Amber Dorrian and my kid sister "Bela" not Bella (Wisdom Quarterly)
Breaking Dawn premieres. The forces of the Moon versus those badly affected by the Moon. "Twilight" is basically Dracula vs. Wolfman. Only the vampires are melodramatic and the wolves are so CGI. This series is a mess. But, melodrama can be good. Soap opera thrillers for tweens who need a romantic lead are keeping the mall theaters alive.
Giggly Bieber kids and gayish gothy teens are outnumbered by horndog moms. Fans everywhere are sure to keep this blockbuster going. And that's good. It's keeping "romance" alive. And there's nothing higher to live for. So get used to it.
The world needs more Harry Potter with heavy petting because Emma Thompson isn't doing anything to meet our need for sizzle. Taylor Lautner is pure peach fuzz for a hirsute leading man. Robert Pattinson is very, very Brit'ish. And Kristen Stewart's lesbian child molester kiss with Dakota Fanning was a real let down.
On April 20, 2010, British Petroleum's Deepwater Horizon exploded in the Gulf of Mexico, killing 11 men and spilling countless barrels of crude oil into the sea.
Days later a confidential cable from a terrified insider arrived on investigative reporter Greg Palast's desk. He had the real, hushed-up facts of the disaster -- facts that can only be found buried in the files of a Central Asian dictatorship.
Vultures' Picnic charts the course of Palast's quest to bring the truth of the BP disaster to light as he and his team of journalist-detectives go from the streets of Baku, where Palast searches for a brown valise full of... More
(KnewWorldNoing) Libya a victim of the giant US investment bank Goldman Sachs? The bank is being investigated for its part in the financial crisis. It lost a billion dollar investment made by Libya three years ago.
Roy (of Hollywood) Tuckman, KPFK FM, Pacifica Radio, Wisdom Quarterly
The Book by Alan Watts is a stunning essay on “the taboo against knowing who you are.” In particular, he offers a devastating critique for any looking to “change the world” (Illustration: Randal Roberts/Ianmack.com).
What's the meaning of American music and life? (More)
Beginning at the age of 16, when he wrote essay for the journal of the Buddhist Lodge in London, he developed an audience of millions who were enriched through his books, recordings, and lectures on radio, television, and in public appearances.
In all, Watts has written more than 25 books and recorded hundreds of lectures and seminars, all building toward a personal philosophy he shares candidly and joyfully with his and listeners throughout the world.
His overall works have presented a model of individuality and self-expression that can be matched by few philosophers. The three main sources for Alan Watts tapes and information are:
For the World to Live "Columbus" Must Die Russell Means, Program #MEAR003, recorded in Denver, CO on April 27, 1992 LISTEN TO AUDIO. For too many of us, for too long, the indigenous peoples of this continent have been curiosities that existed somewhere over the horizon between fantasy and reality. The popularly crafted images were of medicine men [mostly women], squaws, peace pipes, teepees, tom toms, tomahawks, war bonnets, war paint, war whoops, and war parties. The only Indians we knew were named Tonto, Geronimo, and Crazy Horse. In recent years a lot of these cliches have disappeared. The American Indian Movement has done much to break down the conventional stereotypes. AIM articulates a program of self awareness and pride. It promotes treaty and land rights and religious freedom for Native Americans.
Russell Means, an Oglala Dakota and a prominent voice in the continuing struggle for indigenous rights, is a founding member of AIM and one of its leading spokespersons. He is Chief Executive Officer of the American Indian Anti-Defamation Council, an organization which monitors anti-Indian racism in the media and politics, and has organized and lectured throughout the world.
"Where Next Columbus?" Crass Another's hope, another's game Another's loss, another's gain Another's lies, another's truth Another's doubt, another's proof Another's left, another's right Another's peace, another's fight Another's name, another's aim Another's fall, another's fame Another's pride, another's shame Another's love, another's pain Another's hope, another's game Another's loss, another's gain Another's lies, another's truth...
Marx had an idea from the confusion of his head Then there were a thousand more waiting to be led The books are sold, the quotes are bought You learn them well and then you're caught
Another's left, another's right Another's peace, another's fight Mussolini had ideas from the confusion of his heart Then there were a thousand more waiting to play their part The stage was set, the costumes worn And another empire of destruction born Another's name, another's aim Another's fall, another's fame Jung had an idea from the confusion of his dream Then there were a thousand more waiting to be seen You're not yourself, the theory says But I can help, your complex pays
Another's hope, another's game Another's loss, another's gain
Satre had an idea from the confusion of his brain Then there were a thousand more indulging in his pain Revelling in isolation and existential choice Can you truly be alone when you use another's voice?
Another's lies, another's truth Another's doubt, another's proof The idea born in someone's mind Is nurtured by a thousand blind Anonymous beings, vacuous souls Do you fear the confusion, your lack of control? You lift your arm to write a name So caught up in the identity game
Who do you see? Who do you watch? Who's your leader? Which is your flock? Who do you watch? Who do you watch? Who's your leader? Which is your flock? Einstein had an idea from the confusion of his knowledge Then there were a thousand more turning to advantage They realised that their god was dead So they reclaimed power through the bomb instead Anothers code, another's brain They'll shower us all in deadly rain Jesus had an idea from the confusion of his soul Then there were a thousand more waiting to take control The guilt is sold, forgiveness bought The cross is there as your reward
Anothers love, another's pain Anothers pride, another's shame Do you watch at a distance from the side you have chosen? Whose answers serve you best? Who'll save you from confusion? Who will leave you an exit and a comfortable cover Who will take you oh so near the edge, but never drop you over? Who do you watch?
The Dalai Lama (Tibet's pope-king) appeared as guest judge on "Masterchef."
The Dalai Lama yesterday [July 18, 2011] made a bizarre appearance as guest judge on the Australian version of Masterchef.
Stunned contestants prepared lunch for the Tibetan spiritual leader -- but he refused to rate their offerings, saying it would be against his Buddhist principles.
In a special episode of the hit TV show, the religious figurehead was presented with several sweet and savory veggie dishes as he took time out from his official duties on a visit Down Under.
Kindness is appreciated everywhere.
He liked a Sri Lankan curry with roti bread, but gnocchi -- an Italian dumpling -- was his least favorite. However, his most severe criticism about the gnocchi was the comment that the contestant “tried their best.”
Speaking about fine dining, the Dalai Lama also told the contestants: “My knowledge of these things is very limited. Whatever I get, I accept.
“As a Buddhist monk it is not right to prefer this food or that food.”
But he did [regrettably] reveal he was a huge fan of cheese and also said his other favorite foods included bread, tofu, mushrooms, desserts, and “especially” coriander.
Speaking about the food he was presented with on the show, he said: “They all had a special taste and beauty.” Source
Wilkinson, who became a British national hero at the 2003 World Cup, said Buddhism has helped him overcome a fear of failure that was ruining his life.
Rugby star Jonny Wilkinson: "I've become a Buddhist after reading quantum physics books." We should have known the sports star had a spiritual side from the way he clasps his hands as if in prayer before he kicks goals. Now the England rugby payer has revealed that he has found inner peace through Buddhism.
His obsessive perfectionism was making him miserable, but Buddhism liberated him from being motivated by "money, status, or ego." The millionaire sportsman said that within 24 hours of winning the World Cup final against Australia in Sydney, he felt a powerful feeling of anticlimax.
"I did not know what it really meant to be happy. I was afflicted by a powerful fear of failure and did not know how to free myself from it." More
Celebrity Buddhists include Angelina Jolie, Tiger Woods, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sting, Coldplay wife Gwyneth Paltrow, Keanu Reeves, Tina Turner, Orlando Bloom, Uma Thurman and, of course, Lisa Simpson.
Sarah Jessica Parker: Hollywood's Newest Jew-Bu? (PR-Inside.com)
Vanishing from public view in her discreet Irish hideaway, "Sex and the City" superstar Parker is seeking tranquility.
NEW YORK, New York - Stressed by her latest challenge as producer of not one but two new cable shows, and dismayed by continuing rumors that her marriage is incontinent, superstar Sarah Jessica Parker seems to be finding tranquility down a path that many of her faith have trodden in the past: Becoming a Jew-Bu. More
Even though she chanted daimoku, she remained addicted, suicidal, and on a self-destructive path. Does that mean daimoku doesn't "work?" That depends what one means by "work." If we think namu-myoho-renge-kyo is a magic phrase that makes us happy and is a get-out-of-death-and-suffering-free card, no, it doesn't "work." Nichiren Buddhism is a life-long practice -- even if our life turns out to be heartbreakingly short. It's not a quick fix or magic cure. More
Just Chant This and That's It?
Wisdom Quarterly (COMMENTARY)
Is it possible that Brahminical-style chants that mimic Sanskrit hymns (gathas) do not have magical power?
The Vedas gave the ancient Indus Valley Civilizations, which Adi Shankara's Hinduism claims as its inheritance, mantras for everything.
These enchantments first focused the minds of seers (rishis) and were then used by brahmins to enhance their temple-bound priesthood that the Buddha (and other spiritual wanderers or shramans) rejected.
But the technique is sound -- repetition that cuts off normal consciousness and gives way to an elevated state. Simply chanting never works anymore than saying "Abracadabra" or "Open Sesame."
But sincere, persistent, and devoted utterance of special sounds is widely accepted as being effective IF it is consistent and in integrity with one's life. Living one way and chanting another is working at odds with one's professed intention. For example, trying to quit drugs while chanting Nichiren Buddhism's hallmark hymn might really help.
But getting high to enhance the elevation brought on by dedicated chanting is only mocking the process. Or, worse, using the chant as a quick shortcut to material riches -- why, IF that worked, who wouldn't do it? Nichiren goes much deeper than a pretty mantra and a cultish appearance.
In 2006, Amy Winehouse (1984-2011) became a star, the voice of a new generation, by insisting she would not be going to "Rehab." She would be dead within five years.
Already a star in the U.K., Winehouse makes her debut on U.S. TV with "Rehab."
Singer Found Dead in Apartment
LONDON, England - Troubled British singer Amy Winehouse [with her violent partner in prison] was found dead at her flat in north London, police said. She was 27 years old. The Grammy award-winning [neo-]soul singer struggled with well-documented drink and drug addictions. Her death is being treated as unexplained. "Police were called by London Ambulance Service to an address in Camden Square shortly before 4:05 pm (local time) today, Saturday 23 July, following reports of a woman found deceased," a police statement said. "On arrival officers found the body of a 27-year-old female who was pronounced dead..." More
Drunk and/or stoned, Amy Winehouse is booed during comeback tour, live in Belgrade on June 18, 2011. She then launches into "Back To Black."
Rehab without a "Higher Power"
Recovery from addictions of all kinds is possible in a Buddhist context. Buddhism is nontheistic (not dependent on a God for "salvation"/enlightenment). Many Buddhists are theists, but many others are atheistic, agnostic, or undecided.
Not recognizing a supreme being as a higher power makes traditional 12-Step programs unpalatable. (Of course, the nature of the "higher power" one chooses need not be a god, but that is definitely how most participants treat it as part of their recovery.
Thanks to mavericks like Kevin Griffin, who wrote One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Stepsit is quite possible to successfully overcome addiction and unrelenting craving in a nontheistic context.
A Buddhist Version of the 12 Steps
Step 1 - We admitted we were powerless over our addiction -- that our lives had become unmanageable.
Step 2 - Came to believe that spiritual practice could restore us to sanity.
Step 3 - Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the power of the Dharma.
Step 4 - Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.
Step 5 - Admitted to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our suffering.
Step 6 - Were entirely ready to let go of all these defects of character.
Step 7 - Humbly asked for our shortcomings to be removed through prayer and meditation.
Step 8 - Made a list of all persons we had harmed and became willing to make amends to them all.
Step 9 - Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.
Step 10 - Continued to take personal inventory, and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.
Step 11 - Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with reality and to live a life with more wisdom and compassion.
Step 12 - Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to other addicts and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
