Listening Partywith Roy of Hollywood Tuckman, Buddhist Radio: Alan Watts' "Ecological Awareness, Part 4"; "Mine Enemy: German POWs in America in WW II"; Oliver Stone's "Untold History of the United States"; Christine Blosdale with Kyle CeaseSomething's Happening - A (PLAY), Something's Happening - B (PLAY)
You know, first thing you want to do to be "cool" is click on a lot of ads, like especially the ones that say "free." They usually end up costing more. And spending buku bucks is definitely cools-ville, holmes.
Next you want to do all things cell phone/mobile -- tweet like there's no idea too stupid to talk about, and start with "OMG, can't believe she said that!" so ppl will know you're serious. Instagram it, f Facebook tho, dump that. SnapChat it, baby, same corporation.
(Double Take) Be totally HOT...and still have problems
Hey, look at those guys!
And makes lots of friends. It's easy! Just say, "Hey, 'friend' me, ese! I'm aiming for 10,000 likes!" Always talk with exclamation marks. Oh, and, aim for 10,000 likes. That's a good number of friends to have on social media in case you want to sell girl scout cookies outside of a medical dispensary or something. Get all krazy; like, y b norml? Listen to the s/he devils.
And get a motto. You can have ours: "Always be good, except when you're bad. Choose to be happy, except when you're sad. Don't quote me on this, don't hold me to that. Should you live a good life? I guess it shall be."
Or how 'bout JC's? "Cut me some slack. I can't make up my mind. Get off of my @$$. I heard y'all the first time. I'll get to it eventually. Just leave me be!"
And never be sarcastic or ironic; peeps hate that cuz u'd have to think 'n stuff, and who's got time for that, yeah?
There's another way. But it's a big hassle. And who needs that? Why not just wake up late, bake, eat things in crinkly plastic bags, and breathe with ya mouth, and blow yer nose later?
Way back, like, in the beforetime, in India, this guy was totally done with the party-n-the-palace life, the naked dancing girls and musicians, the soma and ambrosia, the hoopla and the sports meets...
The Four Noble Truths are all that's needed.
Quest. Why not seek FREEDOM? Be set free by the highest liberating truths.
1. There is a thirst, a TANHA. 2. It gives rise to terrible feelings of dissatisfaction and disappointment, to dookie, to DUKKHA. 3. There is a COOL, cooling, quenching, slaking allayer of all ills, NIRVANA. 4. And there's a way to get to it, a MAGGA. So it is possible to be free.
CBS's announcement this morning (Thursday, April 10, 2014) that Stephen Colbert is taking over from David Letterman as the host of "The Late Show" in 2015 trumps all rivals -- including Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Jimmy O'Brien, and all the Jameses, like the head of the now shuttered and very controversial CCDD Foundation.
But now it seems the likelihood the show will move to Los Angeles is dim, despite lobbying from L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti. Reasons likely include everything from trying to retain "The Colbert Report" staff on his new show, family, and more.
I won't stand for that white hipster ironical racism; people might misunderstand it.
.
Stephen Colbert responded to criticism about a tweet about his show from his TV network last week, saying he would dismantle the imaginary foundation that created the stir.
It surely says something about our culture that a single tweet (when the twit hit the fan) can turn into a major racial incident: Colbert's send-up of Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder's new foundation to help Native Americans.
The controversy erupted when a Twitter account associated with Colbert's Comedy Central show, The Colbert Report, took the joke too far -- away from its original context.
"I am willing to show #Asian community I care by introducing the Ching-Chong Ding-Dong Foundation for Sensitivity to Orientals or Whatever," read the tweet from @ColbertReport.
Hipster (ironic) racism? It's not Colbert's Twitter handle, and Colbert himself had nothing to do with the tweet, but a lot of people -- specifically Asian-Americans -- didn't think it was funny. They thought it was racist.
But not everyone thinks so, not, for example, Jay Caspian Kang, an Asian-American who wrote a piece about the controversy for newyorker.com. Where some saw racism, he tells NPR's Rachel Martin, he saw a big misunderstanding.
"When the tweet came out, without the sort of context of the first part of the joke, then it does seem a little bit shocking," he says.
One of those offended was activist Suey Park, 23. Park re-tweeted in outrage, and the #CancelColbert social media campaign began. Kang understands where the anger comes from.
Seeing Red
Colbert responded on his show by saying he would "shut down" the imaginary foundation that sparked fury among select critics. The most vocal has been Suey Park (Twitter nicknameAngry Asian Woman). She began the #CancelColbertcampaign.
In an article for Time, Park wrote last week: "The problem isn't that we can't take a joke. The problem is that white comedians and their fans believe they are above reproach." She also discussed her motivations in a video interview with Huff Po. In another tweet she stated: "White people -- please keep #CancelColbert trending until there's an apology."
Rachel Stark has the right idea: "Calm, reasoned debate among comics about which jokes should be off limits doesn’t exist"!
We love you, Suey Park, but be an activist about something more serious than satire. For if we lose our hero and white-ally Colbert because of your humorless campaign, we will not be amused, not amused in the slightest, and we'll start our own offensive imaginary foundation to continue the mission of calling attention to a racist #Redskins owner Dan Snyder by mocking Asians in the blogosphere. (Please send all complaint letters in response to our rant to "Attention: I. Rony, Features Editor, Wisdom Quarterly" via EFF.org).
"Some of what Suey Park was saying [was about] Asian-Americans who are second-generation: It's sort of ingrained in our heads to always protect that idea of assimilation and upward mobility," Kang says.
"One of the things that upsets us," he says, "is when somebody comes and agitates in a way that would reflect badly upon us."
But Kang defends Colbert. It's also upsetting to "reflect badly upon the people who[m] we would consider our allies, who are trying to help us have this sort of assimilation, post-racial dream," he says.
In his article, Kang writes, "There's a long tradition in American comedy of dumping tasteless jokes at the feet of Asians and Asian-Americans -- [which] follows the perception that we will silently weather the ridicule."
"I think the writers in Hollywood know that it's just not going to be an issue the way that it would be if the joke was on another minority group," he says. LISTEN
All jokes and satire aside, there are discomfit ting conversations to be had.
So long as we tolerate remnants of the patriarchy and colonization, are we free? (FEMEN)
(95Colbert) Stephen Colbert responds to the controversy was epic humor, irony, and biting satire. It is the genius of wit that redeems a person not in need of redeeming.
The eye roll that turned the tide (Huff Post)
Suey Park has a point, more than one, but anger is no way to express it. Here she tackles the white male and the racist patriarchy in general menace by attempting to take down Josh Zepps, who was concerned enough to let her air her side of the controversy on Huff Post Live. She may have explained, but she may also have made things worse by biting the hand that holds the mic. Indeed, there is racism in this country, and some fight it with satire. Others with anger. Which side is Park on when we could all be together? (And, privileged Josh, let guests talk).
Woody Allen pointed out that liberals are like fish that eat each other. There are bigger pieces of plankton to pry from the sea, Suey. So please aim it at those guys rather than worrying if all of the rest of us are PC enough to end sexism, racism, stereotyping, bias, prejudice, and inequality with you. If we join forces, each approaching the cultural inequities of the day in our own way and as a team, we can bring about a better world. If we squabble, aren't the real movers-and-shakers, the problem-makers, just loving it as they multiply and coat this baby blue watery planet in green slime?
With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Brown University presents us with a chance to make personal connections in less time than it takes to read this with not one but two speed dating events. Blog Daily Herald has eight useful tips for speed dating More
On Valentine's Day Metro is pleased to present...Speed Dating!
On Valentine's Day Metro Los Angeles (train system) is pleased to present SPEED DATING on the Red Line! It will take place from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm on Friday, Feb. 14, 2014. Metro staff will be at seven Red Line stations to tell everyone how. Register in advance. Whether you believe love is a matter of “fate” or coincidence, luck or strategy, you can have your own “meet someone cute” moment by participating in Speed Dating L.A. style. Try it on a shiny train that's moving on smoggy tracks while you dodge deranged bums, insufferable hipsters, and the great mass of weirdos we call “neighbor” or would would call if anyone spoke to anybody else. Try smiling first. That's life in the Big City. Just ask Steve Hymon (thesource.metro.net). More
Life in Los Angeles riding the Metro (2:00 minute flick)
This educational video addresses the topic of "speed dating." It was shot for Oxford University Press for a video textbook. After learning the basics, dive in. Sign up for a speed dating party at HurryDate.com
(Aware Show)Alison Armstrong on celebrating men, satisfying women
(Mike Reynolds) Men, learn how to be charming in 7 steps
In Roman mythology, Saturn was an agricultural deity who was said to have reigned over the world in the Golden Age, when humans enjoyed the spontaneous bounty of the earth without labor in a state of social egalitarianism.
The sexual revelries of Saturnalia (held around the winter solstice and the famous date of Dec. 25th) were supposed to reflect the conditions of the lost mythical age, not all of them desirable. The Greek equivalent was the Kronia, an Athenian festival held in honor of Cronus (Greek Kronos. More
In the most classic and well known version of Greek mythology, Cronus or Kronos (Greek Κρόνος) -- not to be confused with Chronos (the personification of time) -- was the leader and the youngest of the first generation of Titans (Buddhist asuras), divine (deva) descendants of Gaia (Mother Earth or Bhūmi), and Uranus, the sky (space). He overthrew his father and ruled during the mythological Golden Age, until he was overthrown by his own son Zeus and imprisoned in Tartarus.
Most comics use the F-word in their live acts like it's an article. But whenEddie Pepitone [a regular on the Jimmy Dore Show] uses it, it comes from the heart, or maybe his ample gut [which is good luck to rub].
The 54-year old comedian and actor (Law and Order: Criminal Intent, The Beat, Now and Again), who lives in North Hollywood, California, is finally seeing a glimpse of the fame his friends and colleagues have wished for him for years.
Host John Rabe sat on a blanket with him at his favorite park in North Hollywood where he meditates and feeds the squirrels with his wife Karen. "And we're a little pedantic to other people in the park," he says, "because we see them feeding squirrels things like bread and even peanuts, and we're like 'No, no, no! Walnuts are the best for them because the shell works their teeth.' So we've gotten this reputation for being the squirrel pains in the asses." More
The world's most famous Icelander, the angelic singer Bjork, goes ape sh-t in once peaceful Buddhist Thailand -- violently attacking a reporter at Bangkok Airport. Why? Iceland is deep, a green Scandinavian wonderland, but wild. (Unlike Greenland, which is full of ice). Bjork sings, "I am a fountain of blood in the shape of a girl." That, or she was on something. It's like her song in the movie "Sucker Punch" -- full of girls fighting to Bjork's "Army of Me." She wasn't kidding.
"Babydoll" fights everyone in her way to Bjork's "Army of Me"
(EuroNews) A gunman has [been killed] after a shootout with police in the Icelandic suburb of Reykjavík on Monday morning, reportedly becoming the first person in Iceland to be killed by a bullet shot by a police officer, who do not carry guns.... Police returned fire. According to eyewitnesses, some sort of smoke bomb was thrown into the apartment... Armed police entered the man's apartment at around 06:00 am and [shot] him. More
"Black Friday" is the mythical biggest shopping day of the year, which is far from the busiest. That title may belong to Cyber Monday or Better Savings Saturday. But we are nevertheless stirred to a froth in our consumer-minded frenzy of greed. For what? Senseless bargains to buy what we don't need with money we probably don't have to waste on discretionary purchases. But there's credit, so we live like there's no tomorrow and plunge ourselves into greater debt. What can a cartoon teach us that WalMart fight video does not?
Ashley Wells, CC Liu, Wisdom Quarterly; Steve Carrell and Stephen Colbert ("Even Stevphen," Daily Show with Jon Stewart); Wikipedia edit Allah
Arabic components for "Allah": 1. alif, 2. hamzat wasl, 3. lām, 4. lām, 5. shadda, 6. dagger alif, 7. hāʾ. According to Reza Azlan, "There is noGod but God," and Mohammed is prophet.
Veiled in Lucknow, India (Sharko333/flickr)
Allah (Arabic, الله Allāh) is the Arabic word for "the God" (as the initial "Al-" is the definite article plus ilāh, "deity," ho theos monos). The word is used mainly by Muslims to refer to God in Islam, Arab Christians, and often, but not exclusively, by Bahá'ís, Arabic-speakers, Indonesian and Maltese Christians, and Mizrahi Jews.
Femen female driver demo (cryptome.org)
Cognates of the name exist in other Semitic languages, including Hebrew and Aramaic. Biblical Hebrew mostly uses the plural form (gods) Elohim, while claiming to be monotheistic. The corresponding Aramaic form is ʼĔlāhāܐܠܗܐ in Biblical Aramaic and ʼAlâhâܐܲܠܵܗܵܐ in Syriac as used by the Assyrian Church. In the Sikh scriptures Guru Granth Sahib, the term Allah is used 37 times. The name was previously used by pagan Meccans as a reference to a creator deity, possibly the supreme deity in pre-Islamic Arabia.
Islamic women walking (ABC News/AP)
The concepts associated with the term Allah (as a deity) differ among religious traditions. In pre-Islamic Arabia amongst pagan Arabs, Allah was not considered the sole divinity. It, too, like the Elohim, had associates and companions, sons and daughters -- a concept deleted under the process of Islamization just as happend to the Jewish and Christian traditions when they became stridently monotheistic.
My bro was a Muslim. He's your prez now.
In Islam, the name Allah is the supreme and all-comprehensive divine name, and all other divine names are believed or said to refer back to Allah. Allah is now unique, the only deity, the creator of the universe and omnipotent. Arab Christians today use terms such as Allāh al-Ab (الله الأب, "God the Father") to distinguish their usage from Muslim usage. There are both similarities and differences between the concept of God as portrayed in the Koran (Muslim Bible) and the Hebrew Bible. It has also been applied to certain living human beings as personifications of the term and concept. More
A few years after coming onto the human plane, my mother said to me, "You know you were an accident?" "Thanks," I shot back. That was the first time I gave thanks. Been saying it ever since. How about you, Ash?
I was born just outside of wedlock to parents too caught up fighting about waspy matters to take much notice of me. I, apparently, led to their marriage and therefore their unhappiness, which didn't keep me from being a bastard. (Is that the feminine form of the word, or is it the other B-word?) We were Christian back then, obviously, through no fault of my own. Other than choosing it, pre-birth, all part of my divine plan to graduate to a more sublime teaching.
Thank you. That's nothing. My dad used to yell, "You kids are going to drive me to the insane asylum!" I always wanted to go out and start the car, to make a statement. I would have been punished. We didn't have nice, neat "groundings" like everyone else. We had punishments. Wow. You're dark. Next? That's not all! He also used to say, "You don't s--t from Shinola!" And I would ask, What's Shinola, dad?" "I'll show you what it is!" he would threaten. He drank a lot. How about you, Sands?
I was asked once, seriously, if "my people" celebrated Thanksgiving. Like we're not American enough to celebrate the same holidays. (It's like the time Joseph got asked on "King of the Hill"!Did you guys used to celebrate it?) Not really, not because we never did, but because it was too much trouble for my mom. I used to go over my girlfriend's house. Hey, just like Joseph. *Laughter*
I was raised without parents. So I guess that would technically make me an orphan. Worst thing about it was they were there. Physically. They were "checked out" in every other way. One drinking, the other spacing out. One emotionally distant, the other smothering. One aggressive, the other passive. One yelling like a lunatic, the other too brow beaten to speak up. So, essentially, we can agree, We were all raised by a Homer and a Marge?
What if the Griffins were America's first family, the Simpsons?
Native American Joseph is cheating with the asker's blond wife.
So is everyone going to a Vegan Thanksgiving (veganevents.org) this year? Unless you guys are planning to harass and hurt animals with paint balls? *Laughter* No, we'll be there, and I'm making California guacamole, which everyone loves all year long.
When: Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, 11:00 am-4:00 pm.Where: Rancho Park, 2551 Motor Ave., L.A., CA 90064. (Enter at the first entrance south of Pico on Motor Avenue or see this nice map).
What: Veggie feast attended by hundreds because it is promoted all over the county, and most people do not RSVP. SeeFacebook.
There may be similar events all over the country, but this is the annual Vegan Thanksgiving Day Potluck Picnic. It continues for its third decade at the same Rancho Park location. Invite friends. Non-vegans are more than welcome, they are encouraged to attend. This is LA's longest-running single day vegan tradition.
It's a potluck to look forward to every year with hundreds in attendance. Join a peaceful, turkey-friendly Thanksgiving. Share delicious food, desserts, and drinks. Connect with beautiful people. Enjoy the outdoor environment with music, live performances, and an open mic! So feel free to bring drums or other musical instruments, a Frisbee or a ball to toss. It's a great place for children. Well behaved animal companions like dogs (on leashes) are welcome. More
Punk rock Thanksgiving means a mess in the kitchen and fun loud music.
(MS) Giving back to the community and our large impoverished homeless population
in megalopolises across the US. Give praise to giving, karma that does everyone good!
How to makecruelty-free treats
(Michelle Taylor/VeganBreak.com) Step 1. Go veg. First clean the fridge. Refill with a vegan version of everything. It's a cruelty-free life. Why put another living being through misery. Here are five more easy steps. Facebook
Compassionate Thanksgiving gratitude
(Colleen Patrick-Goudreau) Bestselling author, podcaster, speaker, and creator of The 30-Day Vegan Challenge™ offers helpful suggestions for creating a beautiful, healthful, compassionate, traditional Thanksgiving meal (without paying someone to kill a turkey!) Let's remember the TRUE meaning of the holiday: gratitude, community, seasonal abundance, and generosity!
Vegan Ellen [who read Skinny Bitch then forced herself to sit through Earthlings (earthlings.com) looking into how edible flesh is made] interviews "veganist" author Kathy Freston (Quantum Wellness: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Health and Happiness).
SKINNY BITCH - With a sassy cover featuring a drawing of a slender young woman wearing a tight-fitting body suit and hoop earrings and holding a pair of oversize sunglasses, the book, by Rory Freedman and Kim Barnouin, promises a “no-nonsense, tough-love guide for savvy girls.” That brazen attitude and cussing makes this the best diet book ever.
