Since becoming trailer trash, I've been asked to describe what 'trailer trash' looks like. Being trailer trash myself I've considered it, well, normal looking. Just the other day I took a picture of the local 'trailer trash' I know. They were doing what typical trailer trash do, hanging out in trailer beds until the weather improves so they can get in mumus and occupy lounge chairs outside. As trailer trash we have a keener appreciation of what is important and don't much despair about not having beamers or lotus sports car. We're pretty satisfied with big old diesel trucks. And we thank the lord for our teeth.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Trailer Trash
Time and Place in Combat
A good general is always aware of the significance of "time and place". If a platoon is ambushed the usual best response is retreat. If a mugger suddenly appears the best first response is to back a way. One realizes that the enemy has chosen this "time and place" for whatever reason to attack. Even if a retreat is only a short distance the subsequent battle is now at the choosing in terms of 'time and place' of the defender.
(Advanced ambushes include a barrier to escape but at least then the defender has their back to a wall. Only if the attacker is a complete novice would immediate attack be indicated but this ploy of weak attack was what lead to Custer's fated arrogant charge and ultimate last stand)
At the simplest this lesson is a wise one for any confrontation. A person who suddenly goes berzerk or starts a fight probably has some reason for picking this 'time and place' for the altercation. Best to negotiate another 'time and place' .
A typical ambush in domestic altercation is for children to raise "issues" when adults are preoccupied at the front door with talking to police or taxman, suturing up the cat's cut jugular, or shooting at attacking green aliens. This is of course the best time for an adolescent to bring up allowance or curfew or the friendship with their best friend sex addict drug dealer. Parents in this 'combat setting' would be wise to retreat and refuse to engage but instead open the discussion when the adolescent has been out all night and wants to sleep in. This is an example of chosing 'time and place'.
Couples will commonly "fight' when one is wasted after a day at the office while the other has had the day off. Coming through the door or leaving for work are often the best placees for ambushes. Again a studied response is to refuse to engage in this 'time and place' and pick another time and place such as in the middle of the mother in law's visit or during the sister's or brother's wedding rehearsal.
If people really want a reasonable and agreed on diplomatic solution to a problem rather than an 'end run' or 'bullying win" such as preached in 'negotiation through intimidation' the first discussion is best a discussion about when and where the discussion will be held.
That was the case when wars were for gentlemen and women were called ladies before the days of guerrila warfare, terrorism and baby bombers. Of course if home and office and country politics give no alternative to civilized discussion it is best then to accept 'all's fair in love and war'. At that point it's best to chose time and place for the altercation.
I personally think nuclear weapons attached to toilet handles have the potential for very pretty pyrotechnics with significant collateral damage. Alternatively poisoning underwear, sanitary pads or condoms is a particularly well chosen time and place to lay down the gauntlet.
Without consideration of the weapons or tactics the first strategic question is 'time and place'. Today's marriage is for many not a life long investment but rather a planned combat engagement with intention of withdrawal when children leave kindergarden or high school or one or other of the contestant completes their college degree.. Given the covert agendas implicit in these love wars it's actually amazing how truly civilized we are as a species. So few kill each other that newspapers actually consider this news.
Faced with threat of combat consider first the concept of 'time and place'. Post combat analysis takes into consideration what aspects of "time and place" seemed significantly to contribute to the particular combat.
As the best defence is an offence, the whole argument of victim and victimizer has become passe. It's the stuff to be used by the stupid and childlike but really has no place in the adult world where there really are only volunteers. Even the suicidal are picking their own 'time and place'. The 'homicidal' have always understood time and place.
Now this is the thinking of combatants. It's the rule of 'all's fair in love and war', and the rule of politics where war is considered an extension of good business practice as opposed to a very different idea which says war is failure. In the latter case we should be asking how we can use this time and place for something more constructive. Often war is a childish way of avoiding the adult tasks of building and creating.
(Advanced ambushes include a barrier to escape but at least then the defender has their back to a wall. Only if the attacker is a complete novice would immediate attack be indicated but this ploy of weak attack was what lead to Custer's fated arrogant charge and ultimate last stand)
At the simplest this lesson is a wise one for any confrontation. A person who suddenly goes berzerk or starts a fight probably has some reason for picking this 'time and place' for the altercation. Best to negotiate another 'time and place' .
A typical ambush in domestic altercation is for children to raise "issues" when adults are preoccupied at the front door with talking to police or taxman, suturing up the cat's cut jugular, or shooting at attacking green aliens. This is of course the best time for an adolescent to bring up allowance or curfew or the friendship with their best friend sex addict drug dealer. Parents in this 'combat setting' would be wise to retreat and refuse to engage but instead open the discussion when the adolescent has been out all night and wants to sleep in. This is an example of chosing 'time and place'.
Couples will commonly "fight' when one is wasted after a day at the office while the other has had the day off. Coming through the door or leaving for work are often the best placees for ambushes. Again a studied response is to refuse to engage in this 'time and place' and pick another time and place such as in the middle of the mother in law's visit or during the sister's or brother's wedding rehearsal.
If people really want a reasonable and agreed on diplomatic solution to a problem rather than an 'end run' or 'bullying win" such as preached in 'negotiation through intimidation' the first discussion is best a discussion about when and where the discussion will be held.
That was the case when wars were for gentlemen and women were called ladies before the days of guerrila warfare, terrorism and baby bombers. Of course if home and office and country politics give no alternative to civilized discussion it is best then to accept 'all's fair in love and war'. At that point it's best to chose time and place for the altercation.
I personally think nuclear weapons attached to toilet handles have the potential for very pretty pyrotechnics with significant collateral damage. Alternatively poisoning underwear, sanitary pads or condoms is a particularly well chosen time and place to lay down the gauntlet.
Without consideration of the weapons or tactics the first strategic question is 'time and place'. Today's marriage is for many not a life long investment but rather a planned combat engagement with intention of withdrawal when children leave kindergarden or high school or one or other of the contestant completes their college degree.. Given the covert agendas implicit in these love wars it's actually amazing how truly civilized we are as a species. So few kill each other that newspapers actually consider this news.
Faced with threat of combat consider first the concept of 'time and place'. Post combat analysis takes into consideration what aspects of "time and place" seemed significantly to contribute to the particular combat.
As the best defence is an offence, the whole argument of victim and victimizer has become passe. It's the stuff to be used by the stupid and childlike but really has no place in the adult world where there really are only volunteers. Even the suicidal are picking their own 'time and place'. The 'homicidal' have always understood time and place.
Now this is the thinking of combatants. It's the rule of 'all's fair in love and war', and the rule of politics where war is considered an extension of good business practice as opposed to a very different idea which says war is failure. In the latter case we should be asking how we can use this time and place for something more constructive. Often war is a childish way of avoiding the adult tasks of building and creating.
Stormy Weather
Carl Hiaason's novel Stormy Weather is another brilliant and hillarious offering from this Miami Post journalist. A sleazy marketting advertiser with a new video camera decides to take his newlywed wife to Florida to video the post hurricane wreckage for their honeymoon. An illegal game farm escapes into the suburbs in the hurricane. A beautiful woman decides this is her chance to claim injury for profit. As builders and inspectors are escaping the devastation of the hurricane every fly by night roofer scoundrel from all over the US is descending on the new found gold mine. As these misbegotten scoundrels come together less than good knights and tarnished angels appear in the most unlikely moments. I've read several of Hiaason's novels with great pleasure .This one was even more entertaining against the back drop of weather change today and corruption in high places. Corruption in high places seems to bring out the best in Hiasson's wit and genius.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Remembering Milan
It was only a few months ago Laura and I were in Milan. Thanks to pictures I was able to return to the Caffe La Piazzetta where we went for breakfast and lunch after shopping. We loved window shopping. Milan is such a city of fashion. People watching was as much fun. Everyone was well coiffed, Italian urbanites so appreciate of art worn as they are of the art of ancients displayed around their city. Elegance and sensuality. Beauty and reverence.
It's raining today in Vancouver. A good day for remembering Milan and the wonderful time we had there.
It's raining today in Vancouver. A good day for remembering Milan and the wonderful time we had there.
Last Supper
Luke 22
The Last Supper was the last passover meal that Jesus had with his disciples. It was thought to occur in the Upper Room but later archeological findings have questioned the location where this supper occurred. Da Vinci's painting was made much of in Brown's novel made into the movie, Da Vinci code. The placement of the disciples around the table remains a matter of speculation.
it was where Jesus said "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer."
The Passover supper of Judaism was the rite initiated by Moses from the time when Israelites were told to paint their doors with blood and hyssop to protect them. On that occasion the first born of the Egyptians were killed while the Israelites were spared. It was then that the Pharaoh let the Israelites go.
Hence the significance of the Passover Supper with Jesus being the first born sacrifice by which individuals might escape from the bondage of this world.
It is here that the rite of mass, of communion and of eucharist is stated.
"After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."
"And he took break, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
"In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
Jesus has been called the "Servant King". It is in Luke 22 that the reason for this is found. At the Last Supper Jesus said, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves."
The Last Supper at Westminster Abby England
The Last Supper was the last passover meal that Jesus had with his disciples. It was thought to occur in the Upper Room but later archeological findings have questioned the location where this supper occurred. Da Vinci's painting was made much of in Brown's novel made into the movie, Da Vinci code. The placement of the disciples around the table remains a matter of speculation.
it was where Jesus said "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer."
The Passover supper of Judaism was the rite initiated by Moses from the time when Israelites were told to paint their doors with blood and hyssop to protect them. On that occasion the first born of the Egyptians were killed while the Israelites were spared. It was then that the Pharaoh let the Israelites go.
Hence the significance of the Passover Supper with Jesus being the first born sacrifice by which individuals might escape from the bondage of this world.
It is here that the rite of mass, of communion and of eucharist is stated.
"After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again from the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."
"And he took break, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."
"In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you."
Jesus has been called the "Servant King". It is in Luke 22 that the reason for this is found. At the Last Supper Jesus said, "The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves."
The Last Supper at Westminster Abby England
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Subjectivism
Jesus said 'where two or more are gathered, there too shall I be." God is truth. The mystery is truth. This is the basis of 'objectivism'. That is, the community decides the 'truth'. Truth is not what I think it is but what "we" think it is. The very basis of reality as we know it is that it is an 'agreed' hypothesis.
Subjectivism has moved the truth out of the community and into my own 'head'. The result is 'my' truth and 'your' truth.
Further truth according to this equation becomes a 'commodity'. In the corporation versus the 'individual' the corporation is legally a person so has every reason to want you to be a person alone as well. The corporate individual is always more powerful in the world of commodity than the human individual.
As education became more about selling class room seats and popularity entertainment rather than insight and skill or reality based performance or quality creative interaction the appeal of subjectivism was instantly recognised. In subjectivism there is really no immediate need to listen or learn or even hear because the whole of subjectivism is about 'you' understanding 'me'. You must 'respect' me. And everything that is 'me' is important to 'me'.
Philosophically, subjectivism is the tenet that accords primacy to subjective experience as fundamental of all measure and law.
natural to me my experience is primary. It is clearly primary to the baby. It's equally primary to the bully and the tyrant. But where do we meet when you do not accord me any but secondary consideration. In the community the limits of subjectivism are glaring. The community the subjectivist is usually simply called arrogant and/or immature. So much of subjectivism in this sense is primary narcissism.
Subjectivism in community gives rise to moral relativism. If if feels good to me it is right for me and good for me so you must respect me for my views and feelings. Indeed I can hate, reject, leave, have you beaten and killed, brutalized, ostracized and con temporized if you don't respect 'me'.
In Subjectivism one's belief as opposed to another's belief is merely a measure of probability or a bet. And this of course has validity but practically it doesn't square well with the idea of psychosis. Reality is a 'safe bet' but what if I want to take a chance. In the casino world of the subjectivism I want to shoot this gun at you and find out if you die. It's my subjective moral right to 'experience' my life.
The further attraction of subjectivism is that it fits the illusion of the gamer world where individuals are the supreme players until they move into the interactive gamer world and find themselves actually doing all the 'normal' things like competing and sharing and interacting with other subjective people in the consequent objective reality.
The difficulty that an adult has talking to a student who has encountered 'subjectivism' at the college level and suddenly needs to go no further is that there is an uncanny experience of talking again to a two year old but one with all manner of objective power. I feel like I'm talking to a psychotic.
Talking to a 'subjectivist' psychotic is difficult because they use language but in a very idiosyncratic way often changing it's meaning to their own 'subjective' sense. This is often part of a minority group think where the words represent what a few adherents think they do and you are not using the words in that sense so the psychologically insecure get that immense sense of satisfaction from 'insider' status. It's the same with other 'cults' and fundamentally the experience lacks any sense of 'exchange' but instead feels like being raped or bludgeoned.
That said, I am my own experience and collection of events that make of what is me but that in community there is complexity of relationships in which I am faced with separating 'rights' from 'priviledges' and learn what is 'yours' and what is 'mine' and what is 'ours'.
Truth has been public 'common' and when you tell me 'my' truth don't be surprised that I lassos you like any cowboy would. You are offensive and clearly and completely a threat to 'free range'. Subjectivism is too often an 'infant terrible'.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Subjectivism has moved the truth out of the community and into my own 'head'. The result is 'my' truth and 'your' truth.
Further truth according to this equation becomes a 'commodity'. In the corporation versus the 'individual' the corporation is legally a person so has every reason to want you to be a person alone as well. The corporate individual is always more powerful in the world of commodity than the human individual.
As education became more about selling class room seats and popularity entertainment rather than insight and skill or reality based performance or quality creative interaction the appeal of subjectivism was instantly recognised. In subjectivism there is really no immediate need to listen or learn or even hear because the whole of subjectivism is about 'you' understanding 'me'. You must 'respect' me. And everything that is 'me' is important to 'me'.
Philosophically, subjectivism is the tenet that accords primacy to subjective experience as fundamental of all measure and law.
natural to me my experience is primary. It is clearly primary to the baby. It's equally primary to the bully and the tyrant. But where do we meet when you do not accord me any but secondary consideration. In the community the limits of subjectivism are glaring. The community the subjectivist is usually simply called arrogant and/or immature. So much of subjectivism in this sense is primary narcissism.
Subjectivism in community gives rise to moral relativism. If if feels good to me it is right for me and good for me so you must respect me for my views and feelings. Indeed I can hate, reject, leave, have you beaten and killed, brutalized, ostracized and con temporized if you don't respect 'me'.
In Subjectivism one's belief as opposed to another's belief is merely a measure of probability or a bet. And this of course has validity but practically it doesn't square well with the idea of psychosis. Reality is a 'safe bet' but what if I want to take a chance. In the casino world of the subjectivism I want to shoot this gun at you and find out if you die. It's my subjective moral right to 'experience' my life.
The further attraction of subjectivism is that it fits the illusion of the gamer world where individuals are the supreme players until they move into the interactive gamer world and find themselves actually doing all the 'normal' things like competing and sharing and interacting with other subjective people in the consequent objective reality.
The difficulty that an adult has talking to a student who has encountered 'subjectivism' at the college level and suddenly needs to go no further is that there is an uncanny experience of talking again to a two year old but one with all manner of objective power. I feel like I'm talking to a psychotic.
Talking to a 'subjectivist' psychotic is difficult because they use language but in a very idiosyncratic way often changing it's meaning to their own 'subjective' sense. This is often part of a minority group think where the words represent what a few adherents think they do and you are not using the words in that sense so the psychologically insecure get that immense sense of satisfaction from 'insider' status. It's the same with other 'cults' and fundamentally the experience lacks any sense of 'exchange' but instead feels like being raped or bludgeoned.
That said, I am my own experience and collection of events that make of what is me but that in community there is complexity of relationships in which I am faced with separating 'rights' from 'priviledges' and learn what is 'yours' and what is 'mine' and what is 'ours'.
Truth has been public 'common' and when you tell me 'my' truth don't be surprised that I lassos you like any cowboy would. You are offensive and clearly and completely a threat to 'free range'. Subjectivism is too often an 'infant terrible'.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Avalon by the Sea
The Avalon organization was begun in Vancouver by women who saw a need for women to help women in recovery. Women who had themselves addressed addictions and freed themselves from the bondage of limitations banded with other women to create a special place where women alone could heal from the ravages of their various compulsive illnesses.
First there was one Avalon, a home like atmosphere where women could come and share. 12 step meetings were set up with day care and eventually a wide variety of recovery resources were available in one place where women could be safe and share intimacies, trials and tribulations of the detours their lives had taken them on before they found a straight path out of the darkness into the light of day. Together in Avalon they returned to community, schools, employment and family.
This first Avalon spawned another in Vancouver. The second was equally cherished as the first. Professionals faced with women who have developed addictions to alcohol, drugs, food, sex can encourage women to begin their walk in the world of recovery through the portals of Avalon. Too often women already preyed on for their beauty, youth, sexuality and money when the party scenes turned rough need a private place away from men where they can find sanctuary.
Today Avalon by the Sea is the latest of the Avalon's. Avalon by the Sea is even now developing in White Rock with the plan to open it's doors in summer of 2011. These safe shelters of meeting spaces where women can find understanding, others who will listen, and those who will share and support each other on the journey back to full functioning members of community are a god send. The children of so many find the adults there protective and kind. The women in recovery help those who are following in their footsteps.
Avalon is unaffiliated. They're independent and self sustaining. They are truly a grass roots charitable organization, high minded and down to earth. Already businesses and individuals in the White Rock region are rallying to support the opening of the newest of these jewels for women who can't say enough about how helpful Avalon has been to them in their times of need.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
First there was one Avalon, a home like atmosphere where women could come and share. 12 step meetings were set up with day care and eventually a wide variety of recovery resources were available in one place where women could be safe and share intimacies, trials and tribulations of the detours their lives had taken them on before they found a straight path out of the darkness into the light of day. Together in Avalon they returned to community, schools, employment and family.
This first Avalon spawned another in Vancouver. The second was equally cherished as the first. Professionals faced with women who have developed addictions to alcohol, drugs, food, sex can encourage women to begin their walk in the world of recovery through the portals of Avalon. Too often women already preyed on for their beauty, youth, sexuality and money when the party scenes turned rough need a private place away from men where they can find sanctuary.
Today Avalon by the Sea is the latest of the Avalon's. Avalon by the Sea is even now developing in White Rock with the plan to open it's doors in summer of 2011. These safe shelters of meeting spaces where women can find understanding, others who will listen, and those who will share and support each other on the journey back to full functioning members of community are a god send. The children of so many find the adults there protective and kind. The women in recovery help those who are following in their footsteps.
Avalon is unaffiliated. They're independent and self sustaining. They are truly a grass roots charitable organization, high minded and down to earth. Already businesses and individuals in the White Rock region are rallying to support the opening of the newest of these jewels for women who can't say enough about how helpful Avalon has been to them in their times of need.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
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