparents who put up with the racist shit, so that we could have an easy life in these countries.
Which brings me to the title of this entry: correctness. Not political correctness. Political Correctness is not saying what you mean so as not to offend or exclude anyone. While its a practice that upsets many people because it reduces our ability to express our feelings and opinions, its a dangerous practice because it marrs the more important practice of correctness. That is speaking in ways that are considerate of the fact that we don't know everything, we can't take everything into account all the time, its also a way of speaking that is forgiving of difference, that helps us to recognize that we are all strangers trying to build this dream of a world that works, fully. I think it is blind, selfish and pig-headed to insist that the way things have been is the way things always will be. Instead of spending our energy writing and propegating hate speech, we should be working on solutions; rather than laying blame on the new guy, we should be working to recognize the problem; rather than engaging in empty rhetoric that affirms division of societies, that insists on the continued antagonism of different cultures, we should be opening our hearts and minds and affirming our beliefs while listening to new beliefs.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
The Black Vote
I guess I'm late on this since the controversy broke days ago. But, I think my inclination to write comes from something lately inspired by the "race" issues in the Democratic campaign.
I don't understand how there is a black vote, but not a woman vote. Maybe because there are women ...well everywhere. We are innocuous even...but that doesn't change the fact. Why is Obama forced to run the campaign as a Black man relying on the Black vote, when Hilary doesn't have to run as a woman, or Edwards as a White man, relying on the White vote...its dumb. They are each running as a Democrat...that's all. Get over it America, Martin Luther King Jrs dream did come true when Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act in 1964. Accept it, the law is made, now get over it and move onward and upward. The only thing that has stopped this dream coming true is the US's ass backwardness about laws.
It seems in the US a law is not made to affirm the desire to change; its made to scapegoat, deny and avoid; its made to be a place where US citizens can claim their rights are being infringed (uhh...hello, without laws you wouldn't have anything to claim you have rights beyond an instinct inside yourself that somehow you deserve something for stumbling upon this planet); a law is a thing that someone off in some hidden place invents and magically appears one day and disappears the next as the people with money decide it will make making money more difficult, as it will raise the price of ink for fabricating bills.
I don't understand how there is a black vote, but not a woman vote. Maybe because there are women ...well everywhere. We are innocuous even...but that doesn't change the fact. Why is Obama forced to run the campaign as a Black man relying on the Black vote, when Hilary doesn't have to run as a woman, or Edwards as a White man, relying on the White vote...its dumb. They are each running as a Democrat...that's all. Get over it America, Martin Luther King Jrs dream did come true when Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act in 1964. Accept it, the law is made, now get over it and move onward and upward. The only thing that has stopped this dream coming true is the US's ass backwardness about laws.
It seems in the US a law is not made to affirm the desire to change; its made to scapegoat, deny and avoid; its made to be a place where US citizens can claim their rights are being infringed (uhh...hello, without laws you wouldn't have anything to claim you have rights beyond an instinct inside yourself that somehow you deserve something for stumbling upon this planet); a law is a thing that someone off in some hidden place invents and magically appears one day and disappears the next as the people with money decide it will make making money more difficult, as it will raise the price of ink for fabricating bills.
Monday, January 14, 2008
It took a law...
I was just thinking about this line from that film. "It took a law to get seat belts into cars. It took a law to get airbags too." I don't think we should doubt that. Particularly when you look at countries without those laws...are they going along...for the fun of it...no. They have seatbelt free air bag free cars. So lets not get to fussy about a law to force corporations to employ more women on their boards. It won't come about any other way, i think that it is almost wise too...it takes a law to instigate change...at least it does now. Lets hope we have the balls to stand by this law, to not let those with the money corrupt our desire to change. Okay maybe it isn't all of our desire, but its mine. and i think its also the desire of some of the norwegian law makers, which makes me think there are some norwegian taxpayers who agree. So some of us desire it. And feel its time has come. Let support this law...and not try to hack it down. It may, like seatbelts make us a little uncomfortable, maybe chaif our necks a bit...but its for our overall good...i think.
i wonder...want to reduce obesity...would a law with strict enforcement work? or stop alcohal abuse, or increase donations to those with less money than ourselves? Dunno...but its a brilliant move by norway to prove it true and possible. We like laws, we like to follow them, we like to have and to hold them in our hearts and minds...at least it keeps things orderly...
i wonder...want to reduce obesity...would a law with strict enforcement work? or stop alcohal abuse, or increase donations to those with less money than ourselves? Dunno...but its a brilliant move by norway to prove it true and possible. We like laws, we like to follow them, we like to have and to hold them in our hearts and minds...at least it keeps things orderly...
New virus, old tricks
I find it interesting, I made a silent note maybe three months ago, because i now work on two computers. It never occured to me before that all systems get the same updates at the same time, till I had to update at work, only to arrive home to find my laptop wanted some too. But having gone through the update twice, i guess it stuck in my mind maybe a week later when i first read "new virus warning" on BBC. I though smuggly to myself, i know im updated and patched; i had to do it last week...twice. Then again last month, patches came in, my two machines burbled, a week later i read "new virus warning" and again today, a week since the update warnings started here it is the Mebroot stealth virus that installs other programs on your comp and steals banking information.
I think its nice BBC is watching out for us, but it still makes me feel a bit spooky. Is there an agenda of reminds that the BBC has, don't forget we need to remind our readers to update, but we don't want to nag them, just keep them aware that patching is important. maybe.
Still, the culture of scaring us into action is getting a little old. And so i'm trying, perhaps a little resolution, not to act out of fear. I watched "Who killed the electric car last night" and while i usually have a fairly predictable knee jerk reaction to these sorts of docudramas, i found myself strangly calm. Not all excited about some new threat, some new possibility, some new project. Just, thanks for the information. I still prefer to travel in self propelled vehicles anyway.
Although, i must slithly say i do remember the ads for electric cars (i loved them, they were so stark and unusually, that was a time i considered advertising as a nice thing to do with my time) i do also remember the swing away from them, the sudden villanous turn on the poor machines as no better than the gas guzzler. I think i had a debat on it in highschool. i remember especially my indignation when the hummer came out. THinking, could we have gone any further in the other direction, even if the electric car is as bad as a regular car this monster is worse that 10 of them together. [i admit i was insulted by the tax breaks for the hummer, that is sick]
Two things the docudrama did highligh for me: More disappointment has come out of california than any other state. They have, it seems, always had the best brightest most progressive ideas, and they have also managed to mangel destroy and booby trap everyone of those ideas with extreme efficiency. Second, that Detroit is i think the most let down city in the world. I think infact as a place a collective of people Detroit has been cheated out of more than anyone (including younger siblings taken as a whole, the people of cambodia, very child who has ever been hungry, and people who expected X3 to live up to its prequels).
I don't think there is an american docudrama that doesn't highlight the every way Detroit has be given more false candy than any other city in the country. How it has time and again be forced to remain in its pseudo slum nearly big city way it was while i lived so close. (i'm now regretting not taking more advantage of the gifts that city has to offer...except that it is still part of America...a place im not to fond of...in the way lots of people just aren't to keen on visiting Pakistan)
If California has been the hub of great ideas, Detroit has been the home of the reality of their suppression.
how did i get into this film review...sorry. Anyway, this fear stuff is i don't know...is it getting old? It works clearly. or maybe it doesn't, maybe i had already updated my computer when i got the warning. Maybe i had already switched to self-propelled transport when the electric car died. Maybe i already had a deep skepticism for the US when two planes lost track of time in the side of two towers. Maybe no one tried to scare me into doing anything, the scare came after the fact...after the act...after the attack i was already prepared for...maybe.
I think its nice BBC is watching out for us, but it still makes me feel a bit spooky. Is there an agenda of reminds that the BBC has, don't forget we need to remind our readers to update, but we don't want to nag them, just keep them aware that patching is important. maybe.
Still, the culture of scaring us into action is getting a little old. And so i'm trying, perhaps a little resolution, not to act out of fear. I watched "Who killed the electric car last night" and while i usually have a fairly predictable knee jerk reaction to these sorts of docudramas, i found myself strangly calm. Not all excited about some new threat, some new possibility, some new project. Just, thanks for the information. I still prefer to travel in self propelled vehicles anyway.
Although, i must slithly say i do remember the ads for electric cars (i loved them, they were so stark and unusually, that was a time i considered advertising as a nice thing to do with my time) i do also remember the swing away from them, the sudden villanous turn on the poor machines as no better than the gas guzzler. I think i had a debat on it in highschool. i remember especially my indignation when the hummer came out. THinking, could we have gone any further in the other direction, even if the electric car is as bad as a regular car this monster is worse that 10 of them together. [i admit i was insulted by the tax breaks for the hummer, that is sick]
Two things the docudrama did highligh for me: More disappointment has come out of california than any other state. They have, it seems, always had the best brightest most progressive ideas, and they have also managed to mangel destroy and booby trap everyone of those ideas with extreme efficiency. Second, that Detroit is i think the most let down city in the world. I think infact as a place a collective of people Detroit has been cheated out of more than anyone (including younger siblings taken as a whole, the people of cambodia, very child who has ever been hungry, and people who expected X3 to live up to its prequels).
I don't think there is an american docudrama that doesn't highlight the every way Detroit has be given more false candy than any other city in the country. How it has time and again be forced to remain in its pseudo slum nearly big city way it was while i lived so close. (i'm now regretting not taking more advantage of the gifts that city has to offer...except that it is still part of America...a place im not to fond of...in the way lots of people just aren't to keen on visiting Pakistan)
If California has been the hub of great ideas, Detroit has been the home of the reality of their suppression.
how did i get into this film review...sorry. Anyway, this fear stuff is i don't know...is it getting old? It works clearly. or maybe it doesn't, maybe i had already updated my computer when i got the warning. Maybe i had already switched to self-propelled transport when the electric car died. Maybe i already had a deep skepticism for the US when two planes lost track of time in the side of two towers. Maybe no one tried to scare me into doing anything, the scare came after the fact...after the act...after the attack i was already prepared for...maybe.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Book Review
I guess I can write a book review. I like books. I read them, when I think i should be doing something better. I just read possible the most depressing book i will ever read in 2008. We need to talk about Kevin by Lionel Shriver. I can't really decide. I think i may have enjoyed it. But also i think it may have been a surreptitious waste of time. Though hiding out in my flat for a day and a bit to get through it before i committed suicide was fun.
I don't want to say "it was one of those books that makes you want to kill yourself." It was no Cam Jansen mystery, or SVH serial novel. It was horribly depressing, wholly traumatizing. But a bit like facing Jim Lahey's shit-void. "Yeh hear that boys, those are the shit winds. You are facing here, the shit-void.It's opened wide in front of you. I did think if i didn't finish it before bed i might just have to kill myself rather than face sleep with such a painful and possible un-resolution so fresh in my mind.
So i suppose it is with caution that i highly recommend this novel. Of course you probably aren't as prone as i am to nightmares. But i think those with the most well ordered dreams should be careful to give reading a sleeping a wide berth.
The story unfolds an amazing play with the temporal obsession of most people with being happy. The obsession with finding and filling our lives with things to "make us happy." Its not that it particular warns against, or challenges the practice. it skirts around and affirmation of anything really. A 400 page affirmation of "i don't like that."
For the protagonist her amazing writing of the average American, of what we hate about them and of what makes us fear to be them. Telling of the vast span between what we think we desire and what we have that fills that desire. Calling us out for projections, blaming, and complaining about...well ourselves in the third person.
It starts slow. And only gets slower until you are too deep in the shit pool to climb out, and must wade across to the other end. At which point you paddle fervently to escape the sense of drowning in the despair of being in the life you planned, exactly as you planned it (whether you want to admit it or not).
Though it is lovely to feel like shit before 2001. The book set entirely before April 9th 2001. When there was still life. Its so easy to forget, as though the great divide that failed to materialize when the computers all still worked on January 1st, 8 years ago, later manifested as something we actually had to care about (not that it effected me much. But others felt the shockwave, and im still stuck in the world where we can't remember what life felt like on April 9th 2001).
So read it, i guess. if you want. or don't. Now, i'm not really sure. not sure which.
I don't want to say "it was one of those books that makes you want to kill yourself." It was no Cam Jansen mystery, or SVH serial novel. It was horribly depressing, wholly traumatizing. But a bit like facing Jim Lahey's shit-void. "Yeh hear that boys, those are the shit winds. You are facing here, the shit-void.It's opened wide in front of you. I did think if i didn't finish it before bed i might just have to kill myself rather than face sleep with such a painful and possible un-resolution so fresh in my mind.
So i suppose it is with caution that i highly recommend this novel. Of course you probably aren't as prone as i am to nightmares. But i think those with the most well ordered dreams should be careful to give reading a sleeping a wide berth.
The story unfolds an amazing play with the temporal obsession of most people with being happy. The obsession with finding and filling our lives with things to "make us happy." Its not that it particular warns against, or challenges the practice. it skirts around and affirmation of anything really. A 400 page affirmation of "i don't like that."
For the protagonist her amazing writing of the average American, of what we hate about them and of what makes us fear to be them. Telling of the vast span between what we think we desire and what we have that fills that desire. Calling us out for projections, blaming, and complaining about...well ourselves in the third person.
It starts slow. And only gets slower until you are too deep in the shit pool to climb out, and must wade across to the other end. At which point you paddle fervently to escape the sense of drowning in the despair of being in the life you planned, exactly as you planned it (whether you want to admit it or not).
Though it is lovely to feel like shit before 2001. The book set entirely before April 9th 2001. When there was still life. Its so easy to forget, as though the great divide that failed to materialize when the computers all still worked on January 1st, 8 years ago, later manifested as something we actually had to care about (not that it effected me much. But others felt the shockwave, and im still stuck in the world where we can't remember what life felt like on April 9th 2001).
So read it, i guess. if you want. or don't. Now, i'm not really sure. not sure which.
Sunday, December 09, 2007
Temperance
Just give it some time. If it still seems important in five minutes of five hours or five days or the next time when the time folds in such a way that we are here again, the decided how to act. Take in the knowledge. Read. Breathe, in through my nose, into my belly, into my pelvis, into my thighs, into my knees, breathe. Out my physical self, out my spiritual self, out my intellectual and sexual and social and political and egotistical self. Go on and call me out, and face the reality. There is still a world. Until I die, I am still alive. Whether I am in or called out, I am in existance. You are. In love.
Just give it some time. It will still be important in five minutes or five hours or five days ot the next time the time folds in on itself and I find myself here...again. Its like a breath that travels in and is exchanged, it is different what comes in and what goes out. And I am still free. I am still important. Still alive. Still breathing. Still. The stillness of myself is the certainty that I can be on top again. I can get down again. I can. and time won't tell me anything.
But it is, still.
So here is a little gift of temperance. Let the worry be something else, let it turn into a plant, and water it, and give it love, and then the worry will be beautiful instead of troubling. And it can be part of my forest. There the boredom bush, my worry vine. This is my friendship flower, and my shyness shrub. Here i have just a plant, and that one is a power plant. This one is my frustration and this one beside it my hate plant. But i love them all, and care and nuture them because they are all ppaprt of my world. They are all real, they exist and i believe they exist, and besides...they are beautiful.
Just give it some time. It will still be important in five minutes or five hours or five days ot the next time the time folds in on itself and I find myself here...again. Its like a breath that travels in and is exchanged, it is different what comes in and what goes out. And I am still free. I am still important. Still alive. Still breathing. Still. The stillness of myself is the certainty that I can be on top again. I can get down again. I can. and time won't tell me anything.
But it is, still.
So here is a little gift of temperance. Let the worry be something else, let it turn into a plant, and water it, and give it love, and then the worry will be beautiful instead of troubling. And it can be part of my forest. There the boredom bush, my worry vine. This is my friendship flower, and my shyness shrub. Here i have just a plant, and that one is a power plant. This one is my frustration and this one beside it my hate plant. But i love them all, and care and nuture them because they are all ppaprt of my world. They are all real, they exist and i believe they exist, and besides...they are beautiful.
Wednesday, December 05, 2007
One fifth of Canadians Immigrants.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7128172.stm
That right...actually about 95% of Canadians are immigrants...in fact all Canadians are in some what immigrants as that possible margin is of our First Nations, who are only Canadian by merit of living on the land that has been named Canada.
But the article is interesting. It talks about the changing "traditional" face of the Anglo-European Canadian. Let's be honest, that was the traditional face in like the 16th or 17th century...and then Canada wasn't in existence. But anyway. I like the article because it expresses no surprise about the diversity of Canada, no frustrations about immigrants "over loading our system," no hard feelings that bilingualism is on the rise, but not in French and English, or worry that over 20% of Canadians have neither English or French as their first or second languages.
That's right! Feel the glory of diversity, of itchy stitching of diverse peoples together. I wish we could talk about it more. Nobody really cares though, I guess its just me, so proud of my status as a "New Canadian," to be an immigrant to such a great place.
England fears the lure of the 2012 games for human traffikers
And rightly they should be anxious. Maybe not fearful, but alert and aware of the reality. Here is some things that make me doubt that there is any awareness however, about what it means to traffik a person, what it means to force someone into prostitutions
"He [Mr Croaker] said prostitutes' clients could face prosecution for rape: "If we have got a situation where a man knowingly has sex with a woman he knows is not freely consenting to that, then I think that that could be considered as rape."
What does that man's knowing have to do with it. The woman is not freely concenting to sex. Therefore, SHE IS NOT FREELY CONCENTING TO SEX. I don't understand where the
possibility lies. That would be rape.
This is the same debate that happens when women "cry" rape against sexual partners who use drugs or alcohal. When stats came out in 1994 that 1 in 4 women have been raped, people balked at the statistic, because a flirtatious girls is "asking for it" evn if they are "technically" to drunk to say either way.
this is exhausting me. Which makes me think i need to reflect more on the topic of prostitution. sex. concent. immorality...and i probably shouldn't do it while knee deep in the SCUM manifesto.
"He [Mr Croaker] said prostitutes' clients could face prosecution for rape: "If we have got a situation where a man knowingly has sex with a woman he knows is not freely consenting to that, then I think that that could be considered as rape."
What does that man's knowing have to do with it. The woman is not freely concenting to sex. Therefore, SHE IS NOT FREELY CONCENTING TO SEX. I don't understand where the
possibility lies. That would be rape.
This is the same debate that happens when women "cry" rape against sexual partners who use drugs or alcohal. When stats came out in 1994 that 1 in 4 women have been raped, people balked at the statistic, because a flirtatious girls is "asking for it" evn if they are "technically" to drunk to say either way.
this is exhausting me. Which makes me think i need to reflect more on the topic of prostitution. sex. concent. immorality...and i probably shouldn't do it while knee deep in the SCUM manifesto.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Im loosing grip on my English
What is a "brizzial girl"? Im sure i was trying to write Brazilian... i dunno, but my ability to write in comprehensible english is rapidly eroding...i want to go back to school.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Assault, assualt a salt on a piece of toast
Okay, this is a weird thing to wonder, but I wonder anyway, do you think ...well first i should explain where the wonder came from. There is a nwes article today that says a 15 year old brazillian girl was left in a cell with 20-30 men for a month, and repeatedly raped for the duration of her time in the cell. I wonder though with that level of abuse if the body would reject any possibly conceived child. Of course it is possible this girl is still premenstrual. But i wonder because i recently read a very stupid article about a study that concluded women walk less sexily when they are fertile (ie ovulating); the researchers concluded that this may be to reduce likelihood of a sexual attack during the fertile period (further it may be a mechanism promoting monogamy because the signals of fertility are more subtle and could only be detected by a close regular partner...right).
I found the articles conclusion outrageous, but its got me thinking about the possibility that we have biological mechanisms that prevent unwanted pregnancies...or no thats not right... that prevent pregnancies as a result of a violence/sexual assault/ sexual act carried out without concent or from a non-commensal relationship.
The article about the brizzial girl made no comment about weather the girl was pregnant, although, judging by the severe emotional and physcial trauma she underwent coupled with the fact that she may not have been getting food (as the article stated the men would take her food and only return it for sex etc.
anyway. i wonder a bit about the world.
On a lighter note...well no its still pretty macarbre, if she is sentenced of a crime in the end im sure her lawyers can argue she has already more than served the prison time due for her original offence.
I found the articles conclusion outrageous, but its got me thinking about the possibility that we have biological mechanisms that prevent unwanted pregnancies...or no thats not right... that prevent pregnancies as a result of a violence/sexual assault/ sexual act carried out without concent or from a non-commensal relationship.
The article about the brizzial girl made no comment about weather the girl was pregnant, although, judging by the severe emotional and physcial trauma she underwent coupled with the fact that she may not have been getting food (as the article stated the men would take her food and only return it for sex etc.
anyway. i wonder a bit about the world.
On a lighter note...well no its still pretty macarbre, if she is sentenced of a crime in the end im sure her lawyers can argue she has already more than served the prison time due for her original offence.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
The challenge of being Canadian...we just don't get it.
"This is not a racist party. It is a German party. We want Germany to stay German and we do not want to be overwhelmed by invaders or intruders"
That quote comes from a troubling article on BBC today, and its funny how as a Canadian I think I am ill-prepared to face these sorts of issues. For me I don’t understand how any land, any area cannot be anyone’s area. It is almost as if the confusion/complexion by the Natives when the Europeans first arrived and tried to buy the land has become ingrained in my Canadian sentiment and understanding of the world. In Canada, everyone—except terrorists (and sometimes even terrorists)—is welcome. And they aren’t just welcome with certain conditions. They are welcome with open arms New Canadians aren't welcome to fill jobs old(er)-Canadians don’t want to do (as if there is such a thing); they aren't welcome to bolster some part of our economy; they aren’t welcome because our birthrate is low and we need someone to take care of us as we grow older; they are welcome to come be Canadian, to come join the quilt. If that is to be a factory worker, so be it; a cab driver, so be it; a doctor, so be it (I wish it were easier for them too); a carer for a family member...the world is welcome, with the only condition that you come and join us in what ever facet you are capable of. So when I read statements like the one above, made by a German MP, I just don't know how to understand, I am ill prepared to understand that some places I guess aren't open. As if new people will change what it inherently is. As if by living in Korea I somehow make this place less Korean. Or by living in Germany or Japan i some how dilute the history and traidition of the place. But i chuckle, because by living in Canada I, and everyone like me, make that place more Canadian.
A similar phenomenon is being reported about in Japan. That they see their birthrate is low so they want to bring in foreigners to fill low-wage, low-skill jobs. Korea as well, believes that foreigners can only come to fill an economic role in society, but not to really join in. It’s as if we are only welcome on a short term contract. So for example the only way I would really be welcome to stay in Korea would be to marry a Korean man. I couldn’t marry another foreigner and live here…it would just be too weird. I would be invading, intruding where I am not really that welcome.
So, how to face this? I’m not really sure. But I suppose recognizing it is a first step.
That quote comes from a troubling article on BBC today, and its funny how as a Canadian I think I am ill-prepared to face these sorts of issues. For me I don’t understand how any land, any area cannot be anyone’s area. It is almost as if the confusion/complexion by the Natives when the Europeans first arrived and tried to buy the land has become ingrained in my Canadian sentiment and understanding of the world. In Canada, everyone—except terrorists (and sometimes even terrorists)—is welcome. And they aren’t just welcome with certain conditions. They are welcome with open arms New Canadians aren't welcome to fill jobs old(er)-Canadians don’t want to do (as if there is such a thing); they aren't welcome to bolster some part of our economy; they aren’t welcome because our birthrate is low and we need someone to take care of us as we grow older; they are welcome to come be Canadian, to come join the quilt. If that is to be a factory worker, so be it; a cab driver, so be it; a doctor, so be it (I wish it were easier for them too); a carer for a family member...the world is welcome, with the only condition that you come and join us in what ever facet you are capable of. So when I read statements like the one above, made by a German MP, I just don't know how to understand, I am ill prepared to understand that some places I guess aren't open. As if new people will change what it inherently is. As if by living in Korea I somehow make this place less Korean. Or by living in Germany or Japan i some how dilute the history and traidition of the place. But i chuckle, because by living in Canada I, and everyone like me, make that place more Canadian.
A similar phenomenon is being reported about in Japan. That they see their birthrate is low so they want to bring in foreigners to fill low-wage, low-skill jobs. Korea as well, believes that foreigners can only come to fill an economic role in society, but not to really join in. It’s as if we are only welcome on a short term contract. So for example the only way I would really be welcome to stay in Korea would be to marry a Korean man. I couldn’t marry another foreigner and live here…it would just be too weird. I would be invading, intruding where I am not really that welcome.
So, how to face this? I’m not really sure. But I suppose recognizing it is a first step.
Friday, November 16, 2007
Erect; according to the OED
Im looking for a new word to replace vexatiously...any suggestions?
I. trans. To elevate in direction or position.
1. To direct upwards; to lift up (the eyes, hands, etc.). Also to erect up. Obs.
1609 Man in Moone (1849) 39 Erect thy countenance, like a man. 1635 E. PAGITT Christianogr. I. ii. (1636) 61 The Bishop..erecting his hands stood all the while with his face to the Altar. a1634 CHAPMAN Revenge Hon. Wks. 1873 III. 337 Good sir, erect your looks. 1704 SWIFT T. Tub Wks. 1760 I. Introd. 26 To stand with their mouths open, and erected.
fig. 1548 GEST Pr. Masse 117 Having our mindes erected up into heaven. 1629 H. BURTON Babel no Bethel 4 Wee erect our best attention to this motion. 1690 NORRIS Beatitudes (1694) I. 54 The Minds of Men began to be more generally erected towards Heaven.
b. To put up on high; to lift up (the head); also, to hoist up. Obs.
1552 ABP. HAMILTON Catech. (1884) 52 Moyses..made & ereckit a brassin ymage of a serpent. 1567 Trial Treas. in Hazl. Dodsley III. 273 That thou are nat erected, in faith, it is pity, As high as three trees and a halter will reach. 1611 CORYAT Crudities 9 A little chappell..wherein is erected the picture of Christ and the Virgin Mary. 1696 TATE & BRADY Ps. xxiv. 7 Erect your Heads, eternal Gates. 1767 Babler I. 224 However we may erect the crest upon the superior dignity of manhood.
2. To exalt in consideration or dignity; to raise to eminence or importance; elevate to office; in earlier use, to raise to (a kingdom); to set up for, to be (an emperor, king, etc.). Also to erect up.
1432-50 tr. Higden (Rolls) I. 283 Grete Charles..was erecte to the kyngedome of Fraunce after the dethe of his fader. 1549-62 STERNHOLD & H. Ps. lxxxix. 20 A man of might I have erect your king and guide to be. 1583 Exec. for Treason (1675) 27 Bishops, who in the Popes name had erected him up. a1592 GREENE Jas. IV, Wks. (1861) 198 He shall erect your state and wed you well. 1611 SPEED Hist. Gt. Brit. VI. xlii. 3 The Ægyptians erected one Saturninus a Captaine..for Emperour. a1631 DONNE in Select. fr. Donne (1840) 16 Thou shalt find..as many records of attainted families..as of families newly erected and presently celebrated. 1656 BRAMHALL Replic. vi. 238 Lawfull for the King and Church of England..to have erected a new Primate. 1709 STEELE Tatler No. 130 2 We have seen..Monarchs erected and deposed.
b. To elevate into or unto (a specified condition). Obs.
1508 FISHER Wks. 254 They were erecte vnto eternal lyfe. 1589 R. ROBINSON in Farr S.P. Eliz. (1845) II. 364 Erect my spirite into thy blisse.
II. To raise to an upright position.
3. To raise, set upright (the body, oneself, etc.); to rear (a standard). Also fig.
1573 TUSSER Husb. (1878) 5 Erecting one most like to fall. 1602 MARSTON Ant. & Mel. II. Wks. 1856 I. 25 Ladie, erect your gratious simmetry. 1646 SIR T. BROWNE Pseud. Ep. II. iii. 74 If unto the powder of Loadstone or Iron we admove the North pole of the Loadstone, the powders or small divisions will erect and conforme themselves thereto. 1730 A. GORDON Maffei's Amphith. 93 The Charioteers sometimes bowed to the Ground, then erected themselves on high. 1750 JOHNSON Rambler No. 6 3 The necessity of erecting our~selves to some degree of intellectual dignity. 1774 GOLDSM. Nat. Hist. (1776) VII. 49 The muscle..is capable of erecting itself on an edge. 1818 JAS. MILL Brit. India II. IV. iii. 97 Erected against Aliverdi the standard of revolt. 1877 MRS. OLIPHANT Makers Flor. xiii. 325 His weak frame erected itself.
b. Optics. To restore (an inverted optical image) to an upright position.
1831 BREWSTER Newton (1855) I. x. 245 Without using two glasses, the object may be erected.
c. intr. for refl. To straighten oneself, assume an upright position.
1626 BACON Sylva (1631) §827 By Wet, Stalkes doe erect, and Leaues bow downe.
4. To set upright (a member of the body); to prick up (the ears); also Phys. (chiefly in pass.), to render turgid and rigid any organ containing erectile tissue.
1626 BACON Sylva (1637) §266 You..erect your Eare, when you would heare attentiuely. 1718 ROWE tr. Lucan I. 540 At ev'ry Shout [the horse] erects his quiv'ring Ears. 1796 BURKE Regic. Peace Wks. VIII. 318 That this faction..does erect its crest upon the engagement, there can be little doubt.
5. fig. from 3, 4. To rouse, stir up, excite, embolden (the mind, oneself). Obs.
a1568 COVERDALE Treat. Death I. xvi, We ought to erect and comfort ourselves with the resurrection. 1605 BACON Adv. Learn. II. iv. §2 It doth raise and erect the mind. 1654 R. CODRINGTON tr. Hist. Ivstine 314 With this Victory the courages of the Sicilians were erected. 1665 J. SERGEANT Sure-footing 201 His Book coming forth..my Expectation was now erected. a1668 DENHAM (J.), Why should not hope As much erect our thoughts, as fear deject them? a1734 NORTH Lives (1826) II. 131 He found his spirits low, and thought to..erect them by a glass or two of sherry.
b. occas. To stimulate (in a physical sense).
1620 VENNER Via Recta (1650) 273 It..erecteth the digestive faculty of the stomack.
6. To elate with pride. Obs.
1631 R. H. Arraignm. Whole Creature 137 Least..the contemplation of their proud plumes and feathers too much erect them and puffe them up.
III. To set on a foundation, construct, establish.
7. To set up (a building, statue, framework, etc.); to rear, build. Also to erect up.
1417 in Ellis Orig. Lett. II. 19. I. 59 He hath erected a new tower upon the same for a warde. 1555 EDEN Decades W. Ind. I. IV. (Arb.) 80 The inhabitantes sawe newe buyldynges to bee dayly erected. 1570 ABP. PARKER Corr. (1853) 372 Intending..to erect up certain iron mills. 1593 SHAKES. 2 Hen. VI, III. ii. 80 Erect his Statue, and worship it. 1664 EVELYN Kal. Hort. (1729) 229 Erect on the out-side Wall your Stove..of Brick. 1692 O. WALKER History Illustrated 288 Gallus lamented much his death, and erected him a Sepulchre. 1701 DE FOE True-born Eng. I. 1 Where~ever God erects a House of Prayer The Devil always builds a Chappel there. 1796 H. HUNTER tr. St. Pierre's Stud. Nat. (1799) I. 446 He erects trophies. 1825 J. NICHOLSON Operat. Mechanic 190 An engine was erected in the vicinity of Bath..on this principle. 1848 MACAULAY Hist. Eng. II. 16 A more peaceful class erected silk manufactories in the eastern suburb of London. 1856 FROUDE Hist. Eng. (1858) II. ix. 382 The scaffold had been awkwardly erected.
¶To build (a vessel).
1650 SIR J. BURROUGHS in Wealth of Gt. Brit. (1749) 33 By erecting two hundred and fifty busses..there will be employment for one thousand ships.
b. fig. To build up (a theory, conclusion, etc.), set up (a pretension). Also absol.
1646 SIR T. BROWNE Pseud. Ep. I. vii. 25 Our advanced beliefs are not to be built upon dictates, but..[we] are to erect upon the surer base of reason. a1704 LOCKE (J.), Malebranche erects this proposition, of seeing all things in God, upon their ruin. 1818 JAS. MILL Brit. India II. V. ii. 350 The pretension erected by Mr. Hastings..would destroy one great source of the evidence. 1864 J. H. NEWMAN Apol. 195 It was necessary for us to have a positive Church theory erected on a definite basis.
8. a. Geom. To set up or draw (a perpendicular to a given line); to construct (a triangle, etc. upon a given base). b. Astrol. and Astron. To ‘set up’ (a figure of the heavens).
a1646 J. GREGORY Assyr. Mon. in Posth. (1650) 215 This was the figure of the Heavens..Astronomically calculated and erected according to Tycho's tables. 1660 BARROW Euclid I. x, Upon the line given AB erect an equilateral triangle. a1672 WOOD Life (1848) 73 After Lillie (the astronomer) had erected his figure, he told her, etc. 1715 KERSEY, To Erect a Figure, to divide the 12 Houses a-right. 1815 SCOTT Guy M. iv, He accordingly erected his scheme, or figure of heaven. 1828 J. H. MOORE Pract. Navig. 44 On B erect the perpendicular BA. 1887 T. B. REED O.E. Lett. Found 182 He [Moxon] professes to be able to erect in any other square..the same letter.
9. To set up, establish, found (an office, court of justice, corporation, institution, etc.); to initiate, set on foot (a project, scheme). Obs. or arch. exc. in Law.
1565 J. CALFHILL Answ. Treat. Crosse (1846) 24 A pilgrimage in Wales was straight erected. 1570 in Strype Ann. Ref. I. lvii. 626 The Divinity lecture, erected by the noble lady Margaret. 1602 WARNER Alb. Eng. X. lviii. (1612) 254 This League was halowed..gainst all That worke the gospell to erect. 1651 HOBBES Leviath. I. xv. 73 There is no Civill Power erected over the parties promising. 1663 MARVELL Corr. Wks. 1872-5 II. xl. 88 Courts of Merchants to be erected in some..ports of the nation. 1683 Royal Proclam. in Lond. Gaz. No. 1856/1 The Office of Post-Master General hath been Erected by Act of Parliament. 1743 TINDAL tr. Rapin's Hist. Eng. II. 151 note, This year Queen Elizabeth erected the East-India Company. 1761-2 HUME Hist. Eng. II. xli. 415 The Jesuits, a new order of regular priests erected in Europe. 1792 N. CHIPMAN Amer. Law Rep. (1871) 12 The statute has erected a summary jurisdiction. 1818 JAS. MILL Brit. India II. V. ix. 702 The ministerial board erected by Mr. Pitt. a1862 BUCKLE Civiliz. (1869) III. iii. 125 Two Courts of High Commission were erected. 1865 H. PHILLIPS Amer. Paper Curr. II. 56 Congress resolved to erect a lottery.
b. To raise (an armed force); to form (a nation). Obs.
1480 CAXTON Chron. Eng. III. (1520) 24/2 These two erected an hoost ayenst Hanyball. 1598 BARRET Theor. Warres II. i. 20 When a Companie is newly leuied and erected, etc. a1618 RALEIGH (J.), He suffers seventy-two distinct nations to be erected out of the first monarchy under distinct governours. 1680 HICKES Spir. Popery 71 The Cess..for erecting and maintaining the foresaid additional Forces. 1698 J. CRULL Muscovy 123 A new Body of Militia should be erected in their stead.
10. to erect into [cf. Fr. ériger en]: to constitute or form into (e.g. an organization, municipality, territorial division, etc.); to set up as (a rule or precedent); to invest with the rank or character of; to represent as.
1670-98 R. LASSELS Voy. Italy Pref. 1, I had not the least thought..of erecting myself into an Authour. 1710 STEELE Tatler No. 56 1 For the Sharpers..are by Custom erected into a real and venerable Body of Men. 1718 Col. Rec. Penn. III. 58 The sd. town might be Erected into a Borough by a Charter, etc. a1768 ERSKINE Inst. Law Scotl. (1773) 345 By secularizing, or, in our law-style, erecting most of the monasteries into temporal lordships. 1796 H. HUNTER tr. St. Pierre's Stud. Nat. (1799) III. 455 The Officers of an inferior order..erected themselves into seignorial proprietors. 1818 JAS. MILL Brit. India II. V. viii. 669 He could erect every interference in that sovereignty into an act of guilt. 1821 SCOTT Kenilw. vii, Her majesty was minded to erect the town into a staple for wool. 1822 M. A. KELTY Osmond I. 158 You..erect him into a standard of right and wrong. 1839 J. YEOWELL Anc. Brit. Ch. xi. (1847) 110 Valentia..was erected into a province. 1860 MILL Repr. Govt. (1865) 54/2 That portion..whom the institutions of the country have erected into a ruling class.
¶11. ? Used for ARRECT, DIRECT.
1526 SKELTON Magnyf. 2507 Unto me formest this processe is erectyd. 1655 M. CARTER Hon. Rediv. (1660) Ep. Ded., No more then the Subject of it [i.e. Honour] erects.
I. trans. To elevate in direction or position.
1. To direct upwards; to lift up (the eyes, hands, etc.). Also to erect up. Obs.
1609 Man in Moone (1849) 39 Erect thy countenance, like a man. 1635 E. PAGITT Christianogr. I. ii. (1636) 61 The Bishop..erecting his hands stood all the while with his face to the Altar. a1634 CHAPMAN Revenge Hon. Wks. 1873 III. 337 Good sir, erect your looks. 1704 SWIFT T. Tub Wks. 1760 I. Introd. 26 To stand with their mouths open, and erected.
fig. 1548 GEST Pr. Masse 117 Having our mindes erected up into heaven. 1629 H. BURTON Babel no Bethel 4 Wee erect our best attention to this motion. 1690 NORRIS Beatitudes (1694) I. 54 The Minds of Men began to be more generally erected towards Heaven.
b. To put up on high; to lift up (the head); also, to hoist up. Obs.
1552 ABP. HAMILTON Catech. (1884) 52 Moyses..made & ereckit a brassin ymage of a serpent. 1567 Trial Treas. in Hazl. Dodsley III. 273 That thou are nat erected, in faith, it is pity, As high as three trees and a halter will reach. 1611 CORYAT Crudities 9 A little chappell..wherein is erected the picture of Christ and the Virgin Mary. 1696 TATE & BRADY Ps. xxiv. 7 Erect your Heads, eternal Gates. 1767 Babler I. 224 However we may erect the crest upon the superior dignity of manhood.
2. To exalt in consideration or dignity; to raise to eminence or importance; elevate to office; in earlier use, to raise to (a kingdom); to set up for, to be (an emperor, king, etc.). Also to erect up.
1432-50 tr. Higden (Rolls) I. 283 Grete Charles..was erecte to the kyngedome of Fraunce after the dethe of his fader. 1549-62 STERNHOLD & H. Ps. lxxxix. 20 A man of might I have erect your king and guide to be. 1583 Exec. for Treason (1675) 27 Bishops, who in the Popes name had erected him up. a1592 GREENE Jas. IV, Wks. (1861) 198 He shall erect your state and wed you well. 1611 SPEED Hist. Gt. Brit. VI. xlii. 3 The Ægyptians erected one Saturninus a Captaine..for Emperour. a1631 DONNE in Select. fr. Donne (1840) 16 Thou shalt find..as many records of attainted families..as of families newly erected and presently celebrated. 1656 BRAMHALL Replic. vi. 238 Lawfull for the King and Church of England..to have erected a new Primate. 1709 STEELE Tatler No. 130 2 We have seen..Monarchs erected and deposed.
b. To elevate into or unto (a specified condition). Obs.
1508 FISHER Wks. 254 They were erecte vnto eternal lyfe. 1589 R. ROBINSON in Farr S.P. Eliz. (1845) II. 364 Erect my spirite into thy blisse.
II. To raise to an upright position.
3. To raise, set upright (the body, oneself, etc.); to rear (a standard). Also fig.
1573 TUSSER Husb. (1878) 5 Erecting one most like to fall. 1602 MARSTON Ant. & Mel. II. Wks. 1856 I. 25 Ladie, erect your gratious simmetry. 1646 SIR T. BROWNE Pseud. Ep. II. iii. 74 If unto the powder of Loadstone or Iron we admove the North pole of the Loadstone, the powders or small divisions will erect and conforme themselves thereto. 1730 A. GORDON Maffei's Amphith. 93 The Charioteers sometimes bowed to the Ground, then erected themselves on high. 1750 JOHNSON Rambler No. 6 3 The necessity of erecting our~selves to some degree of intellectual dignity. 1774 GOLDSM. Nat. Hist. (1776) VII. 49 The muscle..is capable of erecting itself on an edge. 1818 JAS. MILL Brit. India II. IV. iii. 97 Erected against Aliverdi the standard of revolt. 1877 MRS. OLIPHANT Makers Flor. xiii. 325 His weak frame erected itself.
b. Optics. To restore (an inverted optical image) to an upright position.
1831 BREWSTER Newton (1855) I. x. 245 Without using two glasses, the object may be erected.
c. intr. for refl. To straighten oneself, assume an upright position.
1626 BACON Sylva (1631) §827 By Wet, Stalkes doe erect, and Leaues bow downe.
4. To set upright (a member of the body); to prick up (the ears); also Phys. (chiefly in pass.), to render turgid and rigid any organ containing erectile tissue.
1626 BACON Sylva (1637) §266 You..erect your Eare, when you would heare attentiuely. 1718 ROWE tr. Lucan I. 540 At ev'ry Shout [the horse] erects his quiv'ring Ears. 1796 BURKE Regic. Peace Wks. VIII. 318 That this faction..does erect its crest upon the engagement, there can be little doubt.
5. fig. from 3, 4. To rouse, stir up, excite, embolden (the mind, oneself). Obs.
a1568 COVERDALE Treat. Death I. xvi, We ought to erect and comfort ourselves with the resurrection. 1605 BACON Adv. Learn. II. iv. §2 It doth raise and erect the mind. 1654 R. CODRINGTON tr. Hist. Ivstine 314 With this Victory the courages of the Sicilians were erected. 1665 J. SERGEANT Sure-footing 201 His Book coming forth..my Expectation was now erected. a1668 DENHAM (J.), Why should not hope As much erect our thoughts, as fear deject them? a1734 NORTH Lives (1826) II. 131 He found his spirits low, and thought to..erect them by a glass or two of sherry.
b. occas. To stimulate (in a physical sense).
1620 VENNER Via Recta (1650) 273 It..erecteth the digestive faculty of the stomack.
6. To elate with pride. Obs.
1631 R. H. Arraignm. Whole Creature 137 Least..the contemplation of their proud plumes and feathers too much erect them and puffe them up.
III. To set on a foundation, construct, establish.
7. To set up (a building, statue, framework, etc.); to rear, build. Also to erect up.
1417 in Ellis Orig. Lett. II. 19. I. 59 He hath erected a new tower upon the same for a warde. 1555 EDEN Decades W. Ind. I. IV. (Arb.) 80 The inhabitantes sawe newe buyldynges to bee dayly erected. 1570 ABP. PARKER Corr. (1853) 372 Intending..to erect up certain iron mills. 1593 SHAKES. 2 Hen. VI, III. ii. 80 Erect his Statue, and worship it. 1664 EVELYN Kal. Hort. (1729) 229 Erect on the out-side Wall your Stove..of Brick. 1692 O. WALKER History Illustrated 288 Gallus lamented much his death, and erected him a Sepulchre. 1701 DE FOE True-born Eng. I. 1 Where~ever God erects a House of Prayer The Devil always builds a Chappel there. 1796 H. HUNTER tr. St. Pierre's Stud. Nat. (1799) I. 446 He erects trophies. 1825 J. NICHOLSON Operat. Mechanic 190 An engine was erected in the vicinity of Bath..on this principle. 1848 MACAULAY Hist. Eng. II. 16 A more peaceful class erected silk manufactories in the eastern suburb of London. 1856 FROUDE Hist. Eng. (1858) II. ix. 382 The scaffold had been awkwardly erected.
¶To build (a vessel).
1650 SIR J. BURROUGHS in Wealth of Gt. Brit. (1749) 33 By erecting two hundred and fifty busses..there will be employment for one thousand ships.
b. fig. To build up (a theory, conclusion, etc.), set up (a pretension). Also absol.
1646 SIR T. BROWNE Pseud. Ep. I. vii. 25 Our advanced beliefs are not to be built upon dictates, but..[we] are to erect upon the surer base of reason. a1704 LOCKE (J.), Malebranche erects this proposition, of seeing all things in God, upon their ruin. 1818 JAS. MILL Brit. India II. V. ii. 350 The pretension erected by Mr. Hastings..would destroy one great source of the evidence. 1864 J. H. NEWMAN Apol. 195 It was necessary for us to have a positive Church theory erected on a definite basis.
8. a. Geom. To set up or draw (a perpendicular to a given line); to construct (a triangle, etc. upon a given base). b. Astrol. and Astron. To ‘set up’ (a figure of the heavens).
a1646 J. GREGORY Assyr. Mon. in Posth. (1650) 215 This was the figure of the Heavens..Astronomically calculated and erected according to Tycho's tables. 1660 BARROW Euclid I. x, Upon the line given AB erect an equilateral triangle. a1672 WOOD Life (1848) 73 After Lillie (the astronomer) had erected his figure, he told her, etc. 1715 KERSEY, To Erect a Figure, to divide the 12 Houses a-right. 1815 SCOTT Guy M. iv, He accordingly erected his scheme, or figure of heaven. 1828 J. H. MOORE Pract. Navig. 44 On B erect the perpendicular BA. 1887 T. B. REED O.E. Lett. Found 182 He [Moxon] professes to be able to erect in any other square..the same letter.
9. To set up, establish, found (an office, court of justice, corporation, institution, etc.); to initiate, set on foot (a project, scheme). Obs. or arch. exc. in Law.
1565 J. CALFHILL Answ. Treat. Crosse (1846) 24 A pilgrimage in Wales was straight erected. 1570 in Strype Ann. Ref. I. lvii. 626 The Divinity lecture, erected by the noble lady Margaret. 1602 WARNER Alb. Eng. X. lviii. (1612) 254 This League was halowed..gainst all That worke the gospell to erect. 1651 HOBBES Leviath. I. xv. 73 There is no Civill Power erected over the parties promising. 1663 MARVELL Corr. Wks. 1872-5 II. xl. 88 Courts of Merchants to be erected in some..ports of the nation. 1683 Royal Proclam. in Lond. Gaz. No. 1856/1 The Office of Post-Master General hath been Erected by Act of Parliament. 1743 TINDAL tr. Rapin's Hist. Eng. II. 151 note, This year Queen Elizabeth erected the East-India Company. 1761-2 HUME Hist. Eng. II. xli. 415 The Jesuits, a new order of regular priests erected in Europe. 1792 N. CHIPMAN Amer. Law Rep. (1871) 12 The statute has erected a summary jurisdiction. 1818 JAS. MILL Brit. India II. V. ix. 702 The ministerial board erected by Mr. Pitt. a1862 BUCKLE Civiliz. (1869) III. iii. 125 Two Courts of High Commission were erected. 1865 H. PHILLIPS Amer. Paper Curr. II. 56 Congress resolved to erect a lottery.
b. To raise (an armed force); to form (a nation). Obs.
1480 CAXTON Chron. Eng. III. (1520) 24/2 These two erected an hoost ayenst Hanyball. 1598 BARRET Theor. Warres II. i. 20 When a Companie is newly leuied and erected, etc. a1618 RALEIGH (J.), He suffers seventy-two distinct nations to be erected out of the first monarchy under distinct governours. 1680 HICKES Spir. Popery 71 The Cess..for erecting and maintaining the foresaid additional Forces. 1698 J. CRULL Muscovy 123 A new Body of Militia should be erected in their stead.
10. to erect into [cf. Fr. ériger en]: to constitute or form into (e.g. an organization, municipality, territorial division, etc.); to set up as (a rule or precedent); to invest with the rank or character of; to represent as.
1670-98 R. LASSELS Voy. Italy Pref. 1, I had not the least thought..of erecting myself into an Authour. 1710 STEELE Tatler No. 56 1 For the Sharpers..are by Custom erected into a real and venerable Body of Men. 1718 Col. Rec. Penn. III. 58 The sd. town might be Erected into a Borough by a Charter, etc. a1768 ERSKINE Inst. Law Scotl. (1773) 345 By secularizing, or, in our law-style, erecting most of the monasteries into temporal lordships. 1796 H. HUNTER tr. St. Pierre's Stud. Nat. (1799) III. 455 The Officers of an inferior order..erected themselves into seignorial proprietors. 1818 JAS. MILL Brit. India II. V. viii. 669 He could erect every interference in that sovereignty into an act of guilt. 1821 SCOTT Kenilw. vii, Her majesty was minded to erect the town into a staple for wool. 1822 M. A. KELTY Osmond I. 158 You..erect him into a standard of right and wrong. 1839 J. YEOWELL Anc. Brit. Ch. xi. (1847) 110 Valentia..was erected into a province. 1860 MILL Repr. Govt. (1865) 54/2 That portion..whom the institutions of the country have erected into a ruling class.
¶11. ? Used for ARRECT, DIRECT.
1526 SKELTON Magnyf. 2507 Unto me formest this processe is erectyd. 1655 M. CARTER Hon. Rediv. (1660) Ep. Ded., No more then the Subject of it [i.e. Honour] erects.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
I secretly want to punch English in the transitive verb
I am really troubled by the expression "I cannot forgive them for what they have done" or "We cannot forgive them" or "We can never forgive them."
What do you mean....never?
There is no possible situation that you could fathom forgiving the perceived harm that has been done? I find it particularly troubling when monks and priests say these sorts of things. Forgiveness is our greatest gift. We can always forgive someone...can't we?? Even those most heinous WWII criminal is eventually forgiven, we find the space in our hearts and minds to allow that they acted how they acted, that they were punished and repented (in some form or other), that you and i have survived, have found a better life since (and more often than not, because of) their actions.
Why not forgive these people?
Even the person who takes your life...merely sends you and those you loved (or who loved you since you are dead now) into a new place, a new world that you are not a part of, where your legacy for forgiveness love and human compassion lives on without you to practice it.
Even those who taunt and tease and hurt you in all sorts of imaginable and unimaginable ways are one day forgiven...it is difficult, but why not say so. "I find it really difficult to forgive this harm, this person, these deeds" or "It is hard for me to forgive them." At least this sort of language leaves space for humanity, leaves space for the possibility that through the hard work and determination of both parties forgiveness may come, and human peace for some time return.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Marching
Here the sound only of renovation, growth and change, to mark this day. And children are giving chocolates as though st valintine were watching over the thousands who stand, bound looking out on their twenty four minutes of silence.
To seems always to be filled with a strange sort of confusion, if i look behind me i can see it spanning the years. The confusion of the silence, of the tears, of the colours and sounds. The gentle tap of the drum. The long breaths through pipes.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
— John McCrae
To seems always to be filled with a strange sort of confusion, if i look behind me i can see it spanning the years. The confusion of the silence, of the tears, of the colours and sounds. The gentle tap of the drum. The long breaths through pipes.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved, and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
— John McCrae
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Radio paradise
So my successes of the day...
1. had the craziest cycling dream with 7 kilometres of stairs...and escalators that both go up and down at the same time depending what you desire...
2. safely accepted the return of a pair of socks and scarf from different hostage situations.
3. did korean homework...im such a good student :|
4. walked 7 kilometers back and forth in my apartment
5. editing with the Custodian in anticipation of her presentation that isn't worth 20% of her life.
6. decided i needed freshair and went for a walk ending up at won mart to get food
7. bought pipecleaners...for no particular reason ;)
7b. did some secret stuff
8. made kickass chicken soup
9. made apple crumble...in a tinfoil dish, cooked in a toaster oven
10. ate chicken soup with apple crumble and vanilla icecream for dessert (although i ate dessert first cause i am allowed to)
11. cleaned out my hard drive...ie moved 6000 photos to my external drive and sorted them...wow that took some time
12. well there isnt really a 12, im just chilling listening to some killer music thinking about was paradisal thing to do next. All and all a very good november the 10th. Oh isnt that funny, i think it is Casey Maxwell's birthday today. Happy birthday, child from another life. Hope life is treating you well. But stil i managed to accomplish 11 things, and i slept till 11am...can you believe it!!! i know...i must have got up and forgot that i got up...but i did, or was awoke but a hostage taker at 11.
If i learn nothing in Korea it seems i will learn how to sleep. Maybe.
Mj
1. had the craziest cycling dream with 7 kilometres of stairs...and escalators that both go up and down at the same time depending what you desire...
2. safely accepted the return of a pair of socks and scarf from different hostage situations.
3. did korean homework...im such a good student :|
4. walked 7 kilometers back and forth in my apartment
5. editing with the Custodian in anticipation of her presentation that isn't worth 20% of her life.
6. decided i needed freshair and went for a walk ending up at won mart to get food
7. bought pipecleaners...for no particular reason ;)
7b. did some secret stuff
8. made kickass chicken soup
9. made apple crumble...in a tinfoil dish, cooked in a toaster oven
10. ate chicken soup with apple crumble and vanilla icecream for dessert (although i ate dessert first cause i am allowed to)
11. cleaned out my hard drive...ie moved 6000 photos to my external drive and sorted them...wow that took some time
12. well there isnt really a 12, im just chilling listening to some killer music thinking about was paradisal thing to do next. All and all a very good november the 10th. Oh isnt that funny, i think it is Casey Maxwell's birthday today. Happy birthday, child from another life. Hope life is treating you well. But stil i managed to accomplish 11 things, and i slept till 11am...can you believe it!!! i know...i must have got up and forgot that i got up...but i did, or was awoke but a hostage taker at 11.
If i learn nothing in Korea it seems i will learn how to sleep. Maybe.
Mj
Partners
It is a word with many meanings. But today i am thinking about the partnerships between people. The different types of agreements that we have with friends and looved ones with coworkers and collegues. The different connections and how the fuse and fizzel as they rub against each other.
Its kind of a lonely place out here in Asia. The temporariness of it (to make a word do what i want it to) makes it difficult to get into the business of partnering. Of making connections that have more use than someone who will split a cab back into the country with you. Though perhaps that has as much to do with my perpetual aluffness...who knows.
Its kind of a lonely place out here in Asia. The temporariness of it (to make a word do what i want it to) makes it difficult to get into the business of partnering. Of making connections that have more use than someone who will split a cab back into the country with you. Though perhaps that has as much to do with my perpetual aluffness...who knows.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Partners
Its an intersting idea, to be a partner to something. the roles and changing roles of partnership. Particularly looking at some of the changing roles and partnerships currently occuring in the political world. Tony Blair is out of parliment and instead of finding anew George Brown BUsh partnership, Sarkozy has brought France back into a state of friendship, once again the US may eat French Fries...maybe. Russia as always a confusing political entity, especially for those of us who live and have been trained in the possibility of capitalism, are ever confused by their motives and their moves interntaionally. Are they past the Stalinist communist movements of the early 20th century, or the strange (for me in the wst) Cold War USSR? Is Putin's Russia still pursuing the same inhumane devotion to a great leader, a ruler to who you owe your life, who has every right to plague and annex not only his own people but the people of other nations.
I feel as though Russia is increasingly in the news as the underhand in the undermining of eastern european stability. Could it be they are seeking to sweep in and annex the whole area in hopes of expanding their empire? Im just not sure...i think Russia maybe an necessary stepping stool to understanding north Korea (a current fascination of mine)..
Anyway, im intrigued and will have to debate more about the possibilities and properties of partnership.
I feel as though Russia is increasingly in the news as the underhand in the undermining of eastern european stability. Could it be they are seeking to sweep in and annex the whole area in hopes of expanding their empire? Im just not sure...i think Russia maybe an necessary stepping stool to understanding north Korea (a current fascination of mine)..
Anyway, im intrigued and will have to debate more about the possibilities and properties of partnership.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Dont want to teach today
What an unday it is today. I just dont want to do any of this nonsense. i think i need a new strategy in class, cause im not going to last at this rate. think about that later. right now i want to go home and write and draw and not sit infront of a computer and not rest my arms on a desk, and not have this stupid mozzi bites.
Japan was lovely, for those who knew i went. 8 days of beautiful Japanese country-side surrounded by mountains on every front, no internet or phone so i had no excuses not to do things i wanted to do and not to send email and check in on blogs and books and nonsense that i dont want to maintain anymore. Loved all of it from the squat toilets to the public bedays and fancy toilets with "flushing sounds" buttons...for the timid trickler
I suppose its good that I'm low today cause tomorrow is my favourite day, so i can be high all day with my day off. we will see...
right another class to not prep for...sounds like fun.
mj
Japan was lovely, for those who knew i went. 8 days of beautiful Japanese country-side surrounded by mountains on every front, no internet or phone so i had no excuses not to do things i wanted to do and not to send email and check in on blogs and books and nonsense that i dont want to maintain anymore. Loved all of it from the squat toilets to the public bedays and fancy toilets with "flushing sounds" buttons...for the timid trickler
I suppose its good that I'm low today cause tomorrow is my favourite day, so i can be high all day with my day off. we will see...
right another class to not prep for...sounds like fun.
mj
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Woke up like Judy
I definitely woke up drunk without a voice. Noribong it is time that you and i had a little breather...crimey. I went to be listnening to music...i think. I made canadian breakfast before that...to sunrise. i think i must have burned myself because my hand hurts like its been burned, but i dont know on what. i wrote a love letter to Judy girl. i rode in an elevator... i seem to remember. i danced in an flat, and climbed in through a window...from inside the apartment (only in Korea can you be in an apartment and still climb into someones room through the window. We laughed we laughed we laughed we laugh till tears run down my face. i held a cigarette...for at least and hour. i walked in the rain. i sang to my students. i talked about volcanoes...and now im counting down (oh goodness, i'm gasping for air down till saturday)
Monday, September 03, 2007
10 things i love about Korea
10. The places you find corn, like in an egg sandwich or on ice-cream.
9. The random free food that people bring for you to eat; like a single serving of rice cake big enough to feed North Korean or egg sandwiches with corn in them.
8. Fan death: I am so glad that I now have learned the dangers of sleeping with a fan on and the windows and doors closed (I leave my cupboard door open at all times now to protect me from my killer fan).
7. The language is very easy to learn: Just say annyonghaseyo then point to what ever you want.
6. The disbelief that a foreigner can use chopsticks. It’s like the best party trick I have ever done (apparently the table napkin penis is out and chopsticks are in in in)
5. Drinking at 7/11 before Nori Bonging the night…or morning...you know I don’t think I have been to Noribong at night yet...
4. That fall is upon this little peninsula and the weather is immaculate
3. The business of shared lunches, especially with the native teachers because their food totally rocks.
2. The amazing Imports you meet here. Like Judith, her lover, the others, plus the millions of Canadians (on Saturday I met a whole plane load of Canadians that seemed to all be from Southwestern Ontario (I could tell because, like true Souwesterners they wore clothing that identified where they came from…ie BEACH, WILFRED LAURIER, Property of the LANCERS etc.), unfortunately because of #5 I was in no fit state to find out where they were headed, even though I knew at least one of them).
1. How close it is to Japan. See you soon Mr. Archer.
9. The random free food that people bring for you to eat; like a single serving of rice cake big enough to feed North Korean or egg sandwiches with corn in them.
8. Fan death: I am so glad that I now have learned the dangers of sleeping with a fan on and the windows and doors closed (I leave my cupboard door open at all times now to protect me from my killer fan).
7. The language is very easy to learn: Just say annyonghaseyo then point to what ever you want.
6. The disbelief that a foreigner can use chopsticks. It’s like the best party trick I have ever done (apparently the table napkin penis is out and chopsticks are in in in)
5. Drinking at 7/11 before Nori Bonging the night…or morning...you know I don’t think I have been to Noribong at night yet...
4. That fall is upon this little peninsula and the weather is immaculate
3. The business of shared lunches, especially with the native teachers because their food totally rocks.
2. The amazing Imports you meet here. Like Judith, her lover, the others, plus the millions of Canadians (on Saturday I met a whole plane load of Canadians that seemed to all be from Southwestern Ontario (I could tell because, like true Souwesterners they wore clothing that identified where they came from…ie BEACH, WILFRED LAURIER, Property of the LANCERS etc.), unfortunately because of #5 I was in no fit state to find out where they were headed, even though I knew at least one of them).
1. How close it is to Japan. See you soon Mr. Archer.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Growing sideways
Said so long to my mother this morning. Exhale, we are in this both feet and a full jug of wine. Just me and Gran at home now. She’s getting better and brighter each day, though she sleeps most of the day and night. But that’s expected having spent a month in bed in the hospital with all sorts of drugs and pills and surgical procedures. The doctor’s are very happy though, they are not going to put her through chemotherapy; they believe they got the whole tumour one shot. There is something to be said for being stubborn and always right. If she’d been to see the doctor and had an exam even 6 months ago they would have been all lets go through radiation and surgery and all a big deal. Her way she gets instant emergency surgery, takes care of the whole lot one time, and that is that. Still, it is a reckless way to go about it.
So I’ve missed a few days, and missed some big stories on the way. Thursday (the 12th) we drove up to Marlborough by way of Salisbury. We stopped in at Stonehenge, which was weird, but cool none the less. I think it's odd to pay to see such things, and you weren’t allowed within 15 metres of the thing. Plus there were loads of people all gaggling about, so that was weird too…it seems like it should be a solitary experience. The oddest thing about it is that is doesn’t open until nearly 4 hours after sunrise, and like everything in England (apparently) it closes at 5pm. How does a stone megalith have hours of operation…
Anyway, after the walk around the henge (with the handheld audio tour) we went to Marlborough to visit my mum’s cousin, Virginia. She is just something perfect. She was talking about her brother who has just bought a property for £2.5 million, to which she quickly added she would never go and visit him there. I agree. Although property prices are a fair bit inflated here, I say a two bedroom cottage like my Gran’s advertised for £465,000. Which if it was Canadian dollars I could maybe understand as its kind of a high demand area, but that are in pound sterling…that’s close to a million dollars Canadian for a two bedroom bungalow.
Virginia’s two youngest children Jo and John were there, they are just lovely; so bright and inquisitive and gracious. Plus they had absolutely shocking red hair, just lovely.
We did lots more driving, visited Silbury Hill, which is the tallest man made mound in Europe…or at least in England…but I think it was in Europe. And they are just doing examination of it, and the preliminary findings that are coming out say that it was built in similar fashion to the pyramids, so I think they are looking to see if they can find a grave down there somewhere.
Of course when I’m saying we, I mean mum, me and my cousin Joe. Then it was off to Avebury, which is the real oldest stone ring in Europe. And it’s huge, and there is a city right through the middle of it. And the ring and ditch around it is all sheep pasture. That was lovely, and you could go right up and press your face against them.
That’s about all there is to report for now, my hands are getting sore. Just I walked down the high street today and saw this wonderful British sign, so enjoy. Lady M.
So I’ve missed a few days, and missed some big stories on the way. Thursday (the 12th) we drove up to Marlborough by way of Salisbury. We stopped in at Stonehenge, which was weird, but cool none the less. I think it's odd to pay to see such things, and you weren’t allowed within 15 metres of the thing. Plus there were loads of people all gaggling about, so that was weird too…it seems like it should be a solitary experience. The oddest thing about it is that is doesn’t open until nearly 4 hours after sunrise, and like everything in England (apparently) it closes at 5pm. How does a stone megalith have hours of operation…
Anyway, after the walk around the henge (with the handheld audio tour) we went to Marlborough to visit my mum’s cousin, Virginia. She is just something perfect. She was talking about her brother who has just bought a property for £2.5 million, to which she quickly added she would never go and visit him there. I agree. Although property prices are a fair bit inflated here, I say a two bedroom cottage like my Gran’s advertised for £465,000. Which if it was Canadian dollars I could maybe understand as its kind of a high demand area, but that are in pound sterling…that’s close to a million dollars Canadian for a two bedroom bungalow.
Virginia’s two youngest children Jo and John were there, they are just lovely; so bright and inquisitive and gracious. Plus they had absolutely shocking red hair, just lovely.
We did lots more driving, visited Silbury Hill, which is the tallest man made mound in Europe…or at least in England…but I think it was in Europe. And they are just doing examination of it, and the preliminary findings that are coming out say that it was built in similar fashion to the pyramids, so I think they are looking to see if they can find a grave down there somewhere.
Of course when I’m saying we, I mean mum, me and my cousin Joe. Then it was off to Avebury, which is the real oldest stone ring in Europe. And it’s huge, and there is a city right through the middle of it. And the ring and ditch around it is all sheep pasture. That was lovely, and you could go right up and press your face against them.
That’s about all there is to report for now, my hands are getting sore. Just I walked down the high street today and saw this wonderful British sign, so enjoy. Lady M.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Welcome home granny
Happy Birthday Oli! That’s right, my little brother is now legal to drunk everywhere. In the forests of BC (that he is currently building), in the Mexican towns of the united states, in the back alley pubs of England (where he has been legal to drunk for 5 years) and in the beach front shanties of the Caribbean.
Oh that was Granny, she is being released at 2 this afternoon. After 32 days in hospital she is now coming home. She is much happier and healthier than when she went in at least. But boy will she be surprised to see what mum and I have been up to since our arrivals. I’m actually glad to get out of the house soon. We’re going in to South Hampton to do some shopping and walking about and collect Gran.
I’m kind of really missing Canada just now, leaving in such a rush is not advisable, that is for sure. To anyone planning to get away for a year or so, be a bit more organized than I was…I still have to repack all my bags because things for England are in both suitcases.
Last night mum and I went through a whole bunch of letters and photos. There was an entire album it seemed that Shadow would have loved, all sail boats and architecture. My Granddad’s photos from his various adventures.
I’m still very travel fatigued, it’s not really jet lag (even though my computer tells me it is 7:40, and I’ve already been up for hours painting, washing windows, moving furniture, breaking stuff…). But I think that just travelling regardless of facing time zones is tiring, or confusing, my body can quite figure out that time is still passing, it feels like I’ve only been here a day, but already its been 3. Anyway.
Time to go get ready to get Granny. Check in later.
Lady M
Oh that was Granny, she is being released at 2 this afternoon. After 32 days in hospital she is now coming home. She is much happier and healthier than when she went in at least. But boy will she be surprised to see what mum and I have been up to since our arrivals. I’m actually glad to get out of the house soon. We’re going in to South Hampton to do some shopping and walking about and collect Gran.
I’m kind of really missing Canada just now, leaving in such a rush is not advisable, that is for sure. To anyone planning to get away for a year or so, be a bit more organized than I was…I still have to repack all my bags because things for England are in both suitcases.
Last night mum and I went through a whole bunch of letters and photos. There was an entire album it seemed that Shadow would have loved, all sail boats and architecture. My Granddad’s photos from his various adventures.
I’m still very travel fatigued, it’s not really jet lag (even though my computer tells me it is 7:40, and I’ve already been up for hours painting, washing windows, moving furniture, breaking stuff…). But I think that just travelling regardless of facing time zones is tiring, or confusing, my body can quite figure out that time is still passing, it feels like I’ve only been here a day, but already its been 3. Anyway.
Time to go get ready to get Granny. Check in later.
Lady M
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Cigarette's and Coffee, hold the coffee
We spent the day washing walls, photographing tattoo’s and cooking. Made an amazing rosemary roast chicken. Jessie, mum’s niece was by for the day and while mum drove Anna back to Littlehampton, we played at granny’s. Played I suppose should be used loosely, cleaned the pond and washed walls is more like it.
I can hear my accent shifting a bit already, all my vowels are very long again, its funny to be in England like this. The major thing I find though that makes you sound British, is not the accent but the diction. You call things all sorts of funny stuff, flats, mates, rubbish, lou or lavatory. There are other things too, words you don’t think you know, or wouldn’t think to use normally that just come out. Its very interesting. I think I should like to read about it, about I supposed the psychology of language use, and the compulsion to adopt a diction zone while you habituate it.
Its different too, here in the country no one comments on your accent, but I know the cousins in London will be horrid about it. But there are also loads of them, rather than here where there is just Jessie or Joe really. (There’s one…loads…back home I would have said lots or tons, but I wrote loads, it sounded right…anyway).
So I’m at Joe’s now (well, Uncle Ian’s really) trying to get on the internet (I’ve been writing in word, since there doesn’t seem to be wireless available at granny’s, but the network won’t recognize me here, I think.
It’s weird there are two empty bottles of scotch and an empty Jack Daniel’s in the window. But I swear Joe is just 18…already he is emptying bottles of hard liquor. I suppose its something that comes with much practice, he probably started drinking before I did, even though I think I’m four years older.
Well this connection just isn’t going, so I’m going to get on Joe’s computer and try that way. Hope this gets posted eventually.
Lady M
Monday, July 09, 2007
Traveling
I was very excited for 7.7.7 and I didn’t get to make an entry on it cause it was only 19h instead of the usual 24. That’s the trouble with travelling east. So yes, the plane was very late taking off, but I did watch most of Seb’s game in the airport as a result. Then once we took off and I finally let myself fall to sleep it was only a couple hours before we arrived at sunrise (by my calculations it was about 3am…bloody time zones). Then we took a lovely tour of England, and Ireland, and France, and the English channel while we queued to get our landing spot. Then of course I followed orders of the signs that said British passports here everyone else in that slow moving line over there. After snaking through an hour of immigration rope I get to the wicket and the lady says, “What’s the purpose of you…oh you were born here, could of taken the other line dear, enjoy you trip.” Stamp. Six month multiple entry visa.
So I navigated us to Littlehampton, to pick up mum’s sister Anna. We had some hippy shit there, no not the Canadian kind, it had peas and stuff in it. Hopefully, its not the most deadly thing that I could be eating for dinner, on the news at eleven. Finally we made it to South Hampton to the hospital to visit with granny. She looked very well, she’s hoping to come home tomorrow evening. We could only chat for a bit though, cause visiting hours were almost over and I was falling asleep.
Of course, we took the scenic route through the New Forest to see all the horses. Wild horses everywhere, and they have all just foaled so there were tons of fuzzy little monsters running around.
Only the kitchen is the same size it used to be in Gran’s house. With the beautiful red walls and tiny little fridge.
Okay can’t stay on long, I don’t know about the charger here.
Peace
Lady M
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Travelling, gotta love it.
So I'm all set to go, got just about everything I could before leaving. made it to the airport, my luggage was way over but didnt hav to pay. said my tata got through the sequrity...two hour delay...right. at least i can buy internet access and watch Sebastine's game before i head out...thats pretty nice.
be in touch
m
be in touch
m
Friday, July 06, 2007
Au Revoir Canada
So here it is, my last day in Canada. For a while at least. I still have a lot to get done, well some money stuff, ya know. But i think that this morning is for sitting in the garden watching the koi (they are getting big) and drinking tea.
Thanks Windsor for this and that. For the friends and lovers, for the drinks and rugby, for the writing and publishing, the books books books and books. Thanks for being Windsor and smelling, cause super rat's can respect that!
Alright time for tea.
Lady M
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Hello women,
How are you all? In good mind, body and health I hope. So I was thinking that I would ask a huge (little) favour of all of you. You see, I'm sort of working on this poem, or play, or story, or research report, or gonzo type project, and I need some other voices and opinions to harmonize with. I know most of you are probably thinking, you don't even know who I am, or perhaps didn't have this woman in a class once, or why does my grand daughter, coach, tutor, research assistant want my help for a poem, or play or story or research report or gonzo sort of thing. It's a cliteracy project (giggle, I know it's a funny word). And I've found that it takes more than one to know one. Cliterature is asking and writing and drawing and photographing and painting gynocentric, woman-positive …things….
You see it all started some months ago when a serious apathy for all things began brewing in this poor little Roo; and I said Maryszka you need to get some good vibes into your education. So I started looking for things that might have both good vibes and things to teach me. I looked all over the place, in books and lecture halls, in shopping malls and hair salons, on the fridge and in the oven, under rocks and in potholes, downtown and up stairwells…and well when I looked up a stairwell I saw something very good that got me vibrating and told me where to look; so I bent over and had a peek between my legs. Low and behold…well I was blushing good vibes and education.
So now I'm writing but I want more input. So I'm calling for all of your cliterature. I'm looking for anything: writing, or drawings, photos, or citations that inspire you when you think of what it means to become cliterate: why are you a women? Please don't think I am looking for anything in particular, or profound, or that would take any woman a lifetime to think up. Take it anywhere you want; go downtown, to the gynaecologist's, to the morgue, take it to the birthing centre, the office, the film studio, the bedroom. I just want some ideas, and some voices other than my own. Even if all you've got is a three word response to this email about my strangeness, I would deeply appreciate the sound of your voice.
What am I using the voices for? Depends really; strongly poetic voices may be asked to step into the poem, others may be spring boards into the report, and some whispering sorts of voices might be used as titles. It may happen that all your voices remain silent, in which case your silence will act as a sounding board for my mouth to cry about the climbing iccliteracy rates of our communities' women.
Questions: just ask. Responses: just email. Want to join the project: just well email that too. I hope to hear from all of you or some of you or one or two of you. And if you know cliterate women who might have a word or two for me, please pass my email along. Mother, sisters, daughter, aunts, grandmothers, co-workers, piano teachers, pastors please…anyone who has a voice.
In the mean time, stay strong in mind and body and health. I gift you all peace and mud for making a mess. ps. men can respond to, the topic, why are you a woman/what makes you a woman/ gynocentric woman-positive…
pps. see three examples of cliterate responses, though not necessarily to the question, below.
1. a doodle in alphabet crayons
woman smells heavenly cream on salt skin
more cream saintly smelling like sweet cream
on woman skin
2.
Introduction to Ethics
<1 .2.2007="">
I had a discussion with a woman, once, about bad education. Or maybe I had the discussion twice. Nonetheless, I've had the discussion about bad education with a woman, or women. We said, there's no music to this education; some days the harmonies are all cacophonous. Coughing phlegm on stiffies and calling it knowledge. Humph, we said, like camels, and giggled…like women do. We said our bad education doesn't listen, doesn't even know that harmonies like drumbeats exists in education. Our bad education insists our drums be quite in class, our class education be quite in drumbeats. My women and I talked about how real education requires fingers and toes. Peripheral collisions of sensory, quiet sensory of course, overtures of input that out bang our drumbeats. The female education needs sand between the toes, oceans to stick our fingers in, and well I don't need to get too detailed about what my women and I discussed. Most of it I couldn't say anyway, decoded giggles, long pauses, hair, fingernails, deodorant. But I discuss with my women, or my woman, when silence breaks into laughter, that nature of sitting up straight, shoulders back ears up legs…closed (a habit we all agree). When silence breaks into laughter, we say humph to this bad education, its time that our education was—
do we really need to be introduced to ethics…
Professor: Woman this is ethics. Ethics, woman.>
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Im not worried, but it is a bit strange
So apparently, I'm a bit of a stern person. It's true. I'm not very patient, particularly with perceived laziness. But, I am very forgiving, well presumably.
Funny story from seminar though, because usually such confessionals only happen at the bar after class. So, we are in the middle of a class discussion about the "difficulty" level of the readings. Which, I admit, had I not been working in literacy research for the past 3 years I may have found difficult as well. Various classmates were chiming in, and the facilitator asked if i had any input. No, i thought. And one of my most respected classmates, chimed in, "she's probably too busy holding us lesser mortals in disdain, for our simplicity."
Is it just me or is that a bit harsh?
I had no emotional inclination towards any of them. I was just listening to and observing their behavior. Without judging. Or perhaps I was judging it as irrelevant or unimportant. I don't really hold people in disdain, nor do i spend very much if any of my time disdaining anything (except, as i have noted, laziness in myself and those around me). Anyway, i suppose i should put some effort into appearing more lighthearted and sociable (i thought that's what rugby was for)
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Yoga like calm...or is that sleep deprivation
i 'wouldn't call myself sleep deprived in the least. in fact I'm diligently developing my talent for being able to wake up at whatever time i want. I just go to sleep and tell myself 6:43, then i picture the time as if i was looking at it on my clock, and next thing i know I'm waking up and it is the time on my clock...of course some times its a bit palindromic or dyslexic...3:46 or 4:36 but its close...
So it project season. Generation just sent out its call for submissions on Friday. super exciting. im writing again, finally; that was a far too long silence, it was a weight after Kendall's death, in a way i didn't realize it would be...last term was a fight every step, then i went to see some other peoples projects (the STITCHES display at school, Jackie's couch book, Michelle's mission to cut her electronic ties, a film here, a new language there) and finally my own projects are waking up and having a good morning stretch.
A new play, i just finished a book Miss Baker gave me, i will supply a review some other time tho, i've stopped drinking for a bit, perhaps till after my first rugby game...detoxing i guess. Started back at the gym, more physio but i haven't gone back to those women...they were too much for me, just fixing my knee on my own.
Im going to go for acupuncture as soon as I accept the fact that Sun will put needles through the incision scars (which seems like the most painful think i can imagine at the moment, although my breasts are doing a good job challenging that thought). Oh and i made roast beef, to a resounding success, i think it must be that roasting pan, whatever i do in it turns out good...
i may have nearly killed one of my Jade plants, it was thoroughly neglected, she's got a priority seat by the window now however, i wouldn't forgive myself for killing her in neglect.
but i have been organizing my millions of photos and started photoshopping all those hundreds that needed a "touch up" i think i might get some images blown up for the walls...yeah, that would be nice.
anyway, projects Ony, always only projects. picked up, and paid for.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
academic seppuku
Because i am trying to learn more about Japanese culture, i have decided to commit academic seppuku to better understand how honour systems work.
They say a Samauri struggles not just for excellence in his defence of his master, but excellence in all aspects of life. I agree, that such excellence is an honourable and noble venture, and so have decided that i will continue with my 5 course course load, not because i have five credits required to graduate (as it is i only need four) but because the fifth course with Jacobs seems totally wicked...eh hem. So i will strive for the same excellence i think most appropriate to the life of a wannabe samauri appreciater.
however, should i fail in this attempt i have a mount of term papers and text books which i will launch myself off of...should be fun.
So anyway. homework time. atta.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Things that make me happy
Laryngitis. Back to school homework. Creative writing class. Biking to school in the snow, when the snow stops 45 seconds after i have arrived (cause i love biking in the snow when it snows for weeks after i do it and i can sit in the office and watch it snow on the world and think i still get to bike home to hot chocolate in this). Working.
being an asshole.
Friday, December 29, 2006
i should write
i think i should go ride the rocket around the city and do some writing. its time to remember this place. or well...yea it is time to write at least. stories about penguins, or memories, marriages or games. i'm not sure...well, lets go wake the janitor
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Happy Fakemas
Well for all of you out there celebrating Christmas this year, have a good one and put on a little speed for those of us whose families unilaterally converted to another end of December celebration without notice or other such warnings.
Thats right, this year the Clovis's are celebrating fakemas. Much like its commertial counterpart which celebrates the birth of Santa with icon like the Christmas tree, candy canes, stockings and tinsel, gift giving and general grinch-free activities (such as visiting friends and family) Fakemass too has certain iconic traditions.
The first and probably most important is the replacement of the tree with a lamppost...year a Fakemas lamppost which is strung with lights, chocolates and a stolen sombrero that reads Viva Mexico. The lamppost is lit for only an hour a day because of its Fakemas cheer (and the fact that it is mounted with a straw hat) it is an extreme fire hazard to illuminate it for much longer. Of course the 27 years of Christmas tree decorations are not just left in the box this year, they have been hung from the fake ceiling to act as things to hit our heads on...should we need something for hitting a head on this Fakemas Season. (For those of you unfamiliar with what a fake ceiling is, it is what we CLovis's have come to love, after a freak 6 month demolition accident in the spring of 2001 the ceiling of the main living room was stripped leaving onl the rathers. After 2 years of aa rafter roof, mum decided rather than finishing the reconstruction with the traditional drywall or paint she would buy a great big piece of fabric and staple it to the rafters. A great effect if you need somewhere to hang transformed Fakemas decorations)
Next the crowd pleasing favorite, christmas morning stockings, hae been held hostage with the following demands, the stockings wil be safely returned once one of the five Clovis Kids procures, for the prima genertura, at least one grandchild (so im sure ou can imagine it may be a while before we see stockings hung by the fakemas lamppost). Until this time, the hostage letter read, the stockings will be relegated solely to their offseason job as rugby socks.
Next, instead of the traditional visit to the great aunts for christmas dinner, we will gather round the fakemas fire (made of candles) and eat fakemas dinner at home just the seven of us (plus any other loyal fakemas celebrators...namely Jane and her mum). Finally, the best part of Fakemas, instead of family feuding or fighting, instead of the complications of worrying who got what for whom, instead of wondering whether we want to hang out or get out, we all gather for meals and talk and chat and banter about all the things in the world (except paris hilton) that are worth discussing. From the A&E program on home renovation that promoted not getting building liscences, drinking and shooting at things with rifles, and drinking and driving, to the woman who gave birth to tripets from her two wombs (what thats crazy...i know) to the best ways to introduce waste management reforms across Canada, topics for discussion are usually humours and heartily enjoyed.
So enjoy your Christmases and I suppose I'll have to take my Fakemas this year. The beginning of the new traditions.
All the best
Miss Clovis
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
procrastination
killing me....seriously. maybe its time to get back on the bike...oh rocko i miss you...even though we got to ride to school this morning...time for some more good music...or sigh some bad class...
Saturday, December 02, 2006
St Valentine's Day Hair Massacre
http://www.active.com/donate/makeawish/daniellep
For the past 4 years, on Valentines day, the Make a Wish Foundation has been facilitating an amazing fundraising event. The Hair Massacre is a mass head shaving extravaganza to generate funds for the amazing Make-a-Wish foundation.
This year, my dearly nutty Danielle is going Blue and Blad for Make a wish!
Below is a link to her donation site, the plan to dye her hair blue for the next few months then join the several hundred other fundraisers in London to try as break the record for most heads shaved under one roof in one day. Last Year the Edmonton head shave had 849 people. London is looking to breaka that.
So check it out, and support Danielle in her awesome quest for Make-a-Wish
http://www.active.com/donate/makeawish/daniellep
For the past 4 years, on Valentines day, the Make a Wish Foundation has been facilitating an amazing fundraising event. The Hair Massacre is a mass head shaving extravaganza to generate funds for the amazing Make-a-Wish foundation.
This year, my dearly nutty Danielle is going Blue and Blad for Make a wish!
Below is a link to her donation site, the plan to dye her hair blue for the next few months then join the several hundred other fundraisers in London to try as break the record for most heads shaved under one roof in one day. Last Year the Edmonton head shave had 849 people. London is looking to breaka that.
So check it out, and support Danielle in her awesome quest for Make-a-Wish
http://www.active.com/donate/makeawish/daniellep
Thursday, November 30, 2006
accident
i walked down two flights of stairs today, by accident. i didn't realize what i was doing till i reached the bottom step and reached down with my right leg, supporting my full weight through my left leg. walking down stairs is a "week 6 at the earliest activity" my physio said. i don't really like her, she it too scared to work. Im not saying push my leg, i don't want to push my leg, i want to heal, i don't need to be in the olympics in august (though it would be cool). im saying work at the level my body is wanting to work at. I didn't even realize i left my cane at physio today till i got to the bus stop (5 min walk) and had to walk back to get it. I walked down two flights of stairs not thinking, okay lets see how we go but thinking, okay i can go the the grad house drop of my bag, then go pick up some dinner, then work on the couches manuscript.
I do think its amazing, we measured this morning: 134 degrees flexion -3 degrees extension (im already hyperextending my knee) and tomorrow ill be three weeks post semitendenosis ACl reconstruction. My incisions are completely sealed, and scar tissue is starting to breakdown. inflammation is almost back to normal. There was some serious atropheeing of the quad and hamstring, but they are already coming back...the calf too. i can leg press 50 lbs 3x10 reps. balance on a wobble board on my operated leg. its been over a week since i took my last pain killer. i can bike to school.
What a team i have in this healing. From the pre-op with all its positive energy, the team that had nothing but solutions and ideas. To my surgeon and his operating team. To the post op nurses who let my mum stay and help me through the hardest night of the whole process. To my brothers for providing a fabulous football game while I was to drugged to watch tv. To Nathan and Sean who came from Windsor to babysit, and Michelle who came for a sleep over. Julia, who provided my post-op on-call nursing. Margeurite, my amazing energizer, Healing Touch theraphist, who energized my body and environment, reminding me to stay centred calm and at peace. Dani for doing an application that prolly would have taken a week in one day. Nombuso and Annette for writing letters of ref with 3 hours notice. Mum and dad for driving me back to windsor. And here, my teachers for being patient with my convalescence, everyone for their love, support and get dancing soons. Its really just been a whole bundle of support for this poor little acl.
its funny last june when i hurt it, its seemed like this would be a battle, an ordeal, and yet here i am healing as though im getting over a cold, not a surgery.
anyway. Thanks everyone, i guess. Gotta pack up. its home time.
lady m
Friday, November 17, 2006
Injury, recovery and patience
It seems that like you my faithful readers, i am learning about patience very quickly. Last Thursday I finally, thirteen months after initial doctor contact, had my ACL fixed up nice. The hole experience was exquisite. the doctors, nurses and various caregivers at the Wellsley Orthopedic hospital were just amazing (well not the post surgery nurses on the floor...they were nice but not very good...but thanks to my amazing mum they didn't have to clean up buckets full of vomit they induced). I'll talk about them later. But post op at home has been fabulous, mum and I have been up to all sorts of mischief, making hats that are too small for anyone, doing physio on the kitchen floor, going for very slow walks to the end of the drive way and back, teaching Shihera to appreciate laser technology, going for walks to the bathroom and up and down the stairs, and watching British comedies about widows doing things like opening theaters and growing pot. There's been tones of narcotic induced nightmares, hallucinations and other scary stuff. I think tylenol will give me nightmares for the rest of my life. Mum says it's like when i was a baby and never went to sleep...well i go to sleep now but i wake up about 70 minutes later each time. and do that about 12 times a day.
Well last night i had a lucid dream and slept nearly 5 hours straight. I thought i was going to do that tonite too, but mum just made me an icecream sunday (yea sugar high)
But let me tell you, everything happens very slowly right now, sometimes i get excited and ahead of myself and am constantly have to remember, slowly Roo, be patient. Patience is a virtue that i only have for other people, but am quickly learning with myself.
I have a healer in my care team (well my whole care team is made up of healers) but i have one in particular, who is giving me healing touch therapy. Wow. what an amazing talent she has. She has taught me so much about listening to my cells and body and talking with them. She has energized me so much to aid my healing at all levels from the inside out.
But lots has been up, today i had an amazing show of support from Dani and Nathan to finish my JET application, as well as by Dr Dufresne from the CMHA and Nombuso in supply me with letters of support with 2 hours notice (thank you thank you to both wonderful women).
I am so nearly graduated. Sigh. I am gearing up for a new edition of Generation. And Sebastien is playing in the Grey Cup on Sunday (17 BC).
I touched base with a love from high school today, oh miss jack beautiful to chat again. See you Dec 8.
And hmm i suppose thats enough for now. Have a night all (and not a nightmare)
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Red Sky at night
Mourning is so odd. I just want to celebrate life, and laugh and smile and be thankful for the reminder. And praise the time Kendall devoted to doing the same. And yet with every breath the word is "Are you okay" "I'm sorry" "oh my gosh thats horrible". but never another one of us moves and here we are together. and here we continue in our time. Things get easier, don't they, not harder. We embrace and remember that our inflated egos are mistaken, we are only responcible for being mortal. For the time we have here, and i say now, cause my time is happening now. as is yours if you are reading this, or as you are reading this.
I feel lighter. Thank you and Bless Kendall. Rest now. Good luck. Everyone.
I feel lighter. Thank you and Bless Kendall. Rest now. Good luck. Everyone.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Red Sky
What a beautiful morning. I woke before sunrise, Cocoa was on my chest. Some mornings I cheat, I get up instead of lying in bed and sit on the porch with a cup of tea as the sky turns grey, and flares of red began to creep in at the sides. my porch faces the sunset you see. I moved the dead fig tree so i could have a spot. I thought, I shouldn't be indulging in the sunrise, there is work to do. A paper to write before work, real work. So inside to put away the dishes and take out the garbage; I wanted to stay out to watch the rest of sunrise, but a certain paper called me back inside. Nathan called. "Have a good day; that's an order" imparitive, will do. Danielle called, "Have another question; hating work" find an answer. What a weird day. Beautiful calm peaceful. And now raining, like the worst kind of pathetic fallacy.
At work before the boss. Nothing left over to do, so I continued homework. Emails sent and received. Cut my losses on time, multiply through. Then I thought Dani might have more questions, might need more help, so i logged into MSN. "Rip Kendall Hebret" And I thought. oh. It can't be our Kendall.
I just found out one of my players, from the Belle River highschool team, was killed in a racing accident yesterday. What a weird day. Good luck Kendall, take grace and innocence with you. take love and peace too. take talent and potential energy. good luck Kendall.
And here I am. There is such a beauty that comes with mourning. A peace, a space for reflection, indulgence, laugher. To be closer and more forgiving. Thanks Kendall, for the gift of this space.
At work before the boss. Nothing left over to do, so I continued homework. Emails sent and received. Cut my losses on time, multiply through. Then I thought Dani might have more questions, might need more help, so i logged into MSN. "Rip Kendall Hebret" And I thought. oh. It can't be our Kendall.
I just found out one of my players, from the Belle River highschool team, was killed in a racing accident yesterday. What a weird day. Good luck Kendall, take grace and innocence with you. take love and peace too. take talent and potential energy. good luck Kendall.
And here I am. There is such a beauty that comes with mourning. A peace, a space for reflection, indulgence, laugher. To be closer and more forgiving. Thanks Kendall, for the gift of this space.
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