TIGblogs - Malcolm Lawrence

I wouldn’t exactly call myself an environmentalist but when some hotshot private corporation or any government entitites try to manipulate any food supply in liue of higher monetary gain, then I have a problem with that. I previously blogged about the “adding” of the chemical “melamine” in milk in China in my blog entitled “The Food Crisis: Adding Insult to Injury.” Now here comes another one - it’s in rice. I have encountered the term GMO (Genetically-Modified Organism) used in corn after a rough campaign by the school where I used to teach. The provincial government in Negros Occidental, Philippines, assured the public back in 2006 that no GM corn are shipped in the province. But last year, I read a news about it that some GM corn were said to have been found in one warehouse. It’s not hard to believe how something like that can pass through the government’s lenses, especially when graft and corruption is a major trade in some parts of the world. Really sad. Money over conviction. Money over Public Good.

Here comes another one - GM rice. I love rice and even my husband loved it. We have it in every meal. Heck, we even got ourselves a rice cooker here! Back home, “rice” was regular white long grained rice that was Php24.00 per kilo. Here, we get a 5 lb Jasmine rice called “Mahatma Jasmine” (Thai rice) at Food Lion for less than $7 and the 25 lb at Sam’s Club for like $17. The first few attempts we had of getting affordable rice was a disaster- low grade rice that never seemed to grow soft after 10 minutes of boiling. Now that we found the kind of rice we wanted (and smells good, too!), we are sticking to a kind we want. So basically, everybody can assume that I am very particular about my rice.

Greenpeace has been in the forefront about campaigning against GM (um..not General Motors). According to a Greenpeace report, Bayer (try to remember bug spray), a German company, has genetically-manipulated rice in order to withstand toxic doses of a pesticide called glufosinate. Well it’s toxic so it means that it’s harmful to living organisms. Since Bayer is based in Germany, naturally the European Union has a say whether they would agree to the import of GM rice. If they import GM rice, then farmers will plant GM rice. This means, in the near future, we would be eating GM rice, as they would now be available for sale in supermarkets everywhere.

So now you know why it’s very frustrating to make people understand that “better invention” doesn’t necessarily mean “better for humankind.” Okay, so Bible classes would tell us “go feed the poor” and the next thing we know we are doign a lot worse by feeding them GM rice. What is safe to eat then? And heck! What’s next?!?

You may go to this link for more information from Greenpeace: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/genetic-engineering/hands-off-our-rice/hands-off-our-rice

Below is a concrete explanation of GM rice:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsxFZ0rUCoM[/youtube]

© rustan108 for Babel: The multilingual, multicultural online journal and community of arts and ideas, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: genetically modified, genetically modified rice, GM Rice, greenpeace, rice

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I wouldn’t exactly call myself an environmentalist but when some hotshot private corporation or any government entitites try to manipulate any food supply in liue of higher monetary gain, then I have a problem with that. I previously blogged about the “adding” of the chemical “melamine” in milk in China in my blog entitled “The Food Crisis: Adding Insult to Injury.” Now here comes another one – it’s in rice. I have encountered the term GMO (Genetically-Modified Organism) used in corn after a rough campaign by the school where I used to teach. The provincial government in Negros Occidental, Philippines, assured the public back in 2006 that no GM corn are shipped in the province. But last year, I read a news about it that some GM corn were said to have been found in one warehouse. It’s not hard to believe how something like that can pass through the government’s lenses, especially when graft and corruption is a major trade in some parts of the world. Really sad. Money over conviction. Money over Public Good.

Here comes another one – GM rice. I love rice and even my husband loved it. We have it in every meal. Heck, we even got ourselves a rice cooker here! Back home, “rice” was regular white long grained rice that was Php24.00 per kilo. Here, we get a 5 lb Jasmine rice called “Mahatma Jasmine” (Thai rice) at Food Lion for less than $7 and the 25 lb at Sam’s Club for like $17. The first few attempts we had of getting affordable rice was a disaster- low grade rice that never seemed to grow soft after 10 minutes of boiling. Now that we found the kind of rice we wanted (and smells good, too!), we are sticking to a kind we want. So basically, everybody can assume that I am very particular about my rice.

You may go to this link for more information from Greenpeace: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/campaigns/genetic-engineering/hands-off-our-rice/hands-off-our-rice

Below is a concrete explanation of GM rice:

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsxFZ0rUCoM[/youtube]

© rustan108 for Babel: The multilingual, multicultural online journal and community of arts and ideas, 2009. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: genetically modified, genetically modified rice, GM Rice, greenpeace, rice

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My favorite part in the “Sound of Music” has always been “How do you solve the problem like Maria?” It’s a part of a song that seems to have buried itself in memory. Two years ago, I met this wonderful friend named Maria from Romania. So that sort of triggered a memory of that song and I eventually told Maria about this. Even when I was in high school, Music class started with “doe a deer a female deer...” or “when you know the notes to sing…” I actually could hum the latter and play the piano (without learning it) by just listening to myself hum. Then during a trip to North Carolina with my husband to meet some wonderful folks, we got into this topic about Sound of Music and Julie Andrews‘ career - from Mary Poppins to Sound of Music. We were basically talking about Julie Andrews‘ accent and how prim and proper she was when she talks. But when the guys blurted out that she has a “potty-mouth” I was like “what?!?” I don’t exactly know how that topic came up but that was coming from a Scottish friend. Between grasping that tidbit and the guffaw after that, I forgot to ask how our friend knew.

Anyhow, I am mentioning Sound of Music because I got this email from my friend Maria and she sent me a video of how 200 dancers went to the train station in Antwerp, Belgium and basically “rocked the house” with the tunes in “Sound of Music.” Thought I’d share these little “coincidences” and it might just trigger some good ole memory (and why I am blogging about it now). I wonder how many out there have watched the Sound of Music over and over again? Well here I am - guilty!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EYAUazLI9k[/youtube]

You can also watch it from this link: http://www.flixxy.com/antwerp-central-station-sound-of-music.htm

© rustan108 for Babel: The multilingual, multicultural online journal and community of arts and ideas, 2009. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: julie andrews, sound of music

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I have heard about this rendition that Jon Schmidt did with Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” from the movie “Romeo + Juliet” (well starring Clare Danes and Leonardo di Caprio) and “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay. It was a superb rendition! It relaxes you - sort of calming. I remembered attending my nephew’s piano recital last May 2 at Texas Tech University and remembering how I learned to play the piano by myself years back- learning to read notes from Music class at school and then listening to the rhythm of a song intently. I would always combine one piece with another and just be silly and play it. So listening to Jon Schmidt rendition made me thoughtful as it is a unique ability to combine two pieces and make it sound so fun. Well, I’m a fan now!
I actually wanted to download the music format of this and hoping to upload in my ipod (without resorting to P2P sites). It seems like the free download was temporarily postponed due to some legal matters, according to the site. Copyright issues, I assume. The rendition/combination of two songs can be genuinely unique for the artist as the artist who combined and created something new. But the other means to come up with that genuine, artistic piece was not wholly owned by the artist. I think obviously that is where the legal aspect come in. I’d say personally, both Taylor Swift and Coldplay may even get more recognition for their songs due to this special rendition. Wouldn’t this rendition by Jon Schmidt then be categorized as a “remake” - where some artist would sing an old song and record it again under a new label/artist?

I await the mp3 download. So watch out at http://www.jonschmidt.com/catalog/index.php

The YouTube video is below. You may also watch it at Tangle: http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=4c06065c76d3284dc3dc

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v3d6SFcDys[/youtube]

© rustan108 for Babel: The multilingual, multicultural online journal and community of arts and ideas, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Coldplay, Jon Schmidt, Love Story, Romeo+Juliet, Taylor Swift

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I actually wanted to download the music format of this and hoping to upload in my ipod (without resorting to P2P sites). It seems like the free download was temporarily postponed due to some legal matters, according to the site. Copyright issues, I assume. The rendition/combination of two songs can be genuinely unique for the artist as the artist who combined and created something new. But the other means to come up with that genuine, artistic piece was not wholly owned by the artist. I think obviously that is where the legal aspect come in. I’d say personally, both Taylor Swift and Coldplay may even get more recognition for their songs due to this special rendition. Wouldn’t this rendition by Jon Schmidt then be categorized as a “remake” – where some artist would sing an old song and record it again under a new label/artist?

I await the mp3 download. So watch out at http://www.jonschmidt.com/catalog/index.php

The YouTube video is below. You may also watch it at Tangle: http://www.tangle.com/view_video.php?viewkey=4c06065c76d3284dc3dc

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v3d6SFcDys[/youtube]

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I sent a posting recently to the ISOC PH mailing list - just sort of an observation I had while trying out Wolfram Alpha.I tried it and just spontaneously typed weather information in my city. To my surprise, it gave me a “Wolfram|Alpha isn’t sure what to do with your input..“ According to the BBC article I read about Wolfram, it should return annotated pages rather than list of sites. Instead I got a “…isn’t-sure-what-to-do-with-your-input.”

So I did another search and key in “value of pi,” after Gonz, an ISOC PH member, told me that Wolfram is quite good with computational information. I actually got the answers to my query and not just links to sites. I got the value of “pi” in decimal, fraction and in other representations. That was cool for me since I didn’t have to browse through several sites just to find answers. I was even thinking that if only we had Wolfram during college days, I wouldn’t have to dig into my notes, decipher my handwriting (and get some answer or formula wrong with my own handwriting that I couldn’t understand!) and just use the Internet instead.

My husband told me that if we need some information, we can “wolf” it now instead of “google” it.

Here’s the BBC article: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8052798.stm
Wolfram Alpha: http://www.wolframalpha.com/

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Post tags: wolfram alpha

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As a busy traveler and a history and culture buff, I’ve prided myself on making deep preparations for trips overseas, and it has paid handsome dividends. Zach Dunkin at Indystar.com writes on how one can avoid some of the faux-pauses that less-experiences travelers endure.

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My dear blogging compatriots, this news comes as a treat! Kindle will be opening up their machines to instantly download RSS feeds from your favorite blogs, so it may behoove you to submit your links (or just do what I do and read it for vanity’s sake!). HT: MediaBistro.

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by James Schwartz

Ahoy! I’ve been called a loose cannon.

TKO! Yet here I am standing.

Through our carnage and through our calm.

I hear one voice in storm and Psalm.

Sacred scrolls of henna fonts.

A Global Era Renaissance.

Connected consciousness. WE ARE ONE!

Longfellow in Levis: the day is done.

Of queer quills and pink ink.

A pretty boy poet to make you think.

Of equality. Diversity.

And what he really means to me.

March with PRIDE. Love awaits.

Open your mind. Stop the hate.

Free your foes. Remove your muzzle.

We are all a piece in the puzzle.

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Mt. Redoubt (March 2009) photo by Brentwood Higman

‘Angel of Change’ is my name for this spectacular photograph of Mount Redoubt, Alaska exploding awake again with fire and lightening early morning March 28, 2009. Awesome!!! Can you see the angel, heart and angel fish? Beloved Creator gives us more messages and indicators.

The angel is a messenger heralding change through the fire of transformation and transmutation who says, ‘It moves, ALL IS WELL, you are a Divine Child of God.’ The lightening heart emerging from smoke says, ‘FEAR NOT beloved… you are Loved, always taken care of and eternal’. It reminds us to Love all and do all through and with Love.’ The angel fish says, ‘HAVE FAITH things are not what they appear. Fish show us Independence, Potential and Adaptation. When swimming upwards fish indicates Spiritual evolution. The angelfish tells us angels are always around. It guides us to assist others in need… by helping others we help ourselves. The explosion of Redoubt indicates there will be doubts projected and doubt will intensify. The mountain says, ‘HAVE NO DOUBT, hold the visions of the future you wish to collectively create… they are made manifest! The message: fear nothing, have faith, hold your visions without doubt, love self, others and the process itself, help each other, all is well and in transformation. In the end all will be new, fresh an unlike anything seen to date. Whoo Hoo… might as well let go and enjoy the ride!

Weather.com featured the photo above with the caption:

1:43 pm ET Incredible volcano lightning photos: These are pictures taken on March 28 of Alaska’s Mount Redoubt volcanic eruption. The volcano has been erupting for several days now but has recently evolved into a different eruption pattern.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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The Humble Telescope is designed as an interactive civic sculpture that brings the wonders of space down to earth and into our cities, to encourage us learn more about the universe and perhaps appreciate our own world a little more.

Inside the telescope exists a 3D simulation of our entire known universe. Pointing the telescope in any direction immediately shows us what exists in that area of space, so now we can get a greater understanding of where the planets are and where we live in the Milky Way.

- Link.

Via FreshMoCo: Link.

~ Karl Jones

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Compelling, beautiful, idiosyncratic:

“A collection of accidents that happened while working on maps and other graphics.” Posted by Matthew Bloch, graphics editor for the New York Times. Link.

Shown above: “1917 map of Beijing (after trying to use spline-based georeferencing in ArcGIS).”

Via Dinosaurs and Robots: Link.

~ Karl Jones

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‘1st January’ photograph by Shugaley Pavel

A Vision for A New Earth

An Earth where chaos matures into growth and reality is a soul harmony vibrating to Love in synchronicity.
Knowing through radical trust, silence and stillness that the dark is pierced by the Light, and fear and ignorance transformed into insight, love and wisdom.
New leaders with spiritual vision unashamedly inspired by a loving connection to all life and a passionate caring for self, humanity and the environment lead the world to an unanimously agreed upon charter of peace.
Religion is no longer fought over, but honored as expressions of divinity.
Borders vanish to form one Circle of Light one earth – one vision - one garden – one economy – one humanity.
Diversity is celebrated within the uniqueness of each individual’s culture, race and heart.
Generosity and gratitude replace greed, and the desire to accumulate out of fear of scarcity, is replaced by knowing that all is provided for.
Spirit is acknowledged in the radiance of each person’s being beyond all illusions.
The creative potential of each person’s abilities unfold into expressions of joyous creations.
All learning celebrates soul development, character, creativity and imagination.
Sound, thought, light, feeling and color are understood as
palettes of creation to manifest reality.
Love is fostered as the elixir of life and Joy the blueprint for achievement.
Beauty, compassion and forgiveness weave perception and create connection.
Infinity is grasped as an awakening into the ever evolving mystery of the Now moment.
Time is seen as a fractal of Infinity where the Now locates,
attention focuses and intention directs.
Nature is Light. Light is the interplay of the dance of particles in the known cosmos of Love. Light is the breath of The Divine.
In Light, are the codes of all life playing a symphony of Love.
Love is all there is. As you are in your heart. In Peace. In Love. Know that you are loved beyond measure.
Know that we are in a New Earth where we all celebrate our magnificence.
Dream it and it will Be.

~Author Unknown

Amazing photograph and wisdom… thanks for the visions!!!

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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dan-ayido-houedo by Romuald Hazoumé

Xeni Jardin writes:

While I was in Benin over the last couple of weeks, a local BB reader pointed me to some interesting contemporary artists from this region. Probably the most well-known of these, internationally, is a man named Romuald Hazoumé who transforms salvaged materials into symbols of spiritual power.

Hazoumé has residences in the capital city of Cotonou, and in nearby Porto Novo near the Nigerian border. He is of Yoruba ancestry (which means his grand-folks were from Nigeria, I presume), and grew up in a Catholic family, but like many Beninois, also lives in touch with his voudun roots.

Starting in the mid-1980s, Hazoumé began creating works made from a locally ubiquitous type of plastic container — I’ve heard them referred to as “jerry cans?” Basically, you see them everywhere in Benin, used and reused and reused to store everything from palm oil to water to gasoline.

- Xeni Jardin @ Boing Boing: Link.

See Also …

Liden, Lars. “Artificial Stupidity: The Art of Intentional Mistakes,” in AI Game Programming Wisdom 2, Charles River Media, 2004.
http://lars.liden.cc/Publications/Download/2003_AIWisdom.pdf

Lopez, Steven. “Intelligent Mistakes,” Chessbase News, 2005.
http://www.chessbase.com/newsdetail.asp?newsid=2579

~ Karl Jones

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‘Galactic Love’ photo by NASA’s Telescopes

‘Galactic Love’ is my name for this spectacular capture of two merging galaxies called NGC 6240. It’s a great flying heart! What beautiful colors, blues, pink and purple with a core of golden white… painted with streaks of infrared light. WOW awe inspiring! Thank you beloved Creator. Love is everywhere and ever expanding.

March 16, 2009: A new image from NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope offers a rare view of an imminent collision between the cores of two merging galaxies, each powered by a black hole with millions of times the mass of the sun. The spectacular image combines visible light from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and infrared light from Spitzer. It catches the two galaxies during a rare, short-lived phase of their evolution, when both cores of the interacting galaxies are still visible but closing in on each other fast. Read more at NASA Newsroom.

~Bonnee

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Wayraman by Manatial

Beautiful panpipes and flute telling a story of love. Sweet!

Manatial, The Mystic Sound from the Andes, Song: Wayraman, Album: The Secret of the Dancing Spirits DVD, Video produced by: AylluRecords. Recorded in Salasaca, Ecuador. Official website: manantial-productions.com.

Manantial are Indigenous musicians from the Kichwa-Salasaka community in Ecuador. They present a magical connection between ancient and present cultures through song and dance. Members include Alberto Jerez, Kjulliar Jerez and Carlos Jerez from Salasaka-Ecuador.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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Maya Lin has a new exhibit at Washington’s Corcoran Gallery of Art.

It grew out of a desire to take what I do outside and bring it inside …. I thought, what if I could bring a hill inside - take it up to the ceiling, maybe even let people walk on it. … These works are asking us to pay close attention to the world around us.”

- Maya Lin, via The Baltimore Sun.

Maya Lin @ Wikipedia.

~ Karl Jones

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Amy: “We’ve got Jeremy Melcamp from Borders here today — and he’s got something really special for us. Now, what am I holding here?

Jeremy: We call it Book. Now Amy, try to find the plug on there.

Amy: I don’t see one!

Jeremy: That’s because Book is the new wireless platform that never needs to be charged. Now, go ahead and turn a page.

Amy: The pages are really turning! And … there’s different words on each one!

Jeremy: It’s got an intuitive, touch-based interface that we’re very proud of.

Amy: This could be huge, but … where are people going to keep all their Book?

Jeremy: That’s the best part, Amy. Book works with the shelves you have at home.

- Link to Penny Arcade.

~ Karl Jones

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Zen Meditation video by TheWisdomWarrior.com

When life has over taken and is controlling you, step back… breathe… watch, listen and allow this lovely quieting video to bring a space of quiet respite. A place to regroup, center, quiet and empty the mind. Enjoy the peace.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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Return of the Ancestors, Wisdom Gathering, Sedona, AZ April 18^th - 28, 2009

An important gathering is about to occur. I thought you might find it of interest. ‘Return of the Ancestors’ is happening April in Northern Arizona. Here is information about the gathering:

500 years ago the Mayan Ancestors wrote out on stone prophesies for the upcoming years creating the Mayan Calendar. With only four years left of the Mayan Calendar, many people fear the end of the world, but it is not predicting the end of the world in 2012, but the start of a new era. To usher in this new era The Institute for Cultural Awareness is holding a sacred pilgrimage in Northern Arizona beginning Earth Day Weekend, April 18^th – 28, 2009.

Indigenous Elders and Future Wisdom Keepers are coming from every corner of the world to share their wisdom and prophesies. Will help us heal and follow in their ancestors footsteps as prophesied, creating new guide stone tablets of prophesy for the upcoming 500 years…the world has awaited a renewed life’s plan.

This gathering is fulfilling a great Mayan prophecy, When the Eagle once again flies with the Condor, a lasting peace will reign in the Americas and will spread throughout the world to unite humanity.

To find out more visit ICA website. A Ho!

~Bonnee

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‘Rare pink dolphin’ photo by Capt. Erik Rue

When I lived on Kauai I often would sit alone and watch the dolphins playing just off shore. One day while pondering a particularly difficult life situation a dolphin caught my attention. He jumped out of the water and spun in circles then dove out of sight. He repeated this again and again while making joyful noise. When we touched consciousness I was showered with Love and happiness and received the message ‘There is only Love, play dear one, nothing is of import which leaden the heart.”

A pink albino dolphin! What a glorious gift from Creator. Dolphins represent manna, breath, play and Oneness. Manna is energy… the essence of Creator which is present in all Creation. Breath is life, taking in and renewing Manna which sustains body; keeps it alive. Through the rhythm of breath we may begin to sense energy and intensify our connection to God. Oneness is our Divine connection with everything… ‘all that is’. Pink is the color of Universal Love, love of self and others, harmony and inner peace; and a developed heart chakra (Anahata). Our pink dolphin gives us indicators (a road map) to guide us as we expand spiritually. Indicators… link with Creator for answers, commune with nature, remember Love and Oneness, be mindful of bodily energies and breath and spread waves of laughter, joy and love into the world. Thank you for your glorious indicators beloved Creator. A pink dolphin… indeed!

Pink dolphin photograph taken by Captain Eric Rue on Calcasieu Lake in Louisiana. You can see more of Erik’s photos of the pink dolphin at Calcasieu Charter Service.

Kari Pugh, Mad Mariner daily boating magazine writes, “Albino dolphins are rare. Only three have been spotted in the Gulf of Mexico since 1994 and there have only been 14 sightings around the world since 1963. But albino dolphins that appear to be pink are unheard of, says Patricia Rosel, a NOAA marine biologist who studies the genetic glitches found in bottlenose dolphins.” You can read the whole article at Mad Mariner.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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Mo Ghruagach Dhonn sung by Julie Fowlis

Lovely, clear and sweet, Julie’s voice is just beautiful. I enjoy listening to her sing this ancient Gaelic love song about a man’s search.

Julie says of the song,

“This is a North Uist love song which I heard for the first time in the house of Kate-Ann MacLellan in Hùna, North Uist (Scotland).”

Julie Fowlis, Song: Mo Ghruagach Dhonn , Album: Cuilidh (2007), Label: SPIT & POLISH Official website: www.juliefowlis.com

Mo Ghruagach Dhonn (My Brown-haired Lass) Gaelic lyrics in English:

Hi ho ro, my brown-haired lass,
whose beauty becomes more beguiling.
The deep love I have for you
has left me sorely wounded.

Your letter arrived on Tuesday
Telling of what was to be.
It told that your ship would arrive
in Glasgow without delay.
When I read this,
I immediately headed for the Broomielaw.
I saw the ship carrying the jewel,
the maiden, approach.

When I held out my hand
you turned with a slight smile and
uttered a couple of words
which left me sleepless many nights

You have the loveliest hair,
neither black, nor red nor fair,
but the colour of the most beautiful gold,
yellow, braided and curled.

I would write for you with a pen.
I would cultivate for you with a plough.
I would captain a ship for you,
brown haired lass of the deceiving eyes.

You are skilled at working wool
and at writing on blank paper.
But if you have gone overseas, to Australia,
goodbye to you.

I will no longer be in despair.
I’ll grab a new one by the hand.
Solomon, the wisest man who lived,
had many sweethearts

Julie Fowlis born 1979 in North Uist, an island in the Outer Hebrides Scotland is a folk singer instrumentalist who sings primarily in Gaelic. She won the Horizon award at the 2006 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards and Folk Singer of The Year at the 2008 awards.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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Artful and practical at the same time: I like it a lot.

From Instructables.

Via Apartment Therapy.

Via Boing Boing.

~ Karl Jones

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‘Regresa a mi’ sung by Il Divo

A beautiful, sad, moving love song, passionately sung by Il Divo. Longing for love lost. The line, ‘My life turns off without you by my side’ touches me. We often merge our lives so completely with another that when other is gone we turn off or shut down. Sometimes it takes years to come alive again… to become some semblance of what we were before the relationship… forever changed, altered. We may review… as a result grow and become more through love. Life is meant to be poignant… Love is always a Divine gift.

A dear friend once said to me, ‘I would rather be without love than to accept something ordinary.’ I believe, Love is never ordinary when it comes, treasure it in all its’ forms. No one… nothing is ordinary, nor is anyone or anything special. Everything is sacred and Divine… everyone Perfect as they are… nothing better, nor worse.. just is. Accept what is given and be filled with joy… a choice. The dance of life and love is full of experiences and choices… a smorgasbord of sensations and feelings. Flow with life… appreciate, accept what is and be grateful for breath. We are given what we need in every moment… relationships, family, friends or sacred time to ourselves… discerning what enhances. Searching leads to more searching, an endless quest… a good game like every undertaking. Fun. Play well. What seems mystical to one is simply life unfolding for another. Everything is a blessing from God… life, love, body, home, family, friends, animals, food, nature, breath… everything! Thank you, thank you, thank you for Love, beloved Creator!

Il Divo, Song: Regresa a Mi, Album: Il Divo - Il Divo (2004), Label: Sony BMG, Music video: 2006 Sony BMG Music Entertainment. Sony BMG Music UK (c) 2004 Simco Limited exclusively licensed to Sony BMG Music Entertainment (UK) Limited. Official website: www.ildivo.com

Regresa a mi (Return to me) lyrics (Spanish) in English (translated by elmarto-ga):

Don’t leave me like this
Speaking only of you
Come and give the smile that went away back to me
One more time to touch your skin and deep to sigh
Let’s recover what has been lost
Return to me

Love me once again
Erase the grief I experienced when you left
when you parted from me
Tell me yes
I don’t want to cry
Return to me

I miss the love that went away
I miss the happiness as well
I want you to come to me and love me again
I can’t go on if you’re not here; you have to arrive
My life turns off without you by my side
Return to me, Return to me

Il Divo (Italian for ’star or or celebrity’) was created by music manager Simon Cowell. They are a multinational operatic pop vocal group. Members of Il Divo are singers: Carlos Marín (born October 13, 1968 in Rüsselsheim, Germany, raised in Madrid, Spain), Urs Bühler (born July 19, 1971 in Willisau, Lucerne, Switzerland), David Miller (born April 14, 1973 in San Diego, California but grew up in Littleton, Colorado), and Sébastien Izambard (born March 7, 1973 in Paris, France). They sing in English, Italian, Spanish, French and Latin. Il Divo was named the Most Multinational UK No.1 Album Group in the 2006 edition of the Guinness Book of World Records.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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‘Three Little Birds’ sung by Connie Talbot

Sweet, fun and happy, makes me smile. I love the lines, ‘Don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing is gonna be alright.’ How true! Worry stems from thinking about past/future, usually something which has not yet manifest. Worry is fear-based (FEAR = False Evidence Appearing Real or Future Expectations Appearing Real). It’s not yet become reality, so is assumed or expected. With our powerful thoughts backed with by feelings we make what we dwell on real. So remembering, ‘Don’t worry cause everything’s gonna be alright’ helps us take a deep breath, step back from ‘whatever’ and know we are ok. Right now we are ok! Thanks for the happy reminder. I just found Connie today on youtube, what talent!

Connie Talbot, Song: Three Little Birds, Album: Over the rainbow (2008), Label: AAO Rainbow Recording , Official website: www.connietalbot.com. ‘Three Little Birds’ originally made popular by Bob Marley.

‘Three Little Birds’ lyrics:

Dont worry about a thing,
cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Singin: dont worry about a thing,
cause every little thing gonna be all right!

Rise up this mornin,
Smiled with the risin sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin, (this is my message to you-ou-ou:)

Singin: dont worry bout a thing,
cause every little thing gonna be all right.
Singin: dont worry (dont worry) bout a thing,
cause every little thing gonna be all right!

Rise up this mornin,
Smiled with the risin sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin, this is my message to you-ou-ou:

Singin: dont worry about a thing, worry about a thing, oh!
Every little thing gonna be all right. dont worry!
Singin: dont worry about a thing - I wont worry!
cause every little thing gonna be all right.

Connie Talbot born November 20, 2000 in Streetly, West Midlands, England is a child singer. She began singing at age 2 and rose to fame in 2007 after her appearance on Britain’s Got Talent. She’s also in the newest Guinness Book of Records as the youngest artist to ever be in the UK Charts.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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Glorious Indicators… we move!

Beautiful green comet Lulin is currently located in the night sky between Saturn and Regulus and is moving backwards (never observed in a comet before). Photo taken by astrophotographer John Nassr in the Philippines.

Astrologically… Comets are usually seen as signs of things to come… predictors. On February 23, 2009 Lulin was at its’ closest position to earth, on the 24th it made it’s first naked eye appearance during New Moon (time for creation) in Pisces (seeing beyond material to other realms). Significance: Lulin is an awakener… moving backward suggests turning within. The timing suggests motivation to awaken, seeking answers beyond tactile senses. Inner creation, beyond material to other realms. As well on the 24th Lulin conjoins Saturn (time and material reality) which is in opposition to Uranus (technological innovation, energy and radical change). Significance: Lulin’s alignment suggests an awakening…. reexamining our beliefs about time and material reality and urging radical change. The green color of Lulin suggests healing in areas it impacts. Lulin helps us to collectively recognize our material and energetic impact on all that is… then heal, lessen or eliminate that impact. ‘The current green movement?’ As well it urges us to look at our beliefs and stretch beyond. Lulin was discovered because of a collaboration between Taiwanese and Chinese astronomers. So it carries the energy of working together. Perhaps it offers a solution to current world crises - heal our differences, turn within for answers and collaborate.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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‘Furniture’ sung by Amy Studt, music video

Haunting, fragile and intense… touches me to the bone! Makes me wonder… why we cause harm to each other, the earth and all life? Why don’t we love each other or ourselves? Will we be able to collectively move beyond these destructive patterns? I know we can! I really like the lines, ‘behind the skin, my divinity, behind the skin, my only sanctuary.’ The skin, the bone… a vehicle… a temple. Behind the skin… Soul… our Divinity, our sanctuary… who ‘we truly are’. We move toward the ultimate… conscious merging of skin and Soul… self actualization… enlightenment or Divine Union. Works like this song help us see, understand, know… remember right action… awake our compassionate nature. Thanks Amy for creating a wonderful song and for the reminder.

Amy Studt, Song: Furniture (digital single December 2007), Album: My Paper Made Men (digital May 2008, CD March 2009), Label: 19 Entertainment, Video produced by: Lee Lennox, Official website: www.amystudt.com.

‘Furniture’ lyrics:

I am only flesh and bones, Splintered glass and tattered clothes,
behind the skin, my fragility, behind the skin, a skeletal impracticality,
I am only pieces of you, held together with paper glue,
behind the skin, my divinity, behind the skin, my only sanctuary.
You can lean on me, have a drink on me, leave your mark all over me, paint the outside ’till it smiles, you can eat off me, rest your head on me, press yourself on top of me, kick the back until its quiet.
All in all I’m just furniture, Just another piece taking you one step further from the perfect living room set,
All in all I’m just furniture, In these 4 walls that hold me, keep me safe under sound and bare within its grip.
My wooden heart it sings no more, This dress I wear becomes the floor, behind the skin, a living, breathing thing, behind the skin, a place you’ve never been.
You can lean on me, have a drink on me, leave your mark all over me, paint the outside ’till it smiles, you can eat off me, rest your head on me, press yourself on top of me, kick the back until its quiet.
All in all I’m just furniture, Just another piece taking you one step further from the perfect living room set,
All in all I’m just furniture, In these 4 walls that hold me, keep me safe under sound and bare within its grip.
I am only flesh and bones, Splintered glass and tattered clothes

Amy Studt (Amy Jane Studt) born March 22, 1986 in Bournemouth, England is a singer, songwriter and musician. She made her first music demo at 14 which resulted in a contract with Polydor. Her first single ‘Just a Little Girl’ released in 2002 was an international success. Amy’s Myspace page is amystudtofficial.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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‘Tibetan Plateau’ sung by Vitas

Spectacular! Glorious journey through the mountains and minds of Tibet. Beautifully sung by Vitas.

Vitas, Song: Tibetan Plateau (2008 Just released.), Video created by: Dieforsing (China), Song written by: Qianyi Zhang. Official website: www.vitas.com.ru. Tibetan Plateau is a folk song made popular by Li Na (李娜).

Vitas (Vitaliy Vladasovich Grachyov) born February 19, 1981 in Daugavpils, Latvia is a Russian singer, composer, actor and fashion designer. Vitas, or Витас in Russian is how he is most well known. He was the only foreign artist to sing at the Olympic starting concert July 2008.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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'Night Streaker' photo by Howard Edin September 30, 2008

‘Night Streaker’ photo by Howard Edin. Captured from the Okie-Tex Star Party, September 30, 2008

‘Night Streaker’ is my name for this beautiful… awe filled sight. A fireball streaks by Orion through the night sky. Glorious displays lighting up the skies all over the world. Thank you Beloved Creator, thank you!

The American Meteor Society says it has had 45 separate fireballs reported to them so far in 2009. There were 40 fireballs reported during the month of January in 2008. In the last 90 days there have been sightings in: California, Sweden, New Zealand, Middle East, Canada, Africa, Argentina, Vancouver B.C., Colorado, West Virginia, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, Ireland, Brazil, China… more.

January 19 - Fireball in Southern California
January 19, 2009 5:33pm PST a brilliant fireball was reported by over 24 people from California, Nevada and Arizona. It was reported to be as bright as the full moon magnitude -13.

January 17 - Fireball in Sweden

January 17, 2009 19:09 UT, a beautiful brilliant blue sky was Creator’s gift as a fireball lit the night in Scandinavia. It exploded with a rumbling boom. The photo is from a video. You can see videos, read reports and articles at TV2 ØST or SpaceWeather.com Scandinavian Fireball.

My thoughts…

Are there more fireballs? It seems like there are more sightings… but maybe we are just gazing at the sky more… aware… looking… waiting for something. When we see something we gasp in wonder, point and say, ‘oh ah… amazing, glorious!’ or ‘ah oh… doom and gloom!’ Are these sightings apocalyptic? Are they signs of the end?

I see them a signs… wonderful signs of change. More of Creator’s gifts and blessings. Messages to get our attention… they say, ‘Stop for a moment, watch… pause… breathe… Be’. When we are awe filled, in appreciation and wonder we are One… and in that moment we begin to feel and recognize our Oneness.

All of the glorious blessings Creator showers upon us daily are signs of change. Signs of the ending of old ways which no longer work. Like the snake sloughing off of old skin to be renewed or the phoenix being consumed by fire then reborn from its’ own ash. Not end as in death or cataclysm… but end of a cycle. Now we are reborn into our full glory and majesty… as we were originally intended to be.

Now is the cycle or yuga of Light… 2,000 years of Peace. Christ has come… Buddha is here… it is Us… we are That! The waiting is over… today is 2012… the time we’ve been waiting for is NOW. It is not about a timeline or calendar date… it is about raising and changing consciousness. We have fully embraced ourselves, climbed the mountain and are standing on the peak saying, ‘Who am I? Where am I? What am I?’.

Now we remake ourselves. From this moment… do all with joy. Remake yourself into what you have always dreamed. Create! This is the Grace of NOW!

Be the glorious greatness that you are my friend. Love from the depths of your being … everything… all. Rejoice!

~Bonnee

‘Light beam’ photo by Thomas O’Brien

‘Light beam’ is my name for these amazing photographs. A second sun floats just above the tree tops beaming Light to earth. It looks like a being of light floating above and behind the trees. An amazing gift and wonderful display. Images taken in Aspen, Colorado January 3, 2009 by Thomas O’Brien.

Thomas says about the images,

‘I had been seeing small sun reflections in the ground all day when riding the lifts last Sunday so i decided to hike around on the backside of the mountain to see if i could find a brighter one. it was incredibly hard to photograph, it was like i was shooting directly into 2 suns at once. getting a shot without lens flare was nearly impossible. I had seen much dimmer ones before but this one was incredible. ‘

Atmospheric Optics expert Les Cowley reports, “It is exactly like shooting into two suns at once because it is a subsun, a direct reflection of the sun by millions of ice crystals acting as mirrors. The crystals are flat plates drifting in the cold air. Subsuns can be blindingly bright, look for them while skiing or when flying.”

Photo was featured on SpaceWeather.com January 11, 2009.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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by James Schwartz

O Muse! I no longer mourn morning’s death.

The hour grows late, no reason for leaving.

The air growing thick with throat and breath.

In state of undress, foggier breathing.

Only one moon for so many poets.

Do I dare ask for more? You shut the door.

Stealing my senses and taking my coat.

Making up miles and days away we bore.

Moonlight white the night. Moonlight white the gloom.

Midnight vespers, jasmine, sodomy.

Poetry conceived as fruit in my womb.

My moonlit ghost you are a god to me.

Mists and mornings melt into our pale tomb.

The black of day glittering in your room.

‘Ice Flowers’ photo by Chyenne Morning Star

On January 16, 2009 Chyenne went outside her home in Edgemont, Arkansas and was greeted by these lovely ribbons of luminous ice. One is a heart. Everywhere… reminders of Creator’s Love. Mother and Father Creators showering blessings upon us. It is glorious. Thanks so much Chyenne for sharing this wonderful photo with us.

Chyenne says of the image,

Every now and then in the midst of Winter when the ground is of one color and the trees are bare, She, Mother Winter will gift us with little luminous beings of ice called Ice Flowers. And particularly when one is shaped as a heart, it is a message. A message from our Mother, the Earth and our Nature sisters and brothers telling us they love us. When I went out to get wood on this January 16, 2009 morning, I noticed these beautiful beings. I have never seen them before - or in our area. They are called Ice Flowers and only form in perfect conditions. It is rare to see them here. They were scattered over the yard. It is one of those gifts in the middle of Winter that really surprises us with another beautiful life form being. These Ice Flowers are sometimes called Rabbit Frost and are formed when the sap freezes and expands in the stem, causing long thin cracks to form along the stem. The water that is drawn through these cracks freezes immediately upon contact with the air. Thin layers of ice are pushed from the stems,causing the formation of ribbons or ‘petals.

The photo was featured on the home page of SpaceWeather.com on January 18. They say of the image:

Scientists have been studying the ice flower phenomenon for almost two hundred years. Botanists, physicists, geologists–all have puzzled over the fragile ribbons of ice that wrap themselves around the stems of some plants during winter. Over time, the following consensus has emerged: Liquid water from deep soil flows up into the stems. Linear cracks in the stems expose the water to freezing air. Water turns to ice, and the ice extrudes from the cracks in thin sheets.

There is also a wonderful video of ice flowers at youtube. So amazing… another wonderful display. Thank you beloved Creator, thank you.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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I cannot seem to get enough of this story. Now, the Commission of Human Rights (CHR) is urging the suspended bloggers to file a complaint before the CHR against the repression of free speech. It seems the CHR is presupposing that the repression of the freedom of speech and expression lacks due process which is a clear indication that freedom was hindered.

One more thing, the suspension of the high school bloggers from Quezon City Science High School violated Republic Act 7610 which is the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act. Let me just back track here a bit – four high school students blogged their complaints against their principal in http://www.multiply.com. The principal suspended the four students stating the complaints were acts of personal insult to her character. But parents of the suspended students went to the Department of Education, lodged a complaint and the DepEd halted the suspension pending investigation.

What I find rather confusing is whether administrators of Multiply are taking a stand on this matter. I believe in self-policing so the complainant (the person being referred to in the blog) can always report the blog as abuse. There has been so many issues regarding censorship and no clear cut stand against abusive comments posted in public weblogs other than self-policing or reporting such abuse to the site administrators for evaluation so that proper actions can be undertaken.

There is a massive reaction about the deed itself and the steps undertaken to rectify the deed. People are so quick to put labels on the issue that they forgot the simplest action of self-policing or reporting the blog as simply abusive. Then if Multiply considers the posted blog as abusive content in accordance with the rules and regulations they present to their subscribers, then the victim (the principal in this case) can take the necessary steps to discipline the students without resorting to outright suspension. I am familiar with disciplinary actions in a school setting and there are degrees of offenses (or how many times the offender has violated school rules) before a suspension can be meted.

Did these people ever bother to ask Multiply’s opinion?

‘Frozen wave’ by Tony Travouillon, Anarctica

‘Frozen wave’ is my name for this amazing photo taken by scientist Tony Travouillon in Antarctica. That little dark speck is a person… what an awesome sight. Thank you again beloved Creator for this awe inspiring sight. Many other images can be seen in a gallery on Travouillon’s website.

The weather certainly has been erratic lately. Has it seemed strange to you too?

Here is what the Weather Channel reports:

January 16, 2009 - record low temperatures were set in 13 states. Plus there’s a new record low for the state of Maine - Big Black River -50 degrees F. The old record low is -48 degrees at Van Buren, Maine, January 19, 1925. For more on this see weather.com.

January 16, 2009 - Jeff Mielcarz, Road Crew Host weather blog… “Talk about a roller coaster ride! On Thursday January 15th, the low in Bismarck, ND was minus -44 degrees, while the high in Los Angeles, CA was 85. THAT’S A 129 DEGREE DIFFERENCE over 1,600 miles by car! At 10am eastern on Friday January 16th the temperature in Pensacola, FL is the same as it is in Fairbanks, AK at 31 degrees. Here’s the key though, when you factor in the wind … it FEELS ten degrees colder in Florida this morning. …In Alaska low temperature LAST Wednesday (January 7) was -46, while their high this PAST Wednesday (January 14) was 44. That’s a 90 degree swing in one week!

January 8, 2009 - Dr. Greg Forbes, Severe Weather Expert weather blog reports “heavy rains have ended in Western Washington, but massive river flooding continues…”

January 6, 2009 - Stu Ostro, Senior Meteorologist weather blog records broken, “From white to wet - The 61.5″ total snow accumulation in Spokane in December was a record for any month, and there has been another 16.6″ during the first week of January; Seattle had ~14″ in December compared with an average of 2.5″; and 22″ fell in Portland where the average annual snowfall is 5.2″.

This is just in the USA. Weather worldwide is strange too.

My thoughts…

Weather can’t make up it’s mind… cold - warm - cold - frigid… humm is this a message? A sign? It is global warming? Or perhaps the next ice age?

Maybe it is about consciousness… what we focus on becomes our reality. Some folks believe one thing… some another. Now more then ever large groups of people are focusing their thoughts on global warming… or the other extreme massive cooling. Many people are fearful. Fear is simply an emotion… but a powerful one. Take an idea, internalize it and back it by strong emotion… and it manifests.

The Law of Manifestation states, “Suggestion is the generator behind all operations and manifestations in the material world, and these manifestations cannot happen until suggestion hits the subconscious mind and is ‘taken in’ by the subconscious mind. An act, objector event, begins with a mental impression of suggestion in the mind, impregnated by emotions until it is exteriorized; a normal function law is used in hypnotherapy, mental telepathic healing, destructive brainwashing cults and visualization.~’The Donning International Encyclopedic Psychic Dictionary’ by June G. Bletzer, Ph.D.

We are manifesting our beliefs… thoughts… desires… collectively. So a tug of war of sorts is occurring… as one group manifests global warming and another global cooling.

Imagine what our world could be like with a collective vision… peace, balance, health, happiness, equality, and prosperity for everyone… all life. Amazing Indeed!

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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‘Frozen wave’ by Tony Travouillon, Anarctica

The weather certainly has been erratic lately. Has it seemed strange to you too?

Here is what the Weather Channel reports:

January 16, 2009 - Jeff Mielcarz, Road Crew Host weather blog… "Talk about a roller coaster ride! On Thursday January 15th, the low in Bismarck, ND was minus -44 degrees, while the high in Los Angeles, CA was 85. THAT’S A 129 DEGREE DIFFERENCE over 1,600 miles by car! At 10am eastern on Friday January 16th the temperature in Pensacola, FL is the same as it is in Fairbanks, AK at 31 degrees. Here’s the key though, when you factor in the wind … it FEELS ten degrees colder in Florida this morning. …In Alaska low temperature LAST Wednesday (January 7) was -46, while their high this PAST Wednesday (January 14) was 44. That’s a 90 degree swing in one week!

January 8, 2009 - Dr. Greg Forbes, Severe Weather Expert weather blog reports "heavy rains have ended in Western Washington, but massive river flooding continues…"

January 6, 2009 - Stu Ostro, Senior Meteorologist weather blog records broken, "From white to wet - The 61.5" total snow accumulation in Spokane in December was a record for any month, and there has been another 16.6" during the first week of January; Seattle had ~14" in December compared with an average of 2.5"; and 22" fell in Portland where the average annual snowfall is 5.2".

This is just in the USA. Weather worldwide is strange too.

My thoughts…

Weather can’t make up it’s mind… cold - warm - cold - frigid… humm is this a message? A sign? It is global warming? Or perhaps the next ice age?

The Law of Manifestation states, "Suggestion is the generator behind all operations and manifestations in the material world, and these manifestations cannot happen until suggestion hits the subconscious mind and is ‘taken in’ by the subconscious mind. An act, objector event, begins with a mental impression of suggestion in the mind, impregnated by emotions until it is exteriorized; a normal function law is used in hypnotherapy, mental telepathic healing, destructive brainwashing cults and visualization.~’The Donning International Encyclopedic Psychic Dictionary’ by June G. Bletzer, Ph.D.

We are manifesting our beliefs… thoughts… desires… collectively. So a tug of war of sorts is occurring… as one group manifests global warming and another global cooling.

Imagine what our world could be like with a collective vision… peace, balance, health, happiness, equality, and prosperity for everyone… all life. Amazing Indeed!

~Bonnee

by James Schwartz

“Dear” said Mrs. Bennett to her husband one evening, “a letter arrived from Ronald today.”
“Your brother?” said Mr. Bennett from behind his newspaper, “What does he want?”
“He’s coming for a visit” said his wife nervously, “a short stay…you know how sensitive he is…he needs to get away from the city for awhile.”
“Just how long is this visit, Mary?” Mr. Bennett banged his newspaper noisily.
“Oh my” Mrs. Bennet fluttered “perhaps a week or so.”
“Get me a cocktail Mary and make yourself one too.” Mr. Bennett frowned.
“It’s rather early” Mrs. Bennett hesitated who would have said the exact same thing if someone suggested a drink at mignight.
Nevertheless she busied herself at the wet bar in the sitting room.
As she brought a drink to her husband she smiled shyly. Mr. Bennett grinned suddenly and kissed her.
“It’s not that I don’t like Ronald, I do. It’s just his visits drain you so. He is a selfish man.”
“Yes” Mrs. Bennett said softly for she was savoring the moment. Mr. Bennett’s kisses were a rarity.
Her heart flooded with joy and she kissed him back.
Sipping his cocktail, Mr. Bennett returned to his waiting newspaper.
“You had better get the guest room ready then. When is he due?”
“Tomorrow sometime” Mrs. Bennett answered serenly.
In the morning she whipped the guest room in apple pie order: clean linens for the bed,
the bureau polished, carpets swept and fresh flowers were ordered.
Ronald arrived soon after Mr. Bennett’s return from work in the evening.
“Sister” Ronald screeched, throwing out his arms.
“Oh Ronald, oh Ronnie” Mrs. Bennett cried, her eyes wet with emotion.
She embraced him, taking care not to wrinkle his dress, kissed him being careful not to
smudge his face and smoothed his wig, taking care not to upset it.
“Now, let’s see about your bags.”
“Oh those can wait” Ronald said cheerfully “how about a cocktail?”
“I suppose” Mrs. Bennett frowned “although it’s rather early.”

On January 16, 2009 MacGyver took this interesting photo of sundogs in Chicago, IL. What is that pink ball and arc near the sun? It looks 3 dimensional. Is it a camera flare? Some other mechanical anomaly? Or maybe it’s an energy orb? WOW! You can see a larger version at Weather.com.

So many wonderful gifts from Creator. Space Weather has photos of diamond dust ice halos and/or sundogs from 6 different photographers today (January 17, 2009). Plus the Weather Channel featured one on it’s home page. Baby it’s cold outside!

Chris Haws from Faribault, MN captured another Creator’s Wheel (ice halo and sundogs) January 13, 2009. He says, “It was a very cold morning, -20 degrees F, with a fine mist of ice crystals floating in the air,” he says. “The sundogs were magnificent, truly almost false suns.” Awesome!

Mark D. Marquette from Boones Creek, TN took the photo left of ‘Frozen Flora’ on January 13, 2009. He says, “A Tuesday morning fog and 21 degree temperatures caused some of the atmosphere to freeze out, as water vapor took icy form in East Tennessee. The Sun burned off the beautiful scene by 11 am–and I sure am grateful I can set my own work hours! I enjoyed capturing this rare sight in Dixie.” How beautiful! I’ve never seen frozen fog before.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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I came across this story about how four young high school students from a Philippine Science High School were suspended after they wrote their complaints at their blog in “multiply.” It seemed the principal found out and had the four suspended. But because one student’s parent went to the Department of Education, the suspension was not enforced pending investigation. Naturally, the principal had to comply because the department will have to check if the suspension order was done in due process.

The blog contained complaints about how the principal ran the school, like cutting lunch hours. When the news broke about about this story, there were numerous reactions such as how the students merely expressed themselves. On the principal’s side, she was furious because it dented her reputation.

When I read about this, I couldn’t put myself in either situation since I respect people’s freedom of expression. Blogs are means for people to express their thoughts. The Internet give way for people to have this freedom is initiated. But then again (and not wanting to sound like a broken record) such freedom entails greater responsibility. That responsibility means that we cannot step on other people’s dignity to attain that freedom.

I think the principal should assess herself in her position as the “head” of the school. It might be that she might have overlooked some channels where her people can be open to their gripes. At the same time, meting outright suspension is an usurpation of power. These students have to understand that they are free to express themselves and at the same time know the responsibility for their actions. As this gets blown into proportion, people would define it as “censorship” when it could be just a simple case presenting a complaint. There is a lesson to be learned here, too - don’t just use the Internet to hide behind your gripes and claim no responsibility when you are in trouble. Learn “responsibility” to face your problems.

‘Hanalei Mist’ photo by Patrick Smith (Nov. 2008)

Wow words cannot describe how this photo impacts me. I lived on the North Shore of Kauai, gazed at Hanalei Bay often when I walked. The colors, golden clouds, mists, light sparking on sand and crystal blue ocean take my breath away! Thank you beloved Creator for the enchantment of Kauai… I AM in awe. And thanks to Patrick for sharing this magical capture.

The picture evokes images of Puff the Magic Dragon frolicking in the mists…

“Puff the magic dragon lives by the sea and frolics in the autumn mists in a land called Hanalee.” ~From the song ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ sung by Peter, Paul and Mary

Patrick says about ‘Hanalei Mist’:

Clear skies would have been nice to walk under, but the mood would have been gone and the light would have been harsh. Hanalei Bay is a 3-mile long perfect crescent of sand surrounded by the world’s rainiest mountains. Over 500 inches of rain drench nearby Mt. Waialeale every year and about 100 inches fall on this beach. 5 of the 7 famous waterfalls can be seen here.

You can see more of Patricks beautiful images at his website patricksmithphotography.com or flickr.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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‘Regal Bow’ Double Rainbow photograph by Dan Bush

‘Regal Bow’ is my name for this sublime double rainbow which appeared February 2, 2006 in Elam Bend. Dan Bush of McFall, Missouri took this perfect shot of it. You can see more of his photos and read his photo essay of the event at missouriskies.org

Regal Bow

cloudy gray

drenching cold

mists abound

breaking cloud

light rays peek

drops burst

light struck

sparkling colors

become bows

arching sky

magic sparkles

colors sing

blessing… all

regal bow

~Inspired by the photo above.

We are being blessed with so many rainbows. Left is a double that formed after winter storms in Lexington, NC taken by Rick Kilian January 7, 2009. You can see more rainbows at weather.com. More blessings from Creator. Thank you, thank you.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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‘Regal Bow’ Double Rainbow photograph by Dan Bush

Regal Bow

cloudy gray

drenching cold

mists abound

breaking cloud

light rays peek

drops burst

light struck

sparkling colors

become bows

arching sky

magic sparkles

colors sing

blessing… all

regal bow

~Inspired by the photo above.

~Bonnee

The Coming Balkan Caliphate: The Threat of Radical Islam to Europe and the West is one of these books that every human being should read before she or he votes or before she of he enlists to fight in a foreign country. For certain, it should be taught in all US Universities in the class “How to create flexible, well organized and well financed terrorism cells worldwide and pay for the pleasure with US taxpayers’ money”.

“The Coming Balkan Caliphate” is the most comprehensive book for people to understand not only the recent past of the Balkans, but also to try to avoid future mistakes, which can tragically affect the future of all nations. Unfortunately, as always, the information about the mistakes made by Western politicians and political groups comes too late to be rectified.

Chris Deliso made a very detail research and miraculously accessed classified files from several 3-letters agencies. The result: astonishing truths not only about the Bosnian, Kosovo, and Albanian politicians and terrorists, but also about the hidden (from the American and Western taxpayer) political games of the USA and EU, which resulted in several catastrophic events for entire nations.

Smoothly narrated, lavishly illustrated with facts and figures, the book is real pleasure to read and to keep for reference.

‘Creator’s Majesty’ photo by Ryan Ridge

‘Creator’s Majesty’ is my name for this amazing image. Ryan Ridge added this photograph to flickr January 7, 2009. A rainbow from his front porch near Homer, Alaska. Wow!

Creator’s Majesty

Snow covered mountains peek through mists.

Light plays on drifting clouds.

Still waters shimmer, cold.

While dark pines guard lakes edge.

Rainbow streaks across the sky

The scene so full of wonder

Body shudders, mind expands

Tears fall on wetted cheek

Creator’s Majesty!

Words do no justice here

Simply awe…

~Inspired by the photo above.

You can read about Ryan’s life in the big woods of Alaska on his blog or see more of his amazing photos at flickr.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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‘Creator’s Majesty’ photo by Ryan Ridge

‘Creator’s Majesty’ is my name for this amazing image. Ryan Ridge added this photograph to flickr January 7, 2009. A rainbow from his front porch near Homer, Alaska. Wow!

Creator’s Majesty

Snow covered mountains peek through mists.

Light plays on drifting clouds.

Still waters shimmer, cold.

While dark pines guard lakes edge.

Rainbow streaks across the sky

The scene so full of wonder

Body shudders, mind expands

Tears fall on wetted cheek

Creator’s Majesty!

Words do no justice here

Simply awe…

~Inspired by the photo above.

You can read about Ryan’s life in the big woods of Alaska on his blog or see more of his amazing photos at flickr.com.

~Bonnee

‘Heart on Fire’ photograph by Carlos Gutierrez

‘Heart on Fire’ is my name for this unbelievable photo. One of the series taken May 2, 2008 when Chile’s Chaiten volcano awakened after 9,000 years of slumber. The ash cloud looks like a heart on fire, pierced by light and exploding with love.

The earth… everything, is getting more spectacular, more awesome and more majestic. I don’t remember ever seeing so much awe, color, depth or events which WOW. 2008 was truly a year of movement.

Heart on fire

Earth trembles

Groans, rumbles

Mountain shakes

Bursting crust

Exploding gasses

Steam and ashes

Fire… lightening

Mother stirs

She awakens

From long slumber

And remembers

Glory bright

Patterns shatter

Heart on fire

Pierced by Light

Love pours forth

From crackling Earth

Mother wakes

with great Delight

~Inspired by the awesome images on this page.

Here are two more incredible photographs taken during the eruption by Carlos Gutierrez for UPI. The photo below right is the most famous. It has appeared in National Geographic Magazine and on many webpages. It is considered one of the best photographs taken in 2008. Trying to understand the lightening, the experts say, ‘The mingling of lightning and ash as seen above may be a ‘dirty thunderstorm’. The little-understood storms may be sparked when rock fragments, ash and ice particles in the plume collide to produce static charges just as ice particles collide to create charge in regular thunderstorms.” You can read the full story at National Geographic or see more photographs at UniverSOUL Productions’ Weblog. I couldn’t find any more information about Carlos.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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‘Smiling Moon, Sparkling Light’ photograph by Peter Paul Hattinga Verschure

‘Smiling Moon, Sparkling Light’ is my name for this gorgeous photograph. The night sky looks like it is smiling, it’s cold and crisp with warming light. Another magical gift from Creator. This beautiful photo was taken January 8 in Deventer, The Netherlands by Peter Paul Hattinga Verschure. You can see more of his work at pphv.eu.

January 10 was full moon 10:27pm EST. Space Weather reported that this is the biggest moon of the year about 14% wider and 30% brighter.

Went out side at 3:30am 1-11-2009, it was cold 38° F and clear. I was greeted by a fabulous full moon with a corona around it. Photo above left is my shaky capture, the colors are wonderful, soft and sweet. It is 1-11-11 a day of Opening and Becoming.

An amazing walk…

On Friday January 9, I walked. It was magical. So much depth, color and texture. The clear blue sky was never ending, the sun warm, breeze cool and it was about 60F degrees. Perfect! The sunlight played through branches. Pine needles literally sparkled, as if laughing with joy.

Stopped to look at a tall juniper, the top covered the sun… to my amazement a rainbow ring appeared closely encircling it. When I moved and looked again it was gone. A flock of ducks flew over head talking… talking… it seemed of the glorious day unfolding. Gathered near a pond on the fairway, 100s in number, were Canadian geese eating, talking and playing. Was it tag? I watched a while. One would run up and tap another on back or side and run away. Seeming to say, “Your it!” Then they’d tag another and another… all the while honking cacophonously. Love was pouring from everything, everywhere. Tears began streaming down my face.

I walked on. Heard the cawing of ravens. Looked up, 3 were circling. No 4! But there are flashes of white on one. That’s not a raven, it’s too big. I looked closer. Oh, oh it is an eagle, a bald eagle! First one I’ve seen here in about 10 years. More tears flowed. Such a blessing and message from Creator. “Spirit moves. The time of initiation is complete. Change occurs… will be seen soon. Trust the process and know all is well.”

The eagle flew above me for about a mile, circling, drifting higher… lower… then winked out. Couldn’t spot him again. Wet cheeks, shuttering in awe I lift my arms to the sky and say a prayer of thanks to Creator for all the many blessings in my life. What a magical day.

~Bonnee

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Light Pillars moon halo Peter Paul Hattinga Verschure 1-10--09

‘Smiling Moon, Sparkling Light’ photo by Peter Paul Hattinga Verschure

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA January 10 was full moon 10:27pm EST. Space Weather reported that this is the biggest moon of the year about 14% wider and 30% brighter.

An amazing walk…

On Friday January 9, I walked. It was magical. So much depth, color and texture. The clear blue sky was never ending, the sun warm, breeze cool and it was about 60F degrees. Perfect! The sunlight played through branches. Pine needles literally sparkled, as if laughing with joy.

Stopped to look at a tall juniper, the top covered the sun… to my amazement a rainbow ring appeared closely encircling it. When I moved and looked again it was gone. A flock of ducks flew over head talking… talking… it seemed of the glorious day unfolding. Gathered near a pond on the fairway, 100s in number, were Canadian geese eating, talking and playing. Was it tag? I watched a while. One would run up and tap another on back or side and run away. Seeming to say, “Your it!” Then they’d tag another and another… all the while honking cacophonously. Love was pouring from everything, everywhere. Tears began streaming down my face.

I walked on. Heard the cawing of ravens. Looked up, 3 were circling. No 4! But there are flashes of white on one. That’s not a raven, it’s too big. I looked closer. Oh, oh it is an eagle, a bald eagle! First one I’ve seen here in about 10 years. More tears flowed. Such a blessing and message from Creator. “Spirit moves. The time of initiation is complete. Change occurs… will be seen soon. Trust the process and know all is well.”

The eagle flew above me for about a mile, circling, drifting higher… lower… then winked out. Couldn’t spot him again. Wet cheeks, shuttering in awe I lift my arms to the sky and say a prayer of thanks to Creator for all the many blessings in my life. What a magical day.

~Bonnee

by James Schwartz

NIGHT VIOLENCE

Once upon a night.

Fubar fable syrup.

February theatre.

Bed of midnight.

Exhaling.

Egg nog snow.

Blanketed breakers crash.

Seascapes. Ripped lace.

Capsize baptize sonnetize.

Rave soundscapes.

Literary clubbers.

Star cold eyes.

Impale commands.

Masculine gravel.

Thirsting.

Riding unparted, unquenched.

Javelin takes all.

Out of bounds.

Out of blue.

Lunar sanctum.

Submission.

Sweet violence.

Night violence.

REMIXED EMOTIONS

Black ink.

Black ice.

Reflection pools.

Remixed emotions.

On the rocks.

Disco nights, sleeping.

Tropical fruit.

Black ice symphonies.

Last call.

Jungle trance.

Deep freeze.

Thank you, sequins.

‘Fire and Ice’ photo by Ryan Ridge

‘Fire and Ice’ is my name for this magnificent photograph taken in Homer, Alaska. Another magical display… unbelievable beauty and majesty. Thank you beloved Creator… I remain in awe! Beautiful capture Ryan.

Fire and Ice

Cold black grays

with colorless colors

the night fades

to in between.

Bursting light

pierces clouds

and sweeping rays

brush waters bright.

Dark turns light

with fire and ice

and golden dawn

sets sky alight.

Morning comes

with glory bright

Creator’s gift

is our delight.

~Inspired by the beautiful image above.

Photo originally called ‘Morning Glory’ uploaded to flickr October 2008. You can read about Ryan’s life in the big woods of Alaska on his blog or see more of his amazing photos at flickr.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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‘Dancing Glory’ photograph by Ryan Ridge

‘Dancing Glory’ is my name for this amazing capture. On January 2, 2009 Ryan photographed a beautiful aurora near Homer, Alaska.

Dancing Glory

Dancing glory in the sky

Aurora undulates.

Alive!

It dances.

Sparkles… shimmers

With delight of being.

As it touches all.

It whispers,

‘Remember… magnificence’.

~Inspired by the photo above.

Several of Ryan’s photos of this display were featured in the January 2009 Aurora gallery at Space Weather.com. You can read about Ryan’s life in the big woods of Alaska on his blog or see more of his amazing photos at flickr.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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e-burol is a Filipino term which translates to electronic “burol.” The word “burol” is a Tagalog word which means “wake” as in a “funeral wake.” I came across this term when I heard it from the news here. I immediately confirmed it with my father’s wife who worked for that company. It was amusing actually.

e-burol works as a 24 hour online viewing facility (being offered by St. Peter Life Plan) during funeral wakes that would allow relatives or friends who cannot attend to log on to a website and watch the video streaming of the wake. Now why is it that it is so important?

In the Philippines, “wakes” last for 3 days or a week or even several weeks! It is believed that during funeral wakes, there should be someone who should not sleep. That is why there are so many people during the wakes and the mourning family makes sure that there is plenty of coffee and food and invite people to come to the place to play cards or Chinese mahjong - all these to keep the day alive in that sense. Next thing you know, it’s morning. Then those who were up the whole night get to sleep. So it’s like people work on shifts. I have been through these events since I could recall so it’s a big thing for us Filipinos. Sometimes, it’s also the time we get to see our relatives, gossip and enjoy snacks.

In the years before where funeral homes were not erected yet in commercial places around the city, most wakes were held in the family house. My grandmother’s house in the province had so many wakes held there that we get scared being alone in the living room. When I was a little girl, my grandmother told me that somebody should be up during “wakes” because if everyone is asleep, the dead in the coffin would wake up and roam around. This eventually scared me and everytime there are wakes, I was too scared to sleep.

So now that technology has made wakes more “distant” in some sense, the cost of holding wakes are being reduced due to the massive expenses in food being served to all guests every day. But what’s so amusing is the fact that technology is stepping in to a custom that has had generations following it. Most immediate relatives who are not around are usually forced to come home. But because of this technology, it’s like the sense of being with family has lost its touch. It seems so impersonal. Plus, it would make family members think of not just going home instead because they can view it online anyway.

I wonder what technology would be up to next?

‘Magic Moon’ photograph by Jonathon Stone

‘Magic Moon’ is my name for this mystical image. On the night of January 7, 2009 a rainbow appeared around the moon (lunar corona) in Auburn, Alabama. Jonathon Stone photographed it for us all to enjoy.

We continue to be given beautiful displays which awe and amaze. Reminders of the sacredness of All That Is! Thank you Beloved Creator, thank you.

Magic Moon

Spectral colors encircle Light

With sparkling sisters at upper right

A sight inspired to delight

And trigger memories of our flight

The journey back to Self and Might

By gazing on this awesome sight

This Magic Moon in dark of night

We remember our own Light!

~Inspired by the photo above.

Jonathon Stone says,

“It was pretty cool a bright lunar corona appeared as these clouds drifted in front of the Moon. I didn’t know the Moon would be so close to the Pleiades–but there they were.”

The photograph was featured on the homepage of Space Weather.com on January 8. I was unable to find more information about Jonathon Stone.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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‘Iridescent clouds’ photograph by wilco1900

Spectacular display! Iridescent, opalescent colors above the clouds. A glimpse beyond… to the new spectrum of Light. Colors unseen… displaying pearlized opals in the sky. Shimmering pink orange of love, sparkling gold-ish of Spirit. We are given many signs and wonders. Visions of our progress… we move… expand… become. Thank you beloved Creator, thank you, I remain in awe!

Signs and Wonders

Pearlescent… opalesce… exotic

Colors shimmer in the sky

We stretch… we move…

Beyond what was.

Expanded… broadened

We see what is

All around, everywhere

Creator’s signs and wonders.

~Inspired by the beautiful photos on this page.

Atmospheric Optics explains, “When parts of clouds are thin and have similar size droplets, diffraction can make them shine with colors like a corona. In fact, the colors are essentially corona fragments. The effect is called cloud iridescence or irisation, terms derived from Iris the Greek personification of the rainbow. The usually delicate colors can be in almost random patches or bands at cloud edges. They are only organized into coronal rings when the droplet size is uniform right across the cloud. The bands and colors change or come and go as the cloud evolves. They occur most often in altocumulus, cirrocumulus and especially in lenticular clouds. Iridescence is seen mostly when part of a cloud is forming because then all the droplets have a similar history and consequently have a similar size.

The lovely photo above taken August 1, 2008 in Round Rock, Texas by wilco1900 is displayed on flickr.com. I couldn’t find any more information.

Daily it seems we are given new spectacular displays. The photo left of another Creator’s Wheel (a.k.a. diamond dust sun halo) was taken January 3, 2009 by Mila Zinkova in San Francisco, CA. The photo was featured this morning 1-7-09 on the home page of SpaceWeather. Gorgeous display and photo of it.

On December 24, 2008 a beautiful rainbow sun dog appeared. Andrea Tolman of Basin, WY capture it saying, “On the morning of Christmas Eve we stepped outside from the hospital/clinic to view two very bright sundogs.”

Wow amazing! Signs and Wonders everywhere. You can see more of the recent displays at SpaceWeather.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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I was amazed by what I read in the Philippine Star two days ago. The article talked about the 40% drop in monetary offerings in masses during offertory. The article further presented the increase in church-goers in these hard times but it seems the increase in church goers does not mean an increase in monetary offerings.

The Philippine national hero, Jose Rizal, was very critical about this practice introduced by the Spaniards. Rizal made his distaste known in one of his novels against the Spanish tyranny in the 19th century. It seems that the money offered during the masses go to the Spanish friars for their food and other “expenditures.”

I myself have witnessed, while working in a Catholic school, the grandeur taste of priests for expensive things. They have credit cards of their own, go malling and have the latest gadgets. So many people bring them food in their quarters. It made me think where the vow of poverty was in this particular case?

I think what is needed here is a lot of transparency and understanding. If Catholics, for that matter, stop giving money during offertory, would the priests lambast the people into reconsidering their actions? Can they make church-goers feel guilty into submission? In a country where religion is important, the church is where people turn to in times of difficulties. So there goes the power of the Church.

by James Schwartz

I cannot rewrite Religion.

Yet I do believe.

Arcing as a fountain.

After hours sacrament to recieve.

I cannot monger War.

My creed is of peace.

After hours in his arms.

Two fountains spurt release.

I cannot turn the Tide.

Droplets dripping from my lip.

A wrestling angel after hours.

Bound by his iron grip.

I cannot deny Decadence.

Drunkenly we do feed.

Arcing as a fountain.

Spilling sacaramental seed.

I am re-posting here a blog I posted in the Diplo Internet Governance Community dated December 28, 2008. I am still on the “holiday” mode so my writing took a break, too. Since I got back from India last December, I have been sick with the flu plus the tropical depression in the Philippines is not helping with my allergies. Anyhow, this is my first post for Babel for 2009. I have ideas here in my head for more articles/blogs to write, but I will post them one at at time.

I was browsing through some Hollywood gossip (by sheer boredom while my I’m waiting for my meat to simmer - cooking, obviously) and came across this music blog in Yahoo! In the middle of the blog entry, I found this piece of interesting news with regards to music-sharing online. Let me post here the excerpt of this news:

“…the Recording Industry Association of America announced this week that it will abandon its policy of suing music fans for sharing songs protected by copyright. Since 2003, the RIAA has filed suit against roughly 35,000 people for swapping songs online–sometimes seeking up to $1 million in damages for just seven illegal downloads (or $150,000 per song) under the Digital Theft Deterrence and Copyright Damages Improvement Act of 1999. In most cases the targeted defendants did not have the means to hire a lawyer to fight the RIAA, so they had to settle out of court…..”

“…With the RIAA’s anti-piracy lawsuit campaign suspended, that doesn’t mean kids are free to illegally download willy-nilly; the RIAA will still work with Internet service providers to put the kibosh on file-sharing. But as RIAA Chairman and Chief Executive Mitch Bainwol stated this week: [The RIAA is] at a point where there’s a sense of comfort that we can replace one form of deterrent with another form of deterrent. Filing lawsuits as a strategy to deal with a big problem was not our first choice five years ago. It’s much easier to send notices than it is to file lawsuits…”

“…’I think it’s a good thing that they’ve ended this campaign of going after people,’ declared attorney Brian Toder, who once represented single mom Jammie Thomas in a landmark $222,000 copyright lawsuit filed by the RIAA. “But they need to change how people spend money on records. People like to share music. The Internet makes it so easy. They have to do something to change this business model of theirs…”

SOURCE: Parker, Lyndsey. December 22-29: Blue Christmas. Yahoo! Music Blogs [online]. 26 December 2008. Available at [http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/thatsreallyweek/32079/december-22-29-blue-christmas].

I wrote a blog about “New Business Models” in Babel and this is an innovative way of legally sharing music online. Take the case of Radiohead, Girl Talk and Nine-Inch Nails. Here is the blog I wrote last September 2008 in Babel:

[http://charity.towerofbabel.com/2008/09/08/new-business-models-as-innovation/]

I don’t know about some of you, but as opinionated as I am, the RIAA is simply losing its battle against file sharing. Instead of cracking down on people who illegally download music, they should start listening to people and come up with better strategies to accommodate people instead of going against them. There’s always a thing or two to be learned here. Times have changed and so does economies - people want what’s easy and schemes that are easy-to-get. My niece has been nagging me to get her a “Paramore” original Audio CD. That will cost me $10 and $10 is $10 to an economy whose gas prices are not going down on 30 pesos. I right away think of what is practical and come up with the suggestion of getting those songs online through file sharing or get a pirated copy in the black market/underground economy. But at the same time, I get guilt-stricken for doing something that is not right. It is a dilemma and the record industry can simply put people like me out of my misery.

Plus, let me just add here that I am not being cheap just because I refuse to shell out $10 for an original cd. I am just being practical nowadays. With $10, that’s food on the table for at least three days and it’s not a joke in this economy now.

I think this piece of information will interest those of you who love music. I myself like uploading all genre of music in my ipod and it’s a great effort for me to rip cds and upload them in iTunes. I do hope for the day that music can be shared legally without so much restraint on copyright. Cease the moment, I guess!

Happy New Year! (”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)(”,)

‘Spring Maiden’ performed by Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel

Lovely, soft and sweet. Beautiful performance of a traditional Korean folk song. Mmmm… nice!

Tingstad and Rumbel, Song: Spring Maiden performed on ocarina, English horn and guitar, Album: Leap of Faith (2008), Label: Cheshire Records, Video production: Aaron Rabin.

Spring dawns

Grass dances as breeze passes

Flowers stretch to warming sun

Mist puddles refracting rainbows

Bird sings of season come

Earthy musty fairy’s yawn

Winter’s long sleep finally done

Joyfully greeted warming sun

Life’s elated… a new spring dawns.

~Inspired by ‘Spring Maiden’

Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel are good friends who have been performing together since 1985. They have recorded 19 albums. Their album American Acoustic was recognized as Acoustic Instrumental Album of the Year in 1998. Acoustic Garden won the New Age Music GRAMMY Award in 2003. You can listen to more music, watch videos, read the latest news and purchase music at their website: tingstadrumbel.com.

~Bonnee

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‘Light Portal’ photograph by Aigar Truhin (Dec. 2008)

‘Light Portal’ is my name for this amazing photograph taken December 28. A visible portal or columned pathway of White Light in the night sky above Latvia. And between the columns at the end of the path can you see the face? Is it Christ? Or Buddha? Or God blessing our return? I am in awe… thank you beloved Creator, thank you for this amazing blessing!

Pathways of Light

Pillars of Light

arched walkways

the path is formed

beckoning, remember…

come… come, walk… fly

we await you… come.

Inspired by the amazing photo above.

The wonderful photo above was taken by Aigar Truhin in Sigulda, Latvia on Dec. 28, 2008. You can see more of his photos at flickr.com.

Aigar says of the image:

Last night air in the Sigulda was very cold and filled with small ice crystals, when we see bright Light Pillars in the sky. My son say: I know, The Aliens are coming!

Space Weather featured one of Truhin’s photos on their home page January 2 & 3, 2009. With the following explanation…

MYSTERY PILLARS: “Truhin’s pillars, however, are not the ordinary kind. Even two leading experts in atmospheric optics can’t quite figure them out: “These pillars are mysterious,” say Les Cowley and Marko Riikonen. “They have unexplained curved tops and even curved arcs coming from their base. Arcs in rare displays like these could be from column crystals to give parts of tangent arcs, others could be the enigmatic Moilanan arc or even the recently discovered reflected Parry arc. We do not know – so take more photos on cold nights!”

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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Nocturne performed by Secret Garden, music video

A lovely song and music video filled with magic, love and longing. Simply beautiful! Wonderful music, haunting song, perfect vocals. Fabulous!

Band: Secret Garden, Song: Nocturne, Album: Songs From Secret Garden (1995). Nocturne won the 1995 Eurovision Song Contest. Lyrics in Norwegian by Petter Skavlan.

Secret Garden was formed when Rolf Løvland and Fionnuala Sherry met at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin. Their mostly instrumental music is a combination of Celtic and Norwegian impressions. The vocals in ‘Nocturne’ are sung by Gunnhild Tvinnereim.

Sherry says, “The secret garden refers to a personal intimate musical idea and something natural and organic, something that comes from the heart. It’s a place within all of us where we need to go to find balance and peace of mind and listen to the inner voice of our hearts.”

God’s Lovers

Standing, ever embracing

The lovers watch as sun sets.

Seasons pass… years… millennia…

And yet, there’s only Now

For the lovers love, eternal.

~Inspired by this beautiful image

The lovely photo above of Lover’s Rock Sunset, Sedona, AZ was taken by Light. As we drove down the mountain from Flagstaff on I-17 I would always comment about the lovers watching the setting sun. One day he pulled over and took this amazing photo for me. Thanks Light!

Happy New Year, may all good things come to you!

Secret Garden - Rolf Løvland composer, producer, keyboardist was born April 19, 1955 in Kristiansand, Norway. He studied at the Music Conservatory in Kristiansand and at the Norwegian Institute of Music in Oslo. Fionnuala Sherry violinist, born in Naas, County Kildare, Republic of Ireland. She graduated with honors from Trinity College in Dublin, and the College of Music. You can read news, listen to more music and buy CDs at their website www.secretgarden.no.

Light Traveler (August 1946 - July 2003) photographer, Reiki Master/Teacher, spiritual seeker and beautiful loving Spirit. You can see more and purchase his beautiful photography at Light Traveler’s gallery.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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Dark matter.

Very cool! What you see above are galaxies colliding, creating dark matter. ZDNet has more on this amazing shot here.

‘Happy New Year’ sung by ABBA

Ringing in the New Year! May we hold thoughts of Peace, Love, Happiness and Prosperity for all in 2009 and always. We are One… one family, one society, one world… beloved Humanity. Beautiful diversity… perfect symmetry!

ABBA, Song: Happy New Year, Album: Super Trouper (1980) Label: Epic, TV performance: Stockholm, Sweden 31st December 1980 and every year at midnight in Sweden.

Sparkling rays

The sky’s alight.

With dancing colors to delight.

And sparkling rays in dark of night.

Thank you God for this awesome sight.

A gift of magic for new years bright…

~ inspired by this beautiful image. I am in awe!!!

The beautiful photo above I call, ‘Sparkling Rays’ is by Sauli Koski from Kittila, Finland. You can see more of his wonderful photos at studiotunturi-lappi.fi.

Have a delightful, safe and joyous New Year’s eve!

ABBA a Swedish band formed in 1971 and officially named in1973. ABBA is an acronym for the given names of the band members - Agnetha, Björn, Benny, Anni-Frid. The band members were Benny Andersson (born December 16, 1946 in Stockholm, Sweden), Björn Ulvaeus (born April 25, 1945 in Gothenburg, Sweden), Anni-Frid Lyngstad (born November 15, 1945 in Ballangen, Norway), Agnetha Fältskog (born April 5, 1950 in Jönköping, Sweden). From 1976 - 1981 they achieved superstardom. ABBA’s last public performance together was December 11, 1982 on the TV show The Late, Late Breakfast Show (live from Stockholm). The official website for ABBA owned by Universal is abbasite.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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Indian mustaches.

Oh, this is sad! Thankfully, Richard McCallum is documenting the hirsuite men in a new book, “Hair India - A Guide to the Bizarre Beards and Magnificent Moustaches of Hindustan“. As a fan of my own beards and mustaches that I’ve grown over the years, I can appreciate this dying art. It’s a shame some women hate ’staches!

By the by, you may want to check out the author’s blog. The facial hair here is amazing!

by James Schwartz

The poet searches for Love, Truth, Beauty.

In the garden of winter snowscapes.

These matters of the heart are new to me.

January aire, Christmas cityscapes.

Though I walk in the gardens of winter.

Heart entranced by eternal summer aire.

Though my iced path may collapse or splinter.

I walk on warm til I see your face fair.

I have found Truth in Beauty and in Love.

No winter storm could measure my passion.

The heights of love scale alpine peaks above.

Soaring dreams that no poet can ration.

The poet’s quest ends with hearth, heart and home.

His blazing being no longer alone.

‘You are Loved’ performed live by Josh Groban

Lovely song of hope. I posted this today for all of those who are struggling. The Holidays often are a stretch, this year perhaps more. Know ‘you are loved’.

Josh Groban, Song: You are Loved (Don’t Give Up), Album: Awake (2006), Label: Reprise / WEA.

Love, love… loved!

Heart… again. There it is.

Reminders everywhere. Stones, trees, lakes, forests, clouds… Everywhere… God’s gift of love.

Remember.

You are Loved beloved… deeply, fully… always!

The wonderful photo above of a naturally occurring heart in a mangrove swamp is called ‘Heart in Voh’. It was taken by Yann Athus-Bertrand as he flew over Voh, New Caledoniea. You can see more of his amazing work at yannarthusbertrand2.org.

May the New Year bring you Love, Hope, Faith and Happiness on the wings of angels.

Josh Groban singer/songwriter was born February 27, 1981 in Los Angeles, California. In 1997 and 1998 he attended Interlochen Arts Camp, majoring in musical theater and voice. He graduated in 1999 with a major in theater from Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Soon after graduation he was offered a recording contract at Warner Brothers Records. His recording debut was singing “For Always” with Lara Fabian on the soundtrack to A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (2001). Read news, listen his wonderful music, watch videos, see photos and read his blog at www.joshgroban.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

© Bonnee for Babel: The multilingual, multicultural online journal and community of arts and ideas, 2008. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
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‘You are Loved’ performed live by Josh Groban

Lovely song of hope. I posted this today for all of those who are struggling. The Holidays often are a stretch, this year perhaps more. Know ‘you are loved’.

Josh Groban, Song: You are Loved (Don’t Give Up), Album: Awake (2006), Label: Reprise / WEA.

Love, love… loved!

Heart… again. There it is.

Reminders everywhere. Stones, trees, lakes, forests, clouds… Everywhere… God’s gift of love.

Remember.

You are Loved beloved… deeply, fully… always!

May the New Year bring you Love, Hope, Faith and Happiness on the wings of angels.

~Bonnee

When I finally embraced being an-almost-40-year-old divorcee, my main concern was how I could possibly find anyone I would find interesting intellectually, sexually, and emotionally. My marriage had been such that I was shut down both emotionally and sexually–my friends couldn’t understand why I no longer even felt comfortable hugging them–I, who had been the most affectionate, the most demonstrative friend. I couldn’t face them, knowing I was keeping the truth bout my marriage from them: we rarely had any kind of physical or emotional intimacy. I ended up cutting myself off from most of my closest friends. I could not watch a movie that had kissing in it without crying, because I no longer felt such tenderness or intimacy in my own life.

How to open up again? How to find my way back from the dull, gray land in which I found myself wandering?

How to avoid dating people from work or my own community?

Aha! online dating.

So, of course I signed up for Match. com, because that is what people do, right? But, there was a small glitch–as a Bi woman, I had to sign up for two profiles–one for women, and one for men. The site wouldn’t allow me to identify as Bi and search for both.That was the first Wrong Thing.

Oh–it was depressing. Seeing how many people had viewed my profile and not responded, or getting messages from men who were looking for their "special lady" –I couldn’t bear it. I won’t go into all the various debacles that ensued, including dating a woman and finding out she was a co-worker, then dating another woman and finding out she was the very recent ex-girlfriend of the first woman. Eventually, someone I met through Match suggested I try OK Cupid instead–and I was captivated.

The site looks and feels completely different–it has a kind of visual energy missing from Match. More than that, it allows a much greater flexibility in how one constructs one’s profile, so I found myself being more open. And I quickly found a bevy of interesting men, and a few women (always the scarcer ) with whom to connect.

I still find the eerie coincidence thing happening too much (someone was the college roommate of a boy I grew up next door to, another was in the same boyscout troop as the other boy I grew up next door to, another guy I met was the former band-mate of a guy I’d had a date with that same week, etc.), but where I live, San Francisco, is essentially a a small town.

It is an adventure, this online dating, and so far it has been a good one. I have actually found both lovers and friends, and very few mean or small-hearted people.

For about a year I had been worrying that maybe I have never really been in love. As a woman 6 months shy of 40, this is saying something.

And then recently I realized that the feeling a friend was describing to me about falling in love with his partner was the same feeling I am having about my whole life: Chest filled with joy! Heart asking, “How did I get so damned lucky?”

I am having this feeling about myself, about my life, rather than about any particular person, and yet I am finding myself surrounded by love—all different kinds of it—a kind of love continuum. Friends, lovers–all wonderful people who enrich my life.

And I have also allowed myself–finally–to fall in love with other people.

I think what it means to me now is, “I feel all this love in my life, and [the person I'm saying it to] is a focus for this love.” I think what must have kept me from really feeling free to love others was a fear that they would not return the love, or that they would leave and take their love away–it has certainly happenned like that in the past.

Now, I don’t fear that their leaving would take the love away beca