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I had a stressful dream this weekend. I think it was Saturday night. It’s a little fuzzy, and has all the logic and connectivity that is apropos for a dream.

Basically I was in London visiting my dad, but I had to follow him to his house. We were in a mall, which evidently in London, you can drive through. Sidewalks, stairs, roads, all the same. So he’s driving his Saab with his 2 sons in the car with him, through the mall, up the stairs into the elevator, around the bend down the spiral ramp, and I’m driving another Saab, by myself, trying to keep up. But people keep getting in my way, I lose him around the corner, he gets on the elevator without me. Every now and then a friendly pedestrian will point me in the direction he went. And every now and then I catch up to him, as he’s waiting for me, and he’s both apologetic and impatient. Then the whole thing starts all over again. He’s always getting just out of sight. I woke up before I ever made it to our destination. I wasn’t sure if he had made it there are not, I had lost sight of him again.

Anyone who knows anything about me and my relationship with my dad can probably pretty easily interpret that dream. Heck, you probably don’t even need to know that much.

Today is the 60th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz death/concentration camp.

As I posted a few days back - I’ve been watching the PBS 3 part series Auschwitz: Inside the Nazi State.

So here’s some stuff you probably know, but I’m sharing anyway. German’s weren’t the only ones with anti-Semitic feelings. There has always been a lot of anti-Semitism, especially in Europe. The German’s were quite convinced that the Jewish people were responsible for much of the hardship the German public suffered post WWI. The German’s honestly believed that their economic and personal suffering was caused by actions and betrayals of the Jewish people. This is important. The Nazi’s were bad bad people. The had very skewed perspectives. They did not see Jewish people as worthy of being treated as humans. But they didn’t just decide to despise Jews for no reason. They thought they had valid reasons for their hatred.
It is important that we know that not all German’s were Nazi’s. Not all German’s blamed the Jewish population. But a large percentage of the German population hated Jews enough to turn a blind eye to the atrocities they saw or heard about. The Nazi’s were the ones in power. They were the worst of the worst. They believed the blood that ran through the Jewish people was evil, and must be destroyed. At least the best of them did. The worst of them found joy in the suffering of others, or saw no problem with the complete murder of an entire race.
The German’s are a very efficient people. The Nazi’s translated that into efficient killing. At first it was political prisoners by gun shot. Then Jews as well, by firing squad. Bullets can get expensive, not to mention the men killing individuals we’re becoming cold and brutal. They needed to be separated from the killing a bit more. So they tried mass killings. Let?s see - put a bunch of people in a building and blow it up. Oh, well now that was messy. Limbs and body pieces all over the place and up in the trees. Eventually they created the mass gassing chambers. They filled the chambers so full, that when the doors were open, many of the corpses remained standing up against each other, because there was nowhere to fall.

But some survived to tell the tale - those who were strong and healthy and useful to the German’s - those who were captured later in the war, had a chance to make it. And many still live today to tell us their tales of horror. But it has been 60 years. Only the youngest are left to share their stories.

But moving on. I do have another point besides just remembering. We must not forget, and we must be wary of history repeating itself.

Here is my concern. The American people blame Middle Eastern people for the personal and economic. Ok - so not everyone does. But a large percentage of the people do. And a lot of the people in power seem to believe this as well. Note our president’s use to the term Evil-doers towards those who attacked the WTC. Yes, the people involved in the direct attack of the US performed an evil deed. They deserve to be punished. But we cannot blame all those who practice the Muslim faith or who come from a Middle Eastern Heritage, for the acts of a few.

I hope that the anniversary of the Auschwitz liberation will act as a reminder to all of us what stereotypes, mass generalities, brainwashing, and misdirected anger can make people capable of.

There are many parallels that can be drawn between history and today. Why can’t people just stop and think with reason, instead of with their emotions? I don’t want to diminish the horror’s our country has experienced at the hands of Al Qaeda Terrorists. Nor, the terrible experiences of our military overseas. I just think we need to take a step back and not loose our heads.

I know this may be a bit on the ’stream of consciousness’ side - but I had trouble sleeping last night with thoughts like these running through my head all night. It makes me feel very helpless.

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More: Many people who read this blog are not fans of Bush and his posse. I don’t know about you, but the whole situation seems too big for me to be able to have much of an influence on. The one spark of hope I have is the influence that bloggers have had in recent situations in the past several months. So do me a favor. If you’re reading this - especially if you have a large geographically diverse readership, (Yes seeking the assistance of you Bunny, Red, Chicken, and Jen) please mention something this week about Auschwitz. Or maybe just link to this post.
As a favor for me at least, I would greatly appreciate it.
Encourage people to remember and think about it. Think about the possible outcomes if American’s continue to hate, and let that hate become so imbedded in our psyche that our current enemies - Al Qaeda - become generations to the Muslim people - If American’s then forget that Muslims are people and not Evil Monsters worthy of destruction, simply because they worship the same deity that terrorists claim to worship. No matter what your beliefs are, you have a right to them. So long as those beliefs do not become actions that purposefully harm others.
I sometimes feel that I try so hard to express myself in ways that translate into real meaning to other people, that I end up talking in circles and accomplishing nothing. I’m sorry for such a serious morose topic for today. But as I said before - it has kept me up nights. I fear the loss of our country as a place of freedom from persecution.

An artist friend of mine has a cafepress page up with some of his art on t-shirts and such. Lil’ Thulu is my personal fave.

So go support a Starving Artist

I’ll eventually create a perm link here on the page somewhere. Hmmm, maybe I should request commissions…
For some funny bunny entertainment go read some Bunny Suicides (no offense meant to our fluffy happy funny).

And here’s the link to the book info from Amazon.

For all you sci-fi geeks who just can’t get enough of the con’s, here’s one in KC: Conquest 36

Bored? This should waste some time: 99rooms

This may be cheating, in blogland, but we’re all allowed our free link, quiz, copy someone else’s post, copy lyrics days. Right Bunny?

I got this in my email - I won’t say from who. But I got something very similar a while back. WTF? It’s 100% true? These aren’t facts. These are supositions. I really just don’t get it. And besides - it’s Vodka and Sugar, not Tequilla and Salt. Read on, you’ll see.

TEQUILA AND SALT

You may not realize it, but it’s 100% true.

1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don’t like you.

5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. You are special and unique.

8. Someone that you don’t even know exists, loves you.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

10. When you think the world has turned its back on you take another look.

11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.

So…If you are a loving friend, send this to everyone, including the one that sent it to you.

If you get it back, then they really do love you.

And always remember…………….When life hands you lemons, ask for

TEQUILA AND SALT .

Not much goin on in blog land.

I’ve got nothing today - the Oscars have already been covered and I haven’t seen any of the movies - how sad.

Lots of pseudo-independent films up this year. I hear the big disappointments are that guy from Sideways who should have gotten best actor nomination, and Kinsey getting the shaft. Tee Hee - see the subtle pun there?
I like Liam Nieson (sp?) - not really in a sexual crush kind of way, but in a, I’d like to hang out with him and listen to his accent crush kind of way.

Phlome got all vengeful on sleepwalker. Hopefully she’ll be joining us again soon.

I fear that LCA, aka Unca Knats, aka ohknats, has left us forever.

I’m hoping KT will share more updates as she moves into her house.

Hey KT, I’m gonna be in Tulsa the weekend of Feb 5 - 7 - maybe you can meet me and mom and cousins etc. for lunch on Sat.? We’ll more than likely be out at woodland hills. or in that area.

I’m hungry. I think I’ll go have some tiny shells w/ alfredo with a small side salad and house dressing over at I Fratelli’s.

…works for both home hunting and weddings. I’m gonna drag Phlome to at least 2 potential long list locations, and then in a few weeks mom is coming down and she and I will go visit 4 more. That’s a long list of 6 locations, I’m hoping by the end of the weekend mom comes down, I’ll have a short list of 2 locations. Then I’ll take Phlome to those two (unless one of the 2 he goes to visit w/ me make the short list - but then we may go back for a 2nd visit anyway).
Donut suggested joining a church then we’d get a free location. But I’d have to find a church that had a nice outside garden area. And unless I can find a Unitarian Church or some other super liberal, we don?t really care what you believe just come join our congregation sort of place, I don’t really see us joining a church. I’ve had enough of the Southern Baptist bible thumping growing up and the long Catholic masses while dating my ex. I would think that a church might frown on us joining just for the free ceremony. Especially if I told them they couldn’t bring up any thing about a covenant with god in the ceremony. I wonder how my fam’s gonna go for the non-religious ceremony. Who knows, they may not even notice.
From what I’m seeing all the non-denominational officiates seem to be hippies. Are those our only choices for a religion free ceremony?
I wonder if I can find someone to perform a traditional Celtic hand-fasting?
Wonder what Phlome would think of that?
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Great prank idea. Phlome, you could suggest this to the music man next door (what did you name him? you know the victim of grandpa head mania, and the owner of your thermostat.) This seems like something he would enjoy being involved in:

RoboDump

Ok - so I have many many reason’s to hate TEXAS. Dubya being one of them. But here are a few reason’s I love this state.

1. Only in Texas can you hear the Traffic Report end as such: “…but all the cattle have been cleared from the highway - That’s traffic..back to you…”
2. I drove home with the top down on my convertible yesterday - in late January!
3. I’m wearing boots, skirt, and a shirt referencing Buffalo Bills Wild West Show, and no one has been phased by it yet.
4. It’s late January and the high today is 76
5. I can understand and translate the “word” “sinaroe” into the phrase “see ya on the road”
6. MuckLucks/Uggs will never ever beat out cowboy boots in fashion
7. Jeans and a sweater/buttom up shirt will always be considred ‘dressed-up’

I am seriously considering investing in some red and black cowboy boots - I could put them on layaway at boot town. They’re $130…but their so nice - and shiney! Gonna go see if I can find them online somewhere….

Phlome thinks he found an obsession of mine. WWII history stuff. Sometimes I feel a little unsettled by how fascinated I am by Nazi atrocities. I like to rationalize by saying that the only way we as human’s can keep from histories mistakes, is by studying them. I believe it’s true too. I think human’s are bad about forgetting our history and forging forward into the same things our ancestors did.
Note Eddie’s dialogue regarding Napoleon and Hitler (yes he oversimplifies, but he demonstrates a valid point - if you have no idea what I’m talking about go out and rent Eddie Izzard: Dressed to Kill - you’ll be a better American for it).

In reality I think my fascination with the Nazi’s relates to my interest in psychology and more specifically personality and social disorders. It’s amazing what the human mind is capable of, especially when it comes to fooling itself. One of the major symptoms of most personality disorders, is that the person suffering from the disorder has no concept whatsoever that he or she is doing something wrong or that they seem in anyway unbalanced. So if you’re ever afraid that you have a personality disorder, just remember, if you’re aware of it, then it’s not truly a disorder. If you are aware of things that you are doing that seem wrong, that awareness makes you capable of doing something about it. So do it.

The end of my semi-sensical ramblings.

Oh - except I wanted to post this for my fellow history-fans: Aushwitz: Inside the Nazi State

You are given a gift of 1 million dollars (kindly adjust for currency in your location). There are some restrictions on how you can spend some of the money, as follows:

$100,000 must be donated to charity. What charities will you support?

One of the charities that helps battered women get away from their abusive spouses - I guess that’s a battered women’s shelter.

$100,000 must be given to one person that you know. To whom do you give it? What would you expect him/her to do with it? Would you put any restrictions on its use? Would it make a difference if you could make the donation anonymously?

If I were to give it to Phlome, I think it would be a tad bit selfish, since I would hope he would spend it towards our future home or wedding. I’d also be tempted to give it to my mom, but only if she divorced her husband and used the money to get out on her own away from him.

$100,000 must be given to someone who has recently been in the news. Who gets it? Why?

Tsunami victim’s are an easy choice.

$100,000 must be spent on a public beautification project. You can build a park, commission artwork, etc. What do you do, and where do you do it?

I would like to build a very nice dog park around the mid-cities somewhere - with more than just a fenced in dog-run. Something with toys and stuff for the dogs to play on as well.

$100,000 must be spent on a memorial to someone/something that you have loved and lost. What form does the memorial take? Who is it for?

Can you create a memorial to the American Dream? Otherwise I’d be tempted to make one for my Uncle Harold. I miss him still.

$50,000 must be spent studying something you have not formally studied. What will you study?

Massage therapy. or Dog breeding

$50,000 must be spent establishing a scholarship. What’s it for and who will you name it for?

A scholarship grant for research on human emotions and the nature vs. nurture factors and differences between men and women. Heck, I’ll name it after myself, after all it’s my money - right?

$50,000 must be given away in a contest. What kind of contest do you hold?

I like Chicken’s suggestion - kissing contest.
Improvisational skills will be highly rated.

$200,000 must be spent doing as many things as you can on your “lifetime to do list.” Always wanted to see Alaska? Take a boat trip on the Rhine? What things would you do first?

Visit as many of the Wonders of the world that I can.

That leaves you with $150,000 of mad money. If the rules say you can’t spend that money on things that might be termed “practical,” what do you buy on your spending spree?

I’m guessing a house is considered practical. What about weddings? I think an extravagant wedding is not practical. So therefore -that’s what I would spend it on. Anything left over would go towards new clothes I would never normally buy.

Yesterday’s post was post # 444. I would have hoped it could have been better than it was. Being a tetradite - I would expect more. But I missed that it was such a special blogday. I was distracted.

So some people are full of obsessions. Some of us are so lacking in obsessions that we have to make some up. I obsess on a rotating cycle. The other day it was henna. I decided I absolutely had to buy henna, and I absolutely had to decorate myself in henna for my b-day party. By the time I got home from work I was over it.
I guess I have a general distraction towards the number 4 - though not obsessive.
I think Phlome is the least obsessive person I know. He’s very anti some things, but I don’t think he’s so anti that he’s obsessive. Can you be anti-obsessive? He’s very much against cheese unless it’s on nachos or pizza. He also gets seriously upset if I ball his socks. You know, when you take a pair of socks, and roll the top of one over the other and if you roll them enough you can get a little ball. He wants no rolling whatsoever. Just put the two socks together and fold them together.
I really like Hedwig - but I’m not obsessive. Notice that I DID NOT pay the $50 for the MAC Angry Inch Lip Glass. If I were obsessive - that would have been a bargain.
I will be obsessing a bit about weddings and new homes for sometime now - but really - that’s to be expected.

I don’t have any point to this post whatsoever other than to just share some of the stuff that was going through my head today.

Enjoy.