Global Emancipation

No Peace - No Games

2008-04-01T13:58:00.001-07:00

2007-09-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

Go Vegan - Check out the show from SF!

Listen to GoVeganRadio!

2006-02-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

This photograph as well as the one below it are from a set I just captured while snowshoeing on Seymour Mountain. Mt. Seymour sits above Vancouver, B.C. and offers lots of trails, and a great view of the city from a far.

2006-02-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

2006-02-20T13:47:00.000-08:00

Taxpayers have lost an average of $835.5 million per year logging our national forests for a total loss of $6.684 billion over that period.

A loss of 6.684 Billion...

Learn More Here....

This image was taken from The John Muir Project Web Page...

Muir's words are timeless in the struggle to save our natural world, and have inspired great thinkers and adventures alike. Including the late- great David Brower (Co-Founder of the Sierra Club). If there ever was an American hero it was David Brower.

Learn More about David Brower
or
Watch a Film about his Life

jpod / san juan island

2006-02-17T16:41:00.000-08:00

jpod / san juan island
Originally uploaded by orcagirl.

Speak Out Before It Is Too Late

2006-01-25T07:38:00.000-08:00

benfranklin
Originally uploaded by Abraxas3d.

Our slime ball of an attorney General is speaking to the press, beacause he sure is not speaking to the people of America, here at GeorgeTown Univeristy... He is spying on the people of America!!!

The banner speaks for itself!

2006-01-24T14:20:00.000-08:00

Now Here This: NowPublic - V3 - Private BETA is About to Launch

You can catch a glimpse of the new site here...

We are all very excited about this launch. And we are going to blow your minds!!! Seriously. You Own the News! Get Involved . Don't Let Other's Decide for You!

Much More to Come! I love Exclamation Points!!!

2006-01-24T13:49:00.000-08:00

My Grandfather passed away recently.

Clyde George Lorenz -
May 24, 1921 to
Jan. 9, 2006

Here is a piece of his Biography from the Chicago Tribune: In World War II he was the captain of a crew, which flew in a B-26 Marauder, and became one of "America's greatest Generation." Over the years he taught me many things about the reality surrounding Warfare, the art of Sports, Laughter(He had the rare ability to bring forth un-forced wit), and the Art of Story Telling. There have been very few, with the exception of my Dad, and professional story tellers who could capture my imagination like my grandfather. I stayed with him shortly after my grandmother past away, and I will cherish that time we spent together, for the rest of my life...

Clyde George Lorenz, May 24, 1921 to Jan. 9, 2006, passed away in Tampa, FL. A native Chicagoan, Sportsman and World War II Hero, Clyde was a graduate of Steinmentz High School, and most recently resided in Tampa and Orlando, FL. He was married to Betty Blake Lorenz (deceased). He is survived by four sons, Roger of Mt. Vernon, WA, Laird of Tampa, FL, Terry of Charlotte, NC and Blake of (Orlando, FL; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Nancy Lorenz Ward. A private service will be held at Pine Castle United Methodist Church in Orlando, FL on Feb. 4 at 11 a.m.

This is what I wrote in his guest book....

Grandpa, All my love to you on your journey. You will be missed always. I cherish the time we spent together, and the wisdom you have shown me through your stories, and our time talking. I only wish that I could have been there on those cold mornings in Chicago as you cheered on your mighty Bears, or to watch you in action as you won in the ring. Your legend will live on as larger than life as your stories stay with us. Everytime I hit the bag I know where I get that Lorenz left hook.

I am proud to be your grandson.

Love,
Calder

Calder Lorenz (Vancouver, BC )

Blessings Dr. King...we Love You

2006-01-16T20:05:00.000-08:00

Blessings Dr. King...we Love You
Originally uploaded by Jennifer Esperanza.

Humpback Breach

2005-12-15T09:48:00.000-08:00

Humpback Breach
Originally uploaded by roclwyr.

Jump, Jump.

IMG_0474

2005-12-14T12:04:00.000-08:00

IMG_0474
Originally uploaded by sgrah.

Long Live the Struggle!!

Image044

2005-12-13T11:50:00.000-08:00

Image044
Originally uploaded by tassiefred.

Thousands of farmers and people from Hong Kong can't be wrong. Isn't it just a little bit telling that everywhere people are struggling in the world they all point back to one person as the problem. We all know there are many to blame, but man, how much worse does it have to get before he gets thrown out on his ass. Of course this day belongs to the farmer's fighting the WTO (aka. We Take Over).

The Worst Trade Organization for People of Earth.

2005-12-12T14:14:00.000-08:00

Tokyo War Crimes Tribunal Judge Roling wrote: "The most important principle of Nuremburg was that individuals have duties which transcend national obligations of obedience imposed by the nation-state. This means that in some cases individuals are required to substitute their own interpretation [of international obligations] for the interpretation given by the state. The Judge went on to say, "The world has to rely on individuals to oppose the criminal commands of the government. That is what we are trying to do."

I found this quote in one of the the front page articles on counterpunch.com, today.

Because if you think logically about what is happening in the U.S. and abroad, presently. In terms of the direct actions being taken by our government and the subsequent impact these actions are having worldwide; environmentally, in regard to human rights, as well as the more specific topic of torture. One would have to conclude that any failure to act against the current government is in reality a crime within itself.

Anyone questioning a citizens patriotism when questioning or acting against this current US government, In this day and time should be instructed first, to take a hard look at what so many of our grandparents fought for during the Second World War. These guidelines were set forth for the world, and they are there for a reason, and if that still does not work tell 'em to go fuck themselves:)

Don't be confused by fascism wrapped in the American flag. It is still the same weak ideology of hate and oppression. Just backed by fleeting power and wealth... Easily defeated by compassion , and justice. And if you need an example besides the War. Really take a look at New Orleans (our own American brother's and sister's), and the total disappearance of support promised by our President. New Orleans is dying before our eyes, and so is America.

Hunter

2005-12-12T10:30:00.001-08:00

Hunter
Originally uploaded by The Original Mozzy

I included these three pictures in a sort of montage to the madness that is humanity... And as I look at them again all three images speak loudly to the brutality, indifference to suffering, and ignorance, which never seems to end. I don't know they just struck me very hard when I first found them, and even now I cannot help but become enraged at each. But in my mind the hunter, and the soldier are essentially the same pictures. While the old ladies enjoy their dinner without a touch of compassion or care.

Freaky old

2005-12-12T10:30:00.000-08:00

Freaky old
Originally uploaded by The Original Mozzy.

US Soldiers

2005-12-12T09:31:00.000-08:00

US Soldiers
Originally uploaded by The Original Mozzy.

16 Apr 2003, Baghdad, Iraq --- An Iraqi interpreter, working with the US Marines patrolling the center of Baghdad, kicks a looter until he is stopped by the order: "You're a fucking Marine. Don't kick them in the head. Let them go!" --- Image by � Patrick Robert/Sygma/Corbis

Blackcomb seen from Whistler resort

2005-12-08T10:54:00.000-08:00

Blackcomb seen from Whistler resort
Originally uploaded by Judy B.

Picture from the same set...

My friends and I are planning on hitting the slopes here during the holidays. Should be a great crew with Katja, Caleb, Noel, Laura, Chris, and perhaps many more...

Whistler

2005-12-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

lunch view at Whistler
Originally uploaded by Judy B.

Cool Whistler Picture I found on Flickr

2005-11-23T13:16:00.000-08:00

Oh, yes. I just found this picture. This is a picture capturing the wall at one of the best bars in the world... Well in San Francisco, and in the lower haight neighborhood. The Toronado is Awseome. And I spent a whole year living just a block from this gem in the city by the Bay. 2.50 beer specials at Happy Hour. I cannot write to much because I get sad. You just cannot find atmosphere and surlyness like you get at the Toronado anywhere else. One beer and your hooked. I miss you man...

2005-11-23T11:52:00.000-08:00

These are just a few clips. View the story and more footage on NowPublic.com...

2005-11-23T11:51:00.000-08:00

2005-11-23T11:49:00.000-08:00

2005-11-23T11:23:00.000-08:00

So this morning was crazy. I woke up and my block was surrounded by the Vancouver Police. I posted the whole story on NowPublic, and you can view the entire footage as well by clicking the highlighted story link below.

Police Surround Vancouver Neighborhood

It really is amazing how fast a person can upload a story to our site. I mean I woke up, opened the door to an undercover police van with its lights on, said to myself, "That is strange." Turned, and grabbed my camera. And from there walked around the block filming the story. It was scary, because this was like 4 houses away from my house, and someone had seriously been hurt or worse. I mean tons of cops were securing the area, and detectives had shown up pretty quick. The whole house was tapped off with crime scene tape, and we overheard the police saying there was a victim.

But from a news sense I was able to cover the story before the news crews could arrive. And I live in the neighborhood. So this is an important story to me because I do not want to see people hurt. I have an invested interest in covering our community and making sure the story is told as best as I can tell it. Anyway, just another day as a citizen reporter, folk journalist, community contributor. My thoughts go out to the residents involved.

2005-11-22T12:25:00.000-08:00

2005-11-22T12:18:00.000-08:00

In case you have not seen the story thread from the film shoot I was a part of from November 19th-22nd, 2005. You can view the story on NowPublic.com. Here is the link:

"Francis" - A Film by Eron Carruth

You may remember Eron from past pictures in the mountains. I helped Eron put the script together for the film, and the shoot was a blast. Check it out...

banksy graffiti London N1

2005-10-07T12:27:00.000-07:00

banksy graffiti London N1
Originally uploaded by eadmundo.

Death Cab for Cutie

2005-09-27T19:21:00.000-07:00

Death Cab for Cutie
Originally uploaded by Abudiwa.

Death Cab for Cutie

2005-09-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

Death Cab for Cutie
Originally uploaded by Abudiwa.

2005-09-13T13:18:00.000-07:00

I have been very absent. But we have been working to help the areas effected by Katrina. NowPublic (the site I work for) started a Missing Persons Board. We were the oneof the first sites up and running with help so people could post pictures, information, and messages to find their friends and loved one's. We have helped many families so far, and the effort continues as we are recording people's Oral Histories on the site.

You can view any of these great spots by clicking on the red text!!!

But everyone should check out Michael Tippett and Kate Armstrong's new creation.
Grafik Dynamo

A wild graphic comic that uses daily news bites as the text.

Ok so more to come. I have begun the process of starting my first Novel. Wish me luck:)

2005-08-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

Do you ever guess at how bad the Bush Administration really is? Like gee I bet they do really bad things to the environment.

or

Is the ecological world really under siege? I am not sure.

Well this pretty much sums it up. The National Resources Defense Council is helping educate the public. People this is your future and your children's future and their children's future that is being stolen and sold. Once it has been stolen it will not be returned. So, is the Bush Administration that terrible?

Hell Yes

2005-08-09T14:34:00.000-07:00

Today in Texas an amazing event took place that captured local attention. A mother was on vacation from a long year. If you are like me you love vacations. All over the world August offers a time to slip away, to escape to some exotic location. But it was not the fact that she was on vacation that was so amazing, and so gripping for the folks in town. Even though in her life a break from reality was as welcome as a cool drink along the arid rambling setting she was now calling home.

The amazing part of this story, her on going story, was the very place she chooses to stay. The location offered her time off, and needed rest that could not have come at a better moment. This resort of sorts offered an opportunity to really let her voice sing. She also has made arrangements to fill a vital role during her time off. She will be keeping the owner of this ranch notified of her daily feelings, as well as any change or breaking news she might come across.

As many of us would agree August is a time look forward to a beach scene, a mountainside, or even a quiet book. We wish for nothing more than to rush away from distractions, and happily embrace the few fleeting moments to touch true freedom, rolling it in our hands. This woman of whom I speak has found her escape at a ranch. But not just any ranch. This ranch offers fishing, miles of trails, and down home fun. On any day you can ride a mountain bike or row a small boat out into the private lake, which is stocked with rare bass. Even though the heat in August can sour to over 100 degrees, the finest of accommodations are at your very fingertips, and air conditioning is fully functional for those who would rather sit inside and watch a movie than venture out into the mid-day sun.

This is where she stays. When I arrived I found her on the front lawn, her feet protruding from her tent, as she reads an article from a magazine. The article she was reading looked something like this Vacation scene. However, since she came unannounced the family who runs this bed and breakfast of sorts was not prepared for another guest. They are very busy this time of year. The head of the house loves August and tends to spend much of his time at the ranch during one of his quarterly month and a half vacation periods.

During our conversation she asked me if I knew of anyone else who had taken time off during these most busy of summer months. I told her of the young students I had seen relaxing on the beaches of Spain, and in the nightclubs of Ybor City, which light up the outskirts of Tampa Bay. I told her of the young children laughing as they kicked a small football, forgetting the creeping sounds of their school bells. I told her of the growing movement, which builds in the hills of Asia. Where the strong look to create a mighty Caliphate, in which all would answer to Sharia Law. I shared my stops in Colorado where I witnessed many people joining to stop gay men and women from sharing their love. I remarked to her how our climate continues to change. How hot the summers have become. And told her of the children in San Francisco that I had seen who use inhalers for their asthma, but wipe their cheeks with red and black bandanas instead of baseball gloves.

As I spoke I could tell she was growing somber. She explained that once she had made her son a promise. The same promise someone had told me in passing. There was not doubt she was feeling for the one thing she could no longer grasp.

This woman with her tired eyes, and swift spirit turned to me and,

She asked, "I wonder if he knows?"
And I replied, "Perhaps we should tell him."

As I answered her the ranch brewed with preparations for that evening’s dinner. A few limousines had entered the gates at the same time I had arrived, and now the music played loud enough to reach our ears. The invited guests of the ranch on the inside, the two of us on the outside. We could see the guests rocking back and forth in the back of the ranch as they sipped cool drinks protected from the heat by a large enclosed porch. Perhaps tomorrow they will find a spot for her.

Reporting from amidst fiction and reality... C

2005-08-09T09:15:00.000-07:00

I will post another report later today.

But you have to check out these great photographs.

Commercial Drive Street Fair

They were taken by my dear friend Amritha. This was the first ever no cars allowed Drive Street Fair. It was totally great. And Switchfocus came all the way from Frisco to rock the crowd. Word.

Cheers for now.

2005-08-08T09:49:00.000-07:00

The voices of shadow chalking...

In Ann Arbor a strange event took place this weekend. A local man around thirty years old was walking with a few friends when he was confronted with the past. The images marking his Neighborhood walk way gave him a chill. Minutes after the discovery he still seemed unsure of exactly what he had seen. In order to document the scene he clicked a few snap shots in the night. The photographs must have looked something like this

Ghost.

The strangest part of the entire experience was that he began to feel somehow implicated in the entire scenario. Why were these souls so intent on bringing up the past? Certainly he had no control over past conflicts, nor any related deaths that may have occurred an ocean away. The reality was that he had lived free from such disturbances until now. These ghosts were not welcome. They had never been invited to his home town. Why remember such an act. It seemed silly during a time of such constant confrontation. The world is unsure of itself. And besides the bomb had to be dropped in order to stop future deaths. The event had ended a dangerous time in everyone's life. People had gained their freedom from the cold hands of fascist control. They had taken back their lives once and for all.

In relatively the same time span a few young Japanese students were busy in the town of Hiroshima. They had spent all morning preparing the outlines of what had been living, breathing human beings. The boys and girls smiled as one of the students made a joke, which implicated their very actions in a new light. A few hours earlier, when the light was still fresh and full of sad flower scents, an old man had warned them about what opening doors to the past might hold. At that moment the young people had hurried him away. For how could he understand the importance of their actions. These youth had grown wise in a time of peace. But the scars still marked their thoughts and visions of the past. The voices of the small and beautiful still spoke out and cried at what had happened to them.

And so the voices have returned after 60 years. Visiting the veterans in their hospital wheel chairs. Waking the young in their cribs. Excited for the attention because they never can stop crying out. Those who hear the voices in their dreams, the whispering, on a daily basis never lose sight of the scorching light, that changed an entire world in an instant. An instant and then there was nothing but change. The old may still remember the flash of light that took them from paradise. The earth in which they remain still cries out on their behalf, and waits for the next ground shaking device to disturb the balance. Fully aware of the actions of a few men on both sides of an endless cultural pendulum. Swinging this way and that.

An instant to make chalk shadows.  An instant to remember the past.  An instant to grasp the future.

Reporting from amidst fiction and reality. C

2005-07-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

This is the last set from the trip. One last look at Black Tusk and down we went for some well deserved Potato Soup. MMMM Good. Cheers

2005-07-27T15:05:00.000-07:00

Hanging out above the snowy mountains. The lake is so blue!!!! Very similar to Crater Lake , Oregon. Gotta Love it...

2005-07-27T14:42:00.000-07:00

The view from Panorama Ridge.

2005-07-27T14:27:00.000-07:00

On our way up to Panorama Ridge. We ran into a little fella who let us watch him for a bit. And then Black Tusk comes into full view as we climb mountain number two. Also, The trees are still recovering from wildfires in some of the shots. They look like ghost trees.

2005-07-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

Working our way down and into the valley. Our hopes of sun begin to get higher.

2005-07-27T14:09:00.000-07:00

After some waiting we decide to head down towards the valley in hopes of finding sun

2005-07-27T14:01:00.000-07:00

We made it to the top of Black Tusk. But where is the view? Luckly we caught a few cloud breaks here and there.

2005-07-27T10:31:00.000-07:00

The valley starting to show itself. Ben on top of the world. Stuck in the clouds and the lake appears.

2005-07-27T10:06:00.000-07:00

This first pick was early in the day and we could not actually see Black Tusk from the valley.

Well it is Wednesday and I have the pictures to post. The pictures speak for themselves so I will keep it short. But this was certainly on of the best hikes I have been on. The shots are from the hike up to Black Tusk summit and then on the peak and then we head down through the valley. The valley it self was in bloom with so many amazing wild flowers. And then we are on top of Panorama Ridge. The final shots are next to Garibaldi Lake where we ate dinner. For the first part of the morning and eraly afternoon the cloud coverblocked our view. So when we reached the top of Black Tusk we tried to wait out the clouds but decided to hike on after a while. However, we did get quick breaks in the clouds which allowed us to see parts of the valley and lake and such. So added some of these pics too. And then by the afternoon the whole place truned into sunny happy land. If you ever have a chance I highly suggest Garibaldi Provincial Park. There is much to explore and many places to adventure. Bring a good friend and enjoy the view. And the lake that you see in mostof the pictures is Garibaldi Lake. It was pristine blue. I swear. Just ask Ben. I'm pretty sure he still sees it when he closes his eyes:) Have a great day. Cheers Calder

2005-07-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

Word. So I went up to the mountains this weekend. I have tons of crazy cool pictures, but I am waiting for the link apparatuse that hooks my computer to the camera. And as soon as that issue is resolved I will post the pictures. Along with some details. But in the name of science I will release the climbing stats. The one known as Ben and I climbed Saturday for 14 hours within the Black Tusk area. We covered around 36km and bested two peaks. Black Tusk and Panorama Ridge. Plus a small bottle of Fireball. It was an awesome and I would suggest the park area to anyone who wants a great weekend trip. The wild flowers are in bloom at the moment and you may even see some fuzzy little creatures. But the surrounding snow filled mountains are pretty amazing. We even spotted some new prospects for future climbs. The actual peak of Black Tusk is filled with great hand holds and not so great slippery hand holds. But offers some great climbing experience. Both Ben and I needed some well deserved Wreck beach lounging in order to gain back our strength. Well, back to it. Cheers

2005-07-22T16:46:00.000-07:00

It is Friday. That is great news. Heading off to the mountains. And just in time. I am reading as everyone should be aware that our lovely U.S. government is about to renew the Patriot Act. Oh, great idea. And wouldn't you know it, the issue of this new legislation is split down party lines. Wow, where was this split when the most dangerous legislation ever put together was being brought out the first time. Well the Democrats voted overwhelmingly for the legislation in the aftermath of 9/11. Now I am not going to spend my time harping on the lack of vision within the Democratic party (we all know the Republicans are nut cases when it comes to civil rights and evidently the Democrats are equally worthless), but as it stands the issues in need of focus by any proponent of the current government are civil rights. While these two parties are bickering back and forth about hot button issues our rights are being taken away!!!!
If you have no idea what the Patriot Act is or what it entails, please read about it. You can get a very easy synopsis from this book. Nancy Chang does an excellent job of breaking down the actual legislation and you do not have to be in law school to get it. Chang, Nancy. Silencing Political Dissent: How Post 9-11 Anti-Terrorism Measures Threaten Our Civil Liberties, (New York: Seven Stories Press, 2002)

The worst of the Patriot Act is set to expire this fall, however if this passes through the Senate (it just passed the house) then we could conceivably be looking at an undetermined and defined level of state control and surveillance. Rest assured the federal government under republican control has no problem going after the good guys. As we have seen with some of our best academics and environmental champions who are under attack as I write this today.

Ok, well I am starting to get tired of talking about the right. May they all just dissapear. I'll post pictures from the mountains when I return. Have a great weekend. And keep spreading the love...

Cheers Calder

2005-07-20T12:03:00.000-07:00

Hello. Happy Wednesday. It is a good day because I am slowly getting caught up with great friends who I lost touch with (somewhat) during the last two years of study at the University of San Francisco. Such is Life. I will post more pictures from our hiking adventure later today. Now in terms of the actual world and particularly the U.S. I find myself not so happy. As everyone might know our fearless leader Dark Lord Bush has brought forth another captain of destruction to run our crumbling political system. This time to make laws that we, as American citizens will have to follow. However, at first I was happy because Roberts is not the craziest person alive. We must look for the positive. But with further reflection and a nice catalyst provided by the article below (which is great, read it), it occurred to me why I feel so disgusted with the American political scene. Because even the somewhat less hard lined people are still so far to the right that they would take away rights just as quickly as their counterparts. Of course the disgust comes from beyond the lack of real leadership, vision, and respect for the greatest crisis of our age. Say it with me: The Environment. This is a quote from the article: Judge Dread written by, Chris Floyd. He states:

"It's now clear that the American Establishment - and a significant portion of the American people - have given up on the democratic experiment. They no longer wish to govern themselves; they want to be ruled, by "strong leaders" who will "do whatever it takes" to protect them from harm and keep them in clover. They have sold their golden birthright of American liberty for a mess of coward's pottage."

While this pretty much sums up the way I am feeling as of late. The truth hits hard. It seems that while there are many dedicated people who give themselves to the cause of betterment. There are a thousand more for every one that could give a shit less about individual rights, equal treatment, and justice. As well as the large right wing contingent that embraces totalitarian leadership. In which the main leadership figure will play the role of the tough nosed father figure. Beating Johnny with his belt, keeping mom in check, and killing anything that does not resemble a two-inch blade of grass with a few gallons of poison. It really seems like their ultimate fantasy revolves around a super discipline freak. Essentially, they are seeking a new breed of Fuehrer’s, packaged nicely for the new millennium. Could this be where we are headed? It seems all to real that we could one day soon face the horrors that our South American brothers and sisters struggled and continue to struggle against for far to long now. When you realize that at any moment one man can have you destroyed. No accountability, no questions, no recourse for citizens. This trend is sweeping through the weaker and disenfranchised areas of America. One figurehead is easy to pinpoint and unite against, but an entire administration of the exact same ideology. Damn tough to beat.

Well. I’ll try and complete this thought tomorrow. Peace

http://www.counterpunch.com/floyd07202005.html

2005-07-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

Playing in the snow. Top of the mountain. Laura and Bootch checking out the waterfall.

2005-07-18T17:11:00.000-07:00

Ben and I on top of the mountain...

2005-07-18T16:13:00.000-07:00

On Top of the Mountain. What a view.
Ben and Sylvia enjoying the view.

More pics tomorrow...

2005-07-18T16:02:00.000-07:00

2005-07-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

Picture from the base camp below the mountain. This is the West Lion. From the top you get a 360 view, and you can see the islands, the Eastern Cascades and Mt. Baker to the South. Oh, but you have to get to the top.

2005-07-18T14:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday. The weekend was great. I had a good friend up from Portland. He goes by Ca-leb. It sounds like it is spelled. The network of great people continues to grow in the West. And relations between the Canadians and Americans are strengthening with every trans-border visit. We share an invisible border and are made to believe that there is some difference between us. Not so I say. We all have interests and dreams. And we all share a strong desire for conversation and fun. Granted I know west coast relations are a few degree's different than other parts of the country. But the experiment is alive and well within a large and growing sphere. Together we are forming bonds through real experience and shared words. This is the concept of global emancipation and the strand that can be used to connect all people from all over the world. Of course the best way to achieve said goals in my mind is to adventure together. The ability to explore the wild has a profound effect on the body and mind. This is why our natural world is the most essential piece in the puzzle. We are nothing without it, and that reality is coming all to fast for our species. (It is important to note that environmental issues will come up almost all the time on this blog). And there is nothing like supporting someone's twitchy leg while hanging a few thousand feet up on the side of a mountain to really understand the human need for love and connection (Thank you again Sylvia and Ben for helping me not fall this weekend).
I posted some pictures from our trip to the top of West Lion in Lions Bay, B.C. A solid crew made up of 3 Americans and 3 Canadians (some are sort of both and some secretly wish they were). We are changing the world one day at a time. The simple truth being that all assumptions and distortions of what one perceives to be true can be easily remedied by interaction.

2005-07-13T12:24:00.000-07:00

There was an article posted on Counter Punch today that really caught my attention. Sarah Knopp wrote a piece entitled, “Hate on the Boarder: A Racist Network of Rightwingers.” View here, www.counterpunch.com/knopp07132005.html Within the article she quoted Joe Turner as stating:
This idea is predicated on a singular notion that Americans are fed up with illegal immigration and want to get involved with an outfit that is serious," Joe Turner, founder of Save Our State, wrote on the group's Web site. "Eventually, we are going to have an activist presence that will intimidate and strike fear into our opponents' hearts. Not only because we will have the troop strength to evoke fear, but because of the manner in which we are active. We take our battles to the streets...something no other organization in the movement has ever done with any consistency or persistence.
The rhetoric coming from this group mirrors any racist movement in the past. But as a Californian I have seen the ignorance first hand. Ignorance that connects the poor coming from Mexico and the ridicules premises that American jobs are being lost to an influx of immigration. It seems laughable that anyone could actually blame those illegally crossing our “boarder.” First off it is an invisible line that an occupying government drew up after it stole the land that makes up the current Southern Boarder. Second the United States has been actively destroying the lively hood of the Mexican people through many means. Lets face it we steal cheap labor, support undemocratic treatment of the farming, and labor force, as well as embracing unfair trade at every turn. And really people noone is originally from America except Native people. If you're white you immigrated here!!
Ok, you say, “I get that our government and corporate entities both use Mexico for personal gain, but why worry about groups like these?”
Good question. The reason groups like the (www.minutemanhq.com/project/) Minutemen Project in Arizona and Save our State in California are so dangerous is they give the appearance of actually fighting for something. These of course are white men who seek to regain control of what they see as their identities and their livelihoods slipping away. They watch the economy falling, the continues fighting in far off lands, which they can’t reach, and the American Southwest being given back to the original owners (population alone will secure a non-white majority in this region). I mean that must be scary for Joe Whitey. And so as always the last gasps of a desperate majority soon to be a minority is to lash out and find the easiest targets. “Who,” you say. Why the working poor of course. They make the easiest targets. Easy to vilify and mark as treacherous, as well as being to busy “surviving” to fight back. All the while, as the Pro-Whitey groups lash out at the working poor they hate so much, the reality is that they will become the working poor in a few short generations. The wealthy in this country may be white but boy do they hate poor people and the middle class no matter what the color. However, they need propagandists that will oppress for them, i.e. the whitey movement in this country, while they suck the last bits of life from this country. We live in the land of the free market barons. We live in the land of the brave racist. We live in the land of the endless cycle of oppression. Someone is always easy to pick on in order to make your lack of real understanding seem less painful.
But in conclusion these groups offer something beyond actual activism. They offer the ability to ignore those who are really oppressing the entire public ladder, and lets face it, providing a much-needed chest bump for a fellow freaked out whitey. No offense to any whitey's out there. Except those I talked about. Get a clue.

2005-07-12T17:09:00.000-07:00

Well, we had a long night. Our friend Radice passed on. He will be missed greatly. Everyone give your animal a hug. I will post a picture of him soon. I wrote this to his human friends today. He had many.

-I figured those of you who knew Radice would like to know. The Golden boy from Ohio. He passed away this morning. For a dog he certainly got around, and he had lots of friends. Dogs and people alike, probably more people than dogs, but you know. We are very sad but he lived an awesome life. He partied, he refused to fetch, but mostly he made people smile. From the moment he first appeared in our Columbus home we knew he was a special dog. A big ball of golden fur that loved to be on his back in the snow or grass. Always smiling and eating whatever he wanted. He truly was a dog of no rules, living without constraint, and loving every minute of it. Rare these days. I sure will miss him as I'm sure many of you will also. Anyway. Hope all is well in your worlds. Take Care
Cheers Calder

2005-07-11T11:42:00.000-07:00

It is in the moments of passing that friendship and honesty are most important. My buddy of some 14 years is very sick, and he may not be with us much longer. The first time I held him he was just a little golden ball of fur. Never have I seen such life in a creature. In his puppy days we used to roll him onto his back, and he would just stay there, eyes open, filled with endless trust. Most likely he was calculating some plan to steal food off in the distance, but either way he was a magical little pup. The years have passed and there have been few who could resist his charm. Lets hope he bounces back. Or he will leave many friends who will miss him dearly.

I don't know why but this short just felt right. There is an understanding in Eduardo Galeano's words that is not of this world. All living beings are a part of us. They never leave our memories until we become theirs.

-Tracey Hill was a child in a Connecticut town who amused herself as befitted a child of her age, like any other tender little angel of God in the state of Connecticut or anywhere else on the planet.

One day, together with her little school companions, Tracey started throwing lighted matches into an anthill. They all enjoyed this healthy childish diversion. Tracey, however, saw something which the others didn't see or pretended not to, but which paralyzed her and remained forever engraved in her memory: faced with the dangerous fire, the ants split up into pairs and two by two, side by side, pressed close together, they waited for death. Written by: Eduardo Galeano. "The Book of Embraces"

2005-07-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

Post-1
In the coming days we will again hear much about the “war on terror” and the need to close our minds in order to win the on-going battle between those deemed good and those deemed evil. The violence that occurred today is disgusting and needless. Never the less those profiting from the violence in all corners of the world is ongoing. Let us keep hope alive and continue to seek peace. Let us listen to our hearts and not those shouting into megaphones of hate and distortion.

"Hope looks at the evidence and says, 'It don't look good at all. But we gonna make the leap of faith, go beyond the evidence, to create new possibilities based on visions that become contagious to allow people to engage in heroic action, always against odds, no guarantee whatsoever.' That's hope. I'm a prisoner of hope...Never gonna believe that misery and despair will have the last word."--Professor Cornell West

2005-07-07T13:13:00.000-07:00

This will be the first post. The site is under construction and will be up and running hopefully sooner than later.