If you haven't seen *The Ground Truth*, you haven't seen the whole truth

Quote of the month: "People are strange." -- my dentist, last week. And I experienced an example of this strangeness a couple days ago while in a newsstand concession. While I was purchasing something I heard another person remarking to the manager how some people don't pray, and she responded that "some don't even believe in God." As I was leaving she added that when Judgment comes, "they'll say they didn't know. But they knew. They just didn't want to believe." Now, I'm not much of one for personal confrontations, but I couldn't let such closed-minded idiocy pass. So as I left I said over my shoulder, "I think I'll shop somewhere else." The other night I saw The Ground Truth, a documentary about the effects of the Iraq war on those who fight it. Very powerful. Don't see it if you have a weak stomach. One of the military people interviewed was Stan Goff, now of Feral Scholar fame. It was interesting that he described his experience as having "shattered his world-view," and spoke of how difficult it is when that happens without being offered another world-view to replace it with. He was the only one to describe it in these terms, and it's probably not coincidence that he's now become doctrinaire in a different fashion. I suppose he spent so much of his life not questioning imperial ideology that, when he was forced to, he searched as briefly as possible for something else to take its place. And it's surely not coincidence that he titled his recent article in which he reconsiders Marxism "Doctrine" -- a military as well as a political term. (On the other hand, the fact he wrote it suggests that he may be gradually learning to be intellectually autonomous. One can always hope.) This afternoon I'm visiting my friend Rey, who's developmentally disabled. He's rather reluctant to try new experiences, but I'll see if I can persuade him to visit his neighborhood library and post a comment here. Upcoming: Wednesday, the 3rd, is Georgina Spelvin's birthday. A couple Cuddle Parties are coming up in the Philadelphia area. The following announcement describes these events and provides full particulars: --- In cuddlenj@yahoogroups.com, "Edie Weinstein-Moser" wrote: Two Opportunities to Cuddle the Afternoon Away! Saturday, January 13, 2007 2-5:30pm shivaya yoga 66 Rittenhouse Place Ardmore, PA web: http://www.mainlineyoga.com/$25 pre-registered, $30 at the door Sunday January 14, 2007 from 3:30-7:00 pm http://www.pebblehillchurch.org/ Pebble Hill Interfaith Community Edison-Furlong Road Doylestown, PA. This is a fundraiser for Pebble Hill. Love donation...please be generous! NOTE: I am a Cuddle Party Facilitator in the Certification Process, so these are my 'training wheel' parties :) Edie Weinstein-Moser-facilitator in training, as well as: speaker, social worker, therapist, reiki master, massage practitioner, interfaith minister, creative guide and consultant. What is a Cuddle Party? A Cuddle Party is an innovative and unique workshop/social-event to give women and men better tools for setting powerful and graceful boundaries, building community, asking for what you want, and meeting people. It's…A place to connect with heart-centered, conscious people in a light-hearted, relaxing environment. A setting in which you're respected for the whole of who you are. A structured, safe space to learn about boundaries, intimacy and affection. A laboratory where you can experiment with what makes you feel comfortable, and what makes you feel good.Treat yourself by genuinely connecting with amazing men and women. Ask for exactly what you want without being afraid. Develop a deeper respect for yourself, your body, and your boundaries. Have fun sharing affectionate touch in an open-communication, no-expectation zone!Bring pj's or yoga clothes to change into. Please bring a blanket and pillow. Yummy snacks are included. One important piece of information: Cuddle Party workshops start and end on time. There is a component of the workshop called The Welcome Circle that sets the stage for the flow of the rest of the afternoon. Since part of the workshop is about communication and boundary setting, I am putting this out there now, so that all present will feel respected and there is no misunderstanding. Give yourself an empowering experience, one that you can be truly proud of! http://www.cuddleparty.com/ Call Edie at 215-249-9190 or 215-738-8668 with any questions. http://www.liveinjoy.com/ --- End forwarded message --- I've attended several of these and can confirm their benefits. And no, you don't have to be a flaky New Ager to attend -- just open to new experiences. Last but not least: ALL OUT 27 JANUARY to demand that the new Congress act on its mandate and start the withdrawal from Iraq. For details on this national demonstration called by United for Peace and Justice, visit www.unitedforpeace.org.