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Falling off the Mountain
Just as the barren trees, the plummeting temperatures, and the forecast of snow tell of the coming of winter, so too do the bitter winds of international noncooperation and an avalanche of smothering deficit point to a waning of American influence and power. In perhaps the greatest irony of the dysfunctional Bush administration, militaristic and thuggish policies meant to ensure American hegemony for decades to come, have instead led to an unwinnable quagmire that is depleting our resources, as well as our global influence, while increasing the number of our enemies. In addition, fiscal policies of reckless irresponsibility have so weakened the dollar that fears abound of significantly higher interest rates to stem the growing flow of foreign investment out of the country. Many wonder how much longer the dollar will be able to remain the world’s leading currency if the rudderless Bush economic policies do not make a dramatic course correction. In brazenly reaching for the stars, those running the US government have instead fallen off the mountain and are bringing us along for the ride. In this twilight time between terms, there remains the familiar tone-deaf swagger of the last four years mingled with a foreshadowing of the storm clouds to come. While George Bush gloatingly tells of the earned political capital he intends to spend doing what he will, the formidable Republican monolith of recent years is beginning to fragment around a number of issues. Strong criticism of Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld and suggestions that he retire are coming from numerous corners of the Republican camp. In addition, Senator Lindsey Graham is putting forth a plan to raise the cap on payroll taxes to pay for a future Social Security deficit, in spite of Bush’s firm opposition. On another matter, Senator Charles Grassley wants to establish a commission to investigate government oversight (such as it is) of the pharmaceutical industry, an untouchable part of the rat pack of Bush’s corporate cronies. Meanwhile, just across the border to the north, Canada has steadfastly refused to participate in Bush’s missile defense scheme, which itself has recently failed its first flight test in two years. Far more ominous, however, are the twin themes of a weakening dollar and an unprecedented loss of international prestige and American influence. Due to Neptune’s continuing presence quincunx Bush’s Sun (through December 2004), Neptune’s coming square to Inaugural Midheaven (January 2005), and Jupiter’s crossing of Bush’s Moon/Jupiter conjunction (mid-December to mid-March), our president remains in denial and under the delusion that all will be well if he says it is so, although these increasingly significant issues are only likely to grow and fester. While Neptune flavors the administration’s antics with a certain bewildered incompetence, Jupiter is obscuring the growing difficulties in a swirl of optimism, celebration, and exuberance. Nonetheless, the transit of Saturn across US Mercury is about to begin its second pass (12/28 through 1/10/05) and will continue in effect until its final crossing in late May 2005. This transit seems to be exerting a strong contracting influence on US currency and the foreign investment that currently supports the US deficit. In the US chart, the progression of Venus, ruler of the Midheaven, will be square to natal Saturn from February 2005 through early January 2006, suggesting a significant and stressful diminishment of American international influence, decreasing popularity abroad, and a corresponding difficulty in pursuing goals and consolidating leadership. During this same period, our new Secretary of State, Condoleezza Rice, will have transiting Neptune on her Mars, suggesting she will be largely ineffectual in developing coherent and practical strategies for dealing with major issues. In fact, during her entire term, with the exception of the first nine months of 2006, Rice will have an exceptionally difficult time, with first Neptune crossing her Mars in 2005, and then Saturn and later Neptune squaring her Midheaven/Sun/Venus conjunction between September 2006 and December 2008. It is very doubtful she will be remembered for effective and strong leadership under these aspects. In a recent article, I described the strong Saturn influence, found in both Bush’s chart and the 2005 Inaugural chart, that indicates the many obstacles and frustrations likely to confront the second Bush term. In another article, I discussed the Chironian concept of wounding that is a major theme in the coming Inaugural chart and indicates some kind of weakened or crippled presidency that will struggle mightily to achieve any of its goals. Still further evidence of a beleaguered second Bush administration shows up in the chart of Vice President Dick Cheney, where we find an unusually strong impact from a series of Saturn stations, the first of which begins right after the Inauguration. From late January through April 2005, Saturn will be opposite Cheney’s Venus, the ruler of his Midheaven. This suggests a period of goals thwarted, loss of popularity, and additional burden and grief. It is possible that the scandal light will shine once again on the VP’s office or the neoconservative Iraqi adventure will sour due to the outcome of the election. But whatever the circumstances, Cheney will feel a diminishment in his popularity and reputation and an unwelcome and burdensome situation surrounding him. By year’s end, Saturn will again tighten its noose around Cheney, crossing square to his Jupiter and Saturn and then opposite his Sun and back again, covering roughly from September 2005 through January 2006. The mid-October through mid-December period is likely to be the most difficult, during the station opposite his Sun. With natal Jupiter and Saturn in his ninth house, Cheney may be involved in some fierce ideological battles during this time, including the possibility of a battle over a Supreme Court nomination. While Saturn opposes his Sun (mid-October to mid December), he may feel forced to compromise or feel his plans blocked in some way, or he may have some health issues to contend with due to his natal 6th house Sun placement. Then in late 2006, the Saturn station will oppose Cheney’s Mercury, and in 2008, it will conjunct his Ascendant for several months. These also suggest difficult times with significant burdens and frustrations. At present, the US progressed Moon is square to natal Saturn and the people (the Moon) are feeling a sense of growing sorrow over the war. This particular progression goes through mid-January 2005 and, unfortunately, may be accompanied by a series of painful events such as the horrific explosion at a US base camp in Iraq recently. This aspect may be activated December 22 – 25, 2004, December 30 -31, 2004, and again January 3 – 5, 2005, but the entire period from mid-December through mid-January will be vulnerable to a collective feeling of sorrow and related events. A longer range look at the US chart suggests that over the next several years, there may be a decided shift away from the current militaristic mid-set. At present, the US progressed Midheaven is exactly quincunx progressed US progressed Mars (18libra41), which is now stationary and will be moving retrograde very slowly from 2007 onward. The Midheaven/Mars contact has intensified the military focus in the past year, but will slowly wane after February 2005. It will, however, be substantially activated by the Jupiter station in January 2005, which will be exactly conjunct US progressed Mars (and Bush’s Jupiter), suggesting expanded military activity and some increasing optimism during that time. Perhaps more interesting, and more significant for the longer term, is the stationary and then retrograde movement of progressed Mars. The station suggests a kind of stuckness to our military activity, neither moving forward nor backward. Our current quagmire in Iraq, where we are mired up to our eyeballs, is a case in point. As the retrograde movement gains momentum in 2007 and beyond, it may be that the US becomes increasingly unwilling to jump into military adventures, tending to demur for long periods before acting (retrograde Mars, especially in Libra). Very strong transits to US natal Mars notwithstanding, such as the Uranus transit of 2008, the US may have a welcome relapse of the Vietnam Syndrome, and be very hesitant to thrust itself aggressively into world affairs without a very clear, compelling reason, as well as significant international support (Libra). For the moment, Bush enters his second term dragged down by the albatross of Iraq, cripplingly coupled with a staggering deficit, both of his own making. It is probable that these will hamper his grandiose schemes for the foreseeable future. Despite his great “victory” in the recent election, Bush is likely to seem increasingly beleaguered and oppressed by the consequences of his own mistakes. The details are yet to be written, but the mood is more somber and less surefooted than in the ride ‘em cowboy days of times past.
Nancy Waterman on Dec 23 | Link
Comments
Well Nancy, you'll enjoy this article. http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/122304A.shtml It Will All Be Over Soon Everyone can relax. This thing is clearly getting ready to wind down. Ask the brilliant minds up at the Pentagon. Back in April 2003, a formal Pentagon planning session stated emphatically that the U.S. occupation of Iraq would be coming to an end in December 2004. It is December by my calendar, so clearly we should start planning the tickertape parade down the Canyon of Heroes. We can have Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld seated in the lead car, and let the love and adoration of this nation wash over him like a bath of warm milk. Perhaps he will choose that glorious moment to reveal the 26,000 liters of anthrax, 38,000 liters of botulinum toxin, 1,000,000 pounds of sarin, mustard and VX gas, and the 30,000 munitions to deliver the stuff we all went to war for in the first place. We can festoon the Canyon with plastic sheeting and duct tape. It'll be a party of historic proportions. Hopefully the good Secretary can come; he has been, after all, too busy to sign condolence letters for the 1,321 American soldiers who have died since the Iraq invasion began. He has, instead, used a mechanical signature writer to put his name to the papers that let grieving family members know that he does, in fact, appreciate their sacrifice. 141 troops died in November, the worst month of the war, and 64 have died so far in December, including a whole mess tent full of them yesterday. More.... Posted by: Pat C on December 23, 2004 01:37 AM....and this one.. :-) http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/122304B.shtml Analysis: A Deadly Prelude to Bush's Second Term Washington - The deadly attack on a U.S. military base in northern Iraq yesterday scrambled the Bush administration's hopes to show progress toward stability there, while making clear that the war is creating a nasty array of problems for President Bush as he gears up for an ambitious second term. Despite weathering criticism of his Iraq policy during the presidential campaign, Bush is heading into his next four years in the White House facing a public that appears increasingly worried about the course of events there and wondering where the exit is. And as he prepares to take the oath of office a second time and to focus more of his energy on a far-reaching domestic agenda, he is at risk of finding his presidency so consumed by Iraq for at least the next year that he could have trouble pressing ahead with big initiatives like overhauling Social Security. At the same time, Bush faces fundamental questions about his strategy for bringing stability to Iraq. How can the United States - with the help of Iraqi security forces whose performance has been uneven at best - ensure the safety of Iraqis who go to the polls on Jan. 30 when it cannot keep its own troops safe on their own base? And are Bush and his defense secretary, Donald Rumsfeld, more vulnerable to criticism that they have failed to provide U.S. forces with everything they need to take on a fast-evolving enemy that, as yesterday's attack showed, continues to display a notable degree of resilience? The situation has left the White House sending two somewhat contradictory messages. One, alluded to by Bush at his news conference Monday and stated explicitly by other administration officials yesterday, is that no one should expect the violence to abate after the first round of elections on Jan. 30 or for the United States to begin bringing troops home next year in substantial numbers. "There should be no illusion," Secretary of State Colin Powell told journalists yesterday, "that suddenly right after the election the Iraqis are going to be able to take over their own security. Certainly, we're going to be there through '05 in significant numbers." The other message is that progress is being made in Iraq, that the insurgency will eventually be quelled and that there is no reason to change course. More... As usual for the fine astrologers on Astroworld, you are right on. Posted by: Pat C on December 23, 2004 01:41 AMhttp://www.truthout.org/docs_04/122304E.shtml Iraq Reality Check Since the season should require us to do at least some thinking about the killing being done in our name, let's do a reality check.
The Sabbath gasbags, as The Nation's Calvin Trillin calls our Sunday TV news commentators, distinguished themselves yet again. They're trying to gang up on Donald Rumsfeld on the theory that the entire Iraq war would have worked out just dandy if it hadn't been for Rumsfeld's mistakes. This shark attack was precipitated by blood in the water to wit, Rumsfeld's dismissive answer to a soldier inquiring as to why his unit's vehicles weren't armored. Rumsfeld treated the soldier exactly the way he treats members of the press or anyone else who raises questions about the war: as though he were an impertinent fool. It didn't look good on television. For those now waxing indignant about Rumsfeld and the whole situation concerning armor, I remind you that when "60 Minutes" carried exactly this story in October, as did other news outlets, the right wing promptly pounced on it as further evidence of supposed liberal bias in the media. Rumsfeld's mistakes may constitute an impressive list, but is there any evidence that this war could ever have worked out well? I know, anyone who asks that question is promptly denounced by the right wing, insisting, as the media watchdog group FAIR puts it, "that the war is going well and anyone who feels otherwise is a defeatist liberal uninterested in bringing democracy to the Middle East." So far, we have not brought democracy to Iraq. We have brought blood, killing and death. Our so-called liberal media do a pathetically inadequate job of telling us about the war because, first, it is too dangerous to cover most of the country, and second, reporters who are critical of the endeavor are blacklisted by our military. The few American reporters who speak Arabic are sending hair-raising reports. More... Posted by: Pat C on December 23, 2004 01:47 AMI wanted to get this article out before I leave town tomorrow for New York. I still haven't packed, but want to wish everyone here a beautiful light-filled Christmas. It occurred to me in writing the article that the Saturn transit to US Mercury and the progressed US Moon square to natal Saturn are combining to make this a very dour and sad period for many. That horrible attack yesterday really made that clear. We may see more of this kind of very upsetting news between now and mid January. I find it adds to the general malaise of these aspects. I am sincerely hoping we will notice a difference in energy as the new Inaugural chart takes hold. it willb e interesting tow atch it all unfold. Happy Holidays, all!!! I will be back on Monday. Posted by: Nancy on December 23, 2004 02:47 AMexcellent nancy! and thanks to all AWers for keeping the torch ablaze. nancy, your understatement is quite droll: "she [rice] will be largely ineffectual in developing coherent and practical strategies for dealing with major issues." she is just dumb as nails, i mean really stupid. what a "moran" she is. got us attacked, screwed up everything since, and now, in hollywood style, she's rewarded with a promotion. OMf'ingG she is beyond words: "the horror." well, enough of my meriment. A VERY HAPPY WHATEVER FLOATS YOUR BOAT TO EVERYONE ON AW. Posted by: mike on December 23, 2004 07:08 AMSomething big going on in Ohio. Kerry supposedly getting involved tomorrow. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x187683 Posted by: jm on December 23, 2004 07:13 AMgeez, published my url in the last message (major self disclosure for me, picture and all) and it didn't work. here it is. http://www.somethingawful.com/jeffk/ Posted by: mike on December 23, 2004 07:16 AMre: http://www.somethingawful.com/jeffk/ ok, it's politically incorrect(hadn't looked at it for a while) but this guy is supposed to be a "moran" so 'ironic stupidity' is the conceit here. HAPPY FESTIVUS Posted by: mike on December 23, 2004 07:21 AMMike! I thought you were older! Enjoy the holidays and keep that humor coming. We really need it. It's a tonic for the times. Posted by: Pat C on December 23, 2004 01:07 PMNancy, have a safe trip and enjpu NY! Happy Christmas! Posted by: Pat C on December 23, 2004 01:08 PMWell, that was "enjoy" NY. Posted by: Pat C on December 23, 2004 01:13 PMFantastic Article Nancy!!! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone! Mike - you seem too cool!! You said you were married right? Since we are revealing ourselves, Here is my brother the musician's website: Mike, is Jeff K a pseudonym? I guess so, if that's your web site. It looks interesting, and you seem quite intelligent (we already knew that) to create such a potpouri of stuff. There's so much there, I'll have to spend some time reading it. I agree, CR IS a moron - they all are. The lunatics are definitely running the asylum and the head lunatic is the Monkey King. Nevertheless, wishing all of you peace, love, and a deep joy in yourselves, in your relationships, and in the details of your daily lives. One of the Saints said that love and grace was found in small acts not necessarily great ones. Sharon Posted by: Sharon on December 23, 2004 03:40 PMMike, are you really just a sweet young thing? Nancy, if you log in and want to connect while in the Big Apple, Sally has my email, and real name. I'm in the Brooklyn phone book , feel free to call. Mimi, you are so adorable. You remind me of someone who I'd hang out with in my neighborhood before she moved out west. You rock, sister! Posted by: bhakti on December 23, 2004 05:13 PMThanks for a great article Nancy and enjoy NY! Speaking of *'s denial and delusions that all will be well if he says it is so... Did ya'll see this entry from www.talkingpointsmemo.com from a few days ago? *** (Sam Rosenfeld on today's press conference) The president got a tad petulant when fielding questions on Social Security. His emphatic response to any and all queries about his position on the subject was an indignant, righteous refusal to answer: “You’re not going to get me to negotiate with myself,” he repeatedly told the perplexed reporters. “I know what you’re trying to get me to do. You’re trying to get me to answer ‘Why this,’ ‘why that,’ to take positions -- don’t bother to ask me.” Rather than merely dodge the questions, Bush seemed intent on staking out an explicit, principled position in favor of dodging the question. There may have been a method to this madness above and beyond Bush’s stated explanation that “Congress writes legislation” and therefore he, as the president, shouldn’t be setting specific guidelines for a Social Security reform proposal. The president isn’t usually a big separation-of-powers, checks-and-balances kind of guy. Can I start saying "pass the popcorn" again or is too much at stake now? Have a great Holiday everyone.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/printer_122404Z.shtml Posted by: wv on December 23, 2004 06:11 PMHmmmm . . . Nancy, Sally, it would be nice to hear about Kerry's stars today as he's decided to join the recount in Ohio according to William Rivers Pitt. They want to bring out the possible fraud of the electronic voting machines also: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x189970 Posted by: Laurie on December 23, 2004 06:12 PMI'm wondering if the 20/21 year cycle(roughly) is going to be critical for shrub,because his saturn re above about Kerry - bloody high time.... http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/printer_122404Y.shtml Posted by: on December 23, 2004 07:48 PMDemocratic Leadership Rethinking Abortion Isn't it nice to have a theocratic one party system? Write letters and tell them to take the pink tutus and throw them in the trash. http://www.dailykos.com/story/2004/12/22/143719/67 The Election, Part 2: Fraud, Intimidation, and Suppression Posted by: Pat C on December 23, 2004 07:59 PMHaven't fully read everything above yet........... So support your local US Post Office, they do a great job, and are less strong with competition from the 2 other Repug. backing mail services. UPS, & Fed Ex! It's about time Kerry got involved in the recount. It's hard to believe that he didn't get involved sooner. On the DNC moving to welcome abortion opponents, I personally do not have a problem with individual candidates having whatever stance they beleive in, but the Democratic Party favors a woman's right to choose. Period. End of story. Changing what we believe in is not the answer to the problem of people not knowing what the Democrats stand for. Inclusiveness can only go so far. What's next? Will we start welcoming homophobes and creationists into the party in 2008? Come on, this is one of the worst ideas I've heard yet. Posted by: Dave on December 23, 2004 09:58 PMPat - I agree - I sold some things on ebay and found the absolute best way to ship was the post office. Those "for profit" corporations have absolutely no customer service! Posted by: SuzieLiberal on December 23, 2004 10:21 PM
http://www.crisispapers.org/essays/rummy.htm Posted by: wv on December 23, 2004 10:37 PM
http://www.observer.com/pages/frontpage6.asp Posted by: wv on December 23, 2004 10:54 PMNancy, forgive my rudeness, I meant to tell you that I love your article - you are extremely to the point while at the same time painting a picture. I have now read it five times, which is what I have to do to take it all in. What do you think about the psychic's prediction that more and more will come out about a fraudulent election and that it will eventually be a major scandal? If Bush is ineffectual with a solid GOP congress, then what's his problem? Maybe he will be conceived, once more, as a non-elected president? I think that very secretly Bush wishes Kerry won. He probably dreams of fishing and partying and just plain having a good ole time. There will come a time methinks when I will start to feel sorry for him, but that is way in the future. Thank you Nancy for your perspective on the stars and I do appreciate you as well as all the other astrologers that give their time and energy, and I'm sure with little gain except the genuine appreciation of their fans. Posted by: Laurie on December 23, 2004 11:43 PMJust read that the U.S. supposedly wants to make "incursions" into Syria to bring down the Ba'athist who are directing the Iraqui insurgency. That's all they need to do, drag the U.S. into more war. By the time they are done, they will be so pathetic, everyone in the country except diehard evangelists and greedy business will be against them. Posted by: Sharon on December 24, 2004 01:06 AMCould someone please explain to me why it would be such a bad idea -- in some people's minds, at least -- to have a woman as intelligent and capable as Hillary in the Oval Office? I've never quite understood this particular form of bigotry or hatred, especially among people of her own gender, and am sincerely both confused and curious. Thanks! And Happy Holidays to everyone! Posted by: Jonathan on December 24, 2004 02:20 AMI just emailed a letter to the editor of USA Today, not necessarily for publication, but to praise the stand its founder, Al Neuharth, took today against the war in Iraq. I'm listing the link I used but I'm not sure if it's the best one. I encourage you all to write and support him as I read that he's getting lots of negative feedback. Neuharth's basic stand was that we should leave Iraq sooner rather than later, that it is entirely appropriate to not want to serve in this war, and that at least in WWII, the troops were properly equipped. You'll find the report on DU Breaking News. http://www.usatoday.com/marketing/questions.htm#letterEditor Posted by: Sharon on December 24, 2004 02:21 AMI have nothing at all against Hillary. She'd probably be a great president. My one worry is that the attack machine would make mincemeat of her. If there's one thing the Democrats learned this time, I hope it's that we have to find a candidate who almost no vulnerabilites. Posted by: Sharon on December 24, 2004 02:24 AMWonderful article Nancy, and enjoy your time in the big apple. I love the idea of the white ribbon listed below among a list of non-violent activites to protest on january 20th. From the ZNET website:
Protest the Inauguration of George W. Bush December 2nd, 2004 United for Peace and Justice urges everyone who can to converge in Washington, DC on January 20. We encourage you to participate in the creative, powerful protest activities being organized by two groups: the DC Anti-War Network (DAWN)) and Turn Your Back on Bush. See below for more information. We also urge groups around the country to organize local protest and/or educational events on January 20, to provide opportunities for all those who can’t make it to Washington to take a public and visible stand for peace and justice and to invigorate our movement of resistance in every corner of the United States. Be sure to list your activities on the UFPJ website calendar. UFPJ also encourages everyone to wear a white ribbon on January 20, no matter where you are or what you are doing. In many cultures, white is the traditional color of mourning. We will wear white to honor the tens of thousands of civilians and more than 1200 U.S. servicepeople who have died in Iraq. We also honor all of the people in our own communities and around the world who have died as a result of the Bush administration's policies. In their own words, here is what the organizers of the counter-inaugural activities supported by UFPJ have to say: From DC Anti-War Network: “RISE Against Bush, SHINE For A Peaceful Tomorrow: Every morning, the sun rises up, penetrating and overcoming the darkness of night. What once was dark becomes bright, changed by the force of the sun’s rays. Our world is in darkness tonight, plagued with war, poverty, environmental destruction, and attacks on many of the liberties that so many of us hold dear. The darkness over our world has grown yet darker with the election of George W. Bush to another 4 years in office. In the dark of the night, we need only wait for the sun. However, in the dark of our world, we cannot wait. If we are to see a new dawn, we must take action now. The DC Anti-War Network (DAWN) calls on the people of the world to RISE Against Bush and SHINE For A Peaceful Tomorrow. “DAWN calls for people all over the nation and world to converge on Washington, DC, on the day of George W. Bush’s Inauguration, January 20, 2005, for peaceful anti-war actions. While DAWN is coordinating with many groups for a day of actions, DAWN calls additionally for these specific actions: (1) A permitted nonviolent anti-war rally followed by a march to Bush’s inaugural parade route; (2) A nonviolent civil disobedience die-in, following the rally, in memorial to the dead at the hands of Bush and his Administration.” For more information, visit http://www.dawndc.net
"Turn Your Back on Bush is a new kind of event in an old tradition: direct nonviolent action. In the past four years, Bush has made it clear that dissent is unwelcome in his America, and his policies have created an atmosphere where demonstrators are corralled and their messages marginalized. Polls show that the majority of Americans disagree with Bush on numerous issues, but by refusing to talk to anyone but the most subservient press outlets and appearing only in highly staged events, he has cut himself off from all but his most ardent supporters. We want our audience with our President. ”On inauguration day, we will gather as citizens for the public events of the day and join the rest of the crowd. At a given signal, we will turn our backs. Until the moment we turn around, there will be nothing to distinguish us from the rest of the crowd. By leaving our signs and buttons at home, we will avoid all of the obstacles that Bush and his supporters have used to keep anyone who disagrees with him out of sight. For this one moment we will speak as one and show Bush that winning an election does not mean he has the support of all Americans." For more information, visit Thank you, Nancy, Captain Sally (thanks to the AWorlder who coined that title--it is perfect), and all the astrologers and posters who make AW such a relief and pleasure. Happy Yule and 2005 to all. And to all AWs who reside in Florida--my local Dem Women's Club will be working on a state constitutional amendment to mandate paper trails and quality control checks on all voting machines. We'll need 600,000+ valid signatures after we get the wording, etc. Right now we are contacting national verified voting groups and FL voting rights groups that might be interested in working on this. Please excuse this shameless advertisement--but it is important to vote with confidence that your vote will be counted. You know? Thanks again. Posted by: Barbara on December 24, 2004 03:05 AMI was actually addressing my question to those who -- and wv comes to mind, no offense -- seem to have a dislike of Hillary. And, as far as attack machines go, they'll do that to anyone who runs (think SwiftBoat Vets) and, with all the newsink already spilled about Hillary, I think much of it would, in the Public's Mind, be "old news" from the K. Starr days. Again, I'm just curious how that mindset works. Posted by: Jonathan on December 24, 2004 03:19 AMOCUS | Electors Call for National Voting Reforms Jonathan, PQOP Posted by: Pat on December 24, 2004 05:16 AMThese are the facts: 1/ The U.S. is STILL torturing people (many totally innocent of any crime) in both Iraq and Cuba. The torture continues months after the Abu Gharib scandal broke 2/ We as a nation are bankrupt. If this was not the U.S., all the central banks of Asian countries would already have pulled the plug and we would be in an Argentina style freefall 3/ Even if you supported the invasion (which most thinking people clearly did not) it was so grossly mishandled in every way to be beyond scandalous: far too few troops, almost no armored vehicles, not enough heavy artillery, no plan to stabilize the country OR EVEN SECURE THE MUNITIONS DUMPS!!, no cultural sensitivity causing more recruits for the domestic insurgency and Al Qaeda, etc. 4/ Many more Americans in poverty, huge tax cuts in "wartime" for the richest Americans 5/ Constant changes to regulatory policy giving more control of the environment to polluters, logging companies, energy cartels, etc. And as we all know this is just the tip of the iceberg. How can anyone take America seriously as a two party democracy if the Democrats proceed as this is "business as usual" after another obviously stolen election?? What good is working for candidates, contributing money, writing letters to editors, or even voting, when everything can be settled inside a group of computers owned by companies supporting Bush?? I have no answers at this point, only these questions. I keep waiting for the "breakthrough" Bushco scandal, but thus far to no avail. PatC, yes I am older. but i'm jung in spirit. jeffk is like the son i never had. SuzieLiberal, i did mention that i'm married but i'm on record as taking on extra wives some months back. i think we had an internet wedding on a thread or something like that (do you remember who you are?). Sharon, jeffk is a pseudonym but not for me. the provocative, dyslexic haxor is the pseudonym of "lowtax" publisher of
mimi,thanks for the link. i'm frustrated in dc because our stupid broadband service is so overloaded i can't get to it. more tomorrow (today). Posted by: mike on December 24, 2004 07:48 AMLatest Breaking News: (finally, something good)
Continuing the current trend of large-scale mergers and acquisitions, it was announced today at a press conference that Christmas and Hanukkah will merge. An industry source said that the deal had been in the works for about 1,300 years, ever since the rise of the Muslim empire. While details were not available at press time, it is believed that the overhead cost of having 12 days of Christmas and eight days of Hanukkah was becoming prohibitive for both sides. By combining forces, we're told, the world will be able to enjoy consistently high-quality service during the 15 Days of Christmukah, as the new holiday is being called. Massive layoffs are expected, with lords a-leaping and maids a-milking being the hardest hit. As part of the conditions of the agreement, the letters on the dreidel, currently in Hebrew, will be replaced by Latin, thus becoming unintelligible to a wider audience. Also, instead of translating to "A great miracle happened there," the message on the dreidel will be the more generic "Miraculous stuff happens." In exchange, it is believed that Jews will be allowed to use Santa Claus and his vast merchandising resources for buying and delivering their gifts. In fact, one of the sticking points holding up the agreement for at least 300 years was the question of whether Jewish children could leave milk and cookies for Santa even after having eaten meat for dinner. A breakthrough came last year when Oreos were finally declared to be kosher. All sides appeared happy about this. A spokesman for Christmas, Inc., declined to say whether a takeover of Kwanzaa might not be in the works as well. He merely pointed out that, were it not for the independent existence of Kwanzaa, the merger between Christmas and Hanukkah might indeed be seen as an unfair cornering of the holiday market. Fortunately for all concerned, he said, Kwanzaa will help to maintain the competitive balance. He then closed the press conference by leading all present in a rousing rendition of "Oy, Nancy, thanks for a wonderful article; Happy Holidays and have a safe enjoyable vacation! Jonathan, my dislike of Hillary has nothing to do with her gender or her til now frustrated ambitions. It has to do with the fact that she along with Dick 'Turncoat'Morris were chiefly responsible for Clinton's extreme 'centrist' agenda which waged political war on the poor. I also totally lost it when she, along with Kerry, gave *ush the authorization to go to invade Iraq on the flimsiest of evidence that she as a very astute, intelligent woman had to know was patently false. For political expediency, she compromised her integrity to placate the repugs, and to what end? Death for US TROOPS AND IRAQUI CIVILLIANS. Posted by: soulchild on December 24, 2004 02:52 PMMike! Tis the day before Christmas and all through my house, the only one not shopped out, cooked out and stressed out may be that little mouse! Sat down with a much needed morning cup of coffee and decided to take an already much needed break before getting into yet another holiday chore to read what's going on here on my favorite site. Your "Breaking News" about Christmas and Hanukkah had me laughing my head off ... thanks so much for that clever and oh-so-funny piece and I shall now face the rest of my crazy day here with a smile .. and no doubt I'll be humming "Oy, Come All Ye Faithful" the rest of the afternoon! To all here - thanks for all the wonderful articles and comments over the past year and for always making this site a refuge in good times and bad. May the coming New Year bring light within and light without and peace be our gift to each other and the world. You are, each and every one of you, a blessing! Posted by: Siobhan on December 24, 2004 02:53 PMDitto, Siobhan I sent out that wonderful Christmas/Hanukah piece to everyone I know and they will enjoy it tremendously. In many cases there is already a Christmas/Hanukah merger in their families (What do you call the child of a Catholic and a Jew? A Cashew!) I did have to make one change to the Christmas/Hanukah piece though. Oreos have to be kosher/pariv, not just kosher, so they can be eaten immediately after meat (otherwise you must wait a set number of hours ranging from 3 for some Jews to 6 for others). Pariv means no meat or dairy was used - just vegetable substitutes for dairy, along with gums I guess, and hopefully not too many chemicals. There are surprisingly good pariv desserts, ranging from cheese danish to boston cream pie that use no dairy whatsoever! On that note, Merry Christmas Everyone! May the spirit of Christmas warm you, grace you, and fill you with love and peace, as it will. Posted by: Sharon on December 24, 2004 04:26 PMHallaluya! US families of dead raise 600,000 dollars for Fallujah refuge http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=1506&e=... Families of US troops killed in the offensive on the Iraqi city of Fallujah are to travel to Jordan next week with 600,000 dollars worth of humanitarian aid for refugees of the attack. The November assault on Fallujah left 71 US military dead, according to the families, and the Iraqi government said more than 2,000 Iraqis were killed. "This delegation is a way for me to express my sympathy and support for the Iraqi people," said Rosa Suarez of Escondido in California. "The Iraq (news - web sites) war took away my son's life, and it has taken away the lives of so many innocent Iraqis. It is time to stop the killing and to help the children of Iraq," she added in a statement released by the families.
http://sfgate.com/comics/fiore/ Posted by: wv on December 24, 2004 06:05 PM
Dear Pat, I agree Chelsea would be a great president--but I think she is too aware of politics to be interested. (Like she knows how sausage is made so doesn't eat it.) That being said, running for political office is like running a gauntlet. Let us help and support any decent person who is willing to make the sacrifice Posted by: Barbara on December 24, 2004 10:33 PMHey Laura, In a vision (that I see in that state before you go to sleep), I am watching a newscasts from the future, that just sends shockwaves through America. It's very complex and involves voter fraud and foriegn powers working within the Bush admin. In the vision, the newscaster is explaining a fairly complex plot by the Bush admin. Short clips are shown of a aerial view of a foriegn capital (a white doomed structure) and interviews with computer specialists. Does thins ring a bell with others? Let me know your opinions. Posted by: Travis on December 25, 2004 12:30 AMMerry Christmas everyone! I wish for you all to have healthy happy families in the coming new year, and to be surrounded by love. It looks like things are gonna heat up pretty quickly, let's all send out our best vibes into the world for peace & safety: http://www.breakfornews.com/articles/KerryPreparingGroundsToUnconcede.htm Posted by: Peg on December 25, 2004 02:34 PMI just read a long artical that makes a pretty good case for Bush being very ill with a heart condition. If I am able to put the link here and you go to it, be sure to look at the picture of him in the T shirt. If the buldge in the back had been a listing device, he would probably not have had it on at this time. But he sould have had ona medical device. How does this look astrologically? Also remembering that he is under the presidential profesy (curse) being elected in a 0 year and with Neptune moving toward 17 Aquirus. Which defines the president leaving office early. He also had Jupiter conjunct Saturn just before his first term in office which Regan did not have and the only president since 1840 who did not have that conjunction. Atlanta Independent Media Center (((i))): newswire/35360 Travis, very interesting indeed. I haven't had any strong feeling of what exactly is going to bring Bush down but I do think something very important will. Stealing an election is as good as anything, and then we have proof of a presidential okay on torture, which is not good at all and could lead to an extreme scandal. We shall see. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all. My 2 1/2 year-old grandson is with me this Christmas morning and it is full of joy and wonder. Posted by: Laurie on December 25, 2004 03:50 PMHope it's not a health condition that gets him, as that would generate sympathy for him. I want to see him be held accountable for his actions without a false sense of sympathy. Posted by: Sharon on December 25, 2004 05:20 PMhey, MIMI, great pic, nice ax. thanks for sharing. sioban, keey the faith. i've become buddies w/some DUers from your state. things will change, about the time the state goes bankrupt. happy festibus to all Posted by: mike on December 25, 2004 07:59 PMThanks Mike! We are keeping the faith here - not easy at times living in a red state but keeping hope alive that things will indeed change. Wishing you a "Happy Festivus" too (what a giggle, thanks for that!)! Off to watch Dickens "Christmas Carol" right now .. the original and still the best old version with Alistar Cook. So many lessons in that story that could pertain to today as well. To quote Tiny Tim "God bless us every one!" I hope my best Christmas gift is still to come ... Kerry coming out and actually un-conceding! Can we hope?!!!! Posted by: Siobhan on December 25, 2004 08:54 PMBest of the season to all! Has anyone else gotten a Trojan virus warning when accessing the "Ephemerides" site (on the right-hand side-bar under "Astro Information")? I did. Posted by: alisanon on December 25, 2004 09:00 PM
Hey Jean, I would like to hear what your friend says about what kind of vibes she's getting. I would like to see how ours compare. Anyway, I want to wish everyone a very happy holidays. I just ate a huge prime rib with all the trimmings. Time for a nap. Posted by: Travis on December 25, 2004 11:49 PMbad vibes like this? http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/article.asp?id=2596 anyway, here's my present to ya'll: http://www.john-lennon.com/happyxmas.ra Posted by: Peg on December 26, 2004 02:38 AMPeg - horrid report! Can this have any truth to it? How reliable is that site?? This is pretty scarey stuff. Talk about "bad vibes" .. I hope this is not the bad vibe that Jean's friend or Travis have been wondering about. Anybody else read this????? Don't think I'm going to have sugarplums dancing around in my head tonight after reading all that ... too much doom and gloom and I only hope this is only one of those doomsday sites that are full of hot air and not much else. Posted by: Siobhan on December 26, 2004 04:25 AMBy now most of you have probably heard of the massive earthquake that hit Sumatra with the resulting tidal waves in the Indian Ocean. As of now over 3,000 people are reported dead. Richter scale reported at 8.9 for this one. Resulting tremors are measuring as high as 7.0. Posted by: Shade on December 26, 2004 01:43 PMTravis Peg Ring of Fire is very active; Gaia is restless; changes to pray about Shade. Posted by: Jill G on December 26, 2004 02:07 PMBREAKING: Earthquake, Tidal Waves Kill Thousands in Asia
Full Moon http://www.mountainastrologer.com/planettracks/charts/can1204full.html Posted by: Pat C on December 26, 2004 04:22 PMHey Jean, about your post earlier regarding Bush's possible heart condition, there is some astrological evidence of this. His Leo ascendent in his natal rules the heart, but he has Pluto right on his rising. I interpret this to mean that the powerful energy of Pluto works on a physical plane in regards to Bush outer(physical) self. The Rising is how others often see us, and therefore, Pluto, when poorly aspected, can manfest itself on the physical plain; in Bush's case, the heart. Posted by: Travis on December 26, 2004 07:32 PMOMG the total deaths after the earthquake/tsunami is over 11,000. May they be escorted by the highest order straight to their highest destination. Posted by: Pat C on December 26, 2004 09:04 PMI know I've been having weird, bad, unexplained feelings for about the 2/3 days before Christmas. I know someone intimately with family in the hardest hit area of India, I can't get ahold of him, or get settled down :( About the Houston posting of the 27th, I've been following it pretty closely, but have no real news or opinions on it. All I know is that the period from Merc. direct to this full moon has been a doozy! My 72 yr. old dad had an emergency medical problem Wed., he's still kickin' but not out of the woods. Christmas was spent being very grateful we've still got him around. The death toll from the earthquake is still rising. This is awful. My thoughts are with the victims and their families. Posted by: Dave on December 26, 2004 09:35 PMUsing Astrodienst, and (not knowing the exact long and lat) Banda Aceh as the place, the chart that was produced had 27 Scorp at the MH--Mars was at 1 deg Sagittarius. It would be interesting if someone with more sophisticated software/technique could tell us the exact MH for the correct long and lat. Posted by: alisanon on December 26, 2004 11:39 PMEric Francis has posted charts now. Ignore mine. Posted by: alisanon on December 26, 2004 11:45 PMHey, Travis, I think something big will happen but I'm not sure what the scandal could be that would turn the corporate media and the military industrial complex which in GE's case one in the same against their source of power our fair Shrub. A couple of months ago I was channel surfing and I happened upon this channel and this preacher was pondering why the US wouldn't or couldn't come to the defense of Israel if she were attacked. One was that the oil fields in Saudi Arabia would be attacked and our oil-dependent economy would shatter and our country would come to a stand still. Coincidentally,, I heard a couple of days ago that some Islamic radicals had ordered the Saudi oil fields destroyed to punish the US mainly for invading and occupying Iraq. I believe that eventually the war in Iraq will become so unpopular that the White House is going to turn on the neocons (many of them Jews like Wolfowitz and Pearle) and the influence of Israel on the decision to invade Iraq and general influence on our radical foreign policy will be exposed. Because of this I believe that American Jews will come under increasing attack and they will be deported to Israel. I think some of this anti-Semitism has already begun with the right wings newest huff and puff over the supposed 'Christ' being taken out of Christmas alledgedly by secular Jews in Hollywood. Just MHO!!!!!! Nancy said: "Perhaps more interesting, and more significant for the longer term, is the stationary and then retrograde movement of progressed Mars. The station suggests a kind of stuckness to our military activity, neither moving forward nor backward. Our current quagmire in Iraq, where we are mired up to our eyeballs, is a case in point. As the retrograde movement gains momentum in 2007 and beyond, it may be that the US becomes increasingly unwilling to jump into military adventures, tending to demur for long periods before acting (retrograde Mars, especially in Libra). Very strong transits to US natal Mars notwithstanding, such as the Uranus transit of 2008, the US may have a welcome relapse of the Vietnam Syndrome, and be very hesitant to thrust itself aggressively into world affairs without a very clear, compelling reason, as well as significant international support (Libra)." Beautiful, that's my take as well. Thanks, great article. Posted by: Vis Numar on December 27, 2004 01:24 AMholy *hit peg, what was that. something big is going to happen but i hope it's not that. things have been going so wrong for so long, it's about time for a break. "here he comes to save the day, that means that might mouse is on the way."
http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,5092438-103677,00.html Posted by: wv on December 27, 2004 03:31 AMSo "you break it, you own it" is the principle on which policy is being based. Using that metaphor, we not only broke it, we're still stomping on it, beating it with purse, and screaming at others to help pulverize it. Somehow, we think that by continuing to break it, nobody will notice and make us pay for it. It's like when somebody waves at you on the street, you wave back, but then you realize that you don't know the person who waved at you, so you continue making weird arm motions to prevent embarassment. Our behavior in Iraq is kind of like that. In Iraq, we broke it. It's time to pay and leave. Posted by: Dave on December 27, 2004 03:57 AMThe Winter of OUR Discontent! If you doubt we'be been robbed, check out thest statistics: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=203x197878 TIA (TruthIsAll) has been doing statistical analyses of the presidential election for the past 10-12 months. His "forensic" work is compelling and quite amazing. We don't have to prove fraud with a smoking gun, the statistics prove that this was stolen. Cheers! Happy Winter Solstice. can't wait for the next full moon, "the day the world stood still" Posted by: mike on December 27, 2004 07:07 AMThe death toll from the tidal waves is now up to 21,000. Awesome. Posted by: Pat C on December 27, 2004 03:01 PMDid Mother Nature just trump 911? I have been taking in the devastation of yesterday's earthquake in the Sumatra/Asia Minor area. 8.9 on the Richter scale. Some of the astrological readings prior to yesterday's quake were picking up some major disturbance with connections to 911. The actual astrological readings of the quake also point to a connection to that disaster. 911 was a manmade disaster, with phallic symbols very prominent--the buildings destroyed, the planes used as missiles. 911 changed the world as we knew it - forcing suppression--Will this earthquake change the world as we know it--Offering Cooperation, forcing the use of new ways/energies that have been suppressed? Will the next few years move us to Unity- just as 911 showed us Suppression? My sympathy/compassion goes to all the people involved. I am not able to comprehend the shock/pain/chaos they are experiencing. I give thanks to their Higherselves for stepping forward to experience this and give the rest of us some lessons. Will we pick up the gift they have tossed to us. Blessings to all of you and to Sally and all the astrologers for giving us this site!! Trudy Posted by: Trudy on December 27, 2004 05:44 PMtoday, Dec 27, 2004, i have Transiting Venus Trine Natal Pluto (2nd) & ask me anything. Posted by: mike on December 27, 2004 08:46 PMThe 9/11 resonance with the tsunami points to the following question: When 9/11 happened, the whole world showed our country enormous support. In the aftermath of the earthquake/tsunamic, will the US do the same for them? That's my take on the issue. Posted by: Dave on December 27, 2004 09:00 PMHope you all had a wonderful christmas. I have just come across an article which states that the * regime is in the process of putting in place a taxation structure which would hit the richer states in the US--undermining their wealth. Interesting, they are dominantly democratic, peace oriented states. Observing things from outside of the US, I am coming to the conclusion that many of *'s regimes policies are actually beginning to look as policy and not necessarily just stupidity. Recruits for the military, I believe have usually come from the poorer states. This would also lead to a growth industry in the security industry and the security facilities that would be required to contain and control any and all dissenters. Hopefully, I am wrong. What are the chances of a military revolt?? Trudy Posted by: Trudy on December 27, 2004 10:07 PMtrudy, the chances for such a revolt would seem to be rare. i was going to say 'about zero' but i remem bered that there was a mutiny that wasn't called that in iraq. national guard truck drivers refused a suicide mission and the army didn't really know what to do with them. i just saw an article today about one of the drivers. if there is anything like this or a somewhat larger scale, it will blow everybody's mind, literally. i do not see a full scale revolt by the military, a al argentina. there may be some heavy duty stuff behind the scenes however. you intuition may tap into the revulsion the traditional conservative community is showing toward giving promotions and new positions to 'neocons.' the armed forces can't be too happy either. when bush becomes too much of an inconvenience, we'll have a manufactured crisis and removal if necessary to "prove the system works." hahaha...oh yeah, we got rid of nixon and everything was just fine. Posted by: mike on December 27, 2004 10:37 PMIsrael's Secret Weapon Broadcast on BBC Two on Monday, 17 March, 2003 This film is the story of the bomb, Vanunu and Israel's wall of silence. Click here to watch it online. One of the stunning aspects of the earthquake and Tsunami is that it affected the earth's rotation and moved Indonesia 1/4 mile. It was strong enough to shake the entire planet. Posted by: M. on December 27, 2004 11:53 PMM, GAIA is obviously had enough of our nonsense. we'll get more and more reminders until we wake up, leave our trance world behind and all the fantasies of omnipotence and grandeur. how hard is it to figure out? stop killing each other, care for all living things, work together. simple platform. Posted by: mike on December 28, 2004 12:02 AMMike, I'm viewing this as an omen too. A wake-up call that we ignore at our peril. This has struck me so forcibly that I want to shout out to the world, "Don't you onderstand, this made the entire planet move". Posted by: M. on December 28, 2004 12:40 AMMother Nature is unsettled, and a lot of people are unsettled. What bothers me is the large number of people who are totally clueless. I think others have posted this link on this board before, but a good insight into the military--at least the enlisted, non-coms, and junior officers is and http://www.globalsecurity.org/ and http://www.military.com/Opinions/ Posted by: Barbara on December 28, 2004 01:01 AMI'm very interested in learning where you heard that this recent earthquake made the Earth move and moved Indonesia a 1/4 of a mile. Not that I doubt you at all. I just think that those happenings are absolutely fascinating and I'd like to share it with some people I know and I KNOW they'll ask me where I heard it and want a link, if possible. Thanks! Posted by: Jonathan on December 28, 2004 01:50 AMI also heard it, on the 6 pm news, Jonathon, but I haven't looked up a link. Posted by: Sharon on December 28, 2004 02:08 AMHeard that it affected the entire planet earlier in the day on CNN, and then at 5pm (NY time) CNN spoke of the moving of 1/4 mile, affecting the earth's rotation and said it shook the planet like a bell. Haven't read it so I can't provide a link. Posted by: M. on December 28, 2004 02:46 AMFrankly, folks I think this horrible event was manufactured by the secret government, the Illuminati, whatever you want to call "them" via HAARP or Project Cloverleaf. Something is not kosher with this. I just have a gut feeling. You can call me a conspiracy theorist, I don't care. This is way beyond weird.... Patricia Posted by: Patricia on December 28, 2004 02:58 AMI think they were wrong when they said also the poor countries didn't have Tsunami warning systems because they'd never had tsunamis! mimi Posted by: mimi on December 28, 2004 03:20 AMPatricia, they may be bad, but only mother nature would be capable of something of this magnitude. Now, whether there are long term earth balance issues from one cause or another, that is another story. If you take a look at the US Geological Survey website, http://earthquake.usgs.gov/ a site that tracks global earthquakes, they have many different maps and data you can look at. Some additional info: “(AP) -- Scientists describe Sunday's devastating earthquake off the island of Sumatra as a "megathrust" -- a grade reserved for the most powerful shifts in the Earth's crust. The term doesn't entirely capture the awesome power of the fourth largest earthquake since 1900, or the tsunami catastrophes it spawned for coastal areas around the Indian Ocean. Despite its awesome power, the quake itself was not much of a surprise, scientists said Monday. Sumatra is one of the most earthquake-prone places in the world, sitting atop one of the handful of sites where several plates of the planet's crust overlap and grind. Colossal pressures build up over decades, only to release in a snap. "These subduction zones are where all the world's biggest earthquakes are produced," said geologist Kerry Sieh of the California Institute of Technology. "Sunday was one of the biggest earthquakes in the region in the past 200 years." How powerful? By some estimates, it was equal to detonating a million atomic bombs. Sieh and other scientists said it probably jolted the planet's rotation. "It causes the planet to wobble a little bit, but it's not going to turn Earth upside down," Sieh said” cont… “Researchers also speculated on the extent to which the jolt might have changed Sumatra's coastline. Extensive damage and flooding was preventing investigators from immediately reaching the scene. http://www.cnn.com/2004/TECH/science/12/27/quake.seismic.ap/index.html Patricia, here's a link to reuters that mentions krakatoa http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/SP134319.htm Posted by: Jeanie on December 28, 2004 03:50 AMA more plausible figure heard on the European news said the plates shifted 10 meters (about 30 feet) - which is already a lot! Posted by: terri on December 28, 2004 04:24 AMHere's More, this one says 20 meters. Deadly quake rattled Earth orbit, changed map of Asia: geophysicists
The 9.0-magnitude temblor that struck 250 kilometers (155 miles) southeast of Sumatra island Sunday may have moved small islands as much as 20 metres, according to one expert.
"Based on seismic modeling, some of the smaller islands off the southwest coast of Sumatra may have moved to the southwest by about 20 metres. That is a lot of slip." http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/124431/1/.html Here's a link that says 20 meters:
The 9.0-magnitude temblor that struck 250 kilometers (155 miles) southeast of Sumatra island Sunday may have moved small islands as much as 20 metres, according to one expert.
"Based on seismic modeling, some of the smaller islands off the southwest coast of Sumatra may have moved to the southwest by about 20 metres. That is a lot of slip." http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/124431/1/.html Sorry for the double post didn't see it come up after several refreshes so I did it again. Posted by: M. on December 28, 2004 05:51 AMoh Peg, here is something that might interest you regarding the us army and its current level of being pissed-off. this is a retired col., columnist at the col. hackworth site. it's very intresting: Posted by: mike on December 28, 2004 07:59 AMGood question! How can religious people explain something like this??? http://www.guardian.co.uk/print/0,3858,5092676-103677,00.html Posted by: wv on December 28, 2004 10:41 AM
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6667405/#041227a Posted by: wv on December 28, 2004 10:57 AM
http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/printer_122804A.shtml Posted by: wv on December 28, 2004 11:14 AMHey Fellow Astroworlders, Today is my 50th birthday! Thanks for being a part of my world. ps I am now too old to be drafted . Posted by: bhakti on December 28, 2004 02:05 PMI''m wishing you a wonderfully happy birthday bhakti! Fifty is a great number, and I hope you enjoy it throughout the entire year. Posted by: Pat C on December 28, 2004 02:35 PMHappy, Happy Birthday to you, bhakti!! I'll read that article mike, thank you. The military has only begun it's transformation, it's going to be "interesting" to watch, I think. I've found the explanation on the 27th/Houston story: http://www.thetruthseeker.co.uk/article.asp?ID=2625 These nut stories seem to have a life of their own on the net and are eagerly accepted while the real plottings can go on behind the scenes. There is no doubt that we are going to have a draft and after that, an invasion of Iran and Syria…if Bush , Rove and the neocons have their collective, evil, way. Bush is going to privatize Social Security so his stock broker friends can reap rich rewards with the usual kickbacks for Bush and his closest aides. So to cover up these nasty doings, we can expect to see a flood of camouflaging radar chaff pouring out from down the hall from me. I advise to you be careful of biting on any of this. People like you will be sent reams of what at first glance appears to be a red hot story. It will be completely fake and easily proven as such. Once you bite and publish, a paid pundit from the New York Times will publish a devastating refutation of it.........." people like me & you, Patricia, who love conspiracy theories are in big trouble, lol Trudy, excellent points. Posted by: Peg on December 28, 2004 02:37 PMHappy Birthday Bhakti! and happy 13th anniversary... glad you were able to share with family and friends... have a wonderful day..! Posted by: Jo on December 28, 2004 02:46 PMEARTHQUAKES: Natural or Man-Made? http://www.newdawnmagazine.com/Articles/Earthquakes%20Natural%20or%20Man-made.html
happy birthday Bhakti! Thanks for the birthday greetings all! Mimi, I do Bhakti or devotional yoga, it's about chanting. We sit on the floor with comfy pillows or on a chair.I am musical so I am one of the lead chanters with live Indian music each week. A blast! Think Krishna Das. After 5 years of lead chanting as my seva I have come to see that seva is the world and our reaction to it. Seva can be a smile to a fellow human on the street. My teacher closed the ashram this year for 'her students did ot welcome each other with love'. I have grown wise in knowing that just because one has Kundalini awakening does not mean we are automatically enlightend. That takes discipline and the practices of meditation and chanting or any other the 5 branches of yoga listed above. My Capricorn birthday is so sucky each year . Why I threw an 'It's My Birthday and I'll be 50 When I Want To' party 10 days earlier. I also respond to the dark with alot of Beauty sleep, like all good hibernating bunnies. My body responds to Nature in a big way. Posted by: bhakti on December 28, 2004 03:57 PMps DUMBO = Down Under Manhattan Brooklyn Overpasses = the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge. Bhakti, and as for your birthday, we have thrown my bday is around turkey day every year or IS turkey day so I am happy with it. Amid the devastation, however, were some miraculous stories of survival. In Malaysia, a 20-day-old baby was found alive on a floating mattress. She and her family were later reunited. The two-year-old boy in Phuket was recovering after he was found sitting alone on a road. Reports said his mother was missing, but that his father had been located at a different hospital. Posted by: mimi on December 28, 2004 05:02 PMBhakti! Happy Birthday! You're one of the clearest and most positive voices on Astroworld - thanks for your frequent contributions to the blog!!! best, Happy Birthday Bhakti! Here's an end-of-the-year wrap up from James Carroll. Enjoy. JAMES CARROLL By James Carroll | December 28, 2004 THE TURNING of the year is one of the great markers. Time runs out on one period and begins anew on a next one. Memory and anticipation meet. Observing an old ritual, I pull out my thumb-worn appointment book and flip through the soiled pages to recall what 2004 was made of. Going back to last January, the notations fill me with surprise. Could it have been almost a year since that sweet night at the opera? How did all those morning meetings come to so little? Why was I traveling so much? To glimpse my life whole, week by week, is to recapitulate one of the year's great feelings -- which was, alas, of being harried. I recognize myself anew as a man at the mercy of this very book. Yet now, its blank places are what leap out at me, the unscheduled hours and days, intervals of home and intimacy of which there was no need, week by week, to be reminded. In the public realm, the year just past was passionate. The misbegotten war revealed itself explosively, especially at year's end, but it had already turned the unfolding presidential election into the meaning by which, for many, hope itself was measured. In Boston, the impossibilities of politics were defined by the counter-drama of baseball. After the World Series, Red Sox fans had to reinvent their understanding of themselves; a people doomed no longer. Such reordering of self-image was a positive version of the negative task with which, after the election, many Americans were then charged -- citizens facing the truth of their status as passengers on a death ship whose course was set without them. 2004 will be remembered not least as the year when the tragedy of Iraq showed itself fully for what it was, and when, nevertheless, those responsible for this catastrophe were recommissioned by voters to carry on. I confess that, looking back on this recent American past, I find myself deeply saddened. If that note seems unduly grave, or partisan, for this festive week, apologies. In truth, few Americans seem happy with what we are becoming. The expansive sense of historic open-endedness, so palpable across all political divides a mere five years ago, as the year 2000 was dawning, has been replaced by a national claustrophobia, with the growing suspicion that we are hedged in by walls of our own creation. Yes, fear and a sense of victimhood understandably stalked us in 2001, but instead of shaking those alien feelings off, we used them to construct an emergency garrison, from which we take aim at others, but which, also, is turning out to be our self-made brig. Iraq, above all, is our prison, the place where America has taken its own self hostage. Thousands and thousands of men, women, and children who meant us no harm are now dead because of our striking out so blindly. And many more are living on the edge of disaster. But we Americans, too, are victims of our mistake. It is not only that options in Iraq seem so limited (How, exactly, do we get out? Well, by getting out), but also that the deathtrap of that war has come to define a vast shrinking of possibility, as the shape of our new century begins to actually show itself. Only five years ago, the uncharted future was spread before us. We were an optimistic and confident people. Our firm membership in the global community was as clear as the televised sequence of midnight celebrations -- Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Delhi, Johannesburg, Paris -- that circled the earth at the glorious millennium. Watching that rotation on an axis of joy, the only "homeland" we wanted was the very planet, and our "security" was everyone's. The human family was never more aware of itself than that night, and we Americans were never more a part of it. But this year, what a lonely nation we have become. And to how many fewer peoples are we the tribune of hope. How like exile is our "homeland," and what is "security" if it depends on suspicion of those who are unlike us? The point of the New Year, traditionally, is to leave such brooding behind, but this broadly felt emotional weight is a warning that great things are at stake in America's argument with itself. Equally, it is a summons to resolution -- New Year's resolution -- to do nothing less, at last, than say no to the war in a way that will be heard. James Carroll's column appears regularly in the Globe.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_04/printer_122904Y.shtml Posted by: wv on December 28, 2004 05:52 PMHappy Birthday, Bhakti! Wishing you every Blessing: Perfect health, wisdom, joy, humor, and the continued benefits of your yoga practice. May you realize your heart's desires in this, your 50th year of new beginnings (you're now in a "1" year). May you have a strong and empowered year. May you continue to be a shining light in the world. Regarding hatha yoga, Mimi, I have gone to many classes in the last 35 years and think that any teacher worth their salt is extremely gentle with everyone, especially beginners. I have found that I am the one who pushes myself, especially when doing yoga in a class when I am trying to look good (moon in Leo) as opposed to yoga at home when I take it as slow as I need to. My husband sometimes does yoga with me, and I notice him pushing himself to the point of pain (Aries?). I once had a teacher who was more insistent and went around the room adjusting people's positions without really knowing if it was right for them. Those cases are a good test of communication and self assertion skills. If you should take yoga classes again, you could always talk to your teacher privately, or, even, publically tell them that you have to go slower. Otherwise, do it at home and set your own pace. Anyone have any good home remedies for getting rid of an ongoing chest cold and the accompanying mucose? My husband & I have been sick at least a week and are taking vitamin C, immune system building stuff, eating fruit and vegetables, drinking tea with lemon & honey. I remember using black cherry syrup and apple cider vinegar in the past, and inhaling tea tree oil, but haven't done that this time. Any suggestions? Posted by: Sharon on December 28, 2004 06:19 PMSharon, from Democratic Underground: We learned details of an election scandal in Texas: Blackwell got smeared by 100+ media outlets: Reverend Jackson wrote an inspiring letter: Kerry did file "two important motions to preserve and augment evidence of alleged election fraud" as detailed by WilliamPit and confirmed by Raw Story Labor confirmed that they would Join Count-the-Vote Rally on Jan. 3 Cobb is considering a Federal Appeal in the New Mexico Recount Obermann confirmed that there is a 1 in 3 chance of a Senator contesting the election (up from 0 a week ago) USA Today ran a story about recounts in Ohio and Washington Znet Magazine thinks that we should "Do the right thing" and fight fraud Along with the vitamins and zink, Breatheasy tea is really good. You can get it in most grocery stores. Zicam is also great. It is based in homeopathy but is now also available in grocery and drug stores. Posted by: Pat C on December 28, 2004 07:45 PMGreat post mimi...but many of the links lead nowhere! Can I find them on DU? Posted by: KM on December 28, 2004 08:10 PMBhakti, Sharon--re cold, take your sheets and pillow cases off bed every day and either put them in the wash or run them through the dryer on high for about 20 minutes. Kills the germs there so that you aren't reinfecting yourself every night. This will support everything else you are doing. Which all sounds good. A spoonful of honey or a hot toddy at bedtime will soothe the throat and cut down coughing. Toddy receipe: into one cup very hot water, stir juice of half a lemon or lime, a tablespoon of honey, and 1 to 2 ozs of bourbon or vodka. A hot bath with sea-salt in it helps, too. Posted by: Barbara on December 28, 2004 09:49 PM"Been Down So Long It Looks Like Up To Me"....that was the title of the book written by Richard Farina .....(he was married to Joan Baez's sister Mimi)....and that is the way life seems to me now.... A week ago Monday a terrible depression came over me, much like a black cloud....it comes every year, it seems....along with family deaths, pet deaths, and this year, no money, it really has been depressing. AND one of the reasons I am not fond of this season....over the last 15 years it seems that I've become depressed before big events. Gotten sick (strep throat this time). Now I am wondering if the Asian disaster of enormous proportions is that disaster this time. In some ways it ties into my past as a child in Hawaii, where I was in at least 3 large tsunamis...the first was the huge one in 1949...I was very young, and opened the front door to our home on the harbor in Kahului, Maui, only to find that the water was up to the door sills and running past the house, going inland (it went 1/2 mile inland and left sharks on main street). Since the houses are all built 4 feet above ground, we weren't hurt, but hundreds of people did die in Japan and elsewhere (the Kona Coast of the Big Island got hit hard). And I also remembered that I had read that the seismic readings in central CA were sending vibrations from 40 miles down, deeper than any readings they had ever had - EVER- and that the scientists were puzzled and alarmed....could this have been the precurser to that quake off Sumatra? Was this a monumental shift? Seems as if Edgar Casey was right....60 years ago he prophesized these events. My art rep has a niece married to a fellow from Sri Lanka...they just adopted a baby and returned from Sri Lanka 2 weeks ago today. They have lost many friends and some family...every time I hear a report the figures are skyrocketing. It is now 60,000 dead around the region..... I believe that this will change the political future of this administration....but I cannot tell you why, or how....but it will. Nature's hand is one B* cannot trump. Bhakti, the only time I was under a bridge in Manhattan was the 57th street bridge...seems as if they had a nice collection of discarded furniture there! Happy 50th.... Posted by: judi gemini on December 28, 2004 10:17 PMIf you want to read about those seismic readings in CA (I wish I knew enough to even give credance to there being a possible connection to the Sumatra Quake)...http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2004/12/10/MNGJRA9UQA1.DTL This was a story from Dec 10...Tremors rock earth deep beneath San Andreas Fault Mysterious tremors deep beneath the San Andreas Fault near the quake- prone town of Parkfield are shaking the earth's brittle crust, far below the region where earthquakes normally strike -- and scientists say they can't understand what's happening or what the motions mean. Seismic researchers are monitoring the strange vibrations closely. But whether the faint underground tremors -- termed "chatter" by some seismologists -- portend an increased likelihood of a major quake in the area is an unsolved puzzle. Posted by: judi gemini on December 28, 2004 10:23 PMI forgot to add....my art rep told me that one of the reasons the beaches were so crowded with people in Sri Lanka is that is always the high season....and in addition, the Buddhists have their full moon celebration on the beaches, also....and it was also a full moon. One of her nieces sister in laws said that she did not want to go to Sri Lanka this year, as they always had done...because she had a "bad feeling" about it...so they didn't go. Posted by: judi gemini on December 28, 2004 10:30 PMNancy, Isabelle, Sally: Thanks for your fine pieces. Your various insights and points of view are always interesting to read and digest. I'm having some real problems now and I can not sit in front of the computer. Did want to pass on this piece to AW readers. ..written by Henry Reed in Edgar Cayce on Channeling Your Higher Self about Eugen Herrigel’s experience chronicled in the book, Zen in the Art of Archery: ...Eugen Herrigel, a German philosopher, traveled to Japan to learn about Zen. The Zen masters wanted nothing to do with him, assuming his interest to be an intellectual one only. By consistently demonstrating his personal sincerity, however, he finally was able to begin instruction under Master Kenzo Awa, the revered archer. For four years Herrigel found himself engrossed in the challenge of learning how to draw the long and very stiff Japanese bow. How to release the arrow smoothly was even more difficult. Like learning ballet, Zen archery required both extreme physical effort and learning how to move gracefully through unfamiliar and awkward gestures. It required learning the mysterious secret of getting out of his own way and letting the movements flow. There was also the matter of disciplining his breath. He was learning that Zen archery is a form of meditation. During this time, he shot at no target. The target, he learned, was an inward one - a state of mind. Learning to draw and release the arrow properly required developing this state of mind. It was truly a spiritual discipline. Finally, during the fifth year, the master brought out a target and demonstrated shooting at it. Herrigel saw that this master could repeatedly hit the center of the target without apparently aiming the bow. He watched closely and confirmed that his master’s eyes were barely open and that he did not take aim. He joked that his master had learned to shoot in his sleep. Herrigel’s remark resulted in an invitation to return to the master’s studio that night. The master then revealed an amazing secret about the Zen art of archery. In pitch blackness, the master quickly loosed an arrow, an then another, at the target some sixty feet away. When Herrigel found his way to the target, he discovered that the first arrow had hit the center. The second arrow had penetrated and split the first! Herrigel wondered how a person could hit the target without being able to see it. If the first arrow was some combination of luck and experience, what about the second arrow? The master explained that we believe we need our eyes to see because we believe the world is out there beyond us. If you separate yourself from the target you then have to learn the trick of how to hit it with the arrow. He advised that the art is to become one with the target, allowing the ar row to return to its natural home. He said that an archer who aims the arrow at the target is merely a trick shooter. The archer who becomes the target is on the path to realizing Zen’s great Secret.
OG Posted by: old granny on December 28, 2004 10:36 PMFor colds and flu, a very wise soul I know told me about Elderberry Syrup, available at health food stores. We just had a bout of flu in my home and this cut the misery in half and accelerated the healing to an amazing degree compared to friends who also had it. Posted by: M. on December 28, 2004 10:55 PMThank you very much, everyone, for the good advice on getting rid of our colds. Cold Eze, Breatheasy tea, Elderberry syrup sound like just the ticket. We do imbide hot toddys (with a shot of slivovitch, a Christmas gift from Hungry) and spoon down honey, Barbara, but I felt I needed to go deeper into my lungs so I started sniffing teatree oil today. It's a great disinfectant. I really like the advice about changing the linens. I'll do it often, I'm not sure about everyday, maybe every other day? I have had a feeling that my husband & I are re-infecting each other but he thinks that's not happening. Judy Gemini, you write such graphic, descriptive entries. At least three tsunamis! Sharks in the street! What an experience. I have always feared tsunamis - I'm not sure why - past life thing maybe. It's nice to know people do survive them and more would have with an early warning system. Do you really think this is what Casey predicted? I can understand your being depressed. Being sick has me depressed, too. And, in fact, I used to get depressed every June. It took me many, many years to throw it off, to understand it. (I have 5 Pisces placements including the north node and Gemini is my 12th house.) Also, in terms of getting work, I hope you can find new ways to market your talents in the new year. I don't know your work but I'm just going to make some suggestions that may or may not fly. I remember that you're an illustrator in the advertising and commercials business. Maybe you could go off in a whole new direction. Do you do paintings and murals? I have a friend who is an artist who has currently started asking her friends to commission art work from her. Maybe you could haveo some exibits? You could look at this time to go in new creative directions. Give yourself some time to feel better. Maybe do something creative just for the sake of creativity (as in "become the target"?). Or maybe, do something completely different that has nothing to do with art? But feel good first and be very loving, nurturing, patient and understanding with yourself (I hope you don't mind my making these suggestions). I wish you & all here health, happiness, and success in the New Year. May you all be in the Light always. Sharon Posted by: Sharon on December 29, 2004 01:15 AMhttp://www.expressen.se/expressen/jsp/polopoly.jsp?a=22... "Tsunami warning was stopped" Just minutes after the earthquake in the Indian Ocean on Sunday morning, Thailand's foremost meterological experts were sitting together in a crisis meeting. But they decided not to warn about the tsunami "out of courtesy to the tourist industry", write the Thailand daily newspaper The Nation. The experts got the news around 8:00 am on Sunday morning local time. An hour later, the first massive wave struck. But the experts started to discuss the economic impacts when they were discussing if a tsunami warning should be made. The main argument against such a warning was that there have not been any floods in 300 years. Also, the experts believed the Indonesian island Sumatra would be a "cushion" for the southern coast of Thailand. The experts also had bad information; they thought the tremor was 8.1. A similar earthquake occurred in the same area in 2002 with no flooding at all.
OG, I wish you the wisdom, support, peace, love & guidance you need to solve your problems. You have the support of all of us here. Sending you love & light. Let us know if we can help. Posted by: Sharon on December 29, 2004 02:14 AMOG, I wish you the wisdom, support, peace, love & guidance you need to solve your problems. You have the support of all of us here. Sending you love & light. Let us know if we can help. Posted by: Sharon on December 29, 2004 02:14 AMi am sorry about the links. i forgot that DU somehow truncates the expression of links... Happy 50th Bhakti Posted by: Jeanie on December 29, 2004 03:04 AMMimi...thanks for the link. No problem -- it happens! OG - Thanks for sharing with us those words of wisdom from Zen and the Art of Archery. [The more I learn the more it seems I have so much yet to learn - and practice!....does it seem that way to anyone else here? For all the blessed and beautiful souls here -- I echo Sharon's sentiments. Sending light and love for healing, and for support to all who require them...... KM Posted by: KM on December 29, 2004 03:21 AMSorry to post so soon - but I noticed that I didn't doublecheck the title of the piece OG posted....Zen and something- but it was Zen "IN" the Art of Archery. I typed what I thought was the title and meant to check and edit before posting....distractable these days! Posted by: KM on December 29, 2004 03:24 AMThanks everyone for the links you provided. And Joanna O. I was especially interested in the one your posted. Anyhoo I'm still in the conspiracy mode.... Here's an article that I found "interesting". http://www.worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=42142 Probably a lot of hooey. Patricia old granny, i just love you and your posts! i'm praying that your going to be alright... Posted by: rubaiat on December 29, 2004 04:48 AM M, Perhaps elderberry supports really well the immune system. Echinachea capsules do same. I haven't been sick with infections, which are always around, since discovering that herb. Glad to know about elderberry. Posted by: JoannaOregon on December 29, 2004 11:29 AMEarthquake: Coincidence or a Corpo Oil Tragedy? On Nov 28, 1 mo ago, Reuters reported that during a 3 day span 169 whales/dolphins beached themselves in Tasmania, an island of the southern coast of mainland Australia & in New Zealand. The cause for these beachings is not known, but Bob Brown, a senator in the Australian parliament, said "sound bombing" or seismic tests of ocean floors to test for oil/gas had been carried out near the sites of the Tasmanian beachings recently. According to Jim Cummings of the Acoustic Ecology Institute, Seismic surveys utilizing airguns have been taking place in mineral-rich areas of the world’s oceans since 1968. Among the areas that have experienced the most intense survey activity are the North Sea, the Beaufort Sea (off Alaska’s North Slope), & the Gulf of Mexico; areas around Australia & S America are also current hot-spots of activity. The impulses created by the release of air from arrays of up to 24 airguns create low frequency sound waves powerful enough to penetrate up to 40km below the seafloor. The “source level" of these sound waves is generally over 200dB (& often 230dB or more), roughly comparable to a sound of at least 140-170dB in air. According to the Australian Conservation Foundation, these 200dB – 230dB shots from the airguns are fired every few sec, from 10 meters below the surface, 24 hrs/dy, weather permitting. These types of tests are known to affect whales & dolphins, whose acute hearing & use of sonar is very sensitive. On Dec 24 there was a magnitude 8.1 earthquake more than 500 mi SE of Tasmania near New Zealand, with a subsequent aftershock 6.1 a little later in the morning that same day. On Dec 26, the magnitude 9.0 earthquake struck at the intersection of the Australian tectonic plate & the India tectonic plate. This is the devastating tragedy that we have all heard about. The death toll of this horrific event has reached 52,000 souls & con't to rise. On Dec 27, 20 whales beached themselves 110 mi west of Hobart on the southern island state of Tasmania. What is interesting about this is that the same place where the whale beachings have been taking place over the last 30 days is the same general area where the 8.1 Australian earthquake took place, & this is the same area where they are doing these seismic tests. Then 2 days after the Australian tectonic plate shifted, the 9.0 earthquake shook the coast of Indonesia. A great deal of interest & seismic testing has been taking place in this area, as the govt of Australia has given great tax breaks to encourage the [boyz' goddamn] oil exploration. http://www.independent-media.tv/itemprint.cfm?fmedia_id=10211&fcategory_desc=Under%20Reported Fallujah Photos. Not for the weak. George Bush shld be forced to look at every photo, every day, for the rest of its life, as it sits behind bars for unspeakable war crimes. http://dahrjamailiraq.com/gallery/view_album.php?set_albumName=album28&page=1 The [bushadruggieholic] Legacy: Death, Destruction & Debt http://www.politicalstrategy.org/archives/000991.php Posted by: JoannaOregon on December 29, 2004 01:11 PMI just finished reading this article which explains Bush's bulge in his suite jacket during the debates and it relates to a possible medical condition. I'll post the website below with snips of the article because it's a rather long read. http://sf.indymedia.org/news/2004/12/1707988.php
His father's AF was caused by Graves' hyperthyroidism, which Barbara Bush also has. Bush Jr likely has AF and, less likely, Graves', based on his family history and symptoms. The AF may have caused a stroke or TIA (mini-stroke), of which physicians watching the debates detected symptoms. Observers have noted psychological symptoms consistent with this and with Wernicke-Korsakoff disease. NOTE: If the photos have not uploaded to this site, see also: http://colombia.indymedia.org/news/2004/12/20372.php. The LifeVest (left) has an electrode belt with four sensing/ECG electrodes. These send signals to the heart monitor/defibrillator, typically worn like a holster. When the monitor detects a life-threatening heart arrhythmia, it sends a signal to the small, handheld patient-interface module (a little like a computer "mouse" but with just buttons and alarms). The module provides an audible alarm. The user, if able to do so, depresses two buttons on the module to hold off a shock from the defibrillator. If the user faints and is unable to press the buttons, the defibrillator sends an electrical pulse to the large shocking electrode on the patient's back and a smaller one on the chest. The pulse can be repeated until the heart starts pumping blood effectively, up to five pulses. In the center photo, showing Mr. Bush and Sen. Kerry at a debate, one can clearly see the shocking electrode between the shoulder blades as well as the electrical cord leading down to the monitor/defibrillator. (As for the small square patch near Mr. Bush's ear in this photo, I do not know. It is some kind of patch -- not a video artifact.)
On January 13, 2002, President Bush lost consciousness while sitting on a couch in the White House, watching a football game. His head hit the floor, resulting in an abrasion on his left cheekbone and a small bruise on his lower lip. The incident was blamed on a combination of (a) Mr. Bush not feeling well in previous days and (b) an improperly eaten pretzel. Their combined effect was to slow the president's heart. The description suggests a vasovagal attack: A pretzel lodged in his throat stimulated the vagus nerve to send a signal to his heart, slowing it down and reducing blood flow so much he fainted, according to White House physician Col. Richard J. Tubb, M.D. ATRIAL FIBRILLATION (AF) In the January 2002 pretzel-choking episode, according to President Bush, the period of unconsciousness was brief -- a few seconds. When fainting begins and ends suddenly, the cause of fainting usually is not what his doctors reported (vasovagal syncope) but instead is an abnormal heart rhythm such as atrial fibrillation (AF). Chronic AF is consistent with Mr. Bush's requirement for constant monitoring and immediate access to defibrillation. Atrial fibrillation can lead to disastrous consequences if the patient is capable of sustaining a very rapid preexcited ventricular response with conduction over the accessory pathway. The rapid heart rate can produce syncope (fainting); or, more important, AF may cause ventricular fibrillation and sudden cardiac death. The LifeVest the president wears terminates ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia (overspeed) to prevent sudden cardiac death. This may be the reason the president wore the device during the debates, even though he risked exposing his vulnerability, especially if the device alarm sounded. According to the Framingham Offspring study of AF, a person whose parent had AF is 50 percent more likely to have it than the general population. President Bush's father had it during his presidency. While jogging at Camp David on a Saturday afternoon (May 4, 1991), Bush Sr developed shortness of breath, chest tightness, and a general feeling of fatigue. A White House physician discovered Bush had a rapid irregular heartbeat, ultimately diagnosed as atrial fibrillation caused by Graves' disease, a form of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Vagal-mediated AF is a well described phenomenon and often occurs in older athletes, which our current president, George W. Bush, is. As far as treatment, there are many different drug options. Blood thinners are often prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots. President Bush's latest medical report (December 2004) included advice to take aspirin, which is a well known anti-clotting agent. Clotting can lead to strokes, discussed later. Although atrial fibrillation usually is controllable with treatment, it may become a lasting, chronic, condition. In the president's case, it apparently has, as his physicians evidently have decided to have him wear an external device that can continuously monitor his heart and shock it back into effective operation in case of an attack. Hyperthyroidism, hypertension, and other diseases can cause arrhythmias, as can recent heavy alcohol use (binge drinking). Some cases have no identifiable cause. The president says that he stopped drinking when he was 40, so binge drinking is not an issue. However, both of his parents have the Graves' disease form of hyperthyroidism and it is hereditary and must be considered. The earliest photo I have seen of President Bush wearing the LifeVest was the one taken in August 2002. He probably started wearing the LifeVest between the January 2002 pretzel incident and this. The most likely time would seem to be after his June 28, 2002 colonoscopy, for which he was put under anesthesia at Camp David, MD -- that is, some time in July 2002. At any rate, the president bears watching for symptoms of AF, which include: heart palpitations (sensation of rapid heartbeat), irregular pulse, shortness of breath (especially during physical activity or emotional stress), chest pain (angina), weakness and fatigue, dizziness and confusion, lightheadness, or confusion. If the condition remains untreated, serious complications may occur, including stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. EVIDENCE OF STROKE OR TIA A stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack) is one possible consequence of AF itself. A TIA basically is a mini-stroke. Many observers, including physicians, have been concerned or even alarmed at the symptoms President Bush has evidenced in TV appearances. The photo below shows the drooping mouth noticed by Dr. W. Kendall Tongier, M.D. of Dallas, Texas. #file_5# After watching the third presidential debate, Dr. Tongier posted on the Dallas Morning News website about his concerns that the president may have had a stroke. Dr. Tongier has been an anesthesiologist for 15 years. His post said: "Having watched the first two debates from start to finish, I was looking forward to listening to a spirited debate between Bush and Kerry. Unfortunately, I barely heard a word that was said. Instead, I found myself staring at and concentrating on the president's drooping mouth." Hmmmmmmmmm http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2004/12/29/da_vinci_code/print.html The Da Vinci crock Recent history offers many examples of Americans' inability to tell fact from fiction, but none more tangled than the story of Dan Brown's "Da Vinci Code." The book is among the most popular novels of all time, with 8 million copies sold since its publication last year and what seems to be a permanent reserved slot on the bestseller list. You see people reading it on planes and trains, and if at a social event you happen to mention that you write about books for a living, someone is sure to pull you aside eagerly to discuss it. This baffles and annoys a lot of literary types, many of whom haven't read "The Da Vinci Code" or couldn't get past the first few hackneyed pages. Why is the public so preoccupied with this cheesy thriller? they wonder.
More.... Posted by: Pat C on December 29, 2004 02:35 PMWow! http://www.cnn.com/2004/US/12/28/tsunami.diver/index.html snip... At the airport in Bangkok, other governments had set up booths to greet nationals who had been affected and to help repatriate them, she said. That was not the case with the U.S. government, Wachs told her mother. It took the couple three hours, she said, to find the officials from the American consulate, who were in the VIP lounge. Because they had lost all their possessions, including their documentation, they had to have new passports issued. But the U.S. officials demanded payment to take the passport pictures, Helen Wachs said. More... Posted by: Pat C on December 29, 2004 04:03 PMPat C, interesting review of Da Vinci Code. I read the book and thought the appeal was that it was very like the "treasure hunt" game we used to play as children--you are given one clue which leads to the next clue, and so on. Smart parents used that at birthday parties--it had the kids running all over the yard until it was time for ice cream and cake. What amuses me is how seriously some people in the Catholic Church hierarchy seem to take it. Maybe the stuff about feminine spiritual power being repressed hits a nerve. BTW have also heard that Bridget's cauldron in Celtic lore is analogous to the Holy Grail. Posted by: Barbara on December 29, 2004 04:39 PMhttp://salon.com/news/wire/2004/12/28/relaxing/print.html Bush biking, relaxing at Texas ranch Dec. 28, 2004 | Crawford, Texas -- Besides monitoring the devastating earthquake in Southeast Asia, President Bush is biking and strolling around his ranch here and pondering tax reform and other goals in his second term. "He's clearing some brush this morning," deputy White House press secretary Trent Duffy said Tuesday, adding that the president and first lady also planned to host friends at the ranch. "He's doing some biking and exercising as he normally does, taking walks with the first lady, and thinking about what he wants to accomplish in the second term." Simplifying the tax code is among Bush's second-term goals. Duffy said Bush would name members to a bipartisan advisory panel on tax reform in coming days. He said no decisions have been made on details of a tax overhaul. "No options are off the table or on," Duffy said. Tax experts say Bush's plans to reform taxes likely will involve small changes to the current system rather than a sweeping effort to scrap the income tax for a radically new approach, such as a national sales tax. The changes Bush is expected to propose still are expected to generate opposition, especially if he suggests eliminating favored tax breaks, such as the deduction for state income tax payments. Tax experts in close contact with the administration say signs are pointing toward a plan that will seek to improve the income tax code, rather than replace it with a single-rate flat tax with no deductions, a national sales tax or Value Added Tax -- ideas that gained prominence among conservative Republicans in the 1990s. "Americans spend too much time sitting at the dinner table doing their taxes," Duffy said. "So the first step is to create a bipartisan advisory panel. "They will report back with some recommendations, and we'll move forward." Posted by: Pat C on December 29, 2004 04:46 PMBarbara, interesting on the grail. I'd like to read more on that if you have a like somewhere. The Catholic Church is really afraid of the female portion of humanity as are so my religions. What the heck is wrong with men anyway??? Posted by: Pat C on December 29, 2004 04:49 PMJeez, reading the Da Vinci code was the first time Christianity made sense to me! Oh well, opinions are like butts - everybody has one and most of 'em stink! ~D Posted by: Dommael on December 29, 2004 06:18 PMStarryNights JudiGemini sends her thanks for your suggestions. Important!!! Contact Senator Byrd!!! email: http://byrd.senate.gov/ 12/29/04 A delegation of West Virginia Citizens today met with Anne Smith, State Director of US Senator Robert Byrd's Charleston office. We presented Ms Barth with a letter to Senator Byrd requesting him to challenge the certification of the electoral votes until the legal challenges to the voting in Ohio can be resolved. Ms Barth commented that they were getting calls and messages in support of the challenge. Please take time to contact Byrd and ask him to uphold our constitutional right to a fair and open election process by challenging the electoral vote on Jan 6th. Call 202-224-3954 - Byrd's Washington Office. Ms Barth also asked for copies of NYT, Washington Post or other nationally recognized news articles on the Ohio vote situation. She specifically requested faxed copies of actual printed news articles, not web copies. Her fax number is 304-343-7144. Representatives of WV Common Cause, WV Citizen Action Group, West Virginians for HAVA (verified voting group), WV Mountain Party, WV Patriots for Peace and others attended the meeting and signed the letter. Gary Zuckett, WV Mountain Party Posted by: Pat C on December 29, 2004 09:27 PMMimi, I was thinking about your hip problem and wanted to ask if you were taking glucocimine chondroitin with MSN (I think I got that right). I had a strained or sprained wrist for a very long time (2-3 years) which I acquired shlepping too much weight at a time with that hand. I have been taking GC with MSN mostly for about 3 years and either that or time has basically healed it. Posted by: Sharon on December 29, 2004 11:11 PMThe Glucosamine Sulfate and MSM is excellent for osteoarthritis. I know about this because my mother has arthritis in her hips and knees. The only thing that has really helped her is the Glucosamine and MSM. If she quits taking it, she can barely walk! Make sure you get the good quality GS and MSM with no fillers and such. And make sure it is glucosamine SULFATE not glucosamine hydrochloride. :) Trish Posted by: Patricia on December 30, 2004 01:16 PMwazz up!! i do not know wat dis is about but i need help...i wanna be a cryptologist in the military or anywhere..doesnt matter...and im doing dis project and i desperately need to know the salaries..soo if anyone know pleazz say so..aight..layes Posted by: nina on March 2, 2005 03:47 AMohh!!! i read "The Da Vinci Code" and i thought it was fascinating..whoever said it was bad..that person is wack..its a good book that keeps u flippin pages and keeps u thinking..yeah the ending was suprising but its worth buying...GREEN DAY ROCKS!! U GO BOY!! Posted by: nina on March 2, 2005 03:55 AMI agree with you .
http://www.gruba-stare.vn.radom.pl http://blogs.cjb.net/DonJohn/
Posted by: tina on January 19, 2007 11:21 AM
Posted by: tina on January 19, 2007 11:23 AM
http://www.howlingwolfphotos.com/_disc1/00000420.htm ; http://www.gost-r.info rekrutacja, doradztwo personalne, praca, about you, praca4you Posted by: About You on June 27, 2007 10:30 AMrekrutacja, doradztwo personalne, praca, about you, praca4you Posted by: About You on June 27, 2007 10:31 AMdoradztwo personalne, praca4you doradztwo personalne, praca4you Post a comment
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