Catfish 33
Andrew Bushard
Hello everyone.
This is the first issue from my new location Mankato, MN. Send me some trades of zines. I haven’t seen too many zines lately. Which is a shame because zines are really cool.
I am going to graduate school here. So far, it’s pretty decent. It’s nice to have my own apartment even if I’m paying too much for it. It’s a nice retreat. It will also be nice to get my first pay check as a graduate assistant.
This issue has lots of writings for you. I need a megaphone. I need a tape recorder. I do have 3 tape recorders that are the portable variety. They work enough, but I wish I had better. These portable varieties generally have to be very close to the person speaking. Unfortunately, the issue with the bigger recorders is transportation. Those of you who are familiar with me realize I am a bicycler. The recorder I was using in Stevens Point could not be easily transported via bicycle. It would be nice to get a mix of both portability and range. But if I have an amplifying device, the range issue wouldn’t be as important. Yes, I would like some amplifying device. Of course, I am still hoping someone will give me a printing press. A book binder would be nice too.
Wonderfully happy news is the spreading of the book: Federation Without Television: the Blossoming Movement, Essays and Leaflets by Andrew Bushard. According to Xlibris.com, the publisher of this book, 64 copies have been purchased. I also found out from World Cat that there are 34 copies in libraries. Maybe some of the other 30 books are in libraries too and World Cat hasn’t updated. I’m not sure. Copies of this book are in libraries in many states. What was most exciting of all was the fact that two foreign libraries were listed as purchasing these books. One library was in Australia and the other was in the United Arab Emirates. I was ecstatic about the foreign purchases, especially the United Arab Emirates purchase! It was cool to see such a country have a library purchase this book. One would usually expect a Canadian country to be the first foreign countries to purchase it. If I ever set foot in the United Arab Emirates, I would probably not be too welcome, as I would stick out like a sore thumb in this wealthy Muslim country. At least, the FWT book is welcome there. It is a great victory to have a copy of this book at such a country so far away. It is a great milestone. I wonder if this book will ever face censorship. It is a bit odd that such a book would be welcome at an Islamic country. But I am very glad that it is. Help advance the revolution by encouraging libraries all over to stock this book. I have tried hard to encourage libraries everywhere to buy a copy of this book and it looks like some of the work is starting to pay off.
It would be really wonderful and quite amazing if the third chapter of FWT to be formed was in the United Arab Emirates. That library is really cool for ordering the book. I am utterly thrilled about it! Let us spread this revolution far and wide!
You can start a chapter of Federation Without Television wherever you are, whether you are in Gary, Indiana, Afghanistan or Iceland! It is marvelous to start to taste the magnificent outcomes of a revolution. Hopefully these advancements are signs of something even better to come.
In the Mankato chapter, I have contacted various organizations to try to find a regular meeting place. A meeting place is key. It would be nice to not have to be involved in the University bureaucracy just to get a meeting room, but there are benefits of having a university affiliated group. Although the UWSP chapter of FWT was involved in the bureaucracy, we were lucky that it wasn’t too restrictive on us. If you have any free advertising sources, let us know, because we would like to take advantage of them. I am trying to think of inventive ways of advertising which don’t cost much money. What is super amazing about this group is what it has done with only a little money. We have had little to no budgets but we have done more than many groups with extremely huge budgets. This revolution is something you don’t want to miss.
Don’t forget to visit these awesome websites:
Federation Without Television: https://www.freepressmedia.org
Autonomy Party: https://www.autonomyparty.com
Have a wonderful day.
Reviews
Audio
Family -- The Ties that Bind and Gag, Erma Bombeck, McGraw Hill, 1988.
It took me a little while to get into it, but it grew on me some. Enough, for me to maybe want to check out more of work. She's too cynical if you ask me. She seems pretty famous, it's good I finally got to listen to one of her works.
In Contempt, Christopher Darden with Jess Walter, Harper Collins Audio, 1996.
Previously, this book looked banal on the shelves, but now it looked interesting. I was very right, because it was worth listening to. I valued it a bunch. Mr. Darden's side should have won. I was fienning to learn more about O.J. Simpson, the tapes went by fast because they were greatly enjoyable. Darden made all the sadness of the case very real to the audience.
Unabomber: On the Trail of America's Most Wanted Serial Killer, John Douglas and Mark Olshaker, Simon and Schuster, 1996.
I knew the general outline of this ordeal, but it was nice to fill in the details. I really dig these types of audio tapes. Stories about actual crime appeal to me. It was so fascinating, that I only wish there would have been more as the audio tape ended too quickly.
Dave Barry Turns 40, Dave Barry, read by the author, Random House Audio, 1990.
I've seen alot of Dave's works all the over the place, but until now, never heard any them. I wasn't rolling over with laughter, but it is material that can make you smile.
Dear Dad, Louie Anderson, read by the author, Harper Audio, 1990.
Any book portraying the disaster of alcohol has something going for it. This book is a good anecdotal, emotional argument for our cause. I can relate to Mr. Anderson, it's wonderful he wrote this book to help our struggle out.
The Road Ahead, Bill Gates with John Ottavino, Penquin High Bridge Audio, 1995.
The book was worth listening. I was hesitant that since it was such a mainstream book, it might be dull, but it wasn't. John Ottavino does most of the talking which is for the better, because Bill Gates isn't the world's most exciting speaker (at least from what I heard on this tape), but Bill Gates is a considerably better writer. For being the world's richest person, he sure can write in a way that the rest of us can relate to. This book is actually too old, especially considering the topic. Gates deserve huge props for using non sexist language. I was pleased to hear some as mainstream as him do that. Bill Gates probably wrote this book to supplement his dismally low earnings from Microsoft. He is descriptive without being overbearingly detail orientated and he paints lucidly. Despite, my anti capitalist views, listening to these tapes got me to admire Gates's contributions to society, of course, I don’t believe he should have millions of dollars in the bank because of it.
Monica's Story, Andrew Morton, read by Jennifer Van Dyck, Harper Audio.
The author is sympathetic to Monica and paints her positively. I don't know about some biographies. There are biographies about tons of people, people who got in the spotlight somehow for something. Some are not all that interesting, because the people are products of bland corporate media society. At least this isn't an autobiography, because one could argue that autobiographies are egotistical. "I'm so important that I should write a book about myself." A person should be a bit ashamed of listening to this. I got a summary of the whole issue I missed because I avoid mainstream media. My sympathetic thought about Monica was that it would be difficult to be normal again because she is so infamous, a point the author also touched on.
Crank it Up: The Music Album, Jeff Foxworthy, Warner Brothers, 1996.
Mildly humorous at best. What I expected and I didn't expect much. Way too typical. The nice part was the anti drunk driving message. Jeff got too famous for too little humor, it's shame bec
ause there are alot of obscure people who deserve to be famous.
Organize Your Life and Get Rid of Clutter, Ab Jackson, Career Track, Inc.
I was afraid this tape was going to be really dull, but it happened to be lively. The energetic presentation matter helped out immensely, this topic has the potential to be dry. Some of the tips are too elaborate and intense to implement for me. There is also the issue that everyone has some guide to living they want you to follow, whether it be cleanliness, frugality, assertiveness or positive thinking. It's hard enough to follow one guide, it can be mind boggling to follow more than one. I couldn't quite tell if the laughing was a sound track or real live lame human laughter. The laughing intensity did vary, but I imagine it could be done by a good laugh track machine. I was astonished to hear laughing at lame jokes and worse yet laughing at statements that weren't even jokes. It got distracting. The laughing did taper off towards the end. The ideas could be considered good, if you have the effort to implement them.
The Threats Cult Have for Gifted Children, Sandy Anron.
He used the overhead for the presentation which is helpful for getting the message across, but it's a problem when the speaker doesn't fully explain everything when an audio tape is being made. He talked about one of my favorite cult folks, L. Ron Hubbard, who he said "is one of the most dangerous threats today." Yes, the tape is that old that L. Ron Hubbard was still alive. It seemed to be created right as or not too far after I was born. It was useful information that a parent could benefit from. I was disappointed that he covered the different cults too briefly. How about a whole program on L. Ron Hubbard? The different angle provides additional insight into this subject matter.
A Juvenile Convict Talks About His Entry into a Life of Crime, Educational Research Group, 1969.
Surely an old dog tape. I don't know when reel to reel stopped being used predominantly and the standard tape became more acceptable, but maybe it was around this time. Clearly, it is intended for school type learning (which can have the affect of taking away from presentation) I was a bit surprised with some of the worthwhile criminal justice views presented. Even though it is old, it still sounded alright. Some of the analysis was smart, other parts of it were too typical.
Astrology, Len Scheer, Center for Cassette Studies.
Sometimes old can be a sign of being dry and dull, but such was not the case in this tape. A very fair minded look at astrology, with an emphasis that astrology is right. Interviewing different people sure helped the case and made the program interesting. The musical interludes were nice additions too. It was neat how they evaluated astrology through a logical and scientific lens, and they concluded that it passed these tests. The different perspectives demonstrated how different people view astrology which seems to suggest its validation. I heard an impressive all different description of the signs of the sun, moon, ascendant, and midheaven. I don't know what I take of that description, but it was interesting. Bravo that it stimulated my mind, entertaining me and getting me to think more about this fascinating subject.
The Dark Side of Islam, R.C. Sproul, Ligonier Ministries, 2001.
I obtained this anti-jewel for free. You better not pay money for it. I am learning that one of the worst ways to learn about Islam is through Christians. The ex-Muslim interviewed says "R.C....." alot. It's annoying. R.C. Sproul is not a wise man. R.C. Sproul is not the best speaker. He stumbles over his words too much. These Christians can be hypocritical. Too frequently what they criticize about Islam applies to Christianity as well. To give them credit, they were better than some. There is little new about Islam here, they just scratch the surface in their biased way.
"Weird Al Yankovic, Running With Scissors, Volcano Entertainment, 1999.
I see Al has shaved his mustache in this album, that's too bad because I think he looks better with the mustache. Top notch satire like this rarely gets old. Not only is he very skilled in the art of parody, he is also quite talented in the art of rhyme. Popular culture sure deserves all the stabs he gives it. (Television especially). He rips on astrology in the song "Your Horoscope for Today", which I don't believe he fully understands astrology. He doesn't seem to have enough knowledge about astrology. I was happy to get another chance to listen one of Al's albums.
Books
Mussolini: An Intimate Biography, Rachele Mussolini, as told to Albert Zarca, William Morrow & Company, Inc, 1974.
This book presented a much perspective of Mussolini than what I have seen before. I sure hope his wife's view is right and others are wrong. Since she was his wife, she likely will view him more positively than most, let us hope she is right. According to this book, Mussolini was a great guy. There's a lot to admire in him if this book happens to be true. A lot. What she said about Mussolini's leadership style is indeed touching. It was valuable of his wife to give opinions and political judgments, this enhanced the book. Too many biographies are too objective. Her good personality enriches the work. I was impressed by Mussolini's character. In fact, when I envision myself ruling our nation, many of the noble ways of governing I dream about, is what Rachele described Benito Mussolini as doing. Biographies like these contribute to why this genre can be very fascinating. Let's hope this Mussolini biographer is right because if it is, I really like Benito's style.
I Want to Tell You: My Response to Your Letters, Your Messages, Your Questions, O.J. Simpson, Little Brown and Company, 1995.
The murderer speaks. Audacity is a word to describe O.J.'s writing. It was sick to read him complain about the Prosecution having more money than him. How could he get a better defense team? It's not possible. O.J. contradicts his supporters, but disagreeing with some aspects of their letters. Writing wise, he's a decent writer, being fairly terse, but the lying is hard to bear. O.J. evens stoops as low as comparing his predicament to that of Jesus Christ and Job. He does raise a fantastic point about our approach to criminals, a point I have thought about, but have rarely seen discussed, as unjust as the approach is. It's on page 162. It would be a swell frank touching book, if he was not lying through his teeth as I believe he is.
Every Secret, Patricia Campbell Hearst with Alvin Moscow, Doubleday and Company, 1982.
The long length concerned me because I wanted to finish it before I got busy, but finishing it was a cinch, in fact, it was difficult to put the book aside. I read pages and pages in days. A very fascinating situation told in a very wonderful writing style. Patty Hearst has great talent as a writer because her book is so engaging and readable. I was attracted to this book after reading about Kathy Soliah. This book was a little old which especially involving Kathy Soliah, much has changed. There is nothing to say negative about this book. I'm all positive because books like these are wonderful retreats of the mind. Books like these can take someone like me (someone not often swept by altered states) away. My eye was hurting because one day I read so much, but I was hooked, I could not stop reading. Thrilling books like this make me glad I'm alive to have my mind entertained so wonderfully! Amazing compliments to Patty Hearst for writing a very fine book.
Cats for Dummies, 2nd Edition, Gina Spadafori, Paul D. Pion, DVM, DACVIM, IDG Books, 2000.
Since I dug my friend's Chris's cat, Healthcliff, I decided I wanted to learn more about cats. The "Dummies" books are a good way to go to do something like that. In the middle are color pictures, an extra bonus, something I don't remember seeing in many "dummies" books. A swell book. A cat person will really help themselves out by reading this book.
Partisan Prophets: A History of the Prohibition Party 1854-1972, Roger C. Storms, National Prohibition Foundation, 1972.
Good Pro Prohibition material is hard to find, thus it was very cool to come across this. The date of publication is a drawback because it would be nice to know what has happened between 1972 and 2002. The volume is t
hin, but the printing is small. I don't like small printing. I respect the Prohibition Party for its honorable legacy. As I noticed from the Prohibition Party website and from the last part of this book, the Party seems more right orientated. The book describes the transition from more liberal days to the modern time. The tone is straightforward, interjecting some interesting anecdotes in too. If only we could adopt their way of Prohibition. If you like them or not, it would be valuable to read this to find out who they are and all they have gone through.
Public Enemies, John Walsh with Philip Lerman, Pocket Series, 2001.
Another high quality and exciting book from a great author. I love the down to earth realness that Walsh writes with. The emotional component greatly enriches his writing. I learned about some very intriguing America Most Wanted cases. Crime books are marvelous especially when they are written by such a fantastic author who seeks justice. A justice seeker is a great person to be.
Out of Business: Force a Company, business or store to close it doors....for good!, Dennis Fiery, Loompanics Unlimited, 1999.
Here is a testament to the beauty of Interlibrary Loan. Even ultra cool and troublemaking books like this one can be obtained from interlibrary loan. Although surely someone angry and intelligent, could think of many of these ideas, Dennis saves you the work so you can focus on destroying the business if that's what you want to do. The author seems a bit too confident about some plans which seem too risky for my tastes. With a notebook and a pen, I wrote down many of the wonderful suggestions, should I ever get the full urge to seek to destroy a business. I can get very angry, but there is something that holds me back. He even mentions one of my absolute favorite measures: protesting. A great book. Dennis gives folks with a grudge some wonderful opportunities to implement their ideas. I enjoyed the political ramifications, stated and implied of this volume. I wish these Loompanic books were everywhere.
How to Build a Time Machine, Hazel Richardson, illustrated by Alan Rowe, Oxford University Press, 1999.
Unique premise. I was overwhelmed with all the science and experiments, though the concept of time travel certainly interests me. The approach was well done because it teaches scientific principles without dumbing them down for children, there is alot to learn for non science people. A thin volume, so if your mind is oriented for science, go for it.
Pirate Radio: The Incredible Saga of America's Underground Illegal Broadcasters, Andrew Yoder, High Text Publications, 1996.
I often tell people that the best book I ever read was "Pirate Radio Stations: Tuning into Underground Broadcasts" also by Andrew Yoder. That book was an edifying experience, I found a part of myself, I found something I totally could be captivated by. Pirate radio is indeed a wonderful subject. Since the first book was so good, I was hoping to come across more of Andrew Yoder's works, but unfortunately that was difficult. When I discovered interlibrary loan, it all became possible. This book was exciting. Some of the information was the same as the other book mentioned here, but there was more than plenty which was new. It was useful how the author included last minute information. My only disappointment was the cd included. I was thrilled about getting to hear more pirate radio stations, but I was not satisfied. I expected the cd to be more than samples and sound bytes, but unfortunately it was just brief recordings. I guess, since a cd is not included in every book, we can set aside the one downer. There's too much to praise to allow the cd to take away from this book's greatness. Mr. Yoder's style is powerful, it's descriptive and interesting (he gives you the good scoop about pirate radio), and he also includes a few humorous remarks. I was impressed with the chapter on "The Federal Communications Commission". It's appropriate I dug this chapter, because he was one of the people to open my eyes most to the flaws of the FCC. Books like these make you glad you are alive.
Success for Dummies, Zig Ziglar, IDG Books, 1998.
It seems as if everyone gives props to Zig Ziglar, so some perspective on my part shall be a healthy difference. Motivational books have a good premise, but just because they have a good premise, is not an indication they should be exempt from criticism. In a few cases, I felt inspired, but in other cases, my critical thinking cap was definitely on. There is a sizable portion of this book, that reflects what I don't like about contemporary psychology. We have to remember that when there is evil in the world that affirms the existence of corrupt people, positive thinking affirms this evil because the leaders want you to act as if no evil exists. A big deal is that Ziglar seems to believe that optimism is an unqualified good. I have serious contentions with that view. Some of his beliefs are scary. Even scarier to think is that he is programming others with these questionable beliefs. I do believe his heart is in the right place, for sure. One example of his dubious views are: an unqualified elevation of Capitalism (the hard core kind). Capitalism has many flaws, and it is dogmatic and foolish to be lead to believe that is just great. He supports laws too much. He supports a sickening quote from a friend "Obey the laws. Laws aren't made to cramp your style; they're intended to enable you and everyone else to live and operate freely and safely in a society that offer enormous rewards." (Ziglar, 82) Really? I imagine this is exactly what the corporations that run and ruin our country want you to think. Corporations make laws period. It's silly to believe that laws are just solely for the betterment of all, and not for the powerful. Positive thinking may help someone improve internally, but thinking positive about corrupt institutions does not make them virtuous. Uncritical acceptance and allegiance to authority is one of the greatest problems in our nation. It's a shame so many people have to be influenced by this train of thought. It also nauseated me to read a section called "Teaching values and authority" on page 234. On page 234, he manages to discuss why it's important to teach children to love police officers. His skin is white and he is an adult, he likely has never had the misfortune of having a baton wielded on him. He should realize not everyone is as lucky as him and also police officers can do bad. We surely should not pledge allegiance to them without a critical evaluation of their activities. Surely, at least a fairly significant portion of police officers, are inspired to some degree to be officers for reasons of having power over other people's lives. No Zig, not everyone who has been beaten with a baton is disrespectful. Ziglar seems too old fashioned. There is indeed good from the old days, but there is also bad that drags society down. Throughout the book, he recites his maxim "You can get what you want in life, if give enough people what they want". Generally, this is true, wise and kind. We have to remember there must be exceptions to this rule. I do applaud his condemnation of alcohol and other drugs, it is much needed. Too many conservatives are spineless jellyfish about alcohol. We surely need the change. In one part, he endorses some sexist views, but to his credit, he later mitigates that, by being more fair. I have a friend who's a nihilist, it would be interesting to see this two interact. I don't agree with nihilism at all, but maybe it could provide some perspective for Zig. Zig seems very bubbly. Maybe he shouldn't always be happy. Maybe we all shouldn't. It is something to think about. I am oriented towards dislike of AA, thus I was appalled when he supported. To be sure, many people don't fully realize what AA is all about. I think his endorsement was innocent, but mistaken. On pg 190, he says "I believe based on this incident that anyone facing what he or she believes to be his or her imminent death would at least pray the prayer that renowned atheist Ralph Ingersol (sic) prayed as he lay dying 'God, if there be a God, have mercy on my soul." I admire the "Great Agnostic" Robert Ingersoll, but I believe he is confused when he talks about "Ralph Ingersol" To verify my belief, I double checked if Robert Ingersoll was also called "Ralph", I searched on the internet, I found a "Ralph Ingersoll" but it was not the person I am so fond of. Before he makes such bold claims, he should at least know who he is talking about. I have also heard that such a statemen
t made by Ingersoll is dubious. He seems humble, but I see he named his organization after himself. Bradford Lytlle, the venerable pacifist and I were talking about H. Jay Dinshah, which Bradford said "As you see he named a street after himself, that tells you what type of person he is." I may have sounded critical of this book, but I must say that it has some important value. You can benefit from this book, if you don't absorb it like a sponge, and you think, think, think about what he says.
The Contract For Life, Robert Anastas, founder and Executive Director of SADD with Kalia Lulow, Pocket Books, 1986.
This man has a good heart. It's wonderful that he felt inspired to make a difference. I admire what he has done. I would recommend a change in the operation of SADD. For example, Robert seems to think that since the alcohol vendors helped to fund him that they are purely benevolent. Take a look at the Common Cause webpage and you will see how much the alcohol industry spends on opposing what anti drunk driving people are working so hard for. I wish SADD would be more radical, I wish they would advocate Prohibition because alcohol doesn't do us any good. It's powerfully motivating to read about people who have both a warm heart and a strong will.
Enchantment of the World: Antarctica, Henry Billings, Children’s Press, 1994.
Since most of the books I read from this series deal with countries, it was a refreshing change of pace to read about this cool place (figurative and literal). It was an interesting trip to Antarctica. Maybe someday I could visit the place if I ever got the money. IN one running magazine, they discuss a marathon that is run on Antarctica. This book will be good for any romantic mind.
The Need to Know Library: The Dangers of Hazing, Jay Schleifer, Rosen Publishing, 1996.
In my opinion, hazing sucks. In fact, the Autonomy Party has a position paper opposing hazing; the policy inspired by Hank Nuwer. The book is concise with just enough information to give you a good introduction. It is a good book to read for young people and for fools people who are hazers.
Ten Nights in a Bar Room and What I Saw There, T.S. Arthur, edited by Hugh Holman, 1966 (originally published 1854).
Simply lovely! I usually don't read fiction, but I felt I should read such a much talked about book, written about one of my favorite topics: the decadence of alcohol. As a blossoming Prohibitionist, I just had to read this book. It did not disappoint me. It is the type of book I could see myself writing. I am surely on the same page as T.S. Arthur. Hopefully you are too. Wonderful, fantastic, brilliant! His vision is very right on! I love it how he used the term "inmates" to describe the sorry drunkards. I was offended by some of the injustice portrayed in the book, but fortunately, by the end, justice prevailed. It seems odd that many drunks in this book actually supported prohibition. I have yet to find any drunks to support prohibition, much less sober people to support prohibition. Actually, I find it hypocritical the drunk characters believed in prohibition yet drunk themselves. The introduction discusses the importance of legal measures in curing the drunk problem, indeed considering the comments I made in the last sentence, it would seem as if the "Maine State Law" (the contemporary measure advocated at the time) would be a Superman or Superwoman. The book ends in a way a good Prohibitionist would want it to end. But I am skeptical that people in the real world would have as much good sense and insight as these characters do. I agree with the book's main premise entirely, that alcohol is without redeeming value, that is wrecks everything it gets in contact with. The introduction by the editor is blunt. His calls "Ten Nights" "a bad novel" I disagree, it's a great novel with a beautiful theme that is still true after all these years. The more the world changes, the more it stays the same! Hard hitting, terse and powerful! Those who are receptive to justice, should love this wonderful book. A book that shows alcohol for what it truly is: endless trouble and decadence. Adopt its message as a guiding philosophy of your life and the world will be better.
Cultures of the World: Czech Republic, Estathia Sioras, Marshall Cavendish, 1999.
Since I have a bit of Czechoslovakian in me, I was attracted to this book. I am not sure whether the new Czech Republic would be where my ancestors were from (they may be from Slovakia). The book succeeded in the task that it set out to do.
Cultures of the World: Trinidad and Tobago, Sean Sheehan, Marshall Cavendish, 2001.
I am attracted to Caribbean countries due to their beautiful tropical climate. With the usual great pictures, this series did wonders describing this interesting country. I believe it is wise to study both popular and not so popular countries. I'm glad I read the book.
Political Trashing, Victor Santoro, Loompanics Unlimited, 1987.
At first I thought this book wasn't going to be too great, but it got better. It didn't seem as well methodologically laid out as was "Out of Business", also published by Loompanics. I took notes on the book, then disappointingly or maybe, happily, in the appendix I discovered the very condensed version of the book. I plan to copy this condensed version. I don't plan to act on any of these suggestions too soon, I'm not quite mean enough. But I think I'll file it in case the need rises. It's good to have ammunition like this book in your plans, in case one needs to ever use it.
Moon Signs: The Key to Your Inner Life, Donna Cunningham, Ballantine, 1988.
I was addicted to reading this fascinating page turning book. I used the photocopier quite a bit to have the wonderfully well explained and highly useful charts ready. I did get overwhelmed with some of the information about moons, but hopefully I can absorb the information enough so it's not overwhelming for all that long. I dig her writing style because she is clear and interesting. I am sure glad I got to learn all this.
Linda Goodman's Star Signs, Linda Goodman, St. Martin's Press, 1987.
Linda Goodman is really into new age. It's almost to the point that it seems as if it's new age, Linda Goodman believes it. She's critical enough about other matters, too bad she's not more critical about the new age. I found it odd that she authored both the preface and the introduction, when I see often at least someone else authoring one of these. My friend tells me Linda Goodman is a double Aries, thus it would make sense. As a Virgo and Scorpio person myself, a double Aries should be trouble for me. Linda Goodman is different than me, I don't seem to work this way. MY friend Blanca lent me this book, I was intimidated by the size, but Blanca told me "It'll go fast, it's easy reading." This is true because her style of writing is accessible, her style is down to earth. I'm concerned about the notion of lexigrams which she exalts. Words vary from language to language, we could make a whole lot of words from foreign words. Words are more arbitrary than she leads us to believe. I'm not saying there is no rhyme or reason to language, but there is only so far it can go. She has this practice of adding letters to words derived in lexigrams which concerns me, because it seems too easy to create the words one wants to. I dug her emphasis on the importance of altruism. She is wise and kind in sharing the outlook of altruism. Her principle "after living expenses give away half of all your money" sounds very good to me. She dissed the American Cancer Society, which I didn't agree with because the ACS is generally non political and very fair, also concerned about our nation's well being, plus not afraid to tell the truth about tobacco. She gives glory to karma, but I believe karma can obscure the true nature of altruism. I believe ideally altruism shines when people do something kind for its own sake. Under karma, a person is motivated by reward and punishment, which is similar to the Christian motivation of heaven and hell. But at least, karma is based on actions done rather than just belief which makes it superior to Christianity. To me, karma should be a mute point, we should do what's right for its own sake, whether we get rewarded or not. Karma should be a mute point, because we should be doing good anyways. Oftentimes in reading vegetarian arguments, one reads the same arguments over and over, thus it was rather refreshing to her all original argument for vegeta
rianism. Early on and a bit later on, she referred to "nature's law", a phrase and concept I really adore. I don't know about her endorsement of herbs, especially when I see a friend's herb company listed. It may be veiled advertising, if so, watch out. Her poetry was a creative way to open up the chapters, it's a good accompaniment to the rest of the text. I got a fresh perspective on the nature of karma from her new school analogy. Her book is surely different than the relatively straight forward astrology books. Her essay approach is a good change which can can prevent information overload while still teaching. Some of her solutions to problems seem too easy, and of course it doesn't work that way. The social commentary was a benefit. I didn't agree with all of it, but it did get me thinking. She writes about numerology saying something to the affect "People's numbers correspond to transits and progressions on their natal charts." If so, why do we need the numerology, why don't we just stick with the astrology? Very telling and disconcerting is when she says something to the effect of "believe it until it's true...." No, it shouldn't work that way. Her weight loss and gain plans seem odd. I guess I'm not the new age type. As you can probably tell from all this writing, this book got me to think alot which is of course, good!
The Book of Wimmin: an Anthology of Contemporary Feminism, compiled by Two Men, Private Eye, 1986.
At first, I couldn’t quite tell whether it was pro or anti feminism, but after looking at the whole title, I could tell. I got this book from the recycling bin at Viterbo College. This book was unusual especially to be found at Viterbo. It's a collage of words format. Just barely larger than my hand, a quick book that is if nothing else, interesting.
A letter I write about a funding source of my old school UWSP:
Hello Vice Chancellor Diemer:
I have had a good experience at UWSP. I feel the physical fitness I obtained from 4 years of track and cross country was very valuable.
As an alumni of UWSP, I have a concern about where UWSP gets its money. It was disappointed to hear that UWSP accepted a check for $5300 from Point Brewery for athletics. Two years ago, I attended a Chancellor's leadership banquet where the issue of drug dealers was brought up. Vice Chancellor Tomlinson made the comment "We aren't going to tolerate drug dealers on this campus." We shouldn't because drugs are very harmful and are often the antithesis of the learning process here at UW-SP.
I wonder why we not only tolerate the dealing of the drug alcohol, but we welcome the industry investment into our university. Alcohol is one of the most serious and deadly drugs in this country. In my book, alcohol is worse than pot. Yes alcohol is legal, but as a wise man John Africa once said "Just because it's legal doesn't make it right." I have just spent a couple days observing proceedings at the court house. It seems as if the great majority of the problems have alcohol involved. The difference between a student who sells pot and a representative of Point beer selling alcohol is only one of legality. As a Philosophy major at UW-SP, I learned that legality and morality are independent. If we are to strive to be moral, we certainly must not base our morals on just legality.
In the Stevens Point area, there are many fine businesses of which to invest. I applaud the administration's decision to look locally, but there are also many better more moral local businesses to choose from. We have a lot of locally owned businesses on main Street for instance.
Have a good day.
Andrew J. Bushard
Class of 2002
Infotainment’s National Third Party Day Press release
For decades and decades, third parties have ideologically been contributing to a better life in America. Unfortunately, the stagnant politics of the one party Republicrat state of America has prevented the fullest actualization of these ideas. Due to the structure of the system, it is difficult if not impossible for third parties to get any leverage no matter how brilliant and legitimate their ideas are.
Many of us do not get full exposure to the valid ideas of third parties due to our biased media. https://www.infortainment.com/natl-3-p.htm is sponsoring a national third party day on June 22nd. Locally, the eclectic, dynamic and very original 3rd party of the Autonomy Party is sponsoring it. Starting at 5:00 p.m. on June 22nd, on the public sidewalk by downtown Shopko, there will be a sleepout. Here the public is invited to learn more about the liberating Autonomy Party and to get some free bananas which the Autonomy Party will be distributing.
It is our hope that someday soon, 3rd parties can have a better chance to effect hopeful change in this nation. Help celebrate the Autonomy Party and 3rd parties in general this day.
The event:
When I was on the internet, I came across a page talking about a "National Third Party Day." This day was organized by the site Infotainment.com. Since, I am so fond of third parties, we just had to do something locally. The wonderful Autonomy Party sponsored the day. It was a Sleepout. The sign proclaimed the day, with the additional words on it "Free bananas if you're sober." and "Free literature, just ask."
Interestingly enough, I had been homeless for a couple of days before these events. This happened because my plan of squatting at Nelson Hall at my alma mater fell through. During the days of being homeless, I've have slept at various places. A couple of sidewalks in neighborhoods. I also slept on a sidewalk behind Copps grocery store, then it rained, so I slept under a building ledge. One night alone, I slept under a bridge, in the foyer area of the Chamber of Commerce, and mostly in a telephone booth. Two key problems were rain and police pestering me. It seems as if different police have different takes on sleeping on public property, what is permissible and what is not. Most germane is one police officer's view in comparing Sleepout for the Prohibition of Alcohol and my homeless situation "That [sleepout for the Prohibition of Alcohol] is political speech, this is loitering". Ironically it seems that police officers allow radical political protests, but have problems with sleeping out because one is homeless. It might look real bad for them, if they stop the constitutional right of the 1st amendment. I have written about my adventures of being homeless in my diary, and I might print some of it in Catfish.
Since I'm homeless I've been storing my belongings temporarily at Blanca Martin's friend's house, until we can get a storage space. Through use of my bike, I transported sleeping material, back pack, food for me to eat, and bananas to the downtown Stevens Point sidewalk near Shopko. The event began promptly at 5:00 p.m. It was a hotter than it has been lately at the start, but it was gorgeous. I was glad it wasn't raining, which it sure has been doing a lot of lately. In fact, it didn't rain the whole time of the event. It surely was more agreeable weather than other winter sleepout events that I have done. I unfortunately did not have much reading matter. This prompted me to fork over a dollar to buy a crossword puzzle book at the bookstore.
There were some interesting interactions and occurrences. Since it was a Saturday, lots of drinkers were out. (much to my dismay). I do not like interacting with drinkers.
Across the street were two folks who asked "When is National Party Day?" I clarified that it was "National Third Party Day" They seemed a bit disappointed after that. "National Party Day" in the usual sense of the term is an arch nemesis of the Autonomy Party. Not too long after that, two kids rode by on their bicycles. One shouted "Alcohol rules, man! Alcohol is number one!" Apparently noticing me from my anti alcohol activism. Unfortunately Shawn Goodwin came by and gave me some gadfly talk. He talks way too abstractly. He seems to argue for the sake of arguing. He did ask one question which I don't think I ever heard before. I was telling him about the uniqueness of the Autonomy Party about how it is eclectic and dynamic. He asked "Isn't a party by its very nature eclectic because it involves more than one person?" As we were talking, he seemed to get a little frustrated, he said "Good luck", then left.
I got annoyed by these young males who were pa
inting in this office building. They got a thrill out of pounding on the windows, causing people to look in, then they hid. They even took the sign as I was in Shopko. They held the sign up to the window. I got irritated but I also thought, "The sign there might be a good place, more visible than on the bench." I approached the door, one of the young males gave me back the sign saying "It was just a practical joke." If such was the case, it was pretty lame joke which wasn't a "practical joke" at all. The youth seem rather rambunctious and hyper. They seemed to be screwing around alot. I wonder how they got serious enough to paint the insides of the office. They even had a paint fight. They came out and talked to me about the sleepout. Reading the sign, one of them asked "I'm sober, can I have a banana?" They also said "We're going to drink tonight, but we're sober now." Since they qualified, I allowed them to have bananas. But I regretted it because they used their tools to play with and smash the bananas I gave them.
I did get to see some friendly faces. Alan Smith, a fellow peace activist came by and chatted. He applauded the efforts. He even offered to bring some food, but I declined. Phil Kauth also came. Erick McGinely and I talked for quite a bit. During the middle of our talk. One woman, accompanied by a friend. The blond haired one had alot of spunk. She asked for a cigarette. Which of course, I didn't have. She asked if we went to what I thought she said was "the herbal energy fair." Which we didn't. I though the fair sounded odd named. Later when I was talking to someone, he asked me "Did you go the Renewable Energy Fair"? Then I realized that's apparently what she was talking about. She read the sign and started questioning me about the event. She asked me "why don't you like drinking?" I gave a couple of reasons. Then I did something very good, I started questioning her. If teetotalers are questioned, drinkers should be questioned. Why should they get away with not thinking about their consumption. I asked her what was good about alcohol. She said "I like the taste. I like a beer with a pizza. I like the taste of dark stout. If I found a dark stout that was non alcoholic, I would drink that." She accused me of "being drunk prejudiced", she also said "You should judge a person by what's inside." (Alcohol disguises what's inside and we can't see the real person.) She debated the qualifications for giving out bananas. She asked "What if someone is drunk but they haven't had any food and were hungry?", "In New Orleans, people won't hesitate to give you money for beer, but they won't give you money for food. The blonde woman got distracted for a bit. Her friend talked to me about third parties. She asked Erick and I if we voted for Nader. Which we both did. She gave us fives for that. He talked to me about how she didn't like Nader missing out on matching funds for getting an insufficient amount of votes.
The blond woman said "I drink. But I only get drunk once in a blue moon." Her friend stated once something to the effect "I have no other addictions except food, water and air." The blond woman said "I use pot, but for medicinal purposes (yeah, right!) My uncle grows and produces it for medicinal purposes legally" I asked "What for?" She replied "He has skin cancer." She asked "Are you straight edge?" Which I replied affirmatively. She made a fairly respectful comment about it. Later I saw her drunk, and she could have been drunk when I was talking with her. She seemed to lie alot. She came back later in the night. Through the night, She told some different stories about dead friends. I first believed her first story, then I started to get skeptical after thinking about it. I was sleeping to be awoke by her. My left short leg felt wet. She laid a bottle of Crown Royal near me which I took elsewhere. I guessed that she may have poured the liquor on me. She told me "I had a good friend in college die from drinking." Later She said "Drinking is the only way I can cope." I disagreed firmly with that. She clearly was wasted as she said "I had a friend die from puking on their own puke." Apparently the color of the moon was blue.
A police officer came over to me to find out what I was doing. I told him what was up. He asked "Is this all night sleepout about alcohol." I responded "It is related." He read the sign saying "If you find someone sober, they get a banana." He asked if "anyone has been bothering you." I told him about the wet pant leg. He give some advice "I can't say whether or not this is a good cause, I have to be neutral on these matters. I don't have to tell you that people act stupid when drinking. You should stay up through bar time. Good luck."
The high points of aggravation was interacting with obnoxious drunks walking out from the bars. A dumb drunk asked "What are you doing?" Then he grabbed me and also grabbed my blanket. I yelled "Get off! Get off me!"
Since at this time virtually everyone was drunk, I didn't care to interact with most of anyone. One drunk asked "What does third party day stand for?" I try to not deal with him. He said "I'm serious." I said "Look it up. don't drink."
One person blabbered "Third parties suck." He also told me I should shave.
A couple drunks wanted to shake my hand. I wondered "Why do drunks seem so eager to shake my hand?"
One person from a group of drunks was messing with my bike. I firmly shouted "Get away from the bike" He was intimidated and complied.
A dude named Carmen who I ran track with, for a year asked "Why don't you like drinking?" I gave him reasons like 100,000 dead a year, drunk driving, rape, lousy behavior and child mistreatment. He said "I can see where you're coming from. Not many people here will agree with you" He asked "Have you ever been under the influence?" I told him I drank a few times long while ago, but I was never drunk. He said "There's 2 sides to every story."
One man came from across the street. I couldn't quite tell if he was drunk or not. He said "I commend you. You're putting your life and limb on the line here. Our place is across the street if you need anything." He told me about a law passed in our area banning "unauthorized gatherings of 15 or more people." He told me how a bunch of his buddies and him protested this in front of the police station. He put a painting on the bench near me to take a picture of it. Yes, alot of people could care less about social justice issues, but if you take away their beer, they become activists.
Around 6:00 in the morning another cop came up to me and asked "Do you live here?" I pointed the sign out to him. He gadflingly asked 'How does sleeping out help third parties?" I responded "It's just a way to celebrate them.“
Right before I left, the people across the street, asked "Isn't it a beautiful morning." I responded affirmatively because indeed it was. They gave me some props for doing what I did, which was cool.
It was good to do this. It is good to do sleepouts. It is good to advance third parties.