This is it...

First I was in shock, and for several hours I've been sad. It's really hard to believe Michael Jackson is dead. I wanted to believe he could perform one last tour and restore his tarnished image. But, this really is it... it's over now. We have what we have. Fabulous music videos, amazing CD's and I have three books about him -- "Unauthorized" the controversial 1994 biography; "Dancing the Dream" a beautiful 1992 full color pictorial of his life, and the 1991 "Magic and Madness" first edition of the "scandal" biography (it was updated in 2003, I believe.)

In the days and weeks to come there will be new revelations -- some insightful treasures, but mostly trash. Neverland will become like Graceland, a Mecca for fans.
How do I feel? Numb. What did MJ mean to me? Yes, he was odd and eccentric, but aren't all great geniuses? Mozart, da Vinci, Tesla, even Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) was odd. I'm not surprised he died young. He was fragile and probably frail. Look what he has been through. Who could endure such scrutiny and constant emotional assault? If it is possible to Rest in Peace, I hope he can. Namaste MJ!

Summer Solstice

I had planned to rant and rave about how the Iranian election scandal isn't much worse than the 2000 U.S. General Election. For the youngins, that was when Bush stole the Presidency from Al Gore. You know, endless Recount, hanging chads...
But, it's the Solstice, so on a lighter note: It's that time of year again when we pay homage to the sun god Rah
Rah! Rah! Rah! Ha, ha ha! I stole that line but it was worth stealing, don't ya think? (sun, light -- good huh?)

Really, on this auspicious occasion (and ALL Solstices and Equinoxes are auspicious in my realm) we should remember to banish negativity and promote creativity.


I need to think up a ritual in a hurry, with only two hours to go, especially since it's the Tropic of Cancer and that's my sun sign. Of course, I will meditate, light a candle, burn some incense (Copal) at the appointed time. And, do Yoga Sun Salutations followed by T'ai Chi Sunday morning. Is that enough? Journal on any insights that come during these times. Maybe a Tarot or I-ching reading. If there was more time, a Chakra Cleansing, find my Tesla Purple engery plate and sit on the serenity pillow (ok, I'm just seeing how far I can go.) Oh Gee, I know... how about WRITING (like on my novel that commemorates the Solstice and various cosmic events??) That might be TOO obvious.

OK, all, Happy Solstice! Seriously, just reflect for a moment on renewing your Spirit and releasing any old negative patterns. In the Light -- Rah Rah!! Go Sun!
Click the title for story on Solstice at Stonehenge!

LGBT/SA

I've added to the label -- Sexually Ambiguous. I think it's sad Adam Lambert felt he had to declare his sexuality in Rolling Stone. Why? Why can't we just accept the Truth about everyone's status -- that we might all be Bi? Shocked?

I disagree with the gals on the View that parents should quiz their kids about their sexuality. WHY? None of us really know where we stand until confronted with the situation. You cannot say whether you would be attracted to a black guy, Asian chick, Native American, young person, or even David Carradine (at 72) because you aren't factoring in the actual person; the mind and soul of the person. Why should we have to declare as children what gender or race we will want for future partners? That seems ridiculous to me. Why not teach our children to focus on the spirit (inner qualities) of a person rather than obsess on gender and race?

I think the Gen X (or whatever letter we're on now) must laugh when they see a bunch of old broads on TV trying to define sexuality. How lost! In a few more years this discussion will be totally passe. Meanwhile, quit torturing your children and trying to make them fit into some stereotype that's a leftover product of the past.

And if you didn't click the title, take five and click now. At least make it halfway through the Youtube video of "A Night in Bangkok" (from 1985!) I've had the tune on my mind since Carradine's demise (at least get to the song!) And finally, speaking of close approaches...

On June 10, 2009 there were 1062 potentially hazardous asteroids. June 2009 Earth-asteroid encounters.

Respect

There's a novel idea. President Obama simply asked that we calm down; listen, learn and respect one another. I suspect the difficulty is the same we have right here in the U.S. Radical extremists refuse to do any of those things. Hot headed radical repubs couldn't wait to condemn the remarks and call it the "US Apology Tour." I have no idea how to communicate with closed-minded people. I used to think I did. I thought for years I was a diplomat -- a communicator. As Dylan says, "things have changed."

For over 30 years I have tried to explain Buddhism. While many people are open minded and willing to consider eastern philosophy, many are not. I wrote a few sarcastic statements just now and then deleted them. I must try, too. I guess I see that foreign equates to threat for many people. Izzi (my dog) protects the house. She doesn't care about the person's intentions -- not initially. Her first reaction is to protect the property. I guess that's how the right-wingers view everything. Shoot first and ask questions later. We tried that (for eight years) and it didn't work. Hate breeds more hate. For now, the Democrats are in control and we must try diplomacy and negotiations over war.

There is nothing wrong with Islam or quoting the Quran. Just like there is nothing wrong with Catholicism, Protestant Christianity or Judaism. It's how any religion is twisted or misused that is the problem. Buddhism is all about personal responsibility, and peace -- not worshipping a deity (but that explanation is for another day.)

Listen, learn and respect one another. Great advice, difficult to practice! Killing an abortion doctor doesn't accomplish a thing other than starting yet another war. I can't advance my cause (or beliefs) by shooting, yelling or spitting on you. Respect? We must all start there. Let's try!!

A New Beginning

Ommm. It's impossible to get "off the cushion" (stop meditating) and not be bombarded by political hate, war mongering and racism. If it's not the horrifying comments and cartoons now about Judge Sotomayor, it's the imbecilic comments that are already surfacing about President Obama's Cairo Speech. Hey, before you go off the deep end, watch it. Not a clip from Rushbaugh or some other Fox freak, listen to the whole speech: Obama's New Beginning Speech. Hook up your HDMI cable, go full screen and spend an hour -- then we'll talk. That's what I'm going to do right now. I'll be back with my thoughts later.

Oh no, before I could watch I turned on the TV and discovered that David Carradine is dead -- mysterious circumstances. So, I'm yet to see the full speech. I've seen extended clips, but I want to see every word. If you have, then take ten and watch this;
Very first Kung Fu pilot in honor of Carradine -- a remarkable man. We'll resume the Cairo comments soon. Update: I believe that so many people worldwide are trying to watch the speech, the server is locked up. Stand by...

Bits & Pieces

I have now ridden 2 and half miles on bike (without stopping.) The female cycle advisor at REI said it took her a few weeks to ride that far without problems. So, I feel good.

How about Nite 2 of Conan? Terrific! President Obama and Brian Williams analyzing the show. Great! And, the Twitter Tracker! People on Twitter were trying to figure out where the app was. That was funnier than the show. Tom Hanks was highly entertaining, but Conan shopping on RoDEEOh Road to Pretty Woman song took the cake.

If our friend Dan is in the Journal Wednesday, commenting on Sotomayor appointment, WE KNEW IT FIRST! I should have been blogging it. Or writing a magazine article on it. Dang!

Fbook -- So what, who cares? Why on earth should I get on Facebook. F that Fbook!

Finally, in complete contrast to these hedonistic topics, here's a REAL Hot Topic. One of the best descriptions I've found on Buddhism:

The Buddha is no one's monopoly, no one's copyright. It's everyone's innermost being. You don't have to be a "buddhist" to benefit. We are ALL Buddhas! Being a Buddha transcends religion and belief. It's our birthright. And when you realize this, everything you do becomes a meditation and living is your practice.

-- (a few modifications to wisdom of) Ma Deva Sarito