“In the 1920s O G S Crawford invented aerial archaeology, one of many services this eccentric Marxist misanthrope performed for the study of antiquity.”
- Jonathan Meades: Link

Bloody Old Britain: O G S Crawford and the Archaeology of Modern Life

By Kitty Hauser

Granta Books, 286pp

Amazon: Link

“Future archaeologists will perhaps excavate the ruined factories of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries when the radiation effects of Atom bombs have died away.”
- O. G. S. Crawford, from Archaeology in the Field (1953)

O. G. S. Crawford @ Wikipedia: Link.

~ Karl Jones

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You say it the largest democracy of the world. It is just an illusion for self appeasement. There are many underneath facts related with our cerebral democracy.

Some interesting facts:

- 40 percent of Delhi's Member of Legislative Assembly (MLAs) are having criminal records.

- Before the last general elections in Uttar Pradesh alone, there were 5.3 million dead people on the electoral rolls and another 8.5 million voters listed as missing.

- One in four MPs are criminal. According to a study by Bangalore-based Public Affairs Centre (PAC), an independent watchdog, almost one-forth of the over 540 people elected to India’s current Parliament face criminal charges ranging from murder to extortion and even rape.

- Indian democracy have another record. The first person to be Chief Minister, even after convicted by judicial court : Ms Jayalalitha ( C.M. of Tamilnadu)

- One step ahead, convicted for highest crime of homicide, sentenced with the second highest punishment- the life term- and the fellow became C.M. of Jharkhand.

Today only this Jharkhand's CM got defeated by the margin of 9,000 vote in by polls. It show some ray of hope, finally electoral felt shame about voting this criminal CM. But in blind race of power, I wonder he would be still unaffected.

- And if you challenge them, they scuff your throat. Murder of Satyendranath Dubey in Bihar, Killing of Manjunath in U.P. and very recently Mr Gupta's death in U.P. shows the fact very well.

Here we have eminence responsibility to meet. We got only one option- to kick them out and eradicate 'criminocracy' from India. If we are awakened and aware we must do it, else the consequence of being ruled by criminals will be very costly. It would not only caused losses to our lives and families but also we would be enslaved and awardees of shareholders in their crimes.
You choose.

http://amitsrivastava.tumblr.com/

The new year bodes ill for prospects of Middle East peace going by the current happenings in Gaza with Israeli fighter planes bombarding this tiny strip of land killing over 300 people and maiming several hundreds while causing massive destruction to Palestinian settlements.

The unfolding mayhem as shown on satellite TV of mangled bodies and devastated buildings has once again raised the spectre of a dangerous conflagration in this most volatile corner of the earth where enmities date back to biblical times.

Israel says it was responding to Hamas rocket attacks into Israel territory. Whatever the provocation it is apparent that Israel has overreacted and overreached itself judging by the scale of the carnage and the destruction wrought.

The attacks and the violence coming as it does in the teeth of attempts by the international community to end the Israel Arab conflict is alarming to say the least particularly in the midst increasing tensions in the region.

It is certainly going to affect the prospects of peace negotiations which were painstakingly put to together by countries such as France and the EU. That is why the UN in an emergency session has called for an immediate end to violence in the Gaza and Southern Israel.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has expressed his "deep alarm' by the worsening situation in Gaza and Southern Israel and called for an immediate halt to all violence.

While recognising Israel's security concerns regarding the continued firing of rockets from Gaza, the UN Chief has reiterated Israel's obligation to uphold International Humanitarian and Human rights Law and condemned excessive use of force leading to killing and injuring of civilians.

That Israel has been flouting UN resolutions with impunity is plain for all to see. What is worse is that it has been allowed to get away with it all this time and spared those sanctions that would normally have visited lesser nations that flouted such resolutions with much less frequency.

It is therefore incumbent on the UN to intervene speedily to bring a halt to this massacre and put in place a mechanism for an enduring peace in the Middle East which at the moment is a powder keg with foreign powers manipulating the situation.

What is even more alarming is the danger of the situation degenerating into a full blown conflagration given the proliferation of modern military hardware and its fall out on the rest of the world. The developing scenario in the Gaza was the result of a chain of events that undermined the authority of the Hamas regime that was elected by its own people.

It was plain to all that the new Hamas regime that was elected by popular vote at a referendum was thwarted at every turn in attempts to forge a peace, by the insidious designs of interested parties. All ceasefires called became non starters and it was apparent that these extraneous forces were only desirous of fomenting conflict.

This is why it is hoped that the UN would take into account all the ramifications that has led to current state of play in approaching the situation. It is also hoped that the world body would play a more assertive role in bringing about a peaceful resolution to the conflict, giving full play to the radical reforms that has blown through the world body in recent times.

The latest development in the Gaza would no doubt be a major issue that will confront the new American President Barack Obama who is due to be sworn in on January 20. He will doubtless be in the world spot- light vis-a-vis his handling this first major challenge of his Presidency. So far all US President's who intervened to forge a negotiated settlement had failed in their bid.

It is expected that the new US President would comply and abide by the UN resolutions unlike his immediate predecessor who overrode the UN particularly in the Iraqi invasion. Because any open defiance of the UN at this stage can only make the situation more combustible leading to escalation of the conflict.

This, at a time when the world economy is in it's worst recession since the great depression of the 1930s and the financial edifices of many developing nations crumbling before their eyes driving people into penury. A full blown conflict in the Middle East is therefore a harrowing prospect which the world powers should come to grips with before it is too late. Hence the need for treading cautiously without plunging into any precipitate action that could only worsen the overall situation. This is why the UN which is the only credible world body in the area of conflict resolution between states should be allowed to act without impediments to douse the raging flames and revive the peace process in the Middle East which was stymied by vested interests all these years.

Sri Lanka has every reason to be concerned by the plight of the Palestinian people in Gaza. Lankan-Palestine relations go a long away and was reinforced by the recent visit of Palestinian leader Mahaumud Abbas to the country. Also being a country stalked by a different kind of terror all Sri Lankans no doubt would empathise with suffering of the hapless civilians in the Gaza. Sri Lanka has already added her voice to the sea of condemnations pouring from nations against the genocide and for the immediate intervention of the UN to quell the anarchy. It is hoped that this collective voice would carry enough resonance for the perpetrators of this atrocity to realise their folly and call a halt to the carnage and sit down for talks.

Translation of the Glorious Holy Quran:

Versus No 1 to 6,

Surah 109. The Disbelievers, Atheists
1. Say: O ye that reject Faith!
2. I worship not that, which ye worship,
3. Nor will ye worship that which I worship.
4. And I will not worship that, which ye have been wont to worship,
5. Nor will ye worship that which I worship.
6. To you be your Way, and to me mine.

Nocturne performed by Secret Garden, music video

A lovely song and music video filled with magic, love and longing. Simply beautiful! Wonderful music, haunting song, perfect vocals. Fabulous!

Band: Secret Garden, Song: Nocturne, Album: Songs From Secret Garden (1995). Nocturne won the 1995 Eurovision Song Contest. Lyrics in Norwegian by Petter Skavlan.

Secret Garden was formed when Rolf Løvland and Fionnuala Sherry met at the 1994 Eurovision Song Contest in Dublin. Their mostly instrumental music is a combination of Celtic and Norwegian impressions. The vocals in ‘Nocturne’ are sung by Gunnhild Tvinnereim.

Sherry says, “The secret garden refers to a personal intimate musical idea and something natural and organic, something that comes from the heart. It’s a place within all of us where we need to go to find balance and peace of mind and listen to the inner voice of our hearts.”

 

God’s Lovers

Standing, ever embracing

The lovers watch as sun sets.

Seasons pass… years… millennia…

And yet, there’s only Now

For the lovers love, eternal.

 

~Inspired by this beautiful image

The lovely photo above of Lover’s Rock Sunset, Sedona, AZ was taken  by Light. As we drove down the mountain from Flagstaff on I-17 I would always comment about the lovers watching the setting sun. One day he pulled over and took this amazing photo for me. Thanks Light!

Happy New Year, may all good things come to you!

 

Secret Garden - Rolf Løvland composer, producer, keyboardist was born April 19, 1955 in Kristiansand, Norway.  He studied at the Music Conservatory in Kristiansand and at the Norwegian Institute of Music in Oslo. Fionnuala Sherry violinist, born in Naas, County Kildare, Republic of Ireland. She graduated with honors from Trinity College in Dublin, and the College of Music. You can read news, listen to more music and buy CDs at their website www.secretgarden.no.

Light Traveler (August 1946 - July 2003)  photographer, Reiki Master/Teacher, spiritual seeker and beautiful loving Spirit. You can see more and purchase his beautiful photography at Light Traveler’s gallery.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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‘Happy New Year’ sung by ABBA

Ringing in the New Year! May we hold thoughts of Peace, Love, Happiness and Prosperity for all in 2009 and always. We are One… one family, one society, one world… beloved Humanity. Beautiful diversity… perfect symmetry!

ABBA, Song: Happy New Year, Album: Super Trouper (1980) Label: Epic, TV performance: Stockholm, Sweden 31st December 1980 and every year at midnight in Sweden.

 

Sparkling rays

The sky’s alight.

With dancing colors to delight.

And sparkling rays in dark of night.

Thank you God for this awesome sight.

A gift of magic for new years bright…

 

~ inspired by this beautiful image.  I am in awe!!!

The beautiful photo above I call, ‘Sparkling Rays’ is by Sauli Koski from Kittila, Finland. You can see more of his wonderful photos at studiotunturi-lappi.fi.

Have a delightful, safe and joyous New Year’s eve!

 

ABBA a Swedish band formed in 1971 and officially named in1973. ABBA is an acronym for the given names of the band members - Agnetha, Björn, Benny, Anni-Frid. The band members were Benny Andersson (born December 16, 1946 in Stockholm, Sweden), Björn Ulvaeus (born April 25, 1945 in Gothenburg, Sweden), Anni-Frid Lyngstad (born November 15, 1945 in Ballangen, Norway), Agnetha Fältskog (born April 5, 1950 in Jönköping, Sweden). From 1976 - 1981 they achieved superstardom. ABBA’s last public performance together was December 11, 1982 on the TV show The Late, Late Breakfast Show (live from Stockholm). The official website for ABBA owned by Universal is abbasite.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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Watch this video

From ABC4All: A chance for anyne receptive to read a New Year Wish from YUBUPA that can mean a better world for all. Please CLICK! here for another Wish for Peace in the New Year! Thank you YUBUPA! Thank you Yuel Bhatti, ABC4All Peace Advocate! Burt/ABC4All

CLICK! New Year Wish and Special Video by YUBUPA!

"This is a brilliant, exhilarating and breathtaking New Year Wish.
Certainly a must read for young people in transition
from school to the world of work."

Regards,

Richard Bbaale
ABC4All Mentor of the Week

Co-Founder, Local ABC4All / UGANDA

‘You are Loved’ performed live by Josh Groban

Lovely song of hope. I posted this today for all of those who are struggling. The Holidays often are a stretch, this year perhaps more. Know ‘you are loved’.

Josh Groban, Song: You are Loved (Don’t Give Up), Album: Awake (2006), Label: Reprise / WEA.

 

Love, love… loved!

Heart… again. There it is.

Reminders everywhere. Stones, trees, lakes, forests, clouds… Everywhere… God’s gift of love.

Remember.

You are Loved beloved… deeply, fully… always!

The wonderful photo above of a naturally occurring heart in a mangrove swamp is called ‘Heart in Voh’. It was taken by Yann Athus-Bertrand as he flew over Voh, New Caledoniea. You can see more of his amazing work at yannarthusbertrand2.org.

May the New Year bring you Love, Hope, Faith and Happiness on the wings of angels.

 

Josh Groban singer/songwriter was born February 27, 1981 in Los Angeles, California. In 1997 and 1998 he attended Interlochen Arts Camp, majoring in musical theater and voice. He graduated in 1999 with a major in theater from Los Angeles County High School for the Arts. Soon after graduation he was offered a recording contract at Warner Brothers Records. His recording debut was singing “For Always” with Lara Fabian on the soundtrack to A.I.: Artificial Intelligence (2001). Read news, listen his wonderful music, watch videos, see photos and read his blog at www.joshgroban.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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‘Allah Knows’ by Zain Bhikha with Dawud Wharnsby

Beautiful, sweet and heartfelt. Brought tears, I feel a reaching out and God moving through words, voices, music and harmony… wow! Lovely!

Zain Bhikha with Dawud Wharnsby, Song: Allah Knows, Album: Allah Knows (2006), Label: Jamal Records, Video: Jamal Records.

Today is Al-Hijra, Islamic New Year the first day of Muharram.

 

What is… is not?

Imagine, create, stretch… become! What is… is not?

The eye fooled, the mind awed. Sweet believing. Breathless becoming. Why not?

Let’s fly…

~ inspired by this beautiful image.

The image above is a digital compilation of an existing volcanic crescent moon islet called Molokini off the coast of Maui, HI and a star island which was created.  The moon alone is amazing, the star adds another dimension which stretches beyond. Awesome… I love it. It is not known who created this image you can find out more about it at Neddy’s Palaver.

May your Holidays be filled with Awe and Wonder!

 

Zain Bhikha born August 9, 1974 in Pretoria, South Africa is a singer/songwriter. At a young age he often would entertain his family and friends with songs. In 1994 he won a singing competition sponsored by the local station Radio 702. He recorded his first album called ‘A Way of Life’ in 1994. You can find out more, read news, watch videos and listen to and buy music at Zain’s official website zainbhikha.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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Dear All Friends!

I wish you Health...
So you may enjoy each day in comfort.

I wish you the Love of friends and family...
And Peace within your heart.

I wish you the Beauty of nature...
That you may enjoy the work of God.

I wish you Wisdom to choose priorities...
For those things that really matter in life.

I wish you Generousity so you may share...
All good things that come to you.

I wish you Happiness and Joy...
And Blessings for the New Year.

I wish you the best of everything...
That you so well deserve.


HAPPY NEW YEAR MEANS TO ME!


H ours of happy times with friends and family
A bundant time for relaxation
P rosperity
P lenty of love when you need it the most
Y outhful excitement at lifes simple pleasures

N ights of restful slumber (you know - dont' worry be happy)
E verything you need
W ishing you love and light

Y ears and years of good health
E njoyment and mirth
A angels to watch over you
R embrances of a happy years!


Regards:
Danish Khan

‘Ave Maria’ Caccini sung by Sumi Jo

Sweet, clear, magnificent performance. I can feel her heart as she sings praise and worship to Divine Mother - Mary… Ave Maria. Glorious!

Sumi Jo, Song: Ave Maria, Album: Prayers (2001), Label: Erato (Warner Classic), Video: Warner. Composed by: Giulio Caccini. Giulio Caccini born Oct 8, 1551 in Tivoli, Italy died Dec 10, 1618 in Florence, Italy composed the music for Ave Maria around the end of the 16th century. You can read more about him at allmusic.com.

Today is the Feast of the Holy Family, a Roman Catholic celebration dedicated to the family of Jesus Christ and love they had for one another.

A Gift…

God painted pearlized rainbows in the sky. They danced with fire and with light. And although dark, they lit the night with this beautiful delight.

thank you Beloved God!

The stunning photo above of nacreous clouds was taken by James Guy, Oslo, Norway in Vigelands park (January 2008). You can see more of his beautiful photos at flickr.com.

Have a delightful day and a great New Year!

 

Sumi Jo born November 22, 1962 in Seoul, Korea is a lyric coloratura soprano. She started her studies of music at the age of 4 with piano lessons; adding voice at 6. Often she would spend eight hours a day practicing. In 1971 she enrolled at Sun Hwa Arts School majoring in piano and voice. Upon graduation she continued her musical studies at Seoul National University. While attending SNU she made her professional debut in several concerts at Korean Broadcasting System. Sumi Jo has 42 albums and many awards you can learn more at her official website josumi.com.   

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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‘Ding Dong Merrily On High’ performed by Celtic Woman

Happy, joyous and celebratory. A wonderful rendition with a Celtic feel. Glorious!

Celtic Woman, Song: Ding Dong Merrily On High, Album: A Christmas Celebration (2006), Label: Manhattan Records. Performed live at A Christmas Celebration 2007 in Helix Center in Dublin, Ireland aired on PBS. Words: George Ratcliffe Woodward, 1848-1934, Music: Brane de l’Official, from Thoinot Arbeau’s Orchesographie, (1588).

Today at 7:23 am EST is New Moon

Ding Dong Merrily On High was originally a dance tune that evolved to a carol. The the sixteenth century music was found in Piae Cantiones  a collection of Finnish tunes. Woodward rehabilitated the tune with ‘Victorian era’ words in Latin and English. You can read more at Hymns and Carols of Christmas.

The photo above right I call ‘God’s Holiday Decorations’.

The cold night sky, dotted with stars… snow covered evergreen… illuminated.

Majestic. Thank you again beloved Creator for your beauty…  de-light-full. The photograph was taken by Ragnar & Einar Johnskås. You can see more of their great work at auroraborealis.vika.no.

 Have a delightful Holiday. May you ring in the New Year with Joy, Peace and Wonder. 

 

Celtic Woman was created by David Downes and Dave Kavanagh in 2004 and is composed of vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lynn Hilary, Lisa Kelly, Alex Sharpe and fiddler Máiréad Nesbitt. Since their formation the group has enjoyed overwhelming success. They have released 4 albums to date, toured worldwide and done numerous TV specials. Their CD  ‘A New Journey’ was number 1 on the world Music Charts for 95 consecutive weeks. You can read more about them at their official website celticwoman.com.

~Bonnee

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‘Yamoré’ - Salif Keita with Cesária Évora, music video

Powerful, moving, sultry and poignant. Song about love and life by two African greats… wow… I love it. Magic!

Salif Keita with Cesária Évora, Song: Yamoré, Album: Moffou (2002), Recorded at Les Studios De La Seine, Paris, France between July 15 & December 14, 2001. Label: Decca. ‘Moffou’ was nominated for the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best World Music Album.

 

Kwanzaa, founded in 1966 by Dr Maulana Karenga is held December 26th thru January 1st.  It is an African American celebration of family, community, commerce, responsibility,  and self-improvement. Kwanzaa is not religious or political, nor a replacement for Christmas; rather it honors roots and culture. It is celebrated by more then 18 million people worldwide.

The word Kwanzaa means, ‘first fruits of the harvest’ in Kiswahili (an African language). The celebration is based on Nguzo Saba (seven guiding principles) which are: Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics), Nia (Purpose), Kuumba (Creativity) and Imani (Faith).  On December 31st the community cooporative Kwanzaa Karamu or Feast is held. To learn more visit tike.com     

‘The Black Candle’ is a movie about Kwanzaa. In the movie it says,

Kwanzaa means access to your soul, to your people.

The beautiful, striking image above right of the Kwanzaa candles is a quilt by Kit Tossmann of Louisville, KY. It is featured in the 2007 Sacred Threads Gallery.

Happy Kwanzaa! Have a wonderful celebration.

 

Salif Keita born August 25, 1949 in Djoliba, Mali, Africa is a singer and songwriter. He is considered the Golden voice of Africa. He began his career in 1967 in the government sponsored Super Rail Band de Bamako. Then joined the group, Les Ambassadeurs in 1973 and fled Mali in the mid 70s because of political unrest. The name was changed to Les Ambassadeurs Internationales and they gained international acclaim. In 1977 Keita received a National Order award. He moved to Paris for a while then back to Mali in 2000 where he was inspired to create Moffou. You can learn more about Salif Keita at his official site at universalmusic.fr.

Cesária Évora born August 27, 1941 in Mindelo, São Vicente Island, Cape Verde is a singer. Her nickname is the ‘barefoot diva’ because she prefers performing without shoes. She is known internationally for morna (music and dance from Cape Verde) songs of sadness, sorrow and yearning. She met Eduardo (a sailor) at 16, who taught her the traditional Cape Verdean music coladeiras and mornas.  She recorded her first album in Paris called La Diva Aux Pieds Nus (The Barefoot Diva) (1988). ‘Sodade‘ was her first international hit single. At age 47 she became an international star with the release of her album Perfumado. You can read more about her at cesaria-evora.com.

~Bonnee Klein Gilligan

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