I just got a great email from the folks at the Dark Skies Initiative~go to   http://www.astroimage.info/... for some great pictures of what can be seen from Mt. Pinos. These photos show why we need to get behind this measure far better than any words could.

 I am glad for my friend .What a waste of a young life.

http://www.bakersfield.com/...

After all the recent blogs about atrocities regarding women I saw this repeat on “60 Minutes” and knew that instead of hand wringing ,some might be moved to action.
There is a silent war going on. It is a woman’s war~ it is time to hear the stories.
Your nationality does not matter, your religion ~or lack of one~ has no bearing, nor does your age, your social status, your education, your skills. Simply being a woman can allow others to turn you into an instrument of war and terror .With luck, hard work and help a woman can become a seed for change.
THE COUNTRIES: Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Columbia, DR Congo, Iraq, Kosovo, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan…the list grows.
THE WEAPONS: Mutilations, starvation, fear of STDS, AIDS, gang rape, public humiliation, social stigma. During many rapes, the use of force is so great the women lose control of their bodily functions~ things one cannot imagine and I can not print here, are done to women. Some consider that the lucky ones die.
THE AGES: they range from as young as three years old to 75 years of age.
THE MADNESS BEHIND THE METHOD: These brutal acts are specifically designed to destroy families, communities and the individual mental. spiritual and physical health of each survivor.


“Women for Women International’s work begins when the basic human needs of women are still very great, but the seed of stability can be sown. Our work bridges a critical gap between humanitarian aid and long-term development and reconstruction. We are the only organization solely dedicated to women’s development needs that operates in the heart of conflict -afflicted areas in countries such as DR Congo and Iraq. Yet, our long term commitment in post-conflict countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina and Rwanda is critical when emergency relief agencies, the media and public attention have long since moved to focus on the next crisis.”
“It is essential that we pat attention to what women go through as they live through war and nations are rebuilt. We often see women in grassroots communities as victims, but they are the true active participants in rebuilding their nations. The women we serve are the unseen warriors for humanity. Their weapons are not guns but guts. If we can stabilize women, we can stabilize nations.”
“Women for Women, International has learned through 14 years serving socially excluded women in conflict and post conflict areas that engaging women is the most effective avenue toward creating lasting change and stability.”
“Stronger Women build Stronger Nations”
Forget Hollywood and “outrage” at pretend violence~ here are some hard cold truths. As of WWII, there have been some 250 major wars, resulting in 23 million casualties. A century ago, some 90% these deaths were males ~ now 90% are civilians with women and children making up 75%.
Women the targets of rape as a tool of war often lose male family members to the fighting; they often are forced to leave their homes and their children. Some with little or no skills are thrust into the role of provider, sometimes in communities that do not value them.
Woman for Women International use’s a multi-faceted approach to address the unique needs of women in conflict zones. Participants enter a one-year program and begin the journey from victim to survivor and community leader. The basic needs are met first~ food, water .medical attention, these by direct financial aid. Perhaps most importantly the women can tell their stories to other women who literally become a lifeline. As recovery and rehabilitation continue, opportunities for education, learning how to be leaders, rights awareness, vocational and technical skills are presented. Windows open as each woman begins to see she can improve her own freedoms and status, but also become a role model for others. Because earning a living leads to independence, they are taught traditional and non- traditional job skills. Building on this foundation the women are offered comprehensive business services, and access to capitol so they can begin their own enterprises.
 For $27 dollars a month a woman can be sponsored~ 79% goes directly to fund the women and the programs outlined here. I urge you to go to http://www.womenforwomen.or... a mountain of information is there. They also accept donations.
In the United States if you or someone you know has been a victim or survivor of violence call:
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233
National Victim Center 1-800-FYI_CALL (394-2255)
Rape Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN) 1-800-656-HOPE
Locally call:
Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault 322-0931 Counseling Center 1921 19th street
HOTLINE: 327-1091
Or Nationally 1-800-273-7713
The other side of war, the other side of violence…hear the story.Stop the violence.
 

 With a wink to Sioux, a nod to TSM and a friendly wave to FSG~ all my guides in one way or another to this little film.

Considering how many of you mentioned Amazing Grace as a song that could make you cry, I thought I recommend this film: Amazing Grace~ The Life of Wilbur Wilberforce.

Directed by Michael Apted, the story unfolds in shades of grey. There are no clear villains or heroes~ those opposed to societal change have their valid reasons, those who want change see the clear need for it. This adaptation of his life shows the world for what it is~ messy and hard. It also shows that on occasion great things can happen, that a life dedicated to politics is not always self-serving and that a few people can change the world. Ioan Grufford (Fantastic Four) plays Wilberforce; Albert Finney is John Newton, with the rest of the cast a who’s who of British film.

The DVD has some wonderful extras, a teacher’s guide, and several shorts about the film and slavery. There are still some estimated 27 million slaves’ world wide, many of them children. The movie has given rise to these folks,

http://amazingchange.com/ , the modern abolishment movement.

I leave you with one of Wilberforce's great quotes"...having heard all this you may turn away~ but you can never say again you did not know".

larger view

My friends and I recently went to a unique shop, Greater World Gifts, run by the folks at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 5 Real Road, Bakersfield, CA. They are open Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday 11a.m. to 1 p.m.

The shop is quite small, but full of wonderful artisan/craftsman created works, and it is the only Fair Trade store in Bakersfield. One of the guilds they work with is MarketPlace, because they support some disabled persons and women, they are near and dear to my heart.

“MarketPlace: Handwork of India is a non-profit fair trade organization working to empower women in the poor areas of Mumbai through the sales of their hand printed and embroidered textiles. Earning a living and supporting their families have given the women who are part of MarketPlace the independence and self-confidence to develop their own opinions, values and dreams.

The 480 artisans who work with MarketPlace (90% of them are women, some are disabled) are part of 14 member cooperatives near Mumbai. They each have a background of economic hardship and limited access to employment opportunities in the general community but share the desire to become strong and independent. The women not only produce the textiles (block print, cut patterns, embroider), but are also active in many areas of the organization. They shoot photos and write for the catalog, participate in planning designs and catalog layout, have representatives who participate on a social action committee, and engage in a global dialogue with U.S. customers. Running their own businesses empowers the women, and working together gives them support and encouragement.

With offices in Illinois and India, MarketPlace offers beautiful and unique textiles infused with stories of the women who helped create them.”

It was a surprise birthday shopping trip~ unbeknownst to me. As I perused, my sneaky friends noted what caught my eye. The beautiful Peace Toran (that means entry point) was something I had always had wanted, so soon enough I had my gift home. Thanks to my girls!

If you or a friend love beautifully made objects, with a good cause built in for easy enjoyment, I hope you consider this great resource.



 A huge "hole" in the net. Most home users(Google,Yahoo,Microsoft) safe,but you should check to be sure. http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp...

For the whole story,click above link.

Check your DNS here

Here's a video he had on his site:

Red — Unpatched
Yellow — Patched, but the NAT is screwing things up
Green — OK

 I do not think this has been posted so...

http://www.funnyordie.com/v... Language warning~ but Hilton is a serious 3rd party candidate.....sort of.