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Book review: “Introducing Ethics” by Dave Robinson & Chris Garratt, pt. 1

(A review written in August 2005 of a book suggested by the Philosopher’s Café group I used to attend. This review, while not that enthralling, is referenced in a later and better blog I wrote on torture. Both are creepily pertinent to today’s issues) An extremely quick read with humorous cartoons on every page; this…

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Mansplaining nonviolence, part 2

I found myself somewhat disturbed when the older white male speaker confidently asserted that Gandhi was the first person to really codify nonviolence. Had the speaker never heard of the extensive uses of nonviolence, both interpersonal and inter-clan, by many of the indigenous peoples of North America? The Haudenosaunee (or Iroquois) in particular leap to…

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Mansplaining nonviolence, part 1

I will be marching in the San Jose Women’s March on the 21st of January, mostly because traveling to Washington to march is financially currently beyond me. Consequently when I heard there was free nonviolence training being offered in association with the march, I eagerly signed up. Not only do I want to be prepared…

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Book Review: “A Circle of Quiet” by Madeleine L’Engle (pt. 3)

(originally published 15 November 2004)  Still, like L’Engle, I hope we all continue learning throughout our journey of life… and I hope I have a long journey yet to go. I too want to constantly and happily relearn the importance and wonder of touch, of exploration and closeness with those you love. I love her…

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Book Review: “A Circle of Quiet” by Madeleine L’Engle (pt. 2)

(originally published 15 November 2004)  The nature of creation & Self On the other hand, I did admire the courage of someone willing to continue doggedly to write, even when she sold nothing whatsoever for an entire decade. I don’t know if I’d have that kind of determination. Also, some of her speculations on the…

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Book Review: “A Circle of Quiet” by Madeleine L’Engle (pt. 1)

(originally published 15 November 2004) I came to this book with great expectations. Perhaps if I’d not loved A Wrinkle in Time so much, or hadn’t been informed this book was a fabulous exploration of the wisdom of the maturing woman, I wouldn’t have felt quite so much vague disappointment later. Unfortunately, I did; I…

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My first rally: recalling Judge Persky

I went to the “Rally to Recall Judge Persky” at the San Jose Hall of Justice on September 2nd. It was the first rally I’d ever been to and, as a friend put it, since it was a rally rather than a protest it was a pretty safe ‘first’ to try. It was… weirdly fascinating….