From space, a lot can be viewed that we miss down here on terra firma.
The continuing saga of the gushing deepwater oil geyser in the heart of the Gulf of Mexico captures our attention and pulls at our hearts and/or minds in various, unique ways.
Some of us seem to want justice in the form of Oil Company Executive "Heads on a Stick" (or at least a guarantee of a lifetime supply of fish and chips).
Others, of course, want government heads or The President's for the slowness of progress in clean-up as well as for the usual retroactive accountability that behemoth regulatory body (or bodies) are known for and should have foreseen.
Why do we hate the oil companies? Maybe this guy really does have the right idea.
I don't know.
Call me a Forrest Gump or whatever; somehow, not quite powerless, I just want to cry.
More images from NASA-Goddard can be found here.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
The Greatest Gift
In the interest of full disclosure and a certain sense of foreboding lately, let me explain a bit about how, "I was once a feature reporter for a major metropolitan newspaper."
The year was 1976.
The newspaper was The News World.
In brief, my career as bona fide print journalist consisted of a few interviews (Nathan Pritikin, James Irwin and one or two others) under the editorship of the lovely and gracious, Josette Sheeran.
The city was New York.
Arguments can and should be made, of course, as to whether that defunct newspaper (or its reinvention as The New York City Tribune) was major in any sense of the word.
As for New York City, it has been and will always be *major* now and forevermore. Amen.
As newspapers, generally, struggle (constantly, it seems) to re-invent, retool, and/or revamp themselves (choose your own poison, accordingly) there seems to be some minor dispute as to whether The Washington Times (offspring of that brave, New York endeavor) is and/or has ever been part of some great, Asian or right-wing conspiracy.
For those not following such a premise, congratulations (and God bless you!).
For everyone else, The Times, founded in 1982 by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, has been subsidized by the Unification Church community (similar in that to The Christian Science Monitor and The Deseret News) since its inception.
Some differences appear when one looks closer, naturally, as that community of subsidizers has been comprised mostly of members of the Japanese Unification Church, which, "of late" (in the news sense, at least) have been waging a separate battle against parents and certain "Christian" pastors who've decided that it's better to [be?] forcibly kidnap[ped] and/or imprison[ed] than to be a "Unificationist."
Previous writing on that appears here.
Also, the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, born in Sangsa-ri, Deogun-myon, Jeongju-gun, North P'yŏng'an Province (now in North Korea) has ever been, "controversial."
"Houston, we have a problem."
Asians in America, for the most part, have long gotten a bum rap for some reason.
The great yellow scare (or peril) goes back to 1895 and Kaiser Wilhelm II who reportedly had a portrait (ostensibly painted by himself) that depicted the Archangel Michael and an allegorical Germany leading the charge against an Asiatic threat represented by a golden Buddha entitled Gelbe Gefahr or "Yellow Peril." That "portrait" was reportedly hung in all ships of the Hamburg America Line, which exclusively connected European ports with North American ports, such as Hoboken, New Jersey and New Orleans, Louisiana.
And how long have Native Americans been demonized and "China-men" ridiculed by Hollywood?
Then, there is the ever present "Chinese Dragon," that either gets slayed or dominates the realm, depending upon one's mythical, moralistic or mystical perspective or worldview.
A book that debuted earlier this year, The Dragon's Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa, may offer some tangential insight on this recurring allegory/reality within an essential and contemporary context.
An aspect of author, Deborah Brautigam's thesis seems to be that China's influence via investments in Africa (unlike those in other arenas; though surely not including America?) should be viewed less strategically, more plainly or pragmatically (i.e., for economic benefit). America and the West may win on one level or another - or not. Regardless, China (that great dragon) is there (and here) to stay.
In other words, the great dragon is us, not them as Nietzsche, Russell and especially Pogo would say:
Hence, further extrapolating liberally here, The Washington Times newspaper of today (and not the one found only in archives past ), is either friend or foe; agent/representative of God or the devil, literally (see here, if still not convinced).
Die-hard cynics, etc., or those simply disinclined when it comes to religious and/or moral motivations, meditations; generally, should turn away at this point.
*****
The real story of The Washington Times, from this insider, one who was there and has been there since before its auspicious birth (until last year), officially on May 17, 1982 is something more profound and much less sinister than any scenario aforementioned or even yet conceived.
Further, it has neither been the worst [of] Times, nor the best [of] Times, but somewhere in the middle like so much else when all veils, walls and myths are at last removed.
Amidst the highs and lows, the glowing gems and the mediocre, unpolished minerals; the role of journalism or "media" as fourth estate and/or watchdog remains as the essential.
The "Best. Journalism Quotes. Ever." noted here certainly support that humble observation.
Let it be noted quite boldly and brightly here and now in any case that The Washington Times, in the broad world of "media," IS (or has been) the greatest gift, bar none, ever given to one nation (or people) from another.
[Perhaps therein lies the rub. The "gift" may have been far too generous?!]
Granted, The Washington Times might have been more like The Christian Science Monitor in clearly delineating or simply publishing some of its spiritual message or content within from the very beginning; but that seems fairly academic at this point.
Since The Times founder, the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, was at the time of its establishment, "under suspicion" or attack by other media as well as various agencies of the U.S. government, there seems not to have been much objectivity to spare.
And that's the story of Christmas and/or Democracy in America . . . sort of.
God's speed to the gift that remains The Washington Times (in whatever form or configuration) now and forevermore!
The year was 1976.
The newspaper was The News World.
In brief, my career as bona fide print journalist consisted of a few interviews (Nathan Pritikin, James Irwin and one or two others) under the editorship of the lovely and gracious, Josette Sheeran.
The city was New York.
The (Old) Tiffany Building (Built in 1905)
Offices of The News World from 1977-1991 (circa)
Arguments can and should be made, of course, as to whether that defunct newspaper (or its reinvention as The New York City Tribune) was major in any sense of the word.
As for New York City, it has been and will always be *major* now and forevermore. Amen.
As newspapers, generally, struggle (constantly, it seems) to re-invent, retool, and/or revamp themselves (choose your own poison, accordingly) there seems to be some minor dispute as to whether The Washington Times (offspring of that brave, New York endeavor) is and/or has ever been part of some great, Asian or right-wing conspiracy.
For those not following such a premise, congratulations (and God bless you!).
For everyone else, The Times, founded in 1982 by the Rev. Sun Myung Moon, has been subsidized by the Unification Church community (similar in that to The Christian Science Monitor and The Deseret News) since its inception.
Some differences appear when one looks closer, naturally, as that community of subsidizers has been comprised mostly of members of the Japanese Unification Church, which, "of late" (in the news sense, at least) have been waging a separate battle against parents and certain "Christian" pastors who've decided that it's better to [be?] forcibly kidnap[ped] and/or imprison[ed] than to be a "Unificationist."
Previous writing on that appears here.
Also, the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, born in Sangsa-ri, Deogun-myon, Jeongju-gun, North P'yŏng'an Province (now in North Korea) has ever been, "controversial."
"Houston, we have a problem."
Asians in America, for the most part, have long gotten a bum rap for some reason.
The great yellow scare (or peril) goes back to 1895 and Kaiser Wilhelm II who reportedly had a portrait (ostensibly painted by himself) that depicted the Archangel Michael and an allegorical Germany leading the charge against an Asiatic threat represented by a golden Buddha entitled Gelbe Gefahr or "Yellow Peril." That "portrait" was reportedly hung in all ships of the Hamburg America Line, which exclusively connected European ports with North American ports, such as Hoboken, New Jersey and New Orleans, Louisiana.
And how long have Native Americans been demonized and "China-men" ridiculed by Hollywood?
Then, there is the ever present "Chinese Dragon," that either gets slayed or dominates the realm, depending upon one's mythical, moralistic or mystical perspective or worldview.
A book that debuted earlier this year, The Dragon's Gift: The Real Story of China in Africa, may offer some tangential insight on this recurring allegory/reality within an essential and contemporary context.
An aspect of author, Deborah Brautigam's thesis seems to be that China's influence via investments in Africa (unlike those in other arenas; though surely not including America?) should be viewed less strategically, more plainly or pragmatically (i.e., for economic benefit). America and the West may win on one level or another - or not. Regardless, China (that great dragon) is there (and here) to stay.
In other words, the great dragon is us, not them as Nietzsche, Russell and especially Pogo would say:
"The man who fights too long against dragons becomes a dragon himself."
~Friedrich Nietzsche
"It is possible that mankind is on the threshold of a golden age; but, if so, it will be necessary first to slay the dragon that guards the door, and this dragon is religion."~Bertrand Russell
"We have met the enemy and he is us!"~Pogo
Hence, further extrapolating liberally here, The Washington Times newspaper of today (and not the one found only in archives past ), is either friend or foe; agent/representative of God or the devil, literally (see here, if still not convinced).
Die-hard cynics, etc., or those simply disinclined when it comes to religious and/or moral motivations, meditations; generally, should turn away at this point.
*****
The real story of The Washington Times, from this insider, one who was there and has been there since before its auspicious birth (until last year), officially on May 17, 1982 is something more profound and much less sinister than any scenario aforementioned or even yet conceived.
Further, it has neither been the worst [of] Times, nor the best [of] Times, but somewhere in the middle like so much else when all veils, walls and myths are at last removed.
Amidst the highs and lows, the glowing gems and the mediocre, unpolished minerals; the role of journalism or "media" as fourth estate and/or watchdog remains as the essential.
The "Best. Journalism Quotes. Ever." noted here certainly support that humble observation.
Let it be noted quite boldly and brightly here and now in any case that The Washington Times, in the broad world of "media," IS (or has been) the greatest gift, bar none, ever given to one nation (or people) from another.
Look! Écoute! 봐!
[Perhaps therein lies the rub. The "gift" may have been far too generous?!]
Granted, The Washington Times might have been more like The Christian Science Monitor in clearly delineating or simply publishing some of its spiritual message or content within from the very beginning; but that seems fairly academic at this point.
Since The Times founder, the Reverend Sun Myung Moon, was at the time of its establishment, "under suspicion" or attack by other media as well as various agencies of the U.S. government, there seems not to have been much objectivity to spare.
And that's the story of Christmas and/or Democracy in America . . . sort of.
God's speed to the gift that remains The Washington Times (in whatever form or configuration) now and forevermore!
"America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great."~Alexis de Tocqueville
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Messengers of Peace, Beauty and Love
The Little Angels Children’s Folk Ballet of Korea kicks off a tour of the world in commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War in Washington, D.C. next month.
According to the official website of the tour:
"Washington, D.C. is the place where many soldiers who fought and died in the Korean War are buried in [the] Arlington National Cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is also the location of the Korean War Memorial Park, Capitol Hill, and the U.S. Congress, and is home to many government organizations. Therefore, it is the most logical place to have the kick-off of the 60th Anniversary Memorial Project. The next city will be Norfolk (VA), where the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial is located. General Douglas MacArthur is the great American hero who commanded the UN troops in the Korean War."
NOTE: On Monday June 7th, the Little Angels will go to Norfolk, VA for an opening ceremony at the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Center.
Dennis Hastert, Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives is listed as the Chairman of the Korean War 60th Anniversary Memorial Committee (or "KW60") with Song Kang listed as Co-Chairman and Dr. Bo Hi Pak also Co-Chairman as well as Executive Director.
Having seen the Little Angels perform in tours past and having met Dr. Pak, as well, I'm fairly sure that "Executive Director" means "main grunt and organizer."
Official supporting entities listed include: The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; the Korean Tourism Organization; Seoul City; the Korean 6.25 War Veterans Organization; the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs; the National Patriotic Elders Conference; (Approved); the Korean Veterans Association; the Korean Retired Generals & Admirals Association; the ROKMC Veterans Association; the Korean War Veterans, Washington D.C.; the Veterans of Foreign Wars (U.S.A); the Korean War Veterans Association, Inc. (U.S.A.); the U.S.– Korean War Commemoration Foundation(U.S.A.); The American Legion(U.S.A.)and the Disabled American Veterans(U.S.A.).
Civilian supporting entities include: Korean Airlines; Samsung Company; Shin Se Gae; Shin Han Bank; Woori Bank; Daewoo Construction Company; The Federation of Korean Industries; The Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Rotary International and Lions Club International.
What is most notable about this tour beyond the geography (16 nations) is certainly the timing for veterans (though I'm not one), particularly of the Korean Conflict (or "Forgotten War" as it has been called).
This is, quite simply, Korean sincerity, grace, beauty and gratitude expressed on its most grand scale.
The Little Angels truly are messengers of peace, beauty and love.
I highly recommend an evening with them as they forge ahead on this historic whirlwind tour, particularly as they honor the veterans of the 16+ nations who shed their sweat, tears and blood in that never-to-be-forgotten war which began June 25, 1950.
Special free performance dates for Veterans of all wars and their families are being made available, but will likely go quickly (still available as of May 9th, however).
Prices for other dates are set at relatively modest levels.
Check your local newspaper, theater, "supporting entity" or here for further information.
For the Kennedy Center link go here.
Donations for purposes listed below are also being sought here:
* To pay for the Little Angels Performing Art Group's 16-Nation World Tour.
* To subsidize the Revisit program of Korean War Veterans and their families to Korea.
* To start a Scholarship program for the Korean War Veterans familiy members.
* To support Korean War Memorial and Museum programs.
* To support Korean War book publication programs.
Korean War Memorial Committee
5215 Old Orchard Road, Suite 740,
Skokie, IL. 60077
According to the official website of the tour:
"Washington, D.C. is the place where many soldiers who fought and died in the Korean War are buried in [the] Arlington National Cemetery, including the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It is also the location of the Korean War Memorial Park, Capitol Hill, and the U.S. Congress, and is home to many government organizations. Therefore, it is the most logical place to have the kick-off of the 60th Anniversary Memorial Project. The next city will be Norfolk (VA), where the General Douglas MacArthur Memorial is located. General Douglas MacArthur is the great American hero who commanded the UN troops in the Korean War."
NOTE: On Monday June 7th, the Little Angels will go to Norfolk, VA for an opening ceremony at the Douglas MacArthur Memorial Center.
Dennis Hastert, Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives is listed as the Chairman of the Korean War 60th Anniversary Memorial Committee (or "KW60") with Song Kang listed as Co-Chairman and Dr. Bo Hi Pak also Co-Chairman as well as Executive Director.
Having seen the Little Angels perform in tours past and having met Dr. Pak, as well, I'm fairly sure that "Executive Director" means "main grunt and organizer."
Official supporting entities listed include: The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade; the Korean Tourism Organization; Seoul City; the Korean 6.25 War Veterans Organization; the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs; the National Patriotic Elders Conference; (Approved); the Korean Veterans Association; the Korean Retired Generals & Admirals Association; the ROKMC Veterans Association; the Korean War Veterans, Washington D.C.; the Veterans of Foreign Wars (U.S.A); the Korean War Veterans Association, Inc. (U.S.A.); the U.S.– Korean War Commemoration Foundation(U.S.A.); The American Legion(U.S.A.)and the Disabled American Veterans(U.S.A.).
Civilian supporting entities include: Korean Airlines; Samsung Company; Shin Se Gae; Shin Han Bank; Woori Bank; Daewoo Construction Company; The Federation of Korean Industries; The Korean Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Rotary International and Lions Club International.
What is most notable about this tour beyond the geography (16 nations) is certainly the timing for veterans (though I'm not one), particularly of the Korean Conflict (or "Forgotten War" as it has been called).
This is, quite simply, Korean sincerity, grace, beauty and gratitude expressed on its most grand scale.
The Little Angels truly are messengers of peace, beauty and love.
I highly recommend an evening with them as they forge ahead on this historic whirlwind tour, particularly as they honor the veterans of the 16+ nations who shed their sweat, tears and blood in that never-to-be-forgotten war which began June 25, 1950.
Special free performance dates for Veterans of all wars and their families are being made available, but will likely go quickly (still available as of May 9th, however).
Prices for other dates are set at relatively modest levels.
Check your local newspaper, theater, "supporting entity" or here for further information.
For the Kennedy Center link go here.
Donations for purposes listed below are also being sought here:
* To pay for the Little Angels Performing Art Group's 16-Nation World Tour.
* To subsidize the Revisit program of Korean War Veterans and their families to Korea.
* To start a Scholarship program for the Korean War Veterans familiy members.
* To support Korean War Memorial and Museum programs.
* To support Korean War book publication programs.
Korean War Memorial Committee
5215 Old Orchard Road, Suite 740,
Skokie, IL. 60077
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