Loosely Speaking

By Ciel - About Me - E-mail this page - Add to My Favorites - Add to Blog List - See other blogs in Everything Else

Monday, August 30, 2021

Afghanistan: It's complicated.

Critics of every administration have always tended to grab onto pieces of any situation and frame them to make that administration look bad. It's politics, it's what politicians do. But this situation like most cannot be defined or described in a few words of clever snark. Those who go there only demonstrate how little they understand the big picture, and how manipulative they are willing to be despite reason or fairness. The first angle of attack from every side is assigning blame. The... Sign in to see full entry.

Saturday, August 28, 2021

Clarification

Senator Manchin and many others seem to be equating and conflating the Taliban with Isis. This illustrates the problem of forming opinions with not-quite-full information, with basing opinions on emotional reactions which, while legitimate and sincere, are based on conjecture and speculation, not to mention, personal prejudices. This latest attack has been claimed by a particular branch of Isis that is hostile to the Taliban, and has a vested interest in creating more trouble between the US and... Sign in to see full entry.

Monday, August 16, 2021

Afghanistan

My heart weeps for the women of Afghanistan. For the mothers, the daughters, the sisters: All who could not flee the oncoming wave of Taliban's twisted, religious self-righteousness. It will be bad for everyone, but especially for the women and girls. My heart aches for all the translators, guides, and mediators who aided the war against the Taliban, who, even if they could be pulled out themselves, have left behind families through whom they will be punished. For all the US servicemen and women... Sign in to see full entry.

Sunday, August 15, 2021

Give the Earth a day off.

Running a/c, binging tv shows and movies, online surfing and searching, letting your vehicle idle... Many casual activities have unseen, unnoticed energy costs and make greater demands on the planet's resources than we realize. What if we all turned off all these things even one day a week, to see what kind of difference our casual and recreational activities make when amplified by millions? How about a Monday? Saturday? Sunday? Stay home, read an actual book, a real newspaper... Eat fresh food,... Sign in to see full entry.

Friday, August 13, 2021

Changing the Narratives of Power

I recently watched a film that showed the bigotry and hostility in America towards Asians. Not just the historic stuff, but that it still is an active influence. For the first time, seeing that only some Americans promoted it, I became very much more aware of the way Euro-Americans have controlled the narrative that only they are legitimate Americans, that it is their 'right' to be in charge, to make all the rules, to define all the truths and beliefs of America. In fact, to define America. I... Sign in to see full entry.

Sunday, August 8, 2021

Cave Bears and Pretty Girl with a hatchet

Watching The Rising Hawk: 13th century, has Mongols, Carpathian scenery... Sure, why not? I like all that stuff in a fantasy film. Turned it off after the first great hunt scene: girl falls into a cavern, looks occupied, a big open space with a stack of firewood. To the side is light and an opening to the rest of the cave. Does she go explore what appears to be a sunlit entrance? No. She blows a little hunting horn several times. The cave bear--of course there's a bear!--wanders into the chamber... Sign in to see full entry.

Thursday, August 5, 2021

the bad words

First of all, words are not bad. It takes emotional filters to make them seem bad. It takes intent on the part of the speaker, even of the listener, to make a word bad. Lenny Bruce said it well in his 'Hard Words' bit. It's accessible in this article on the topic. https://medium.com/applaudience/lenny-bruce-are-there-any-niggers-here-tonight-71c6cf9f2a2c George Carlin is also mentioned in the article, as he also spoke of the power of words to hurt and manipulate--or not. All that said by way of... Sign in to see full entry.

Thursday, July 29, 2021

They are the champions!

Each woman who stands up against the storm of the world's displeasure empowers the next, and the next. I salute Naomi Osaka for risking the lightning strike! I wonder if her taking a stand against exploitation and abuse in the name of Sport actually gave Simone Biles the push to standing up for herself. And Sunisa Lee, another American took gold for the US Gymnastics Team because Biles stepped aside, and that also makes me happy. I have wondered how much the controversy over Biles' amazing... Sign in to see full entry.

Monday, July 26, 2021

Bubblewrap.

Bubblewrap. My mom used to fall down a lot, and we told her we should wrap her in bubblewrap. Today, talking about bumping into things a lot due to my wonky eyesight, the topic came up again. Bubblewrap hat... maybe a turban! Because it would be so elegant. Then this: *scene on a bus, train, or any mode of public transportation, maybe an elevator* 'pop' "Stop it." 'pop... pop pop...' "Cut it out!" "Just one more..." 'pop' 'pop pop pop' "No! No more! I don't even know you!" 'pop pop pop pop...' "... Sign in to see full entry.

Tuesday, July 20, 2021

More of ancient China

I have found another historical drama from China, set in the century before the first Empire. It is during the Warring States period which, if I recall correctly, lasted ~500 years. This one is titled QIN EMPIRE: Alliance. It isn't the first in the series, but I will be searching out the others. Some here may wonder at my fascination with China, may even assume I consider it a superior nation. After all, I went to Beijing a couple of years ago, and I watch all these shows about China's history.... Sign in to see full entry.

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