FREE!!!

Hey, watch out town hall organizers, this guy is out:

Wilpon's May Be Forced To Sell Mets

The owners of the New York Mest, the Wilpon family, may be forced to sell the New York Mets after Fred Wilpon was suckered by Bernard Madoff:

It has been suggested the sale of the team is almost certain.

Madoff, himself a Mets fan, defrauded Fred Wilpon and thousands of others in his Ponzi scam.

It has been speculated that the New York Mets club is worth around $850 million.

Dems Begin Sanford Ads In South Carolina

Saban Signs 3-Year Extension

Alabama football coach Nick Saban has signed a 3-year contract extension with the Crimson Tide, making him the head coach through 2017:

"Terry and I are pleased and happy that the University of Alabama has offered us an extension to our original contract," Saban said, referring to his wife. "Our acceptance of the extension expresses our commitment to the University of Alabama for the rest of our coaching career."

In two seasons, Saban has led the Crimson Tide to a 19-8 record, including a 12-2 record last season that earned a Southeastern Conference Western Division title, a trip to the Sugar Bowl and a final ranking of sixth.

***Note: doesn't Saban look like he's dancing like the bowler from The Big Lebowski in the photo above:

The Big Lebowski-Bob Dylan-the man in me- sélectionné dans Clips

Excerpts From Obama's Euology

Kennedy Memoir Set For Sept. 14

Senator Ted Kennedy's memoir, entitled True Compass, is set to be published Septemper 14:

[Kennedy] kept a personal journal for almost 50 years, beginning with his brother John F. Kennedy's 1960 campaign. In 2004, he started a five-year, comprehensive oral history at the University of Virginia. And for the past two years, he had been writing a confessional autobiography... He completed it this year.

For his own work, the Senator was certainly looking beyond a publishing success; his literary efforts were made for posterity. Now, sadly, they'll be posthumous as well.

Pre-order the book HERE.

Obama Hysteria

Spirituality and Music: Matisyahu, "One Day."

I happened upon the music of Matisyahu by chance when he first hit the scene and immediately fell in love with his style. It's fresh, original, hip and very catchy. His style is an exceptional hybrid of reggae, rap, beat-box, hip-hop and rock. There is something there to his music, however, besides amazing talent and a unique sound, which I quickly figured out--He has a deep passion for the music, which stems in large part from a deep well of spiritual energy.

Matis is a Hasidic Jew who mixes positive, uplifting messages about Jewish and other spirituality into his songs. The spiritual messages he infuses into his music are very universal so that despite not being Jewish or even monotheistic I really connect with it on a profound level. One such song is from Matisyahu's new album, "Light" and it's titled, "One Day." Anyway, below the video box I've typed out some of the lyrics that I like most from this song about peace, love and non-violence. If the video is disabled click here for the link to the video:

sometimes in my tears I drown
but I never let it get me down
so when negativity surrounds
I know some day it'll all turn around
because
all my live I've been waiting for
I've been praying for
for the people to say
that we don't wanna fight no more
they'll be no more wars and our children will play
one day

it's not about
win or lose
because we all lose when they feed on the souls of the innocent blood drenched pavement
keep on moving though the waters stay raging
in this maze you can lose your way (your way)
it might drive you crazy but dont let it faze you no way (no way)

one day this all will change
treat people the same
stop with the violence
down with the hate
one day we'll all be free
and proud to be under the same sun
singing songs of freedom

James: Music can provide inspiration to see the world, the day or one's life in an entirely different way. Sounds are some of the most effective ways of conveying spirituality because they touch a place deep within our essence that isn't always accessible by words alone. A lot of times too the essence of words can be lost in translation from one language to another but the sounds themselves cross all boundaries, barriers and cultures. It can inspire us toward great heights of being, doing and seeing.

In addition, music is a great way to relax and prepare for meditation but it is also a very good meditation by itself. I have sat down to listen to music with an angry or depressed mood only to have it lifted and calmed through meditating on the beautiful sounds of a song. So don't forget to use music to help you explore your states of mind and consciousness. It's important to take time in our busy lives to stop, listen and enjoy some good music to help us release less helpful energy and replace it with a rejuvenating feeling.

~Peace to all beings~

Chuck Norris: Vote For Roy Moore Or I Will Fight You

Star of the reality show 'Walker-Texas Ranger' Chuck Norris has endorsed Roy Moore for Governor of Alabama:

Norris has endorsed Judge Roy Moore in his run for governor of Alabama in 2010. Norris also endorsed two other gubernatorial candidates in Ohio and Iowa.

"Roy's resume reads like a 'Who's Who' of American life and justice: from private practice to District Attorney then circuit judge and chief justice," said Norris. "Roy Moore's awesome autobiographical manifesto "So Help Me God!" is a must read for any patriot."

If you vote for Roy Moore, Chuck Norris just might let you live.

"LIberal Lion", Kennedy Dead At The Age Of 77

An era has come to an end, as the last of Joeseph Kennedy's boys succumbed to a brain tumor and died at the age of 77:

Kennedy was first elected to the Senate in 1962, at the age of 30, and his tenure there would span four decades.

[Kennedy] ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination in 1979 against incumbent President Jimmy Carter.

Political analyst Mark Shields said Kennedy's "concerns were national concerns, but his forum for achieving his ends and changing policy, became the Senate. And he mastered it like nobody else I've ever seen."

Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair called Kennedy "a true public servant committed to the values of fairness, justice and opportunity."

Britain gave Kennedy an honorary knighthood earlier this year.

A sad day.

Quick Reaction To The Alabama Gubernatorial Forum

1. - Artur Davis was by far the most seasoned candidate.
2. - Bradley Byrne was not as good as I expected, but better than his GOP brethren.
3. - Tim James is still a complete idiot.
4. - Roy Moore probably has a job as a Baptist preacher when this is over.
5. - Bob Bentley is a typical Senator running for any office, knowledgeable but boring.
6. - Bill Johnson really wants that far right vote.
7. - The online stream of this event sucked really bad!!!

They are supposedly going to have an "on-demand" stream available later, so if you missed it go HERE and wait.

Earth: The Pale Blue Dot.

Concerning what Buddhism thinks toward the universe the Buddha has said, “It is so large that it has no exterior, and so small that it has no interior.” “It means that at the Tathagata level, in terms of largeness, you can’t see the edge of the universe, and in terms of smallness, you can’t see the smallest microscopic particle of matter."

James: Whenever this perspective comes into focus it always humbles and reassures me that the bigger picture of reality is unfolding as it should. How could it not be unfolding at it should for we don't have much control over anything let alone our fate in the unfathomable totally of the Universe. We have learned a lot as a species but we still probably don't even know a tenth of what the Universe is about and we will most likely never know. Perhaps that's the way it is meant to be because how can something so immense and ever changing ever be pinned down and completely understand by a mind, which we know is flawed to begin with? Catching up to the consciousness of this vast experiment is in my view a glimpse into the state of parinirvana, which in totality is impossible to grasp until, (it seems to this humbled mind) until one no longer longs to grasp at all. Perhaps we'll "know" it when our desire to know is exhausted.

How lucky to have been born on this pale blue dot of dust hurtling through the vast expanse of a living Universe at all? How even luckier is it then to have been born as a human with the ability to understand that we're living on a pale, isolated blue dot of dust hurtling through the vast expanse of a living, breathing Universe!! And that on this pale blue dot once walked a man called Buddha who changed this dot forever. Whole civilizations of ants live and die generation after generation with no knowledge whatsoever that they live on such a miracle of a rock floating and spinning around a bright, giant, star of nuclear reactivity.

We can try to act like we are in control with our super smart, fast computers but in the totality of it all those are just blimps on a inconceivably massive time line. We're along for the ride so while pursuing science and looking beyond our current limitations is something we should always pursue we need to remember the less flashy parts of the puzzle. Black holes, red dwarfs, spiral galaxies and massive, multi-colored planets are enthralling and awe inspiring to be sure but so is the most delicate, humblest blade of grass that we often pass as we rush our way across this pale blue dot. Some of the most amazing moments in existence don't take place in a lab, aren't seen through the lens of a telescope or measured with the most high-tech satellite. As my master Thich Nhat Hanh says:

“I like to walk alone on country paths, rice plants and wild grasses on both sides, putting each foot down on the earth in mindfulness, knowing that I walk on the wondrous earth. In such moments, existence is a miraculous and mysterious reality. People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don’t even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child--our own two eyes. All is a miracle...

James: I am content to just be apart of it all and to share a few spins around the sun with you all on this miracle rock called, Earth. That makes me smile.

~Peace to all beings~

Haiku Heaven.

I recommend listening to each video for a few minutes to relax and center yourself before reading each corresponding haiku below it. Trust me, it's worth it. Also, try turning up the volume for a more realistic experience:

crashing thunder roars
rain drops softy rush downward
tan leaf floats rapids


clear shimmering stream
gurgles bamboo wind chime song
veiled destination


jungle leaves pulse green
natural orchestra plays
enjoy being lost

-Haiku by James R. Ure

~Peace to all beings~

CREDIT: Hiyeizan Temple, Kyoto, Japan by Okinawa Soba

Fact v fiction?

An excellent special edition of Front Row on radio 4 here discussing the value of historical novels and history's place in today's publishing including famous writers such as Tristram Hunt, Antonia Fraser, Hilary Mantel and Margaret Macmillan.

American town hall madness

The Democrats have been holding town hall debates across the country to answer questions about the healthcare plan. It has not been very civilised however...
See here for the Daily Show's John Stewart's take on it with clips from the debates and the ever interesting view from the now unemployed Sarah Palin.

Battle of the Bogside 1969

It is the 40th anniversary this week of the Battle of the Bogside in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, which led to the British Army's involvement in 'The Troubles'. At first British troops were welcomed as a neutral force but fairly soon they became embroiled in the conflict themselves. Interesting comment here in the Times and some great footage and reports here from Panorama.

Netanyahu Says He Will Never Give Up The West Bank

Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu stated on radio this week that he will never evict Jews from illegal settlements in the West Bank:

Netanyahu said the 2005 removal of Jewish settlers from the Gaza Strip had been a mistake, as it had not brought peace or security.

It seems any chance for Obama to effect change with regard to the Israeli's and Palestinians has become almost impossible since the election og President Netanyahu

New film on 1919 Red Scare

That's William J. Flynn standing there in the dapper hat and trenchcoat. Back in 1919, he was very hot stuff. They called him "Big Bill," the most famous detective in America, former chief of the U.S. Secret Service, former top gumshoe in New York City, recognied as the country's top spy catcher, Red hunter, counterfeit tracker, enemy of gangsters, kidnappers, bank robbers, gamblers, and criminals of every type.

You could barely pick up a newspaper in the 1910s without seeing his name. He loved splashy midnight raids, and helped terrify the country against German saboteurs during World War I. In his spare time, he even wrote detective novels, mostly making himself the hero.

In 1919, Flynn landed in Washington, D.C. The Attorney General, A. Mitchell Palmer, asked him, begged him, to leave New York and become the new Director of the Justice Department's Bureau of Investigation (later renamed the FBI). Flynn would hold the job for two years. One of his lieutenants would be a skinny young kid named J. Edgar Hoover who later would head the FBI for 48 years, the most controversial law enforcement figure in Twentieth Century America.

Depite all his big headline-grabbing cases, nobody much remembers Bill Flynn these days. But that could change. A new movie is being made about Flynn's Justice Department days that, if done right, could nicely poke a rarely-esposed sensitive raw nerve in the American past.

Mitchell Palmer had a special job in mind for Flynn when he invited him to come to Washington in 1919 and head the Bureau of Investigation. Palmer intended to launch a massive crackdown against subversives -- communists, anarchists, labor radicals, and a few truly dangerous people -- that would culminate in one of the worst civil liberty abuses in American history. Between late 1919 and early 1920, Justice Department agents, working with local police and vigilantees, rounded up some 10,000 people, locked them in overcrowded prisons, had them beaten, abused, cut off from lawyers, threatened with deportation, and then, months later, the large majority simply released, never accused of a crime. The reason? A massive case of paranoia and guilt by association known as the First Red Scare.

Flynn's direct role in this affair has always been a mystery. Palmer himself and young Hoover played the visible leads -- hence the "Palmer Raids"-- but Flynn was the person actually in charge of the Bureau at the time. I tell the story of the Raids from Hoover's point of view in my book Young J. Edgar: Hoover, the Red Scare, and the Assault on Civil Liberties. Now it's time for Flynn's.

The new movie, called No God, No Master, recently began shooting in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, (which has several streets that look like 1919 New York City). To play Flynn, it casts actor David Strathairn -- who played Edward R. Murrow in the 2005 George Clooney film Good Night, and Good Luck. The production team describes the story this way:

"No God, No Master is the story of U.S. Bureau of Investigation agent William Flynn who is swept into the world of homegrown terrorism during the Red Scare of the early 1900s. His journey into the culture of anarchism sets the stage for a timely drama with rsounding parallels to the politics and issues of contemporary society."

Let's hope they do a good job. This is an important story, full of lessons clearly forgotten during the hysteria of our own generation's War on Terror following the attacks on our country of September 11, 2001. Too often, movies get it wrong. I have my fingers crossed that this will be the exception.

Radiohead and the First World War

Thom Yorke, from Radiohead, was so moved by an interview on the Today programme in 2005 with Harry Patch, the last surviving British soldier from the First World War that they composed a piece of music for him. Listen to it here.

Is feminism still needed?

Janice Turner argues here in the Times today that it most certainly is and uses what she describes as the 'pornification' of society to prove her point. It has provoked a heated debate on the issue and of course comes at the same time as Lubna Hussein is fighting for her rights to wear trousers in Sudan at risk of being whipped.

The Humor Sutra.

I have a pretty good sense of humor--I like to laugh a lot and make other people laugh. I think that laughing a lot is an important part of living a happy life. I have noticed over time that there are are quite a few Buddhists who take themselves a bit too seriously. I have been to meditation sessions where you try to joke and laugh a bit and get grumbles and frowns in response. As well as people who seem a bit attached to the "letter of law" in Buddhism who often walk around obsessed with trying to "ensure" people are, "Doing it right." (It, meaning Buddhism). Well to those who think that humor has no place in Buddhism and that we must always be serious, reserved and well-mannered all the time then you need to re-aquaint yourself with His Holiness the Dalai Lama: Metro News-Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama jokes with his nasal spray after being asked his opinion on the swine flu epidemic as he gave a lecture at a Swiss stadium. during a press conference. (AFP/Getty Images)

~Peace to all beings~

Spies, Torture & Terrorism

An excellent article by the Economist here which analyses the torture debate and controversy in the US as well as comparing American views with those of other countries.

Thich Nhat Hanh's Disciples in Vietnam Facing Turmoil.

By BEN STOCKING Associated Press Writer

HANOI, Vietnam August 1, 2009 (AP)

Communist Vietnam's sometimes edgy relationship with religious freedom is being tested in a dispute over a monastery inhabited by disciples of Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the world's most famous Zen masters. For four years, the Buddhist monks and nuns at Bat Nha monastery in central Vietnam have been quietly meditating and studying the teachings of the 82-year-old Vietnamese sage who is perhaps the world's best-known living Buddhist after Tibet's Dalai Lama. But lately, they are in a standoff that could test the patience of even the most enlightened. First, local authorities cut off their power, water and telephones. Then, a mob descended on their compound with sledgehammers, smashing windows, damaging buildings and threatening occupants.

Communist authorities have ordered the 379 Vietnamese monks to leave the monastery in Vietnam's Central Highlands. They say the standoff stems from disagreements between two Buddhist factions at the monastery. But Hanh's followers believe they are being punished because of Hanh's praise for the Dalai Lama and his call to broaden religious freedom in Vietnam. The affair represents a remarkable turnaround from four years ago, when France-based Hanh returned to his native land after 39 years of exile during which he developed a philosophy called "Engaged Buddhism" and sold more than a million books in the West. The abbot at Bat Nha, which belonged to the official Buddhist Church of Vietnam, invited Hanh's followers to train monks in their brand of Buddhism at the temple there. The letter also said that Hanh's followers should leave Bat Nha and stressed that Abbot Duc Nghi, the property's original owner, wanted them to go. Nghi could not be reached, and committee members declined to comment, saying they needed several days to arrange an interview.

Sister Dang said the Plum Village followers were taken by surprise when Nghi told them to leave because the abbot had visited the monastery in France two or three times and seemed to respect Hanh. She theorized that Nghi must have been pressured from above to ask the Plum Village practitioners to leave. Otherwise, she said, any tensions between the two camps could have been resolved.

James: Vietnam will one day have full religious freedom and what a joy that day will be!! I hope to visit this beautiful, stunning country one day but I don't have the money to travel there right now. When I do, however, I hope to meet a reader from Vietnam--I know there are some from that great country who read this blog and I thank-you for reading. May the power of the people seeking freedom break down the cold structure of Communism and in a peaceful, Gandhi-like fashion. Trying to contain freedom is like trying to contain water. Water blocked by unbending, restrictive rocks will always find a way to erode them and continue on its way toward joining the open, vast freedom of the sea and ocean. Water has carved through some of the strongest rock to form natural wonders that inspire awe, respect and unrestrained possibilities. The concept of change as taught in Buddhism is no exception.

The saying, "Time heals all wounds" is over-used and sometimes simplistic but is important to remember as it enables people to endure things that they thought weren't possible and for longer periods of time than thought possible. Buddhists seem better prepared and capable of enduring long hardship and suffering than some because of the Buddha's teachings of the inevitability of suffering, dealing with anger but also the inevitability of change. In this case the inevitability that Vietnam will change it's government and allow full and fair religious freedom.

Thich Nhat Hanh speaks often of the idea of seeds, "The seed of suffering in you may be strong, but don't wait until you have no more suffering before allowing yourself to be happy."
— Thich Nhat Hanh (The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching).

James: I need to hear those words right now because lately I've been struggling.Whether we suffer the oppression of an authoritarian government or from an authoritarian mental illness like I do we lessen our suffering by finding the good in the little things, which upon further reflection are anything but little. It's easier said than done but for example, I always amaze myself at how much joy and peace can be found in focusing on the vibrancy and beauty of nature. A simple rainstorm can change the mood of my entire day toward one of increased relaxation and renewal. Gazing mindfulfully upon a simple flower swaying gently in the breeze can give me great comfort that signs of happiness can still be found despite all the misery and suffering in the world. Especially those hearty flowers, which sprout up inbetween rocks. In addition, Buddhism lends itself well to practicing alone if an organized sangha is not possible because of religious oppression such as in Vietnam and China.

It's hard for an oppressive regime to police what people do in the privacy in their own homes and a small altar is easy to hide. Meditation is often done quietly, which makes it easy to practice without drawing attention. Thich Nhat Hanh knows this well and teaches that meditation can be done while walking, working, enjoying music, physical exercise, etc. Hanh teaches like all wise Buddhist masters that even if we live in a religiously open and free society that meditation shouldn't be a separate part of our lives, which we only practice in formal settings/sessions. Otherwise it becomes just another hobby, which is fun but without deeper intigration into one's daily activities dies out like a fad. Another example would be like trying to cure a sickness through a patch on the skin rather than injecting it into the blood stream.

In keeping with the teaching of seeds, Nhat Hanh teaches that we all have the seeds for violence, ambivilance, peace and loving-kindness. I hope that my Vietnamese brothers and sisters can water the seeds of love and not anger because in watering the seeds of anger we are watering the seeds to our own destruction. The easy answer is what the ego-mind goes toward first and often that is anger, which is a seed that like a weed grows quickly with little watering and can quickly grow out of control. Anger/violence might feel good and seem to be the answer at first but that quickly fades and often leads to an even stronger backlash by the other side. If both sides keep watering those seeds the anger and violence can spiral to such an extent that eventually it will destroy both sides completely. Total annilation isn't in anyone's interest.

I hope this post doesn't sound too simplistic or that I think the solutions in Vietnam are easy and simple because I know that they aren't. I am also very much aware that it is easy for me to sit here in America in the comfort of my home, enjoying my religious freedom and advise others about dealing with an authoritarian government. However, my intentions are to provide encouragement as well as encouragement to myself in dealing with my oppressive mental health. It gives me hope and I always underestimate the power of hope. The beauty of Buddhism is that we know this hope will ripen one day into reality as change of all kinds is inevitable--yes, even change for the better, which I have to remind myself daily it seems being a born pessimist.

It sounds cliche to focus on the seemingly little things that bring happiness into our lives and sometimes it doesn't always work but when it does it sure changes my entire perspective. It's amazing how much more patience and peace I have after spending just 15 minutes contemplating the organization and feeling of completeness of nature. If nature can live in harmony and completeness despite the reality of suffering than so can we especially since despite our best efforts at separating ourselves--we are nature as well!!

~Peace to all beings~

Virginia Governor Polls

Franken And T. Boone Have Words

For whatever reason, billionaire Republican T. Boone Pickens was invited to meet some Senate Democrats and Al Franken got his tenure in the Senate off on the right foot:

Sen. Al Franken managed to make time for the lunch — but then let Pickens have it afterward.

According to a source, the wealthy oil and gas magnate and author of “The First Billion Is the Hardest” stepped up to introduce himself to Franken in a room just off the Senate Floor after the lunch ended

Franken, who was seated talking to someone else, did not stand when Pickens said hello. Instead, Franken began to berate him about the billionaire’s financing of the Swift Boat ads in 2004.

According to a source, the confrontation grew heated.

Said Franken spokeswoman Jess McIntosh: “It was a lively conversation.”

Music Sharer Ordered To Pay $675,000

A former Boston University student has been convicted of sharing 30 songs with his friends 6 years ago and has been ordered to pay $675,000in fines:

After facing trial for copyright infringement, a Boston jury ordered [Joel Tenenbaum] to pay $675,000 to four record labels for illegally sharing music, the Associated Press reported.

Tenenbaum is only the second American to be taken to trial in such a case.

Tenenbaum tried to settle the case for $5,000, but the offer was rejected.

Insane Taser Video