The Well-Groomed Hippie

Music Monday ~ "Times They are a-Changin" (Bob Dylan)

2012-01-30T18:38:00.000-06:00

Music Monday ~ 4 and 20 (Joss Stone)

2012-01-23T13:45:00.000-06:00

Stop SOPA!

2012-01-18T08:08:00.004-06:00

(Despite changing the width in the code it still doesn't show the entire thing. I'm on my first cup of tea so this will have to do for now.)

Music Monday ~ "We Shall Overcome" (Joan Baez)

2012-01-16T13:37:00.000-06:00

Today is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day so it's only fitting that I post what I consider to be the definitive song of the Civil Rights Movement:

And here is a new song commemorating MLK and his work:

There are so many famous MLK quotes that selecting just one is a true challenge. However, I find this one to be rather timely in light of current affairs here in the United States:

“You know, Jesus reminded us in a magnificent parable one day that a man went to hell because he didn’t see the poor. And I come by here to say that America, too, is going to hell, if we don’t use her wealth. If America does not use her vast resources of wealth to end poverty, to make it possible for all of God’s children to have the basic necessities of life, she, too, will go to hell.” — Martin Luther King, Jr.

If you haven't done so recently (or ever), today is a good day to listen to MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech:

"Speak out for justice! Stand up for the poor and destitute!"

Proverbs 31:9 (MSG)

Music Monday ~ "I'm Your Captain/Closer to Home" (Grand Funk Railroad)

2012-01-09T08:10:00.000-06:00

This is the song our friend, Jay, occasionally sings with the band, Debi and the Deacons when we are hanging out at Tropical Isle.

Jay and his "I've got an idea!" expression.

Happy Monday!

"Better Days"~ Goo Goo Dolls

2011-12-28T10:44:00.000-06:00

Music Monday ~ Christmas Must Be Tonight (The Band)

2011-12-26T12:09:00.000-06:00

Unlike those who are already taking down their decorations, I believe in celebrating the Twelve Days of Christmas...at least. We never take down our tree until after our son's birthday on the 10th. I love the quieter days after the busy-ness leading up to Christmas. So here is another favorite Christmas song. Get yourself a cup of something special, sit for a few minutes and enjoy the peace. Merry Christmas!

Happy Christmas (Beatles)

2011-12-24T10:01:00.000-06:00

I had the coolest dream last night. I was hanging out with three of the four Beatles (no John)...just sitting in lawn chairs shooting the breeze. I can't remember everything but I do know it was warm and I was barefoot. When I crossed my legs my foot grazed George's foot and he sort of played a little footsie with me. I remember thinking, "Wait until I post this on Facebook!". Oh, and I also remember warning them all to check for ticks when they took their showers that night.

Happy Christmas, indeed!

"Christmastime" ~ Smashing Pumpkins

2011-12-20T08:47:00.000-06:00

How are your holiday preps coming along? I actually got most of the ornaments on the tree last night so I'm making progress.

Music Monday ~ Christmas (Blues Traveler)

2011-12-19T08:15:00.000-06:00

I've been working on a Christmas playlist on Spotify off and on the past few weeks. In addition to the old standards, I've searched out a lot of newer, quirky Christmas songs. This is one I really like:

If you have Spotify, you can see my Christmas playlist. And if you have any good suggestions for me to add to it, leave me a comment. Merry Christmas!

We are one people

2011-12-16T12:13:00.000-06:00

Happy Christmas (War is Over)

2011-12-15T23:35:00.000-06:00

Today marks the end of the war in Iraq. Nearly nine years, 4,500 American lives and over 100,000 Iraqi lives lost. There should have been dancing in the streets. It should have been plastered all over Facebook. But somehow today just seemed to be another day for most people. Hmm...

Music Monday~"He's Got You on his Mind" (The Subdudes)

2011-12-05T20:26:00.000-06:00

A little New Orleans music.

Now we are on our way out for some dinner and a little live New Orleans music on Frenchman Street!

Music Monday ~ The Rebel Jesus (Jackson Browne)

2011-11-28T11:32:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving is past; bring on Christmas! Here is one of my favorite, albeit non-traditional, Christmas songs. Listen closely to the words:

We guard our world with locks and guns

And we guard our fine possessions
And once a year when Christmas comes
We give to our relations
And perhaps we give a little to the poor
If the generosity should seize us
But if any one of us should interfere
In the business of why they are poor
They get the same as the rebel Jesus

"Climategate"...round 2

2011-11-27T22:35:00.000-06:00

They are at it again and the deniers are rubbing their hands in glee. But just as before, they do not understand that they are being sold a bill of goods by folks with a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. Here is an excellent explanation:

Black Friday

2011-11-25T10:39:00.000-06:00

Listening to Steely Dan - that's my sort of Black Friday:

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T14:10:00.002-06:00

The way it ought to be...

2011-11-22T09:15:00.000-06:00

Christians forming a ring of protection around praying Muslims in Tahrir Square:

Egyptian Muslims act as "human shields" for Coptic Christmas mass:

Perhaps the Egyptians have something to teach us.

Music Monday ~ "Alice's Restaurant" by Arlo Guthrie

2011-11-21T08:12:00.000-06:00

A little Thanksgiving tradition:

OWS Round-up

2011-11-19T16:55:00.000-06:00

There are so many excellent articles and videos about OWS currently circulating that I thought I'd do a post linking to some of the best. I've included a small blurb below each link. In no particular order:

"Cookie Monster" Offers the Best Explanation Yet for Occupy Wall Street:

It not about rich people having more money. It about how they got money. It about how they take opportunity away from rest of us, for sake of having more money. It how they willing to take risks that destroy economy -- knowing full well what could and would happen -- putting millions out of work, while creating nothing of value, and all the while crowing that they John Galt, creating wealth for everyone.

Why Occupy Wall Street has already won:

If the movement stopped tomorrow, shut down and went home, we've still won. We've got kids who never voted interested in the political process. We've woken up apathetic people who are starting to realize the system is broken and perhaps even some politicians have awoken to the fact that we're on to them.

What are those OWS people so angry about?:

Anyone who expressed difficulty seeing or understanding what motivates these protests revealed many things about themselves. None is flattering. The only thing that’s surprising is that these protests didn’t happen sooner and that they’re not more widespread and intense.

Occupy Veterans Movement Growing Across U.S.:

Last week, the world watched as bleeding, dazed 24-year-old Marine Scott Olsen was carried away by fellow protesters after he was struck in the head by an object apparently fired by an Oakland police officer. And before that, Marine Sgt. Shamar Thomas was captured on video confronting a group of New York police officers he said had been too rough with protesters.

Seven Awful Things Ann Coulter Just Said About Occupy Wall Street:

6. "Remember the lesson from my book: It just took a few shootings at Kent State to shutthat down for good."

Even in Churches, Wall Street Protesters Can't Escape Watch of Police:

“It is disconcerting that they would actually enter the sanctuary,” said the Rev. James Karpen, known as Reverend K, senior pastor of the United Methodist Church of St. Paul and St. Andrew, on West 86th Street. “Here we had offered hospitality and safety, which is our business as a church; it just felt invasive.”

Lobbying firm's memo spells out plan to undermine Occupy Wall Street:

CLGC’s memo proposes that the ABA (American Bankers Association) pay CLGC $850,000 to conduct “opposition research” on Occupy Wall Street in order to construct “negative narratives” about the protests and allied politicians.

Caught on Camera: 10 Shockingly Violent Police Assaults on Occupy Protesters:

Occupations across the country have born the brunt of some violent police tactics, and in a world where everyone has a camera-phone, a lot of their brutish behavior has been caught in photographs and on video.

An Open Letter From the Heart of OWS: "We ARE the Message":

We who Occupy don’t have a “clear message,” because we are the clear message. We’re the canary in the coal mine. We’re the first responders to the American economy blowing up, to the tragic break in the system. The only difference between us and those who haven’t physically joined us is that we live upstream, nearer to where the dam broke.

Open Letter to Chancellor Linda P.B. Katehi:

Police used batons to try to push the students apart. Those they could separate, they arrested, kneeling on their bodies and pushing their heads into the ground. Those they could not separate, they pepper-sprayed directly in the face, holding these students as they did so. When students covered their eyes with their clothing, police forced open their mouths and pepper-sprayed down their throats. Several of these students were hospitalized. Others are seriously injured. One of them, forty-five minutes after being pepper-sprayed down his throat, was still coughing up blood.

I happen to know the brilliant young woman who wrote this one:
Whose Street, Exactly?: Occupy in the Context of Complete Streets:

Chances are you heard about Occupy protestors in Oakland and Washington, D.C. being struck by cars two weeks ago—a Mercedes and a Lexus, respectively. But did you hear about the Hummer in Oakland? Or, breaking with the tableau of luxury automobiles used to aggressively threaten protesters, the Toyota truck that drove through a general assembly at the port?

A bit of awesomeness:
Occupy protesters return to UC Berkeley (video)

Followed by one of the most sickening things I've seen in the movement thus far:

I believe we are on the cusp of revolution in America. It remains to be seen how it will all pan out.

And finally, in the words of Captain America:

“Doesn’t matter what the press says. Doesn’t matter what the politicians or the mobs say. Doesn’t matter if the whole country decides that something wrong is something right. This nation was founded on one principle above all else: the requirement that we stand up for what we believe, no matter the odds or the consequences. When the mob and the press and the whole world tell you to move, your job is to plant yourself like a tree beside the river of truth, and the tell the whole world—’no, you move’.”

Music Monday ~ Codex (Radiohead)

2011-11-14T22:19:00.000-06:00

When I was making my list of 50 things I want to do before I turn 50, I wanted to put "attend Radiohead concert" on there but I just wasn't sure they would be playing anywhere close in the coming year. I opted for "attend at least one concert". I could have gone ahead and listed my real desire because... guess what? David bought us tickets to see them in Kansas City in March! I'm so, so excited.

11-11-11

2011-11-11T10:10:00.000-06:00

"The more we sweat in peace the less we bleed in war." -Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit

Herman Cain

2011-11-08T20:12:00.000-06:00

I've been trying to figure something out. I understand that people have widely disparate political views and therefore will support different candidates. Even when I think someone's policies are crazy (can you say "9-9-9"?) I realize others may see things differently. However, what I cannot wrap my head around is how people who claim that the morality of a political candidate is of utmost importance can support Herman Cain. Apparently I'm not the only one. A friend of mine posted the following on Facebook earlier today and he gave me permission to share it.

By Jim Robbins:

Despite the fact that new allegations of sexual harassment (and in at least one instance, sexual battery) against Herman Cain are being levied almost daily, and despite his ever changing "memories" of the situation, Herman Cain retains the same level of support among Republican primary voters. How is this possible? Well, consider a list of other factors that has not deterred them:

1. He didn't know that China has been a nuclear power for 47 years.
2. He has revealed his foreign policy and geopolitical ignorance over "U-beki-beki-beki-beki-stan-stan".
3. His campaign has raised almost no money, and has thus far been financed by Koch brothers offshoots. Probably illegally.
4. He has described himself as the "brother from another mother" of the Koch brothers. (I guess pizza and Koch go together.)
5. He expressed his intention to build a 20 foot high wall the entire length of the U.S./ Mexico border which would electrocute and "kill people".
6. He touts a tax plan that would benefit only the wealthiest Americans, reduce revenue, does not add up, and appears to have been taken from the SIM CITY video game.
7. He has tried to be both pro-life and pro-choice IN THE SAME SENTENCE.
8. At a debate in September, he quoted "a poet" which turned out to be a verse from the Pokemon theme song.

Is there any reason for any sane voter to think this man is capable or ready to be President? Is the feeling of victimization among the wingnuts that strong?

Cain is being defended from some ironic quarters, including those trying to play the race card. Such "civil rights advocates" as Ann Coulter (who notably said "our blacks are better than their blacks") and Rush Limbaugh (who once told a black caller to "take the bone out of your nose and call me back" and got fired from ESPN because of his inability to keep race out of his criticism of Donovan McNabb). And then there's Newt Gingrich, who defends Cain while conveniently forgetting his engineering of the impeachment of Bill Clinton in re: the Monica Lewinsky scandal even while he was chasing tail all over Capitol Hill and having an affair with a staffer. Newt and Herman even talked about running together on the same ticket in 2012 during their "debate" in Houston last Saturday evening. Wouldn't you just LOVE to be a woman is THAT White House?

Well said, Jim. Well said.

*Links added by me

Music Monday ~ Steal My Heart Away (Van Morrison)

2011-11-07T09:16:00.001-06:00

Love, love, love Van Morrison! And this is one of my favorites. Enjoy:

A comparison

2011-11-02T08:32:00.000-05:00

Music Monday ~ Time Warp (Rocky Horror Picture Show)

2011-10-31T11:11:00.001-05:00

In honor of Halloween:

It's been on my bucket list for quite awhile but I still haven't managed to attend a showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. But one of these days...

And if you're looking for something a little different, how about a 24 hour song shipped in a real skull? It's only $5000. Those Flaming Lips dudes are pretty awesome. Weird, but awesome.

One more thing...if you have Spotify (and if you don't, why the heck not??), check out my Halloween playlist. If you have more suggestions for it, please let me know. It's a work-in-progress. (The link is on my left side-bar.)

Yeah, what he said.

2011-10-30T12:00:00.000-05:00

Dear Tea Party, we are not your enemy

by Mark Sumner

"You want to really take this country back for the common person? You may not have noticed, but we've been shouting the same thing. So help us. Work with us. Let's stop fighting for the amusement of the people robbing us, and figure out how to bar the door."

Read the rest of this excellent post here.

Occupy your town

2011-10-28T18:22:00.000-05:00

This afternoon my daughter and I attended a local Occupy event in our town. It was set up and hosted by students at our local university. We were few in number but mighty in spirit.

I had a doctor's appointment and could only stay about 20 minutes but Lisa stayed the rest of the time. Unfortunately I missed the part where a couple of guys showed up with guitars and played Beatles tunes.

There were a few snarky comments, like the guy who told a college professor protesting with us that if she didn't think wages were high enough she should get a second job. He then turned into the credit union across the street, missing the edge of the driveway and running up over the curb. We did have a bit of a chuckle over that one. But for the most part, we were met with smiles, waves, thumbs up, and peace signs.

I don't yet know if there will be more demonstrations here. I hope so. Surprisingly, there are still many people who don't know what Occupy Wall Street is all about. I'm trying to do my part to educate folks and I will have more information to share in the days (and weeks?) to come. But right now? I have to dress up like a wench and go to what is certain to be the best Halloween party in town.

Tea Party vs. Occupy Wall Street

2011-10-25T20:34:00.000-05:00

Dear Tea Party folks,

If you don't want us to judge your movement based upon some (many?) racists in your midst, then don't judge ours by this guy.

Sincerely,
An Occupy Wall Street supporter

Music Monday ~ Come Together (Soundgarden)

2011-10-24T14:57:00.000-05:00

Generally speaking I think Beatles covers are ill-advised. This, however, has merit. I'm posting it because David, Chris and I are going to a Soundgarden concert this week. Yeah, we rock!

Global warming skeptics get BURRRNED!

2011-10-22T11:12:00.000-05:00

You know how the global warming skeptics say that the data is distorted? That thousands of climate scientists are "just too (expletive) stupid or careless or dishonest — or involved in some shadowy cabal — to realize or admit a bunch of their thermometers are located too close to urban heat sources and are thus getting erroneously high readings (It goes without saying that the converse possibility, that some detectors are affected by cooling, is never mentioned)."?

The Berkeley Earth Project was formed to resolve that criticism by the use of independent data collected from over 39,000 unique stations, more than 5 times the 7,280 used by the Global Historical Climatology Network data set which served as the focus of many climate studies. They aim to be independent, replicable and inclusive.

Well, guess what?

After collecting and crunching the data, the study got results statistically identical with those produced at NOAA, NASA, CRU, and a bunch of other organizations, as shown in the graph at the top of this post. The beautiful part is the study was largely funded by the kind of money — including Koch money — usually intended to buy much more friendly results.

Now obviously, this won't stop the deniers. They'll just shift all their focus to claims that even IF the earth is warming, humans have nothing to do with it. Or that it's too expensive (read: Might lessen corporate profits) to address. Or my personal favorite, that Jesus is coming back soon so why worry? But now they have one less weapon in their arsenal of denial.

Bring 'em home!

2011-10-21T12:48:00.000-05:00

I had planned to do a post about the Occupy Wall Street movement today but when I received a "Breaking News" report on my phone that our troops would be leaving Iraq by the end of this year, I knew that post would have to wait.

It's been way too long but the end is in sight.

I've been listening to protest songs the past few days but today this one has me crying tears of joy.

*If you'd like to see my (growing) playlist of protest/peace songs, click on the Spotify link in my left sidebar. I've named the playlist "Protest songs". Yeah, pretty original, huh?

Music Monday ~ Life is a Song (Patrick Park)

2011-10-17T10:41:00.000-05:00

I love these lyrics. You can read them all here but this is my favorite part:

Oh, tell me what good is saying that you're free
In a dark and storming sea
You're chained to your history, you're surely sinking fast
You say that you know that the good Lord's in control
He's going to bless and keep your tired and oh, so restless soul
But at the end of the day when every price has been paid
You're going to rise and sit beside him on some old seat of gold
And won't you tell me why you live like you're afraid to die
You'll die like you're afraid to go.

Chorus:
Oh, it's time to let go of everything we used to know
Ideas that strengthen who we've been
It's time to cut ties that won't ever free our minds
From chains and shackles that they're in
From the chains and shackles that they're in.

Summer mourning

2011-10-13T10:37:00.000-05:00

When the last rose of summer pricks my finger,

And the hot sun chills me to the bone,

When I can't hear the song for the singer,

And I can't tell my pillow from a stone,

I will walk alone by the black, muddy river,

And sing me a song of my own.

Yes, I'm one of the few who is sorry to see summer go. If only there were a black muddy river nearby...

Occupy New Orleans!

2011-10-12T11:52:00.000-05:00

Hopefully by now you are aware of the Occupy Wall Street protest and the fact that the movement has spread to cities all over the country. There was initially a media blackout but it is finally being acknowledged and reported on.

When my friend, Roz, and I were in New Orleans last week, we heard there was an Occupy New Orleans planning meeting taking place. Of course we had to check it out. It was well underway when we arrived and we didn't stay long (had other plans) but I did snap a couple of photos:

I've heard the protesters referred to as a "mob". Does that group look like a mob to you? As I mentioned to my friend, I fully expected a chorus of Kumbaya to break out at some point.

This is one of my favorite signs of the movement. I truly believe that one of the biggest mistakes we've made in a long time is to grant corporations the same status as people.

It will be interesting to see how this movement progresses. I just hope it remains a grass-roots movement of the people.

Music Monday~Champagne & Reefer (Big Al Carson)

2011-10-10T09:08:00.000-05:00

I spent last week in New Orleans with my friend, Roz, and we had a blast! We both love listening to live music and we got to do a lot of that. One of our favorites was Big Al Carson, blues singer extraordinaire, who performs at The Funky Pirate:

Look him up on YouTube and enjoy other favorites such as Because I Got High, Stormy Monday, and the one he closes with, Time to Take Your Drunkin' Ass Home.

Imagine if we'd listened

2011-10-09T11:38:00.001-05:00

Happy birthday, John. You are greatly missed.

Foolish Consistency

2011-10-08T22:22:00.001-05:00

I have no idea why certain things really stick with you but I will never forget a quote that my junior high school gifted class teacher shared with us oh, so many years ago:

"A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds,

adored by little statesmen and philosophers and divines."

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

I can't really wrap my head around the idea that anyone believes they have everything figured out, has always had it figured out, and has no plans for change or growth in the future. But then, some are afraid of change and of admitting they might have been wrong in the past.

"Uncertainty is an uncomfortable position.

But certainty is an absurd one."

~Voltaire~

Personally, I like to keep an open-mind. The older I get, the more I realize that I don't have it all figured out and I'm okay with that. My views on many subjects have changed over the years as my life experience has broadened and I surely hope there are more changes to come.

"The man who never alters his opinion is like standing water,

and breeds reptiles of the mind."

~William Blake~

"If you never change your mind, why have one?"
~Edward de Bono~

Music Monday ~ Pearl of the Quarter (Steely Dan)

2011-10-03T10:00:00.001-05:00

Steely Dan and New Orleans? Nice.

Music Monday ~ One Word - Peace (by The Subdudes)

2011-09-26T09:17:00.000-05:00

I love that, don't you? And here's a fun little thing. We've met Jimmy Messa of The Subdudes. In fact, I took a picture of him, or at least his hair:

Left to right: Jimmy Messa, David, Bryan Ory (of Debi and the Deacons) and Jay (one of our NOLA friends)

We are called

2011-09-25T20:56:00.000-05:00

This morning in church one of the hymns we sang really caught my attention and I thought I'd share the lyrics of the first verse with you.

Today We All Are Called to Be Disciples

Today we are all called to be Disciples of the Lord,
To help to set the captive free,
Make plowshare out of sword,
To feed the hungry, quench their thirst,
Make love and peace our fast,
To serve the poor and homeless first,
Our ease and comfort last.

All too often, this isn't what the world sees when they look at those of us who call ourselves Christians. A lot of disparaging things are being said these days about "social justice Christians" by some of our fellow Christians of a more conservative persuasion. Yet I cannot see how a close reading of Christ's words would yield anything else.

Something to think about...

2011-09-22T12:11:00.000-05:00

Music Monday ~A Pirate Looks At Forty (Jimmy Buffett)

2011-09-19T11:02:00.001-05:00

In honor of "Talk Like a Pirate Day":

Ten years ago...

2011-09-11T10:00:00.001-05:00

There were 2,977 victims of the 9/11 attacks.

At least 132,000 civilians have died in Afghanistan and Iraq in the past 10 years of war.

Have we extracted enough revenge yet?

Music in New Orleans

2011-09-10T01:11:00.000-05:00

Tropical Isle - You should be here.

Back to the Start

2011-09-07T08:58:00.001-05:00

I hope this is the beginning of widespread change:

Music Monday ~ Ohio (CSNY)

2011-09-05T14:51:00.000-05:00

Music Monday ~ Hallelujah (Aaron Oliver)

2011-08-29T22:48:00.000-05:00

This is our good friend, Aaron, performing one of my favorites at a local bar. I'll let you know when his record is available but in the meantime you can hear some of music on YouTube. Be sure to check out his original song, Rain.

Music Monday ~ Someone Like You (Adele)

2011-08-22T10:11:00.000-05:00

Love, love, love this!

Woodstock: A Retrospective

2011-08-16T21:41:00.000-05:00

Forty-two years ago this week, Woodstock, a defining moment in our history, took place in Bethel, New York.

Music Monday ~ Namo Amituofo

2011-08-15T09:28:00.000-05:00

I've been searching out some music to use during meditation and yoga. I tend to be wound a little too tightly at times and am hopeful that I can learn to dial that down a notch or two. I have a Facebook friend who often mentions some of the peaceful/meditation/zen music she is listening to so I asked her for some recommendations. She gave me several good suggestions. Her adorable little granddaughter happened to be there and asked what she was doing. My friend explained and this little sweetheart said she *had* to tell me about her favorite song. Apparently this little three year old will listen to this one over and over:

I understand why. I couldn't find the song on Spotify, where I am making my meditation playlist, and mentioned that to my friend. Her little granddaughter said that she would make one for me and have a fairy send it to me. Thanks Mei-Ling!

Don't mind me...

2011-08-09T01:01:00.000-05:00

Let's see if this works...

Music Monday ~ Soundgarden

2011-08-08T15:53:00.004-05:00

David has been wanting to see Soundgarden for a long time. They are playing at Voodoo Fest in New Orleans this year but we waited too long to decide whether or not to take our fall trip at that time and now our condo is full for that week. I knew he was disappointed so when I got an email from a ticket place I subscribe to saying that Soundgarden would be playing at Grand Prairie October 26th, I posted it on his Facebook page. We now have tickets and he's a happy camper.

Soundgarden – Black Hole Sun

Hmm...apparently Blogger is having issues with YouTube embedded codes at the moment. I'll try again later.
Update: Since I can't get the YouTube video to embed right now, I've put the Spotify link for the song for now. If you don't have Spotify, you really should check it out. LOVE IT!

I'm a Progressive Christian

2011-08-02T22:37:00.001-05:00

Music Monday ~ Jerry Garcia

2011-08-01T21:37:00.001-05:00

Today would have been Jerry Garcia's 69th birthday. Oh, how I wish I could have seen The Grateful Dead in concert.

Happy birthday, Jerry!

Music Monday ~ Tangled Up in Blue

2011-07-25T09:32:00.001-05:00

Guess who we saw in concert Saturday night? Yep, Bob Dylan himself. Loved it!

Climate Change and Proud Ignorance

2011-07-21T23:49:00.000-05:00

Music Monday ~ Sunshine

2011-07-18T09:03:00.000-05:00

My Sweet Lord~ George Harrison

2011-07-17T08:53:00.000-05:00

Bastille Day

2011-07-14T16:41:00.002-05:00

Music Monday ~ Walking on the Sun

2011-07-11T12:25:00.002-05:00

Considering how many days we've had of 100+ temperatures, I thought this was appropriate.

Saturday

2011-07-09T11:40:00.000-05:00

A little perspective...

2011-07-07T09:24:00.000-05:00

The next time I see someone on Facebook write one of those "FML" status updates about something trivial, I'll be thinking of this:

Music Monday ~ Oh, Freedom

2011-07-04T13:03:00.000-05:00

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

I look forward to the day when everyone is treated with respect and is allowed to live in freedom.

Music Monday ~ The Power of Reggae

2011-06-27T12:42:00.000-05:00

This baby knows where it's at:

Buffalo Soldier:

God is not a white man

2011-06-22T12:04:00.003-05:00

Gross National Happiness

2011-06-16T11:52:00.000-05:00

Have you watched the video about the country of Bhutan and the concept of "Gross National Happiness"? It's very interesting. Unfortunately they've disabled the embedding feature but you can view it here. It's 16 minutes long but well worth the time.

And here is the concept of GNH explained in three minutes:

What do you think?

It's Gettin' REAL in the Whole Foods Parking Lot

2011-06-14T17:42:00.000-05:00

This absolutely cracked me up. Enjoy!

Music Monday ~ Sun is Shining - Bob Marley

2011-06-13T08:58:00.000-05:00

Sun is shining, the weather is sweet.

Makes you want to move your dancing feet.

Do you call yourself a Christian?

2011-06-11T21:38:00.000-05:00

My friend, Cherie shared this on her blog and as I watched all I could think was that this avowed atheist has a better understanding of Christianity than a lot of Christians I know.

*Language warning:

I hope you'll watch the video but here are some highlights:

"Jesus lays on that hippie stuff pretty thick. He has lines like, "Do not repay evil with evil." and "Do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you." Really, it's in that book you hold up when you scream at gay people."

"Nonviolence was kind of Jesus' trademark...to not follow that part of it is like joining Greenpeace and hating whales."

"There's interpreting and then there's just ignoring."

"If you ignore every single thing Jesus commanded you to do you're not a Christian. You're just auditing. You're not Christ's followers; you're just fans."

"And if you believe the earth was given to you to kick ass on while gloating, you're not really a Christian. You're a Texan." (*I'd have to add, "or an Oklahoman".)

The Sarah Palin History Network

2011-06-09T10:07:00.000-05:00

Music Monday ~ Sailing by Rod Stewart

2011-06-06T22:57:00.000-05:00

Quote of the day

2011-06-03T09:10:00.000-05:00

"We may be surprised at the people we find in heaven.

God has a soft spot for sinners. His standards are quite low."

~Desmond Tutu~

Happy birthday, Bob Dylan!

2011-05-24T10:30:00.000-05:00

I consider this to be my theme song. Happy birthday, Bob. Your music has made our a world a better place.

Music Monday ~ Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)

2011-05-23T10:46:00.000-05:00

It's the end of the world as we know it

2011-05-21T08:33:00.003-05:00

Music Monday ~ A Little Help From My Friends by Joe Cocker

2011-05-16T10:45:00.000-05:00

Music Monday ~ Earth Soldier by Pink Floyd

2011-05-02T22:22:00.002-05:00

I had originally planned to write a post about Osama Bin Laden but quite frankly, after reading much of what's been written about it on Facebook the past 24 hours, I just don't have it in me to say anymore about the subject. Instead, I'd like to share this video:

“The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
~Martin Luther King, Jr.

Born in the U.S.A.!

2011-05-01T21:06:00.000-05:00

Our president never should have had to do this:

I'm convinced that if he'd been a white guy named Bob Smith his birth place would never have been in question. Just a few facts, folks:

1. The birth certificate that Obama produced in June of 2008 is precisely the sort that anyone born in Hawaii would be given if they requested a copy. It is considered sufficient to prove citizenship "for all reasonable purposes."
2. No, it is not a fake or forgery.
3. For whatever reason, President Obama obtained a waiver in order to obtain his so-called "long form" birth certificate.
4. This should put the issue to rest.
5. It won't for the crazy, racist, ignorant born-again birther crowd.

Here is Jon Stewart's take on the issue:

Here is President Obama himself taking Trump, King of the Birthers to task:

And here, my friends, is a hilarious example of someone pulling one over on "The Donald".

Music Monday - Stir It Up

2011-04-11T22:13:00.000-05:00

And so it begins...

2011-04-05T10:42:00.000-05:00

Am I satisfied with everything President Obama has done so far? Of course not. I don't personally know any liberals/progressives who are. For one thing, I think he has given in to the Republicans way too much.

For instance:

I'm pleased that the health care bill was passed but I'm disappointed that there was no public option (and single-payer would have been even better).
I'm hugely disappointed that the Bush tax cuts for the wealthy were extended.
Guantanamo is still open.
While we are wrapping things up in Iraq, that's not the case in Afghanistan. And now we are involved in Libya. Sigh...

However, President Obama has a pretty impressive list of accomplishments for his first couple of years in office:

The passing of universal health care. While not exactly what I'd like to ultimately see, it was a HUGE step in the right direction and a very impressive accomplishment.
Financial industry reform. Like health care, it could be better but it's a start.
Passed legislation to curb greenhouse gases and improve the environment.
Nuclear (thank GOD he knows how to pronounce that word!) non-proliferation agreement.
The repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell.
Improved our image abroad.

It's a good start but there is so much more work to be done. I intend to keep sharing information, voicing my opinions, signing petitions, writing and calling my representatives and attending rallies. I suppose one of the first things I should do is change my voter registration. If it were a reasonable option in Oklahoma, I would register Independent. But that choice would mean I could not vote in any primaries and I'm not willing to do that. Guess my days as a registered Republican will soon end.

Music Monday - Martin Luther King, Jr.

2011-04-04T15:34:00.000-05:00

On this date, 43 years ago, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis. He had gone there to support sanitation workers who were demanding their right to collectively bargain. Now those hard-won rights are being threatened by a well-orchestrated, right-wing effort in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana and dozens of other states. For more information and to join the fight against these short-sighted efforts, check out "We Are One".

Friday I'm in Love

2011-04-01T13:22:00.000-05:00

Quote

2011-03-30T20:23:00.000-05:00

"Each second we live is a new and unique moment of the universe, a moment that will never be again. And what do we teach our children? We teach them that two and two make four, and that Paris is the capital of France. When will we also teach them what they are? We should say to each of them: Do you know what you are? You are a marvel. You are unique. In all the years that have passed, there has never been another child like you. Your legs, your arms, your clever fingers, the way you move. You may become a Shakespeare, a Michelangelo, a Beethoven. You have the capacity for anything. Yes, you are a marvel. And when you grow up, can you then harm another who is, like you, a marvel? You must work, we must all work, to make the world worthy of its children."

~ Pablo Picasso

Music Monday - Name

2011-03-28T10:40:00.000-05:00

I think I'll listen to some Goo Goo Dolls while I clean house this morning.

Earth Hour tonight!

2011-03-26T16:56:00.000-05:00

Looks like we will be staying home tonight after all so at 8:30 p.m. we will turn off all the lights and light some candles. It's been a long and busy week with very little time for David and I to really connect. I'm looking forward to this time together. Perhaps we'll open a bottle of wine, too.

It amuses me to no end when I hear the anti-environment crowd claim that Earth Hour "demonizes electricity". Or spout nonsense like this:

"Earth Hour celebrates ignorance, poverty and backwardness. By repudiating the greatest engine of liberation it becomes an hour devoted to anti-humanism. It encourages the sanctimonious gesture of turning off trivial appliances for a trivial amount of time, in deference to some ill-defined abstraction called “the Earth,” all the while hypocritically retaining the real benefits of continuous, reliable electricity."

Um, I think some people are missing the point. No one is celebrating "ignorance, poverty and backwardness". Earth Hour serves to raise awareness about the consequences of climate change and to encourage people to support initiatives which can help ameliorate its effects. They aren't suggesting that merely turning off one's electricity for an hour is going to have any significant impact on the environment. It's merely a means of encouraging people to consider their personal responsibility. The Earth Hour site says:

"This Earth Hour we want you to go beyond the hour, so after the lights go back on think about what else you can do to make a difference. Together our actions add up."

That is true. If everyone on the planet made even a few small changes, imagine what an impact that would have. You don't have to disconnect from the grid; merely being careful to turn off the light when you leave a room, unplugging energy-sucking appliances between uses, and other simple actions done consistently will make a difference. And even if you don't care about the environment (in which case, why are you reading this blog?), changes like these will save you money. It's a win-win situation. Or as Charlie Sheen would say, "Winning!".

So I encourage all my readers to not only participate in Earth Hour but to seriously consider other eco-friendly acts. You don't have to make a lot of huge changes all at once. Pick one or two things and practice them consistently until they become a habit. Then work on a couple more. In no time at all you will find yourself living "clean and green". Your pocketbook will love you and so will our planet. And if you still need encouragement to participate in Earth Hour tonight, perhaps this will help.

Earth Hour is coming up!

2011-03-22T13:17:00.000-05:00

We have been planning to go out this Saturday night - need to see some friends!- so we will turn off all of our lights and unplug everything we can before we go. And if the weather is nice enough, we will sit out on the patio at our favorite restaurant where there is no heat or air conditioning and minimal lighting.

I think I should start working on getting our little town to observe Earth Hour next year...

Music Monday - True to Myself

2011-03-21T14:58:00.000-05:00

"Got to be true to myself." I'm working on it, Ziggy. I'm working on it!

Someone gets me...

2011-03-15T21:59:00.001-05:00

You can read all about what prompted this on my other blog, Tea With Dee.

30 Day Dance Challenge - Day 11

2011-03-11T14:39:00.000-06:00

You can dance anywhere, even if only in your heart.

~Author Unknown

30 Day Dance Challenge - Day 10

2011-03-10T21:32:00.001-06:00

30 Day Dance Challenge - Day 9

2011-03-09T09:41:00.000-06:00

All caught up now...

30 Day Dance Challenge - Day 8

2011-03-09T09:39:00.000-06:00

This should have been for yesterday but the links for days 8 and 9 were both just emailed to me. But that's okay. We can dance twice today!

International Women's Day

2011-03-08T22:28:00.000-06:00

Today is the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day. Throughout the day I've seen various articles and comments about this event on Facebook and other places on the Internet. One that I found interesting is on Treehugger. The headline is "Women have been at the heart of environmentalism for 50 years". I hadn't really thought about that but it's true. Rachel Carson, Jane Goodall, and Vandana Shiva are just three of many women who have helped advance the cause for many years.

When you think about it, it makes sense that women would be among those in the forefront of the environmental movement. Women have enjoyed a long history of interacting closely with their environment as they tended kitchen gardens or raised a flock of chickens in the backyard. In our society especially, women are socialized in such a way as to encourage traits such as attachment, empathy and care which easily translate into caring for the environment.

If you want to read something interesting, take a look at this article detailing how global warming disproportionately affects women, despite that fact women have a smaller carbon footprint because more women live in poverty than men.

In recent years there has been a surge in interest in natural foods amongst many of the women I know. As they begin to research healthy ways to feed their families, they are often confronted with environmental issues as well. Someone decides to grow a garden in order to obtain fresh produce at a reasonable cost and in the process learns about heavy metal soil contaminants and their sources. Another discovers that chemicals in food packaging are suspect and that those same chemicals may be in their children's toys. One thing leads to another and pretty soon another amateur environmentalist is created.

Women are often especially good at sharing information and forming relationships based upon common interests. Social networking has been a boon to this natural tendency and it's now easier than ever for women to share what they've learned about any number of interests. It's been fascinating to see this in action on Facebook. My daughter, Lisa, is an environmentalist/activist who often uses Facebook as a platform for sharing information. I often share some of her writings on my page, thus spreading information to people she might not otherwise come in contact with. I know others share her work as well in an ever-widening circle of influence. Many, many women are doing the same thing via Facebook and/or blogs. I believe we are going to see a virtual explosion in the number of women who not only begin to seriously consider their own impact on the environment but also decide to take on the role of activist.

We are also seeing a home-based lifestyle movement beginning to gain momentum in this country as evidenced by the surge in vegetable gardens, backyard chicken flocks and a resurgence of "old-fashioned" hobbies like knitting and baking bread. There is tremendous overlap between interests like these and the desire to live a low-impact lifestyle. I believe these trends will continue to grow and women will be the agents of change this world needs.

"Living simply has resulted in us becoming more aware

of the environment and the impact we have on it.

~Catherine Pulsifer

Music Monday . . . Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay

2011-03-07T16:48:00.000-06:00

30 Day Dance Challenge - Day 7

2011-03-07T08:51:00.001-06:00

Yeah, I realize we skipped a day. It wasn't posted on The Healthy Hippie Magazine Facebook page and I didn't receive an email with the link. If I track it down, I'll post Day 6 later but for now...let's dance!

30 Day Dance Challenge - Day 5

2011-03-05T12:57:00.000-06:00

We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance.

~Japanese Proverb

30 Day Dance Challenge - Day 4

2011-03-04T08:45:00.001-06:00

"I would believe only in a God that knows how to dance. "

~Friedrich Nietzsche

30 Day Dance Challenge - Day 3

2011-03-03T08:17:00.000-06:00

Get up and dance!

30 Day Dance Challenge - Day 2

2011-03-02T21:08:00.000-06:00

The Day 2 video wasn't available when I left the house the morning so I'm just now getting a chance to post it. Enjoy!