Vinyasa Flow Yoga has been one of my best discoveries over the past year. Seane Corn's DVDs are terrific and easy to follow.
A lot of you may eschew yoga has a hippie trend or have some other bias against it, but in my experience it's a great addition to life's routines that helps to keep me grounded, relaxed and able to deal with whatever comes my way.
What do you have to lose besides a few pounds and a ton of stress!
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
It looks as though Al's going to stay on the sidelines.
So, our next best hope to fix the mess we are in has to be Hillary!
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Russia claims the pole and everyone else loses all sensibility!
So, Russia planted a tiny flag under water at the geographic north pole.
BFD.
Btw, this is the Russian Arctic Base Camp above.
The problem with this situation is not that Russia has claimed the pole with the goal of exploiting its reported gas and oil reserves (25% of total available resources globally be some estimates.).
The problem is the reaction of all these other countries to jump all over the issue and claim that they have sovereignty over the area and thus have rights to this reserve.
Ok, so that's only part of the problem. The big picture issue here is that they are already planning how to create a new arctic route to save going through the Panama canal with all the booty!
BIG PICTURE PEOPLE! BIIIIIG PICTURE!!!
The reason it is even possible to consider an arctic route for heavy oceanic transport is because the ICE is melting!
The ICE is melting in large part due to global warming!
GLOBAL WARMING is being hastened by the unchecked burning of OIL & GAS!
Common sense should allow us to consider that if:
A) Arctic Ice is melting because of Global Warming
+
B) Global Warming is hastened by burning of Oil and Gas
=
C) Then perhaps we should be more concerned about keeping anyone from touching the Oil and Gas in the Arctic region and focus on ways to develop clean and renewable energy.
I can't be the only one thinking of this. That's way too scary a thought that I am the voice of reason in the world!
In past years, (read before 2000) I would have suggested writing to the President and to your Congressmen and Senators. You can try writing your representatives but it'll probably prove as useless as writing to Bush and Cheney about it.
When even the environmentally Kennedy clan is sucked in by their own and other rich folks' interests (Ted Kennedy opposes Cape Wind project while only 14% of his constituents oppose it. But then, 86% of his constituents don't have homes on Nantucket that may be disturbed by the faintest sight of wind turbines 5 and 1/2 miles off the coast of the Kennedy compound!), there really can't be much use in writing, calling or emailing anymore!
So Bill, what can we do?
I'm glad you asked. I've said it before and I'll say it again.
Third Party.
And I hate to say it but Unity 08 doesn't cut it. It's clear that people in this country just don't get that flag waving fervor going over a word like Unity! They may favor it, they may even admit that it's a good idea, but they will not be putting stickers on their pickups about it!
What we need is a third party with a strong libertarian leaning and a name like the Patriot party.
Who doesn't want to support a Patriot? Before McCain sold out to Bush and Falwell he may have even been a contender for such a party, but no more.
Now's the time for action before we slide so far down that proverbial slippery slope that it's impossible to recover. Wake up folks! It's time to mobilize and strive for change. In a peaceful and non-violent manner of course! Did you hear me NSA? I'm sure you did. Give out a shout out to Alberto for me! :-)
Our job, daresay our duty, as Americans and human beings is to find a way to stop this ridiculous childish behaviour and get this country back on track as a nation that leads the world by example (good example!) rather than trying to force our will down the throats of others from the barrel of a gun!
Be nice.
Peace
BFD.
Btw, this is the Russian Arctic Base Camp above.
The problem with this situation is not that Russia has claimed the pole with the goal of exploiting its reported gas and oil reserves (25% of total available resources globally be some estimates.).
The problem is the reaction of all these other countries to jump all over the issue and claim that they have sovereignty over the area and thus have rights to this reserve.
Ok, so that's only part of the problem. The big picture issue here is that they are already planning how to create a new arctic route to save going through the Panama canal with all the booty!
BIG PICTURE PEOPLE! BIIIIIG PICTURE!!!
The reason it is even possible to consider an arctic route for heavy oceanic transport is because the ICE is melting!
The ICE is melting in large part due to global warming!
GLOBAL WARMING is being hastened by the unchecked burning of OIL & GAS!
Common sense should allow us to consider that if:
A) Arctic Ice is melting because of Global Warming
+
B) Global Warming is hastened by burning of Oil and Gas
=
C) Then perhaps we should be more concerned about keeping anyone from touching the Oil and Gas in the Arctic region and focus on ways to develop clean and renewable energy.
I can't be the only one thinking of this. That's way too scary a thought that I am the voice of reason in the world!
In past years, (read before 2000) I would have suggested writing to the President and to your Congressmen and Senators. You can try writing your representatives but it'll probably prove as useless as writing to Bush and Cheney about it.
When even the environmentally Kennedy clan is sucked in by their own and other rich folks' interests (Ted Kennedy opposes Cape Wind project while only 14% of his constituents oppose it. But then, 86% of his constituents don't have homes on Nantucket that may be disturbed by the faintest sight of wind turbines 5 and 1/2 miles off the coast of the Kennedy compound!), there really can't be much use in writing, calling or emailing anymore!
So Bill, what can we do?
I'm glad you asked. I've said it before and I'll say it again.
Third Party.
And I hate to say it but Unity 08 doesn't cut it. It's clear that people in this country just don't get that flag waving fervor going over a word like Unity! They may favor it, they may even admit that it's a good idea, but they will not be putting stickers on their pickups about it!
What we need is a third party with a strong libertarian leaning and a name like the Patriot party.
Who doesn't want to support a Patriot? Before McCain sold out to Bush and Falwell he may have even been a contender for such a party, but no more.
Now's the time for action before we slide so far down that proverbial slippery slope that it's impossible to recover. Wake up folks! It's time to mobilize and strive for change. In a peaceful and non-violent manner of course! Did you hear me NSA? I'm sure you did. Give out a shout out to Alberto for me! :-)
Our job, daresay our duty, as Americans and human beings is to find a way to stop this ridiculous childish behaviour and get this country back on track as a nation that leads the world by example (good example!) rather than trying to force our will down the throats of others from the barrel of a gun!
Be nice.
Peace
Monday, July 09, 2007
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Happy Independence Day!
In spite of the current administration running roughshod over the Constitution, it's still worth celebrating the people of this great nation that care about freedom and democracy and each other.
Be nice.
Peace
Be nice.
Peace
Monday, June 11, 2007
Superu's day at the beach
Once we paid The Man for our CRMC permit to take Superu on the sand trails, we were off and running in spite of many naysayers who told us of how they had heard of a Subaru getting stuck out ther once and that the sand was deep and that it was really for Jeeps and big trucks.
See for yourself. I can see how a Subaru without any lift, skidplates or aired down A/T's may have been high centered or possibly stuck in spots, but it was absolutely do-able and will be even more so once the 2" lift kit goes in.
The beach was beautiful, nobody at our spot but two pair of UConn students in a Jeep Unlimited. It was like having our own private beach and made for a very relaxing day with the family.
See for yourself. I can see how a Subaru without any lift, skidplates or aired down A/T's may have been high centered or possibly stuck in spots, but it was absolutely do-able and will be even more so once the 2" lift kit goes in.
The beach was beautiful, nobody at our spot but two pair of UConn students in a Jeep Unlimited. It was like having our own private beach and made for a very relaxing day with the family.
Saturday, May 26, 2007
SUPERU is taking shape!
The Superu is really coming together nicely. Yes, it's over the top. Yes, it's a bit extreme. It's not a true rally car since I'm building it more for off-road water fording and climbing capability than high speed handling in dirt, gravel and wet leaves! But that won't stop me from adding all the rally team decals. :-)
But isn't that what we've all come to expect from me? 1.6" of lift with tire and spring combination gives us 10" of ground clearance. A Primitive Racing skidplate protects the underside from rocks and stumps and slow small animals!
The Surco rack carries the full size spare, the Hi-Lift jack and shovel and axe combo as well as allowing plenty of extra space for tents and other important items.
The White Knight light bar in the back provides a ton of light for backing up
and the triumvirate of LightForce projectors up front let me see what's up ahead. In the rain, fog and snow the Hellas provide that visibility.
The CB keeps me apprised of changing road conditions courtesy of America's Truckers and the iPod/Stereo keep the tunes blasting on the way.
JDM rain visors keep the fresh air coming in when the drops are falling outside.
And when there's simply not enough room in the Subie, that's when we pull out the matching trailer! :-)
All in all, I'd have to say I am very pleased with this little monster we're creating! Stay tuned for more pimped out crazy modifications!
ICYWW, the chrome thing on the roof is a solar powered cabin vent from Nicro. Keeps the hot air moving from inside to out while the car is sitting.
Inside w/o screen
Outside
Get stuck off-road? Not a problem with these essential items on board!
Black Rat Winch
Hi-Lift Jack
Need to know the latest road and weather conditions? We've got that covered as well!
Cobra 25 WX NW ST CB radio because truckers have the best vantage point for traffic conditions and it has a built in NOAA weather alert feature!
And Storm Predator III for real time radar imagery and weather reporting on the laptop!
And for tailgating/camping, we have a perfect trifecta in the Engel MT-45 Fridge/Freezer,
The ToolBox Grill
and the Trekking aluminum folding table.
Need a place to sleep? Take your pick for large crowds and small.
Eureka 9 person 2-3 room tent. Sets up in about 10 minutes.
AirZone 4+ person tent. Sets up in 5 minutes.
And finally, for now, just to be sure the little Subie is heard when some big rig or cell phone talking, makeup applying, coffee drinking, breakfast eating driver starts to wander too close!
Kleinn triple trumpets with on board air tank and compressor.
This concludes today's installment of SUPERU update! Stay tuned for more updates and adventure pics!
Impreza WRX Sti pic here, but it shows the graphics that are coming for the side of SUPERU!
Be nice.
Peace
But isn't that what we've all come to expect from me? 1.6" of lift with tire and spring combination gives us 10" of ground clearance. A Primitive Racing skidplate protects the underside from rocks and stumps and slow small animals!
The Surco rack carries the full size spare, the Hi-Lift jack and shovel and axe combo as well as allowing plenty of extra space for tents and other important items.
The White Knight light bar in the back provides a ton of light for backing up
and the triumvirate of LightForce projectors up front let me see what's up ahead. In the rain, fog and snow the Hellas provide that visibility.
The CB keeps me apprised of changing road conditions courtesy of America's Truckers and the iPod/Stereo keep the tunes blasting on the way.
JDM rain visors keep the fresh air coming in when the drops are falling outside.
And when there's simply not enough room in the Subie, that's when we pull out the matching trailer! :-)
All in all, I'd have to say I am very pleased with this little monster we're creating! Stay tuned for more pimped out crazy modifications!
ICYWW, the chrome thing on the roof is a solar powered cabin vent from Nicro. Keeps the hot air moving from inside to out while the car is sitting.
Inside w/o screen
Outside
Get stuck off-road? Not a problem with these essential items on board!
Black Rat Winch
Hi-Lift Jack
Need to know the latest road and weather conditions? We've got that covered as well!
Cobra 25 WX NW ST CB radio because truckers have the best vantage point for traffic conditions and it has a built in NOAA weather alert feature!
And Storm Predator III for real time radar imagery and weather reporting on the laptop!
And for tailgating/camping, we have a perfect trifecta in the Engel MT-45 Fridge/Freezer,
The ToolBox Grill
and the Trekking aluminum folding table.
Need a place to sleep? Take your pick for large crowds and small.
Eureka 9 person 2-3 room tent. Sets up in about 10 minutes.
AirZone 4+ person tent. Sets up in 5 minutes.
And finally, for now, just to be sure the little Subie is heard when some big rig or cell phone talking, makeup applying, coffee drinking, breakfast eating driver starts to wander too close!
Kleinn triple trumpets with on board air tank and compressor.
This concludes today's installment of SUPERU update! Stay tuned for more updates and adventure pics!
Impreza WRX Sti pic here, but it shows the graphics that are coming for the side of SUPERU!
Be nice.
Peace
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
It's time to take a hard look at our nation.(Look in the mirror)
In the wake of this most recent tragedy in Virginia and in the light of the ongoing situation in Iraq, it's time for all of us to take a long hard look at who we are, how our government is suppposed to work and what our constitutional rights really are.
Before exploring issues like gun control, let's look at the current administration and the decline of our country over the past six years. There are few times in history when a hugely powerful nation has been so reviled by the rest of the world. Since 9/11, the rights of citizens have been systematically weakened or stripped entirely from the populace and we've let it happen. It some cases we are guilty of even encouraging it. Foregoing our liberty for percieved security. And what have we gained by this horrific trade-off? Less security, fewer liberties and a world that fears, loathes, despises and pities us.
How truly sad is this? The answer can only be, very sad indeed.
Let us not forget that much greater empires have fallen and ours is a very young nation still full of hubris believing that we are right and just and in many ways superior to the more primitive and less enlightened peoples of the world. How is this different from the Spanish seeking to save the native peoples of the Americas with christianity or the Catholic crusaders seeking to convert or destroy the Muslim infidels or for that matter, the Muslim radicals presently seeking to spread their version of Islam and the eradication of those they call non-believers?
The constitutional guarantee of a right to bear arms "A well regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed." was designed to ensure that that the citizenry was able to protect itself from a tyrannical leader or governing body. This simple statement has been interpreted in so many ways over the past 200 years that practically no one can agree on what it truly means to a nation of 300 million composed of people from just about every nation on earth and of varying mental and social capacity.
Mention gun control and the NRA flips out citing the 2nd Amendment.
Mention gun control and the left will cite examples of restrictive laws in other countries that seem to result in much lower rates of gun violence.
Let's look at this from a 50,000 foot level. In Canada, there are an estimated 7 - 11 million guns in the hands of 2.4 to 3.8 million citizens. In the most recent findings, there were 816 deaths in a one year period attributed to guns. The fact that needs to be observed in this figure is the rise in the use of handguns to facilitate these deaths and how many were suicides versus homicides. The use of handguns in the these deaths in Canada has reportedly risen sharply over the past few years.
Point to consider.
Handguns are more readily concealed and transported than rifles.
In Australia, strict regulations on the ownership and sale of both handguns and long guns have seemingly reduced the number of gun deaths in recent years. This is an interesting case where virtually all guns have been included in the regulations and registration of weapons is required. I'm not trying to draw you to any conclusions here, just providing some food for thought.
Let's get a little bit closer now and see what simple steps we might take in an effort to address the problems associated with guns in these United States of America.
Registration of guns. May discourage a small number of borderline individuals from seeking out or acquiring guns. Will likely enrage the NRA and some citizens.
Gun buy back programs. May prove helpful in reducing the availability of weapons "on the street" or more accurately in closets, nightstands or other areas where they are easily reached by children or burglars.
Commission of an in-depth study to seek out causitive links related to violent behavior involving the use of guns. Such a study may examine factors linked to gun related homicides in the hope of determining potential areas to target for remediation. Look at key factors such as prevailing economic conditions, political climate, localized economic factors, personal details of the offenders including home and work life, history of drug or alcohol issues, mental challenges, etc. Such a commission would need to include people from academic, law enforcement, medical and local civic organizations to ensure a wide exploration of all possible links.
Now that we've started down the path of the guns/homicide issues, let's take a look at the civic side of the house and how we as citizens might act to regaing control of our country from powerful lobbying groups funded by major corporations that benefit at our expense from the largess of so called "corporate welfare". John McCain was once an allegedly strong opponent of corporate welfare and powerful business interests. Sadly, this no longer appears to be the case.
What we need now more than at any time in recent history is a grass roots effort to elect local politicians who will represent the interests of a society that we want to be. It's going to be a long, slow and sometimes painful process as those we've chosen fail to win election or disappoint us once they have and we need to start the cycle again. But it is a worthwhile endeavor that in years to come will show us as the truly great, compassionate, caring and free nation that we like to think we are but are actually nowhere near to truly being.
So, how do we get there? And, more importantly, who is this "we" and how do we make sure that everyone is included? On this point I have a couple of people to mention. Both of them politicians, both outspoken and somewhat controversial, one electable to the executive branch and the other presently restricted from doing so. Figured it out yet? I'll give you a hint. Tennesseein is believin' and Kalifornia! Yes, I am serious about this and yes I believe these two men can help to bring the nation together, restore our internal and external credibility and start us down the path of a being a nation of genuinely United States forging ahead into the 21st century where we have decent wage paying jobs, a political establishment that is trustworthy and serves the people, not the corporations, and a society in which we all feel valued, heard and responsible for our future and for that of our neighbors, friends and families.
I'll have more posted up here in the coming days and weeks, but for now let me leave you with this thought.
No matter our outward appearances and
disparate beliefs, we are all human beings here
by good fortune and divine providence as
stewards of this earth and each other.
Be nice.
Peace
Friday, March 16, 2007
Back to Green!!!
After the forays into and out of the hybrid realm, we've settled in nicely in the earthy crunchy hippy granola car of choice. Are you ready? You're sure you're really ready? Ok, here it is...
The finest little kid and camp gear hauler made in the U S of A by none other than the car making family of Fuji Heavy Industries, one of seven sisters in the Pleiades cluster, the one spelled backwards that says you are a bus, in all its all wheel drive glory, I present to you the 2005 Subaru Outback Wagon! Commonly known by those in the know as the OBW! :-)
That's the scoop for now. Gore in 2008!
Be nice.
Peace
The finest little kid and camp gear hauler made in the U S of A by none other than the car making family of Fuji Heavy Industries, one of seven sisters in the Pleiades cluster, the one spelled backwards that says you are a bus, in all its all wheel drive glory, I present to you the 2005 Subaru Outback Wagon! Commonly known by those in the know as the OBW! :-)
After driving everythng from Audi's flagship to Honda's techno wonder, I have to say this swift little wagon is a fantastic driver. Just the right mix of the things we need in a vehicle. Decent mileage, room for 3 kids, two adults and a fair amount of hiking gear! This car rocks! And speaking of rocks, if you're looking for good prices, fast shipping and people who know what they are talking about for all your outdoor gear, check out my new found friends at the sign of the goat.
If you're looking for "green" options as well, they have those too!
That's the scoop for now. Gore in 2008!
Be nice.
Peace
Sunday, January 07, 2007
So long, and thanks for all the fish
As a public service to all of you, I'm adding a musical number from the cinematic triumph known more commonly as "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy". If you haven't seen it and don't feel compelled to after watching this video I simply can't help you.
It's been a while since I've added regular updates to this blog, but I shall endeavour to be more attentive to it in 2007.
Be nice.
Peace
It's been a while since I've added regular updates to this blog, but I shall endeavour to be more attentive to it in 2007.
Be nice.
Peace
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Friday, November 03, 2006
Still green, but a bit sootier.
Well, the Insight has moved on to a new owner. Back issues and long drives to work in the little spacebug were simply not compatible. We're still striving towards being carbon neutral. We just have to take some different avenues now.
The new ride is very smooth and much more comfortable for commuting.
Here's what she looks like.
On another note, the midterm elections are almost upon us and I find myself in a bit of a quandry. Our tiny state is a key battleground for potential control of the senate and yet I am hard pressed to vote for the candidate I distrust and view as a weasely looking character in spite of the fact that his victory could tip the balance to the Democrats. I can't explain it, but there's just something about the guy that I don't trust. And, I feel the incumbent has done a pretty good job of bucking the party leadership in the past and have little reason to believe he'll stop if he gets re-elected.
One thing I have to admit that's been enjoyable about this election cycle is watching the policies of this administration over the past 6 years beat the living crap out of Republican candidates across the country. They had the chance to do what was right and they followed a fool on his errand. Now they are simply getting their just desserts. Don't get me wrong. There are nimrods and screw-ups on both sides of the aisle and they all share a certain amount of blame for the mess we are in. But if the award for screwing the country the most has to be handed out, it's gonna go to the Republicans and the current administration.
Let's hope we take back at least one chamber of Congress and stop the insanity for a little while.
Be nice.
Peace
The new ride is very smooth and much more comfortable for commuting.
Here's what she looks like.
On another note, the midterm elections are almost upon us and I find myself in a bit of a quandry. Our tiny state is a key battleground for potential control of the senate and yet I am hard pressed to vote for the candidate I distrust and view as a weasely looking character in spite of the fact that his victory could tip the balance to the Democrats. I can't explain it, but there's just something about the guy that I don't trust. And, I feel the incumbent has done a pretty good job of bucking the party leadership in the past and have little reason to believe he'll stop if he gets re-elected.
One thing I have to admit that's been enjoyable about this election cycle is watching the policies of this administration over the past 6 years beat the living crap out of Republican candidates across the country. They had the chance to do what was right and they followed a fool on his errand. Now they are simply getting their just desserts. Don't get me wrong. There are nimrods and screw-ups on both sides of the aisle and they all share a certain amount of blame for the mess we are in. But if the award for screwing the country the most has to be handed out, it's gonna go to the Republicans and the current administration.
Let's hope we take back at least one chamber of Congress and stop the insanity for a little while.
Be nice.
Peace
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Green is the new black. :-)
It's been about a month now in the Insight and I am loving it!
"What we got here is the Cadillac of hybrid vehicles". (Rental clerk to Chili Palmer in "Be Cool")
Chili Palmer: [about a Honda Insight] It's the Cadillac of hybrids.
Martin Weir: But what about speed?
Chili Palmer: If you're important, people will wait.
The dealer experience was truly pathetic in the sense that it could have come straight out of the IFC documentary film "Slasher". It's an inside look at the unseemly world of auto sales. My experience was of the sadly stereotypical nature of:
Salesman: What kind of payment are you looking for?
Me: None. I'll be paying cash.
Salesman: How much can you spend on the car?
Me: How much I can spend is not relevant. This is what I am willing to spend.
Salesman: Oh, that's quite a bit less than the price on the car?
Me: We both know the price you've put on it is a made up number that's too high to begin with so you can act like you are lowering it to give someone a deal.
Salesman: Let me talk to my manager.
Me: That's a great idea.
Salesman: My manager says that is too low. Could you do a little bit more?
Me: No. Thanks for your time. (Rising to leave.)
Salesman: Please wait a minute. Let me see if there is anything I can do.
Me: Ok.
Salesman returns with Sales Manager.
Sales Manager: Hi, my name's Joe Sleazebag (or something like that). Look, the amount you are looking to spend is almost $3000 less than the list price.
Me: Nice to meet you (not really). Look, you and I both know that the number on the sticker has no basis in reality, you took the car in on a trade from the original purchaser who bought it here and then bought another new car from you when they traded this in. I'm offering you more than you can possibly have into it and still allowing you a fair profit.
Sales Manager: Well, we also have other expenses into it.
Me: Such as? The car hasn't even been detailed yet since there are still dead bugs in the rear hatch area and even if you have one of your runners clean it up you'll still be pulling a very nice profit out of it.
Sales Manager: So, is this the most your willing to spend? What if I said you could have it for $5.00 dollars more?
Me: I'd say, "Thanks for your time and have a good evening."
Sales Manager: Give me a minute. (walks back to his podium in the corner of the showroom)
Sales Manager: (returns after 3 minutes of doing nothing) Well, I can't sell it to you for this price, but I'll do it because Emad (salesman) just came back to work and he needs the sale. (yeah right!)
This concludes our installment of pathetic sleazebag dealership experience. Hopefully, the service visits to a different Honda dealership will be better.
Now, on to the details of the Insight!
I'm averaging 54mpg with the A/C on and driving at or around 70+mph.
The factory stereo was a turd and has been replaced by an Alpine head unit with integrated Hi-speed ipod link,
a 4 channel 200w Alpine amp
and 4 Polk MMC-650 speakers with external crossovers.
The speakers mounted behind the seats needed a bit of custom spacer work to fit.
And of course a custom alarm system to keep it secure. :-0
The car handles suprisingly well considering the narrow low rolling resistance tires and I have no complaints about its manners on the road.
The auto-stop feature is one of my favorites since it gives you a real warm and fuzzy to know that while sitting at a red light you are neither burning gas nor polluting the air further. Oh, and did I mention earlier that this model is rated SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle).
A COMPARISON OF EMISSIONS STANDARDS
Clean Car Campaign-SULEV Standard
Hydrocarbons (HC) 0.01 percent
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 1.0 (grams/mile)
Nitrous Oxides (NOx) 0.02 (grams/mile)
Particulate Matter (PM) 0.01 (grams/mile)
Current Federal Standard - Tier 1
Hydrocarbons (HC) 0.31 percent
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 4.2 (grams/mile)
Nitrous Oxides (NOx) 0.6 (grams/mile)
Particulate Matter (PM) 0.10 (grams/mile)
Reduction
Hydrocarbons (HC) 97%
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 76%
Nitrous Oxides (NOx) 97%
Particulate Matter (PM) 90%
And don't forget, even small things can help shift the balance. Using rechargeable batteries in cameras and radios, installing the new design of compact flourescent lights, even wearing a watch that you wind or that converts light to power like the Citizen Eco-Drive series saves you from buying and disposing of batteries filled with toxic materials that find their way into our ground water.
From simple to fully loaded!
Small steps can make big differences. My long term plans include solar hot water for the house. Geothermal heat pump for heating the house and if the town will ever permit, a small wind turbine to generate additional power.
Now don't make the mistake of thinking I'm some hemp wearing, barefoot granola who's bent on converting the world. I love my plasma TV and my ipod as much as the next guy. I just think there are ways we can enjoy these things that have less of a negative impact on our planet and on our wallets.
And that my friends, is good for all of us!
Before I forget, check out Craig Newmark's blog at http://www.cnewmark.com He's Craig of craigslist fame. Some excellent reading and links to be found there.
Be nice.
Go green.
Peace.
"What we got here is the Cadillac of hybrid vehicles". (Rental clerk to Chili Palmer in "Be Cool")
Chili Palmer: [about a Honda Insight] It's the Cadillac of hybrids.
Martin Weir: But what about speed?
Chili Palmer: If you're important, people will wait.
The dealer experience was truly pathetic in the sense that it could have come straight out of the IFC documentary film "Slasher". It's an inside look at the unseemly world of auto sales. My experience was of the sadly stereotypical nature of:
Salesman: What kind of payment are you looking for?
Me: None. I'll be paying cash.
Salesman: How much can you spend on the car?
Me: How much I can spend is not relevant. This is what I am willing to spend.
Salesman: Oh, that's quite a bit less than the price on the car?
Me: We both know the price you've put on it is a made up number that's too high to begin with so you can act like you are lowering it to give someone a deal.
Salesman: Let me talk to my manager.
Me: That's a great idea.
Salesman: My manager says that is too low. Could you do a little bit more?
Me: No. Thanks for your time. (Rising to leave.)
Salesman: Please wait a minute. Let me see if there is anything I can do.
Me: Ok.
Salesman returns with Sales Manager.
Sales Manager: Hi, my name's Joe Sleazebag (or something like that). Look, the amount you are looking to spend is almost $3000 less than the list price.
Me: Nice to meet you (not really). Look, you and I both know that the number on the sticker has no basis in reality, you took the car in on a trade from the original purchaser who bought it here and then bought another new car from you when they traded this in. I'm offering you more than you can possibly have into it and still allowing you a fair profit.
Sales Manager: Well, we also have other expenses into it.
Me: Such as? The car hasn't even been detailed yet since there are still dead bugs in the rear hatch area and even if you have one of your runners clean it up you'll still be pulling a very nice profit out of it.
Sales Manager: So, is this the most your willing to spend? What if I said you could have it for $5.00 dollars more?
Me: I'd say, "Thanks for your time and have a good evening."
Sales Manager: Give me a minute. (walks back to his podium in the corner of the showroom)
Sales Manager: (returns after 3 minutes of doing nothing) Well, I can't sell it to you for this price, but I'll do it because Emad (salesman) just came back to work and he needs the sale. (yeah right!)
This concludes our installment of pathetic sleazebag dealership experience. Hopefully, the service visits to a different Honda dealership will be better.
Now, on to the details of the Insight!
I'm averaging 54mpg with the A/C on and driving at or around 70+mph.
The factory stereo was a turd and has been replaced by an Alpine head unit with integrated Hi-speed ipod link,
a 4 channel 200w Alpine amp
and 4 Polk MMC-650 speakers with external crossovers.
The speakers mounted behind the seats needed a bit of custom spacer work to fit.
And of course a custom alarm system to keep it secure. :-0
The car handles suprisingly well considering the narrow low rolling resistance tires and I have no complaints about its manners on the road.
The auto-stop feature is one of my favorites since it gives you a real warm and fuzzy to know that while sitting at a red light you are neither burning gas nor polluting the air further. Oh, and did I mention earlier that this model is rated SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle).
A COMPARISON OF EMISSIONS STANDARDS
Clean Car Campaign-SULEV Standard
Hydrocarbons (HC) 0.01 percent
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 1.0 (grams/mile)
Nitrous Oxides (NOx) 0.02 (grams/mile)
Particulate Matter (PM) 0.01 (grams/mile)
Current Federal Standard - Tier 1
Hydrocarbons (HC) 0.31 percent
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 4.2 (grams/mile)
Nitrous Oxides (NOx) 0.6 (grams/mile)
Particulate Matter (PM) 0.10 (grams/mile)
Reduction
Hydrocarbons (HC) 97%
Carbon Monoxide (CO) 76%
Nitrous Oxides (NOx) 97%
Particulate Matter (PM) 90%
And don't forget, even small things can help shift the balance. Using rechargeable batteries in cameras and radios, installing the new design of compact flourescent lights, even wearing a watch that you wind or that converts light to power like the Citizen Eco-Drive series saves you from buying and disposing of batteries filled with toxic materials that find their way into our ground water.
From simple to fully loaded!
Small steps can make big differences. My long term plans include solar hot water for the house. Geothermal heat pump for heating the house and if the town will ever permit, a small wind turbine to generate additional power.
Now don't make the mistake of thinking I'm some hemp wearing, barefoot granola who's bent on converting the world. I love my plasma TV and my ipod as much as the next guy. I just think there are ways we can enjoy these things that have less of a negative impact on our planet and on our wallets.
And that my friends, is good for all of us!
Before I forget, check out Craig Newmark's blog at http://www.cnewmark.com He's Craig of craigslist fame. Some excellent reading and links to be found there.
Be nice.
Go green.
Peace.
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Going Green
Anyone who knows me will be shocked yet not totally suprised to learn that I am planning to give up my beloved Audi and start driving a Japanese import.
A confluence of events have brought me to this decision.
* Gas retailing at over $3.00 per gallon. The Audi needs Premium!
* A recent viewing of Nova. A spectacular program on Solar Dimming. Scary stuff!
* The astronomical cost of insuring an aluminum luxury car.
Add to this a 110 mile round trip commute every day and it's not hard to see why something has to give. Truth be told, the fuel cost is a motivating factor here but the fact that we are within 10 years of what is considered to be the point of no return for starting to repair the environmental damage we've done is really pushing me to act.
Here's the new ride that we're looking at.
Here's a link to the Nova program.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sun/
In the end, I need to do what I can to help leave a living planet to my children and to the children I hope they will one day have. Maybe we can all think about this.
Go Green.
Be nice.
Peace
A confluence of events have brought me to this decision.
* Gas retailing at over $3.00 per gallon. The Audi needs Premium!
* A recent viewing of Nova. A spectacular program on Solar Dimming. Scary stuff!
* The astronomical cost of insuring an aluminum luxury car.
Add to this a 110 mile round trip commute every day and it's not hard to see why something has to give. Truth be told, the fuel cost is a motivating factor here but the fact that we are within 10 years of what is considered to be the point of no return for starting to repair the environmental damage we've done is really pushing me to act.
Here's the new ride that we're looking at.
Here's a link to the Nova program.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/sun/
In the end, I need to do what I can to help leave a living planet to my children and to the children I hope they will one day have. Maybe we can all think about this.
Go Green.
Be nice.
Peace
Friday, April 14, 2006
Unanswered questions.
I'm not a big conspiracy theorist. Nor am I a blind follower of our elected leaders.
I feel it's important to put that out for you before you take the time to look at the video about September 11, 2001 linked below. The narrator of this film asks a lot of questions. Perhaps they are some of the very same questions you've asked yourself over the past several years.
The upcoming cinematic release of a film purporting to chronicle the last minutes of United Airlines Flight 93 got me to thinking recently and I felt it was important that every voice be heard on issues that are deemed controversial.
It's been interesting to me to learn of the dissenting voices surrounding the birth of our nation and reading "His Excellency, George Washington", "John Adams" and "1776" have reminded me how important it is for all of us to question what our leaders tell us. To refuse to follow blindly and to assert our right to be told the truth regardless of how we may be branded as unpatriotic or giving aid and comfort to the enemy.
In fact, nothing could be more patriotic than questioning our leaders and rebelling against injustice. As to giving aid and comfort, how do we even know who the real enemy is? Food for thought.
Let's all be thankful mid-term elections are coming this fall and 2008 is just around the corner!
Be nice.
Peace
I feel it's important to put that out for you before you take the time to look at the video about September 11, 2001 linked below. The narrator of this film asks a lot of questions. Perhaps they are some of the very same questions you've asked yourself over the past several years.
The upcoming cinematic release of a film purporting to chronicle the last minutes of United Airlines Flight 93 got me to thinking recently and I felt it was important that every voice be heard on issues that are deemed controversial.
It's been interesting to me to learn of the dissenting voices surrounding the birth of our nation and reading "His Excellency, George Washington", "John Adams" and "1776" have reminded me how important it is for all of us to question what our leaders tell us. To refuse to follow blindly and to assert our right to be told the truth regardless of how we may be branded as unpatriotic or giving aid and comfort to the enemy.
In fact, nothing could be more patriotic than questioning our leaders and rebelling against injustice. As to giving aid and comfort, how do we even know who the real enemy is? Food for thought.
Let's all be thankful mid-term elections are coming this fall and 2008 is just around the corner!
Be nice.
Peace
Friday, March 24, 2006
People don't all suck! Decency lives on.
The following is a post that was flagged as "Best of" on Craigslist recently. There are a lot of posts that end up on this list that really aren't what I would call "Best of" anything. This one is a litle different.
RAVE RAVE RAVE: "I'll take you where you need to go"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: anon-138796534@craigslist.org
Date: Fri Mar 03 16:46:15 2006
So this morning I'm running late for school as usual and am cross and frustrated and tired after staying up all night to write a paper and generally just in a relatively "Blech" mood.
Luckily I was able to make the bus, but only because it was held up with all the construction going on in front of U Village which has turned 45th into an absolute (if temporary) nightmare.
So the bus is rumbling along and trying to get over amidst the dozen or little cars who are all determined to get ahead of us before the bus can switch into the lane it needs...
*Tangent* (Btw, you clowns ever read those "yield" signs on the back? Yeah, they're not kidding.. YIELD! Is being one car length in front of the bus really worth trying to vie for position with 15 tons of steel and glass with your little Hundai Accent? I got 5 bucks says who is going to win that battle!)
*ahem* As I was saying.. so the bus driver is just doing his damnedest (I recognize this is probably not really a word) to merge over and he makes it over just in time to make it to the next stop, which he does announce and when no one pulled the cord, he gratefully kept on trucking to turn out of the traffic mess onto campus. As we are waiting to go through the intersection at the light at 25th, a very old (like 90 if a day) blind man nervously asked if his stop had come yet...
The bus driver instantly remembered that this man had asked to be let off at the last stop he'd just passed. This man was clearly hard of hearing (had giant hearing aids) and in no way could have known the stop was coming up to pull the cord. The driver had told him he'd remember to let him off there and then with all the traffic and stuff I guess he just forgot. (To his credit, he felt really really bad about it and was apologizing profusely).
The old blind man was clearly scared and asked to be told where he was exactly but even though we weren't far from where he wanted to get off... it would have been very difficult for him to get back there because the sidewalk is not continuous. The driver offered to let him off at that corner and was trying to explain how to do it, but it was just too complicated for this guy. (I don't blame him, the 25th, 45th, montlake intersection is kind of convoluted for pedestrians)The obviously distressed man finally decided that rather than risk it he'd just get off at the next stop and catch the next bus coming back the other way...
With an "Are you sure?" the driver began to close the doors again but then.. from the back of the bus came a woman's voice....
"I'll take you where you need to go" she said as she made her way to the front. She turned to the driver and said, "I can take him" and with that the driver let the elderly blind man and the young woman in a black jacket and pink bandana in her hair off the bus.
The bus was at the light for a moment or two longer and as I watched this woman gently talking to this man as she held his elbow and began escorting him safely to his destination I couldn't help but almost feel the kindness radiating off of her in his direction. They were beautiful. Her:looking very much the Seattle "granola girl" and him: frail, tapping his white cane in front of him.
Say what you want about hippies, liberals, whatever.. This woman displayed an unselfish compassion this morning that should put us all to shame, regardless of affiliation.
You see, she didn't pull the cord either... she was obviously on her way to somewhere else, and chose instead to delay her plans to help this total stranger walk half a block to safety. I was humbled.
Thank you, Ms. Kindest-Blue-Eyes-Ever for helping me to remember why we're all really here on this earth and for shaming me for my inaction to help my fellow man out of preoccupation with my own interests.
I needed that.
I think we all do.
So RAVE RAVE RAVE RAVE to you!
You not only made my morning, you made my co-workers mornings too when I walked into the lab and told them this story. Good on ya!
Signed,
An anonymous girl you gently brushed past on the bus so you could do what we ALL should have been making our way forward to do
this is in or around uw bus#75@10:15am
RAVE RAVE RAVE: "I'll take you where you need to go"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reply to: anon-138796534@craigslist.org
Date: Fri Mar 03 16:46:15 2006
So this morning I'm running late for school as usual and am cross and frustrated and tired after staying up all night to write a paper and generally just in a relatively "Blech" mood.
Luckily I was able to make the bus, but only because it was held up with all the construction going on in front of U Village which has turned 45th into an absolute (if temporary) nightmare.
So the bus is rumbling along and trying to get over amidst the dozen or little cars who are all determined to get ahead of us before the bus can switch into the lane it needs...
*Tangent* (Btw, you clowns ever read those "yield" signs on the back? Yeah, they're not kidding.. YIELD! Is being one car length in front of the bus really worth trying to vie for position with 15 tons of steel and glass with your little Hundai Accent? I got 5 bucks says who is going to win that battle!)
*ahem* As I was saying.. so the bus driver is just doing his damnedest (I recognize this is probably not really a word) to merge over and he makes it over just in time to make it to the next stop, which he does announce and when no one pulled the cord, he gratefully kept on trucking to turn out of the traffic mess onto campus. As we are waiting to go through the intersection at the light at 25th, a very old (like 90 if a day) blind man nervously asked if his stop had come yet...
The bus driver instantly remembered that this man had asked to be let off at the last stop he'd just passed. This man was clearly hard of hearing (had giant hearing aids) and in no way could have known the stop was coming up to pull the cord. The driver had told him he'd remember to let him off there and then with all the traffic and stuff I guess he just forgot. (To his credit, he felt really really bad about it and was apologizing profusely).
The old blind man was clearly scared and asked to be told where he was exactly but even though we weren't far from where he wanted to get off... it would have been very difficult for him to get back there because the sidewalk is not continuous. The driver offered to let him off at that corner and was trying to explain how to do it, but it was just too complicated for this guy. (I don't blame him, the 25th, 45th, montlake intersection is kind of convoluted for pedestrians)The obviously distressed man finally decided that rather than risk it he'd just get off at the next stop and catch the next bus coming back the other way...
With an "Are you sure?" the driver began to close the doors again but then.. from the back of the bus came a woman's voice....
"I'll take you where you need to go" she said as she made her way to the front. She turned to the driver and said, "I can take him" and with that the driver let the elderly blind man and the young woman in a black jacket and pink bandana in her hair off the bus.
The bus was at the light for a moment or two longer and as I watched this woman gently talking to this man as she held his elbow and began escorting him safely to his destination I couldn't help but almost feel the kindness radiating off of her in his direction. They were beautiful. Her:looking very much the Seattle "granola girl" and him: frail, tapping his white cane in front of him.
Say what you want about hippies, liberals, whatever.. This woman displayed an unselfish compassion this morning that should put us all to shame, regardless of affiliation.
You see, she didn't pull the cord either... she was obviously on her way to somewhere else, and chose instead to delay her plans to help this total stranger walk half a block to safety. I was humbled.
Thank you, Ms. Kindest-Blue-Eyes-Ever for helping me to remember why we're all really here on this earth and for shaming me for my inaction to help my fellow man out of preoccupation with my own interests.
I needed that.
I think we all do.
So RAVE RAVE RAVE RAVE to you!
You not only made my morning, you made my co-workers mornings too when I walked into the lab and told them this story. Good on ya!
Signed,
An anonymous girl you gently brushed past on the bus so you could do what we ALL should have been making our way forward to do
this is in or around uw bus#75@10:15am
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Love Actually
You may hate this movie, you may love it, you may have never seen it.
Whatever the case, as schmaltzy as some parts of it may be, the opening voiceover by Hugh Grant as the British Prime Minister is indeed telling and on this Valentine's Day worth remembering.
"Whenever I get gloomy with the state of the world, I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion's starting to make out that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don't see that. It seems to me that love is everywhere. Often it's not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it's always there - fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, husbands and wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, old friends. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from the people on board were messages of hate or revenge - they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I've got a sneaky feeling you'll find that love actually is all around."
And there it is.
Be nice.
Peace.
Little things...
From time to time, I stop and think about what makes people so miserable. You see them every day. Driving in their cars, walking down the street, waiting in line at the market. And they have one thing in common. They all look absolutely miserable!
Sure, life is stressful with oversized mortgage payments, car troubles, a boss that doesn't appreciate you. But stop and think for a minute about what's really going on with all of these things.
* Mortgage payment - May be a lot of money, but it validates that you've been able to achieve the goal of home ownership amidst all the economic perils you may have encountered along the way. And, mortgage rates are still at historic lows. The prices of housing may be overinflated, but you have a roof over your head for you and possibly your family.
* Car troubles - At least you have a car and probably a job to which you drive it when it's running. A lot of people take the bus everyday and stand in the cold and rain waiting for it not because they are green consumers trying to save the earth, but rather because they have no other choice. I've seen people on the bus with sick children on the way to the doctor's and I'm thankful I can take my kids in the 5 year old minivan when they are sick!
* Sucky boss, job, etc. - First I'll say be glad to have a job even if it seems to suck big time. Second, look for another one. Regardless of your skill level and educational background, there are hundreds of thousands of jobs in this country waiting to be filled. Check out monster.com or simplyhired.com. Maybe the next job will suck just as much, maybe it'll suck a little bit less. At least you'll get a better idea of what you don't like and that's half the battle in finding the right match for what you really want to do.
I've worked my share of craptastic jobs over the years. I've owned cars that left me stranded more than I care to remember. I've shared apartments with people I didn't want to look at, let alone live with at times. I've been kept awake at night wondering how to make the deep red budget creep it's way to black.
And you know what? I wouldn't change a thing or trade it for anything. My past has helped to make me the man I am today. The man my wife loves and my kids look up to. There's a saying that sounds trite when you hear it, but it's absolutely true.
Life is what you make it. I choose to make it happy, peaceful and worthwhile.
Sometimes I forget how to do that and fall into the trap of feeling that the world is a catastrophe not waiting to happen, but midway through a full on implosion. Then I'm brought back by a child who takes the greatest delight in making me a "special" dessert or giving me a hand scrawled valentine or simply gazing at me with wonder and awe at how I can pick him up so high.
Life truly is what you make it. So try to make it happy, make it peaceful and while you're at it, try to make it a little better for someone else each day. A smile, a caring word, a couple of coins in those ubiquitous tip jars. It won't cost you much and you find you get an awful lot in return.
Be nice.
Peace.
Friday, February 03, 2006
The Problem with the Muslim cartoon protests.
First, please read this op-ed piece on Freedom of Speech and the current controversy over cartoons of the Islamic Prophet Mohammed from
http://www.stuff.co.nz
The precious right of freedom of speech
04 February 2006
Modern society rests on the contest of ideas, the ability to question perceived wisdom and to challenge authority, The Dominion Post writes in an editorial.
Without that contest, and the right to free speech that makes it possible, societies stultify and become entrenched in their beliefs. That freedom to question and to challenge must include the right to be offensive, to affront people's most heartfelt beliefs, even to disparage that which they hold sacred. Otherwise it is an empty freedom.
Our decision to publish the 12 cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed from the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten (Jutland Post) at the centre of the escalating row between the Muslim world and the nations of the West is not one that the newspaper has taken lightly. However, in the clash of values at the centre of the dispute not to publish because of fear of disturbing the sensibilities of Muslims would be to give way in the face of bullying threats. That is what Muslims are seeking to have the Western democracies do with their threats of bombs and trade boycotts.
There is no doubt that Muslims find the portrayal of the Prophet offensive. The Koran is clear that the slander and mockery of Islam and prayer crosses a sacred boundary, and warns that those who cross that boundary will be hurled into "crushing disaster". Mufti Abdul Barkatullah, a member of the British Muslim Council, calls it a no-go area at any cost, adding "the Prophet is held above everything in the universe, over one's own person, family, parents, the whole world. It is less offensive to condemn and vilify God".
That is certainly true – for Muslims.
However Denmark, and the other countries where the cartoons have been reproduced, including in Britain by the BBC and in newspapers in France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy and Germany, are not Muslim countries.
They are democratic, secular countries which are not ruled by religious dogma, whether it be Muslim or Christian.
They have the same values as New Zealand, which includes the right to free speech in its Bill of Rights. There is an acceptance that people can write and say what they wish – except in tightly defined circumstances – even if others are offended by it, and that being shocked can be part of the price for being informed.
The Muslim case is not helped by the hypocrisy when it comes to respecting the religious values of others. No doubt many fundamentalist Christian Americans find it deeply offensive for their country to be constantly labelled the Great Satan.
And, as the German newspaper Die Welt pointed out when it published one of the cartoons, "when Syrian television showed drama documentaries in prime time depicting rabbis as cannibals, the imams were quiet".
There have been earlier cultural confrontations between the West and a resurgent Islam, beginning with the death sentence pronounced in 1989 on author Salman Rushdie for The Satanic Verses, and including the murder in 2004 of Dutch film-maker Theo van Gogh after he made a film dealing with violence against Islamic women.
They are confrontations the West cannot afford to lose. The right to freedom of speech is a precious one that has to be defended.
OK. Now I'll agree that followers of Islam have a right to feel insulted and offended by the cartoons that were printed. However, the way millions of Muslims have chosen to display their feelings with violence, threats and violent rhetoric is a large part of the problem as to why the western world has a hard time accepting Islam and it's followers.
You can view the cartoons for yourself here.
Several noted Arab journalists had this to say about the issue in Slate.com:
Muhammad al-Hamadi, writing in the United Arab Emirates' Al-Ittihad, argued that the perception of a link between Islam and terrorism is not merely a figment of European cartoonists' imaginations: "The world has come to believe that Islam is what is practiced by Bin Laden, Zawahiri, Zarqawi, the Muslim Brotherhood, the Salafis, and others who have presented a distorted image of Islam. We must be honest with ourselves and admit that we are the reason for these drawings. Any harm to the Prophet or Islam is a result of Muslims who have come to reflect the worst image of Islam and certain Arabs who have not conveyed faithfully the life and biography of the Prophet." Al-Hamadi criticized Denmark as well for picking the wrong issue for a stand on principle: "If Denmark has tried to teach Arabs and Muslims a lesson in respect for the country's constitution and its laws, I believe it did not succeed in choosing the right issue. The justification that one must respect the constitution that guarantees freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to denigrate others, was not appropriate—this is the trap that Denmark fell into."
Abdallah Bin Bakhit, writing in Saudi Arabia's Al-Jazirah, used the popular boycott of Danish goods to direct subtle criticism at the Arab world's weak institutions: "All of the pressure that we see being exerted on the Danish government and on Danish public opinion is simply spontaneous pressure, supported by a few businessmen, that began with the man in the street and will end with him. The Danish goods that are today disappearing from store shelves will be back in a few days as though nothing had happened. Muslims are the strongest people in the world when it comes to individual reactions and the weakest when it comes to institutionalized operations. Events have taught us that every reaction to such attacks on Islam (wherever they may take place) ends with institutionalized responses aimed at sapping the popular, local anger, but not at treating the issue in the place where it broke out."
Where is the consideration for American Christians when Islamic leaders refer to America as the great satan? Where is the call from Islamic leaders to remind the faithful that Islam is a religion founded on ideas of peace and mercy?
If Muslims around the world wish to be treated with fairness, respect and understanding they need to look within themselves the next time something offends them and consider a less violent and more "Islamic" reaction. Only then, will non Muslim citizens of the world start to see them in a different light and hopefully engage in meaningful dialogue.
And it wouldn't hurt for journalists in the West to think a bit more when preparing to publish something that may be deemed highly offensive and provide some additional background to help explain their position.
Be nice.
Peace
http://www.stuff.co.nz
The precious right of freedom of speech
04 February 2006
Modern society rests on the contest of ideas, the ability to question perceived wisdom and to challenge authority, The Dominion Post writes in an editorial.
Without that contest, and the right to free speech that makes it possible, societies stultify and become entrenched in their beliefs. That freedom to question and to challenge must include the right to be offensive, to affront people's most heartfelt beliefs, even to disparage that which they hold sacred. Otherwise it is an empty freedom.
Our decision to publish the 12 cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed from the Danish newspaper Jyllands-Posten (Jutland Post) at the centre of the escalating row between the Muslim world and the nations of the West is not one that the newspaper has taken lightly. However, in the clash of values at the centre of the dispute not to publish because of fear of disturbing the sensibilities of Muslims would be to give way in the face of bullying threats. That is what Muslims are seeking to have the Western democracies do with their threats of bombs and trade boycotts.
There is no doubt that Muslims find the portrayal of the Prophet offensive. The Koran is clear that the slander and mockery of Islam and prayer crosses a sacred boundary, and warns that those who cross that boundary will be hurled into "crushing disaster". Mufti Abdul Barkatullah, a member of the British Muslim Council, calls it a no-go area at any cost, adding "the Prophet is held above everything in the universe, over one's own person, family, parents, the whole world. It is less offensive to condemn and vilify God".
That is certainly true – for Muslims.
However Denmark, and the other countries where the cartoons have been reproduced, including in Britain by the BBC and in newspapers in France, Switzerland, Spain, Italy and Germany, are not Muslim countries.
They are democratic, secular countries which are not ruled by religious dogma, whether it be Muslim or Christian.
They have the same values as New Zealand, which includes the right to free speech in its Bill of Rights. There is an acceptance that people can write and say what they wish – except in tightly defined circumstances – even if others are offended by it, and that being shocked can be part of the price for being informed.
The Muslim case is not helped by the hypocrisy when it comes to respecting the religious values of others. No doubt many fundamentalist Christian Americans find it deeply offensive for their country to be constantly labelled the Great Satan.
And, as the German newspaper Die Welt pointed out when it published one of the cartoons, "when Syrian television showed drama documentaries in prime time depicting rabbis as cannibals, the imams were quiet".
There have been earlier cultural confrontations between the West and a resurgent Islam, beginning with the death sentence pronounced in 1989 on author Salman Rushdie for The Satanic Verses, and including the murder in 2004 of Dutch film-maker Theo van Gogh after he made a film dealing with violence against Islamic women.
They are confrontations the West cannot afford to lose. The right to freedom of speech is a precious one that has to be defended.
OK. Now I'll agree that followers of Islam have a right to feel insulted and offended by the cartoons that were printed. However, the way millions of Muslims have chosen to display their feelings with violence, threats and violent rhetoric is a large part of the problem as to why the western world has a hard time accepting Islam and it's followers.
You can view the cartoons for yourself here.
Several noted Arab journalists had this to say about the issue in Slate.com:
Muhammad al-Hamadi, writing in the United Arab Emirates' Al-Ittihad, argued that the perception of a link between Islam and terrorism is not merely a figment of European cartoonists' imaginations: "The world has come to believe that Islam is what is practiced by Bin Laden, Zawahiri, Zarqawi, the Muslim Brotherhood, the Salafis, and others who have presented a distorted image of Islam. We must be honest with ourselves and admit that we are the reason for these drawings. Any harm to the Prophet or Islam is a result of Muslims who have come to reflect the worst image of Islam and certain Arabs who have not conveyed faithfully the life and biography of the Prophet." Al-Hamadi criticized Denmark as well for picking the wrong issue for a stand on principle: "If Denmark has tried to teach Arabs and Muslims a lesson in respect for the country's constitution and its laws, I believe it did not succeed in choosing the right issue. The justification that one must respect the constitution that guarantees freedom of opinion and expression, including the freedom to denigrate others, was not appropriate—this is the trap that Denmark fell into."
Abdallah Bin Bakhit, writing in Saudi Arabia's Al-Jazirah, used the popular boycott of Danish goods to direct subtle criticism at the Arab world's weak institutions: "All of the pressure that we see being exerted on the Danish government and on Danish public opinion is simply spontaneous pressure, supported by a few businessmen, that began with the man in the street and will end with him. The Danish goods that are today disappearing from store shelves will be back in a few days as though nothing had happened. Muslims are the strongest people in the world when it comes to individual reactions and the weakest when it comes to institutionalized operations. Events have taught us that every reaction to such attacks on Islam (wherever they may take place) ends with institutionalized responses aimed at sapping the popular, local anger, but not at treating the issue in the place where it broke out."
Where is the consideration for American Christians when Islamic leaders refer to America as the great satan? Where is the call from Islamic leaders to remind the faithful that Islam is a religion founded on ideas of peace and mercy?
If Muslims around the world wish to be treated with fairness, respect and understanding they need to look within themselves the next time something offends them and consider a less violent and more "Islamic" reaction. Only then, will non Muslim citizens of the world start to see them in a different light and hopefully engage in meaningful dialogue.
And it wouldn't hurt for journalists in the West to think a bit more when preparing to publish something that may be deemed highly offensive and provide some additional background to help explain their position.
Be nice.
Peace
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
F U Tom Cruise!
Bill's Big Blog
F U Tom Cruise!!!!!
Ok, so I know it's been a long time since I've blogged, but I had to find time to address this raving narcissist.
I know it's not just me that thinks this guy is a total whack job. Put aside my personal belief that scientology is a bs cult created and perpetuated to make money for its founder and consider the recent outbursts against psychiatry, ritalin and drug treatment of post-partum depression!
Rant One:
Nutjob rant against Brooke Shields.
"These drugs are dangerous. I have actually helped people come off. When you talk about postpartum, you can take people today, women, and what you do is you use vitamins. There is a hormonal thing that is going on, scientifically, you can prove that. But when you talk about emotional, chemical imbalances in people, there is no science behind that. You can use vitamins to help a woman through those things."
Who have you helped Tom? Why don't any of these people come forward to support your moronic claims? Where exactly did you get your background in medicine?
Rant Two:
When asked if he could be with someone at this stage in his life who doesn't have an interest in the Church of Scientology -- Holmes has said she's embracing the religion -- Cruise told interviewer Matt Lauer: "Scientology is something that you don't understand. It's like you could be a Christian and be a Scientologist.
"It is a religion. Because it's dealing with the spirit. You as a spiritual being." When Lauer mentioned Cruise's earlier criticism of Brooke Shields for taking anti-depressants, Cruise told the "Today" show co-host he didn't know what he was talking about.
"You don't know the history of psychiatry. I do," Cruise said.
The interview became more heated when Lauer, who said he knew people who had been helped by the attention-deficit disorder drug Ritalin, asked Cruise about the effects of the drug.
"Matt, Matt, you don't even -- you're glib," Cruise responded. "You don't even know what Ritalin is. If you start talking about chemical imbalance, you have to evaluate and read the research papers on how they came up with these theories, Matt, OK. That's what I've done."
Rant Three:
In an interview with Der Spiegel magazine.
SPIEGEL: We visited one of your locations near Los Angeles and were amazed to find a fully staffed tent of the Scientology organization right next to the food tents for the journalists and extras.
Cruise: What were you amazed about?
SPIEGEL: Why do you go so extremely public about your personal convictions?
Cruise: I believe in freedom of speech. I felt honored to have volunteer Scientology ministers on the set. They were helping the crew. When I'm working on a movie, I do anything I can to help the people I'm spending time with. I believe in communication.
SPIEGEL: The tent of a sect at someone's working place still seems somewhat strange to us. Mr. Spielberg, did that tent strike you as unusual?
Spielberg: I saw it as an information tent. No one was compelled to frequent it, but it was available for anybody who had an open mind and was curious about someone else's belief system.
Cruise:The volunteer Scientology ministers were there to help the sick and injured. People on the set appreciated that. I have absolutely nothing against talking about my beliefs. But I do so much more. We live in a world where people are on drugs forever. Where even children get drugged. Where crimes against humanity are so extreme that most people turn away in horror and dismay. Those are the things that I care about. I don't care what someone believes. I don't care what nationality they are. But if someone wants to get off drugs, I can help them. If someone wants to learn how to read, I can help them. If someone doesn't want to be a criminal anymore, I can give them tools that can better their life. You have no idea how many people want to know what Scientology is.
SPIEGEL: Do you see it as your job to recruit new followers for Scientology?
Cruise: I'm a helper. For instance, I myself have helped hundreds of people get off drugs. In Scientology, we have the only successful drug rehabilitation program in the world. It's called Narconon.
SPIEGEL: That's not correct. Yours is never mentioned among the recognized detox programs. Independent experts warn against it because it is rooted in pseudo science.
Cruise: You don't understand what I am saying. It's a statistically proven fact that there is only one successful drug rehabilitation program in the world. Period.
SPIEGEL: With all due respect, we doubt that. Mr. Cruise, you made studio executives, for example from Paramount, tour Scientology's "Celebrity Center" in Hollywood. Are you trying to extend Scientology's influence in Hollywood?
Cruise: I just want to help people. I want everyone to do well.
Spielberg: I often get asked similar questions about my Shoa Foundation. I get asked why I am trying to disseminate my deep belief in creating more tolerance through my foundation's teaching the history of the Holocaust in public schools. I believe that you shouldn't be allowed to attend college without having taken a course in tolerance education. That should be an important part of the social studies curriculum.
SPIEGEL: Mr. Spielberg, are you comparing the educational work of the Shoa Foundation with what Scientology does?
Spielberg: No, I'm not. Tom told you what he believes in, and after that I told you what I believe in. This is not a comparison between the Church of Scientology, the Shoa Foundation and the Holocaust. I was only showing you that some of us in Hollywood have set out to do more than just be actors or directors. Some of us have very personal missions. In Tom's case, it's his church, and in my case, it's the Shoa Foundation, where I'm trying to help other people learn about the mortal dangers of pure hatred.
SPIEGEL: How do you set about doing that?
Spielberg: I think that the only way we're going to teach young people not to kill each other is by showing them the reports by the survivors of the Holocaust -- so that they can tell them in their own words man's inhumanity to man. How they were hated. How they were displaced from their homes. How their families were wiped out and how by some miracle they themselves survived all that.
Cruise: How did the Holocaust start? People are not born to be intolerant of others. People are not born bigots and racists. It is educated into them.
Spiegel: Mr. Cruise, as you know, Scientology has been under federal surveillance in Germany. Scientology is not considered a religion there, but rather an exploitative cult with totalitarian tendencies.
Cruise: The surveillance is nothing like as strict anymore. Any you know why? Because the intelligence authorities never found anything. Because there was nothing to find. We've won over 50 court cases in Germany. And it's not true that everyone in Germany supports that line against us. Whenever I go to Germany, I have incredible experiences. I always meet very generous and extraordinary people. A minority wants to hate -- okay.
SPIEGEL: There is a difference between hate and having a critical perspective.
Cruise: For me, it's connected with intolerance.
SPIEGEL: In the past, for example when "Mission: Impossible" (1996) came out, German politicians called for a boycott of your movies. Are you worried that your support for Scientology could hurt your career?
Cruise: Not at all. I've always been very outspoken. I've been a Scientologist for 20 years. If someone is so intolerant that he doesn't want to see a Scientologist in a movie, then he shouldn't go to the movie theater. I don't care. Here in the United States, Scientology is a religion. If some of the politicians in your country don't agree with that, I couldn't care less.
Now to read what other celebrities have been saying about this so called religion.
Check out this link: http://www.factnet.org/Scientology/celebcrit.html?FACTNet
And finally, Tom Cruise, shut the hell up!
F U Tom Cruise!!!!!
Ok, so I know it's been a long time since I've blogged, but I had to find time to address this raving narcissist.
I know it's not just me that thinks this guy is a total whack job. Put aside my personal belief that scientology is a bs cult created and perpetuated to make money for its founder and consider the recent outbursts against psychiatry, ritalin and drug treatment of post-partum depression!
Rant One:
Nutjob rant against Brooke Shields.
"These drugs are dangerous. I have actually helped people come off. When you talk about postpartum, you can take people today, women, and what you do is you use vitamins. There is a hormonal thing that is going on, scientifically, you can prove that. But when you talk about emotional, chemical imbalances in people, there is no science behind that. You can use vitamins to help a woman through those things."
Who have you helped Tom? Why don't any of these people come forward to support your moronic claims? Where exactly did you get your background in medicine?
Rant Two:
When asked if he could be with someone at this stage in his life who doesn't have an interest in the Church of Scientology -- Holmes has said she's embracing the religion -- Cruise told interviewer Matt Lauer: "Scientology is something that you don't understand. It's like you could be a Christian and be a Scientologist.
"It is a religion. Because it's dealing with the spirit. You as a spiritual being." When Lauer mentioned Cruise's earlier criticism of Brooke Shields for taking anti-depressants, Cruise told the "Today" show co-host he didn't know what he was talking about.
"You don't know the history of psychiatry. I do," Cruise said.
The interview became more heated when Lauer, who said he knew people who had been helped by the attention-deficit disorder drug Ritalin, asked Cruise about the effects of the drug.
"Matt, Matt, you don't even -- you're glib," Cruise responded. "You don't even know what Ritalin is. If you start talking about chemical imbalance, you have to evaluate and read the research papers on how they came up with these theories, Matt, OK. That's what I've done."
Rant Three:
In an interview with Der Spiegel magazine.
SPIEGEL: We visited one of your locations near Los Angeles and were amazed to find a fully staffed tent of the Scientology organization right next to the food tents for the journalists and extras.
Cruise: What were you amazed about?
SPIEGEL: Why do you go so extremely public about your personal convictions?
Cruise: I believe in freedom of speech. I felt honored to have volunteer Scientology ministers on the set. They were helping the crew. When I'm working on a movie, I do anything I can to help the people I'm spending time with. I believe in communication.
SPIEGEL: The tent of a sect at someone's working place still seems somewhat strange to us. Mr. Spielberg, did that tent strike you as unusual?
Spielberg: I saw it as an information tent. No one was compelled to frequent it, but it was available for anybody who had an open mind and was curious about someone else's belief system.
Cruise:The volunteer Scientology ministers were there to help the sick and injured. People on the set appreciated that. I have absolutely nothing against talking about my beliefs. But I do so much more. We live in a world where people are on drugs forever. Where even children get drugged. Where crimes against humanity are so extreme that most people turn away in horror and dismay. Those are the things that I care about. I don't care what someone believes. I don't care what nationality they are. But if someone wants to get off drugs, I can help them. If someone wants to learn how to read, I can help them. If someone doesn't want to be a criminal anymore, I can give them tools that can better their life. You have no idea how many people want to know what Scientology is.
SPIEGEL: Do you see it as your job to recruit new followers for Scientology?
Cruise: I'm a helper. For instance, I myself have helped hundreds of people get off drugs. In Scientology, we have the only successful drug rehabilitation program in the world. It's called Narconon.
SPIEGEL: That's not correct. Yours is never mentioned among the recognized detox programs. Independent experts warn against it because it is rooted in pseudo science.
Cruise: You don't understand what I am saying. It's a statistically proven fact that there is only one successful drug rehabilitation program in the world. Period.
SPIEGEL: With all due respect, we doubt that. Mr. Cruise, you made studio executives, for example from Paramount, tour Scientology's "Celebrity Center" in Hollywood. Are you trying to extend Scientology's influence in Hollywood?
Cruise: I just want to help people. I want everyone to do well.
Spielberg: I often get asked similar questions about my Shoa Foundation. I get asked why I am trying to disseminate my deep belief in creating more tolerance through my foundation's teaching the history of the Holocaust in public schools. I believe that you shouldn't be allowed to attend college without having taken a course in tolerance education. That should be an important part of the social studies curriculum.
SPIEGEL: Mr. Spielberg, are you comparing the educational work of the Shoa Foundation with what Scientology does?
Spielberg: No, I'm not. Tom told you what he believes in, and after that I told you what I believe in. This is not a comparison between the Church of Scientology, the Shoa Foundation and the Holocaust. I was only showing you that some of us in Hollywood have set out to do more than just be actors or directors. Some of us have very personal missions. In Tom's case, it's his church, and in my case, it's the Shoa Foundation, where I'm trying to help other people learn about the mortal dangers of pure hatred.
SPIEGEL: How do you set about doing that?
Spielberg: I think that the only way we're going to teach young people not to kill each other is by showing them the reports by the survivors of the Holocaust -- so that they can tell them in their own words man's inhumanity to man. How they were hated. How they were displaced from their homes. How their families were wiped out and how by some miracle they themselves survived all that.
Cruise: How did the Holocaust start? People are not born to be intolerant of others. People are not born bigots and racists. It is educated into them.
Spiegel: Mr. Cruise, as you know, Scientology has been under federal surveillance in Germany. Scientology is not considered a religion there, but rather an exploitative cult with totalitarian tendencies.
Cruise: The surveillance is nothing like as strict anymore. Any you know why? Because the intelligence authorities never found anything. Because there was nothing to find. We've won over 50 court cases in Germany. And it's not true that everyone in Germany supports that line against us. Whenever I go to Germany, I have incredible experiences. I always meet very generous and extraordinary people. A minority wants to hate -- okay.
SPIEGEL: There is a difference between hate and having a critical perspective.
Cruise: For me, it's connected with intolerance.
SPIEGEL: In the past, for example when "Mission: Impossible" (1996) came out, German politicians called for a boycott of your movies. Are you worried that your support for Scientology could hurt your career?
Cruise: Not at all. I've always been very outspoken. I've been a Scientologist for 20 years. If someone is so intolerant that he doesn't want to see a Scientologist in a movie, then he shouldn't go to the movie theater. I don't care. Here in the United States, Scientology is a religion. If some of the politicians in your country don't agree with that, I couldn't care less.
Now to read what other celebrities have been saying about this so called religion.
Check out this link: http://www.factnet.org/Scientology/celebcrit.html?FACTNet
And finally, Tom Cruise, shut the hell up!
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