Like a Bird Without a Feather

I did buy a Canon Rebel XT though.

Stoke.

and a leaf that was floating in the wind caught my eye.  It was about a block away.  I watched the leaf for what seemed like 5 minutes, it was really probably 4 seconds.  Then it smacked into my windshield.  I feel like I took its wings from it.

The Geneva Convention.  You know...it bans torture.

I've long believed that in my country's "War Against Terror" that we are truly losing more than we are gaining.  First the good opinion and goodwill towards us which we had built up and the event of 9-11 gave us.  Then personal liberties and freedoms (which is why they hate us right G.W.?).  Now we take away basic human rights of those who oppose our occupation of their country with arms.   War is war, but it is not taking away human rights.

"The United States tortures prisoners of war in violation of international law, former President Jimmy Carter said on Wednesday.  "I don't think it, I know it." he told CNN.

In our longstanding run to make the U.S.A. look like a hypocritical, war-mongering, half-ass empire building nation, we are doing a hell of a job.  I guess some people believe that's what we were meant to do.  I don't.  I don't think the founding fathers did either.

I'm getting more and more so...

I have been using my Supersampler with some B&W film.  I do not expect this experiment to go well, but we'll see.

This is probably one of the most important things I've ever had read to me.
I share...

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

I went to my first RCIA class this Sunday.  I was a little surprised.   It was much more of an extension of the mass and less of a class.  I think I may be the only new guy, as all the rest were old people there, whom I believe were there just to further their faith.

Just a quick political type rant...

I read about Blackwater, and how ripples are going to come through the "industry" now. 

So what.  What industry?  Mercenaries.  That's what.  Soldiers of Fortune.

This is crap.  Throw the book at them.