CapeCodToday Blog Chowder

The statistics are alarming, kids are not reading, and they read some on the computer, but mostly email, texting each other, sad. I am not certain HS kids make up a wide readership for Cape Cod Today...but my guess is our fearless leader, Mr. Brooks, would prefer kids to be reading books as well.

It all boils down to readership...the mighty buckeroo - what about expression, writers who actually have something to say, offer the community, have a voice, reach out to others...did you know most HS kids spend their reading time on the computer and don't read books...it's a crime...I'm going back to bed.

Oh Walter, please don't kill us poo' ole' bloggers. Funny pass time though, and like anything, can cause problems if overdone...I know there's a quote there somewhere, something about moderation and excess...although me thinks I don't blog nearly enough.

William Buckley was quite the conservative journalist and a little on the eccentric side - known to throw lavish dinner parties, with people from all walks of life. I dislike drawing a line between those who are "contributers" and those who are not. I like capecodtoday for being an open publication for all voices and people, regardless of educational background or seeming intelligence. What one interprets as "insanity" can be anothers source of humor. Different strokes....all in the way the light hits it, as my drawing teacher used to say.

So what's the next step? Who is accountable for the lost art?

These are the scariest clown I have ever seen. Where did you find them....lol MP, I apologize for my poking fun, I understand and after seeing these fully appreciate this fear of clowns - aaaaaaahhhhhhhh, make them go away.

I agree and think idle gossip is best left to "OMG did you see her hair-do". And here we are talking about a woman's murder, a trial, an investigation and a whole community effected. I think there is a fun factor to posting on the internet. There is not a real sense of connectedness or community - most are not even using their real names, so it's kind of like, who cares? Overall, I think good to edit and be cautious, use common sense, think before you post. Ultimately I think most (journalists, readers) do not take bloggers comments too seriously.

*

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fear_of_clowns

JTS - you're such a fig newton, I had a feeling.
No offense, but I love clowns. But there is an actual fear of them and I don't mean to, well I kind of do, make fun. So I guess the song, "Send in the clowns" gives you the weebeejeebees.

funny hat?

I don't mean to make fun of you guys, but what's more scary the big feet or the large red nose?

I once was asked to be a clown for a carnival at the local library and some kids cried when they saw me. ( i think it was the orange, curly hair.) Then you try and do a trick and they cry more... I think they are intentionally scary/funny, there is symbolism there. I also knew someone who went to clown college - Barnum and Bailey - there's a scary thought for clown-a-phobics - an entire school filled with clowns.

GBH has some great shows. Jane Austen is classic. BTW, I never get cool graphics from staffers here, they must like you better, no fair.

nice post, but what's a kookaburra?

subconscious

Dionne Warwick sang that song and one of my faves from that era - it's so simple and a sweet sentiment (doesn't apply to the other half.) I've been listening to the soundtrack from "Rent" - and - "The Sound of Music" and they float in and out of my head throughout the day. Music is like that, something about the sub-conscience mind...it's a mystery.

I think kids learn from the power of example. And then there is no real way to "protect" them. They eventually grow up and will make their own descisions. I guess statistically those parents who stay in contact with their kids, have "the talk" and help with goal setting, and so on, have a better chance to make an impression. I think including information about what drugs are out their and the dangers involved is important. I would be scared if I had kids going out in the world today, much different ball game.

Mormons believe in poligomy - where does he stand on this issue. Women are not equal in this religion as far as I can see. My impression of him is a little too soft, in general, to handle a presidency - ie - foreign policy.

I think it depends on what the kids are watching. Simpsons and some other cartoons are very imaginative and interesting. I also don't believe you can just say television anymore, kids are one click away from some scary stuff on the internet.

"the rates of emotional and behavioral problems among children aged four through fifteen soared between 1979 and 1996." (Schor, 2004, p. 35)

I think monitoring kids watching, computer use and talking with them about their relationship with subject matter and so on...kids are very intuitive and smarter than we think.

Most disturbing to me is the advertisers getting away with conducting studies on young people, seems like without their ok or knowledge.

why is he wearing a helmet?

Well, it's good to know no one could ever use a monkey for space exploration again without animal welfare getting all over them. This reminds me of the hundredth monkey syndrome about collective conscienceness - (see http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/
~acceptance/AGuidetotheNewAge/
GuideToTheNewAge/H-Page8.htm)
Also seems a more humane study than sticking them in a room with a bunch of typewriters, jeez.

I think it's great that you share inside your family life and home. I feel like I'm in on an episode of "Raymond."
I used to be like your wife, but I was able to learn to be punctual and more detail oriented. I know what you mean about some people's brains are just wired that way. There must be journals written about if people with ADHD can learn to think differently, or is it just their nature.

Nice prayer.

Interesting post. I just got finished watching the movie "contact" again, with Jodie Foster. It's a really good movie. I have never seen an alien or spaceship, but I lived with an anthropologist - housemate - who said the Indigineous people in the four corners of US have many stories about alien sightings (she lived with them for a time.) Very familiar to them, and have a special name for them. They don't question if they exist, very common occurrence out there - all sky.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coliform

I'm glad you posted this on water, Peter. My cat wont drink her water either, but when I put out a metal dish she's fine with the water. There is a chemical smell in the water and I wonder also about pesticides. My research says there are chemical pesticides in Massachusetts drinking water. I tested Yarmouth water 2 years ago (just a mail in test) and it came back with no pesticides, but coliform - (a warning about coliform in Yarmouth tap is posted in the paper every summer - e.coli is a type of coliform.)

My concern is we usually don't act until there is a crisis, and it seems we are coming upon a crisis with water. We need to act and take it seriously: attend town meetings, make our voices heard, talk to your neighbors, limit water intake and showering or taking hot baths.

Also, I know there has been a pesticide found in water in Boston/Somerville area, a known carcinogen.

We have cleaner water than some third world countries, but still, we need to not ignore the problem.

In Bhutan, a country in between India and China, the leader declared "gross national happiness" was in the best interest of the country. They are buddhists and live simple lives, always smiling, only recently they were allowed to watch television. By our standards they are poor, but by their standards they are rich.
I am so sorry about your friend. Healing from an accident like that takes a long time, but it sounds like he has good friends like you.

good luck

Interesting insight. QRC and many local radio stations maintain information during a storm. But to have somewhere to tune into, a good idea. Interesting background as well.

interesting

more specific legal

go to www.dictionary.com for definitions. I am open to questions, don't hurt yourself though.

sounds complicated

Love you right back Wolfy.

You're a legal person.

I'm not a legal person.

Feed them peanuts.

If you have any specific questions, please don't be afraid to ask them. I'll do my best.

I wonder what is considered an offense against the United States - and committed in whose presence.
I think the spying talked about here is gaining momentum, but we are "the people" and there are a lot of people against the Patriot Act. We just have to stop being complacent and do something about it.

I really don't, but don't let that stop you.

I'm not sure what to elaborate on.

Everyone involved is just covering up a really big crime, that actually had nothing to do with murder and a lot more to do with money - it seems. (who cares if lives are ruined - take the money and run - there's a catchy title).
The back story on this is pretty impressive. The funniest part is seeing wide-eyed reporters, journalist, lawyers, ADA's and asssistants sitting up like trained dogs waiting for their next command because they think it's a real case. Keep talking you guys, they are getting a great deal of entertainment from your gossip and arm-chair analysis.

No problem. I appreciate more talking about literature, language and so on...the English major in me. But I love a good romp of sarcasm, good for the sole - oops, sorry, soul.

Oh Susan, I know underneath all that sarcasm you really do care and have a heart of stone, I mean gold, a heart of gold.

Peace brother wolfy. Buzz, careful, if you get creative, you might start turning colors.

So nice to talk with you all about different styles of writing, issues facing Cape Cod - glad there is no animosity towards each other in here, Cape Cod is just perfect, like that movie, whats-it-called, oh yeah, pleasantville, life is so pleasant, everything is just hunky-dory.
Peace.

Thanks Tony-
I kind of thought this was his style and not a depiction of real life. And Buzz, my objection is the form of idealism about Cape Cod present day. Back in the 1800's life was a challenge and this type of writing helped people cope and stay optimistic. While today we have challenges, they are quite different. I think the biggest challenge is not to get caught up in feeling like things are really great - there's the version of Cape Cod to bring tourists here and then there's the version most of us deal with every day. And this includes water pollution, rising rate of homelessness, the air quality here is equal if not worse than the air in NYC, pestiicdes, high rates of cancer, corrupt politicians, increase home insurance rates, increase crime rates, increase drug addiction, teen suicide, corrupt law enforcement and so on. If we decide to live in the 1800's and pretend everything is lovely, so we can sit and do nothing, then we loose, everyone looses. I want to stay in reality, not be lulled into complacency.

I really don't want to argue with you Susan. I am discussing another aspect. My guess is things were probably somewhere in between. I have a hard time with your version, sounds a bit too Hollywood to me. In any case, I am more interested in discussing his writing style and purpose.

I can't recommend reading for you, Susan, but I am sure you could find something in the library to illustrate what life was like for early settlers.
I try to keep in mind when I read historical literature how it's important to keep in mind the time period and what life was like. He describes people with specific jobs and then describes surroundings. The desriptions are detailed and concise, but does this represent a straightforward description of life in the 1800's or maybe he left out the bad stuff, in the interest of common decency. I guess I don't get the connection between his writing and the idealized image of "ole Cape Cod." His writing is straightforward, almost encyclopedic.

I never used the word overlooked, Susan. I think sometimes there can be a tendency to over idealize the past. I think it's important, especially with all the issues facing the Cape and communities here to stay grounded in reality.

Language Wolfram - please read commentiing policies below. I can say whatever I want on here, as long as I am not attacking anyone. Maybe you would care to comment on your anger - or issues with intelligent women.

The 1800's was full of disease, famine, pestilence and battles with tribes of indigenous people. Maybe Lincoln was looking at the scenery because real life was not always a pleasant experience. Or maybe there were other reasons for his long look at nature.

sounds like good stuff.

whose

Happy Birthday to you Walter, (what a handsome young lad - who's picture is that?)

When we look in places other than beaches, sunsets and "quaint little villages" we see an unfortunate rise in homelessness, increased crime rate, a drop in employment in the off season. Some people have a difficult time here when all the tourists go home. There are those not as fortunate, and maybe we need to think of more ways to give back every time we get the privilege of enjoying the sunset.

No kidding, bsweet. John McCain is someone to listen to in regards to torture, because, like you said, he has been there and knows first hand what it's like. We need to remember what our forefathers said about torture. They knew back in revolutionary time torture was not at all effective. W

We are all entitled to our own opinion. There have been studies of torture victims who tell lies under torture just to stop it, regardless of what the truth is. I hope I don't run into you guys (assuming gender) in a dark alley - yikes. Oh, and wolfram, the idea of sanity is always debatable. Torturing someone, IMHO, is very insane.
Solon / wolfram: please check commenting policies below.

I walked out of that movie as soon as the police started beating on the peace marchers. The actors, Meryl Streep, Reeth Witherspoon and Jake Gyllenhaal were all good, but the subject matter was tough to watch. It's unbelievable how we choose to deal with "suspects" who live in the US. The one they focused on in the movie moved to the US when he was a teenager. It was only suspected that he was connected to terrorists. There has got to be a better way. Reminds me of when they arrested that girl in a Boston airport with a computer panel glued onto a tshirt and lit with a C battery. They said she had something suspicious in her hand and it was a kneeded eraser. She was an an art student.

i just think it is so sad when we focus the attention on the kids, like they are the problem. I think when someone in their teens or early twenties acts out this way it's like an alarm on the pulse of the community.
He is crying for help, but it's not just about him needing help. Everyone should have caught on earlier. Overall, what a sad story.

I have heard the statistic is 30 - 50 % of our kids are on drugs. I think a lot of the behavior can be treated by teacher who have the ability to manage a classroom and administration who are adept at managing schools. It's unfortunate how many teachers don't have this skill. I think it's a lost art, not something you can read in a book.

Cool video Julia. Mario Bros. was one of the first video games they came out with, along with pac man.

Thanks for some giggles this am.

I can't speak for Lynch. I don't know him or really care if people attack his views. I didn't post this article. It would be interesting to know the reason why he wrote this essay/book? I don't understand the comment about air conditioners? All in all, I think this is just futile to continue to go back and forth.

Gwendolyn Brooks was a poet I heard speak here on the Cape, so I think she could be considered a spoken word poet. I'm sure she would have had something to say about this particular category. She's was a very moving speaker. We Real Cool....

Jack, you posted this article. If people attack the author of the article you post, then it could show better form to rise above them and explain why you posted this particular article or use facts to defend his position. I'm kind of curious. Instead of providing substance, you attack people. This is a very sensitive issue and the article you posted is not depicting indigenous people in a positive light. It seems to say they don't exist. (ie - last sentence). My blog is about Building Bridges. I think you are a good writer, but wasting a lot of time with personal attacks.

I don't get how he is being discriminated against. In a debate people stick with the issues and don't attack each other. As an editor I think you need to rise above. IMO calling someone a "liar" using "shabby evasiveness" and questioning a persons education and intelligence, commenting on his wife, all comes under the heading of abusive and negative personal comments. Your tone for the most part is very negative.

The article has also been posted on my blog, with corrections.

Jack, you are being rude to people and discouraging them from speaking their point of view. It makes no one look bad other than yourself. You seem a little out of control. And it sounds like all you are doing is trying to get people upset so they comments on your blog. As a fellow blogger and reporter I feel obligated to point out our policies. Maybe you need to take a break.

We only delete those comments that are abusive, off-topic..... making negative personal comments about a blogger or fellow commenter.
CCToday commenting policy

"but it's hunky-dory for you to hurl insults at James Lynch, deltaman? You just referred to him as "this liar" a few comments ago, in case you've suddenly developed amnesia."
Oh I get it, everything comes back to crimes against humanity involving Native Americans. Are you able to make the leap to other subjects or is that pretty much it?

'Go or no go, I have no idea what you're talking about, deltaman. Clarity is not one of your strengths. As for deltaman, deltawoman, again, no idea and even less interest.'

'What do you do for work, deltaman?'

filletofsole, whether you like it or not, the Mashpee tribe did receive federal recognition, and Marshall is no longer chairman of the tribal council (and may eventually go to jail).

You're probably right, filletofsole, but deltaman's shabby evasiveness has piqued my curiosity.

deltaman, you would remember if you were gainfully employed and/or ever earned a high school diploma, college degree, etc., right?

Fine by me, Diana. Freedom's just another word for posting where you want.

J. Coleman

SEE CCT Commenting policies (below)

I think many might think you agree with him. And from the tone of your comments, it sounds as if you stand behind what he says. Just an observation.

The op-ed was posted by Jack Coleman.

I hope no one regards me as an expert on this matter. I understand as Native people you have differing points of view. I am just offering what I know from what I have learned. Sometimes people just think of things in terms of legality, money, land, they have very little in the way of a conscience. This particular article focuses on the point of whether or not there is an acutal tribe. If you are all mixed then as non-direct decendents you might not be entitled to anything. Not that this is an issue that concerns you, but, for some, it is all they concern themselves with. Maybe ask Jack why he decided to print this particular article. This is a legal issue he is raising.

propaganda

"The Mashpee enclave that came into existence in 1665 consisted of expatriate Indians from many different tribal groups who, having adopted Christianity, shed their previous tribal political relations and portions of their own cultural ideology and came together into what was known as a "Praying Indian Town" or simply "Praying Town."

This is what I doubt. There are missions up and down the coast of CA dedicated partially to converting "savages" to Christians. I think this could be some propoganda claiming "Wampanoag" as not a tribe. If you are not a tribe, then you do not exist, if you do not exist as a people, then we (town of Mashpee, other towns) do not owe you any land.

Sounds like that could apply to many politicians - especially here. I just wanted to add MHO about the article. Assimilation is regarded by most N. American tribes to be a negative thing. It's one of the reasons why I doubt the article's content. Many indigenous people really don't want outsiders nosing into their business, so they have invented some stories for "white" people (mostly so they can be left alone - who can blame them). This person, Mr. Lynch, sounds to me to be a non-native. It sounds like you could be arguing a mute point in regards to the validity of his info. I am also wondering about the presence of shape-shifters.

I think today (as opposed to when I was a young person) there is a lot more attentiion paid to learning disabilities. I am concerned that 30 - 50% seems like a large population of children and wondering the criteria they are using to determine learning disabilities. I know from my own experience as a fitness trainer, watching diet, exercise, limit exposure to harmful toxins and so on, can be helpful in minimizing symptoms, ie - concentration difficulty, comprehension, general behavior. And I do think kids with learning disabilities are not contageous and need to feel like they are as much a part of school as the other kids.

I really want to urge parents who have kids wth "learning disabilities" to exhaust all other possibilities.
Especially those concerning diet and exercise, and chemical exposure (ie- pesticides, home chemical use). Some food allergy tests can be false negatives. As someone who has a slight learning disability, but missed the wave of fervor over seperating kids from the rest of the pack, I think inclusion is more important to school aged kids than testing, medications and so forth. Please look for my upcoming article as Cleon Turner has some interesting ideas on the subject of reading difficulty.

I would check for food allergies, including preservatives and dyes (common in kids food).

I was on the bike path in the spring and saw a wild turkey (Mom) and about 10 baby turkeys. I asked someone later and she said some of the chicks will die, out of the 10 or so, 3 or 4 chicks will grow to adulthood.

I think some people disagree with true North American History because it was so awful, they prefer the Hollyood version. I think people who attack others personally are people who have nothing else to say.

If I had to be a cast-a-way it would be a toss up between Ginger and Mary-Anne, although Mrs Howell had all the dough.
Good info at:
http://www.earthsky.org/radioshows/51820/hunters-moon-closest-full-moon-for-2007

I'm confused, you want to be Mrs. Howell or hangout with her? Remember we are turning you into one of these - (I'm just kind of pulling your leg, I hope you know).
OK, here's another, how about Bruce Springsteen, a fresh piece of sushi or Clinger from MASH.

That sounds better, Sean Connery, a bag of corn chips and/ or Gilligan from Gilligan's Island.

Well, we could turn you into Joni Mitchell, or a wheat-free rice cracker or Harpo from the Marx Bros...but you'd probably like that...

They actually allow bonfires on Sandy Neck and wouldn't that be a cool way to meet fellow bloggers - everyone bring your own firewood and some smores.
JTS - I think the next moon IS the largest and if you don't want to be turned into a newt, then (he,he,he) perhaps we could turn you into a .....we'll think of something.

Thirdly is a word, and ironically, one you might want to know as a finance major, meaning - next after second.

okay, I think we (chicks) should all meet for a bonfire on the night of the next full moon and cast some serious spells...

Thanks for the laughter, I caught the last full moon over Sandy Neck, very impressive, orange. Moon's getting bigger and postcards getting smaller...what to do, (I don't think you have to worry, it won't colide with the earth, well maybe, yikes, attack of the killer moon).

Thanks editors. While I think people should be free to express what they like, there needs to be some respect regarding personal attacks and the like, as I think is stated in policies below.
I try to keep my comments productive and make it my own policy not to respond to negativity.

This is a great poem. I can see where it could have been drug induced; especially when he starts with the 'twas brillig in the slithy toves.'

"The sun was shining on the sea,
Shining with all his might:
He did his very best to make
The billows smooth and bright-
And this was odd because it was
The middle of the night.

The moon was shining sulkily,
Because she thought the sun
Had got no business to be there
After the day was done
'It's very rude of him,' she said,
'To come and spoil the fun!'"

I don't think drugs make a person more creative. While the above mentioned author's end results proved to be important literary works, maybe without the drugs they would have been even more creative and interesting. I am not sure there is medical research stating one or the other, although, I think in the end drugs (opiates and the like) tend to make us more despondent and less creative. I guess it is mostly about perception.

Mwalim,
Thanks for your post. I wanted to say the same thing, but felt like, why bother giving an explaination, it's such a kick in the you-know-wat for people to assume there must be some kind of substance abuse because your writing is different, interesting and creative.
Toni Morrison opened the door for me, but I think I already had an understanding from being an artist, I think you need to have a creative grasp on literature to understand what she meant and what you mean. Are you certain those are examples of altered state writing? just curious.

Interesting article. Has anyone ever told you you look just like Albert Brooks?

Some buddhist when faced with a violent opponent can decide to use violence, in turn, if there is a threat, bodily harm and so forth.

I just wanted to clarify this statement I made earlier in the thread. Aparently there is a little controversy. I do not have a perfectly clear understanding about all the concepts of Buddhism. I know most Buddhist do not condone violence of any kind. I did ask someone with more knowledge of Buddhism about the question of being faced with a threat. His answer was if there is a threat, it's not usually an accepted Buddhist practice for a person who practices Buddhism to use violent force as a means to deal with conflict.
Again, this is only my humble interpretation.

B-sweet, I really liked what Wopanashqua said as well. Very nice.

My assertion only comes from the assumption everyone involved wants to know the truth. From where I sat Attny George presented the case to the jurors. Again, I don't know proceedurally what needed to happen with the evidence. I think if the forensic people did their work in the first place, we would all know who killed CW. I guess I feel idle gossip doesn't help anyone at this point. It's good to go over the facts of the case, but gossip for gossip sake, or to try and make someone look bad, seems, again, fruitless. I am going to go out on a limb and say it seems you got yourself emotionally involved and that's fine. So, that's all I meant by letting it go. Just a suggestion. Good luck.

I'm pretty sure the judge, the DA, the ADA and George could have all requested the evidence tested. George gave everyone a long list of things that were not tested and even had special witnesses to back up why they needed to be tested. Still no one proceeded. I don't know what the protocal should have been, and was not privy to decisions made on "side-bar", but I feel now so much time has passed it's fruitless. That's why a crime scene is secured and evidence gathered in a timely manner and evidence sealed and tested in a timely manner. The entire thing was a travesty of justice for everyone involved, including reporters who clearly wasted a lot of time, money, effort for nothing.
The only thing I felt uncomfortable with was an innocent man going to prison. That's why they had the trial. I think the best thing to do, JC, IMHO, and a strong suggestion, is to let it go. People addicted to gossip with carry this on forever. If there's anything I can do to help an innocent man be set free, I am more than willing to help.

kind of the icing on the cake, that lawsuit. I can't speak for George, but I think you answered the question. From what I remember the lab was unwilling to proceed with further testing. And it is standard proceedure in any case to test all of the evidence, not pick and choose as they did here. The length of time they spent at the crime scene speaks to contamination. There was no list of people who walked in and out of the home. And her foot wedged in the door, well, I'm not a scientist, I don't really need to be one. I think it was after 10pm when they finally took her body in.

Reasonable doubt - they neglected to test the external swab, the blood on the sink, the bloody hand print on the wall, the blood on her body, the fiber from the sweater, the timeline is all screwy, it appeared no one ever bothered (until the trial) to even figure out a timeline or time of death, the stories in closing arguments made no sense, there were about 10 state officials walking around the crime scene all night for hours until CW body was brought to the morgue, her body was posed, her leg was propped in the bookcase. Reasonable doubt was presented and the jury was convinced by a flashy ADA and had an image of this large black man in their mind and helpless CW and her daughter left there. I sat through the trial and can say I am 99.9% sure he didn't do it. He even said at the end "I am not guilty of THESE charges." So, the irony is, people think their streets are safer, but the killer walked free.
I guess no one's talking about the garbage company lawsuit, 10 million's a lot of money.

It just cracks me up we are all talking underneath the picture of this crazed looking man, and he's our senator.
JC - did you ever find out the result of the law suit with the garbage company? That seems to be important. It's lovely how compassionate you are for her and her daughter, but there was so much left out of the case, we'll never know the truth. They convicted a man based on bogus facts and his supposed confession was coerced, if he actually even said what the officer said he said. There were moment where I was like, huh, this is turning into entertainment, and they didn't seem to want to quit at that point. Kind of like John Lennon's death, when the facts are in front of you it seems so obvious.

I just posted a new blog in response to being told I have "white guilt" go to Building Bridges. JC - I think you can spare some readers, no?

Nice thread -
John Lennon was such a great musician and his death was tragic. His voice lives on...there's a great documentary on his life and death, pretty interesting.
I just wanted to also underline Muwin's request for W to stay on.

I apologize to the last poster (W - I would write your name but some symbols I do not have on my computer) for talking Eastern and Western as if I were not including indigeneous people. I think we have moved into world topics here, but my intention was not at all to be exclusionary. I am working on a blog post about "white guilt" for anyone who is interested - Building Bridges is my blog. (Imagine is a favorite song of mine).

I struggled with this for a long time. I have had adversaries give me a difficult time and did just that, walk away. But after a while there is a need for some form of standing up for oneself, whether it be asking for help, gaining assistance from others. Some buddhist when faced with a violent opponent can decide to use violence, in turn, if there is a threat, bodily harm and so forth.

Buddhists (monks and others) meditate partly to help end suffering. This could sound "sweet," but they are serious and (some) extremely disciplined in their faith. Especially the Tibetan Buddhist and Zen Buddhist who, culturally, have been through so much hardship.

(I think Jack is going to get the prize for the most comments)
Bitter - Buddhism carries the same concept as Christianity, beathe in others pain and suffering, breathe out peace and serenity - or - love those who hate you.

I knew a priest once who said his goal was to have a life (spiritual) more like his cat - so I think you're onto something with the puppies DM - they are very buddha - like.

JC - I appreciate the quote by MLK,

"Peace is not the absense of war, but the presence of justice."

He was so smart. I said the solution to conflict is peace. Maybe in between sometimes there needs to be justice (depending on what kind of justice, vigilante or judicial).
Personally I do not believe violence is ever the answer. So I guess there is a need to define justice. MLK preached non-violence. He was all for justice, but I believe his answer was to change laws, create community, build alliances. He was such a smart man.
There are vigilante groups who believe an eye for an eye and to them this is justice. MLK was against this form of justice, I am sure.

Well, thousands of years of meditating Buddhas must have gotten something right. That is an interesting distinction between justice and peace.
DM, some of the concepts are not to be analyzed and understood so much as, well, as Guilda would say, nevermind (difficult to explain). I think Eastern and Western ideologies are very different.

No, it is easier when faced with a conflict to feel hate. Try it next time you get mad at someone. The buddhist exercise is to breathe in the other persons hatred, negative energy and to breathe out peace and good energy. It goes a little deeper than that - but there is a lot of truism in the concept.
Sometimes, I agree, to find a common ground is impossible and best to just walk away.

I think it's desensitizing - what our media has done and what we have allowed it to do. Hatred, for me, is a kind of weakness. From studying buddhism and talking about the issue of love vs hate - it is always easier to feel hate and walk away. And I think our knee jerk reaction to any Middle East leader is one of hatred and fear, but what if we let that go and try to put out a hand of trust - maybe we'll get trust and an alliance. Maybe after careful thought, and you can see this is a thoughtful man, he has decided he wants peace, he wants to pay hommage and ask for forgiveness for his part. I think most of the terrorists who boarded the planes
were from Saudi Arabia. And how will we ever really know what happened.
Solution to conflict is peace, regardless of whether or not the hand of the "other" is a honest hand, it's the gesture that counts.

The origins of violence is a great topic for discussion - it's great to read all that has been written here. I think it is important to note we wipped out most of the N. American Indians who settled here before us, and some historians do believe much of related genoicide was justified as a result. How can we know the truth - who was there, Wounded Knee speaks volumes. We know the A. Indians had little in the way of arms, so they were at a loss. All in all I feel we owe them. What the early settlers did was out of survival, they needed a place to live as did the Indians and they won the fight. But today, we have evolved into more conscience humans, capable of reparation. Man's inhumanity to man goes backwards in time to the very beginning. Our legacy should be one of progression from clubs and stones. Even the head of Iran who wants to come and place a wreath on ground zero said he wants peace, in so many words. I think peace is better than war.

This guy sounds too good to be true, who is he?

I saw the video and the tasering was uncalled for. There were 4 or 5 cops and one kid waving a book around. His question was never answered - what was JK's involvement in Skull & Bones - the club that unites him and George Bush. This is an interesting blog. JK's pic is definately smo fuggly - looks like he just returned from a night at Captain whoosiwhatsit bar.

At one point I read one that seemed devoted solely to CM trial.

That's a funny blog dm, it seems to be full of humorous anectdotes about families and kids, kind of similiar to this in terms of it's a website with bloggers on it.

DM - I am glad you appreciate the garden piece. I will try and keep everyone posted on any updates. There are wonderful light blue morning glories there today. And the asters are coming in many different colors.
BS - I think it's both good to be open about feelings and sometimes good to use discretion, especially on here - www.
JC - any news - where'd your blog go?

What is imo?

Bittersweet,
I really hate to say that there are bigger forces at work here, but I even remember a famous female, kind of radical feminist artist who lived in New York City conceding to some things being part of the world of men, like, oh yeah, look at them over there and what they are doing. I think sometimes it helps to look at it that way.
During the trial I felt pretty outraged and felt a sense of injustice about the fate of CM. I still do. I also know there is little to nothing I can do, so I just let it go and hope there is some justice. That is why I wonder about the man who owned the garbage company. He was another victim if CM was innocent, then so is the garbage company who employed him. Last I heard they (lawyer and Worthingtons) were suing him for 10 million. If you can follow the logic here it gets a little murkey for me at this point.

It's an interesting case with a lot of players and since it is an old case I would think it is diificult to really get the facts and the truth. I think testing the external swab would have proven fruitful and following through on other key evidence. I just wonder why they didn't test such important evidence. I think some people may have been afraid of the outcome.

I think at some point people who know some parts of the case and not others need to let the justice system do their own work. I am concerned about how much some people get emotionally involved in cases when maybe what they really need to do is understand there are bigger forces at work here.

Do you know how the case against the owner of the garbage company (Chris McCowen's employer)
turned out - they were suing him for $10 million?

I agree, some cases need further investigation.
I sat through the trial for CW and feel it was not "solved." I think cases dated back to the 60's and 70's and even earty eighties seem like they would be difficult to solve today. Murder has no statute of limitations. When cases like CW continue, investigators and journalists can unknowingly psycholgically hurt people and damage the lives and repuations of "potential" witnesses and suspects. In some cases attorneys, law enforcement, journalists do this just for their own notoriety and financial gain, rather than to help solve a case for family and justice. In many instances family, friends, associates have moved on in their lives and ask not to get involved. I think we as journalist have an ethical obligation to respect everyone involved in a murder case. Sometimes law enforcement and journalists forget this or think solving a case is more important than respecting survivors.

I know after a certain amount of time has passed it is really difficult to solve a case - if not impossible. Drudging up the past might feel like fun playing detective and all, but family members and friends could be re-traumatized by remembering the brutal death of a loved one.
I am curious to know about the book Costa wrote naming a friend as the killer - what is your source for this book?
All in all it's I think it's probably best to let these women rest in peace.

Wow - any connection with the Zodiac?

I would try and take racism out of the equation for now and try and deal with what's on the table - and it seems there is a lot on the table that has more to do with money and land than racism.

I think we are floating in debate for the sake of debate rather than debate to resolve issues. On a more serious note, for the people who are effected and need resolve: for elders who need resolve so they can receive health care, for children so they don't need to worry about violence at school and for women who want to feel safe and secure. We need to resolve issues, not just talk about them. Lets take these important issues seriously and plan debate in person, out of cyberspace, with agreement for resolve and peace. Resolving conflicts adults "in charge" are having with each other are important because they effect everyone.

I thought they were girls?

We are floating a bit here, but I'll bite. I guess my issue is with proper English vs. plain English. As a blogger I hold the right to mispell, mis-punctuate, spill coffee all over my blog space if I wish. And if you want to waste your precious time sticking your nose up at my mispellings, then go to it - have a ball. If I were an Assistant Professor of English I would, as I said, be more careful. So, there is a difference, but I actually had to major in English at one of the best English departments in Boston to learn this, blah, blah, blah - dee - dah.

fun to exchange ideas on here - keeps me motivated write on...
tx
deltaman

we truly liv in a werld dat demands perfiction, and this can crete problems for peepol who might be less good at the spoken and written word than others. Many peepol could care less, but its a portant ishue. Today we give and get the news and information to the minute....what's more important perfection, (I wud slave for hours if yu help me pay my bils) news people who talkasfastastheycanwhocaresifyoucanfollowalongtimeismoneymoneyistimetimeismoneymoneyistimeidmoneymoneyistime......or people on the other end of the computer, camera. Must be da ahtist in me.

DM-
I like to write as a form of expression. If an assignment calls for perfect punctuation, grammar and so on, I can deliver, (show me the money). As a blogger I just write... Least favorite to me are the drudgeries of technical editing, punctuation, grammar, spelling, I image an older female English teacher, ruler in hand, ready to wack whoever makes a mistake, but that's just me. Some people are sticklers for the details and I really admire this quality in others (read Eats, Shoots and Leaves - Lynn Truss, Gotham press). I don't, however, think someone is not a writer who does not posess these qualities or should be looked upon as less of a writer as someone who does - that's where a good editor is invaluable - as we all know. Anyway, I'm not gonna say it, nope, well.....can't help myself....FUDDY DUDDY.

You'll have to excuse my own typo's, but I rarely do spellcheck on here. I have to laugh, as a writer, I am impressed at the value the general public places on the written word. There is a difference though between say the Encyclopedia Britanica (just an example) and any daily newspaper. Just to compound that even further, Cape Cod is hardly the literary mecca of the world ( I mean we aint in New York City). Online publications like Cape Cod Today do the best with the resources they have - and while it is a news source, it's an open news source. The policies for writers are loose, bloggers are welcome to comment, anyone who has access to a computer can write and be a part of the community. What an amazing resource. Please send any comments to ecape and let them know how you feel. Personally I am grateful for access to the internet and to be able to give voice to feelings about community, politics, gardening, whatever I want, in a public forum - what freedom.

There is an age old addage "you can't believe everything you read in the paper" and it's true. Some papers have a better reputation than others. Cape Cod Times is lucky if they pass spellcheck, really.
I would try and let roll the series of articles about the tribal leader. I am not sure where they are coming from, but it's far from serious journalistic content, sounds a lot like editorial, and most serious journalists (and Cape Cod residents) are more than aware.

I also want to mention if Wampanoag needs coverage for events please contact me - see my email link on my blog - Building Bridges - I'd be glad to do photos and blog a post or ask CCToday to include it in news section.

Also, if it did not meet any of the above criteria, it could have been an error on the part of the staff or computer glitch.

wait...I hear people cheering in the distance - their saying "delta, delta, delta", and it's getting louder and louder....."deltaman part three, deltaman part three...."

Also,(not to interupt the cheering) just to answer your question about dual roles here - I am a blogger (comment and have my own blog) anyone, pretty much, at the discretion of Walter and the rest of the staff can create a blog here. I also am a reporter/writer for them on occassion. The only time a post would be deleted is if there is "threatening, libelous, obscene, harassing or offensive" ( see commenting policies below), content in your post, otherwise say whatever you like on here. Rock on Deltaman...

I think it's all good too. I really value contrasting opinions. Healthy debate is about respecting others ideas while expressing your own. Although it's really difficult to enforce. Reporting is a whole 'nother animal - we as journalists are responsible for reporting facts, not fiction. While some newspapers value this, others are controlled by politics and so on...again without really commenting specifically on anything - we all see the mergers and mostly know how and why some news is reported. Thanks to the internet, we all get to be journalists.

Interesting thread...Dr. Meade must have been humbled by the Samoans and their laugh at her expense. How can you blame them for ridiculing her, an educated white women studying them must have felt to them silly and maybe even a threat. I am unaware of all the details of the Wampanoags, their story, your story, Mwalim, but feel honesty is a good place to begin. If you don't want outsiders discussing your business why post anything on here at all - what's the point? There will always be differing opinions - makes life interesting, don't you think? But then again, I'm just an educated white woman.

I have to say these residents are not far off the mark. There is so much disfunction and corruption from neglect and misuse of funding it's difficult to know where you might start. I appreciate your honesty and think a good start would be in supervising all departments.

I just found this website -
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4596
and links on kids and activity

Nee Nee - I would be happy to work with your son. Some free advice - ask him what activities he enjoys. Make it a requirement he get involved in some kind of outdoor team sport, (even though he says he's not into sports - sometimes they need help deciding which one they like and so on) especially if he doesn't have a lot of friends nearby. If he doesn't have a male figure in his life - finding a big brother through church groups or school can be really helpful - or asking Dad to step in and role model - play catch, go fishing. You can also get together with other mothers and create some kind of activity. Sometimes it's not physical activity, but just getting together with other kids, they will naturally run and play (if dropped off at a playground - supervised) and given time constraints, like "okay you guys have an hour to play here" and then the Moms can have some social time too. Take him shopping and park far away so he can walk or walk in the mall. I like your idea of biking on the weekend. Bike with him.

I think kids are the cruelest. They have no editing skills in their minds and just speak the truth, unfortunately this can have a lasting effect in terms of self esteem. Fortunately poor kids can grow into rich grown-ups, and, well, as a personal trainer I have issues with parents who allow kids to get overwieght. There are times when kids can be allowed some extra pounds, and especially girls need not be overly concerned with wieght issues, but obesity is a fierce problem in our culture that needs to be addressed. Better to get correct eating patterns while the kids are young.

And by different I mean culturally, physically, what sets us apart is good, makes life interesting - I think the racist part comes along (and the sexist, homophobic, agism and so on...) when we start matching these differences with intellectual abilities.

Wow. I know it sounds naive to be amazed at your story, but I am. I really like that there were women who gave your Mom the correct time. What an awful thing to do. What eases my mind when I hear stuff like this is to know these women and those like them are just full of fear - I forget the term, but there is an actual phobia of people from different cultures. I grew up in culturally challenged places and knew racist people, but I also traveled a lot with my family, and grew to appreciate all people. My faith, my upbringing and my education taught me we are all the same even though we are different. Why can't everyone get that?
Oh, and I have to apologize for getting your last post wrong. I read your post as saying you were a Wampanoag, instead of being the Chairman of Education for the Mashpee Wampanoags - quite different. My apologies. Turtle, I don't know you or your family, but if you were in a playground with my kids (none yet) I would be honored for them to play with your kids.

It is interesting how many sub-groups are emerging from the tribe.
I had no idea there were African American Wampanoag Indians and Portuguese American W. Indians. I like the idea we are all related, if one goes back far enough all of our lineage will eventually converge.
So perhaps the Middleboro conflict and Wampanoag tribe is an issue we all need to concern ourselves with.
My concern is over the use of land. How quickly we all are at wanting to turn land into a commodity so we can send our children to school, get health care, buy more things and so on. We forget to consider the land as part of the equation, as giving itself, and how we need to really look at our relationship to our environment. I think it begins there and then branches out into other issue. If we treat our land disrespectfully, then we give ourselves permission to treat our neighbors disresepctfully and on and on we go. We need to find a balance, respect the people of Middleboro.

Aren't we as old as we feel? This morning there was a moment when I felt about 5, and last month there was a bunch of days I felt in my retirement years (wishful thinking). And especially today with all the hype about biological age vs actual age. Whatever...age's just a number.

The funniest shirt I saw when I was at the Fair was on a young kid, male, and it was a picture of a for sale sign and inside it read "my annoying sister." I laughed. My brother would have definately wore that when we were kids.

I lived in Barnstable village when the commission took over the building its in now. It used to be a hardware store, family owner, a lovely old building.
1 - including h20 supply - 0

2 - not enough info to vote
3 - same as above
4 - 0
5 - 0

6 - 0
7 - ?
8
a -?
b - 0
c - 0
d - 0
9 - 2 or 3 too many homeless
10
a - how'd they do with the remodeling?
b
c
d
Really not enough info to vote on the rest, but from what I have read Cape Cod has a lot of work to do to protect not just the water supply, but funding from incapable and potentially corrupt people.
We are not the only ones who suffer, we have a vital ecosystem to protect - its our responsibility.

It's great to hear comments from everyone. Even when people disagree, stuff gets brought to the surface, and isn't it the age old question, why do kids end up in trouble and then the care of DYS, nature vs. nurture and so on...
I guess we could say how great it is to have the DYS system. And when you do the math Homeward Bound statistically has kept over 200 kids per year away from a potential life of crime. It is very sad the program is potentially closing. As has happened in the past, with funding, it could re-open. Bub's Lola - it would be great to talk with you about your experience with Homeward bound. Can you email your contact info to info@ecape.com