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This has been my neighborhood all my life - give or take some years in school or whatever - and I am glad to see Metro is finally noticing us. Planners study East Nashville

So, I’m a few weeks into studying for the GRE and I’m averaging about 5 hours a week. I’ve discovered that everything is about where I thought it would be. My math skills need a lot more work than my written and analytical skills. We’ll see how the studying goes now that I’m about to start a new job. See more progress on: study for the GRE

An act of meditation is actually an act of faith--of faith in your spirit, in your own potential. Faith is the basis of meditation. Not of faith in something outside you--a metaphysical buddha, an unattainable ideal, or someone else's words. The faith is in yourself, in your own "buddha-nature." You too can be a buddha, an awakened being that lives and responds in a wise, creative, and compassionate way. Martine Batchelor, " Meditation for Life "

Do not go after the past, Nor lose yourself in the future. For the past no longer exists, And the future is not yet here. By looking deeply at things just as they are, In this moment, here and now, The seeker lives calmly and freely. You should be attentive today, For waiting until tomorrow is too late. Death can come and take us by surprise-- How can we gainsay it? The one who knows How to live attentively Night and day Is the one who knows The best way to be independent. Bhaddekaratta Sutra

Birthday Duo Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . My Birthday is 9/14. .vek's is 9/15. We celebrated on 9/17. Tara made dinner and a chocolate cake!

Going East Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . Shelby Bottoms, Nashville...Trains above the trail

Happiness cannot come from hatred or anger. Nobody can say, "Today I am happy because this morning I was very angry." On the contrary, people feel uneasy and sad and say, "Today I am not happy because I lost my temper this morning." Through kindness, whether at our own level or at the national and international level, through mutual understanding and through mutual respect, we will get peace, we will get happiness, and we will get genuine satisfaction. His Holiness the Dalai Lama

While I am studying for the GRE with plans for Grad School and my MLIS I need a job. I thought I could do the unemployed thing for awhile but it's lonely I feel guilty b/c there are things I should be doing that I can't motivate myself to do Now, I mentioned that I took a job at a local bookstore, which will be named this time next week. But just as I did while I worked at AMZ I am constantly trying to get a job at a library or museum. I discovered this week that Metro HR requires a new app/résumé for every position, which is a waste of time and energy for everyone involved. So, yesterday I put in two apps for the public library system . And I decided that I've been trying too long to stick with the formal, traditional cover letters. One of the positions is for a kid's services position so I used a bold typeface with colors sprinkled in and, of course, I always use a shaded linen paper. Hopefully this non-traditional approach will get me an interview at least.

Abandon wrongdoing. It can be done. If there were no likelihood, I would not ask you to do it. But since it is possible and since it brings blessing and happiness, I do ask of you: abandon wrongdoing. Cultivate doing good. It can be done. If it brought deprivation and sorrow, I would not ask you to do it. But since it brings blessing and happiness, I do ask of you: cultivate doing good. Anguttara Nikaya

Nike Admits to Mistakes Over Child Labor

Only b/c ManU has such a deep bench is this allowed. If he were star striker on most any other team he would be let go. Man Utd accept Rooney punishment

1519 - Ferdinand Magellan left Spain to find a route to the Spice Islands of Indonesia. 1664 - Maryland enacted first anti- amalgamation law to prevent widespread intermarriage of English women and Black men. Other colonies passed similar laws. 1830 - First National Black convention met at Philadelphia's Mother Bethel AME church and elected Richard Allen president. 1837 - Theodore S. Wright denounces colonization at the New York State Anti-Slavery convention. 1847 - William A. Leidesdorf elected to San Francisco town council receiving the third highest vote. 1850 - The slave trade was abolished in the District of Columbia 1866 - Fisk Jubilee Singers founded 1890(?) - Jelly Roll Morton (Ferdinand Joseph La Menthe) born (this date is questionable) 1915 - Hughie Lee Smith born 1934 - Sophia Loren born 1954 - Stravinsky debuted "In Memoriam Dylan Thomas" 1958 - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was stabbed by Isola Curry while autographing copies of his book, " ...

Simon Schama : Sorry Mr President, Katrina is not 9/11 Prayers (like vacations) are the default mode for this president who knows how to chuckle and bow the head in the midst of disaster but not, when it counts, how to govern or to command.

This was one of the biggest shindigs I've had for my birthday in years. My friend .vek celebrates his birthday the day after mine, although he is several years younger, and he suggested that he, his wife and baby come this weekend to jointly celebrate and see the astonishing growth of their daughter Sierra (almost 9 mths old). Tara started making party plans - we have had three parties/dinners since we got married (3 months ago) which is more than my parents had in a year when the ran this household. The KY kids got here Friday evening and .vek and I exchanged soccer shirts (soccer is one of many things we have in common). Nothing really crazy on Friday. On Sat. we met Anne-Marie & Kevin for brunch at the almighty Monell's (a must eat when you come to Nashville for the first time, or the second time, or even if you live here). After some make-fun-of-Jai time .vek & I went to Grimey's while Tara and Christine took a nap. Then the fun began... Dinner included the 7 ...

The present moment is changing so fast that we often do not notice its existence at all. Every moment of mind is like a series of pictures passing through a projector. Some of the pictures come from sense impressions. Others come from memories of past experiences or from fantasies of the future. Mindfulness helps us freeze the frame so that we can become aware of our sensations and experiences as they are, without the distorting coloration of socially conditioned responses or habitual reactions. Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, " Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness "

1 Picture=1000 Words

Since severence didn't last as long as hoped. I start a new job at a local bookstore. It's about 50% of what I made at AMZ Music but it will get me on the literary path. I will mention their name only after I sign the papers.

...he vacuums the entire house. Now, if you haven't seen my house it's a 2 story Tudor with wood floors (hard, cork & bamboo). Tara has respiratory concerns and b/c of that she doesn't sweep she vacuums. We have guests coming this weekend and since we lost our last cleaning lady and it's an off week I have to do these domestic tasks. On to the bathrooms.

1588 - The Spanish Armada , which attempted to invade England, is destroyed by a British fleet. 1789 - James Fenimore Cooper born 1791 - Jonathan Edwards, Jr. (1745-1801) preached a strong anti-slavery sermon before "the Connecticut Society for the Promotion of Freedom and for the Relief of Persons 1821 - Costa Rica , Guatemala , Honduras , Nicaragua and El Salvador proclaimed independence. 1829 - Slavery is abolished in Mexico . 1830 - First National Negro Convention held 1852 - Jan Earnest Matzeliger born 1852 - Edward Bouchet born 1857 - William H. Taft born 1876 - White terrorists attacked Republicans in Ellenton, South Carolina . 1883 - The University of Texas at Austin opened 1889 - Claude McKay born 1890 - Agatha Christie born 1898 - National Afro-American Council founded 1902 - James Theodore Ward born 1903 - Roy Acuff born 1907 - Fay Wray born 1921 - Snooky Pryor born 1923 - Governor said Oklahoma was in a "state of Virtual rebellion and insurrect...

Although there are countless teachings that instruct how to obtain enlightenment in a future life, almost all of them are nothing more than expedients. As the ultimate instruction there is simply no teaching that is superior to the true practice of the awakening to one's own nature. Hakuin, " Zen Master Hakuin "

Today was my birthday. I turned 38. I was at home alone until about 7pm when I went to the Y, then I was alone in public. As I think about it was pretty depressing. Tara was busy, I don't have any current coworkers. There were some calls which I am grateful for but this is the life I have chosen. Tara and I had a discussion about church a few weeks ago and she realized how much of a loner I actually am. We had this discussion about the fact that one day, when we have kids I will have to go to church - most likely to her church b/c I would be very surprised if she left Edgehill for any reason. The problem is I really don't like her church. The people are great, very friendly and seemingly quite interested in each other (and now that I am married to one of them, I am one of them) but they just don't do church like I want my church. I have problems with the gender neutral language, I have problems with giving communion to the parishioner on my left or right and I don't wa...

Yesterday we voted to raise sales tax in order to pay for schools and something about helping seniors... We have no income tax which is cool and all but we have an extremely high sales tax 9.275% if I remember correctly. Anybody with sense realizes that sales tax hurts poor folks more than any other group and more than any other tax. You don't qualify for tax breaks and you pay this tax on food and clothing and utilities. TN struggles just like every other gov't to properly use tax money but come on, don't we need to reconsider our tax code in general? Schools take hit as tax hike fails

1789 - James P. Beckwourth born 1814 - Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to the "Star-Spangled Banner." 1849 - Ivan Pavlov born 1874 - White Democrats seize the Louisiana statehouse in a white supremacy coup. President Ulysses S. Grant ordered the rebels to cease, but not before eleven African-Americans are murdered. 1891 - John Adams Hyman , the first black Congressperson from North Carolina, died 1921 - Constance Baker Motley (first Black woman appointed federal judge) born 1928 - Dunbar Hotel opened 1940 - North Carolina College Law School opened with seven students as North Carolina's second Black law school 1940 - President Franklin D Roosevelt signed Selective Service Act which allowed Blacks to enter all branches of the US Military Service 1945 - Freda Payne born 1953 - Chicago Cubs baseball team integrated for the first time 1960 - The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries ( OPEC ) founded. 1964 - President Lyndon B. Johnson awarded the Me...

1663 - First serious slave conspiracy in colonial America. Plot of white servants and slaves in Gloucester County, VA was betrayed by an indentured servant. 1856 - Maria Louise Baldwin born 1867 - Gen. E.R.S. Canby ordered South Carolina courts to empanel Blacks jurors. 1881 - Louis Latimer patented his electric lamp with a carbon filament. 1885 - Alain Locke (first Black Rhodes Scholar) born 1886 - University of Maryland Eastern Shore founded 1904 - Joseph Delaney born 1908 - Leon "Chu" Berry born 1911 - Bill Monroe born 1913 - Cholly Atkins born 1918 - Ray Charles born 1922 - Charles Brown born 1926 - Andrew Brimmer (first black member of the Federal Reserve Bank Board of Governors) born 1931 - Adrienne Kennedy born 1943 - Chiang Kai-shek became the president of China. (?) - Geronimo Pratt born 1948 - Nell Carter born 1948 - The School of Performing Arts (the first public school to specialize in performing arts) opened in New York City. 1953 - Iyanla Vanz...

1609 - Henry Hudson sailed down what is now known as the Hudson River . 1787 - Prince Hall became the head of African Lodge No. 459 in Boston 1840 - Mary Jane Patterson born 1859 - Florence Kelley born 1865 - Avery Normal Institute founded 1873 - Madame Sul-Te-Wan born 1913 - James Cleveland Owens ( Jesse Owens ) born 1916 - William Alonzo "Cat" Anderson born 1919 - Adolf Hitler joined German Worker's Party 1922 - The Episcopal Church removed the word "Obey" from the bride's section of wedding vows. 1931 - George Jones born 1935 - Richard H. Hunt born 1944 - Barry White born 1947 - Jackie Robinson named National League Rookie of the Year 1953 - U.S. Senator John F. Kennedy married Jacqueline Lee Bouvier . 1954 - " Lassie " made its television debut 1956 - Black students entered Clay, KY elementary school under National Guard protection. 1963 - The last episode of " Leave it to Beaver " was aired. 1970 - University of Southe...

Thousands didn't leave New Orleans because they couldn't leave. They didn't have the money. They didn't have the vehicles. They didn't have any place to go. They are the poor, black and white, who dwell in any city in great numbers; and they did what they felt they could do - they huddled together in the strongest houses they could find. Do You Know What It Means to Lose New Orleans?

Don't strain. Don't force anything or make grand, exaggerated efforts. Meditation is not aggressive. There is no place or need for violent striving. Just let your effort be relaxed and steady. Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, " Mindfulness in Plain English "

Thanks UComics for keeping me laughing.

From the Sewanee Alumni List : As I drove down Gulf Beach Highway on the west side of Pensacola early this a.m. to get the paper, I was struck by the realization that, just over one year ago this week Hurricane Ivan came ashore right at the spot I was headed to get this morning's New York Times. With new debris piles from Hurricane Dennis mixed in with the now one-year old detritus remaining from Ivan, the ruined houses and businesses belying last year's promises of the brothers Bush to "repair and rebuild", at very near the exact spot where GWB visited these people of West Pensacola, I pass a still-damaged Catholic church with a sign reading: "Katrina Donations Collection Center". These people KNOW what it's like - like all long time residents of this coast do. Inside the NYTimes is a special section on the storm, complete with a detailed timeline of who said/did what when; local, state, federal, defense, FEMA, etc. In my opinion, it's ...

Gatemouth 's home in Slidell, LA , a bedroom community of New Orleans, was destroyed by Katrina, Rick Cady (his booking agent) said. "He was completely devastated," Cady said. "I'm sure he was heartbroken, both literally and figuratively. He evacuated successfully before the hurricane hit, but I'm sure it weighed heavily on his soul." I'm sure he was also hurt by Vassar 's death. I saw a Vassar show in New Orleans once...Vassar was borrowing Gate's band and then about 1/2 through the show Gate came out and played fiddle for about 45min...he didn't come with any instrument so he borrowed Vassar's. Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown dies at 81

Arouse your will, supreme and great, Practice love, give joy and protection; Let your giving be like space, Without discrimination or limitation. Do good things, not for your own sake But for all the beings in the universe; Save and make free everyone you encounter, Help them attain the wisdom of the way. Prajnaparamita

Translation: It's not my fault. Like me now like you liked me then.

1087 - William the Conqueror , Duke of Normandy and King of England, died 1739 - Slave revolt led by rebel named Jemmy, in Stono, SC. Twenty-five whites were killed before the insurrection was put down. 1776 - The second Continental Congress officially made the term "United States", replacing the previous term "United Colonies." 1786 - George Washington called for the abolition of slavery. 1806 - Sarah Mapps Douglass born 1816 - John Gregg Fee , founder of Berea College & abolitionist, born 1817 - Alexander Lucius Twilight , who was probably the first Black to graduate from an American college, received B.A. degree at Middlebury College . 1817 - Captain Paul Cuffe (father of Black Nationalism) died 1828 - Leo Tolstoy born 1836 - Abraham Lincoln received his license to practice law. 1850 - California became the 31st state to join the union. 1872 - Delilah L. Beasley born 1884 - John R Lynch presided over Republican National Convention 1890 - Colonel H...

“I am breathing in and liberating my mind. I am breathing out and liberating my mind.” One practices like this. The Sutra on Full Awareness of Breathing , translated by Thich Nhat Hanh

Charlie Hunter Trio 03 Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . Charlie is one of my top musicians. He like Jeff Coffin, Derek Trucks, Cassandra Wilson & John Scofield aren't afraid to mess with tradition but they also understand when NOT to play. It's the spaces between that allow the music to breathe and the tension to rise.

Another Gaping Wound Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . Although there was an empty lot at the head of my street part of it was filled with these huge 3 story trees. Because the Nashville Auto Diesel College is down the street and b/c South Inglewood is not the richest neighborhood we get another auto parts store...that will make 3 or 4 within a 1 mile radius... URGGGHHHH!

Eventhough they were just beat 52-7 Sewanee once boasted a ferocious football team. A Winner’s Tale

NFL Stands by Kanye

Now this is the way to gain support and spread the game! I like the idea although I'm a bit worried about the technology, most collegiate games have pretty shitty video capabilities. College soccer will air on FSC this fall

From white to color Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . and here's proof. This kitchen was last renovated in 76ish. It was done in burnt orange and avocado. The top half of the walls were wallpapered with a ornately textured/striped wallpaper that was green and gold.

Sisters Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . I have nieces and a nephew now...hmmm. These are the two oldest of three. Yhazmin, the one in the back, was celebrating her 7th b-day. Jaliyah, the one in the front, is CRAZY! She used to call me "that man who's gonna marry Tara". Now she hugs me and everything.

Jai's Butterfly Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . I love to see wildlife do what they do. This little guy was just sitting on the flower, flapping his wings...very nice.

Bob Denver has died of complications from cancer

Memorial Service for R. L. Burnside

Better to conquer yourself than others. When you've trained yourself, living in constant self-control, neither a deva nor gandhabba, nor a Mara banded with Brahmas, could turn that triumph back into defeat. Dhammapada, 8, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

Krystal of the Future Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . Even fast food has flare in NOLA, let's hope it can regain that edge...

Tara in Jackson Square 2 Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . Tara in Jackson Square. This is the river side of the Vieux Carre (French Quarter) and a great spot for photos and people watching. I hear the Quarter has faired pretty well through the storm.

Social Club Parade Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest 2003...just one of the many great things about the city...

US becomes the first CONCACAF Team to qualify for Germany ! USA book passage as big three pull away

Last night after a movie ( Mad Hot Ballroom ) and dinner with Anne-Marie & Kevin I was talking with Tara about all this hurricane madness. We were comparing the response, or our responses, to this and to 9/11. I explained that although I was absolutely dumbstruck, confused and saddened by what happened on 9/11 this situation in New Orleans has angered me. I spent a lot of time in this city, I know people there and to me it is a cultural foundation for America. There was an article in the Tennessean the other day in which Chris Thomas King (a Baton Rougian who's lived in New Orleans for awhile now) said there is no music in New Orleans right now. In a city that includes music in all aspects, even funerals, there is no music. That saddens me beyond belief. The energy of that city moves on the drumbeat...it's palpable. What angers me is the seeming lackadaisical response from the federal gov't and probably the state too. It seems we were all lulled into "this was a...

0476 - Romulus Augustulus , the last emperor of the western Roman Empire, was deposed when Odoacer proclaimed himself King of Italy. 1530 - Ivan "The Terrible" born 1609 - Henry Hudson began exploring the island of Manhattan. 1781 - Forty-four men and women establish California's second pueblo, Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula . Twenty-six of the founders are of African descent. The settlement is now the city of Los Angeles . 1786 - Jehu Jones, Jr. born 1848 - Louis Latimer born 1865 - Bowie State College 1875 - Clinton (Mississippi) Massacre, Whites attack to overthrow a reconstruction government. 1886 - Geronimo , and the Apache Indians he led, surrendered 1888 - George Eastman registered the name "Kodak" and patented his roll-film camera. 1901 - Mantan Moreland born. 1905 - Meade "Lux" Lewis born 1908 - Richard Wright born 1918 - Gerald Wilson born 1923 - George Washington Carver received the Spingarn Medal fo...

Those who are afraid of all the sufferings in the world, and yet who are afraid of death, seek for nirvana. But they do not know that the world and death and nirvana are not to be separated from one another. They imagine that nirvana is to be found through annihilation of the senses, not knowing that the world of the senses is already a mirage or a miracle when it is no longer clutched at. Lankavatara Sutra

Kanye West's Torrent of Criticism, Live on NBC "Kanye West departed from the scripted comments that were prepared for him, and his opinions in no way represent the views of the networks..."

Mexico coach Ricardo La Volpe called American soccer "ugly" and said the U.S. remains inferior to Mexico in soccer despite the monumental World Cup win over El Tri. U.S., Mexico soccer teams just don't like each other

You know, after this first happened I didn't think it was all that bad but slowly more and more reports contradicted that idea. Now, I have watched and heard so much that I don't know what to think. I am so saddened by the loss of life and historic treasures and I am so frustrated by what seems to be such half-assed response. I heard today that Carnival Cruise Line was considering , CONSIDERING , offering help. What the FUCK! If fucking Sri Lanka and the Dominican Republic (two of the smallest countries on God's Green Earth) can give us money what is the matter with these asses who embark cruises and dock ships in New Orleans!? I don't know. I know the whole place is fucked up but it seems like some of the private companies (not just non-profits or aid organizations), could do more with the logistical things... I wish the best to all those folks and hope that all those who died have safe passage.

We also often add to our pain and suffering by being overly sensitive, over-reacting to minor things, and sometimes taking things too personally. His Holiness the Dalai Lama This one has me written all over it...

31 B.C. - Octavian (Augustus Caesar) defeated the alliance of Mark Antony and Cleopatra to become the first Roman emperor. 1766 - James Forten (one of the founders of the American Anti-Slavery Society ) born 1789 - The Treasury Department , headed by Alexander Hamilton , was created 1833 - Oberlin College founded 1864 - William Tecumseh Sherman occupied Atlanta 1884 - John Parker patented the "Parker Pulverizer" (Patent #304,552) 1896 - Amanda Randolph born 1896 - Edith Wilson born 1901 - Adolph Rupp born 1901 - Vice President Theodore Roosevelt made his "Speak softly and carry a big stick" speech at the Minnesota State Fair . 1902 - Rex Goreleigh born 1912 - Romare Bearden born 1921 - Ozzie Williams born 1928 - Horace Silver born 1943 - The Liberty Ship Frederick Douglass was torpedoed and sunk in the Atlantic by Germany 1945 - Ho Chi Minh proclaims himself president & declared the independence the Democratic Republic of Vietnam. 1945 - Japane...

and we will miss him. I was fortunate enough to see him on several occasions, he was one of a kind. Pick up Deep Blues and You See Me Laughin' to get an idea of what we'll be missing.

As if the news from the Gulf Coast wasn't bad enough... R.L. Burnside November 21, 1926 - September 1, 2005 We at Fat Possum are sad to announce that R.L. Burnside died today at his hospital room in Memphis. Blues artist R.L. Burnside, who redefined the blues genre by incorporating indie rock acts and hip-hop production, died September 1, 2005, at St. Francis Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Burnside was born November 21, 1926, in Harmontown, Mississippi, and spent most of his life in the north Mississippi hill country, where he worked as a sharecropper and a commercial fisherman and played guitar at weekend house parties. In 1968, noted folklorist George Mitchell recorded Burnside for the first time. In 1991 Burnside was the first artist signed to then-fledgling Fat Possum Records in Oxford, Mississippi. His debut, "Too Bad Jim," was produced by former New York Times pop critic Robert Palmer. Along with his friend, neighbor, and label-mate Junior Kimbrough, Burnside was ...

It’s 9/1 and I went to the library for 2 hours. My math skills are as bad as I remembered and my reading comp/vocab skills are just a little rusty. I need to really go back to algebraic and geometric basics b/c this stuff was really only a vague bell. I never blew these tests either way. I was always a median performance test-taker; my math was a bit below and my verbal was a decent amt above. See more progress on: study for the GRE