Today is the burial

Alan Dale Wisian




of our friends' best friend.
I won't be able to attend but my husband will, in support of him..
we're contemplative today;
Loreena McKennit - Penelope's Song


Update: dh emailed me on his blackberry to say that the funeral home was packed. Would you leave that kind of impression?

"Alan Dale Wisian of New Braunfels was born Feb. 20, 1953 to Alfred and Adelene Wisian. He passed away on Nov. 18, 2008 at the age of 55. He was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather and friend. Alan was affectionately known as “Da-daddy” to his beautiful grand-girls, Faith and Brooke Thompson. He also enjoyed and loved his beautiful step-granddaughter, Abigayle Winn.Alan is survived by his wife Brenda Wisian, his daughter, Laura Thompson and husband, Scott; son, David Wisian and wife Amanda; granddaughters, Faith and Brooke Thompson and step-granddaughter, Abigayle Winn. He is also survived by his mother Adelene Wisian and his sister Beverly Kleen. Alan is preceded in death by his father, Alfred Wisian.After graduating from Southwest Texas State University, he built a career in technology. Alan enjoyed being involved in his home, his church and his community. Anyone who knew him recognized his patience, kindness, caring nature and his love."

Nooo! collective groan..

Hillary Clinton as secretary of State..sorry, but there goes peace in the Middle East. The Clintons are too pro-Israel to balance anything out..I don't even wanna know what 'concession' dear Bill was willing to make..
ugh..
So Mash (docstrangelove)..you lost that prediction! (he predicted Bill Richardson) Click and find out which predictions he's made and which ones came true..
sigh..(I know I know..the line will be "can't please everybody" well, this was a concession on the part of the Obama transition team and not a sound one at that, this will not be 'change'..)

Sarah Palin pardons turkey whilst turkeys are being slaughtered

Bit hat tip to Mash who called her a 'blithering idiot'. My husband actually felt sorry for her and that this was too humiliating as she did not have any 'handlers' to say 'xnay xnay'.. Weheell.. I don't agree. Just think this woman with an ego the size of Alaska would've been our Vice-President who carelessly divided in an attempt to conquer and win 'politics as usual'..why oh why feel sorry for her? She lacks even the most common traits of respect and sensibility.. hell, this is the story of 'no-sense and nonsensibility'...pah!

anyhow..beware of gruesome imagery..or as they say, viewer discretion advised.
Btw..Happy Thanksgiving!! [g]

Losing a Loved One..

One of our friends just lost his best friend this morning. This is for all who are hurting because of losing someone, or who are just hurting. This is just the song..And as always, for our returning veterans who are carrying all that hurt still inside..I'm thinking of you too..

Murray Head-Say It Ain't So Joe- Night of the Proms



Say it ain't so Jo, please, say it ain't so
That's not what I wanna hear Jo
And I got a right to know
Say it ain't so Jo, please, say it ain't so
I'm sure they're telling us lies Jo
Please tell us it ain't so

They told us that our hero has played his trump card
He doesn't know how to go on
We're clinging to his charm and determined smile
The good old days have gone

The image and the empire may be falling apart
The money has gotten scarce
One man's word held the country together
But the truth is getting fierce

Say it ain't so Jo, please, say it ain't so
We pinned our hopes on you Jo
And they're ruining our show

Ooh baby don't you think
We're gonna get burned
Ooh baby don't you think
We're gonna get burned
We're gonna get turned
We're gonna get burned
Yes we're gonna get turned
We're gonna get burned
We're gonna get turned
Yes, we're gonna get burned
We're gonna get burned
We're gonna get burned
Yes we're gonna get turned
We're gonna get burned

Say it ain't so Jo, please, say it ain't so
That's not what I wanna hear Jo
And I got a right to know
Say it ain't so Jo, please, say it ain't so
I'm sure they're telling us lies Jo
Please tell us it ain't so (x2)

Comment on Cali's Prop 8

There were many protests around the country re. Cali's prop 8. I have in comment sections in people's blogs made mention of this non-profit organization, led by reverend Barry Lynn; Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

Get yourself a blog button, spread this like wildfire and check out their site. They have local chapters in all states and if there is none in your city, there are directions in how to set it up.

During the Bush years, Barry Lynn, a former lawyer turned minister, has vigorously defended the separation of church and state either in taking churches to court, or debating Falwell or Robertson on tv. He surely can hold his own. So you want to do something about prop 8? Do something about the separation of Church and State. As this election showed, it's all about grassroots efforts so keep yourself mobilized.
Step 1, put this blog button in your sidebar.
Step 2, go to the site, familiarize yourself
Step 3, find a local chapter.
Step 4, get to work!

(example)
Americans United Files Seven Complaints With The IRS, After Churches Endorse Political Candidates In Religious Right Election Scheme

Friday Night Order of Brave Combo

Brave Combo at Jovita's November 14th, 2008 (see below 'the Simpsons' replica)



Last night, our neighbours took us to see 'Brave Combo'. This band who hails from Denton TX near Dallas, comes into town at least twice a year and my neighbour is a 'religious groupie' who's known these guys for at least 15 years or longer. They even played at her wedding. As it happens with many 'bands' who do not make it apparently big (i.e. achieve super status and play in stadiums), they have been playing at least for over 20 years all over the place. They'll have gigs as faraway in Holland (yes, we got to talk 'shop' a bit) and Japan, amongst other places. For their Japanese fan they even made a special Christmas cd and knowing these guys, you got to wonder how they fenagles to 'spruce up' any holiday music.

Myself and my neighbours Grace-Marie and Randy





You see, they're not 'just a polka band', they use music and turn it around into samba, changing style midstream only to change it back to a samba. Or they do cajun, zydeco, cha cha, latin jazz..you name it. There is a lot of latin styles in their 'interpretation' and what it amounts to is a VERY loyal fan base who come out to have fun and DANCE!! I did not feel like dancing last night but since this was at Jovitas in South Austin, there was plenty of people watching going on..I loved it and we had a great time. These guys are consumate musicians and they're the best. They are approachable and low key. This is who they are.


Brave Combo doing Louie Louie -dance away!

No ego nonsense but just plain musicians who love to play. It doesn't get any better than that. And another tidbit about these guys; Matt Groenig from the Simpsons loves this band as well and he wanted to find a way to get these guys on his show. Well, they ended up in the episode "Co-dependents' Day" in 2004.
Brave Combo on the Simpsons


Talking to Carl Finch, one of the co-founders. He's a producer and this includes some of his other work; He co-produced the albums Equal Scary People for singer-songwriter Sara Hickman and El Gato Negro for conjunto musician Santiago Jimenez, Jr. He composed music for and appears as an extra in David Byrne's 1986 movie True Stories. His instrumental "Mall Music" appears on the associated album Sounds from True Stories. He co-wrote the music for the play Evelyn and the Polka King.[1] He produced the opening for YuYu Hakusho and Dragon Ball. He appeared in animated form, along with the rest of Brave Combo, on an episode of The Simpsons in 2004. He produced and, along with Brave Combo, performed all of the music for the 2008 animated PBS television series Click and Clack's As the Wrench Turns. Check it out.


Brave Combo - their version of the William Tell Overture.. keep dancin'!


James and I, him with earplugs, I must be getting deaf as I did not need them. (need them in movie theaters though!)


Some other brushes with national exposures include;

The band made a short appearance, as animated figures, on the March 21, 2004 episode of The Simpsons (Co-Dependent's Day).[1]
In that same episode of The Simpsons, the band played a new original song called "Fill The Stein" and their version of the theme song played over the closing credits.[2]
Finch and other band members made cameo appearances in Talking Heads leader David Byrne's 1986 movie True Stories, set in fictional Virgil, Texas. Finch can be spotted in the fashion show sporting a brick-patterned suit and in the parade leading the all-accordion marching band. (Trivia note: Brave Combo was David Byrne's wedding band.)
They appear in the 1986 Hank Wangford Channel 4 television series The A to Z of C & W singing the Hank Williams song "Cold, Cold Heart".
Their song "Busy Office Rhumba" was used as the theme for the 1993 FOX television series Bakersfield P.D.
They appear as a wedding band in the 1995 feature film Late Bloomers.
In 2000, they appeared on the national telecast of the MDA Labor Day Telethon with Jerry Lewis dancing along to the music.[3]
They wrote and performed the theme song for the 2005 series "ESPN Bowling Night".
The opening theme and other music for the 2008 PBS animated series Click and Clack's As the Wrench Turns were produced by Carl Finch and composed, arranged, and performed by Finch and Brave Combo.[4]

Sarah Vaughan / Peter Gunn (Max Sedgley Remix)

No politics. I finally found this on youtube as before I only had the 'odeo.com' version..



Music by Henry Mancini
Lyrics by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans

Every night your line is busy
All that buzzin' makes me dizzy
Couldn't count on all my fingers
All the dates you had with swingers

Bye-bye
Bye, baby
I'm gonna kiss you goodbye
And walk right through that doorway
So long
I'm leaving
This is the last time we'll meet
On the street going your way
Don't look surprised
You know you've buttered your bread
So now it's fair
You should stare
At the back of my head
If you write a letter to me
My former friend
Don't you end
With a R.S.V.P.

I'm going bye, bye
I'm moving
Tomorrow I may be splittin' to Britain or Norway
I'm saying bye, bye
Bye, baby
Now that I heard all that jazzing
Whereas I have had it
I've had it
I'm through now
With you now

So baby it's au revouir
Adios
Ciao ciao
Goodbye!

* Copyright owner of some or all of the visual content in this video: DMGI

Veterans Day - Rememberance Day

The National WWII Memorial

Korean War Memorial


Vietnam War Memorial





Faces of the Fallen - Iraq and Afghanistan theatres.

As recent as Pfc. Scott G. Dimond on October 13th or Spec. Geoffrey Johnson


4780 American men and women have died in the last two, still ongoing unnecessary wars. Well, that is if you buy the official line as to why we're there. I'm not going into a diatribe of 'why we're really there'. Those of you who've done your research already know. Those of you who don't.. well, I'll save that for tomorrow for a more appropriate time.

For now, ponder and wonder why, besides the OBVIOUS World War 2, Americans have been sent OFF to war, "fighting" for their "freedoms". (here is a hint, no one was invading)

As someone who was born and raised after WW2 in the Netherlands, but hearing plenty of stories of courage, resistance people and family members and Allied forces alike, I am disgusted at the immorality of sending all these people off to war as if their lives don't count. Well..they do. And that's all I have to say about that.

Go check out the link and for today, if you cannot go to a cemetary to honor the fallen, go to the site to at least make this more real. You can click on the faces and find out when and where they were from and how they died.

Update: This picture is in response to Border Explorer's comment, see comment section.

The Death of "Mama Africa" - Miriam Makeba

Miriam Makeba (1932-2008)

"Throughout her life, Mama Makeba communicated a positive message to the world about the struggle of the people of South Africa and the certainty of victory over the dark forces of apartheid and colonialism through the art of song."

N'Kosi Sikeleli Africa- With Miriam Makeba (South Arican national anthem "God Bless Africa", at the end of a concert with Paul Simon, see last song below)



Miriam Makeba - Pata Pata



Miriam Makeba and Paul Simon - Under African Skies



I will postpone my 'Part 2' (see previous post) because this will actually tie in to a message of sorts..I see connections anyway..rest in peace Mama Africa..

Censorship in the Western Media: What they Don't Want You to Know

Important 'stories' have emerged, but aside from the US Presidential election, they've been conveniently ignored.. what would be so important about them? Let's take a look;

East Germans want to return to Socialism
Consider this Reuters article: Global crisis sends east Germans flocking to Marx According to this article, quote; "A recent survey found 52 percent of eastern Germans believe the free market economy is "unsuitable" and 43 percent said they wanted socialism rather than capitalism,".


American Left Ephemera Collection

That is not surprising. When Eastern European countries found themselves 'free' of Russian influence and in a democracy, the one thing that many visiting Western European tourists noticed was the lack of, and inability to provide 'service'. The one thing about being in a competitive market, is that you need to make sure that your company or your service stands out from the rest. Naturally for Dutch tourists (amongst other Western Europeans), the lack of work ethics was duly noted. If you get paid regardless of performance, why work hard? Or why work harder? It is a tough mindset to alter and unless the market delivers, it is obviously more than tough. Considering that we are in a global market economy, that probably provided more obstacles than needed to make that transition work.

U.S. Dollar has Plundered the World
Apparently, the latest banking fiasco was criticized severely by the People's Daily (china). This is what they proposed;
"U.S. has plundered world wealth with dollar..." and that as a starting point, "all trade transactions between Asia and Europe should be settled in Euros, Pounds, RMB, and Yen."




Interestingly enough, years ago, Saddam Hussein threatened the US to switch the payment of Iraqi oil from the weakened US dollars, to a very strong, debt-free Euro:
"Saddam turns his back on Greenbacks" from November 13th, 2000
"Petrodollar Warfare: Dollars, Euros and the Upcoming Iranian Oil Bourse"
19. U.S. Dollar vs. the Euro: Another Reason for the Invasion of Iraq

Just digest this for now. Tomorrow I'll post part 2. Because the connection between the state of the US dolllar or better put, petro dollar, needs to 'hit home'. Will Obama follow suit with previous administrations on this one? I sure hope not!

Jon Swift: Why McCain Will Win: Update..whoops!!

The 2008 Weblog awards are up for grabs and Jon Swift has 'got' to be one of the best..this is one of his brilliantly funny pieces..satire anyone?
Go vote, just one more time..pretty pls??

Jon Swift: Why McCain Will Win

Postcard to the President from all over the world

What I like about these videos is that ordinary people speak, and they make it very clear what they expect to be upheld; promises. Another thing I like is that we get to see their city and get a taste of 'their life', as opposed some detached report that you read and you cannot 'imagine' how other people live and think.


From Australia


From London England


From Tel Aviv, Israel


From Gaza, The Occupied Territories
(Palestinian residents of Gaza ask U.S. President-Elect Barack Obama to work for peace, and to improve the situation in Gaza.

1. (Arabic) ABDEL-HAMID FAYYAD, 72-YEAR-OLD GAZA RESIDENT, SAYING: "By the name of the Palestinian nation, I ask Obama to find a just solution for the Palestinian cause. I hope that he will be better than the ones before."

2. (English) 49-YEAR-OLD GAZA RESIDENT, ADAM HAMDAN, SAYING: "The most important thing politically, how can Obama push the wheel of the peace, not only the negotiations but the triggers on the ground?"

3. (Arabic) 50-YEARS-OLD GAZA RESIDENT, MOHAMMED ABU AWDA, SAYING: "(Obama), We hope that he will help us to find a solution for the Palestinian case, and to end the siege because we are really suffering, I hope he will find a solution for the Palestinian case and everybody will live in peace.")


From Moscow, Russia

(Russians hope for warmer, freindlier relations between Russia and the U.S, and for a just international policy under Obama:


1. (English) ALEXANDER FYODOROV, ENGINEER FROM MOSCOW, SAYING:
"Mr.Barack Obama, Mr President, I would like to congratulate you with your victory, I hope that you will be strong enough and powerful enough to provide reforms you've planned, I hope that you will develop peaceful and friendly relations between our two countries."

2. (Russian) ANDREI KAZAKOV, MOSCOVITE, SAYING:" I have the only message for him to rule his country in a just way and to conduct a foreign policy in a just way, because it is very important to treat all the worlds' countries objectively, friendly and with respect."

3. (Russian) ELENA, STUDENT FROM MOSCOW, SAYING:"US policy, no matter wether Republicans Or Democrats are in charge, has been the same for a long time, for the past 100 years. So I wish to Bararck Obama to love Russia and do not treat it just as a consumer market.")

From Baghdad, Iraq

(On the streets of Baghdad a call for his withdrawl of U.S. troops:

1. (English) BAQEE NAQED, JOURNALIST, SAYING : "I as an Iraqi, I am asking Obama to keep his promise about
withdrawing the U.S. security forces here from our land and we want friendly
ties with Iraq people and government. We do not need an occupation here, we
need people to help us to improve security situation and services."

2. (Arabic) MOHAMMED AL-SHABIKY CITIZEN, SAYING: "We hope from Obama to hold talks with neighbouring countries and
represent new U.S. policy in Middle East and more specifically in
Iraq."

3. (Arabic) FADHIL AL-SHAMREE, BANKER, SAYING: "We call upon Mr. president Obama to hold good relations with Iraq
and pullout U.S. and multi-national forces from iraq as soon as
possible.". President-elect Barak Obama.)


From Tehran, Iran


From Havana, Cuba

(Among the reaction, Cubans said Obama's campaign vow to ease the 46-year-old U.S. trade embargo against Cuba and his willingness to consider dialogue with the Cuban government were a breath of fresh air after almost eight years of tough talk and hard-line policies from the Bush adminstration.

1. (English) TAMARIT SAYING: "Obama, you are the hope for millions of people so things improve throughout the world. The war should end and relations between Cuba and the United States, maybe, should improve in the future. We hope for that."

2. (Spanish) 18-YEAR OLD HOSPITALITY STUDENT YAIMA TORRES SAYING: "I hope there is an improvement for Cuba, for the world; may our presidents unite to help the world progress. I am also hoping for an end to the war, that the money and economy of the United States be for the people and not to send bombs to Iraq or Afghanistan as they have been doing."

3. (Spanish) 31-YEAR-OLD MILITARY DOCTOR JOBEDIS MATINES SAYING: "My message to the new president would be to end the war in Iraq and Afghanistan and to end the blockade that the United States has in place against Cuba which impedes us to further develop as a free country."

4. (Spanish) 24-YEAR-OLD MEDICAL STUDENT REGINO FERRER SAYING: "The message I have for the new United States president is to eliminate the injustices that are being committed around the world, he has the power to do it, he (Obama) can do it.")

The World is relieved!

I am allowing myself to dwell in the moment although my critical, politically Independent self will come back in full force with the 'now what's'..Over at the Huffington Post there is a photo slide of the world's reactions to Obama's victory.

The one below is from my home country the Netherlands. The Dutch are a pretty pragmatic lot who have dealt with ages of religious discrimination and several wars to boot, on their own soil no less! (ahem) And an 80yr war with Spain too! We've been through the ringer. That said, I cannot really say 'we', as I gave up my Dutch citizenship when I became Canadian, thinking I was going to stay there for the rest of my life. In a moment of sponteneity, I told all the Obama supporters on my street (of which there are many with the sole Libertarian at the end of the cul de sac, I bet he's glad that he did not get elected but that's another story)...

I told everyone that if Obama would win, I'd apply for citizenship. It was kind of a symbolic gesture. One that would signify a relief of the past 8yrs and a hope that, in certain areas, the American political landscape would be taken back from the corporations by the grassroots activism that made the Obama campaign so successful. I applaud all you volunteers, you did right and remained steadfast. Great job everyone.
Now I need to find two things; my passport and my greencard. Both of which got 'safely' (!!) put away when we had our flooring changed last Fall.
Is there a patron Saint for lost paperwork? I'm getting desperate! oi...

The Osterley Times: Jubilant Crowds Gather Outside White House.

This crowd is probably saying; "January cannot come fast enough..start packin'!!"

The Osterley Times: Jubilant Crowds Gather Outside White House.

Wizard of Oz "Brand New Day"!

Nervous I was. Expecting some underhanded somethin' somethin'.. for all of us AND especially for all African-Americans, Americans of any other colour than 'white' (lordy lordy, when I first saw that designations on a medical paper when I first got here, I always put 'other'..ha..what is your race? Who cares??)

I'm sniffly now and have not seen any acceptance nor concession speech from either Obama or McCain..man..what a weight is lifted off my shoulders.

THANK YOU THANK YOU DIE HARD OBAMA VOLUNTEERS, AND THANK YOU THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS A HISTORICAL VOTERS TURN OUT!!

Paintball Fight!!! Funniest snippet from last nights' Boston Legal

Last night's Boston Legal was superb to say the least. How opportune that their timeslot DID change from Tuesday night to Monday night. Was that intended with an eye towards the upcoming election? Who's to say. But the episode last night was replete with political messages wrapped in great humour. Here's the funniest snippet of the whole show..I wished I had taped the dang thing myself..
"MAVERICK MAVERICK MAVERICK" - "CHANGE CHANGE CHANGE"

What Would Jesus Do Today? What Would He Indeed!

The republicans and the culture warriors don't "own" 'God', 'Jesus' and the 'Holy Spirit'..let the spirit within Progressive America come forth..dear God or for Pete's sakes!!


Joan Osborne..One of Us..

scacchi clay stop motion - chess clay stop motion

Let's hope this happens on election day! I'll be on pins and needles..and not following anything on tv..will resurface Wednesday..I hope..



Awesome isn't it?? (and I actually recognize some moves)
claymation of the chess game Roesch - Willi Schlage (Hamburg, 1910).
The position after 13...Bh3, and the ones that follow, were used in Stanley Kubrick's movie "2001: A Space Odyssey" for the game between Frank Poole and the HAL-9000 Super Computer.
On Roesch-willi Schlage

Ode To Bill O'Reilly - John Cleese

hat tip to Glenda from The Peace Train

I would have the same reaction with far left, ranting/raving types who are too biased for their own good. Bill O'Reilly is not even a journalist but then, Fox is merely a propaganda machine for the conservatives, whether they are in power or not.

"Ode To Bill O'Reilly"

--- by John Cleese

Bill O'Reilly's No Spin Zone,
is rated highly by his own beloved mother,
but ... no other.
Except that Bill, for all his faults,
still has one skill, a skill of sorts.
He can amuse a true dumb ox,
the dullest crayon in the box,
the kind of ox that watches Fox.
And Bill will pander to this group,
with propaganda, right-wing poop,
knee-jerk views and censored news.
Thus Bill O'Reilly earns his crust,
behaving vilely as he must.
He will not shirk from Rupert's work.
He really is a perfect berk.

And here is John Cleese on Sarah Palin, Fox etc.(hat tip to Enigma) A pretty much typical, mature view on this whole poli drama;