Debate at Reagan Library Activates Locals
One of my Ventura College colleagues, Veronica Valadez who teaches Ethnic and Chicano Studies, writes that “In class we’ve talked about the historical subjugation, marginalization, colonization, and oppression of the Chicana/o people and their ancestors. This struggle still exists today and it’s very real and very ugly. As you know, Donald Trump has made some very racist comments against Mexicans, and due to his racist hate speech, discrimination and violent acts against Mexicans and Chicanos are on the rise. In fact, those who have committed such hateful acts against Mexicans have even quoted Donald Trump to validate their actions. Many of you have asked what you can do, and well, an opportunity has presented itself.” Read more…
53 Interesting Facts about the Number 53: Saros Eclipse Cycle 53 + September Eclipses
Unless you were in South Africa or Antartica or you are particularly psychically sensitive or you follow the wanderings of Lord Ganesha on Earth whether or not you are Hindu, you may not have noticed that
today Sunday September 13 was a partial solar eclipse.
Today in fact there was a partial solar eclipse visible way down under (photo above from Texas in 2012; details below). Below are photos from today’s eclipse:
Also exciting for sky watchers: in two weeks there will be a lunar eclipse visible to much of North America! Yes on Sunday September 27 Read more…
Ventura County Ag Summit Includes Water Solutions, Area Wineries
Local wine and food expo yo! Talk with local Ventura County experts and sample food and wine plus music and other vendors! Today Friday and tomorrow Saturday!
Cal State University Channel Islands will be home to a two day Ventura County Agricultural Summit featuring panels, speakers, and food on Friday Sept. 11 from 8:30am-6:30pm and food and wine tasting on Saturday Sept. 12 from noon to 4:30pm.
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#CabernetDay at #BurningMan 2015
How I will be celebrating Cabernet Day 2015 on Thurs. Sept 3!
Burning Man is home to a winery, wine cellars, and plenty of wine!
Is there wine in Black Rock City, home to Burning Man? Or is it only a town of tequila shots and beers in cans and blasters and absinthe and other cocktails?
I’m here to tell you that there is more to drink in Black Rock City than cheap bottom shelf liquor prettied-up with mixers and sweet cheeks served on a mutant vehicle rolling across the desert!
Every year at Burning Man (my first Burn was in 1992 and I’ve been 15x), I have had amazing wine, including my first Barolo in 2009, thanks to Puma who always brings out some pretty special stuff to celebrate the occasion (that’s his dusty pile from 2011 pictured).
Puma and a pile of vino he brought to Burning Man to share
Many wine makers, from professional to garagiste to home brewer…
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Burning Man’s Temple 2015 + my promise
logo by Monica Wu
Most people who know anything about Burning Man (beyond the stupid trope of drugs, naked people, EDM) know that on Saturday night, a giant human effigy is burned followed by a raging party. Think the biggest New Year’s Eve party you’ve been too and then multiply by google.
Fewer people know about the Temple Burn Read more…
School may be back in session for many and summer may be almost over for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, but unless you live in the Arctic circle, now is as good a time as any to plant a container garden. Sunset magazine recently featured not 10, not 25, not 40 or 50 but 53 container gardens! A few of my favorites a pictured above. And since on Sundays I post an interesting fact about the number 53, this Sunday I’m featuring these 53 container gardens. Read more…
Award-Winning Latino Poets In Ojai 8/23
Three award-winning Latino poets read tomorrow Sunday August 23 at 2pm at the Ojai Art Center 113 So. Montgomery, downtown Ojai. Angel Garcia, Melinda Palacio, and Emma Trelles will perform poetry and Claudia Simone will sing with classical guitarist Don Cardinali. Food trucks will be on site and while the event is free, donations are appreciated.
The Ojai Art Center has several branches; the literary branch is hosting this event: “The Literary Branch shines a spotlight on writers – especially local talent – to provide the community events that acclaim all types of literary works. It invites participants to use their leisure time to venture to the Center to share with others the sensations of good writings. Lean in. Listen. Learn.”
#CRUDEAWAKENING
Are you still disturbed by the horrific oil spill a few months ago on the Santa Barbara coast? I am!
Did you know that last week, Plains All American, the operator of the ruptured pipeline increased its estimate of gallons spilled by 40% – now saying over 140,000 gallons total?
Did you know that while additional clean up off-shore isn’t possible, clean up on-shore continues, focusing on the tens of thousands of gallons that soaked into the soil and rocks of the bluffs and beach?
Did you know hundreds of birds and marine mammals have died as a direct result of oil exposure?
Did you know tar balls from the spill made their way hundreds of miles south– as far south as Redondo Beach?
Did you know YOU CAN DO SOMETHING? How close have you ever paddled to those enormous oil production platforms dotting our coastal horizon? How about a couple hundred feet away – in the name of oil spill prevention and response and stopping future offshore oil drilling? Or take action about current legislation?
Tonight the Ventura Patagonia Store will open its courtyard at 7pm to host a free after hours gathering for 200 or so. Chef Tim Kilcoyne’s food truck “Scratch” will be there, Surf Brewery will be pouring, plus there will be popcorn, music, and conversation among like -minded folks before the 8pm film “The Fisherman’s Son” followed by discussion. Read more…
Get Happy, Get Nature
We deem those happy who from the experience of life have learned to bear its ills without being overcome by them. —Carl Jung
[image]: Apollo, god of music, Athenian red-figure kylix C5th B.C., Archaeological Museum of Delphi.
A friend of mine who also studied Depth Psychology at Pacifica Graduate Institute posted this this morning which she found on the CJ Jung twitter feed. I find this quote particularly profound and poignant partly from reading notes from my students where several shared their struggles in life and as their stories resonate and reside in me I reflect on how best to be their teacher this semester. Part of the challenge as a mentor, a guide, a teacher is for us ourselves to find the balance where we have learned how to bear the ills of life and not become overcome by them.
But how exactly do we do this? And can it be taught? For me, a key element is a sense of purpose and accomplishment, that I am being of service and doing something with my life–giving back, creating, participating, not just consuming. I feel better about myself and the world when I live consciously on the earth and with others. And I am always better able to bear life’s challenges when I spend time in nature whether I am walking, hiking, camping, sitting, contemplating. When the going gets tough, the tough get going –outside! There’s even a website and a commercial for Nature Rx
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Class will also include this video version of Dr Seuss’s book Oh The Places You’ll Go which uses Burning Man 2011 as a backdrop (and yes I was there that year!) and a clip from Wall E. Ah the places we’ll go this semester…
art predator 