Yesterday Ole Blue The Heretic posted about literacy and it’s decline in the modern world. The Literate and Illiterate War
I fear that the implied conclusions; that despite the shocking sums our nation spends upon education we are getting less able to comprehend the written word, may just be true. It is a disturbing concept to contemplate.
I fear that it just may be true because of a surreal experience I had at work a couple of years ago.
I work for a large and formal institution. One of my major functions in that environment is the writing of factual information that is provided to the general public. This institution prides itself on employing the very best and brightest, and in my view the culture is such that those who do not meet that very high standard are very quickly let go, or leave on their own due to the stress involved with trying to meet the expected mark.
My surreal experience from a couple of years ago came when I attended some writing classes offered by the institution that employs me. The classes were designed to teach us how to write for the fourth grade reading level.
These classes were provided because the institution had learned that the average person could read and comprehend adequately at that level, but no higher. It was suggested that if we wanted to be understood, we had better ‘dumb ourselves down.’
Clear and reasoned thinking requires language. Without adequate words we cannot reach correct conclusions based upon rational thought, nor communicate those conclusions to others. Language is the basis of thought, the basis of human existence at any level above barbarism.
If we loose language, we loose our ability for thought. If we ‘dumb down’ our language we restrict our ability to think. Indeed, our mastery of words is the most important capacity possessed by humanity. That we, as individuals, would allow ourselves to loose our mastery of language is unthinkable to me. That any normal adult would allow himself or herself to remain illiterate our even to remain at a fourth grade reading level is shocking to me.
Words are the richness of humanity, without their mastery we miss out on so very much.
Just a quick run through my little blogroll shows this. In addition to The Heretic we have Honey, A Girl in Short Shorts, Cascade Exposures, and One Minute Writer.
Ms. Honey writes of love, intimacy, and a delightful pervyness that adds tremendous color to everyday life. A Girl in Short Shorts communicates complex and dull political theory in an entertaining and humorous way. Cascade Exposures is a photography blog, it communicates via images, yet even so it requires words for without words the images would loose important context and perspective. One Minute Writer is a simple and fun tool that will help to improve mastery of language for those who use it.
Each of these sites, and the communicators behind them understand the importance of words, of literacy. It is disturbing to me that apparently so many in our society do not.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Damp But Not Drowned
Last Friday we had a little flood here at my house. Today we had a big one. Roughly five inches of rain in the past 24 hours on top of all the rain we have received over the past week pushed the Skykomish River well over its banks.
Luckily, for the second time in a row, my home wasn’t damaged, and I believe that all of my neighbors have survived the flood as well. It all started about 6:00 AM when I awoke to a view of water covering all the lowland to the south of my house, with much more obviously on the way.
Unlike last Friday I was unable to post periodic updates here because I was needed to help evacuate a friend and his possessions from that lowland. That took a bit of the day and when I was done it was time to start moving some of my own things to the higher ground behind my house.
All the while time seemed to crawl as we watched the water rise and rise, waiting for 4 PM, the time when the National Weather Service said that the River would crest here. Luckily it did before doing major damage, and better yet about an hour early. It’s been going down since then, and I imagine will be back in its banks by afternoon tomorrow.
There is, unfortunately only one road in and out of the tiny community I live in, and one section of that road did suffer fairly severe damage today, and remains impassable tonight. With luck a crew will be here to fix it in the morning, and with a bit more luck the fix will not take long.
The Skykomish, and ultimately the Snohomish Rivers below me continue rising tonight, and major flooding is predicted in the valleys. I can only hope that the people living downstream get off as lucky as we did here.
Luckily, for the second time in a row, my home wasn’t damaged, and I believe that all of my neighbors have survived the flood as well. It all started about 6:00 AM when I awoke to a view of water covering all the lowland to the south of my house, with much more obviously on the way.
Unlike last Friday I was unable to post periodic updates here because I was needed to help evacuate a friend and his possessions from that lowland. That took a bit of the day and when I was done it was time to start moving some of my own things to the higher ground behind my house.
All the while time seemed to crawl as we watched the water rise and rise, waiting for 4 PM, the time when the National Weather Service said that the River would crest here. Luckily it did before doing major damage, and better yet about an hour early. It’s been going down since then, and I imagine will be back in its banks by afternoon tomorrow.
There is, unfortunately only one road in and out of the tiny community I live in, and one section of that road did suffer fairly severe damage today, and remains impassable tonight. With luck a crew will be here to fix it in the morning, and with a bit more luck the fix will not take long.
The Skykomish, and ultimately the Snohomish Rivers below me continue rising tonight, and major flooding is predicted in the valleys. I can only hope that the people living downstream get off as lucky as we did here.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
The Republican Party 3
Relatively smart people, the people who run our nation, from both parties, understand that this nation needs large numbers of immigrants if our economy is to survive. We need the population growth that immigration brings for it increases the scarcity and therefore value of all American investments. Homes, stocks, gold, bonds, assets of every kind and class.
This is why despite years upon years of politicians screaming about the need to close our boarders, to stop illegal immigration; no effective step to do so has ever taken place.
Do we, as voters truly believe that if our federal government wanted to stop the flow of illegal immigrants it doesn’t have the resources or the knowledge to do so? The very thought is absurd. Illegal immigration continues because our leaders, from both parties, understand that if it is stopped our economic engine will fail.
We need immigrants. It would be better if all were here legally, but increasing the quotas for legal immigration is political suicide, so instead our politicians simply refuse to effectively enforce our laws against undocumented immigration. A very odd, but effective solution.
The trouble with all of this is that a large, and vocal segment of the Republican Party has worked to perfect the art of the vicious attack upon immigrants. They are lied about, their effect upon the economy is lied about, they are made scapegoats for perceived cultural decline, and blamed for bloated local government budgets. To an extent, blocs within both parties do this, but the bloc within the Republican Party is I think larger, and I know much more vocal.
Needless to say, immigrants do not much enjoy this. It’s just no fun having your teeth verbally kicked in each and every day. Such unfair and unreasonable verbal abuse leads to anger, lots and lots of anger.
I firmly believe that the vast majority of our immigrants from Mexico and other Central American countries are conservative. They work hard bettering themselves. They raise families. They attend church. Many of them, perhaps even most of them are natural fits for the Republican Party.
Our Hispanic population could be a large and vibrant part of the Republican Party, could bring millions of voters to our ranks, for our candidates. We should, as a party, be courting this population, recognizing the benefits it brings to our nation, and welcoming it with open arms.
Instead we bitch about immigration, we assign blame for the problems we have caused to immigrants. It’s no wonder that they vote against us by very large percentages.
Are we as a party willing to give up our easy scapegoat in order to start winning elections again? I certainly hope so.
This is why despite years upon years of politicians screaming about the need to close our boarders, to stop illegal immigration; no effective step to do so has ever taken place.
Do we, as voters truly believe that if our federal government wanted to stop the flow of illegal immigrants it doesn’t have the resources or the knowledge to do so? The very thought is absurd. Illegal immigration continues because our leaders, from both parties, understand that if it is stopped our economic engine will fail.
We need immigrants. It would be better if all were here legally, but increasing the quotas for legal immigration is political suicide, so instead our politicians simply refuse to effectively enforce our laws against undocumented immigration. A very odd, but effective solution.
The trouble with all of this is that a large, and vocal segment of the Republican Party has worked to perfect the art of the vicious attack upon immigrants. They are lied about, their effect upon the economy is lied about, they are made scapegoats for perceived cultural decline, and blamed for bloated local government budgets. To an extent, blocs within both parties do this, but the bloc within the Republican Party is I think larger, and I know much more vocal.
Needless to say, immigrants do not much enjoy this. It’s just no fun having your teeth verbally kicked in each and every day. Such unfair and unreasonable verbal abuse leads to anger, lots and lots of anger.
I firmly believe that the vast majority of our immigrants from Mexico and other Central American countries are conservative. They work hard bettering themselves. They raise families. They attend church. Many of them, perhaps even most of them are natural fits for the Republican Party.
Our Hispanic population could be a large and vibrant part of the Republican Party, could bring millions of voters to our ranks, for our candidates. We should, as a party, be courting this population, recognizing the benefits it brings to our nation, and welcoming it with open arms.
Instead we bitch about immigration, we assign blame for the problems we have caused to immigrants. It’s no wonder that they vote against us by very large percentages.
Are we as a party willing to give up our easy scapegoat in order to start winning elections again? I certainly hope so.
Monday, November 10, 2008
The Republican Party 2
I think that most Americans instinctually understand that theocracy is evil. More than 200 years of religious freedom seems to have seeped into our basic understanding of life, and the areas of it in which government must not tread.
I think also though that great numbers of Americans fear that the Republican Party is seeking to create a theocracy right here in the United States. I don’t think that is true for the party as a whole, but I do think that the fears are justified, because certainly a large segment of the party, the fundamentalist social conservatives, are trying to do just that. They are trying to create an American theocracy, and they see the Republican Party, and their power within it, as the vehicle in which to do so.
Anti-gay
Anti-gay marriage
Anti-abortion
Anti-pornography
Anti-death with dignity
Anti-sex education
Pro-prayer in schools
Pro-taxpayer funded faith based social programs
Pro-taxpayer funded private schools
Pro-abstinence education
Pro-F.C.C. airwaves regulation
This is their platform, a platform they have been increasingly successful in getting the Republican Party as a whole to adopt. Unfortunately for Republican moderates, traditional conservatives, libertarians, and economic conservatives it also is a platform that spells doom for our party at the ballot box. Most Americans just don’t agree with it. More importantly, most Americans are afraid of such a platform, and what it would mean for our nation. Americans fear theocracy, and are right to do so.
In this time of party rebuilding Republicans need to think long and hard about these issues. We need to decide if our party is to stand for smaller, smarter, more efficient, and limited government, or if it is to stand for bloated theocracy. Government ala Leviticus, or government ala Jefferson.
I stand with the latter. I believe that the overwhelming number of Americans do as well. I hope that the rest of my party wakes up soon.
I think also though that great numbers of Americans fear that the Republican Party is seeking to create a theocracy right here in the United States. I don’t think that is true for the party as a whole, but I do think that the fears are justified, because certainly a large segment of the party, the fundamentalist social conservatives, are trying to do just that. They are trying to create an American theocracy, and they see the Republican Party, and their power within it, as the vehicle in which to do so.
Anti-gay
Anti-gay marriage
Anti-abortion
Anti-pornography
Anti-death with dignity
Anti-sex education
Pro-prayer in schools
Pro-taxpayer funded faith based social programs
Pro-taxpayer funded private schools
Pro-abstinence education
Pro-F.C.C. airwaves regulation
This is their platform, a platform they have been increasingly successful in getting the Republican Party as a whole to adopt. Unfortunately for Republican moderates, traditional conservatives, libertarians, and economic conservatives it also is a platform that spells doom for our party at the ballot box. Most Americans just don’t agree with it. More importantly, most Americans are afraid of such a platform, and what it would mean for our nation. Americans fear theocracy, and are right to do so.
In this time of party rebuilding Republicans need to think long and hard about these issues. We need to decide if our party is to stand for smaller, smarter, more efficient, and limited government, or if it is to stand for bloated theocracy. Government ala Leviticus, or government ala Jefferson.
I stand with the latter. I believe that the overwhelming number of Americans do as well. I hope that the rest of my party wakes up soon.
Red, White, and Blue
Blog colors today, in honor of Veterans Day.
My heartfelt and sincere thanks to each and every veteran, the men and women who gave so much to protect and preserve the freedoms we all enjoy.
My heartfelt and sincere thanks to each and every veteran, the men and women who gave so much to protect and preserve the freedoms we all enjoy.
A Girl In Short Shorts
Becky C. provides a daily dose of classically liberal thought in a unique and entertaining manner on her blog Just A Girl In Short Shorts Talking About Whatever.
A chance to read, ponder, learn, and laugh. What could be better than that?
A chance to read, ponder, learn, and laugh. What could be better than that?
Sunday, November 9, 2008
The Republican Party
The Republican Party, my Republican Party, is in horrible shape following our most recent elections. It has lost the support of the American people, and party leaders don’t seem to have any idea why, or how that support can be regained.
I think that there are a number of things the party must to do become relevant once again, and perhaps in time I will post about all of them here. Today I intend upon writing about only one of the problems my party is facing.
That problem is it’s current lack of inclusion. Not all that long ago the Republican Party prided itself on being a ‘big tent’ where everyone could feel welcome, where everyone was welcome. That is not the case now, and the party is worse off because of it.
Gay men will find no welcome home in the Republican Party, unless of course they are hidden deeply in the closet, and prepared if found out to swear that they aren’t really gay, Satan made them sin in such a horrible way.
Lesbians will find no welcome home in the Republican Party, unless of course we consider the sexual fantasies of Republican Congressmen everywhere, and their delight in dreaming of two lipstick lesbians in passionate embrace.
Swingers will find no welcome home in the Republican Party, even if they are married to the ever so striking Jeri Ryan.
The Polyamorous will find no welcome home in the Republican Party; its a slippery slope from “group marriage to bestiality” says one Republican State Senator to another.
Those who mix a dab of pain with their pleasure, the ever adventurous Sadomasochists will find no welcome home in the Republican Party, unless of course it’s a husband spanking his stay at home wife, for non erotic reasons, because God said that ‘man is the head of woman.’
Those who make amateur porn will find no welcome home in the Republican Party, because porn is a ‘horrible addiction that destroys lives, families, and society.’
The current Republican Party, my Republican Party is positively obsessed with sex. Sex is almost all the party leadership can think about. Who you fuck and how you fuck. Those are now the litmus tests for being a ‘good Republican.’
This is of course nonsense. Gay men can care deeply about limiting government. Lesbians can value their Second Amendment Rights. Swingers can support a strong national defense. Polyfolk can stand for law and order. Sadomasochists can hope for lower taxes. Amateur porn stars can support family values. Unfortunately, none are particularly welcome to do so within the Republican Party.
It seems to me that the party is so very busy making those who pursue alternative sexualities unwelcome that it hasn’t bothered to notice just how many such folks are out there. Hasn’t bothered to notice that the party has driven millions of people from it’s own base.
Perhaps someday our party leaders will figure this out.
Perhaps someday Republicans will start getting some good sex, so that they can stop obsessing about the good sex other people are getting.
Sex, who you fuck and how you fuck, should not be a concern of any political party, sex and politics just aren’t all that closely related. When the Republican Party, when my Republican Party figures this out, it will start to regain some of the support is has lost these recent years.
I think that there are a number of things the party must to do become relevant once again, and perhaps in time I will post about all of them here. Today I intend upon writing about only one of the problems my party is facing.
That problem is it’s current lack of inclusion. Not all that long ago the Republican Party prided itself on being a ‘big tent’ where everyone could feel welcome, where everyone was welcome. That is not the case now, and the party is worse off because of it.
Gay men will find no welcome home in the Republican Party, unless of course they are hidden deeply in the closet, and prepared if found out to swear that they aren’t really gay, Satan made them sin in such a horrible way.
Lesbians will find no welcome home in the Republican Party, unless of course we consider the sexual fantasies of Republican Congressmen everywhere, and their delight in dreaming of two lipstick lesbians in passionate embrace.
Swingers will find no welcome home in the Republican Party, even if they are married to the ever so striking Jeri Ryan.
The Polyamorous will find no welcome home in the Republican Party; its a slippery slope from “group marriage to bestiality” says one Republican State Senator to another.
Those who mix a dab of pain with their pleasure, the ever adventurous Sadomasochists will find no welcome home in the Republican Party, unless of course it’s a husband spanking his stay at home wife, for non erotic reasons, because God said that ‘man is the head of woman.’
Those who make amateur porn will find no welcome home in the Republican Party, because porn is a ‘horrible addiction that destroys lives, families, and society.’
The current Republican Party, my Republican Party is positively obsessed with sex. Sex is almost all the party leadership can think about. Who you fuck and how you fuck. Those are now the litmus tests for being a ‘good Republican.’
This is of course nonsense. Gay men can care deeply about limiting government. Lesbians can value their Second Amendment Rights. Swingers can support a strong national defense. Polyfolk can stand for law and order. Sadomasochists can hope for lower taxes. Amateur porn stars can support family values. Unfortunately, none are particularly welcome to do so within the Republican Party.
It seems to me that the party is so very busy making those who pursue alternative sexualities unwelcome that it hasn’t bothered to notice just how many such folks are out there. Hasn’t bothered to notice that the party has driven millions of people from it’s own base.
Perhaps someday our party leaders will figure this out.
Perhaps someday Republicans will start getting some good sex, so that they can stop obsessing about the good sex other people are getting.
Sex, who you fuck and how you fuck, should not be a concern of any political party, sex and politics just aren’t all that closely related. When the Republican Party, when my Republican Party figures this out, it will start to regain some of the support is has lost these recent years.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
The Falls
Photographer Jan Bussey was in my neighborhood today, capturing the deep winter water as it cascades over the Falls.
It was a gray afternoon at Sunset Falls
It was a gray afternoon at Sunset Falls
Fire And Flesh
An all-consuming fire, controlled only with tremendous care, dangerous heat, rolling flames. Orange, blue, white, and red, even the vapors burn, all is consumed, all reduced to ash, to nothingness. Anything placed within the crucible quickly changed, quickly consumed, quickly burned to nothingness. Everything touched by the fire suffers this same fate, this same plunge toward nothingness.
A woman’s lust, passion, desire, controlled only by her will, through her care, hot, dangerous, propelling her forward when it is released, propelling her to consume as it seeks satisfaction. Hot, quick, wet, unstoppable, a need so raw, a lust fully given sway, her lover to be consumed by her, reduced to ash by her, to nothingness by her. Her lover changed, spent, by her touch, her ministrations, he quickly reduced by the pleasure she takes, the sensation she gives. A passionate plunge to nothingness, to the little death, at her hands, through her body, by her lust.
Such encounters, such a woman, such passion, such lust, these we seek. Never a woman cold, unexcited, uninteresting, vanilla, devoid of passion, without lust. Such women, such encounters leave us cold, cannot spark our interest, cannot satisfy our desire. Only a woman sizzling, excited, clear in her desires, at peace with her lusts, flowing with passion, only such a woman can truly excite.
We seek a woman like the fire. A woman who gives heat, who must control her lusts lest they rule her, a woman who consumes, who leaves us spent, who violently finds her own satisfaction, her own pleasure, giving us ours in turn. Wet, raw, lustful, consuming us, reducing us to ash, reducing us to nothingness. A passionate plunge we may take together. It is she we seek, she we desire, she we need.
A woman’s lust, passion, desire, controlled only by her will, through her care, hot, dangerous, propelling her forward when it is released, propelling her to consume as it seeks satisfaction. Hot, quick, wet, unstoppable, a need so raw, a lust fully given sway, her lover to be consumed by her, reduced to ash by her, to nothingness by her. Her lover changed, spent, by her touch, her ministrations, he quickly reduced by the pleasure she takes, the sensation she gives. A passionate plunge to nothingness, to the little death, at her hands, through her body, by her lust.
Such encounters, such a woman, such passion, such lust, these we seek. Never a woman cold, unexcited, uninteresting, vanilla, devoid of passion, without lust. Such women, such encounters leave us cold, cannot spark our interest, cannot satisfy our desire. Only a woman sizzling, excited, clear in her desires, at peace with her lusts, flowing with passion, only such a woman can truly excite.
We seek a woman like the fire. A woman who gives heat, who must control her lusts lest they rule her, a woman who consumes, who leaves us spent, who violently finds her own satisfaction, her own pleasure, giving us ours in turn. Wet, raw, lustful, consuming us, reducing us to ash, reducing us to nothingness. A passionate plunge we may take together. It is she we seek, she we desire, she we need.
No Second Drafts
When I started this blog, not so very long ago, I decided that I must live by two rules:
Honesty. I needed to put my personal truth into this blog.
No drafts. I did not want to re-write endlessly, to loose my personal truth while searching for the perfect word, the proper phrase.
When this blog is read it is as it came directly from mind to Mac. No rewrites, no revisions, no second drafts. The writing would likely be better if that were not the case, perhaps much better. Some part of my truth would though be lost. That truth which I cannot sacrifice here.
Honesty. I needed to put my personal truth into this blog.
No drafts. I did not want to re-write endlessly, to loose my personal truth while searching for the perfect word, the proper phrase.
When this blog is read it is as it came directly from mind to Mac. No rewrites, no revisions, no second drafts. The writing would likely be better if that were not the case, perhaps much better. Some part of my truth would though be lost. That truth which I cannot sacrifice here.
Crush
A question was asked on Honey’s Hive today: “Tell me about your first crush.”
The answer I left there:
Is it terrible that I honestly don't think I can remember? Perhaps there were too many, perhaps the memories have become tangled.
Is not a crush, that first early passion for another, one of the most amazing feelings in the world?
Should we limit crushes to childhood, to young adulthood?
Shouldn't we as adults live free, free to experience crushes, free to discover new love, free to explore that first bloom of passion for and with another?
I think that I am blessed for I love easily, have loved often, and been loved in return.
Of course in time the crush fades, love matures or dies. We cant however loose it, for it lives on in our memories forever.
The answer I left there:
Is it terrible that I honestly don't think I can remember? Perhaps there were too many, perhaps the memories have become tangled.
Is not a crush, that first early passion for another, one of the most amazing feelings in the world?
Should we limit crushes to childhood, to young adulthood?
Shouldn't we as adults live free, free to experience crushes, free to discover new love, free to explore that first bloom of passion for and with another?
I think that I am blessed for I love easily, have loved often, and been loved in return.
Of course in time the crush fades, love matures or dies. We cant however loose it, for it lives on in our memories forever.
Land And Water
As I look out my window this morning there is land where land should be, and water where water should be.
Floods in the mountains are quite violent but short-lived. Unlike the lowlands we do not suffer flooding for days or weeks at a time.
Floods in the mountains are quite violent but short-lived. Unlike the lowlands we do not suffer flooding for days or weeks at a time.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Final Flood Report
The river has fallen, the danger has passed. As always, tomorrow will be a better day.
The River And Erotica
It seems, I suppose strange that I should include a post about erotica in the middle of so many posts about nature at her most vengeful.
Strange that I should be thinking of erotica on this day when I am directly impacted by natural disaster.
I say in way of explanation that it is pleasant to think of erotica, horrible to contemplate ones home washing away.
A diversion, a gentle and needed diversion on this day.
Strange that I should be thinking of erotica on this day when I am directly impacted by natural disaster.
I say in way of explanation that it is pleasant to think of erotica, horrible to contemplate ones home washing away.
A diversion, a gentle and needed diversion on this day.
Skykomish River Crest
The latest warning from the National Weather Service predicts that the river at my home will crest in about one half hour, at 4:00 PM.
It seems that my home, and my neighborhood, has been spared a similar disaster to the one they suffered almost exactly two years ago.
It seems that my home, and my neighborhood, has been spared a similar disaster to the one they suffered almost exactly two years ago.
Erotica
Is erotic writing less serious, less important, less meaningful than writing on other subjects? Are cock and cunt, fucking and sucking, cumming and bliss somehow less valid when described in writing than other things, other activities? Are those who write of family oriented subjects somehow more important writers than those who write of sexuality? Is not sexuality one of the most powerful areas of every individual’s life? Should it not be explored in writing, celebrated in the written word?
These questions I ponder today.
These questions I ponder today.
2:00 PM Flood Report
The level of the South Fork of the Skykomish River has risen slightly since my last report, yet remains just a bit below the level at which it will do major damage.
The rain continues unabated with now over three inches since midnight.
I remain hopeful that the river will crest at some point this afternoon.
The rain continues unabated with now over three inches since midnight.
I remain hopeful that the river will crest at some point this afternoon.
Noon Flood Report
The water levels in the Skykomish River seem to be remaining steady. Low enough to preclude major damage to homes in my area. The rain continues to fall heavily, now over two and a half inches since midnight.
I’ve just driven our road, and it remains open to the highway. We also still have both electrical and phone service, which makes the watching much more pleasant.
Verizon seems to be going to great measures to keep phone service for us; they have a crew in the neighborhood taking care of any issues that arise.
If we do loose electricity, the blog will go dark as I need the satellite modem to post, and don’t think it would be wise to hook that system up to ‘dirty’ generator power.
I’ve just driven our road, and it remains open to the highway. We also still have both electrical and phone service, which makes the watching much more pleasant.
Verizon seems to be going to great measures to keep phone service for us; they have a crew in the neighborhood taking care of any issues that arise.
If we do loose electricity, the blog will go dark as I need the satellite modem to post, and don’t think it would be wise to hook that system up to ‘dirty’ generator power.
Important Flood Link
National Weather Service Flood Warnings For Washington State
If you live along a river in Western Washington you need to pay close attention to this site today.
If you live along a river in Western Washington you need to pay close attention to this site today.
Flooding In Western Washington
Today history seems to be repeating itself along the South Fork of the Skykomish River.
Floodwaters are very high, with some of my neighbors having water in their yards. I don’t think that the waters are high enough to have entered anyone’s homes yet, and I hope that it stays that way.
I sent Mrs. CM out a few hours ago to prevent her becoming trapped if the flooding destroys our roads as has happened so many times in the past. I’ve not been down the road from our house since she left, so I do not know if it remains passable at this time.
At my home the water has almost covered the granite slab that protects us, if it does cover the entire slab that is the time when I must begin to worry. For now I’m simply watching. It will likely prove to be a very long day here, and amazingly wet as we have had over two and a quarter inches of rain since midnight.
In the flood of November 2006 a major logjam was created on the granite slab, right in front of our house. That jam is growing exponentially today. It’s creation did ruin what was a wonderful beach for us, but there is a benefit as well because it is serving as a breakwater, keeping the force of the river out towards the center of the channel and away from our banks. I don’t know if it will continue providing that service if this becomes a major flood, but for now it is offering us a good measure of protection.
An interesting way to wake up this morning as the river remained low late last night; I must hope that it does not grow any larger throughout the day today
Floodwaters are very high, with some of my neighbors having water in their yards. I don’t think that the waters are high enough to have entered anyone’s homes yet, and I hope that it stays that way.
I sent Mrs. CM out a few hours ago to prevent her becoming trapped if the flooding destroys our roads as has happened so many times in the past. I’ve not been down the road from our house since she left, so I do not know if it remains passable at this time.
At my home the water has almost covered the granite slab that protects us, if it does cover the entire slab that is the time when I must begin to worry. For now I’m simply watching. It will likely prove to be a very long day here, and amazingly wet as we have had over two and a quarter inches of rain since midnight.
In the flood of November 2006 a major logjam was created on the granite slab, right in front of our house. That jam is growing exponentially today. It’s creation did ruin what was a wonderful beach for us, but there is a benefit as well because it is serving as a breakwater, keeping the force of the river out towards the center of the channel and away from our banks. I don’t know if it will continue providing that service if this becomes a major flood, but for now it is offering us a good measure of protection.
An interesting way to wake up this morning as the river remained low late last night; I must hope that it does not grow any larger throughout the day today
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Wild Water
My home and office are situated in a very unique location. On the exact outside of a 90-degree turn in a major and swift flowing river. The channel in which that river flows is within two feet of my buildings. This of course makes for a world-class view as we look perfectly and directly upstream, but it also makes for danger when the river overruns its banks.
The river makes this bend because my home and office are built on a massive slab of granite. The exposed slab is hundreds of feet long, and when the river crashes into it, there is no possibility but for the water to make a radical course change. This granite slab is also of course the only reason that buildings can stand here, as it serves as a very secure base, and without it the buildings would be swept away as the land eroded from under them.
Exactly two years ago today, at almost exactly this time of day, our river began flooding. I was on the phone in my office, looking out the large windows at the river, which was now flowing into my yard. Watching as massive trees floated down the river at extremely high speeds, hit the granite slab upon which our home is built, and exploded from the shock of impact.
Then one did not.
It jumped the slab, and hit the building in which I was standing.
My office deck, two stories high, collapsed and water began flowing under the building through the hole created when the log hit.
I ended my conversation, and we evacuated the building. Taking our most valuable items, turning off the electricity, and the gas. We moved next door into my house.
The water continued to rise all day, the office building was hit again and again by trees that had fallen due to the rising waters, and even my house was hit despite it being slightly elevated, and better protected from the raging waters.
We were however one of the only homes in our neighborhood that did not have water inside, because the land falls away after our buildings. At some point in the night we rescued a neighbor who lives beyond us, and was carried away by the waters. The warmth of our fire soon revived him enough so that he could join our vigil. At 9:00 PM the water began retreating, our buildings still standing.
The next morning neither my office building nor our house had intact decks, a massive pile of logs covered what was our yard, and many of our neighbor’s homes were destroyed. We were without a roadway, no way out other than walking about four miles to the highway, for about two weeks. Electricity and telephone were restored sometime after that.
It is the price one must pay for living in one of the most beautiful spots on earth. Horrible rain today, and in previous days, has me thinking about two years ago, has me looking at the river outside of my big windows today.
The river makes this bend because my home and office are built on a massive slab of granite. The exposed slab is hundreds of feet long, and when the river crashes into it, there is no possibility but for the water to make a radical course change. This granite slab is also of course the only reason that buildings can stand here, as it serves as a very secure base, and without it the buildings would be swept away as the land eroded from under them.
Exactly two years ago today, at almost exactly this time of day, our river began flooding. I was on the phone in my office, looking out the large windows at the river, which was now flowing into my yard. Watching as massive trees floated down the river at extremely high speeds, hit the granite slab upon which our home is built, and exploded from the shock of impact.
Then one did not.
It jumped the slab, and hit the building in which I was standing.
My office deck, two stories high, collapsed and water began flowing under the building through the hole created when the log hit.
I ended my conversation, and we evacuated the building. Taking our most valuable items, turning off the electricity, and the gas. We moved next door into my house.
The water continued to rise all day, the office building was hit again and again by trees that had fallen due to the rising waters, and even my house was hit despite it being slightly elevated, and better protected from the raging waters.
We were however one of the only homes in our neighborhood that did not have water inside, because the land falls away after our buildings. At some point in the night we rescued a neighbor who lives beyond us, and was carried away by the waters. The warmth of our fire soon revived him enough so that he could join our vigil. At 9:00 PM the water began retreating, our buildings still standing.
The next morning neither my office building nor our house had intact decks, a massive pile of logs covered what was our yard, and many of our neighbor’s homes were destroyed. We were without a roadway, no way out other than walking about four miles to the highway, for about two weeks. Electricity and telephone were restored sometime after that.
It is the price one must pay for living in one of the most beautiful spots on earth. Horrible rain today, and in previous days, has me thinking about two years ago, has me looking at the river outside of my big windows today.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Change In America
President Elect Obama was not my first choice, my second, or even my third. I am however looking forward to his administration with a great deal of interest. Interest because of his striking lack of governmental experience.
Our next President has held political office for such a short time that we have no way of possibly understanding what caliber of President he will be. He could be one of our greatest, one of our worst, or anywhere in between, and I don’t think that anyone in this nation can have a reasonable understanding of how he will perform in the office, good or bad.
I think that change is exactly what our nation needs at this time, but I know that change is only good if it is change for the better. We will have change, but will it be change for the better? That is what I am longing to discover.
I hope that he has a remarkably successful Presidency. He certainly has all the tools he needs to do so. I just wish that he had held previous offices long enough so that we could better know. I suppose however that such knowing would kill this interesting curiosity I am currently feeling.
Our next President has held political office for such a short time that we have no way of possibly understanding what caliber of President he will be. He could be one of our greatest, one of our worst, or anywhere in between, and I don’t think that anyone in this nation can have a reasonable understanding of how he will perform in the office, good or bad.
I think that change is exactly what our nation needs at this time, but I know that change is only good if it is change for the better. We will have change, but will it be change for the better? That is what I am longing to discover.
I hope that he has a remarkably successful Presidency. He certainly has all the tools he needs to do so. I just wish that he had held previous offices long enough so that we could better know. I suppose however that such knowing would kill this interesting curiosity I am currently feeling.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Election Recap
Earlier today I posted about the races and candidates that I truly cared about. It's now time for a recap of the results of those races.
WON Rick Larsen for United States Congress D
LOST Dino Rossi for Governor R
LOST Jason Osgood for Secretary of State D
Allan Martin for Treasurer R TOO CLOSE TO CALL
WON Brian Sonntag for Auditor D
WON Doug Sutherland for Commissioner of Public Lands R
LOST John Adams for Insurance Commissioner R
WON The Republican Slate for 39th LD State House
LOST Yes on Initiative 985
WON Yes on Initiative 1000
LOST No on Initiative 1029
It seems that I am batting .500 tonight. Not bad in my book.
Of course these are guesses based upon the current numbers. They might not hold because Washington has a unique and ineffective election system which makes it impossible to know definitive results until days, sometimes weeks after the election. Hopefully that will be changed at some future point.
WON Rick Larsen for United States Congress D
LOST Dino Rossi for Governor R
LOST Jason Osgood for Secretary of State D
Allan Martin for Treasurer R TOO CLOSE TO CALL
WON Brian Sonntag for Auditor D
WON Doug Sutherland for Commissioner of Public Lands R
LOST John Adams for Insurance Commissioner R
WON The Republican Slate for 39th LD State House
LOST Yes on Initiative 985
WON Yes on Initiative 1000
LOST No on Initiative 1029
It seems that I am batting .500 tonight. Not bad in my book.
Of course these are guesses based upon the current numbers. They might not hold because Washington has a unique and ineffective election system which makes it impossible to know definitive results until days, sometimes weeks after the election. Hopefully that will be changed at some future point.
One-Minute Writer
Today’s Blogger ‘blog of note’ is One Minute Writer. A blog that includes both a one-minute timer, and a daily writing prompt. The idea behind the blog is that visitors to it will write on the subject within the prompt, but only for one minute.
This seems like a very fun idea, and I’ve decided to give it a try.
Today’s prompt is:
What would you tell an 18-year-old American to encourage them to vote today?
My answer is:
When our ancestors sought to change government, to create a revolution, they had to fight and die to do so. Their right to self-government was purchased in blood.
We simply have to vote. To go to the polls. We can in this way have our very own revolution, throw every office holder out of his or her respective position if desired.
This seems like a very fun idea, and I’ve decided to give it a try.
Today’s prompt is:
What would you tell an 18-year-old American to encourage them to vote today?
My answer is:
When our ancestors sought to change government, to create a revolution, they had to fight and die to do so. Their right to self-government was purchased in blood.
We simply have to vote. To go to the polls. We can in this way have our very own revolution, throw every office holder out of his or her respective position if desired.
Two Days
The next two days will be very busy for me, and likely quite hard to enjoy.
Tonight I’ll be at an elegant dinner with friends, then up quite late watching the election returns at one of the countless parties organized for that purpose around our nation.
Tomorrow morning I’ll have to be up very early to make an 8:30 AM meeting, at a location two and a half hours from my home.
Maybe Thursday I’ll get to sleep!
It will however all be worth it if the elections go well.
Rick Larsen for United States Congress D
Dino Rossi for Governor R
Jason Osgood for Secretary of State D
Allan Martin for Treasurer R
Brian Sonntag for Auditor D
Doug Sutherland for Commissioner of Public Lands R
John Adams for Insurance Commissioner R
The Republican Slate for 39th LD State House
Yes on Initiative 985
Yes on Initiative 1000
No on Initiative 1029
These are of course my desires for my own little area of Washington State, so quite likely of no interest to most of my readers here.
There are other races on the ballot, most notably that for President of the United States. I frankly can’t care enough about those other races, or those candidates, to take the time to list them here.
Tonight I’ll be at an elegant dinner with friends, then up quite late watching the election returns at one of the countless parties organized for that purpose around our nation.
Tomorrow morning I’ll have to be up very early to make an 8:30 AM meeting, at a location two and a half hours from my home.
Maybe Thursday I’ll get to sleep!
It will however all be worth it if the elections go well.
Rick Larsen for United States Congress D
Dino Rossi for Governor R
Jason Osgood for Secretary of State D
Allan Martin for Treasurer R
Brian Sonntag for Auditor D
Doug Sutherland for Commissioner of Public Lands R
John Adams for Insurance Commissioner R
The Republican Slate for 39th LD State House
Yes on Initiative 985
Yes on Initiative 1000
No on Initiative 1029
These are of course my desires for my own little area of Washington State, so quite likely of no interest to most of my readers here.
There are other races on the ballot, most notably that for President of the United States. I frankly can’t care enough about those other races, or those candidates, to take the time to list them here.
Marriage Rights
Proposition 8 in California which would serve to amend that states Constitution to disallow gay marriage seems to be receiving a great deal of attention this election day. I am not a Californian, but if I were, I would vote to allow gay marriage; I would vote to expand rather than contract individual liberty for individual liberty is the fundamental foundation our nation is built upon.
Beyond the vote, I think that Proposition 8 gives people everywhere a good opportunity to think about the proper role of government.
In my view, the question of gay marriage should not even be addressed by law. It should not be legal, it should not be illegal, it should simply not be referenced. Like millions of other activities Americans engage in each and every day, there is no valid reason for government to even address this topic.
Marriage is a sacrament, a religious function, a religious tradition. That is the realm in which it belongs, and we as Americans should remember that our nation has done very well by keeping a wall of separation between our religions and our governments.
If, exactly like my wife and I did so many years ago, two gay men decide to marry, and if they can find a pastor or a church to marry them, they should be married. Our nations promise of religious freedom should give them that right, and likewise their individual rights to religious freedom should preclude any governmental interference.
If on the other hand our same two gay men are unable to gain a pastors consent to be married within his church, his religious tradition, that pastor should not be forced by the government to perform the marriage, the religious ceremony. For such coercion would also violate religious freedom. The couple would in this example need to look elsewhere for a church, pastor, and tradition that was more accepting of their position in life.
Marriage is not properly a function of the state. It is a function of religious tradition. No matter where we each fit on the political spectrum we should not be looking to the government to address every issue that affects our lives. To preserve individual liberty we must restrict government to its proper functions, and leave those functions that belong elsewhere, indeed elsewhere.
Our political foundation, our promise of religious freedom demands that for any marriage to take place only three elements are needed. Individuals who want to be married, and a pastor of any tradition willing to marry them. That is the promise upon which the United States was built. I find it very sad that the state has not upheld this promise, that the citizens have demanded and received governmental interference within the sacrament of marriage.
Beyond the vote, I think that Proposition 8 gives people everywhere a good opportunity to think about the proper role of government.
In my view, the question of gay marriage should not even be addressed by law. It should not be legal, it should not be illegal, it should simply not be referenced. Like millions of other activities Americans engage in each and every day, there is no valid reason for government to even address this topic.
Marriage is a sacrament, a religious function, a religious tradition. That is the realm in which it belongs, and we as Americans should remember that our nation has done very well by keeping a wall of separation between our religions and our governments.
If, exactly like my wife and I did so many years ago, two gay men decide to marry, and if they can find a pastor or a church to marry them, they should be married. Our nations promise of religious freedom should give them that right, and likewise their individual rights to religious freedom should preclude any governmental interference.
If on the other hand our same two gay men are unable to gain a pastors consent to be married within his church, his religious tradition, that pastor should not be forced by the government to perform the marriage, the religious ceremony. For such coercion would also violate religious freedom. The couple would in this example need to look elsewhere for a church, pastor, and tradition that was more accepting of their position in life.
Marriage is not properly a function of the state. It is a function of religious tradition. No matter where we each fit on the political spectrum we should not be looking to the government to address every issue that affects our lives. To preserve individual liberty we must restrict government to its proper functions, and leave those functions that belong elsewhere, indeed elsewhere.
Our political foundation, our promise of religious freedom demands that for any marriage to take place only three elements are needed. Individuals who want to be married, and a pastor of any tradition willing to marry them. That is the promise upon which the United States was built. I find it very sad that the state has not upheld this promise, that the citizens have demanded and received governmental interference within the sacrament of marriage.
Monday, November 3, 2008
The Libertarian Party
I’ve posted before about the fact that I am a Republican with a strong Libertarian bent. I am not opposed to the two party system that voters have effectively created by casting their votes the vast majority of the time for one or the other of our two parties. I do believe though that our two party system would be immeasurably improved if the Libertarian party replaced either of our current major parties. Certainly there is historical precedent for such a change to occur.
In order for this to happen, in order for the Libertarian party to start winning elections on a widespread scale it needs two things. Positive, effective candidates, and a willingness to message on the issues the vast majority of Americans cast their votes upon.
This year the Libertarian Presidential candidate is Bob Barr. Certainly the best-known candidate in party history, but also a candidate that brings a great deal of negative perception to his candidacy from his former service in Congress.
Despite his obvious failings Bob Barr is doing something exactly right, and hopefully his candidacy is teaching Libertarians a very important lesson. He is talking about the issues that the voters care about. Doing this is vital if the party ever hopes to supplant either the Democratic or Republican parties in our two party system.
The overwhelming majority of voters will never base their votes on Libertarian theory on the issue of narcotics use. Voters will however base their votes on the “Wall Street Bailout.” Mr. Barr understands this, and is messaging upon it.
The list goes on and on. The overwhelming majority of voters care about “Energy Independence,” “Government Spending,” “Health Care.” That majority agrees with Libertarian views on such issues. They must however learn about those Libertarian views. Mr. Barr is attempting to educate the public. Previous Libertarian candidates for President have not done so in my view, instead getting bogged down trying to explain complex Libertarian theory on a wide variety of issues. Theory that the average voter neither wants to understand, nor cares about.
Let us hope that in the next electoral cycle the Libertarian slate of candidates are positive, effective candidates and that they follow Mr. Barr’s lead in talking about the issues that have the potential to sway massive blocs of voters, for that is the only path to success.
In order for this to happen, in order for the Libertarian party to start winning elections on a widespread scale it needs two things. Positive, effective candidates, and a willingness to message on the issues the vast majority of Americans cast their votes upon.
This year the Libertarian Presidential candidate is Bob Barr. Certainly the best-known candidate in party history, but also a candidate that brings a great deal of negative perception to his candidacy from his former service in Congress.
Despite his obvious failings Bob Barr is doing something exactly right, and hopefully his candidacy is teaching Libertarians a very important lesson. He is talking about the issues that the voters care about. Doing this is vital if the party ever hopes to supplant either the Democratic or Republican parties in our two party system.
The overwhelming majority of voters will never base their votes on Libertarian theory on the issue of narcotics use. Voters will however base their votes on the “Wall Street Bailout.” Mr. Barr understands this, and is messaging upon it.
The list goes on and on. The overwhelming majority of voters care about “Energy Independence,” “Government Spending,” “Health Care.” That majority agrees with Libertarian views on such issues. They must however learn about those Libertarian views. Mr. Barr is attempting to educate the public. Previous Libertarian candidates for President have not done so in my view, instead getting bogged down trying to explain complex Libertarian theory on a wide variety of issues. Theory that the average voter neither wants to understand, nor cares about.
Let us hope that in the next electoral cycle the Libertarian slate of candidates are positive, effective candidates and that they follow Mr. Barr’s lead in talking about the issues that have the potential to sway massive blocs of voters, for that is the only path to success.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
A Dedication
I woke this morning to find wonderful messages from Miss Honey, both here on the blog, and in my email box. Her compliments, her encouragement, ensured a perfect start to my day.
Today’s posts are dedicated to Miss Honey, a woman who has given me much with her kind words.
Today’s posts are dedicated to Miss Honey, a woman who has given me much with her kind words.
Nicotine
I suffer a terrible weakness for tobacco, the enjoyment of tobacco in almost all of its forms. Copenhagen Long Cut, a mainstay of my life. Marlboro Red, luckily I’m not an addict, but a fine cigarette on occasion just can’t be beat. Partagas, I wonder if heaven can be any closer than one of these cigars. Dunhill pipe tobacco in an exquisite English pipe, tobacco in its most elegant and ultimately pleasing form.
I’m not an addict, yet I must admit to an unreasonable adoration and attachment to this most noble of plants.
Booze, a rare pleasure. Drugs, no interest within me. Tobacco however, she is my mistress.
I’m not an addict, yet I must admit to an unreasonable adoration and attachment to this most noble of plants.
Booze, a rare pleasure. Drugs, no interest within me. Tobacco however, she is my mistress.
Delightfully Poly
Last night our neighbors hosted their big annual Halloween bash. We live in such a small area that most everyone in the neighborhood can comfortably fit within their house for such parties. Unfortunately, due to work commitments we were unable to attend the party this year.
I am quite certain though that we were the talk of the party.
I learned from a friend recently that some of my neighbors are concerned about me. It seems that Mrs. CM, the filthy slut, is having an affair with one of my best friends. They have been spotted walking hand in hand, spotted kissing in our yard. When my neighbors brought their serious concerns about Mrs. CM’s whoredom to my friend’s attention he just wasn’t sure what to say to them, for he knows that we have chosen to live different, so he said nothing, let them stew in their worries.
Mrs. CM and I are not swingers, although we have done a fair bit of swinging in our distant past. Nor do I consider us to have an open relationship, which rather implies that each partner tolerates, or allows the outside sexual involvements of the other.
We are delightfully poly. I love my wife deeply, yet I love and fuck others as well. I believe that she loves me just as deeply, yet she loves and fucks others, perhaps it seems with a touch less discretion around the neighborhood than I exercise.
I don’t allow her to have an outside relationship, I am thrilled by the fact that she does, and immeasurably pleased that her time with him makes her so happy. She doesn’t allow me to have an outside relationship; she encourages me to do so, and supports me and my lover however she is able.
Jealousy is not an issue for us. Years ago it was, but we have through the years learned how to do away with this negative and destructive emotion, learned that the joy another brings into our lives is worth so much more than any discomfort associated with him or her that jealousy just can’t be allowed a place within our emotional selves.
This form of relationship, our marriage, is perfect for us. I do not claim that it must or would be perfect for everyone, but I do believe that if more people had the courage to try polyamory, and to deal with their own jealousy there would be more happy relationships in the world because I believe that polyamory would well suit a significant percentage of the population.
I encourage you to try it; you might just like it!
I am quite certain though that we were the talk of the party.
I learned from a friend recently that some of my neighbors are concerned about me. It seems that Mrs. CM, the filthy slut, is having an affair with one of my best friends. They have been spotted walking hand in hand, spotted kissing in our yard. When my neighbors brought their serious concerns about Mrs. CM’s whoredom to my friend’s attention he just wasn’t sure what to say to them, for he knows that we have chosen to live different, so he said nothing, let them stew in their worries.
Mrs. CM and I are not swingers, although we have done a fair bit of swinging in our distant past. Nor do I consider us to have an open relationship, which rather implies that each partner tolerates, or allows the outside sexual involvements of the other.
We are delightfully poly. I love my wife deeply, yet I love and fuck others as well. I believe that she loves me just as deeply, yet she loves and fucks others, perhaps it seems with a touch less discretion around the neighborhood than I exercise.
I don’t allow her to have an outside relationship, I am thrilled by the fact that she does, and immeasurably pleased that her time with him makes her so happy. She doesn’t allow me to have an outside relationship; she encourages me to do so, and supports me and my lover however she is able.
Jealousy is not an issue for us. Years ago it was, but we have through the years learned how to do away with this negative and destructive emotion, learned that the joy another brings into our lives is worth so much more than any discomfort associated with him or her that jealousy just can’t be allowed a place within our emotional selves.
This form of relationship, our marriage, is perfect for us. I do not claim that it must or would be perfect for everyone, but I do believe that if more people had the courage to try polyamory, and to deal with their own jealousy there would be more happy relationships in the world because I believe that polyamory would well suit a significant percentage of the population.
I encourage you to try it; you might just like it!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Correspondence from TH
“you are something of a Master to me. I need healing. I need some discipline. I am giving you permission to take that role in my life”
One of the things I most love about TH is her unashamed ability to ask that her needs and desires be met. That is something that very few people can do, especially when those needs are considered outside of the norm.
Discipline between us has been a game, a form of foreplay, a way we relate sexually. Now she is asking for it to become more than that. For it to spill out into her life. This I can do for her, this I will do for her. It will though take some more discussion between us before I am prepared to do so.
TH has brought so much to my life, improved it immeasurably. I don’t feel that I adequately communicate that fact to her; it is something I need to pay special attention to as our relationship enters this new phase.
One of the things I most love about TH is her unashamed ability to ask that her needs and desires be met. That is something that very few people can do, especially when those needs are considered outside of the norm.
Discipline between us has been a game, a form of foreplay, a way we relate sexually. Now she is asking for it to become more than that. For it to spill out into her life. This I can do for her, this I will do for her. It will though take some more discussion between us before I am prepared to do so.
TH has brought so much to my life, improved it immeasurably. I don’t feel that I adequately communicate that fact to her; it is something I need to pay special attention to as our relationship enters this new phase.
November
A month of danger for my home is located a very few feet from a wild and raging river. A river that occasionally can not handle the November rains, which rises to damage and destroy all that I possess.
A month of masculine tradition for men from throughout the area will gather under my watch to smoke tobacco in a very traditional way. To relive the pleasures accepted as commonplace by their fathers, grandfathers, and beyond reaching into history.
A month of family for we will travel to share a meal of Thanksgiving with parents and siblings. An obligation, yet perhaps a positive obligation for it is important to remember where one comes from, important to remember the honor ones family holds.
A month of intimate friends for on the holiday itself we will not travel. We will cook our own meal, a meal that we will share with our friends, lovers, our chosen family.
A month that has today broken in sunshine. The green of the hemlock tree outside my bedroom window perfect in it’s vibrancy. A month that will end in rain. Life-giving water falling to continue the circle of existence.
A month of masculine tradition for men from throughout the area will gather under my watch to smoke tobacco in a very traditional way. To relive the pleasures accepted as commonplace by their fathers, grandfathers, and beyond reaching into history.
A month of family for we will travel to share a meal of Thanksgiving with parents and siblings. An obligation, yet perhaps a positive obligation for it is important to remember where one comes from, important to remember the honor ones family holds.
A month of intimate friends for on the holiday itself we will not travel. We will cook our own meal, a meal that we will share with our friends, lovers, our chosen family.
A month that has today broken in sunshine. The green of the hemlock tree outside my bedroom window perfect in it’s vibrancy. A month that will end in rain. Life-giving water falling to continue the circle of existence.
Change
The one constant in my mind is change. Changing interests, changing passions, changing desires. I am not today the same man I was yesterday, will not tomorrow be the same man I was today.
I believe that this change keeps me forever interested in my life, forever interested in my passions. I hope that it serves to keep me interesting as well, prevents those around me from becoming bored listening to me. I like to think that they, like me, find broad interests, broad passions, and broad conversation forever interesting.
The elegance that comes from good form, good function, good behavior, this elegance is the only constant I seek. My passions change, my interests change, but these changes move only from the elegant to the elegant. Perfection to perfection, function to function. Elegance not in continuing use, but elegance in and by design.
Today I may devote my entire energy, my complete focus to the elegant design, the form and function of vintage and restored Airstream travel trailers, these past icons of the highway, reborn, returned to their former glories. Tomorrow I may forget that passion, that focus, as it is replaced with a similar energy devoted to the very finest in English smoking pipes. On and on the changes occur, inevitably returning to past interests of course, yet one never knows when. An interest in antique smoking pipes will flare within me, then wane, always to return, yet on a schedule impossible to predict.
Tonight I may dream of a woman, energetic, strong, passionate, selfish, demanding, perhaps a bit cruel. Me her obedient toy struggling to bring her bliss. Serving her lusts, satisfying her lusts at her command, and as she commands. Tomorrow in my dreams she has changed. A woman yielding, soft, submissive, bound, taken, overwhelmed. Her body existing to be used for my pleasure, obeying my demands that she give up her will to find a more perfect bliss.
These changing passions, my changing desires, these changes are not frightening to me, rather they are liberating. They liberate me from the mundane, liberate me from sameness.
I want a life of color, a life of excitement, explosions of color. Never grey, never drab, and never dull. I fear that a plain life, a life of grey, a life in which passions are not embraced, are not explored, is a life barely worth living. A life that must be tolerated instead of celebrated.
I believe that this change keeps me forever interested in my life, forever interested in my passions. I hope that it serves to keep me interesting as well, prevents those around me from becoming bored listening to me. I like to think that they, like me, find broad interests, broad passions, and broad conversation forever interesting.
The elegance that comes from good form, good function, good behavior, this elegance is the only constant I seek. My passions change, my interests change, but these changes move only from the elegant to the elegant. Perfection to perfection, function to function. Elegance not in continuing use, but elegance in and by design.
Today I may devote my entire energy, my complete focus to the elegant design, the form and function of vintage and restored Airstream travel trailers, these past icons of the highway, reborn, returned to their former glories. Tomorrow I may forget that passion, that focus, as it is replaced with a similar energy devoted to the very finest in English smoking pipes. On and on the changes occur, inevitably returning to past interests of course, yet one never knows when. An interest in antique smoking pipes will flare within me, then wane, always to return, yet on a schedule impossible to predict.
Tonight I may dream of a woman, energetic, strong, passionate, selfish, demanding, perhaps a bit cruel. Me her obedient toy struggling to bring her bliss. Serving her lusts, satisfying her lusts at her command, and as she commands. Tomorrow in my dreams she has changed. A woman yielding, soft, submissive, bound, taken, overwhelmed. Her body existing to be used for my pleasure, obeying my demands that she give up her will to find a more perfect bliss.
These changing passions, my changing desires, these changes are not frightening to me, rather they are liberating. They liberate me from the mundane, liberate me from sameness.
I want a life of color, a life of excitement, explosions of color. Never grey, never drab, and never dull. I fear that a plain life, a life of grey, a life in which passions are not embraced, are not explored, is a life barely worth living. A life that must be tolerated instead of celebrated.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Young
All healthy heterosexual men look at beautiful women. I think everyone knows this fact, but perhaps I’m a tad bit different because I admit that I do it. Frequently. Every chance I get as a matter of fact.
I have noticed, in my looking, that my tastes have changed through the years, aged as I have aged.
Some men are forever attracted to the very young. The 18 to 21 year old hottie.
I am not. I notice that when I see such a ‘hottie’ in person, they look way too young to me. Not hot, not sexy, just young.
This is very disconcerting on occasion when it comes to erotica. Intellectually I know that the woman in question must be over eighteen years, but she looks like a child to me. I must confess that I don’t see the attraction men my age (late thirty’s) have for these very young women, as the women who are now so very sexy to me are indeed closer to my own age.
I wonder if some men get stuck somehow. If their erotic imaginations don’t become stuck at a certain age, and remain there for the rest of their lives. I wonder if an extreme form of this ‘fantasies getting stuck’ phenomenon isn’t one of the reasons for the horrible crime of child molestation.
All I do know for sure is that I am not stuck. Give me thirty plus years any day!
I must say that I think my finding of more mature women as the most sexy of women has a very practical benefit as well. Practice does indeed make perfect, in the bedroom as in everywhere else. That eighteen year old hottie most men seem to lust after just hasn’t had enough practice!
I have noticed, in my looking, that my tastes have changed through the years, aged as I have aged.
Some men are forever attracted to the very young. The 18 to 21 year old hottie.
I am not. I notice that when I see such a ‘hottie’ in person, they look way too young to me. Not hot, not sexy, just young.
This is very disconcerting on occasion when it comes to erotica. Intellectually I know that the woman in question must be over eighteen years, but she looks like a child to me. I must confess that I don’t see the attraction men my age (late thirty’s) have for these very young women, as the women who are now so very sexy to me are indeed closer to my own age.
I wonder if some men get stuck somehow. If their erotic imaginations don’t become stuck at a certain age, and remain there for the rest of their lives. I wonder if an extreme form of this ‘fantasies getting stuck’ phenomenon isn’t one of the reasons for the horrible crime of child molestation.
All I do know for sure is that I am not stuck. Give me thirty plus years any day!
I must say that I think my finding of more mature women as the most sexy of women has a very practical benefit as well. Practice does indeed make perfect, in the bedroom as in everywhere else. That eighteen year old hottie most men seem to lust after just hasn’t had enough practice!
Perspective
Mrs. CM and I are not suffering during these tough economic times. In fact we are looking upon them as a tremendous opportunity to build long-term wealth. This is partly because our little area of the country has not been hard hit by the economic downturn, but also because we have given up many things in life to not become overextended as so many others have. We look in horror at the negative five percent savings rate in our country, and find security in our positive net worth. We also firmly believe that when people blame the government for their economic woes it is nothing but a refusal to take responsibility for their own personal actions. If you are in dire economic straights right now, it is very likely because you made poor financial and employment decisions. It is not the fault of GW Bush, or the United States Congress, although we too hold deep dissatisfaction with the performance of both. We have, in the past, been extremely poor. That was our fault, no one else’s.
I do recognize that financial security can be stripped from anyone at any time. Sometimes through absolutely no fault of the individual who looses it. We can loose our money, our homes, our possessions, our wealth, and the security that these things bring.
If the meaning of an entire life is based upon these material things, then it is all too easy to loose ones life. If ones life meaning is based upon any given thing outside of oneself, then it is all to easy to loose ones life. Holding as the most important part of life material possessions, anything outside of oneself, or anyone outside of oneself is a fundamental error of perspective. None of these things can be a major part of the meaning of our individual lives, so a rational perspective could never allow them to occupy the most important places within our lives.
We must, I think, if we want to survive and thrive in tough times find the meaning of our lives in things that we can control. In things that cannot be taken away from us by anyone, for any reason.
Thoughts and words do that for me. No matter what ever befalls me, I will always have the ability and occasion to read, and not just to read, but to read the very finest humankind has to offer. I can also never loose the ability and occasion to write. To drive myself to write in the very best way I know how. I can always, under any circumstances find meaning in thoughts and words, my own, and those of others. This is comforting to me.
I will admit that I do suffer from the same material desires as everyone else, perhaps even more so. I simply don’t give into those desires unless and until I can actually be reasonably assured of affording them long term. My wristwatch is probably the very best example of this. I spent a bit more than the first 30 years of my life absolutely refusing to wear a wristwatch. I refused to wear a wristwatch unless and until I could wear a Rolex wristwatch. Things worked out well for me, and I type this wearing my Rolex Oyster Datejust with gold and diamond accents. It does not though give my life meaning, my life would not be worse if I were forced to give up the watch for whatever reason. To feel that my life would be worse if I did not possess this fine watch would be to have a badly distorted perspective of life, and what is important within it.
I can though always possess the very finest words of man. Shakespeare, Hemmingway, Nin, Churchill. No one can take these away from me. Except perhaps senility, and may either God or man grant me a death with dignity before that occasion ever rears it’s terrifying head.
I do recognize that financial security can be stripped from anyone at any time. Sometimes through absolutely no fault of the individual who looses it. We can loose our money, our homes, our possessions, our wealth, and the security that these things bring.
If the meaning of an entire life is based upon these material things, then it is all too easy to loose ones life. If ones life meaning is based upon any given thing outside of oneself, then it is all to easy to loose ones life. Holding as the most important part of life material possessions, anything outside of oneself, or anyone outside of oneself is a fundamental error of perspective. None of these things can be a major part of the meaning of our individual lives, so a rational perspective could never allow them to occupy the most important places within our lives.
We must, I think, if we want to survive and thrive in tough times find the meaning of our lives in things that we can control. In things that cannot be taken away from us by anyone, for any reason.
Thoughts and words do that for me. No matter what ever befalls me, I will always have the ability and occasion to read, and not just to read, but to read the very finest humankind has to offer. I can also never loose the ability and occasion to write. To drive myself to write in the very best way I know how. I can always, under any circumstances find meaning in thoughts and words, my own, and those of others. This is comforting to me.
I will admit that I do suffer from the same material desires as everyone else, perhaps even more so. I simply don’t give into those desires unless and until I can actually be reasonably assured of affording them long term. My wristwatch is probably the very best example of this. I spent a bit more than the first 30 years of my life absolutely refusing to wear a wristwatch. I refused to wear a wristwatch unless and until I could wear a Rolex wristwatch. Things worked out well for me, and I type this wearing my Rolex Oyster Datejust with gold and diamond accents. It does not though give my life meaning, my life would not be worse if I were forced to give up the watch for whatever reason. To feel that my life would be worse if I did not possess this fine watch would be to have a badly distorted perspective of life, and what is important within it.
I can though always possess the very finest words of man. Shakespeare, Hemmingway, Nin, Churchill. No one can take these away from me. Except perhaps senility, and may either God or man grant me a death with dignity before that occasion ever rears it’s terrifying head.
Halloween
A holiday of joy for so many. Can we adequately remember the pleasure we found as children in this holiday? Pleasure in our costumes, pleasure at being surrounded by candy treats. Can we imagine the pleasure cross-dressers feel on this day? Pleasure in the one day in which society does not frown upon them dressing as their desires compel them too.
Candy for the kids, cracking open of the closet for some pervy folks. A tremendous holiday for many.
Alas, I am neither a kid nor a cross-dresser. I also live in a strikingly rural place, so will have no Trick or Treaters stopping by this evening. The holiday for me then will not be a night of revelry, but it does afford me a very interesting opportunity to think and reflect upon life, upon my life.
I am not normal. I do not lead a normal life. I am not surrounded by normal people.
This is good, for I do not approve of normal.
Normal is working at a job one hates. Normal is spending more than one can afford. Normal is a marriage filled with conflict. Normal is visiting family one just doesn’t enjoy. Normal is stress and busywork.
I must believe that life is supposed to be exciting, an adventure, full of joy. I must believe that our lives need to make a positive difference to the world in which we live. For these reasons I am not normal, I choose to be something different from normal.
I write, and I love to write. My job is interesting, and important to society as a whole. I live in a very small, but very desirable home, one that is easily affordable due to its size, yet much coveted due to its feel. My family is fun for those who are included in it add value to my life, relatives who do not are not seen out of any twisted view of obligation. My family is not limited to relatives, but includes wonderful intimate friends. I avoid unnecessary stress. I prefer hedonism to busy work and pursue/avoid according to those preferences.
Mrs. CM shares my divergence from what is normal, and perhaps our lack of the normal is most visible in our marriage. Our marriage is long standing, 19 years now, and we love each other very much. In fact, we do not honestly know of another marriage that is happier. That said, our marriage is quite far from normal.
We both enjoy radical sex, and we both pursue sex that ranges far beyond what we call plain vanilla. Neither of us believes in monogamy, and we both pursue love and intimacy with others, wonderful people who have become a part of our chosen family. We are together because we choose to be together. Not because being together is the easiest or only option available to us. Our individual lives, and our shared life together are immeasurably richer due to this fact.
On the outside we look normal. We look like good conservative Republicans. That’s likely because we are good conservative Republicans, with a Libertarian bent of course. We are though quite far from normal, and thrilled with the fact that we don’t allow ourselves to be normal.
On this night of dress up, of nightmare and fantasy, I must wonder.
On this night when everyone normal pursues fantasy, should we gleefully pursue normalcy, for to us normalcy is the fantasy?
Candy for the kids, cracking open of the closet for some pervy folks. A tremendous holiday for many.
Alas, I am neither a kid nor a cross-dresser. I also live in a strikingly rural place, so will have no Trick or Treaters stopping by this evening. The holiday for me then will not be a night of revelry, but it does afford me a very interesting opportunity to think and reflect upon life, upon my life.
I am not normal. I do not lead a normal life. I am not surrounded by normal people.
This is good, for I do not approve of normal.
Normal is working at a job one hates. Normal is spending more than one can afford. Normal is a marriage filled with conflict. Normal is visiting family one just doesn’t enjoy. Normal is stress and busywork.
I must believe that life is supposed to be exciting, an adventure, full of joy. I must believe that our lives need to make a positive difference to the world in which we live. For these reasons I am not normal, I choose to be something different from normal.
I write, and I love to write. My job is interesting, and important to society as a whole. I live in a very small, but very desirable home, one that is easily affordable due to its size, yet much coveted due to its feel. My family is fun for those who are included in it add value to my life, relatives who do not are not seen out of any twisted view of obligation. My family is not limited to relatives, but includes wonderful intimate friends. I avoid unnecessary stress. I prefer hedonism to busy work and pursue/avoid according to those preferences.
Mrs. CM shares my divergence from what is normal, and perhaps our lack of the normal is most visible in our marriage. Our marriage is long standing, 19 years now, and we love each other very much. In fact, we do not honestly know of another marriage that is happier. That said, our marriage is quite far from normal.
We both enjoy radical sex, and we both pursue sex that ranges far beyond what we call plain vanilla. Neither of us believes in monogamy, and we both pursue love and intimacy with others, wonderful people who have become a part of our chosen family. We are together because we choose to be together. Not because being together is the easiest or only option available to us. Our individual lives, and our shared life together are immeasurably richer due to this fact.
On the outside we look normal. We look like good conservative Republicans. That’s likely because we are good conservative Republicans, with a Libertarian bent of course. We are though quite far from normal, and thrilled with the fact that we don’t allow ourselves to be normal.
On this night of dress up, of nightmare and fantasy, I must wonder.
On this night when everyone normal pursues fantasy, should we gleefully pursue normalcy, for to us normalcy is the fantasy?
Black, Orange, and Brown
The colors of Halloween, and the colors of my blog today. Enjoy, for change is good, and life is meant to be interesting.
Discernment
I work with a large number of fundamentalist Christians. In fact, I believe that my workplace is rather unique because I think that it is populated by a much higher percentage of fundamentalists than is society at large.
Most closely I work with people who call themselves charismatic Christians. I must confess that I have no understanding of the differences between fundamentalists and charismatics, the beliefs, the leaders, and the heroes seem to be the same, and I must confess that I’m just not interested enough to try and learn what the differences might be. I do suspect though that the main difference might be a desire to escape the negative connotations associated with the term “fundamentalist Christian.”
What I have noticed about these particular folks I work with, and indeed the point of this post, is a shocking lack of discernment.
They understand that in our world there is good and bad, black and white, even grey. They understand that people can be good or evil, be good but do an evil thing, or be evil and do a good thing. They understand that most people live between these extremes.
There does not seem to be any serious breakdown in their ability to reason, to understand people, or the world around us.
They do however suffer a very serious breakdown in these abilities when the focus of discussion is someone who calls him or herself a Christian.
They have a knee jerk reaction towards wanting to help the child rapist who calls himself a Christian. A need to help the defrauder who calls herself a Christian.
They accept such people at their word. They believe that such people are Christian based upon professed belief instead of observed actions.
The child rapist is not a Christian, he is evil. He has declared himself a Christian while in prison because doing so results in certain privileges for himself. The fraud is not a Christian, she has declared herself such because by doing so her tricks on the unsuspecting are less easily discovered. Those fundamentalist Christians I work with seem utterly unable to understand this.
Their lack of discernment, their immediate desire to have faith in anyone who professes a strong and fundamentalist Christian faith is disturbing. Luckily it is not the only influence upon those with whom I work, so it does not affect the work we do, rationality always prevails after the initial reaction fades.
I am not a man of faith, but I am rational enough to understand that Christian faith without Christian works is dead. That being a Christian must be defined not only by ones professions of faith, but also by ones actions for the good as inspired by that faith.
Most closely I work with people who call themselves charismatic Christians. I must confess that I have no understanding of the differences between fundamentalists and charismatics, the beliefs, the leaders, and the heroes seem to be the same, and I must confess that I’m just not interested enough to try and learn what the differences might be. I do suspect though that the main difference might be a desire to escape the negative connotations associated with the term “fundamentalist Christian.”
What I have noticed about these particular folks I work with, and indeed the point of this post, is a shocking lack of discernment.
They understand that in our world there is good and bad, black and white, even grey. They understand that people can be good or evil, be good but do an evil thing, or be evil and do a good thing. They understand that most people live between these extremes.
There does not seem to be any serious breakdown in their ability to reason, to understand people, or the world around us.
They do however suffer a very serious breakdown in these abilities when the focus of discussion is someone who calls him or herself a Christian.
They have a knee jerk reaction towards wanting to help the child rapist who calls himself a Christian. A need to help the defrauder who calls herself a Christian.
They accept such people at their word. They believe that such people are Christian based upon professed belief instead of observed actions.
The child rapist is not a Christian, he is evil. He has declared himself a Christian while in prison because doing so results in certain privileges for himself. The fraud is not a Christian, she has declared herself such because by doing so her tricks on the unsuspecting are less easily discovered. Those fundamentalist Christians I work with seem utterly unable to understand this.
Their lack of discernment, their immediate desire to have faith in anyone who professes a strong and fundamentalist Christian faith is disturbing. Luckily it is not the only influence upon those with whom I work, so it does not affect the work we do, rationality always prevails after the initial reaction fades.
I am not a man of faith, but I am rational enough to understand that Christian faith without Christian works is dead. That being a Christian must be defined not only by ones professions of faith, but also by ones actions for the good as inspired by that faith.
Anais Nin In Google Blogsearch
Searching blogs using the term 'Anais Nin' delivered me two gems this fine morning.
Delta De Venus a blog containing a small amount of fine art erotic photography. Unfortunately the blog has not been updated for a very long time, but the old postings are well worth a visit.
Dusting Off Anais Nin a post by Adriana Palanca communicating her changing view of Ms. Nin, her learning to see the woman, not simply the role model.
Delta De Venus a blog containing a small amount of fine art erotic photography. Unfortunately the blog has not been updated for a very long time, but the old postings are well worth a visit.
Dusting Off Anais Nin a post by Adriana Palanca communicating her changing view of Ms. Nin, her learning to see the woman, not simply the role model.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tools
Anais Nin wrote a truly remarkable diary over the course of her life, a work that will likely go down in history as one of the great literary feats of our time. She was forced to write the work with pen, paper, a large and heavy typewriter. She was forced to store the work in boxes, iron strongboxes for it's protection. As I understand it, to this day the diary in it's entirety can not be published because the sheer volume of the work makes doing so a financial impracticality.
Today we have amazing tools at our disposal.
I am able to write this post on a small and portable machine that not only accepts the keystrokes I input into it, but which also serves as the largest research library ever known to man.
I am able to publish these words instantly, without any financial cost to myself.
I am able to do these things from virtually anywhere. From my office, from the road, from my bed. Without wires, without artificial restriction.
When Ms. Nin's soul commanded her to create that creation was made immeasurably more difficult due to the lack of tools she had available to her. Today, when our souls command us to create, our tools make it possible to do so without a second thought as to the how.
Today we have amazing tools at our disposal.
I am able to write this post on a small and portable machine that not only accepts the keystrokes I input into it, but which also serves as the largest research library ever known to man.
I am able to publish these words instantly, without any financial cost to myself.
I am able to do these things from virtually anywhere. From my office, from the road, from my bed. Without wires, without artificial restriction.
When Ms. Nin's soul commanded her to create that creation was made immeasurably more difficult due to the lack of tools she had available to her. Today, when our souls command us to create, our tools make it possible to do so without a second thought as to the how.
Narcissism
Is not all writing a narcissistic endeavor? All writers narcissists?
Writing I think, is and must be that way. The very best writing being that most narcissistically driven.
Writing I think, is and must be that way. The very best writing being that most narcissistically driven.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Link To Sex-Worker Radio?
Sex-workers are denigrated by society. This is a grave mistake.
Sex-workers bring joy where none existed, fulfill fantasy that could otherwise remain only longing.
Living outside of convention they help create the culture of tomorrow by becoming ever more vocal today.
Sex-workers bring joy where none existed, fulfill fantasy that could otherwise remain only longing.
Living outside of convention they help create the culture of tomorrow by becoming ever more vocal today.
XXBN Radio
"XXBN is a collection of progressive, subversive, sex positive, indie talk shows produced by sex workers past and present."
This evening I greatly enjoyed reading the XXBN post: The Art (Of Writing) For Art's Sake by Gracie Passette.
This evening I greatly enjoyed reading the XXBN post: The Art (Of Writing) For Art's Sake by Gracie Passette.
Fiction or Non?
What will you find here? Reality or fantasy, real world or dream world?
Does it matter?
I cannot tell you if you will find fiction here, nonfiction here, or a blend of the two, for quite honestly, ‘here’ is not yet written.
You will find art here. Words are my art and I can promise that they will be in abundance here.
You will find truth here. My truth will be written, no matter if the form happens to be fantasy or reality.
Does it matter?
I cannot tell you if you will find fiction here, nonfiction here, or a blend of the two, for quite honestly, ‘here’ is not yet written.
You will find art here. Words are my art and I can promise that they will be in abundance here.
You will find truth here. My truth will be written, no matter if the form happens to be fantasy or reality.
About Me
I suppose that this post is the place to brag. I hold an important job, have held and hold impressive titles. I’ve been given, and grown used to exercising, a measure of authority, moral and otherwise.
None of that is important here though.
What is important here is that I am a writer. Some say an extremely good writer.
I’ve written for a long time now, successfully so.
For others.
I’ve not written for myself. Looked within myself and written my own truth, my own meaning. I hope to do so here, I plan on doing so here. I hope that you will continue to join me on this journey of inner exploration, as I believe that both of us, the writer and the reader can have fun, can find joy and perhaps meaning here.
I am a writer. Perhaps that is the most important thing I am.
None of that is important here though.
What is important here is that I am a writer. Some say an extremely good writer.
I’ve written for a long time now, successfully so.
For others.
I’ve not written for myself. Looked within myself and written my own truth, my own meaning. I hope to do so here, I plan on doing so here. I hope that you will continue to join me on this journey of inner exploration, as I believe that both of us, the writer and the reader can have fun, can find joy and perhaps meaning here.
I am a writer. Perhaps that is the most important thing I am.
Why Blogger?
I have used various blogging platforms and have extensive experience with Movable Type. I choose to use Blogger for this project because I hope that my words are the standout focus of this site, not the web design.
Blogger is fast, continually upgraded, easy to use, extremely popular, and rather fun.
It is I think perfect for this project, a project that does not seek to impress with catchy URL’s or sublime design. Here, may prose be king.
Blogger is fast, continually upgraded, easy to use, extremely popular, and rather fun.
It is I think perfect for this project, a project that does not seek to impress with catchy URL’s or sublime design. Here, may prose be king.
Created With
Apple MacBook Pro
Microsoft Word
Apple Wireless Networking
Wildblue Satellite Internet Service
Blogger
Microsoft Word
Apple Wireless Networking
Wildblue Satellite Internet Service
Blogger
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