Miscellaneous Ramblings...

To all of the women in my life and all my female friends near and far:

Mark — Mon, 08 Oct 2012 19:12:26 GMT

You hold up more than half my sky and fill it with warm sunshine. I feel so blessed ♥

Musings and Thanks

Mark — Sun, 22 Jul 2012 02:04:11 GMT

Knowledge without wisdom produces destruction. Power without compassion creates suffering. Abundance without love is emptiness. “... there ain't no doubt in no one's mind that love's the finest thing around...” With all the pain and sadness in the world and all my frustrations I am still struck by how very blessed I am with the love of my family and friends, my health and my talents. I dearly love you all.

To all my female friends: HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

Mark — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 17:10:11 GMT

I wish you a marvelous and inspired day and thank you for all the friendship, love and support you have so generously given to me.

Happy Valentine's Day

Mark — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:47:18 GMT

Happy Valentine's Day to all my friends. May all your love be true, long, sweet and deep. Remember: Real men RESPECT women! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0Xk6LoRVsc

A Tribute to Vaclav Havel

Mark — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:29:12 GMT

Vaclav Havel who passed away this morning was a former President of Czechoslovakia, playwrite, free spirit, humanitarian, intellectual and champion of human rights, freedom, justice and non-violent protest and change. We were all blessed to have him among us and all poorer now that he has gone. The best tribute we can all offer him is to be faithful to his ideals.

Happy Thanksgiving 2011

Mark — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 09:04:33 GMT

On this Thanksgiving I am so grateful for my loving and supportive family and all my amazing, warm and creative friends. As I trust you are surrounded by loved ones today and contemplate all your blessings I want to suggest a member of our family that is sometimes overlooked … Mother Earth. We are drawing on the awesome and beautiful biosphere where we dwell, which is powered by the sun, provides us all our food and the raw material for all else we have in an unsustainable manner. The biosphere produces this abundance because it is composed of a myriad of diverse species interwoven into an intricate web. It is strong and resilient because of its diversity. So let us celebrate and support the richness of our differences rather than attempting to homogenize everything and futilely trying to control it. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

The 48th Anniversary of the Assassination of JFK

Mark — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:42:30 GMT

Tuesday, November 22nd is the 48th anniversary of the assassination of President J. F. Kennedy. In memory of this tragic and heart wrenching event I am posting below the lyrics to Phil Ochs' song “Crucifixion”. This poetic and moving work is his response to the assassination. Under the lyrics is a link to a video of the song. I believe the effects of this crime have been as great as those of the assassination of Abraham Lincoln at the close of the Civil War. Shortly before he was murdered Kennedy was preparing to pull out of Viet Nam and dismantle the CIA. Sadly, we will never know what would have transpired had JFK lived and succeeded in these endeavors. For those of you who want to learn more about the assassination itself and its historical context I recommend “JFK and the Unspeakable: Why He Died and Why It Matters” by James W. Douglass. Crucifixion by Phil Ochs And the night comes again to the circle studded sky The stars settle slowly, in loneliness they lie 'Till the universe explodes as a falling star is raised Planets are paralyzed, mountains are amazed But they all glow brighter from the brilliance of the blaze With the speed of insanity, then he dies. In the green fields a turning, a baby is born His cries crease the wind and mingle with the morn An assault upon the order, the changing of the guard Chosen for a challenge that is hopelessly hard And the only single sound is the sighing of the stars But to the silence and distance they are sworn So dance dance dance Teach us to be true Come dance dance dance 'Cause we love you Images of innocence charge him go on But the decadence of destiny is looking for a pawn To a nightmare of knowledge he opens up the gate And a blinding revelation is laid upon his plate That beneath the greatest love is a hurricane of hate And God help the critic of the dawn. So he stands on the sea and shouts to the shore, But the louder that he screams the longer he's ignored For the wine of oblivion is drunk to the dregs And the merchants of the masses almost have to be begged 'Till the giant is aware, someone's pulling at his leg, And someone is tapping at the door. To dance dance dance Teach us to be true Come dance dance dance 'Cause we love you Then his message gathers meaning and it spreads across the land The rewarding of his pain is the following of the man But ignorance is everywhere and people have their way Success is an enemy to the losers of the day In the shadows of the churches, who knows what they pray For blood is the language of the band. The Spanish bulls are beaten; the crowd is soon beguiled, The matador is beautiful, a symphony of style Excitement is ecstatic, passion places bets Gracefully he bows to ovations that he gets But the hands that are applauding are slippery with sweat And saliva is falling from their smiles So dance dance dance Teach us to be true Come dance dance dance 'Cause we love you Then this overflow of life is crushed into a liar The gentle soul is ripped apart and tossed into the fire. First a smile of rejection at the nearness of the night Truth becomes a tragedy limping from the light All the heavens are horrified, they stagger from the sight As the cross is trembling with desire. They say they can't believe it, it's a sacrilegious shame Now, who would want to hurt such a hero of the game? But you know I predicted it; I knew he had to fall How did it happen? I hope his suffering was small. Tell me every detail, for I've got to know it all, And do you have a picture of the pain? So dance dance dance Teach us to be true Come dance dance dance 'Cause we love you Time takes her toll and the memory fades but his glory is broken, in the magic that he made. Reality is ruined; it's the freeing from the fear The drama is distorted, to what they want to hear Swimming in their sorrow, in the twisting of a tear As they wait for the new thrill parade. Yes, the eyes of the rebel have been branded by the blind To the safety of sterility, the threat has been refined The child was created to the slaughterhouse he's led So good to be alive when the eulogy is read The climax of emotion, the worship of the dead And the cycle of sacrifice unwinds. So dance dance dance Teach us to be true Come dance dance dance 'Cause we love you And the night comes again to the circle studded sky The stars settle slowly, in loneliness they lie 'Till the universe explodes as a falling star is raised Planets are paralyzed, mountains are amazed But they all glow brighter from the brilliance of the blaze With the speed of insanity, then he died. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sd8sirz99zo

Happy Halloween

Mark — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 16:08:04 GMT

In the midst of Autumn on Halloween there is much that is scary about in the land. However, I post here my favorite Halloween song, “Tam Lin”. This is a powerful Scottish ballad hundreds of years old whose origin is obscured by the dense mists of time. It encompasses the realms of mortals and immortals, the conscious and the subconscious, and the transformative power of love. For, after all, isn't Halloween really about the connections between the temporal and the eternal worlds and the fragility of love. Don't all of us wish, at least a bit, to transcend our finite mortality and live and love forever. Fairport Convention's version of the lyrics are below along with a link to a youtube of their original recording with vocals by Sandy Denny. This is potent stuff. I trust you will enjoy it and wish you the Happiest Halloween. Tam Lin (Traditional) A warning to you maidens all that wear gold in your hair To travel to Carter Hall for young Tam Lin is there None that go by Carter Hall but they leave him a pledge Either their mantles of green or else their maidenhead Janet tied her kirtle green a bit above her knee And she's gone to Carter Hall as fast as go can she She'd not pulled a double rose, a rose but only two When up there came young Tam Lin says "Lady, pull no more" "And why come you to Carter Hall without command from me?" "I'll come and go", young Janet said, "and ask no leave of thee" Janet tied her kirtle green a bit above her knee And she's gone to her father as fast as go can she Well, up then spoke her father dear and he spoke meek and mild "Oh, and alas, Janet," he said, "I think you go with child" "Well, if that be so," Janet said, "myself shall bear the blame There's not a knight in all your hall shall get the baby's name For if my love were an earthly knight as he is an elfin gray I'd not change my own true love for any knight you have" Janet tied her kirtle green a bit above her knee And she's gone to Carter Hall as fast as go can she "Oh, tell to me, Tam Lin," she said, "why came you here to dwell?" "The Queen of Faeries caught me when from my horse I fell And at the end of seven years she pays a tithe to hell I so fair and full of flesh and feared it be myself But tonight is Halloween and the faery folk ride Those that would their true love win at Miles Cross they must hide So first let pass the horses black and then let pass the brown Quickly run to the white steed and pull the rider down For I'll ride on the white steed, the nearest to the town For I was an earthly knight, they give me that renown Oh, they will turn me in your arms to a snake or a bear But hold me tight and fear not, I am your baby's father And they will turn me in your arms into a lion bold But hold me tight and fear not and you will love your child And they will turn me in your arms into a naked knight But cloak me in your mantle and keep me out of sight" In the middle of the night she heard the bridle ring She heeded what he did say and young Tam Lin did win Then up spoke the Faery Queen, an angry queen was she Woe betide her ill-formed face, an ill death may she die "Oh, had I known, Tam Lin," she said, "what this knight I did see I'd have looked him in the eyes and turned him to a tree." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy3ihk205ew

Felice Cinco de Mayo!!!

Mark — Thu, 05 May 2011 08:25:12 GMT

To all my friends from Mexico or those who respect and are fond of this land my fondest wishes for continued sovereignty, liberty and justice.

A Spring Haiku

Mark — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 02:07:49 GMT

Earthquake, tsunami Radiation in the breeze Through cherry blossoms.

A Tribute to the passing today of Manning Marable

Mark — Sat, 02 Apr 2011 02:25:11 GMT

Manning Marable died today on the eve of the publication of his monumental book 'Malcolm X: A Life of Reinvention'. He was an intellectual, scholar and towering voice in the progressive community. His presence will be missed, especially in these trying times. My sympathy and succor to his family, friends and all others whose lives he touched.

Blessings for the New Year

Mark — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 04:03:25 GMT

James Taylor has written: "...ain't no doubt in no one's mind that love's the finest thing around..." It is also a more powerful force than any of the four basic forces and a more potent agent of transformation than any chemical or nuclear reaction. There never seems to be enough love around. May you all be blessed with an abundance of love in the coming year.

Have a Wonderful Solstice Holiday and a Marvelous New Year

Mark — Tue, 21 Dec 2010 18:48:17 GMT

How I wish I had the time and talent to write a special note to each and every one of my friends to tell you how much your love, support and friendship means to me. I pray that you all have a special magical solstice holiday season and that the New Year for all of you is filled with good health, prosperity, joy, peace and love, sweet love... and the other priceless things that enrich your life and make it more pleasant. The song below has been my favorite seasonal song since I first heard it two decades ago. How can you not love a song that begins in the drunk tank and ends with the NYPD choir singing and bells ringing. Felicitations to all of you! "A Fairytale of New York" by Shane MacGowan and Jem Finer It was Christmas Eve babe In the drunk tank An old man said to me, won't see another one And then he sang a song The Rare Old Mountain Dew I turned my face away And dreamed about you Got on a lucky one Came in eighteen to one I've got a feeling This year's for me and you So happy Christmas I love you baby I can see a better time When all our dreams come true They've got cars big as bars They've got rivers of gold But the wind goes right through you It's no place for the old When you first took my hand On a cold Christmas Eve You promised me Broadway was waiting for me You were handsome You were pretty Queen of New York City When the band finished playing They howled out for more Sinatra was swinging, All the drunks they were singing We kissed on a corner Then danced through the night The boys of the NYPD choir Were singing "Galway Bay" And the bells were ringing out For Christmas day You're a bum You're a punk You're an old slut on junk Lying there almost dead on a drip in that bed You scumbag, you maggot You cheap lousy faggot Happy Christmas your arse I pray God it's our last I could have been someone Well so could anyone You took my dreams from me When I first found you I kept them with me babe I put them with my own Can't make it all alone I've built my dreams around you http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrAwK9juhhY

Just give me some truth... no matter how painful it may be...

Mark — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 00:41:09 GMT

"...I've had enough of reading things By neurotic, psychotic, pig-headed politicians All I want is the truthJust gimme some truth..." (John Lennon) How blessed we are that you walked and sang among us. Rest in peace John.

Happy Thanksgiving

Mark — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 17:55:01 GMT

On this Thanksgiving I am very thankful for my wonderful and supportive family and all my amazing and creative friends. As you are surrounded by loved ones on today and contemplate all you are grateful for I want to suggest a member of our family that is sometimes overlooked … Mother Earth. This wondrous and beautiful biosphere, which is powered by the sun, provides us all our food and the raw material for all else we have. The biosphere produces this abundance because of the intricate web that connects the myriad of diverse of species of which it is composed together. It is strong and resilient because of its diversity. So let us celebrate and support the richness of our differences rather than attempting to homogenize everything. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Mark — Sat, 30 Oct 2010 18:44:03 GMT

The painting is 'Carnival Evening' by Henri Rousseau. I think it perfectly conveys the magic of an Autumn evening. In the midst of Autumn as Halloween approaches I also post here my favorite Halloween song, “Tam Lin”. This is a powerful Scottish ballad that is hundreds of years old whose origin is obscured by the murky mists of the past. It encompasses the realms of mortals and immortals, the conscious and subconscious, and the transformative power of love. For, after all, isn't Halloween really about the connections between our earthly world and the worlds of the spirit and imagination. Below are Fairport Convention's version of the lyrics and a link to a youtube audio of their original recording with vocals by Sandy Denny. It is potent stuff, I trust you will enjoy it and wish you a marvelous Halloween. Tam Lin (Traditional) I forbid you maidens all that wear gold in your hair To travel to Carter Hall for young Tam Lin is there None that go by Carter Hall but they leave him a pledge Either their mantles of green or else their maidenhead Janet tied her kirtle green a bit above her knee And she's gone to Carter Hall as fast as go can she She'd not pulled a double rose, a rose but only two When up there came young Tam Lin says "Lady, pull no more" "And why come you to Carter Hall without command from me?" "I'll come and go", young Janet said, "and ask no leave of thee" Janet tied her kirtle green a bit above her knee And she's gone to her father as fast as go can she Well, up then spoke her father dear and he spoke meek and mild "Oh, and alas, Janet," he said, "I think you go with child" "Well, if that be so," Janet said, "myself shall bear the blame There's not a knight in all your hall shall get the baby's name For if my love were an earthly knight as he is an elfin gray I'd not change my own true love for any knight you have" Janet tied her kirtle green a bit above her knee And she's gone to Carter Hall as fast as go can she "Oh, tell to me, Tam Lin," she said, "why came you here to dwell?" "The Queen of Faeries caught me when from my horse I fell And at the end of seven years she pays a tithe to hell I so fair and full of flesh and feared it be myself But tonight is Halloween and the faery folk ride Those that would their true love win at Miles Cross they must buy So first let past the horses black and then let past the brown Quickly run to the white steed and pull the rider down For I'll ride on the white steed, the nearest to the town For I was an earthly knight, they give me that renown Oh, they will turn me in your arms to a newt or a snake But hold me tight and fear not, I am your baby's father And they will turn me in your arms into a lion bold But hold me tight and fear not and you will love your child And they will turn me in your arms into a naked knight But cloak me in your mantle and keep me out of sight" In the middle of the night she heard the bridle ring She heeded what he did say and young Tam Lin did win Then up spoke the Faery Queen, an angry queen was she Woe betide her ill-formed face, an ill death may she die "Oh, had I known, Tam Lin," she said, "what this knight I did see I'd have looked him in the eyes and turned him to a tree." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy3ihk205ew

Love opens; fear closes.

Mark — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 06:05:55 GMT

Happy Independence Day

Mark — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 19:29:00 GMT

Among the comments most appropriate for this anniversary are these words from Benjamin Franklin, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, “Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, nor do they deserve, either one.” I believe the song Wavin' Flag by K'naan embodies the spirit of both personal and artistic independence and freedom beautifully. Enjoy it as you wave your red, white and blue flag! http://www.youtube.com/wat..ch?v=TxmEd9lcn0k

British Petroleum (BP)

Mark — Mon, 17 May 2010 03:53:36 GMT

British Petroleum, in a bit of green-washing, has been advertising that BP stands for 'beyond petroleum' even though it has been spending only about 1% of its profits on R&D for renewable and clean energy. Does BP really stand for BLATANT POLLUTION?

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Mark — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 22:14:12 GMT

On St. Patrick's Day I think all of us except those in Dublin are on the “Rocky Road to Dublin.” Here is a video of it for your enjoyment. The video is not the best but its tough to beat the vocal delivery of Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy. The lyrics are below so you can follow along. Lord, I wish I could write like the Irish. Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of you – Irish and honorary Irish for a day! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5AN-5t_jrs&feature=related The Rocky Road to Dublin (traditional) In the merry month of June, From me home I started, Left the girls of Tuam, Nearly broken hearted, Saluted father dear, Kissed my darlin' mother, Drank a pint of beer, My grief and tears to smother, Then off to reap the corn, leave where I was born, I cut a stout blackthorn, To banish ghost and goblin, In a brand new pair of brogues, I rattled o'er the bogs, And frightened all the dogs,On the rocky road to Dublin. One, two, three, four five, Hunt the hare and turn her Down the rocky road And all the ways to Dublin, Whack-fol-lol-de-ra. In Mullingar that night, I rested limbs so weary, Started by daylight, Me spirits blithe and airy, Took a drop of the pure, To keep my heart from sinkin', That's the Paddy's cure, Whene'er he's on for drinking. To see the lasses smile, Laughing all the while, At my curious style, 'Twould set your heart a-bubblin'. They asked if I was hired, The wages I required, Till I was nearly tired, Of the rocky road to Dublin. In Dublin next arrived, I thought it such a pity, To be so soon deprived, A view of that fine city. Then I took a stroll, out among the quality, My bundle it was stole, In a neat locality; Something crossed my mind, Then I looked behind; No bundle could I find, Upon my stick a wobblin'. Inquirin' for the rogue, They said my Connacht brogue, Wasn't much in vogue, On the rocky road to Dublin. From there I got away, My spirits never failin' Landed on the quay As the ship was sailin'; Captain at me roared, Said that no room had he, When I jumped aboard, A cabin found for Paddy, Down among the pigs I played some funny rigs, Danced some hearty jigs, The water round me bubblin', When off Holyhead, I wished myself was dead, Or better far instead, On the rocky road to Dublin. The boys of Liverpool, When we safely landed, Called myself a fool; I could no longer stand it; Blood began to boil, Temper I was losin', Poor old Erin's isle They began abusin', "Hurrah my soul," sez I, My shillelagh I let fly; Some Galway boys were by, Saw I was a hobblin', Then with a loud hurray, They joined in the affray. We quickly cleared the way, For the rocky road to Dublin.

Relief Efforts in Haiti

Mark — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 04:48:55 GMT

I'm certain many of your thoughts are on the suffering in Haiti, as mine are. It is all well and good to send love and other positive messages but you may also do something a bit more substantial: From @redcross: If your phone network is US based text "HAITI" to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross relief efforts there or on the web go to http://tr.im/Kg2V You may also make donation to Wyclef Jean's organization at Yele.org, or by texting "Yele" to 501501 to make a $5 donation.

My favorite Christmas song:

Mark — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:54:15 GMT

"A Fairytale of New York" by The Pogues http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x1nxmt_the-pogues-a-fairytale-of-new-york_music

America's Occupation of Afghanistan

Mark — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:19:30 GMT

As President Barack Obama prepares to announce his plans for our way forward in Afghanistan I thought it may serve us well to reflect on the British occupation of the same land over a century ago at the height of power of the British Empire as reflected in "The Young British Soldier" one of Rudyard Kipling's poems. THE YOUNG BRITISH SOLDIER by Rudyard Kipling When the 'arf-made recruity goes out to the East 'E acts like a babe an' 'e drinks like a beast, An' 'e wonders because 'e is frequent deceased Ere 'e's fit for to serve as a soldier. Serve, serve, serve as a soldier, Serve, serve, serve as a soldier, Serve, serve, serve as a soldier, So-oldier ~OF~ the Queen! Now all you recruities what's drafted to-day, You shut up your rag-box an' 'ark to my lay, An' I'll sing you a soldier as far as I may: A soldier what's fit for a soldier. Fit, fit, fit for a soldier . . . First mind you steer clear o' the grog-sellers' huts, For they sell you Fixed Bay'nets that rots out your guts -- Ay, drink that 'ud eat the live steel from your butts -- An' it's bad for the young British soldier. Bad, bad, bad for the soldier . . . When the cholera comes -- as it will past a doubt -- Keep out of the wet and don't go on the shout, For the sickness gets in as the liquor dies out, An' it crumples the young British soldier. Crum-, crum-, crumples the soldier . . . But the worst o' your foes is the sun over'ead: You ~must~ wear your 'elmet for all that is said: If 'e finds you uncovered 'e'll knock you down dead, An' you'll die like a fool of a soldier. Fool, fool, fool of a soldier . . . If you're cast for fatigue by a sergeant unkind, Don't grouse like a woman nor crack on nor blind; Be handy and civil, and then you will find That it's beer for the young British soldier. Beer, beer, beer for the soldier . . . Now, if you must marry, take care she is old -- A troop-sergeant's widow's the nicest I'm told, For beauty won't help if your rations is cold, Nor love ain't enough for a soldier. 'Nough, 'nough, 'nough for a soldier . . . If the wife should go wrong with a comrade, be loath To shoot when you catch 'em -- you'll swing, on my oath! -- Make 'im take 'er and keep 'er: that's Hell for them both, An' you're shut o' the curse of a soldier. Curse, curse, curse of a soldier . . . When first under fire an' you're wishful to duck, Don't look nor take 'eed at the man that is struck, Be thankful you're livin', and trust to your luck And march to your front like a soldier. Front, front, front like a soldier . . . When 'arf of your bullets fly wide in the ditch, Don't call your Martini a cross-eyed old bitch; She's human as you are -- you treat her as sich, An' she'll fight for the young British soldier. Fight, fight, fight for the soldier . . . When shakin' their bustles like ladies so fine, The guns o' the enemy wheel into line, Shoot low at the limbers an' don't mind the shine, For noise never startles the soldier. Start-, start-, startles the soldier . . . If your officer's dead and the sergeants look white, Remember it's ruin to run from a fight: So take open order, lie down, and sit tight, And wait for supports like a soldier. Wait, wait, wait like a soldier . . . When you're wounded and left on Afghanistan's plains, And the women come out to cut up what remains, Jest roll to your rifle and blow out your brains An' go to your Gawd like a soldier. Go, go, go like a soldier, Go, go, go like a soldier, Go, go, go like a soldier, So-oldier ~of~ the Queen!

Happy Thanksgiving

Mark — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 06:35:48 GMT

To all my friends, those I have met and know well and those I haven't yet met, I am grateful for and humbled by the your friendship. You have all touched and enriched my life and made my stay in this earthly realm a more fascinating and pleasant one. I wish only I could have given each of you a bit more of myself and opened my heart a little further. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you.

Happy Halloween

Mark — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 02:04:28 GMT

Carnival Evening by Henri Rousseau This painting is one of my favorites by Rousseau and I find it always evokes a feeling of magical wonder. May your Halloween be just as awesome.