Thursday, December 28, 2006

Weekly 12/28/06 - 5

Please  note: we  have slightly modified the first draft of the anti-war letter penned by Steve Sunderland. See below.    We urge you, readers of the Weekly to add  your name as signatory.  Send your reply no later than Tuesday, 1/2/07.

Salon Weekly

~ In 4  Color-Coded Sections:

  • Table Notes
  • Announcements
  • Articles

  • Books, Reviews, Films, Magazines


A W
eekly Email Publication of The Lloyd House: Circulation:  c. 600.  Growing out
of the Wednesday Night Salon .  
For info about the Salon, see the bottom of
this email. Join us a
t the Lloyd House every week of the year at 5:45 for pot
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events
for the Weekly, send (not attachment) me email, subject line
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lot of work that way. Send submissions by Wednesday evening.

To: Friends on our Pot Luck Salon list (c. 600)... Now in our
sixth year),

(to unsubscribe see below, bottom of page).
...................................................
Section One: Table Notes ............................................................................ (Note: these notes were taken at the table and have NOT been approved or corrected by the speakers.  Reader
beware of inevitable misunderstandings and misrepresentations.  E.B.)

At the Table on  Wednesday, 12/27/06:
Celeste Satie, Mr. S., Mira Rodwan, Mr. G., Marvin Kraus, Gerry Kraus, Karen Vossler, Steve Sunderland, Dallas Fish, Ellen Bierhorst, Spencer Konicov, Joyce Alpiner, Himavat Ishaya
 
Business: edit and approve letter from Steve re. ending the war in Iraq
 
Gerry I agree with the letter, but a shorter letter might be more effective.
Spencer: I recommend the first sentence say “Stop the waqr and get our t roops out.”
Also, to put in a phrase about our fiscal conservatism.  
 
Karen say, “Dear representatives”.  
Steve … I tried to acknowledge that the election expressed the overall will of the people  that we should withdraw from the war…
Mira After, “developing an alternative to violence”… add “at a new department of peace”.  
Steve we should put on our agenda the Dept. of Peace idea. … I heard today that 3,000 more soldiers are deployed to Kuwait…  
Joyce … first in the letter, to express our desire that the representatives end the war and bring our troops home.
Marvin one word… “voice to peace rather than … a needless war” I would say “fruitless war”.
Ellen… include titles?  PhD for instance?…
GTerry no titles.
All:   no titles.
Mira: and also send letter to local press.
 
====================
TOPICS NOMINATED
Dept. of Peace
Current drug policy
Designation of time mag’s person of the year: a mirror.  You.  “An army of ‘Davids’ “.  UTube; etc.  eg. Sen. Geo Allan
Exercise, puzzles, reading, learning, keeps Alzheimers at bay, minds alert into old age.
New Year’s resolutions, wishes, insights.  

Mira: Would someone please give me the news about recent important city council decisions.
Marvin:  the neighborhood organization support program will not be cut after all.  
Also, community and rec centers and health centers will continue.  Also the OEQ (office of environmental quality)was funded.  Only $50,000.  
 
TOPIC:  WHAT WAS YOUR YEAR LIKE?  WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE FOR THE NEW YEAR, FOR YOURSELF,  YOUR COMMUNITY, WORLD?

Dallas In the coming year I’d like to see the people of the city become kinder, offering more shelter and food to the needy, and not do all these foolish things like subsidize football stadiums… I would like to see a space created for people willing to talk with the homeless and needy, help them, give them direction and support.  
 
Ellen  I have had an amazing year of transformation....

Joyce my year started in July 2005 when my husband of 26 years died suddenly.  … In 2006 I have spent this year adjusting, making a new life, discovering strengths I had no idea I had.  … rely on myself.  Growth.  Difficult.  We moved here only 2 years ago. … Wonderful support in my synagogue, at Jewish Fam. Services. JDate, online dating service.  Learning to live alone for the first time in my life.  Expecting an 8th grandchild.
Will go in Hawaii in Jan for my birthday.
 
Celeste I died four times in one week two years ago.  A tear in my heart.  And it actually came from a feeling: not being loved. Love withheld can be a weapon used against you.  My father…  Last year got divorced, moved to Cinti.  The one things I am sure of is love.  Absolutely the greatest pleasure, tool, gift.  … World orgasm day, “We came in peace.”  
I listen to the banter around this table.   I am usually a reclusive person, but I find this a great  coming out, and I think you guys are awesome. I think 2007 is a year of fire, in the Dagara people of Africa, burns away the dross, and pumps up the energy within ourselves.  (?) Fire people are catalysts for change.  Transformers.  
 
Mira I am still mellowing and suffering a little from letting go of my mama a month and a half ago… finding so many occasions when I want to check in with her…  As I speak with many friends there in Portland, it is so dear to hear how much she meant to other people too.  So grateful for the last time I spent with her.  … I have bitten off more than I can chew in my work trying to get a whole church congregation to be more aware that everything they do affects the whole planet.  I have done a bit of nudging here as well.  We need new, young leadership.  We need paradigm shifting dancers.  I cannot do it all myself.  People do come here and say what they are doing for global sustainable green work.  It warms the heart.  Heals the heart, too.  Sustainability, before my grandchildren … I am not sure that we can manage (to save this planet).  Hope that we will be emboldened, inspired … we can do more.  
 
Himavat  Filled with challenges.  I have this great connection to the spiritual world, but not that great a connection with the 3-D world.  I have to really adjust … listen more carefully.  Part of me is hugely impatient at how we tell ourselves stories that keep us afraid and separate; stories our ego make up.   I  have experienced the beginning of a series of tactics that will help manifest in the world what I know is possible.  …willingness to be uncomfortable.  I work with people at heart level, and mind level. People want things at the mundane level, and also at the heart level.  … challenges that make me uncomfortable … I have experienced wonderful progress in helping people emerge into who they are; they have expressed much gratitude. …continue to attract people who are willing to face their demons.  … seeing people wake up to the love inside them… thanks you Joyce.  You don’t have to change the world, just change yourself  and then the world changes.
 
Gerry as one gets older… last few years I don’t have dreams.  But two days ago I had a clear dream.  That I was in a shopping center parking log, a friend came and said, “I need your mail list, working on the election of the new president of the US.”  I said, “I want Al Gore to be come pres. The one person who cares about the earth; intelligence, experience.  To make the US the kind of country we think it should be.”  When I awoke, I was struck.  It was so clear!  So I would like 2007 to pursue getting a blog, trying to change the world. Would like to try.  
 
Marvin  when I look back on 2006, I see I had a nice year.  Good health.  Skiing.  This crazy life … it’s nice!  So what I try to do is spread loving kindness; be supportive of people; help wherever I can.  Go about my merry way, trying to be nice, help other people.  Talk to people.  Others are persons to me; I like to know their names. Personal contact; encouragement.
(Ellen: neuroscience… being in love, or motherlove, good for you; also acts of philanthropy.)
… when  you are a lawyer, it can be a real challenge to spread love and kindness…  
 
Steve  a couple  chords to play in t his discussion, which I love hearing.  Children are dying in Cincinnati in record numbers.  This weighs on me.  Afghanistan is a graveyard of children; as is Iraq… Darfur.  I am reading The kite runner.  There are “children in Kabul, there is no childhood.”  This has been a year of becoming awakend to the absence of childhood.   Himavat put it beautifully… the inner parents saying “don’t, be quiet, be cautious, go along.”  The middle class life is a blessing we enjoy … the idea that we are blessed and the rest of the world is not…  I have seen young students say, “I am not sitting in the back of the mosque; I am not going to believe in Jesus… until I see some changes in childhood and the possibilities that are there.”  I was a t a seminar at Hughes HS, students asking women , Muslims, “Are you kidding, that men look up  your dress when you pray?  And that’s why it is ok to sit in the back of the Mosque?”  The kids saw right through it… this idea that men are so sexual that they can’t get past it even in prayer.  It was wonderful to see the kids seeing through…
            At Nativity School, a week called “Friendship” where children from four parts of the world came here, a little school in Pleasant Ridge.  They claimed their right to be children.  Tell stories.  Do art.  Laugh.  Together.  Priests were made uncomfortable.  
            In this coming  year I want to be more alert to the global freezing of children; global injuring; making their lives more difficult.  Himavat’s point: inside us, love.  So clear in a young child.  … hard to keep this spirit alive in my classes … spirit of love, of grief.  That is my work.  That’s why I come here.  This is like a outpatient clinic for people recovering with love… (laugh).
            We return to this playpen each week, we bring foods, we do “fingerpainting”.  Great beauty of this group; reclaiming our childhood.  … I think November’s vote was a reclaiming of the idea of Democracy.  … My family believed in FDR.   This last election…people want to be able to say “this is a good country we live in; we have a good planet.”  We respect the spirit of the child.  If we crush that spirit, it is unforgivable.  The American dream: to grow, invent yourself… be a child of justice, of beauty.  To recover.  … so this is the year of the child coming up for me.
            Acknowledge everyone who is here tonight; putting up with all of us kids who are here.  We are a play group.  I am pleased to be a part of it.
 
Marvin you made it easier for all of us to be that way, because you have become a kinder more gentle person.  
Steve: thank you.

Mr. G I can kick off on that.  Apparently love is the theme here.  I think it can lead to illusions.  I’d like to put Truth on the table as also important. Illusions, belief systems that feel good but have longer term bad effects.  …When you finally develop love, it is better grounded.  Delusions: America is a democracy.  911, 2000 election all hit me hard.  
 
Mr. S  off the record
K: off the record
Spencer  My brother is getting out of jail as a tax protester after 87 months in jail.  Will live with me. Has culminated some growth in me. I have spent three years floating a round… living alone, renting rooms, etc.  Getting to the end of a period of real growth.  My older now coming to me.  Older brother.  He took care of me when we were  young; now I will take care of him.  …
            Death.  I have the belief that death is the end; this here is heaven, where we live. To determine that something is unknown and unknowable, and believe in it, it is a fantasy. I believe  in God, knowing  it is a fantasy.  Once you decide whether to believe it as a fantasy… then that’s ok.  

(closed with a song.  “We have come too far”.)
 

~ End of Table Notes~

Hugs to everyone,
Ellen

....................

Anti-War Letter:  Join in Signing This~

Dear reader of the Weekly:   If you like, join us in signing this letter to our elected representatives (and to the press) calling for a speedy end to the war in Iraq by sending an email to me with your name as you’d like it shown. Do not “reply” to the Weekly email...too long, takes up too much RAM.  Just send a new message to me and IN THE SUBJECT LINE write sign: Your Name”, for example,  <sign: Jane Doe>  Please do this by Tuesday if possible.  
Ellen


          We urge you to join with other Ohioans and Americans from other states in demanding an immediate end to the war in Iraq and the rapid return of our troops.
          We understand that post-September 11, 2001 the American people, our government, our media, and our leaders have been struggling with the question of how to prevent another attack, either through military actions and/or political development in Iraq.  Unfortunately, old behaviors of retaliation have replaced wiser diplomatic actions. Fear has penetrated our entire society instead of courage, understanding and compassion. Our society has become dangerously divided by fear. This source of tension, strain and conflict must end and be replaced by a wholly different approach to peace, friendship with other countries, and a de-militarized stance toward the world.
 
          We urge you to be a peacemaker now. We urge you to give voice to a hope for peace, rather than be an echo for a fruitless and  horrible war. We urge you to join in collective action with other representatives and senators in ending the war, bringing home our soldiers, and developing an alternative to violence that seeks to prevent another attack.
 
In peace,
 
Members of the Lloyd House Salon “Weekly Newsletter“ and discussion group:

    Ellen Bierhorst         Your Name       Your Name
    Your Name               etc.  




Section Two: Announcements


SUNDAY OPEN SAUNA AT THE LLOYD HOUSE
New wintertime practice at the Lloyd House!  Come join in.  Fire laid at noon; Set up at 2 or 2:30; sweat starts at 3. Takes about an hour.  Please come, try to arrive by 3 at the latest.  Bring towel...  See below.  If you like, bring food to share afterwards.  Ellen

Lloyd House Sauna-
Sweat Lodge
Protocol

Mission and Spirit
A good sweat is deeply cleansing of body and purifying of spirit. We reverence the Finns and the Native Americans for this practice, and each other for joining in.  Finns first sweat, rinse with cold water (screaming allowed), wash (each other) with soap (you may use warm shower in sink room); Sweat again, splash with cold water, scrape or scrub or beat the skin; Sweat yet again, then final rinse with cold water.  … The rattle in the sweat room is for chanting, singing, story telling.  After sauna, rest, drink water, then feast and party.

Modesty
·     As the Finns say, "We see but we don't look."
·     Feel free to use bathing suit or towel

You will need
·     Water bottle
·     Towel
·     (lotion)
·     (shampoo)
·     (slippers)

Contributing … please
·
   build fire, 2 hours before
·    clean benches
·    split wood -- any time
·    bring firewood in dressing room
·     haul 3 buckets of water from sink room
·    contribute $ -- look for jar in dressing room -- Suggest $5




On Monday, Jan 1 celebration of Emancipation Proclamation by Lincoln. Metropolitan CME church (Black Methodist) 1 bl. W. of Thompson McConnell Cadillac.  Melrose.  Melrose runs N and S, about a block E of Gilbert.  The church is across from the Melrose YMCA.  A block or so N of McMillain.  Great singing, great Black pulpit oratory.  I’ll be there in the MLK chorale.  Service at 11; free lunch served for all about 12:30.  
I urge everyone to go to show solidarity with the African American community, to show respect, and for a great time.  Ellen.  

 

B & B” and Office Spaces at the Lloyd House

Available:  Third floor room with double bed size sleeping loft, closet.  Bathroom just outside door.  Shared: kitchen (with 3 other housemates), living room, grand piano, gym, sauna, meditation/yoga room.  Shared:  house expenses... $50/night or $350/month.    Lovely historic Victorian, warm multicultural community of adults (over 25).  No smoking.  No pets.  Ellen 513 221 1289

Office
Available by the hour: beautiful and charming first floor “study”.  Wood burning fire place, beautiful durrhi rug, oak paneling... Separate door to the outside.  May use waiting room.  Call Ellen 513 221 1289.


Northside Up For Grabs Day!

First Annual Community Recycling Event
To be held on Sunday, January 14, 2007
 
Any two reusable items will be your admission ticket to Northside’s first annual Up For Grabs Day!  This community recycling event for house wares, books, shoes, clothes, baby items, toys, furniture, music, sports equipment and other useful items will be held on Sunday, January 14th from Noon to 4 pm at Off the Avenue Studios, 1546 Knowlton Street in Northside.  

Participants simply bring two or more items they would like to contribute to the event and take home any treasures they find – FREE!  
 
This is a perfect time to clean out that closet or attic, or a great way to let go of those holiday white elephants.  
While two items is the minimum donation, participants may contribute as many items to the event as they like.  Simplify your life and make sure that your unwanted items will be put to good use right here in Northside!  

Items will be divided into categories  
by:  House Wares, Men’s Clothes, Women’s Clothes, Children’s Clothes, Baby Supplies, Shoes, Books, Sports Equipment,  Tools, Crafts, Office, Lawn & Garden, Toys & Games, Appliances, Electronics, Music, and Oversize. For oversize items such as furniture or vehicles, participants should bring a photo of the item to Up For Grabs Day with their phone number or other contact information.  Participants will place their donations to the event in the proper area before they begin “shopping” for new treasures to bring home.  

In the spirit of community recycling, items acquired at Up For Grabs Day are for personal use.  
Items are not for resale or profit.  

For information contact: Anne Delano Steinert at Annedelano@aol.com <mailto:Annedelano@aol.com> <javascript:parent.ComposeTo('Annedelano@aol.com', '');>  
Phone: 513-591-2663
Or
Chuck Brown at  
chuckb75@aaahawk.com <http://d02.webmail.aol.com/22250/aol/en-us/mail/display-message.aspx>
Phone: 513-681-7742


 
 

Tri-State Treasures
~ ~ ~ ~
Happy New Year

 
Tri-State Treasures is a compilation of unique local people, places, and events that may enrich your lives.  These treasures have been submitted by you and others who value supporting quality community offerings.  Please consider supporting these treasures, and distributing the information for others to enjoy.  And please continue to forward your Tri-State Treasures ideas to jkesner@nuvox.net.
 
Information about Tri-State Treasures and how to submit Tri-State Treasures is at the bottom of this email.  Please help me by providing all basic information and formatting your submissions as described below.

Sincerely,  Jim

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Old Postcards from Cincinnati:
www.cincinnativiews.net/index.htm links you to more than 7,500 images of old postcards of the Cincinnati area. It includes a number of links to other regional postcard sites listed at the bottom. One of those links is
http://memory.gclc-lib.org/, the Greater Cincinnati Memory Project that has thousands of archived images featuring early Cincinnati history. Great place to explore on a rainy day in winter.
 
Vivian Kline Enamels Sale [Final Friday 29 December @ 6-9 PM & Saturday 30 December @ 2-4 PM]: Enamel art by Vivian Kline will be on sale for as low as $10; all revenue goes to charity. At Pendleton Studios, Room 806, 1310 Pendleton Street, Downtown Cincinnati, OH 45202. More info @ 513.242.6866.
 
Mike Wade @ Friday Jazz at the Hyatt [Friday 29 December @ 8:30-12 PM]: Mike Wade holds court with Aaron Holbrook, Melvin Broach, & Bill Jackson. $10 cover; Free for Jazz Club Members; $5 for CCM & NKU students; under 18 years old admitted free. At the Sungarten Room, Hyatt Hotel Cincinnati, 151 West 5th Street, Downtown Cincinnati, OH 45202. $1 parking across street at 5th & Race. Live internet broadcast for $10. More info @ 513.579.1234, waltb31@fuse.net, & www.jazzincincy.com.
 
The Mistics [Saturday 30 December @ 8 PM]: One of Cincinnati’s favorite vocal groups & the city's premier Pop & R&B group will present classic harmony favorites from The Temptations, The Spinners, The Miracles, & many more. A concert complete with the irresistible beat, fabulous melodies, & timeless appeal of the Motown sound & much more. Come groove with The Mistics on a cold winter night. Tickets are $15. At the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts, 4990 Glenway Avenue, Western Hills, Cincinnati, OH 45238. More info & tix @ 513 241 6550, JenniferPerrino@Covedalecenter.com, & www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com.
 
National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Events [Saturday 6 January]: Cincinnati’s uniquely important & fascinating museum presents a variety of events. Free with Freedom Center admission.  At 50 East Freedom Way, Cincinnati OH 45202. More info @ 513.333.7500, ETurner@nurfc.org, & www.freedomcenter.org:
Ÿ  In • vis • I • ble: Slavery Today [thru 28 February]: Learn about contemporary slavery across the globe & in the US. Find out what you can do to help stop this modern-day scourge. 3rd floor of the Freedom Center.

Ÿ  Dramatic Readings with Daryl Harris [@ noon]: Stories of freedom heroes come alive. Hall of Everyday Freedom Heroes.
Ÿ  Harriet’s Journey: Children’s Theater Activity [@ 1 PM]: Children can personally re-enact the story of Harriet Tubman as told by narrator Deondra Means from the Cincinnati Children’s Theater. Hall of Everyday Freedom Heroes.
 
Sir! No, Sir! - free film [Wednesday 10 January @ 7 PM]: In the 1960’s, an anti-war movement emerged that altered the course of history. Flourished in army stockades, navy brigs, & the dingy towns that surround military bases, it penetrated elite military colleges like West Point & spread throughout the battlefields of Vietnam. By 1971 the movement had, in the words of one colonel, infested the entire armed services. This documentary focuses on the efforts by troops in the US military during the Vietnam War to oppose the war effort by peaceful demonstration & subversion. The film is a reminder that soldiers may oppose war as stridently as civilians, but at greater personal peril. Directed by David Zeiger; US; 85 min; 2005. Free. At University of Cincinnati Swift Hall Room 500, 45220. More info @ 859.801.2870, dubheader@gmail.com & http://sirnosir.com/.
 
Bring the Mandate for Peace to Washington DC [Saturday 27 January]: Start planning to join United for Peace & Justice in a march on Washington, DC, to call on Congress to take immediate action to end the war.  More info @ www.UnitedforPeace.org.
 
 
Continuing Treasures:
 
Give Unique Gifts to People With Great Needs: These are two sites that allow you to provide much needed gifts to people around the world.  The cost to you will be modest; the impact on the recipient could be enormous. Take a look through these fascinating websites @ www.altgifts.org & www.oxfamamericaunwrapped.com.
 
Send A Card To Men & Women Soldiers: Go to www.letssaythanks.com & pick out a "Thank You" card. Xerox will print it & send it to a soldier who is currently serving in Iraq. You don't pick out the soldier, but it will go to a member of the armed services. An honorable goal for everyone we know to send one or more cards; for every soldier to receive several cards. And it's free.
 
Give the Gift of Fine Art: 2007 Signed & numbered limited edition Fundraiser Calendar. Fourteen original hand-cut, hand-printed woodblock prints by Tiger Lily Press Members: Rick Finn, Carla Trujillo, Carole Winters, April Foster, Carola Bell, Susan Naylor,
Theresa G. Kuhr, Judy Dimuzio, Saad Ghosn, Kim Shifflet, Julie Knepfle, & Sherry Sicking. Images are 6” x 10”, the calendar is 9” x 13”. A great gift that benefits Tiger Lily Press & the Dunham Arts Building which serves local artists & the community. $50 each; 2 or more = $40 each; $5 shipping & handling. Make check payable to Tiger Lily Press & mail to: Theresa Gates Kuhr, 6505 Hunting Creek Drive, Liberty Twp., OH 45044. To view all calendar pages & learn more about Tiger Lily, go to www.tigerlilypress.org.
 
Video to DVD: Do you have those pesky videos that you wish were DVD's?  Well wish no more. For $15 a piece you can convert your VHS tapes to DVD's.  (non-copy right protected material only, please). Contact Suzanne Beckner @ 513.721.2234 for more info.
 
 



Section Three: Articles


Contents:
  • Out of Africa...adventure tale from Carl Hilker
  • Greetings from Artist Roy Jones
  • Beware Orwellian National Identity Card Scheme
  • Himavat’s first column



Out of Africa, a Wonderful Letter from Weekly lurker, world traveler and high flyer:

by Carl Hilker Jr. <hilkercat@juno.com>
(Carl, a Cincinnatian,  owns a large ... Farm? Estate?  Plantation?  Private Ecological Preserve? In south western Africa.)  


             
      --- SLEEPING WITH THE ENEMY, or  OTHER FINE FEATHERED FRIENDS ---  
                                                     --   An Interim Report  --         
                                                      
                   Windhoek, Namibia                                     
  18 December  2006

        I had been in Cape Town (South Africa) for a month-and-a-half, bogged down in
paperwork and maintenance, buying a little airplane that was destined to
go to Chad, to eradicate poachers and save elephants, at a place called
Zakouma, 5,000 miles away.  I had to take it one thousand miles to the
north, to my farm in Namibia, for its first staging area.
     My first long leg of the journey took me over the widest extremes of
geography imaginable; over the South Atlantic Ocean, along miles of
pristine, empty shoreline, across the the Northern Karoo Desert with
rocky moonscapes, where only spiders and scorpions can survive, and,
ultimately to the heart of Namaqualand, to a tiny town named Springbok,
which had a semi-deserted airstrip and a wirey little native that could
operate a gasoline engine-powered pump, (with an imaginary flameguard),
which produced avgas from someplace.
     This location was so outback Afrikaans that neither the roadsigns
nor the menus had English translations.  It was also an illegal
international departure point out of South Africa, but, it was precisely
on my shortest direct line course, sooooooo, the next day, I fluttered
into south central Namibia into another town that time forgot,
Keetmanshoop.  There, with the pre-arranged help and a man named "Tongo",
I created missing documents, after the fact, and was able to smuggle an
entire aircraft, filled up to the windowsills with contraband;  a South
African-registered airplane, being flown by an American pilot, with a
Namibian license, and no visible means of support.  "Do not talk to Tongo
about politics", I was warned.  Tongo get angry!
     From there, I continued north, across the Tropic of Capricorn, and
landed on a dried lake bed, a pan, at a sheep farm by the name of
Pokweni.  The reason?  There were gliders there, lots of them, being
flown by some of the best glider pilots in the world, mostly Germans and
a few Czechs.  They were routinely flying daily distances in excess of
twelve hundred kilometers; distances that an American might dream of
accomplishing once in a lifetime!
     The guest houses were full, so I was given a sleeping pad.  In this
situation, the Germans and Afrikaaners would sleep in the hangar, because
something "out there" might get them.  The French and the Americans,
however, in order to "be as one with Nature", would sleep outside, as I
did, under the stars and Milky Way, as no one in this hemisphere has ever
seen them, out on the pan, in the moonlight.
     I awakened, during the night, and, indeed, something was "out
there!"  I immediately recognized the huge torpedo-shaped bodies, big
round heads with no ear tufts, large rounded wingtips, and almost black
in color.  I was being investigated by a family of five African Wood
Owls.  They would swoop over me at barely an arms length of altitude and
sometimes hover, all without a whisper of sound!
     It is said (by the San people) that an owl's thinking goes like
this.  If something has hair or fur, it is dangerous and stay away from
it.  If it has smooth skin, i.e. elephant, it could be trustworthy.  I
was much smaller than an elephant, but much larger than (an owl's)
breadbox, therefor I would not be as tasty as a mouse, but further
perusal might be in order.  I was astounded to see them land on my pan,
goose-stepping and head bobbing, walking around me in cautious and ever
smaller semi-circles, peering at me like a giant bug.  They ultimately
accepted me in their domain and continued on with their mouse hunt.  The
San people told me that this was a wonderful omen, one of the best!
     I guess it is, in the long term, but not for the short term.  The
next day, with field elevations rising over five thousand feet MSL, and
air temperatures exceeding one hundred degrees, the "equivalent" density
altitude was nine thousand feet when I landed at Windhoek.  My brave
little airplane was making takeoffs above its service ceiling, at one
hundred kilos over its gross weight, and was struggling just to stay
aloft.
     After landing, the propeller shaft did not "feel right" to me.
Spectroscopic analysis revealed no metal in the engine oil, and all
engine gauges had excellent readings, but further investigation revealed
that the number two main crankshaft bearing was in the preliminary stages
of ultimate doom and destruction, and would quickly take the entire
engine with it!
     I finished my journey to my farm, thanks to the courtesy of Mr.
Avis, who gave me a Toyota Outlander with a higher crusing speed (180
Km/hr) than my brave little airplane.  
     I reminisced back to my youth, when Bing Crosby and Bob Hope made
the famous "road films" (Road to Morrocco, to Rio, etc.).  I was joyous,
in this Christmas Season, to have been able to make, and film, "The Road
to Osonanga!"  I think the San people are always right!
     However, with apologies to R.F., "I have miles to go before I sleep,
and promises to keep", in not one, but two other hemispheres of this
planet, in the Snow!

               The Best of Holiday Wishes to All !!!
                                                                         
         from   Carl Hilker
                                                                         
     

Greetings from Roy Jones, (once and future?) Regular Salonista


Hello all!

It's been a good year for The Creative Roy (the official name of the
business). After making the commitment to operate as a business 2 years
ago this year is the 1st year I have made a profit. By drawing from web
design and programming jobs to art festivals and commissioned artwork,
this is encouraging. I thank every one of you for your interest and support.

The latest artwork was already sold before I could even get the photo of
it done! It's called "Double Dutch", and is not an ironic title. Visit
my message forum to view it and make comments if you are interested (
http://thecreativeroy.com/forum ) under the Visual Gallery section or
visit the main site: http://TheCreativeRoy.com (requires Flash version
8.0 or higher) and check out all the other artworks and forms of
expression posted there.

After having such a successful year at the 1st annual Springfield Art
Festival I will be participating in the largest and most famous art
festival of Cincinnati Summerfair! I hope to see you there.


Happy Holidays & have a good and safe New Years!
- Roy Jones
  Roy@TheCreativeRoy.com


Karen Vossler brings to our attention: U.K. To institute national identity cards, like the U.s.  RFID scheme.  Big Brother is Tracking You!

Ellen,
This might be of interest to the salon: Today the UK...tomorrow, us?
Take a stand against electronic ID cards and microchipping!
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas,
Karen


"In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act."  George Orwell  



http://prisonplanet.com/articles/december2006/241206cards.htm <http://prisonplanet.com/articles/december2006/241206cards.htm>
 
£1,000 fine for failing to update identity cards
Melissa Kite
London Telegraph <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml;jsessionid=5G0VOOAIAJRRJQFIQMFCFF4AVCBQYIV0?xml=/news/2006/12/24/nid24.xml>
Sunday, December 24, 2006

A draconian regime of fines, which would hit families at times of marriage and death, is being drawn up by ministers to enforce the Identity Card scheme.

Millions of people, from struggling students to newly-wed women and bereaved relatives, will face a system of penalties, netting more than £40 million for the Treasury.

People would be fined up to £1,000 for failing to return a dead relative's ID card, while women who marry will have to pay at least £30 for a new card if they want to use their married name, risking a £1,000 fine if they do not comply.

The revelations will fuel debate over ID cards in the countdown to their nationwide introduction, which the Government claims will boost security, tackle identity fraud and prevent illegal working. But costs are soaring and the technology has failed in tests.

The Government says people will have to pay £30 for a simple ID card, or more than £90 for one with a passport. Experts, however, claim that the cost of a combined card could be as high as £300, pushing the implementation costs beyond £20 billion.

David Davis, the shadow home secretary, said the fines revelation shows that the scheme "will hit the taxpayer not the terrorists" and is "just another Labour stealth tax".

He said: "It is shocking that the Government is considering charges and fines on people at some of the most sensitive times in life. The Conservatives would scrap this plastic poll tax and invest the savings in practical measures to improve security."

The first cards will be issued by the Identity and Passport Service to passport applicants in 2009 and will become compulsory from 2010.

As well as a picture, the card will carry a microchip holding biometric information such as fingerprints, iris or facial scans. Everyone over 16 applying for a passport will have these details added to a National Identity Register from 2008.

The extent of the fines for minor infringements is revealed in written answers from John Reid, the Home Secretary, and other ministers. They show that the Government is drawing up sinister sounding "guidance on death registration" which will order bereaved families to return the card of their deceased relative within a specified period. Failure to do so would carry a £1,000 fine under the "invalidity and surrender of ID cards" section of the Identity Cards Act 2006.

Mr Reid confirmed: "We intend to work closely with the General Registrar Offices to ensure that the notification of death and return of the ID card can be done in a sensitive manner."

Joan Ryan, the Home Office minister, said that charges would apply "if a person wished to add a married surname to his or her register entry". Based on an estimate of 311,000 marriages a year, that would net up to £9 million a year for the Exchequer.

People would be charged at least £30 for lost or stolen cards. Based on the 930,000 driving licences lost or stolen each year, this would earn the Treasury more than £28 million a year, say the Tories.

Mr Davis said the potential scale of the fines ˜ those two areas of card "infringement" alone could bring in up to £40 million a year for the Treasury ˜ proved that ID cards were a new stealth tax.

In a separate plan that the Tories say could hit millions of students, Mr Reid admitted that applicants will be asked for "all current alternative addresses". Failure to update the register with details such as term-time halls of residence could result in a £1,000 fine.

There was also anger over the disclosure that all fees and fines will be paid directly into the Treasury's central funds for general spending and not go towards running the scheme.


Awakening the Joy Within

© Himavat Ishaya
2006
Himavat Ishaya <pathfinders108@yahoo.com>

Volume I; Issue 1
 
There is a character in a world of wizards known as Twycross.   This character is a bit of a professor of wizarding things.  One of the things these wizards do is called “Apparating.” That is to say, “disappear” in one place and then “reappear” in another place.
 
(There is an ancient tradition, alive and well today, especially around the Himalayas, of living, breathing “saints” who regularly “appear” in villages or at gatherings, or other places and events, and then “disappear” at their convenience.  This is normal for the folks of the region.  Of course, it is not normal for us here in the States.)
 
In any case, this character Twycross is teaching the practice of Apparating to some up and coming young wizards.  He notes that there are three important things to remember when Apparating, and he calls them the three D’s.  They are: Destination, Determination, Deliberation. {Thanks to J.K. Rowling, per: The Half Blood Prince, Scholastic, 2005; p. 384)
 
Point being this: if we are to be empowered in our lives, we have to “show up.”  That is, be authentic in the moment, especially those moments when we are most uncomfortable.  In this context, Destination (that is: where do we want to end up at the end of the day, or end of the quarter for the year, etc.) is important for us to know. And, Determination is important for us to maintain, especially when we are challenged, either by our environment or by our inner voices trying to de-rail us from achieving our goal.
 
And, Deliberation says that if we are deliberate with our focus and our actions, then we will achieve our goals with more ease and grace.  Awakening the Joy Within is an invitation to consider making a new and different choice.  It is about you empowering yourself to simply be more of who you already are.  It is about three things: 1) what you already know about yourself; (2) what you are a little vague about knowing about yourself; and (3) (most importantly) what you do not yet know about yourself.
 
Hence the name, Awakening the Joy Within.  As we come to know ourselves more deeply and honestly by living in integrity, honesty and willingness to work through life’s challenges, we become wizened.  The word wise comes from the word “gray.”  That is, so the assumption goes: our gray hair is testimony to how wise we have become.  That, hopefully, being the case, then we always have the option to get more wise, more aware of who we are, more aware of the many voices within our mind and in our being, and more aware of what our tendencies are.
 
Tendencies are critical to our understanding of ourselves.  The more we become clear about which of our habits work in service to us attaining our goals, and which do not, the more ease and grace we will experience in our lives.  
 
This is my invitation to you to consider the value the notion of Awakening the Joy Within can have to your life.  Please let me know if it works for you, or if it does not work for you.  It is my intention that this e-column serve you and your dreams and your desires for your life.
 
I look forward to hearing from you.
Himavat Ishaya
Pathfinders108@yahoo.com





Section Four: Books/Magazines/Reviews
...................................

Steve Sunderland mentioned enjoying reading the Kite Runner about a man growing up in Afghanistan.  Many in Cincinnati read it last year as part of the city wide “On the Same Page” program. Check your local branch library to see what will be read and discussed this year.  Great books.  ellen



The Lloyd House Salon (usually about 12 people) Meets on WEDNESDAYS at 5:45,
EVERY Wednesday, 52 WEEKS/YEAR come hell or high water, as my mother used to say.

We of the
Lloyd House Salon gather in a spirit of
respect, sympathy and compassion for one another
in order to exchange ideas for our mutual pleasure and enlightenment.  

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Our Salon blog is a promising interactive site:   http:lloydhouse.blogspot.com
  Also, we have an Interactive Yah
oo Salon group, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LloydHouseSalon

For Pot Luck  procedures including
 food suggestions, mission and history visit
http://home.fuse.net/ellenbierhorst/Potluck.html   .

You are invited also to visit the Lloyd House website:  http://www.lloydhouse.com


> To unsubscribe from the Lloyd House Potluck
Salon list,
send a REPLY message
> to me and in the SUBJECT line type in "unsub potluck #".  In the place of  #
> type in the numeral that follows the subject line of my Weekly email.  It
> will be 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7.  This tells me which sub-list your name is on so I can  
> delete it.  Thanks!   ellen bierhorst     


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