This was forwarded to me today, because it was created with a certain software application which should probably remain nameless, but was in fact Fireworks CS3... I just LOVE the course options:
http://shakthiveda.com/courses.htm
My favorite? "Removal of any devil attachment."
I do wonder, however, how San Francisco at large--with its significant population of alternative medicine and spirituality seekers--would respond to "Removal of Soul Attachment, which causes depression, homosexuality & lesbianism."
Greetings from the Western hemisphere.... this is a very belated post, but then posting here hasn't been a priority. Perhaps I should take my blogging more seriously? Not to mention actually invite some of my friends and acquaintances along for the ride?
Turkey was... interesting. I enjoyed the trip, but it was certainly one of the more challenging "vacations" I've ever been on. Suffice it to say it was an experience to see Islamic culture firsthand; and this is the "liberal," democratic-side of Islam!
I'm still a bit disoriented, but I've made it back safe and sound. Turkey was... interesting. I enjoyed the trip, but it was certainly one of the more challenging "vacations" I've ever been on. Suffice it to say it was an experience to see Islamic culture firsthand; and this is the "liberal," democratic-side of Islam!
The bombing in Ankara--which fortunately was no where near me--also made an impression. It was only last August that the PKK--a militant Kurdish faction--bombed Anatalya which was not far from the areas I visited along the Aegean. Frighteningly, they've issued a statement that they intend to bomb sites frequented by British and Americans, as they want them (or more correctly, "us") to stay away from Turkey. Apparently our foreign policies in the Middle East are less than appreciated.
On a more positive note, the beauty of the Blue Mosque's interior--such amazing light and space--was moving. And the sound of the call to prayer echoing through the ancient city was beautiful... Particularly in the stillness of the early morning, when it is called at 5:30. Another standout was the color of the Aegean... No wonder the Greeks and Romans wanted this place for themselves.
You can see a few of my photos on Flickr: http://flickr.com/photos/madscribe/
This is only a handful of the 350+ photos I shot, so look for more in the coming days. These ones are of the Aya Sophia and Blue Mosque. I'm happy with a few of the photos, but several of them are less than I'd expected (but then the light in the Aya Sophia--at least of the things I wanted to shoot--was hardly conducive to photography sans a tripod, flash, or at least a faster lens and steadier hand).
What was the one toy you wanted as a kid that your parents never bought you?
Submitted by Princess of Darkness.
A remote control model airplane... Ideally a replica of a Corsair or a P-51 Mustang. I used to go to the local toy and model shop and salivate over the scale model engines, servo controls, and and skeletal balsa wood fuselages. Sadly, the remote control units were quite expensive back then (technology and micro-electronics has brought the price down considerably today). Still, I can't complain too much, as I had an enviable model railroad layout and a well used Erector set.
I think it's sad that kids today don't have toys that let them build and create things, but instead video games that have them sitting in front of a computer pushing buttons.
The other morning, as I sat in my living room, tainted coffee in hand (my cartoon of half-and-half had expired), I listened to the college radio DJ announce a new album by Portland, Oregon’s The Prids, who I've now become enamored with... http://www.theprids.com/ ... The music plays automatically when you browse to their site.
Be sure to read their history... It made me smile because I have much the same musical history. Louder Than Bombs--and before that, Hatful of Hollow--were two of my favorite records. Actually, I’m almost amazed that someone else listened to The Sound and Comsat Angels... But then I couldn't have been the only one, could I?
If that doesn't convince you, here is a review from the Portland Mercury:
"HOLY FUCKING SHIT. YOU HAVE GOT TO SEE THIS BAND RIGHT NOW! Imagine if My Bloody Valentine and New Order decided to collaborate when they were both at their peaks. They'd make magenta-charged electro-wave, a crashing of static guitars with a heavily delicate synthesizer melody and unexpected drum smatters. The vocals would be iridescent, with breathy distortion. Imagine the electricity in that dark tension. That's The Prids."
The New Order reference is particularly accurate; at least in regard to New Order's earlier material... The albums Movement and Power, Corruption, & Lies.
I'm always pleased when a new musical presance falls into my life.
on Shouting at the Devil...