Little Green Footballs has posted a link to this article from Malaysia. Besides their government's plans to tear down a series of buildings which cause nobody any harm (and, indeed, are pleasant and cheery), "... Ayah Pin was jailed 11 months and fined RM2,900 in June 2001 for humiliating Islamic teachings."
...And the Christians are complaining about their loss of freedom of religion in America! (not that they're entirely wrong... the ACLU and the rest of the far left are doing their utmost to shut the Christians down)
Aside: How, exactly, does one "humiliat[e] Islamic teachings", anyway? I can see how one might humiliate a Muslim, or humiliate a government official (or how a government official might humiliate himself), but do teachings have feelings?
Occasional political observations, occasional meanderings, occasional chairs and other mentally abused furniture
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Sunday, May 29, 2005
View from Malaysia considered
MGGPillai has a few things to say about the upsurge in Islamic fundamentalism and prejudice against members of other faiths and cultures in Malaysia today:
"WHEN MUSLIMS ARE AT prayer, five times a day, all entertainment at those times – on radio, television, on stage, in night clubs, restaurants and elsewhere – must stop. Men and women at these places must be segregated at all times. The deputy minister in the prime minister's department, Dr Abdullah Mohamed Zin, says the Islamic development department's new rules demands it. It does not matter if they are Muslims or non-Muslims, or if no Muslims are in the audience. It is a blanket rule all must agree, or face the consequences."
The author is largely concerned with the potential for real trouble, as the non-Muslims are increasingly disaffected:
"With each misstep in official policy, the UMNO-led BN recedes into ill-thought-out Islamic policies. It cannot explain why, nor how, it would ensure cultural and religious confidence amongst Malaysians of all races and creeds. And it boils down to one frightening product of BN policies thirty five years after the NEP: the Malays are losing out in all spheres, unable to comprehend the wider world. The BN has no answer but to lurch into meaningless Islamic slogans and crack the whip."
Since roughly half my M'sian friends are Christians (of one brand or another), I must say, I have some serious concerns for their well-being, after reading Pillai's comments. I also must consider the effect of these sorts of actions, as the woes spill out into the rest of the world. The deeper any country places itself in religious restriction, the more likely it is to feed hatreds and violence outside its borders, as well. And, considering Mahathir Mohamad, the "Father of Malaysia", was recently quoted in a Guardian article saying, "US politicians are scared stiff of the Jews because anybody who votes against the Jews will lose elections. The Jews in America are supporting the Jews in Israel. Israel and other Jews control the most powerful nation in the world. And that is what I mean [about Jews controlling the world]. I stand by that view", I think I can easily predict in which direction that violent hatred will be pointed.
"WHEN MUSLIMS ARE AT prayer, five times a day, all entertainment at those times – on radio, television, on stage, in night clubs, restaurants and elsewhere – must stop. Men and women at these places must be segregated at all times. The deputy minister in the prime minister's department, Dr Abdullah Mohamed Zin, says the Islamic development department's new rules demands it. It does not matter if they are Muslims or non-Muslims, or if no Muslims are in the audience. It is a blanket rule all must agree, or face the consequences."
The author is largely concerned with the potential for real trouble, as the non-Muslims are increasingly disaffected:
"With each misstep in official policy, the UMNO-led BN recedes into ill-thought-out Islamic policies. It cannot explain why, nor how, it would ensure cultural and religious confidence amongst Malaysians of all races and creeds. And it boils down to one frightening product of BN policies thirty five years after the NEP: the Malays are losing out in all spheres, unable to comprehend the wider world. The BN has no answer but to lurch into meaningless Islamic slogans and crack the whip."
Since roughly half my M'sian friends are Christians (of one brand or another), I must say, I have some serious concerns for their well-being, after reading Pillai's comments. I also must consider the effect of these sorts of actions, as the woes spill out into the rest of the world. The deeper any country places itself in religious restriction, the more likely it is to feed hatreds and violence outside its borders, as well. And, considering Mahathir Mohamad, the "Father of Malaysia", was recently quoted in a Guardian article saying, "US politicians are scared stiff of the Jews because anybody who votes against the Jews will lose elections. The Jews in America are supporting the Jews in Israel. Israel and other Jews control the most powerful nation in the world. And that is what I mean [about Jews controlling the world]. I stand by that view", I think I can easily predict in which direction that violent hatred will be pointed.
Coasties should be proud
My retired Coast Guard brother and sis-in-law should be proud, by association, of this woman, Bett Simmons, a retired Coastie who doesn't sit still, even at age 82:
" She has won medals every year she has competed in the [National Veterans] Golden Age Games. Simmons stays in shape by swimming nonstop for 45 minutes, five days a week. She also bowls once a week.
This year, Simmons competed in the category for women age 80 and up.
"There were not very many of us," she said. "I didn't have much competition."
In swimming, Simmons won the 50-meter backstroke in 1 minute, 12 seconds, and the 50-meter freestyle in 1 minute, 15 seconds. She also won in horseshoes, and placed second in bowling, with scores of 118 and 130.
Simmons and her husband, Richard, who died 15 years ago, raised four sons, including two who served in the Army.
" She has won medals every year she has competed in the [National Veterans] Golden Age Games. Simmons stays in shape by swimming nonstop for 45 minutes, five days a week. She also bowls once a week.
This year, Simmons competed in the category for women age 80 and up.
"There were not very many of us," she said. "I didn't have much competition."
In swimming, Simmons won the 50-meter backstroke in 1 minute, 12 seconds, and the 50-meter freestyle in 1 minute, 15 seconds. She also won in horseshoes, and placed second in bowling, with scores of 118 and 130.
Simmons and her husband, Richard, who died 15 years ago, raised four sons, including two who served in the Army.
Saturday, May 28, 2005
"Law & Order C.I." v. Tom Delay
I know there has been a little bit of media chatter about this topic, but I'd like to hear a little bit from New York City's Finest. What, exactly, do the NYPD officers and detectives think of Tom Delay, of knee-jerk liberal tv shows, of this episode in particular. I don't really care what Delay and Dick Wolf have to say, and I really don't care what the actors think. What I'd like to know is if the NYPD, as a whole, is as left-wing as the show seems to say they are. Around here, the officers of the law I have talked to tend to view current -- and upcoming -- unenforceable gun control laws "and other liberal weenie acts" with disfavor, view most of the D.C. Democrats (and a few "soft" Republicans) with contempt, and aren't terribly fond of left-leaning judges, either.
Anybody have any useful links or comments?
Anybody have any useful links or comments?
Arnold Ziffel is sad, today, too
On the weekend that the remake of "The Longest Yard" opens, one of the stars of the original 1974 classic, actor Eddie Albert, died at age 99.
"I don't really care how I am remembered as long as I bring happiness and joy to people."
"I don't really care how I am remembered as long as I bring happiness and joy to people."
This is how its supposed to be done
According to this Register-Mail article, a smoke-free bar has come to Galesburg, without anybody having to pass local or state laws to make it so. It was the choice of the owners of Chez Willy's, since they, too, had wanted a nonsmoking bar to go with their nonsmoking restaurant.
Personal choice, not the Nanny State, is what it's all about.
Personal choice, not the Nanny State, is what it's all about.
Friday, May 27, 2005
My Memorial Day column posted
My column is up at Friday's Klips, for anybody who is interested in my view of Memorial Day celebrations.
I will be going to the nearest major body of water (the Mighty Mississippi), Monday, to contemplate the contributions my grandfather and his navy brethren made in service to our nation. Someday, I hope to make the trip to Savo Island, to see the seas above his bones.
In the meantime, I will have to make do with photographs taken by Tom Ballard and his colleagues, and use my imagination.
On viewing photographs taken by
remote controlled camera to study
the Quincy
When the hull was punctured
And you were
Sucked into the icy blue
And you became
No longer real to us –
Knowing that we would fail to believe
Your vanished body might not
Turn up on some forgotten beach
Another Robinson Crusoe
To come home a hero –
Did you, I wonder,
Scratch and claw and rail against
The tide that took you down,
Or did you welcome your release
From a world at war with itself
And hearing those Sirens’ songs
Happily join your shipmates
In a quiet coral garden
Built on bones of battleships?
I will be going to the nearest major body of water (the Mighty Mississippi), Monday, to contemplate the contributions my grandfather and his navy brethren made in service to our nation. Someday, I hope to make the trip to Savo Island, to see the seas above his bones.
In the meantime, I will have to make do with photographs taken by Tom Ballard and his colleagues, and use my imagination.
On viewing photographs taken by
remote controlled camera to study
the Quincy
When the hull was punctured
And you were
Sucked into the icy blue
And you became
No longer real to us –
Knowing that we would fail to believe
Your vanished body might not
Turn up on some forgotten beach
Another Robinson Crusoe
To come home a hero –
Did you, I wonder,
Scratch and claw and rail against
The tide that took you down,
Or did you welcome your release
From a world at war with itself
And hearing those Sirens’ songs
Happily join your shipmates
In a quiet coral garden
Built on bones of battleships?
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Gateway Pundit: A New Honor for Mirza Bijedic
Gateway Pundit has posted a heartening bit of news.
To Mirza Bijedic: Welcome! & thanks for honoring us in this fashion.
To Mirza Bijedic: Welcome! & thanks for honoring us in this fashion.
A nice, brief mention
Burlington, IA's The Hawk Eye Newspaper had this quick mention of Monmouth IL's Buchanan Center for the Arts' competition, in which my mom has two of her most recent works on display (she won both best in category & honorable mention) (yeah, yeah, I'm bragging again).
I have to agree with the author of the quickie review: "The exhibit at 64 Public Square is strong, and well worth spending some time with"*
*although I might not have ended my sentence with a preposition, thanks to Mrs. Gurholt, my high school grammar teacher.
I have to agree with the author of the quickie review: "The exhibit at 64 Public Square is strong, and well worth spending some time with"*
*although I might not have ended my sentence with a preposition, thanks to Mrs. Gurholt, my high school grammar teacher.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Precision Guided Humor
Harvey at IMAO has a nifty series of suggestions for how to repair the problem at Newspeak.
I'm kinda partial to the 8th & 9th, combined. Yay! to you, Harvey!
Heh. this is my third attempt at posting this thing. i gotta remember to avoid posting after I've been to 98 cent margarita nite at la Tapatia.
I'm kinda partial to the 8th & 9th, combined. Yay! to you, Harvey!
Heh. this is my third attempt at posting this thing. i gotta remember to avoid posting after I've been to 98 cent margarita nite at la Tapatia.
Monday, May 23, 2005
You learn something new from colleges every day
Galesburg's Register-Mail says that some people can get doctorates from four-year colleges. At least, Knox College seems to think they can give honorary doctorates to Senator Barack Obama and Elizabeth Hayford (president of the Associated Colleges of the Midwest). And at Knox's website, they only lay claim to offering Bachelor's degrees...
I had not realized that undergraduate schools could hand out advanced degrees. Maybe I should have studied overt socializing and political palm-greasing a little harder at Monmouth, and I'd have learned this lesson earlier. Then I wouldn't have to go back to classes in order to get a piece of paper that says somebody other than me thinks I know what I'm doing, even when I'm a half-a**ed lunatic.
I had not realized that undergraduate schools could hand out advanced degrees. Maybe I should have studied overt socializing and political palm-greasing a little harder at Monmouth, and I'd have learned this lesson earlier. Then I wouldn't have to go back to classes in order to get a piece of paper that says somebody other than me thinks I know what I'm doing, even when I'm a half-a**ed lunatic.
Newswee does it again
Little Green Footballs has once again shown us how anti-American Newspeak... uh, Newswee... er, Newsweak Magazine has gotten.
It must be seen to be believed.
It must be seen to be believed.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
An awesome piece of reading material
It's not short, by any means, but Bill Whittle's latest work,Sanctuary, at Eject! Eject! Eject! is up, and it's worth taking an hour or so out of your day, to absorb.
Friday, May 20, 2005
IL First Lady linked to developer
It would seem that G-Rod and his family didn't study enough history. They missed the part where it was said Caesar's wife must be above suspicion.
Thursday, May 19, 2005
iowahawk shows his brilliance again
In his deft analysis of another Newsweek article causing violence, iowahawk shows what this thing is really all about.
Cruel lyes.
Cruel lyes.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
the perfect renaming of one "news" magazine
This apparent typo here has provided me with what I think is probably the best new name for Newspeak... er... Newsweak... er...
heck. just take a look at the blue topic line, next to "Article:"
Newswee. lining the best urinals, worldwide.
heck. just take a look at the blue topic line, next to "Article:"
Newswee. lining the best urinals, worldwide.
Dumb Statement du jour
From theChgo Trib, on investigations into Blagojevich's admin and its excesses and vices, it is reported, in response to G-Rod's earlier statement of his "testicular virility" to stand up to family and cronies :
"'It should never come down to the language of testicular virility,' said Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest). 'It's like male-only language that sends a message about domination of women. Women don't talk about estrogen virility.'"
Susie-Q, I hate to break it to ya, but the root of virile is "vir", latin for "man", and overtly implies masculinity. The term IS "male-only". Unless you're implying that every one of us dames is exceedingly butch, you need to recognize that "virility" and "estrogen" don't usually mix in the same body. So, while G-Rod's statement is both redundant and lame, yours is nonsensical.
Besides, as a Democrat, to be in touch with your left constituency, you should have instead sniffed and whined something about the superiority of "Grrl Power".
"'It should never come down to the language of testicular virility,' said Sen. Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest). 'It's like male-only language that sends a message about domination of women. Women don't talk about estrogen virility.'"
Susie-Q, I hate to break it to ya, but the root of virile is "vir", latin for "man", and overtly implies masculinity. The term IS "male-only". Unless you're implying that every one of us dames is exceedingly butch, you need to recognize that "virility" and "estrogen" don't usually mix in the same body. So, while G-Rod's statement is both redundant and lame, yours is nonsensical.
Besides, as a Democrat, to be in touch with your left constituency, you should have instead sniffed and whined something about the superiority of "Grrl Power".
Generation of riddles comes to an end
According to this ChgoTrib article, the TRUE RIDDLER Frank Gorshin is dead.
Gorshin created the finest, most engaging madman of all Batman's foes, plus he played a part in one of my favorite bad sci-fi films, "Invasion of the Saucer-Men", as well as having an impressive resume of respected film roles, from "Warlock" to "Twelve Monkeys" and beyond.
Plus, as a real trouper, he paid his dues in two soaps -- "The Edge of Night" and "General Hospital" -- and had been performing a one-man play based upon the life and performances of comic George Burns.
Gorshin was 72.
Gorshin created the finest, most engaging madman of all Batman's foes, plus he played a part in one of my favorite bad sci-fi films, "Invasion of the Saucer-Men", as well as having an impressive resume of respected film roles, from "Warlock" to "Twelve Monkeys" and beyond.
Plus, as a real trouper, he paid his dues in two soaps -- "The Edge of Night" and "General Hospital" -- and had been performing a one-man play based upon the life and performances of comic George Burns.
Gorshin was 72.
The Real Lesson of Newspeak -- er -- Newsweak -- er, whatever
Robert Spencer brings up the Real Lesson everybody in the MSM seems to be ignoring, about the erroneous Newsweek article and its end result:
"Neither one [Juan Cole or Paul Marshall] says anything whatsoever about a culture that condones — celebrates —wanton murder of innocent people, mayhem, and destruction in response to the alleged and unproven destruction of a book.
The question here is one of proportionate response. If a Qur’an had indeed been flushed, Muslims would have justifiably been offended. They may justifiably have considered the perpetrators boors, or barbarians, or hell-bound unbelievers. They may justifiably have issued denunciations accordingly. But that is all. To kill people thousands of miles away who had nothing to do with the act, and to fulminate with threats and murder against the entire Western world, all because of this alleged act, is not just disproportionate. It is not just excessive. It is mad. And every decent person in the world ought to have the courage to stand up and say that it is mad."
"Neither one [Juan Cole or Paul Marshall] says anything whatsoever about a culture that condones — celebrates —wanton murder of innocent people, mayhem, and destruction in response to the alleged and unproven destruction of a book.
The question here is one of proportionate response. If a Qur’an had indeed been flushed, Muslims would have justifiably been offended. They may justifiably have considered the perpetrators boors, or barbarians, or hell-bound unbelievers. They may justifiably have issued denunciations accordingly. But that is all. To kill people thousands of miles away who had nothing to do with the act, and to fulminate with threats and murder against the entire Western world, all because of this alleged act, is not just disproportionate. It is not just excessive. It is mad. And every decent person in the world ought to have the courage to stand up and say that it is mad."
Monday, May 16, 2005
Farhat missed a few events
An observation, over the past weekend: Farhat Haq -- the Monmouth College professor at the center of the storm over Mike Adams' visit to the campus -- seems to have been markedly absent from several major events, recently, including the graduation ceremony.
I don't know what one can make of this. I hope this isn't a health-related absence. Actually, my hope is that Farhat's out looking at other communities, other colleges. I gather she hasn't been very happy among us rednecks, anyway, so if she's out of town, maybe she's looking for a friendlier environment, one which will nurture her leftist leanings... you know... like Boulder, Colorado, or Whitewater, Wisconsin.
I don't know what one can make of this. I hope this isn't a health-related absence. Actually, my hope is that Farhat's out looking at other communities, other colleges. I gather she hasn't been very happy among us rednecks, anyway, so if she's out of town, maybe she's looking for a friendlier environment, one which will nurture her leftist leanings... you know... like Boulder, Colorado, or Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Happy Birthday, Gumby!
The little green guy turned 50 this week. In celebration, you can visit his homepage, or read about The Shape of Gumby's Head and Body.
And, especially for my pal Torrey, I wanted to point out this passage from the latter page:
"Regarding color, Gumby looks kind of like a leaf of grass: "I am sure Walt Whitman would have been pleased," Art [Clokey] chuckled. He chose the color green because it was allied to nature, and reflected a love of the environment. It was not until years later that Art learned that the color of the heart Chakra is green. It makes sense to us."
Some folks have a little more Gumby in them than others...
dammit!
:-)
T -- also, re: Walt Whitman. enjoy!
And, especially for my pal Torrey, I wanted to point out this passage from the latter page:
"Regarding color, Gumby looks kind of like a leaf of grass: "I am sure Walt Whitman would have been pleased," Art [Clokey] chuckled. He chose the color green because it was allied to nature, and reflected a love of the environment. It was not until years later that Art learned that the color of the heart Chakra is green. It makes sense to us."
Some folks have a little more Gumby in them than others...
dammit!
:-)
T -- also, re: Walt Whitman. enjoy!
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Wallace and Gromit to be full-length feature!
This beats Star Wars III, as far as I'm concerned -- or at least ties, for general spiff-dom.
I may sit outside the theater in Galesburg until tix go on sale for its October release... possibly wearing The Wrong Trousers.
I may sit outside the theater in Galesburg until tix go on sale for its October release... possibly wearing The Wrong Trousers.
Saturday, May 14, 2005
Governor's ratings tank
According to the Chicago Trib, the bloom is off the rose, the honeymoon is well and truly over for Rod.
With what Blagojevich has done so far (turning the State Board of Ed into a political crony panel, among other things) and what he's been advocating (especially that "campaign reform" crap), I sure hope the Republicans can find a solid candidate to oppose him.
Of course, he might view this as his signal to run for Prez in '08. After all, doesn't the Democratic Party need a pretty face to lead them to victory? They don't seem to be able to win on merit. I wonder why that is? Could it be that regular voters don't quite follow that "hate Bush, hate Republicans" song? Might they actually want to elect somebody willing to carry a genuine tune? Could it be the "vision thing"? Or could it be that some folks are just tired of Demos' obstructionism?
heh.
Can't be ethics that the public expects. This is politicians we're talking about, after all.
With what Blagojevich has done so far (turning the State Board of Ed into a political crony panel, among other things) and what he's been advocating (especially that "campaign reform" crap), I sure hope the Republicans can find a solid candidate to oppose him.
Of course, he might view this as his signal to run for Prez in '08. After all, doesn't the Democratic Party need a pretty face to lead them to victory? They don't seem to be able to win on merit. I wonder why that is? Could it be that regular voters don't quite follow that "hate Bush, hate Republicans" song? Might they actually want to elect somebody willing to carry a genuine tune? Could it be the "vision thing"? Or could it be that some folks are just tired of Demos' obstructionism?
heh.
Can't be ethics that the public expects. This is politicians we're talking about, after all.
Billy Crystal is my hero!
It seems Crystal doesn't approve of cellphones ringing in the middle of his performance of "700 Sundays". He politely told the morons to turn off their electronic leashes, got huge applause. The New York Post apparently called him a "control freak", as a result.
I know if I'd paid anywhere near this much for a ticket, I'd be royally ticked off (she said, doing her best to keep her language clean) to have it interrupted by somebody's bleeping tones.
I wonder if the Post's reporter might have been one of those anal apertures whose phone was ringing during the performance? That might explain their attitude.
I know if I'd paid anywhere near this much for a ticket, I'd be royally ticked off (she said, doing her best to keep her language clean) to have it interrupted by somebody's bleeping tones.
I wonder if the Post's reporter might have been one of those anal apertures whose phone was ringing during the performance? That might explain their attitude.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Animal control a problem
Why didn't the law keep this animal off the streets permanently, before he did all that harm?
" Since 1990 Hobbs has been arrested 29 times for drug violations, assaults and other infractions, said Wichita Falls police spokeswoman Sgt. Cindy Walker, tapping a six-inch stack of documents on the incidents.
"'I think that would be a lot for someone a hundred years old, much less someone just over 30,' Walker said. 'He had a terrible, violent temper.'"
And: "Hobbs was arrested at the trailer park in 2001 after he started up a gas-powered chain saw and chased bystanders..."
" Since 1990 Hobbs has been arrested 29 times for drug violations, assaults and other infractions, said Wichita Falls police spokeswoman Sgt. Cindy Walker, tapping a six-inch stack of documents on the incidents.
"'I think that would be a lot for someone a hundred years old, much less someone just over 30,' Walker said. 'He had a terrible, violent temper.'"
And: "Hobbs was arrested at the trailer park in 2001 after he started up a gas-powered chain saw and chased bystanders..."
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Of course he does
According to the Chgo Sun-Times,Gov offers plan to curb campaign contributions
And everybody knows how well those sorts of things (like the BCRA) have worked to block those special interest groups from contributing too much to political campaigns...
don't we, Mr. Soros?
UPDATE: IlliniPundit has some useful comments on this, as well.
And everybody knows how well those sorts of things (like the BCRA) have worked to block those special interest groups from contributing too much to political campaigns...
don't we, Mr. Soros?
UPDATE: IlliniPundit has some useful comments on this, as well.
a little light blogging
I've been a little less bloggy than usual, for the past couple of days -- one day, I was at meetings and then out of town, and another, my folks got back from an Elderhostel in western Colorado, where they rode trains & scrambled around Mesa Verde, among other activities. Mom took a few hundred photos, & then had to download them, edit them, & otherwise hog her computer so I couldn't go a-huntin' and a-playin' online... darn her! She thinks she can appease me by bringing me gifts of really cool books. Hmmmph!
Yesterday, in fact, I was kept offline while attended a meeting of Old Friends Talk Arts (OFTA), an open-to-the-public discussion group, at which the designated topic was “Boundaries: The Meaning and Significance of Frames, Bases, and Pedestals”. I'd once worked in a frame shop and gallery which sold bad art to worse people, so I was looking forward to seeing what was said about frames -- and, besides, I'm a member of OFTA, so I was morally obliged to attend, just because.
The opening salvo was fired -- er, um -- the discussion was begun by Monmouth College's Professor Emeritus Harlow Blum (whose area of expertise in the arts is painting). Blum introduced many members of the group to the virtues of the eccentric frames and unusual forms of pedestals, showing woven basked frames for some of his paintings and mixed media canvases, a handful of tabletop easels, and a few other found artifact bases, such as cut wood planks, all used to heighten interest in the work of art.
When Blum was finished waxing poetic, Knox College Profesor Emeritus Henry Joe, a superb ceramicist (IMHO -- and it has little to do with the fact that he's married to one of my bestest friends), described how, at the beginning of the 20th century, a revolution in art occurred. Before this time, the standard for art was to depict the world around, to be as literal as possible in imitation of nature, but at the turn of the last century, there was a sudden shift in the very nature of art itself. Instead of depicting, in trying to freeze moments by putting them on canvas, artists were more interested in eliciting feelings, emotional responses. He pointed out the development of the ever-more ephemeral works of art that are being created, such as the Cristo Gates in Central Park, and how they are no longer depictions but elicitation, and how they demonstrate the impermanence of life, by the way they may come, change, and then vanish. This view has led to many artists refusing to frame their works, in the belief that, once it is contained, it becomes static, unchanging, no longer lifelike in the spiritual sense.
The discussion led to whether or not an unframed piece might be considered framed by its environment, i.e., a sculpture might be marked and fixed in a stone garden, and Henry said that the difference was that a frame was, essentially, a cage, whereas the environment might be changeable. Still, he pointed out many artists refuse to allow their works to be displayed in museums or traditional galleries for just that reason -- the space is too fixed.
When the hour was ended, I mentioned to the man who had asked the question about environment being a frame, that it seemed to me, the frame served as a translator between the work and its environment. A canvas has a defined edge, and, in many cases, needs to have a buffer between it and the wall where it hangs. In many other cases, the frame is actually a part of the work, as well -- a cooperative effort between painter and framer. It can serve as either an enticement to look more closely at the work, or it can jar the eye and drive the viewer to a distance.
I did enjoy seeing the difference in perspectives between a canvas man and a ceramics man -- both are firmly of the Asian school, where spirituality is the essence of art and expression, but one is more interested in the iconography, the other in the suitablity of an object to its environment.
In the post-discussion discussions, Mom pointed out that the modern ephemera seem to fail in their attempt to break free of static form, in that, if the event is recorded with a camera, it becomes once again fixed. Harlow Blum also confessed that he felt those sorts of works which were here for only a moment were less straight art, and more theater (I agreed).
After the meeting, Mom & I went to Galesburg, & picked up her latest counted cross stitch masterpiece (and I mean that literally) from the Frame Works (a scene from her last trip to Glacier Nat'l Park, from a photo she took herself & charted herself, and took just over 3.5 months to complete). She's entered it in the judged Amateur Artists' show, which opens in two weeks. I doubt anybody else will have anything comparable in art and technique. I wish I'd inherited her eyesight and ability to concentrate. The best I can do, when approaching zen, is watercolor.
I really enjoy attending these OFTA events. They meet the second Wednesday of each month, at the Buchanan Center for the Arts, on the Square in Downtown Monmouth, and nearly every time, the discussion is lively and challenging. And it clearly demonstrates that living in a town with a population of under 10 thousand doesn't have to be stifling.
Yesterday, in fact, I was kept offline while attended a meeting of Old Friends Talk Arts (OFTA), an open-to-the-public discussion group, at which the designated topic was “Boundaries: The Meaning and Significance of Frames, Bases, and Pedestals”. I'd once worked in a frame shop and gallery which sold bad art to worse people, so I was looking forward to seeing what was said about frames -- and, besides, I'm a member of OFTA, so I was morally obliged to attend, just because.
The opening salvo was fired -- er, um -- the discussion was begun by Monmouth College's Professor Emeritus Harlow Blum (whose area of expertise in the arts is painting). Blum introduced many members of the group to the virtues of the eccentric frames and unusual forms of pedestals, showing woven basked frames for some of his paintings and mixed media canvases, a handful of tabletop easels, and a few other found artifact bases, such as cut wood planks, all used to heighten interest in the work of art.
When Blum was finished waxing poetic, Knox College Profesor Emeritus Henry Joe, a superb ceramicist (IMHO -- and it has little to do with the fact that he's married to one of my bestest friends), described how, at the beginning of the 20th century, a revolution in art occurred. Before this time, the standard for art was to depict the world around, to be as literal as possible in imitation of nature, but at the turn of the last century, there was a sudden shift in the very nature of art itself. Instead of depicting, in trying to freeze moments by putting them on canvas, artists were more interested in eliciting feelings, emotional responses. He pointed out the development of the ever-more ephemeral works of art that are being created, such as the Cristo Gates in Central Park, and how they are no longer depictions but elicitation, and how they demonstrate the impermanence of life, by the way they may come, change, and then vanish. This view has led to many artists refusing to frame their works, in the belief that, once it is contained, it becomes static, unchanging, no longer lifelike in the spiritual sense.
The discussion led to whether or not an unframed piece might be considered framed by its environment, i.e., a sculpture might be marked and fixed in a stone garden, and Henry said that the difference was that a frame was, essentially, a cage, whereas the environment might be changeable. Still, he pointed out many artists refuse to allow their works to be displayed in museums or traditional galleries for just that reason -- the space is too fixed.
When the hour was ended, I mentioned to the man who had asked the question about environment being a frame, that it seemed to me, the frame served as a translator between the work and its environment. A canvas has a defined edge, and, in many cases, needs to have a buffer between it and the wall where it hangs. In many other cases, the frame is actually a part of the work, as well -- a cooperative effort between painter and framer. It can serve as either an enticement to look more closely at the work, or it can jar the eye and drive the viewer to a distance.
I did enjoy seeing the difference in perspectives between a canvas man and a ceramics man -- both are firmly of the Asian school, where spirituality is the essence of art and expression, but one is more interested in the iconography, the other in the suitablity of an object to its environment.
In the post-discussion discussions, Mom pointed out that the modern ephemera seem to fail in their attempt to break free of static form, in that, if the event is recorded with a camera, it becomes once again fixed. Harlow Blum also confessed that he felt those sorts of works which were here for only a moment were less straight art, and more theater (I agreed).
After the meeting, Mom & I went to Galesburg, & picked up her latest counted cross stitch masterpiece (and I mean that literally) from the Frame Works (a scene from her last trip to Glacier Nat'l Park, from a photo she took herself & charted herself, and took just over 3.5 months to complete). She's entered it in the judged Amateur Artists' show, which opens in two weeks. I doubt anybody else will have anything comparable in art and technique. I wish I'd inherited her eyesight and ability to concentrate. The best I can do, when approaching zen, is watercolor.
I really enjoy attending these OFTA events. They meet the second Wednesday of each month, at the Buchanan Center for the Arts, on the Square in Downtown Monmouth, and nearly every time, the discussion is lively and challenging. And it clearly demonstrates that living in a town with a population of under 10 thousand doesn't have to be stifling.
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
For once, I'm grateful I'm a sout'-sider
Water emergency declared
MONMOUTH - Mayor Rod Davies has issued a water emergency for residents on the north side of town. Well No. 7, located on West Harlem Avenue, failed Sunday. The water emergency continues through Thursday.
link
The trouble is, this also affects our primary industry for the community -- Farmland Foods production line was shut down for the day, to conserve water.
MONMOUTH - Mayor Rod Davies has issued a water emergency for residents on the north side of town. Well No. 7, located on West Harlem Avenue, failed Sunday. The water emergency continues through Thursday.
link
The trouble is, this also affects our primary industry for the community -- Farmland Foods production line was shut down for the day, to conserve water.
Monday, May 09, 2005
my big brother points out Big Brother
My very imposing older brother brought this CNET News article to my attention. It's FAQ about the Real ID and how it will affect you.
While I like the idea of a single standard for photo IDs -- especially drivers' licences -- from one state to the next, this proposal looks to put just a little too much power into the hands of the Department of Homeland Security. Yeah, we need to feel secure, but how secure can we feel when this giant bureaucracy has put personal data on a magnetic strip, and when the court says cops can demand ID from law-abiding citizens for no given reason?
I'm no believer in conspiracy theories, but I do know that ya don't put temptation before people if ya don't want 'em to bite. And misuse of power is a HUGE temptation -- especially among the moral relativists.
While I like the idea of a single standard for photo IDs -- especially drivers' licences -- from one state to the next, this proposal looks to put just a little too much power into the hands of the Department of Homeland Security. Yeah, we need to feel secure, but how secure can we feel when this giant bureaucracy has put personal data on a magnetic strip, and when the court says cops can demand ID from law-abiding citizens for no given reason?
I'm no believer in conspiracy theories, but I do know that ya don't put temptation before people if ya don't want 'em to bite. And misuse of power is a HUGE temptation -- especially among the moral relativists.
My alma mater has a new president
According to Galesburg's Register-Mail-published press release Monmouth College selects Mauri Ditzler of Wabash College, in Crawfordsville, IN.
I wonder how he'll do? I wish him and the college a happy and *successful* union.
I wonder how he'll do? I wish him and the college a happy and *successful* union.
Kyoto Protocol -- Fact or Fiction, Propaganda or Censorship?
Wow. Wow and wow. Canada Free Press has run this article by Garth Pritchard on how some of Canada's more respected scientists put together a documentary tearing apart the Kyoto Protocol, and can't get it aired on Canadian tv.
"I understood instinctively that getting two scientists to agree at what time the sun is coming up tomorrow is--at best--difficult.
But here were tens of thousands, from around the world, all agreeing on one issue: that there is no scientific evidence of man-made global warming.
The numbers of scientists staggered me--17,100 basic and applied American scientists, two thirds with advanced degrees, are against the Kyoto Agreement. The Heidelberg Appeal--which states that there is no scientific evidence for man-made global warming, has been signed by over 4,000 scientists from around the world since the petition’s inception. I strongly questioned these high numbers, since I’ve had benefit of the Canadian government’s public relations machine on this issue. Dr. Leahey has since sent documentation to back his figures up.
All those scientists were in total agreement: the Kyoto Protocol was complete fiction.
The scientists are so committed to fighting the Kyoto Accord and its misrepresentation of the truth, that they produced a 27-minute documentary and paid for its production with their own money."
And, yet, Canadian government-supported television refuses to air it.
Read it all.
"I understood instinctively that getting two scientists to agree at what time the sun is coming up tomorrow is--at best--difficult.
But here were tens of thousands, from around the world, all agreeing on one issue: that there is no scientific evidence of man-made global warming.
The numbers of scientists staggered me--17,100 basic and applied American scientists, two thirds with advanced degrees, are against the Kyoto Agreement. The Heidelberg Appeal--which states that there is no scientific evidence for man-made global warming, has been signed by over 4,000 scientists from around the world since the petition’s inception. I strongly questioned these high numbers, since I’ve had benefit of the Canadian government’s public relations machine on this issue. Dr. Leahey has since sent documentation to back his figures up.
All those scientists were in total agreement: the Kyoto Protocol was complete fiction.
The scientists are so committed to fighting the Kyoto Accord and its misrepresentation of the truth, that they produced a 27-minute documentary and paid for its production with their own money."
And, yet, Canadian government-supported television refuses to air it.
Read it all.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
Leader of Nixon impeachment died
Peter Rodino Jr.1909 -- 2005
"He was known for letting all sides contribute to the debate but made it clear he did not want speeches."
We could use a few more like him in Congress, these days.
"He was known for letting all sides contribute to the debate but made it clear he did not want speeches."
We could use a few more like him in Congress, these days.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
Tony Blair won?
After reading all the news and commentary on the British elections, I had more or less assumed that Tony Blair had lost, since there were references to his "humiliation" in the polls, but Scott Ott at ScrappleFace has clarified things for me.
Why we can't all just get along
A solid piece of evidence of how Ridley Scott is deluding himself and the world, with his touchy-feely pro-Muslim version of the Crusades.
Palestinian rockets TARGET SCHOOL CHILDREN. And the Palestinian police release such terrorists from jail.
When Hamas is no longer in power, and when regular Palestinians openly accept Israel's right to exist, maybe the warm fuzzy thinkers and followers of
Rachel Corrie, Saint Pancake, will see their dreams come to light. But I wouldn't hold my breath.
Palestinian rockets TARGET SCHOOL CHILDREN. And the Palestinian police release such terrorists from jail.
When Hamas is no longer in power, and when regular Palestinians openly accept Israel's right to exist, maybe the warm fuzzy thinkers and followers of
Rachel Corrie, Saint Pancake, will see their dreams come to light. But I wouldn't hold my breath.
Friday, May 06, 2005
PETA Kills Animals
An interesting bit of info about PETA came to my mailbox today:
"From July 1998 through the end of 2003, PETA killed over 10,000 dogs, cats, and other "companion animals" -- at its Norfolk, Virginia headquarters. That's more than five defenseless animals every day. Not counting the dogs and cats PETA spayed and neutered, the group put to death over 85 percent of the animals it took in during 2003 alone. And its angel-of-death pattern shows no sign of changing."
Further:
"In 2000, when the Associated Press first noted PETA's Kervorkian-esque tendencies, PETA president Ingrid Newkirk complained that actually taking care of animals costs more than killing them. 'We could become a no-kill shelter immediately,' she admitted."
I work my fiscally challenged hindquarters off --and borrow, beg, and cadge from family and friends -- to see that the semi-feral cats in my neighborhood are clean, healthy, etc., and the "People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals" save their money for political activism by killing the animals that come into its headquarters' shelter in Norfolk, VA.
That's some set of "ethics" they have!
"From July 1998 through the end of 2003, PETA killed over 10,000 dogs, cats, and other "companion animals" -- at its Norfolk, Virginia headquarters. That's more than five defenseless animals every day. Not counting the dogs and cats PETA spayed and neutered, the group put to death over 85 percent of the animals it took in during 2003 alone. And its angel-of-death pattern shows no sign of changing."
Further:
"In 2000, when the Associated Press first noted PETA's Kervorkian-esque tendencies, PETA president Ingrid Newkirk complained that actually taking care of animals costs more than killing them. 'We could become a no-kill shelter immediately,' she admitted."
I work my fiscally challenged hindquarters off --and borrow, beg, and cadge from family and friends -- to see that the semi-feral cats in my neighborhood are clean, healthy, etc., and the "People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals" save their money for political activism by killing the animals that come into its headquarters' shelter in Norfolk, VA.
That's some set of "ethics" they have!
Wee bit of sad news
Former "People's President" of Singapore Wee Kim Wee passed away Monday and was laid to rest today.
From what I have read about him, and what some of my Malaysian/Singaporean friends have said, Wee would have been a fine example of the old-fashioned American way, had he been born here. He came from an educated working class background to become a respected journalist, then a world leader and beloved figure in his home land, serving as president of Singapore during our Reagan-Bush years.
He will be remembered, too, for his diplomacy and humility,and his life will have served as inspiration for many.
From what I have read about him, and what some of my Malaysian/Singaporean friends have said, Wee would have been a fine example of the old-fashioned American way, had he been born here. He came from an educated working class background to become a respected journalist, then a world leader and beloved figure in his home land, serving as president of Singapore during our Reagan-Bush years.
He will be remembered, too, for his diplomacy and humility,and his life will have served as inspiration for many.
A telling t-shirt on the market
The people who brought you tolerance, peace, love, and understanding have now started marketing this shirt and other related items.
The review is in -- "Kingdom of Heaven" brings warm and fuzzy message
Joe Williams, in his STLtoday review of "Kingdom of Heaven", has decided that the movie isn't bad, because "[Director Ridley]Scott seems to be saying that the reason he invested so much effort into dramatizing them is because they're not over, and it's time for a mutually respectful truce."
The holy wars are NOT over? Dang, and I thought the whole thing in Iraq was about oil! After all, haven't our prices stayed way down as a result of all that crude we've stolen?
And, gee, I expect all those charming and sincerely good-hearted members of Hamas in Palestine will be swayed by Scott's sincerity. And, of COURSE we can trust them to honor a truce. After all, they've always treated infidels with respect before, haven't they?
When they beat their swords into plowshares, I might believe the "mutually respectful truce" is possible.
Also in his review, Williams lauds the film's "giving props to the resourceful and rightly aggrieved Arabs"
How rightly aggrieved were they? It seems to me that the ARABS were the problem in the first place, according to some of the best research of the day:
In the 7th cent., Jerusalem was taken by the caliph Umar. Pilgrimages (see pilgrim) were not cut off at first, but early in the 11th cent. the Fatimid caliph Hakim began to persecute the Christians and despoiled the Holy Sepulcher. Persecution abated after his death (1021), but relations remained strained and became more so when Jerusalem passed (1071) from the comparatively tolerant Egyptians to the Seljuk Turks, who in the same year defeated the Byzantine emperor Romanus IV at Manzikert."
I guess Williams gets his history from Hollywood. Maybe I should send him a book or two on the topic.
The holy wars are NOT over? Dang, and I thought the whole thing in Iraq was about oil! After all, haven't our prices stayed way down as a result of all that crude we've stolen?
And, gee, I expect all those charming and sincerely good-hearted members of Hamas in Palestine will be swayed by Scott's sincerity. And, of COURSE we can trust them to honor a truce. After all, they've always treated infidels with respect before, haven't they?
When they beat their swords into plowshares, I might believe the "mutually respectful truce" is possible.
Also in his review, Williams lauds the film's "giving props to the resourceful and rightly aggrieved Arabs"
How rightly aggrieved were they? It seems to me that the ARABS were the problem in the first place, according to some of the best research of the day:
In the 7th cent., Jerusalem was taken by the caliph Umar. Pilgrimages (see pilgrim) were not cut off at first, but early in the 11th cent. the Fatimid caliph Hakim began to persecute the Christians and despoiled the Holy Sepulcher. Persecution abated after his death (1021), but relations remained strained and became more so when Jerusalem passed (1071) from the comparatively tolerant Egyptians to the Seljuk Turks, who in the same year defeated the Byzantine emperor Romanus IV at Manzikert."
I guess Williams gets his history from Hollywood. Maybe I should send him a book or two on the topic.
Some folks can't leave faith alone
An arrest was made after a man defaced the salt-stain Virgin Mary, on the wall of a Chgo underpass, according to this Sun-Times article.
What I don't get is why this vandal, Victor Gonzalez -- or any other person, for that matter -- feels the need to stomp on somebody else's faith. It's none of his business if these people want to view a stain on the wall as a message from beyond. As long as they're not using it as an excuse for holy war, then vandalizing it becomes, in essence, an early salvo in the unbelievers' jihad.
Somebody comfortable in his own belief system does not feel the need to undermine another's foundation.
What I don't get is why this vandal, Victor Gonzalez -- or any other person, for that matter -- feels the need to stomp on somebody else's faith. It's none of his business if these people want to view a stain on the wall as a message from beyond. As long as they're not using it as an excuse for holy war, then vandalizing it becomes, in essence, an early salvo in the unbelievers' jihad.
Somebody comfortable in his own belief system does not feel the need to undermine another's foundation.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Somebody found a good use for burqas
Several agents were wearing burqas when they caught al-Libbi, a top al Qaeda organizer, in Pakistan. The burqa-clad bunch knocked him off the b*tch seat of the motorbike he was being given a ride on & caught him, using teargas, when he ducked into a nearby house.
Who's crying now, sissy boy?
Who's crying now, sissy boy?
David Hackworth dies of cancer
David Hackworth died of cancer
yesterday morning. I enjoyed reading his words, and his military works spoke for themselves. He will be missed.
yesterday morning. I enjoyed reading his words, and his military works spoke for themselves. He will be missed.
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
60 years later -- reason to worry?
Davids Medienkritik had a link to Transatlantic Intelligencer today. Both bloggers are concerned by the anti-American, and underlying anti-Semitic, tone they're sensing in Germany these days.
I have to say, if what they're showing is the common attitude among blue collar workers, there, I'm grateful my great granddad left there at the beginning of the last century.
It would be a fiction, though, to say this country's workers were morally superior, but we have our fair share of blind, knee-jerk protectionists... many of them are racist scum. After all, Illinois has its own varieties of genuine neo-nazis. Even though they've been cleared of the Lefkow murders, they are our neighbors, and they ain't choirboys.
Nevertheless, I wish I could say, with no doubt in my heart, that David at Medienkritik and John at TI were worrying over nothing. But I don't think it can be dismissed so easily.
What say you?
I have to say, if what they're showing is the common attitude among blue collar workers, there, I'm grateful my great granddad left there at the beginning of the last century.
It would be a fiction, though, to say this country's workers were morally superior, but we have our fair share of blind, knee-jerk protectionists... many of them are racist scum. After all, Illinois has its own varieties of genuine neo-nazis. Even though they've been cleared of the Lefkow murders, they are our neighbors, and they ain't choirboys.
Nevertheless, I wish I could say, with no doubt in my heart, that David at Medienkritik and John at TI were worrying over nothing. But I don't think it can be dismissed so easily.
What say you?
A hilarious answer to "V-Day" on campus
At NRO, Christina Hoff Sommers sharesthis wonderful account of one group of students' response to the gratuitous, in-your-face nonsense from anti-male "feminists" on campus at Roger Williams University. At least the guys had a sense of humor, raunchy though it was.
I'm sorry I couldn't have been there to cheer them on. But I do hope that eventually, both sides will be able to... er... approach each other in a friendly manner.
I'm sorry I couldn't have been there to cheer them on. But I do hope that eventually, both sides will be able to... er... approach each other in a friendly manner.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
News of Africa
Just a reminder to give a rat's patootie... Gateway Pundit has posted this worthy blog today.
Changes on my column page
I spent a little time, today, putting a new dress on my column site -- that is to say, I put up a new template, replete with text more easily read, comment goodness, and full linkage back to here (as well as to the e-page for the paper which publishes my stuff... but only on paper), if you so desire.
Spread the news. Spread the cheer. Or just spread the peanut butter. I skipped lunch to do this stuff.
:-)
Spread the news. Spread the cheer. Or just spread the peanut butter. I skipped lunch to do this stuff.
:-)
Monday, May 02, 2005
Qatar is playing "Ethelred the Unready"
According to the link at Little Green Footballs, Qatar is paying al Qaeda to please, please, please not attack them while using the country as a base of operations.
Apparently, they learn nothing from history.
Apparently, they learn nothing from history.