ICE OUT: Nationwide U.S. Strike Against TRUMP ICE

 

Banksy. The Art Of Protest at Mudec museum, Milan - Juliet Art Magazine

Friday, January 30th, 2026, saw a Nationwide Strike and Protest Against Trump's Immigration Policies. What was very noticeable were the thousands of young high schoolers walking out of schools across the nation, protesting peacefully while loudly voicing their disapproval toward the Unconstitutional immigration policies of the Trump Administration. 

Kudos to all the young peoples of America for stepping into the fray of politics at this crucial time in U.S. history. To these young people I say these times in our country are not normal. Never before has a United States President unleashed such hateful and violent policies toward Americans, that go against our Constitutional rights and values. It is a blatant disregard for the rule of law. We can only surmise there is a plaguing disease of the mind which has infected those who create, support and follow such hateful and violent orders, both politically and militarily. And just for the record, us adults are also stymied by the inactions of the so-called adults in the room of the presidential cabinet and supreme court.

Peaceful Protest is a Constitutional right of the American Peoples. And as long as young people are aware of their Constitutional Rights and intelligent enough to distinguish normal vs abnormal Presidential behavior, the future of the United States of America is full of promise. This is just a moment in our country. But it requires every citizen to speak out against the abnormal, or else those committing the disruptions normalize and justify their chaotic actions. 

January 30th saw the anger, unity and commitment of an American citizenry who are sick and tired of watching the corruption of a great country by those currently in power. They stand by those targeted by presidentially deputized militia performing illegal/un-American acts of arrest and detainment. The world is watching and most appear to stand with the American Constitution. They find it ironic that a land established by immigrants is no longer beckoning to receive the world's "tired, poor, huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

Liberty: the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior or political views.

America has seen what a year under tyrannical leadership of a rogue, corrupt and abnormal presidential administration amount to; rumblings of the dismantling, death and destruction of a once great free nation. And the People are shouting BASTA!

ENOUGH!

BASTA! 

ICE OUT of Our Cities, Our Streets, Our Lives. NOW!

Protesters’ Rights | American Civil Liberties Union

RaiderLegend: Reverence of Leaders

RaiderLegend: Restrospection - Evolution of High Crime

The Measure of a Man - Sidney Poitier

 

The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography. - Raptis Rare Books | First Edition Books for Sale

It begins with his premature birth and ends with the dispiriting death of a friend. And everything in-between is narrated from a life well learned and well lived. I Loved It!

Legendary actor Sidney Poiter's 2005 autobiography was an enjoyable read. It was smart, insightful, imaginative, relatable and needed. Whether read in the year first published or in 2026 as I have, the human issues it touches on while reviewing life after 70 years leaves an impression on readers. It begs the question; how do you measure up to your own expectations of what it is to be a man?

This autobiography from a dignified negro man who succeeded in making his mark in a society reluctant and restrictive toward negroes, while at the same time keeping true to his core self, is a feat of accomplishment that screams the quality we call "Integrity."

Integrity: It involves honesty, trustworthiness, and being "whole" (undivided) in one's character, ensuring actions align with values, even under difficult circumstances. 

I never knew much about Sidney Poitier other than watching him in a wide range of movie genres. It seemed to me he always brought a bit of himself to the role he'd play, like a Denzel or Pacino. Yes, whether playing a doctor, lawyer, convict or thief, he was convincing in the role. And yet, the audience almost always seemed to side with him, because he was Sidney Poitier, a man with good intentions. 

And so, it was very rewarding to hear the man himself confirm what I believed he represented onscreen as part(s) of who he really was and what made him so. From humble beginnings on Cat Island, Bahamas, a financially meager upbringing never seemed so important to overall human accomplishment as in the success of Sidney Poitier. To be told you can't become something and to prove them wrong. More importantly, to prove to yourself you can become something is exactly what this man did. And the world has benefitted considerably from his talent and influence.

Once I started reading, I knew this book would be important to me. Perhaps it was the familiar innocent childhood thoughts of his isolated/island world, or the racial disparity so recognizable to any adult of color in Western society. Or perhaps being familiar with his movies and the social and political upheaval of the eras they were produced. But mostly, I believe it was hearing that familiar, dignified voice talking to you, as if he himself were sitting across from you sharing his measure of himself as a man and how he arrived at becoming Sidney Poitier. You Follow?

This is a book I immediately began telling family and friends about. Full of life lessons and truths about our society then and now. It also reminded me of great actors, movies, and music I'd grown up watching and listening to. And although the song is not mentioned in the book, Nassau, Bahamas is, bringing to mind a 1971 song titled "Funky Nassau." Mr. Tibbs, for that personal memory I have to go five stars on "The Measure of a Man." You Digg?

Sidney Poitier

Feb. 20, 1927 - Jan. 6, 2022

Vedanta : Always a Comforter in Times of Need

Today I lost someone very dear and close to my heart. As I immediately try to celebrate all his life meant to me, the painful loss of such a person attempts to rain down grief on my celebratory parade. The memorable moments going way back to childhood have pooled together to fight off such grief, filling me with joy, grateful for ever having been blessed with one so pure and true to travel this journey of life with. 

And so, with my heart tipping toward the edge of peace, I reach for some of the wisdom I have gathered over the years for such challenging occasions as this. Surprisingly, or not so, I grab onto one of the truest of life and death philosophical/religious breakdowns I have grown to embrace. Vedanta. 

I came to learn about Vedanta while searching for a clearer, more comprehensive meaning of life in my early twenties. Its enlightening views of life, death and the Soul of Man match my own views and has always been within reach whenever I find myself in need.

Tonight, I find myself in need.

Amen!

Vedanta: Death and the Art of Dying

Pravrajika Brahmaprana, India

None of us can imagine ourselves ever ceasing to be. King Yudhishthira of Ancient India when asked, "What is the greatest wonder in the whole world?" replied: "That we see people dying all around us and never imagine that we too will die." Even when we fall asleep, our sense of self persists throughout our dreams. And upon awaking from dreamless sleep, we know who we are as soon as our feet touch the floor. This "I" is the thread of continuity that runs throughout our lives, from birth to death.

Vedanta says that this "I" is but a faint reflection of our true nature, which is divine. Our divinity is the Atman - the higher Self - unborn and undying. Atman is one with God - Brahman, the existent reality which is pure consciousness. So if we cannot imagine ourselves to be non-existent, it is because our essential nature is eternal, though we are unaware of it.

Spiritual beings
Most of us falsely identify ourselves with our ‘little self’, the ego, which blinds us to our eternal nature. Though fundamentally spiritual beings, we are deluded into thinking we are separate psycho-physical entities. From birth, the infant ego is falsely superimposed upon the Atman, pure Spirit. As we grow to adulthood, the ego inflates itself, reaching out more and more to identify itself with the body and mind. We say as a matter of course, "I am a man" or "I am a woman," "I am Hispanic" or "I am Caucasian," "I am standing," or "I am sitting," "I am happy" or "I am sad."

We extend the ego even further by claiming external objects and conditions as our own, such as "This car is mine", or "I am a Democrat." As superimpositions multiply, so does our ability to stretch the envelope of normalcy to include such fantastic claims as "We bombed Iraq," "I carry life insurance," or "I own a lot of property."

Though the ego continues to enlarge and identify itself with external objects of the Universe, the inner Self remains utterly detached - the witness of all our actions. Yet, at the same time, this witness-Self makes possible all of our mental activity by lending to the mind the reflected light of pure consciousness, without which our private illusions could not exist.

The law of reincarnation
When we let go of our identification with the ego, we become liberated from the little self and exist in the Atman. But the further we become entrenched in the illusory reality of the ego, the greater are our chances of reincarnating from life to life. This is the law of karma and reincarnation, as set forth in the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, the Brahma Sutras, and other Hindu scriptures. In the Gita (2.12-13), while preparing for war on Kurukshetra, the battlefield of life, Arjuna listens as his teacher, Lord Krishna, describes the law of reincarnation: "There was never a time when I did not exist," Krishna says, "Nor you, nor any of these kings. Nor is there any future when we shall cease to be."

Just as the dweller in this body passes through childhood, youth, and old age, so at death he merely passes into another kind of body.
The wise are not deceived by that.

"and the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it" 

Ecclesiastes 12:7 

Eternally ELP, jr.  -  Sep. 4, 1962 

Fernando Mendoza Leads Hoosiers to Championship Victory!

 Preview to Raiders Upcoming Season

Mendoza, a fourth-down call for the ages - ESPN

It was a fantastically hard-fought College Championship Game between two great teams. As expected, it would come down to a dramatic end-game drive and/or play. The Miami Hurricanes offense was driving toward what they envisioned to result in a game-winning touchdown. The Indiana Hoosiers defense was pumped up to keep their opponent out of the endzone and thereby secure the victory. The tension was thicker than a Snickers Bar. Something had to give.

And then it happened.

And that's how the "Undefeated" Indiana Hoosiers won the 2025-26 NCAA Football Championship. 

Great Game Boys, Congratulations!

Final Score

Miami Hurricanes 21

Indiana Hoosiers 27

note: Michael Irvin without the Belt

The Hummingbird's Daughter - My Notes

First Edition: May 2005

Magical Realism

Mexico

Sinaloa/Sonora States

I have tried Magical Realism novels in the past. Although they were written by renown authors, I just couldn't get into all the fantasy/magic/spirituality types of characters and descriptions written into these stories.

Until now. 

This novel has made me laugh and smile as I have connected to these Mexican characters. I like how their connections to their land, language and community gives readers a feeling of fellowship with them. Also, their strength to survive whatever hardship life throws before them is heroic to say the least. They find humor in the most challenging of circumstances and show respect for those who are kind and fair. Although they own little of materialistic value, they live in a wealth of communal traditions and shared hope for the health and well-being of mostly all. 

The story centers on a Rancho Patron (boss,owner,employer), a Young Girl abandoned by her mother, and an Old Healer/Midwife (curandera) surrounded by peoples in need. Circumstances evolve, challenging each to become more than what they intended to be. Everything and everybody written about in this book comes to life as if being placed right before our reading eyes. And although the historical part of me is suspect of factual events, the mystical, spiritual me is all in on this wonderful narrative of a sometimes-misunderstood era and culture. It is all relevant to what makes up the magic of Mexican dreams and the tight-lipped stories secretly passed down through generations.

Personally, this was for Abuelita Serafina Ross and her herb garden. This was for Grandma Bugg's medicinal home remedies. This was for Fronie Powell the emancipated "southern missy girl".  For Grandma Paylor the "northern midwife," and all the women healers who brought nurturing-comfort and wise-understanding to my ancestral path.

___________________________________

"Look to the side."

"It is you. Every you, every possible you. Forever, you are surrounded by countless choices of which you are to be. These are your destinies."

Huila touched a globe. It rang softly like a chime. In it, Teresita sat on the train.

"This is your next second," Huila said. 

Teresita turned and stared.

"All of them. Every moment of your life, every instant, looks like this. Do you see? You are always in a universe of choices. Any moment of your life can go in any direction you choose,'"

"How?"

"Learn to choose. "

"How?" 

"Learn to see. This is your life, what it looks like to God. Every second of every day."

"Look to the side."

- from The Hummingbird's Daughter (pg.487)

Book Review of The Hummingbird's Daughter —

The Misfortunes of War

 

The misfortunes of war and preparations for war bear little relation to the reasons given to explain war: the real reasons are usually so insignificant that they are not even worth discussion, and they are completely unknown to those who die.

The madness of contemporary war is justified by dynastic interest, common nationalism, European equilibrium, or ambitions. If there are ambitions in people, this is a very strange way to sustain it, with all the crimes which happen to people during war: destruction of homes, plunder, and mass murder. - ANATOLE FRANCE

You ask me, is it necessary for civilized people to make war? And I tell you not only is it "already" unnecessary, but it was never necessary, and not sometimes but always it destroys the normal development of humanity, destroys justice, and stops progress. - GALSTON MOHK

Only during a period of war does it become obvious how millions of people can be manipulated. People, millions of people, are filled with pride while doing things which those same people actually consider stupid, evil, dangerous, painful, and criminal, and they strongly criticize these things - but continue doing them.

The reasons which governments give for wars are always screens, behind which lie completely different reasons and motives.

(page 181, from A Calendar of Wisdom, June 17)

Swan • Laura Purdie Salas

I Float Because I Feel Free.

I Reflect A Fluffy Beauty, 

Deep Down Inside Me.

Wpowell

Raiders Enjoy a Two-fer Sunday

The Raiders had so much go wrong in this 3-14 throw away season that its a wonder their games were even televised. And they have nobody to blame but themselves. They looked abysmal and unwatchable most of the season. So bad that I spent Sundays doing chores around the home while the NFL Redzone played in the background.

However, in today’s final regular season game they got a two-for-one gift that going in I felt sure they would somehow fumble.

Vying for the #1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft thanks to their basement win/loss record, the Raiders were able to cement the pick while at the same time beating AFC West rival the Kansas City Chiefs 14-12. I would like to thank the New York Giants for beating the Cowboys and thus eliminating their own chances of landing the #1 pick. 

The Raiders would have definitely been in their fanbase doghouse had New York lost and solidified themselves the #1 pick with a Raiders win. We need that pick more than them or any other team in the league. And if the team were to ask me or any Raiders fan in their right mind what player to choose with the coveted pick, Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza  is without question a shoe in for the number one selection. Our Selection!

So while we Raiders fans sit through yet another post-season playoffs without Silver & Black representation, keep your heads up and hopes high Raider Nation. Because come springtime in Pittsburgh, PA., “A Change Gone Come” to the Raiders that can right the ship, even keel and begin setting course for successful, adventurous voyages once again. 

He Growls as he storms the country,

A Villain big and bold.

And the trees all shake and quiver and quake,

As he robs them of their gold.

The autumn wind is a raider,

Pillaging just for fun.

He’ll knock you ‘round and upside down,

And laugh when he’s conquered and won.

And now with the Number One pick of the 2026 N.F.L. Draft the Oaklosvegas Raiders pick .  .  .  Can’t Wait!!!

Shout out to Mitchell Renz