Blog Blog Woof Woof

Stairs 02 Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . I designed it to be an art deco kinda thing.

Johnny Cash Grafitti Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . This is a bldg in downtown Nashville. It's had this grafitti for quite awhile.

and in chaos My heart goes out to all the folks struggling in NOLA, one of my favorite places on the planet. I know people there and I know how tough it can be (I was there during Andrew) and apparently this is much worse. Good luck to the uptowners and the downtowners and the NO Eastsiders and the Metarie people etc.

1521 - Cortés captured Tenochtitlan , Mexico and set it on fire 1823 - Ferdinand VII was restored to the throne of Spain (Battle of Trocadero) 1836 - Henry Bliar patented his cotton planter. 1842 - Josephine Ruffin born 1870 - Maria Montessori born 1879 - Livingstone College founded 1885 - Dubose Heyward born 1887 - Thomas Montgomery Gregory born 1907 - Augustus "Gus" Hawkins born 1935 - Eldridge Cleaver born 1935 - Frank Robinson born 1936 - Marva Collins born 1945 - Itzhak Perlman born 1945 - Van Morrison born 1955 - The beaten and mutilated remains of Emmitt Till was discovered in the Tallahatchie River 1960 - Chris Whitley born 1961 - A concrete wall replaced the barbed wire fence that separated East and West Germany, it will be called the Berlin Wall . 1962 - Trinidad-Tobago proclaimed independent 1979 - Donald McHenry named to succeed Andrew Young as UN Ambassador 1983 - Brig. Gen. Hazel Johnson (the first African-American woman to reac

What is meant by nonduality, Mahatmi? It means that light and shade, long and short, black and white, can only be experienced in relation to each other; light is not independent of shade, nor black of white. There are no opposites, only relationships. In the same way, nirvana and the ordinary world of suffering are not two things but related to each other. There is no nirvana except where the world of suffering is; there is no world of suffering apart from nirvana. For existence is not mutually exclusive. Lankavatara Sutra

Well. The renovations are done and the piper must be paid. To get all these renovations done I took out a home equity loan. No big deal except the renovations have now cost more than the loan. Not a huge deal b/c I can probably bump up the loan amt, we'll see. It's nervewrecking since I also unemployed. With all of this in mind and my AMZ Music severance pay almost gone - it lasted about 50% of the time it was supposed to, of course, I did go on a honeymoon within weeks of leaving the company - Tara and I had our first budgeting talk and it went better than I expected. Like everything else Tara is organized like a mug when it comes to finance. There is no gray area, you do things by the book, you read and follow the fine print, etc. She's also quite miserly on some things, using coupons, waiting 10 days for a new movie so she can use a coupon, etc. I - as we all know - am not like that. I keep a balance on my credit card, although I go through very diligent periods, they ar

30 B.C. - Cleopatra committed suicide. 1645 - American Indians and the Dutch made a peace treaty at New Amsterdam . 1682 - William Penn sailed from England 1797 - Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley born 1800 - The 40,000 slave revolt planned by Gabriel Prosser to attack Richmond, VA was delayed by a storm & betrayed by a slave. 1838 - The first African-American magazine, Mirror of Freedom (?), began publication 1843 - Blacks participated in a national political convention for the first time at Liberty Party National Convention 1852 - Henrietta Ray born 1854 - John C. Fremont issued proclamation ( Fremont Proclamation ) freeing slaves of Missouri rebels. 1856 - More than 300 pro-slavery activists attack John Brown 's settlement in Osawatomie, KS . 1870 - Robert Abbott born 1881 - W.S. Campbell patented self-setting animal trap 1893 - Huey P. Long born 1901 - Roy Wilkins born 1904 - CPT. Michael Augustine Healy (model for Jack London 's novel The Sea Wolf ) died 19

Hall of Fame 'Can't Stop Loving' Ray Charles an exhibit to open March 10 for a 21-month run at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

As a non-church going , Confirmed Episcopalian, I sometimes can't help but being proud of us... Episcopal Church Blasts Plan to Set Aside U.N. Poverty Goals

1533 - The Inca chief Atahualpa was executed by orders of Francisco Pizarro 1632 - John Locke ( An Essay Concerning Human Understanding ) born 1778 - The First Rhode Island defeated three assaults by British troops at the battle of Rhode Island ( Newport ). 1793 - Slavery was abolished in Santo Domingo . 1809 - Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. born 1817 - The Philanthropist , the first abolitionist newspaper, was published by Charles Osborn 1894 - E. Franklin Frazier born 1910 - Vivien Theodore Thomas born 1915 - Ingrid Bergman born 1917 - Isabelle Sanford born 1920 - Charlie Parker born 1924 - Dinah Washington (Ruth Lee Jones) born 1957 - Senator Strom Thurmond (South Carolina) set a filibuster record in the U.S. when he spoke for 24 hours and 18 minutes. 1957 - Congress passed the Civil Rights Act of 1957 , the first federal civil rights legislation since 1875. 1958 - Michael Jackson born 1962 - Mal Goode became the first African-American television news commentator when he

The greatest support we can have is mindfulness, which means being totally present in each moment. If the mind remains centered, it cannot make up stories about the injustice of the world or one's friends, or about one's desires or sorrows. All these stories could fill many volumes, but when we are mindful such verbalizations stop. Being mindful means being fully absorbed in the moment, leaving no room for anything else. We are filled with the momentary happening, whatever it is--standing or sitting or lying down, feeling pleasure or pain--and we maintain a nonjudgmental awareness, a "just knowing." Ayya Khema, " Be an Island "

Last night we hosted our first "get together" and it was a smashing success! Tara's birthday is 8/1 and lacking no ego she believes she can celebrate her b-day all month. Because of all the construction and school starting and whatnot this was the first (and last) chance for her to have a birthday celebration. We had about 15 people come over for snacks and sangria. Tara wanted it to be a game night but that didn't work out because everybody was having such a good time hanging out. We had a fruit plate (cut & arranged by yours truly) and a veggie plate. We had chips, dip, salsa & guac all prepared by Tara (actually the salsa was mine). We had a cheese tray that included my favorite Manchego and we had my version of Sangria, which was the absolute bomb! Lastly, we had 2 cakes, a carrot cake for Tara, made by her Mom and a Choc/choc cake made by Sweet 16th . Tara gave docent guided tours of the house, doing her best to explain how we decorated using Feng Shui

This itself is the whole of the journey, opening your heart to that which is lovely. Because of their feeling for the lovely, beings who are afraid of birth and death, aging and decaying, are freed from their fear. This is the way you must train yourself: I will become your friend and an intimate of the lovely. To do this I must closely observe and embrace all states of mind that are good. Samyutta Nikaya

In a story published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Friday, Wilson said doctors told him he has three to five months to live. Wilson's Cancer Diagnosis Saddens Theater World

Yeah, that little boy (Maddox) is gonna have a complex...he'll be saying: "You're cute and I like you but you're just not as sexy as my Mom!"

5 years ago yesterday Allen Woody died. Allen Woody was the only rock star I can really say I knew, and for a music geek like me, that puts him in a special place. I mean, I know other star quality musicians but Woody and I were real acquaintances, I'd like to say friend but I don't think that's honest. It started when he was first hired for the Allmans back in 89/90. I was working at a Turtle's Record Store in Donelson, near Woody's home. He and his dad came into the store. I remember the first time I tried to help Allen, he asked for Mahavishnu Orchestra and I had no clue what he was talking about. Fast forward to 96 when I became a taper. I was a whore for Gov't Mule . I drove from Maryland to New Orleans to Southern Illinois to Columbus, OH to see this band play and it was during this period that I got to know the entire organization. At this time they were very much a cult band, drawing a few hundred on a good night, and I was deep in the cult. As a ta

55 B.C. - Britain was invaded by Roman forces under Julius Caesar . 1017 - Turks defeated the Byzantine army under Emperor Romanus IV at Manzikert 1429 - Joan of Arc made a triumphant entry into Paris 1789 - The Constituent Assembly in Versailles, France approved the final version of the Declaration of Human Rights 1838 - John Wilkes Booth born 1847 - Liberia was proclaimed as an independent republic. 1867 - Robert Russa Moton born 1874 - Sixteen Blacks lynched in Tennessee 1900 - Hale A. Woodruff born 1902 - James A. "Jimmy" Rushing born 1905 - George Washington , founder of the town of Centerville (later Centralia), WA died 1918 - Katherine G. Johnson born 1920 The 19th Amendment was ratified 1925 - Robert H. Colescott born 1939 - The first televised major league baseball games (a double-header between the Cincinnati Reds and the Brooklyn Dodgers ) were shown 1943 - William Dawson elected VP candidate (Democratic Party) 1946(?) - Valerie Simpson Ashford b

The whole world we travel with our thoughts, Finding nowhere anyone as precious as one's own self. Since each and every person is so precious to themselves Let the self-respecting harm no other being. Samyutta Nikaya

George Weah has started his campaign to become the next president of a country ruined by 14 years of war. George sent me this last week and I forgot about it. I don't know much about the current state in Liberia but Weah is starting with simple concepts that will surely help him win votes...being a superstar doesn't hurt either...ask Arnold .

The last contractor left my house at 5:30 today! The only thing left is touch up paint and those guys will be here Monday... 7months and a small house note later... Thank you!

MLS Select player Jason Kreis (center) and his teammates react after Real Madrid scored their fourth goal of the friendly match. Real Madrid would add one more through their captain Raul and finish off the rout with a 5-0 victory. How far has MLS come? Not far enough... (ARMANDO FRANCA Staff /Associated Press) This was sad to watch for MLS fans. Granted Real Madrid is the top of the top but they played like big kids beating up on little kids. MLS seems so solid but to put together an All-star team that gets schooled like this...we do have a long way to go.

Now that I am a homeowner and househusband I am also on my way to becoming a handyman. I have painted furniture, designed and built a 1000+ CD rack, I have removed and remounted all sorts of doors, I have replaced 2 light fixtures, and I have replaced two showerheads. My toolbox - I finally bought one - has most of the items listed. My birthday is 9/14 so you can always offer to buy me something I'm missing. Cole Hardware's Quick Tips: Tool Box

0079 - Mount Vesuvius erupted killing approximately 20,000 people. & burying the cities of Pompeii, Stabiae and Herculaneum in volcanic ash. 0410 - The Visigoths overran Rome . This event symbolized the fall of the Western Roman Empire . 1456 - The printing of the Gutenberg Bible was completed. 1759 - William Wilberforce born 1810 - Reverend Theodore Parker born 1814 - British troops under General Robert Ross captured Washington, D.C. , which they set on fire in retaliation for the American burning of the parliament building in York ( Toronto ), the capital of Upper Canada. 1854 - National Emigration Convention met in Cleveland; William C. Munroe of Michigan was elected president 1854 - John V. De Grasse became the first African-American member of the Massachusetts Medical Society . 1867 - Fayetteville State University founded 1891 - Thomas Edison filed a patent for the motion picture camera. 1901 - Oliver Cromwell Cox born 1905 - Arthur "Big Boy" Crudup b

Real was on fire. They ran all over the MLS defense, it was kinda sad. Real Madrid routs MLS Select team

The woman was charged Tuesday with four felony counts of "perjury by false application for aid" and one count of "aid by misrepresentation," a violation of the state welfare code. Jackson Accuser's Mom In Hot Water

What Sewanee Students Say About Sewanee. Sewanee is "largely Episcopalian , and the overwhelming majority of students are Christian. This is, of course, to be expected considering the religious affiliation of the school." Most here "love the outdoors, love to have a good time, and know when to study." Undergrads report, "Although Sewanee is taking steps to attract a more diverse student body, the majority of students here are white Southerners." Preppy is still the predominant look on campus; "You will never see as many popped collars, polo insignias, pearl necklaces, seersucker suits , or bowties as you will see at around campus at The University of the South," observes one student. Not everyone here is happy about the school's "slow, but detectable" progress toward diversity; some worry that Sewanee's beloved traditions will disappear as its core demographic loses preeminence. Their worries seem premature, at least for the

Granted this is not the first thing out-of-the-box by Pat Robertson but I think he's the "job" we need to "get it over with". 'It's a whole lot easier to have some of the covert operatives do the job and then get it over with.' Robertson comments likely to aggravate U.S.-Venezuela tensions

1755 - Jean-Baptiste Lislet-Geoffroy born. 1775 - King George III of England refused the American colonies' offer of peace and declared them in open rebellion. 1786 - Jean-Baptiste Lislet-Geoffrey became the first Black correspondent of the French Academy of Sciences . 1791 - International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition 1826 - John Brown Russwurm received his baccalaureate degree Bowdoin College - becoming what is believed to be the first Black college graduate 1826 - Edward A. Jones received B.A. degree from Amherst College . 1853 - James Francis Shober born 1861 - James Stone, a light skinned fugitive slave passing for white, enlisted in the First Fight Artillery of Ohio - becoming what is believed to be the first Black soldier of the Civil War. His racial identity would not be known until his death nearly a year later. 1892 - O.E. Brown received a U.S. patent for a horseshoe. 1900 - National Negro Business League was organized. Booker T. Wa

Black Churches were once a beacon of advocacy and change but something happened...this is great news and surprising considering that Sudan is predominantly Muslim. Black Churches Taking Lead on Pressing Sudan Issue

Here the first things for a discerning monk are guarding the senses, contentment, restraint in line with the Patimokkha. He should associate with admirable friends, living purely, untiring, hospitable by habit, skilled in his conduct. Gaining a manifold joy, he will put an end to suffering & stress. Dhammapada, 25, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

1791 - Benjamin Banneker issued his first annual almanac 1791 - Slaves of Haiti , led by enslaved Toussaint L'Ouverture , revolted to establish the first independent nation in the Western Hemisphere 1843 - A national convention of black men was held in Buffalo, NY . Henry Highland Garnett called for a slave revolt and general strike across America. 1844 - A mass meeting of blacks in Boston adopted a resolution declaring that segregated public schools in that city violated the State Constitution. Their request was denied. 1862 - Claude Debussy born 1867 - Fisk Free Colored School (started in October 1865) was incorporated as Fisk University 1880 - George Herriman born 1885 - John Artemus born 1895 - Fort Valley State University was incorporated 1904 - Deng Xiaoping born 1910 - Addie "Sweet Pea" Spivey born 1917 - John Lee Hooker born 1920 - Ray Bradbury born 1921 - Nellie Monk born 1934 - Diana Sands born 1950 - Althea Gibson became the first black tenni

Woohoo! I finished my bookcase. It came out nothing like I planned but it will work none the less. One thing to remember is measure at least 2x, I think I needed 4 or 5 measures…also, mark where you want to cut or drill. See more progress on: build a bookcase

Samma-Ditthi — Complete or Perfect Vision, also translated as right view or understanding. Samma-Sankappa — Perfected Emotion or Aspiration, also translated as right thought or attitude. Samma-Vaca — Perfected or whole Speech. Also called right speech. Samma-Kammanta — Integral Action. Also called right action. Samma-Ajiva — Proper Livelihood. Also called right livelihood. Samma-Vayama — Complete or Full Effort, Energy or Vitality. Also called right effort or diligence. Samma-Sati — Complete or Thorough Awareness. Also called "right mindfulness". Samma-Samadhi — Full, Integral or Holistic Samadhi. This is often translated as concentration, meditation, absorption or one-pointedness of mind. None of these translations is adequate. *The word Samma means 'proper', 'whole', 'thorough', 'integral', 'complete', and 'perfect' - related to English 'summit' - It does not necessarily mean 'right', a

Skillful speech not only means that we pay attention to the words we speak and to their tone but also requires that our words reflect compassion and concern for others and that they help and heal, rather than wound and destroy. Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, " Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness "

Living Room 6 Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . Yea! Sewanee's Right! Although these are Sewanee's school colors this room was NOT designed with them or the Vikings or Omega Psi Phi in mind. Tara and I both love purple and Feng Shui said this room should be yellow or gold...so there you have it!

Dinette Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . Tara's choice of flowers combined with our new table, my old placemats and some wedding gifts (vase, napkins, napkin rings) make for a very cozy breakfast room, don't they?

1789 - Thomas Garrett born 1831 - Nat Turner and seventy slaves began a three-day slave rebellion in Southampton County, VA 1863 - William Quantrill led Confederate raiders on a strike in Lawrence, KS 1904 - William James "Count" Basie born 1912 - Arthur R. Eldred became the first American boy to become an Eagle Scout . 1927 - Fourth Pan-African Congress met in New York City 1928 - Art Farmer born 1932 - Melvin Van Peebles born 1933 - Clifford L. Alexander, Jr. born 1936 - Wilt Chamberlain born 1938 - Fats Waller recorded " Ain't Misbehavin '"(links to iTunes ) 1943 - Harriet M. West was the first Black woman Major in the Women's Army Corps (WAC). 1944 - The US Army started the “ Red Ball Express " 1959 - Hawaii became the 50th state. 1982 - Calvin Simmons , conductor of the Oakland Symphony Orchestra , died 2001 - Robert Tools , the first man to have a self contained artificial heart implanted spoke for the first time on natio

The mindfulness of in and out breathing, of body contemplation, of keeping consciousness of the moment, is a noble occupation and a sublime way, leading to independence of mind and to wisdom. Samyutta Nikaya

1619 - The Dutch brought the first Black slaves to the colony of Jamestown, VA 1667 - John Milton published Paradise Lost , an epic poem about the fall of Adam and Eve. 1802 - George Bonga born 1830 - Richard Allen chaired the first National Negro Convention in Philadelphia 1831 - Nat Turner led the first slave revolt of magnitude 1856 - Wilberforce University established 1866 - President Andrew Johnson officially declared that the American Civil War was over 1899 - Roger Arliner Young born 1905 - Jack Teagarden born 1920 - Otis Boykin born 1939 - National Negro Bowling Association was organized in Detroit, MI and Wynston Brown became its first president. 1941 - William Herbert Gray III (Bill Gray) born 1942 - Isaac Hayes born 1944 - SS Frederick Douglass , the first ship named in honor of a black man, was lost in European waters 1944 - Anna Lucasta , starring Hilda Simms and Frederick O'Neal, opened on Broadway 1948 - Robert Plant born 1952 - John Hiatt

Few are the people who reach the Far Shore. These others simply scurry along this shore. But those who practice Dhamma in the line with the well-taught Dhamma, will cross over the realm of Death so hard to transcend. Dhammapada, 6, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

1692 - Five women and a clergyman were convicted of witchcraft & executed in Salem, MA 1791 - Benjamin Banneker sent a copy of his new almanac to Thomas Jefferson , the US Secretary of State . 1814 - Mary Ellen "Mammy" Pleasant born 1826 - Mansfield Tyler born 1848 - The discovery of gold in California was reported by the New York Herald 1884 - M.C. Harvey received a U.S. patent for a lantern. 1919 - Malcolm Forbes born 1921 - Gene Roddenberry born 1924 - William Marshall born 1926 - Theodore "Tiger" Flowers became the first African-American to win the world's middleweight boxing title 1929 - " Amos and Andy ," the radio comedy program, debuted on NBC starring Freeman Gosden and Charles Correll. 1934 - Adolf Hitler was approved for sole executive power in Germany as Fuehrer. 1936 - Frederico Garcí­a Lorca was shot by Franco 's troops after being forced to dig his own grave. 1940 - Johnny Nash born 1940 - Henry Hampton born 19

The University of the South - more commonly known as Sewanee - is searching for a season-opening opponent for 2007 and Florida State has been sent a invitation.

The right attitude for studying the way is just complete spontaneous acquiescence. Who cares whether it takes twenty or thirty years—you'll be naturally at peace, without the slightest bit of doubt or confusion. How can there be any obstruction again after spontaneous acquiescence? How can anyone arrive by way of externals? Ming-pen

From my 30 year old brother-in-law: 1. Your houseplants are alive, and you can't smoke any of them. 2. Having sex in a twin bed is out of the question. 3. You keep more food than beer in the fridge. 4. 6:00 AM is when you get up, not when you go to bed. 6. You watch the Weather Channel. 7. Your friends marry and divorce instead of "hook up" and "break up." 8. You go from 130 days of vacation time to 14. 9. Jeans and a sweater no longer qualify as "dressed up." 10. You're the one calling the police because those %&@.. kids next door won't turn down the stereo. 11. Older relatives feel comfortable telling sex jokes around you. 12. You don't know what time Taco Bell closes anymore. 13. Your car insurance goes down and your car payments go up. 14. You feed your dog Science Diet instead of McDonald's leftovers. 15. Sleeping on the couch makes your back hurt. 16. You take naps from noon to 6 PM 17. Dinner and a movie is the whole date ins

1227 - Ghengis Khan died 1774 - Merriwether Lewis born 1859 - Our Nig by Harriet Wilson , probably the first novel written by an African-American woman, published 1887 - Eatonville, Florida , an all-black community, founded...see Zora Neale Hurston 1920 - Tennessee ratified the 19th Amendment (right of all American women to vote) to the U.S. Constitution 1921 - Howard Jones born 1921 - Warren G. Harding Lee ( Lee Jackson ) born 1933 - Roman Polanski born 1934 - Rafer Johnson born 1935 - Gail Fisher born 1935 - Simmie Knox born 1945 - Nona Hendryx born 1956 - "Hound Dog" by Big Mama Thornton released 1962 - Ringo Starr debuted with The Beatles 1963 - James Meredith became the first African-American to graduate from "Ole Miss" ( University of Mississippi ) 1964 - South Africa was banned from the Olympic Games 1969 - Edward Norton born 1970 - Malcolm-Jamal Warner born 1973 - Hank Aaron set a major league record with his 1,378th extra base 1976 - Vice

Trivial thoughts, insignificant thoughts, When followed they distract the mind. Not understanding those thoughts The roaming mind runs back and forth. But by understanding those thoughts One ardent and mindful restrains the mind. An awakened one has overcome them completely So they do not arise to distract the mind. Udana

1786 - Davy Crockett born 1790 - The Capital City of the U.S. moved to Philadelphia from New York City 1837 - Charlotte Forten , poet and diarist, born 1844 - Blacks protested Boston 's Jim Crow schools at mass rallies . They began a series of meetings to fight the segregated school system in Boston. 1849 - Archibald Grimké born 1882 - Samuel Goldwyn born 1887 - Marcus Garvey born 1894 - Texas College founded 1903 - Joseph Pulitzer donated a million dollars to Columbia University . This started the Pulitzer Prizes in his name. 1906 - Members of the Niagra Movement conducted a historic "Barefoot March" down the hillside to the site of John Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry . 1917 - John Lee Hooker born. 1931 - A'Lelia Walker , daughter and heir of Mme. C.J Walker died 1932 - First Gospel Choral Union was organized. 1939 - Luther Allison born 1943 - Robert DeNiro born 1948 - Frank Wills born 1961 - East Germany completed the construction of the Be

Now comes the period of adjustments, right? Since I am the househusband I am the one cooking dinner and therein lies a point of concern, or at least it has become a point of concern. I am having trouble putting together a properly balanced, properly proportion meal for two that includes enough food for leftovers. See, Tara follows a very defined diet , everything. She plans thoroughly and executes completely. I, on the other hand, fly by the seat of my pants (what does that mean exactly?). Tara's diet is based on " Eat Right 4 Your Blood Type " and something else that defines proper proportions. As best as I can figure, I am having trouble absorbing how much food two people need to eat (regardless of Tara's dietary guidelines) AND consider for the next days lunch. See, before I got married I would very rarely cook per meal. I would make a big pot of soup or beans and eat that till it was gone. It would include veggies and meat so I didn't have to think about how m

The Buddha was invited by a Brahman to have a meal in his house. But when he arrived, the Brahman greeted him strangely, with a torrent of abuse. Politely, the Buddha asked, “Do visitors come to your home, good Brahman?” “Yes.” “What preparations do you make for them?” “We get ready a great feast.” ”What happens if they don’t arrive?” “Then we gladly eat it ourselves.” “Well, Brahman, you’ve invited me for a meal and you’ve entertained me with hard words. I want nothing from your preparation. So please take it back and eat it yourselves.” “Never retaliate in kind,” the Buddha told his followers. “Hatred does not come to an end through hatred but can only cease through generosity.” Jataka Tale

Kosh & Stu 30 - Mr & Mrs Watts Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . So, yesterday was the 4th wedding of a 1970s Edgehill United Methodist women... apparently Tara's church had a very active youth group when she was a kid and now many are getting married. First there was Tara , then Perri , then Meshon and now Akoshua . Pretty amazing for one Summer. Next Spring will bring the wedding of yet another from the group, George . There are a few left but I won't name names. Congrats to all of us!

Organic farming produces the same yields of corn and soybeans as does conventional farming, but uses 30 percent less energy, less water and no pesticides, a review of a 22-year farming trial study concludes.

The Food & Drug Administration has banned the use of the antibiotic Baytril in poultry because it causes resistance to emerge in Campylobacter bacteria. Campylobacter in poultry is one of the most common causes of severe bacterial food poisoning in humans.

Hands of Music Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . Adam Carlos is a college (University of the South) classmate of mine and has had wonderful opportunities to sketch the hands of wonderful artists, including Vassar . I stole this from Adam's website . Talk to him about buying a true copy.

VASSAR CLEMENTS | 1928-2005 Vassar was an amazing musician and an enormus influence on stringed instrument players and those of us who love music. Vassar was the first fiddle player I ever heard who played with soul. His music was an indication that he was pure. I saw him play several times and was always awestruck. Stylistically he added jazz to his bluegrass creating a style all his own. Vassar we already miss you.

Watch soccer, shed violence : Thai minister

Subhuti asked: "What does buddha mean?" The Buddha answered: "Buddha is reality. One who thoroughly comprehends all the factors of existence is a buddha ."Prajnaparamita

I have decided that 1Sep05 is when I will start studying the GRE crap. With no job it’s hard to set times to do anything but now, that the remodel is almost done and should be all done by 1Sep05 I have set a date.Keep posted and remind me when the time comes. See more progress on: study for the GRE

At the time for initiative he takes no initiative. Young, strong, but lethargic, the resolves of his heart exhausted, the lazy, lethargic one loses the path to discernment. Dhammapada 280, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu

Through Tara's church we are getting organic , farm fresh food. It's a Community Supported Agriculture thing with Avalon Acres farm. So far we've gotten eggs, chicken, peas, squashes, potatoes, various peppers and various herbs. If you can't find a CSA group go to your local Farmer's Market or roadside produce stand...

You'll notice a lot more photos. I am making a concerted effort to keep my camera with me. It's a little bulkier than the camera phones but at least it's not an SLR, which would be REAL bulky. Who knows? If I keep taking photos, I will be able to justify a digi SLR...fingers crossed. Besides, if I'm in a "flickr fan" webring I should take photos, right?

My home parish. I haven't been active in 15 or so years but this was my church...it got wrecked during the Nashville Tornado back around 99 and they rebuilt. It doesn't look like a church to me anymore... Notice how early the "late" service is. The church is located about 2 blocks from the Titans Coliseum.

The library that got me started...all those years ago

My mother-in-law's backyard retreat...

Though in thought we range throughout the world, We'll nowhere find a thing more dear than self. So, since others hold the self so dear, He who loves himself should injure none. Samyutta Nikaya

From the guy that brought you Getting Things Done ...Now comes his synthesized list of the nine reasons we don't do what we should , in all aspects of our lives, in what I think is order of prevalence. 1. Fear 2. Lack of Self-Confidence 3. Lack of Knowledge 4. Trying to Do Too Much Alone 5. Trying to Do Too Much 6. Loss of Self 7. Lack of Energy 8. Lack of Reward 9. It Can't Be Done And I would have to agree that most of these apply to procrastinators like me.

My wedding day started as one of the most frustrating, tiring days I had had in a long time. I stayed up late after the rehearsal dinner not to party but to pack. I think I ended up in bed at something close to 3am. The packing itself wasn't that bad, it was all the crap I had to do to prep the kitchen for the two weeks I'd be gone which was also the two weeks contractors would be around without me. I got up around 8am b/c I had to meet my DJ at the reception hall at 9am. I didn't have time to get a good cup of coffee so I was dragging ass to begin with. I get to the room and I see that I have to rearrange tables to make room for the DJ. I could feel my jaw tightening as the clock ticked. I knew I had to get back to my house and take a shower/shave, get my clothes and bags and whatnot and be BACK at the reception hall by 10:30. I was out of gas and I wanted coffee, food and sleep. I finally get back to the reception hall and I was wound up tight! Tara was the calm one. I to

This just in: Grimey'’s was just featured in the current issue of Rolling Stone magazine. Nice national exposure that we're very proud of, never mind the fact that they claimed we were the "best record shop in town" and a "“paradigm of indie and vintage goodness". You can read the piece on our website here: Grimey's Press . Also, we just discovered that the RS piece, which is called Schools That Rock” is an excerpt from a full-length book just out by the same title. In the book, Grimey'’s is listed as being in the Top 10 Record Stores in the country!!! (we'’re #10, behind such luminaries as Amoeba , Waterloo , Other Music , Vintage Vinyl , and other amazing stores) Whoa. I don'’t know about that just yet, but we sure are giving it "the old college try" and I deeply appreciate the recognition. All this means is that the game is ON and we'’ve got to continue to step it up. So let'’s get it on... Big Up to these guys! They h

A man long absent comes home safe from afar. His kin, his friends, his companions, delight in his return. In just the same way, when you've done good & gone from this world to the world beyond, your good deeds receive you-- as kin, someone dear come home. Dhammapada, 16, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

Share what you know

Tonight everybody should watch ABC's World News Tonight and rent or buy Buena Vista Social Club Ibrahim Ferrer Dies at 78 Passing of an era - and an urbane anchor (Peter Jennings)

Recycle Nashville Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . Reduce->Recycle->Reuse

The most adorable woman ever. Tara is christening our new stove with some scrambled eggs. 

This church has been in East Nashville forever, it used to be Inglewood United Methodist or something. Anyway, it was transformed into this Hispanic church many years ago and I don't think they have ever changed the message. 

It is very important that you do not compare your actions to your partner's or judge your partner's behavior as unskillful. Rather, focus on your own actions and take responsibility for them. Recall those times when you looked into your partner's eyes and saw the pain you caused this person you love to suffer. If you can admit your own faults, if you can see how hurtful your actions were and tap into a sense of concern for your partner's well-being, then compassion and loving-friendliness will flow. Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, " Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness "

Guest Bedroom Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . I've uploaded some photos from the house remodel. I will be adding more as more rooms are completly decorated. I will also include vendors when appropriate...

just like a ballgame on a rainy day I was fortunate enough to see Milton a on few occasions and after his first performance with Gov't Mule I actually got to meet him. Little Milton dies at 71 the Artist: Little Milton the Label: Malaco You should definitely check out his albums on Chess . The stuff like "If these walls could talk" and "I feel so bad" is some of the best blues you will ever hear. He was an extraordinary singer and a great guitar player... Just remember: "if I don't love you, grits ain't groceries, eggs ain't poultry and Mona Lisa was a man" And Milton, we will see you again.

Except for some touch-up and a balustrade my house is remodeled! The last of the appliances was installed about an hour ago. It took three tries and 2 refrigerators but we have all new appliances! Details to follow. I am sooooo happy and relieved!