December 19, 2009 Japanese Christmas Da Pump - Christmas Night

Not sure if it is Mexican but sounds Japanese (smile)...


or something a little more traditional like Bing Crosby singing White Christmas...


or something more contemporary like Trans Siberian Orchestra playing Christmas Canon Rock...

2009 Merry Christmas & Feliz Navidad

As a child growing up in Bolivia we celebrated Christmas with the Nativity. We may have not had a Christmas tree but we had to have the Nativity because in Christmas day we would place baby Jesus in the manger.
Below are some scriptures to reminds us why we celebrate this most wonderful holiday...


Isaiah 7:14

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

Matthew 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"—which means, "God with us."


Luke 1:39-45

At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!"


Luke 2:1-14

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to his own town to register.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."


Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written:
"'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared. He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child. As soon as you find him, report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.


1 Timothy 1:15-17

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Laura Pausini - Inolvidable & Quiero Decirte Que Te Amo

Un par de canciones que requieren ser dedicadas a una persona inolvidable.

Part I

Inolvidable

A veces me pregunto si
yo viviria igual sin ti
no se si yo sabria olvidarte.
Y en un instante puedo ver
que tu eres cuanto yo sone,
inolvidable para mi.

Me parecio otra historia que
el tiempo se lleva con el,
tu no me dejes mas,
nunca me dejes.
Y mientras mas te anoro, mas
profundo dentro de mi estas,
tu no me dejes mas,
entrate que ya
jamas te olvidar.

Oigo tu voz y tu alegria,
siguen en mi, son todavia
como un tatuaje de mi piel.

Te veo y se que tu no estas,
te busco y se que no vendras,
sobre mis labios siento
tu forma de besar.

Eres intensamente mio,
lo mas que tengo y que he tenido,
tu no me dejes mas,
nunca me dejes.
Y mientras mas te miro, mas
de ti me puedo enamorar,
tu no me dejes mas,
nunca me dejes,
no lo hagas mas porque...

Si miro al cielo
yo siento que seras
inolvidable para mi,
oh no, no, no,
tu no me dejes mas,
nunca me dejes.

Inolvidable nada mas
ni nada menos tu seras,
tu no me dejes mas,
nunca me dejes.
No,...
Nunca me dejes,
nunca me dejes.
No, no.....

Tu no me dejes mas
Que sola ya sin ti,
ahora y siempre te ver
en mi mirada,
inolvidable.

Part II

Quiero Decirte Que Te Amo

Desde el ruido del mundo
Desde el giro de un carrusel
De la piel a lo mas ondo, desde el fondo de mi ser
De este inutil orgullo, y del silencio que hay en mi
Desde estas ganas mias de vivir

Quiero decirte que Te Amo
Quiero decirte que eres mio
Que no te cambio por ninguno
Que por tenerte desvario
Quiero decirte que Te Amo
Porque eres tan igual a mi
Cuando por nada discutimos
Y luego te cierras en ti
De el peor de mis fallos
De un error por el que page
De un telefono del centro
De mis ganas de vencer
De la dicha que siento
Y de esta fiebre mia por ti
Desde que me enseaste a sonreir

Quiero decirte que Te Amo
Quiero decirte que estoy aqui
Aunque me aleje de tu lado
Tras la ventana de un taxi
Debo decirte que Te Amo
Porque es mi unica verdad
Tu no me sueltes de la mano
Aunque podamos terminar

Desde el blanco de la pagina
Desde mi fragilidad
Desde mi carta te cuento de mi sinceridad

Quiero decirte que Te Amo
Quiero decirte que eres mio
Que no te cambio por ninguno
Que por tenerte desvario

Quiero decirte que Te Amo
Quiero decirte estoy aqui
Aunque me aleje de tu lado
Tras la ventana de un taxi
...y quiero decirte que ..que no te cambio por ninguno
porque eres TODO, yo porque....

Quiero decirte que Te Amo
TE AMO.........

July 2, 2008 Military Death Toll Rises in Afghanistan

Below, photo and text from a New York Times article. At first I thought the photo was of a mountain range among clouds, where the soldier is a rock/mountain formation. But no, it is a photo of America's military power.

David Guttenfelder/Associated Press: American marines fired at insurgents near Garmser in Helmand Province in southern Afghanistan in May. About 32,000 American troops are in Afghanistan.

May 15, 2008 Ordination To The Diaconate

Ministry is standing with (the church)

Believe what you read
Teach what you believe
Practice what you teach

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran on Pain

AND a woman spoke, saying, Tell us of Pain.

And he said:

Your pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.

Even as the stone of the fruit must break, that its heart may stand in the sun, so must you know pain.

And could you keep your heart in wonder at the daily miracles of your life, your pain
would not seem less wondrous than your joy;

And you would accept the seasons of your heart, even as you have always accepted
the seasons that pass over your fields.

And you would watch with serenity through the winters of your grief.

Much of your pain is self-chosen.

It is the bitter potion by which the physician within you heals your sick self.

Therefore trust the physician, and drink his remedy in silence and tranquility:

For his hand, though heavy and hard, is guided by the tender hand of the Unseen,
And the cup he brings, though it burn your lips, has been fashioned of the clay
which the Potter has moistened with His own sacred tears.

- excerpt from The Prophet, by Kahlil Gibran

Fito Paez & Mercedes Sosa - Yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón

YO VENGO A OFRECER MI CORAZÓN
Fito Paez (Argentina)

Quien dijo que todo esta perdido
Who said all is lost

yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
I come to offer you my heart

tanta sangre que se llevo el río
so much blood was taken by the river

yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
I come to offer you my heart

no será tan fácil, ya se que pasa
it will not be so easy, because it happens

no será tan simple como pensaba
it will not be as simple as I thought

como abrir el pecho y sacar el alma
like opening our chest and taking out our soul

una cuchillada del amor
a stabbing of love

luna de los pobres siempre abierta
moon of the poor always open

yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
I come to offer you my heart

como un documento inalterable
like an unchangable document

yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
I come to offer you my heart

y uniré las puntas de un mismo lazo
and will join the end of the same lasso

y me iré tranquilo, me iré despacio
and I will leave tranquile, I will leave slow

y te daré todo, y me darás algo
and I will give you everything, and you will give me something

algo que me alivie un poco mas
something that will aliviate my pain

cuando no haya nadie, cerca o lejos
when there isn't anybody, near or afar

yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
I come to offer you my heart

cuando los satélites no alcancen
when the satelites don't reach

yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
I come to offer you my heart

y hablo de países y de esperanza
and I speak of countries and of hopes

hablo por la vida, hablo por la nada
I speak of life, and of nothing

hablo de cambiar esta nuestra casa
I speak of changing this our home

de cambiarla por cambiar nomás
of changing just for changing

quien dijo que todo esta perdido
who said all is lost

yo vengo a ofrecer mi corazón
I come to offer you my heart

May 26, 2008 Jimmy Carter - Israel 'has 150 nuclear weapons'

Photo and excerpt below from a BBC article. Considering today's technologies and number of resources available to the world I can only rationalize that there is no will to solve the ills of people so let children in places like Lebanon and others die of hunger.

During the press briefing, Mr Carter expressed his support for Israel as a country, but criticised its domestic and foreign policy.
"One of the greatest human rights crimes on earth is the starvation and imprisonment of 1.6m Palestinians," he said.
The former US president cited statistics which he said showed the nutritional intake of some Palestinian children to be below that of children in Sub-Saharan Africa, as well as describing the European position on Israel could be best described as "supine", festival organisers said.

May 14, 2008 In pictures: On the Amazon frontier

Photos and text below were published by the BBC. I am often amazed how quickly the world judges on those who do deforestation like they do not have the right to work and survive. On the other hand we have countries like the US, China and Russia who pollute the planet as they wish. Not only that, if we compare how much per capita consumption of resources and energy between people living in the US and Brazil we could understand the idiotic argument we have in trying to control the actions of people living in the jungles of Brazil. The fun part of the photos and description is the comment from the native American chief. Perhaps prove that we don't need a PhD to understand nature.
A patch of freshly opened forest. It could have been the work of a farmer, a rancher, a settler or a land invader. Whoever was responsible, it is yet more forest gone. Photos: Fernando Cavalcanti.
For local Indian chief Sipasse the dams equal disaster. "You mess with the rivers, you mess with the forest, so you mess with the rain. If you have no rain, you will have no hydro-electric power."

Pilar Ovalle

A morning distraction with Pilar Ovalle, a Chilean sculpture. Have posted related info here. She has a page on facebook.
Have seen her work in Chile and found it to be fab. Following are a couple photos and descriptions of her work found at SculptureSite Gallery.
Barca
Arbol Magico

Fatima Bhutto, Whispers of The Desert

Following poems were written by Fatima Bhutto and published in her book titled Whispers of The Desert (Oxford University Press, 1998). Should be noted that she was born in 1982 so most of these poems were written when she was 14 or 15 years of age.

“To my darling Papa,
with all the love in
the world…
this is our story.”

You are, page 3

You are
a solitary
star
in a dark,
empty sky.
You
light up the evening
and never
do you
die.
You are a dazzling
sapphire
that shines
only
in my eyes.
For you are
my star
and I
am but your sky.
(end 1995)

I feel your tender lips, page 12

I feel your tender lips
against mine. Could this
be magic?
Could this be true?

How many nights
have I dreamt of this?
Come
into my arms once more.
Let me feel you are here.

So much time
has passed since
I last held you this close.

Tell me you love me.
Let me hear those sweet words
whispered in my ears.

I cannot believe
you’re here with me.
I’ve counted the seconds
for this moment to come.

But now
that you’re finally here,
tell me
when will
you disappear?
(mid 1996)

I have lost the love, page 27

I have lost the love of my life
but she is not gone
she is still with me.
I have seen her
smile in my sleep. I have felt
her breath on my shoulder as I lie
resting.

I have heard her laughter floating
in the air
and I can still feel her heart beating
next to mine.
(mid 1996)

I lie in the darkness, page 31

I lie in the darkness
unaware of where I stand.
I cannot see you
but feel you standing by me.
I know I am alone
yet I sense your presence.
I feel protected
by your shield,
your armour of love.
The day that armour
breaks
is the day
I shall be truly alone
without you.
(mid 1995)

Will you be near me, page 33

Will you be near me when evening falls?
Protect me from the cold wind,
hold me in your arms?
When the moon lights up the land,
will I have you with me?
When the stars
glitter in the darkness, will you kiss me?
Keep me until the night lifts and daylight gleams
upon us?
Or will the clouds descend on you and sweep you
far away?
(late 1995)

He walks away, page 36

He walks away
with promises of return.
I fear that won’t happen.
But what do I know?
I am but a woman.

He comes back wounded.
He will never heal.
What do I know?
I am but a woman.

He falls,
will not rise.
What do I know?
I am but a woman.
(early 1995)

She sits, page 38

She sits on a throne,
surrounded by others
who grovel at her feet.
She seats them next to her
and dismisses the ones who stand.
She co-operates with those sitting next to her and
forgets the ones who stood
She searches for those who know nothing better
than to worship her every more.
But during all this,
she neglects those who stood there waiting,
waiting for less than power,
waiting for basic needs to be met.
Yet she does nothing but smile at them
and make promises she knows she cannot keep.
Not because of hate.
Not because of greed.
Because power blinds those who are
ignorant.
(early 1995)

He looks on, page 39

He looks on
with caring eyes
sees people from within
ignores exteriors
welcomes them in shares their pain
listens
understands
not like others he feels
not judges
could one this strong
you wonder
have feelings this deep?
Yes yes indeed for compassion
is born only
by those strong within
(early 1995)

Up in the mountains, page 45

Up in the mountains,
I am free, calm,
High, near the heavens,
where the air is clearer,
I am myself at last.
I cry without an audience. I smile
without guilt.
I change for no one.
I am loved
as I am.
(end 1994)

May 8, 2008 Iraq, A Peaceful War

Photos and text published by the BBC. Amazing how victorious and powerful the sniper looks whilst the reality of these "peace" wars have a much different face(s). How strong and powerful we feel when killing children and their future. Aren't we so great?
An Australian army sniper shows off his weapon during a training exercise north of Melbourne.
Lebanese children run past a militia gunman in Beirut as Hezbollah-led opposition supporters stage a second day of anti-government protests, as a political crisis escalates.
An Iraqi family look from the wreckage of their home in eastern Baghdad hit by an airstrike during clashes between Shia militiamen and Iraqi and US forces.

April 27, 2008 Through Weegee’s Lens

The world of the internet, the window to the world at our finger tips. Looking through some photographs related to a New York Times article titled Through Weegee’s Lens got distracted in learning about Jill Freedman. Some of her work can be seen here and here. A couple thoughtful quotes:
"There are days I walk down the street feeling its ugliness on my skin like a sunburn," Ms. Freedman wrote of those times in an unpublished manuscript, "other days when I can hardly catch my breath for the beauty of it."
and
In 1988, Ms. Freedman was found to have breast cancer and had no medical insurance or a regular income. She was successfully treated and then moved to Miami Beach in 1991. "I found that I lost my passion," she said. "I thought, I've got to get away from this place because if I lose this, then I've lost it all."
Below are photos by Jill Freedman. Show her range of interest or her interest to urban activities. For sure, her photography reflects her interest in admiring the reality of her world. The quality of her photography, composition, color, texture, mood, light, is superb. Source of the photos jillfreedman.com.

Coursing

Shorty Sees Giraffes

Might vs Right

Fucking Legs

Jumping Rope

Dancing Dogs

Macdougal Stoop

The article presents a recent photo of Jill Freedman and her view returning to New York as presented below.
Photo: Michael Falco for The New York Times - Five years ago, Ms. Freedman returned to the city, homesick for what she described as "the smart talking and corned beef." She barely recognized the place. "When I saw that they had turned 42nd Street into Disneyland," she said, "I just stood there and wept." Presumably much more is out there to be captured by her Leica. "I'd like to find what's left," Ms. Freedman said.

Tristan and Isolde

Tristan and Isolde is about a medieval romance legend dating back to the 12th century.

"The Good-Morrow" by John Donne

I wonder by my troth, what thou, and I
Did, till we lov'd? Were we not wean'd till then?
But suck'd on countrey pleasures, childishly?
Or snorted we in the seaven sleepers den?
T'was so; But this, all pleasures fancies bee.
If ever any beauty I did see,
Which I desir'd, and got, 'twas but a dreame of thee.

And now good morrow to our waking soules,
Which watch not one another out of feare;
For love, all love of other sights controules,
And makes one little roome, an every where.
Let sea-discoverers to new worlds have gone,
Let Maps to other, worlds on worlds have showne,
Let us possesse one world; each hath one, and is one.

My face in thine eye, thine in mine appeares,
And true plaine hearts doe in the faces rest,
Where can we finde two better hemispheares
Without sharpe North, without declining West?
What ever dyes, was not mixed equally;
If our two loves be one, or, thou and I
Love so alike, that none doe slacken, none can die.

Ildefonso Cerda

Here we go. Ildefonso Cerda a Catalan urban planner known for his work of urban Ensanche. Photo and bio located in Wikipedia.

April 26, 2008 Houston weekend

A very unexpected weekend. Saturday morning had to attend the program the the Houston Library has at their Heights branch on the history of the Houston Heights and Woodland Heights "Houston Heights Lecture Series. A nice research put together by staff of the library and presented by the author of A Tale of Two Heights Margaret Culbertson, Connie Rose from the public library who spoke on "Houston Heights: The Way We Were" and Leta Fae Arnold who at 79 years old gave a lively talk on what was life growing up in the Heights.

Not intending I ended up visiting a good friend Jay Hamburger at the Winter Street Studios. It was a fab number of studios open to the public, a show case of art and also had an exhibit on China from Fotofest. Had the chance to see some fun art work, in particular Jay's, Richard, Becky's.

And all lead to visit a gallery with a good friend so he can pick up a new art work he purchased from Sue Burke Harrington. Below is the art that my friend purchased:

After that was Da Camera to listen to some jazz, some unique jazz by Vijay Iyer and his quartet. The last couple compositions were superb.

As usual Sunday started with a walk around Memorial Park with friends and the topic of politics. The surprise was to find a group of people practicing samba at the local park. Good idea to check with their activities because they named me their official photographer at the Houston International Festival and had the pleasure to spend the afternoon exploring an energetic and cross cultural festival. Starting with my samba friends. Candice the smiley girl on the right was the quick thinker and asked me to take their photos. They were the life of the festival. So glad they get to practice close to my place every week. I am looking forwards to spending time sharing their happy dancing.

Interesting surprise to experience the art of The Renegades and Their Collection of Carnies. There very creative and talented belly dancer. Doing the belly dancing thing at the tunes of Edith Piaf?
And here is Luna. I think she was born to be on stage doing theater. Very talented.
Luna and Jessie. Now Jessie is a pleasant surprise. Of the stage she is shy and coy. On stage she is another Jessie. Luna is the more expressive one, she is a reflection of what she sees and feels. Nice photo of the two, more together than separate.
Have not see the sensuality that the three express before. They have an inner balance with their art, sensuality and with each other. YET on the photo below expresses more of her inner self than externalities. She indicated that she is also a painter.
One of my favorite photos. I find Jessie the most intriguing and the one with the most kind heart. She does not open to the world but creates a bond between her self, her performance and her dancing mates. A very gentle and sensual spirit. Looking forwards to seeing more of their art.

A very interesting gentleman whose name I cannot remember. Originated in Louisiana and a promoter of African culture/history. Glad had the chance to visit with him and I am enjoying the licorice root he game me.

Irving Penn

The work of Irving Penn is superb. It is timeless.

"A good photograph is one that communicates a fact, touches the heart and leaves the viewer a changed person for having seen it. It is, in a word, effective" by Irving Penn.

Source of photograph yourpaperboats blog.

Kate Moss

One of them evening conversations at the local cafe with a smart and beautiful Chinese woman who is passionate about modeling. Thus the question arise whether the height of a person is critical to her/his success in the world of modeling. She mentioned the name of Kate Moss as an example of a not tall model. Kate Moss is about 5'5". So, what does it make a model a great model? Perhaps not so much what are the standards that make for a professional model but the ability of a model to promote him/herself to success. Following are photos published by LUMQ.com of Kate Moss.
Beautiful she might not be but she is attractive. Should we admire her for her external beauty or should we admire the quality of the photographer. Following are photos I may consider for their artistic value more than the model but maybe not.
Here her portrait. Perhaps after a day in the sun, the object is in her eyes where the photographer focuses the photo allowing the edges to fade away. Nice photo, it depicts a part of the model. Is her 5.5 frame significant? Not in this situation since the texture and expression is most striking.
© Chuck Close, 2003

A softer side of Kate Moss, a more beautiful composition. Beautiful and full lips with very attractive face and hair. Nice physical shape/composition, more natural than sexy. Among all qualities of her beauty her feet and hands stand out. Perhaps because of the photo and how they line up but her feet and hands look elongated, a vivid contrast to her face.
© Albert Watson, Vogue, 1993

Almost the same look as the photo above, serious, expressionless. Her undulating hair is now without life. Beautiful composition, light, and form. The roundness of her breast, arms and back contrast to the over extending foot with toes down and out of the photo. Then the more detailed hand, supporting with rigidity. Perhaps her pose shows proportionality of her physique, petite torso and legs when compared to her face. A very nice photo, in particular the light and texture.
© Irving Penn, 1996

Very interesting contrast to observe only her torso. The fluidity of form and pose replaced with a rigid stand and closed arms in distinct act of contrition or rejection. Not a particular proportionate body. Broad shoulders, high waste line, elongated torso, and unassuming buttocks. Her arms and hands a bit overpowering contrasting to the roundness of her breast. Her hair bringing some balance. Two very unique and creative shots.
© Chuck Close, 2003

And a contrasting photo with color, shape, form, unassuming looks and a self-assured pose. She appears petite balanced with a strong personality. Too bad the photographer was not listed although it appears it was taken by Corrine Day.
© Vogue, 1993

April 23, 2008 Madrilena

What is life but to be able to love as much as you can and to give as much as you can without any expectations or returns.

What is life but living every moment of our days, loving the memories of the past, while dreaming the surprises that the future will bring with every sunrise.

Be full of joy because you have loved and continue to love. But don't forget to love yourself first because by loving oneself we learn to measure the love of others.

As the day goes by and past memories torment your soul, be happy. You have loved as much as you were able to love but not enough as you will love.

Smile and dream of that moment when you will wake up to a warm and sunny day; a day you will share with a greater love. A love that will return your smiles, embrace you, and never let you go (until the end of times).

April 20, 2008 Fatima Bhutto

Photo and biography of Fatima Bhutto are published by Wikipedia A lovely name Fatima for a very unique and admirable woman. Fatima Bhutto is the daughter of Murtaza Bhutto a Pakistani politician who was assassinated when she was 14 years old. Fatima was born in Afghanistan (May 29, 1982) and resides in Pakistan. Her first literary publication was a collection of poems written between 1995 and 1997 titled Whispers of The Desert. Second published book is 8:50 Am October 8, 2005, Stories of Hope and Courage from the Earthquake in Pakistan.

Clip about Fatima's father

Following is a clip of Fatima reading from the 8:50 AM October 8 book.

Couple other photos of Fatima Bhutto

April 20, 2008 New York, The Pope Blessed Ground Zero

Following three pictures and related text were published by the New York Times. It is a significant gesture of recognition for the Pope to bless the site where 2,600 people were murdered. It also makes me wonder if this is the only site where that many number of people have recently been murdered. The photo of the people standing on the tables is superb, an unexpected motion in "making a stand."
Photo: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Image. The clouds hung low at ground zero before Pope Benedict XVI would bless the site where more than 2,600 people were killed in the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center more than six years ago.
Photo: Tyler Hicks/The New York Times. People paused to catch a glimpse of the pope's visit to Ground Zero.

Perhaps it is not about the number of people murdered at the World Trade Center but what it represents. Following is a list of massacres that occurred since 1980s as listed by this site. In it the following statement can be found, in reference to the last quarter of the 20th century:
Average: During this period, throughout the world, wars, genocide and oppression killed approximately 3,300 out of every 1,000,000 people. (0.3% of the world.)
El Salvador 1980-92 / 60,000 people
Nicaragua 1980s / 30,000 people
Liberia 1989-93 / 150,000 people
Congo 1998 / 2,000,000 people
Angola 1975-95 / 600,000 people
Burundi 1993-96 / 150,000 people
Mozambique 1975-92 / 1,000,000 people
Rwanda 1994 since / 1,000,000 people
Uganda 1982-85 / 300,000 people
Somalia 1980s / 300,000 people
Ethiopia 1962-91 / 1,500,000 people
Sudan 1983 since / 2,000,000 people
Gulf War 1991 / 10,000 people
Lebanon 1975-90 / 150,000 people
Bosnia 1992-95 / 150,000 people
Kurds 1980-92 / 300,000 people
Iran-Iraq 1980-1992 / 1,000,000 people
Afghanistan 1980-1989 / 1,500,000 people
Perhaps the significance of the World Trade bombing is that it is the first massacre in North America in a very long time.

Quotes by Mark Twain

Following are quote attributed to Mark Twain:

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.

Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been.

Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.

If you have nothing to say, say nothing.

Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear -- not absence of fear.

The human race has one really effective weapon, and that is laughter.

I am different from [George] Washington; I have a higher, grander standard of principle. Washington could not lie. I can lie, but I won't.

Classic -- a book which people praise and don't read.

It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.

April 14, 2008 Iraq war, Sadr City

Photo and text published by the New York Times. Could not help but wonder if water in Iraq is like soil because them buckets of water look more like buckets of sand.
Photo: Joao Silva for The New York Times
Iraqis tried to put out the fire that raged through an outdoor market Monday. A crowd of Iraqis came streaming to the site with buckets of water to try to prevent the conflagration from spreading. A lone Sadr City fire truck arrived after the fire was out, its journey apparently delayed by the need to circumvent a bomb-filled stretch of road.

2008 March weekend in Houston

Friday night with visiting Jones Hall for a performance of Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company in Chapel/Chapter. Modern dance. A very intense presentation with fantastic choreography. The light show was superb along with visual art shown in the backdrop and floor. Music was out of this world. Live performance of instruments along with voice/chanting of exquisite sound. The script was a bit strong. Can see their work at

Saturday day participating in the Senatorial District Republican Convention. An honor to participate in the political process and experience first hand how it works. Interesting to observe the work done by all and evolution of the convention to its final outcome. Surprised that many people are not familiar with Roberts Rules of Order and about the convention process (goals, objectives). Also intrigued about few points of view. One from a Hispanic individual who is anti-immigration. Another defending the US right to defend its sovereignty to the expenses of other countries sovereignty - does it make sense? We want others to respect our right to exist but we do not respect their right to exist? And why would building a wall along the borders would be a good idea?

A quick evening break for the arts at the local coffee shop Antidote. A very pleasant coffee shop. The event "Portraits of Home" - an exhibit of two young artists, Jessica Ninci and Jasmina Jasarevic. Their work is very distinct and talented. The program was put together by Robin from The Arts Initiative.

And a quick turn around to the Wortham Theater Center for a jazz performance of McCoy Tyner Trio. Simply superb. From the subtle sound of the instruments to energetic chords. A great performance. Can hear McCoy playing at

So leaves Sunday morning for a political and religious discussion with a local political consultant while walking Memorial Park. A pleasant intellectual discussion among people exercising and nature with the obtrusive sound of cars going by. But noting the beauty of wild flowers blooming all over the park with beautiful reds and blues.

March 24, 2008 Something & Wonderful Tonight

Inspired by the same woman George Harrison and Eric Clapton composed "Something" and "Wonderful Tonight" a decade apart.

Something in the way she moves
Attracts me like no other lover
Something in the way she woos me

I don't want to leave her now
You know I believe her now

Somewhere in her smile she knows
That I don't need no other lover
Something in her style that shows me

Don't want to leave her now
You know I believe her now

You're asking me will my love grow
I don't know, I don't know
You stick around now it may show
I don't know, I don't know

Something in the way she knows
And all I have to do is think of her
Something in the things she shows me

Don't want to leave her now
You know I believe her now


Its late in the evening
Shes wondering what clothes to wear
She puts on her make up
And brushes her long blond hair
And then she asks me
Do I look alright
And I say yes, you look wonderful tonight

We go a party
And everyone turns to see
This beautiful lady
That's walking around with me
And then she asks me
Do you feel alright
And I say yes, I feel wonderful tonight

I feel wonderful
Because I see the love light in your eyes
And the wonder of it all
Is that you just don't realize
How much I love you

Its time to go home now
And Ive got an aching head
So I give her the car keys
She helps me to bed
And then I tell her
As I turn out the light
I say my darling, you were wonderful tonight
Oh my darling, you were wonderful tonight

March 24, 2008 Easter at the Schindlers

Gathering of the three amigos. OK, it was more than three but they look like amigos. As an introduction, a legendary song performed by a legendary lady, Mercedes Sosa, titled Los Mareados (in Carolina's tango style).

For those of us with limited language abilities, here are some truncated lyrics:

Esta noche: amiga mia
el alcohol nos ha embriagado,
que me importa que se rian,
que nos llamen los mareados;
cada cual tiene sus penas y
nosotros las tenemos,
esta noche viviremos...

First is Mr. Easter Bunny perched in his favorite basket.

Then is Miss Bunny, oops, sorry, Mrs. Schindler after a couple drinks. Oops again, just having a good time. (Confession, she always wanted to be a bunny, Playboy bunny that is.)

Got to honorably mention Mrs. Bunny's floral talents...

And at the other end of the table, Mr. "King" Rabbit. (Confession and quote "When I married Mrs. Bunny I was looking forwards to the many parties she would have but it was not until we moved to the Schindler's First Ward studio to have them." HINT: Mrs. Bunny, it is OK to have more than one Easter party per year.

Comments not needed else might find me-self on the chopping blocks.

Yep, never seat close to the camera.

Mr. Kiwi in person enjoying the company.

Oh. Sorry Mrs. Bunny. We just have to share some expressions for "friendship's" sake.

That was the after shot. Here is the before.

For additional drinks try the livingstreets link.
Happy Easter. It was a memorable outdoor dinner party at the Schindlers.