Friday, December 21, 2012

Nirvana's Concert in Spokane, WA, Jan. 6, 1994 Cobain, Novoselic, Grohl Play on The Feast of the Epiphany

Kurt Cobain, Spokane, WA Jan.6, 1994 - Photo by Dan Pelle, Spokesman-Review

Nirvana's Concert in Spokane, WA, Jan. 6, 1994
Cobain, Novoselic, and Grohl Play on the Feast of the Epiphany

Nirvana, the three piece band that put Seattle on the world map and grunge on the airwaves, played one of the group's last concerts in Spokane's Coliseum.

Nirvana is the band that became famous world-wide, leading the grunge, or alternative, music scene, especially after the band released its album Nevermind in 1991, and In Utero in 1993. On January 6, 1994, Kurt Cobain, Krist Novoselic, and Dave Grohl appeared as Nirvana for the first and last time in Spokane, Washington, at the old Coliseum.

Line Up of Bands

The poster for the concert gave the following information:

"Nirvana with Special Guests, BH Surfers & Chokebore & M.C. Bobcat Goldthwait, Thursday, Jan. 6, 7 PM, Spokane Coliseum."

Nirvana in Spokane, January 6, 1994

Of all types of musicians, grunge musicians in particular were notorious for drug and alcohol use, and Cobain specifically had been known to use heroin. Yet there was no evidence of these issues in Spokane, where the band played with energy and wit. Some audience members had expected to see musicians slogging through sets, but instead heard the band play in top form. According to the Nirvana Live Guide 1994, "The band was in a great mood and talked to the audience quite a bit."

During the concert, band members actively engaged and addressed the Spokane audience. Cobain noticed that some members of the audience were aggressively pushing their way to the front of the stage. Cobain spoke directly to the people being pushed around by saying, "Just don't let them through."

Cobain also noticed that a small group sitting in the balcony were the only people not dancing to the songs. Speaking into the microphone, he directly addressed the group, saying, "Why don't you people in the balcony get up off your asses and dance?"

What Cobain did not realize was that the group in the balcony were parents of kids in the audience, and that while the group certainly were fans of Nirvana, many of the parents had promised to sit quietly so as not to embarass their kids. Thus, though the older group wanted to dance, they had been forbidden to dance by their kids, who would have been mortified to see their parents "rocking" to Nirvana.

Krist Novoselic also spoke directly to the audience on several occasions. One example is his greeting of the audience in a self-parody of a zoned-out, confused rock star. Though clearly the band was playing on the east side of the state in Spokane, Washington, Novoselic yelled out "Hello Ellensburg!" as if he thought he was on the west side of the state in Ellensburg, Washington.

Nirvana in Seattle, January 7, 1994

The next evening after the concert in Spokane, Nirvana played a concert at the Arena in Seattle. This concert was recorded and issued as a bootleg under the title Rape Me, a reference to one of the band's songs.

On this bootleg CD recording, Krist Novoselic again repeats his satire of a zoned-out rock star, yelling to the Seattle audience, "Hello Spokane!"

Thus, many people who have listened to the bootleg CD believe, apparently incorrectly, that at least some of the CD was recorded in Spokane.

Nirvana: The Blowing Out of the Candle

These two concerts in Spokane and Seattle were among the last performed by Nirvana, before the loss of Cobain in April 1994, only a few months later. Like the original meaning of the word "nirvana," a blowing out of a candle, the band Nirvana ended in the year 1994. Nevertheless, these concerts show all the reasons that Nirvana became famous: the catchy music, and the engaging, talented musicians.

Nirvana playing in Spokane, WA Jan.6, 1994 - Photo by Dan Pelle, Spokesman-Review

References

Bootleg Recording of Nirvana appearing at the Arena, Seattle, WA, January 7, 1994. Alley Kat.
http://bootlegdownloads.wordpress.com/2011/12/05/nirvana-1994-01-07-seattle-center-arena-seattle-wa-us-aud/

Nirvana Live Guide.

Nirvana Live Guide Discussion Forums.

Pelle, Dan. Photo of Kurt Cobain and Dave Grohl. Jan. 6, 1994, Spokane, Washington. Spokesman-Review. [Note: While the photographer took additional photos of the band, including Krist Novolselic, the Spokesman-Review editorial policy only allows those photos actually published to be reprinted. Thus, the additional photo by photographer P.B.Rage, of a 1991 or 1992 concert, is also included.]

Rage, P.B. Photo. Kurt Cobain and Krist Novoselic. circa 1991. Update info from reader, January 07, 2011, the photo is from the September 09, 1992 MTV Awards. with "Lithium."

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Ballet Dancers, Pointe Shoes and Dancing on Toes. Written by Teresa Knudsen, republished November 10, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings, originally published on Suite 101 April 10, 2009.

Written by Teresa Knudsen, republished November 10, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings, originally published on Suite 101 April 10, 2009.

Ballet Dancers, Pointe Shoes and Dancing on Toes Preparing Toe Shoes for Ballet Performances is Hard Work.

The image of a graceful ballet dancer, gliding across the stage on her toes makes dancing in pointe shoes look easy. Yet, dancers must spend time to prepare their shoes.

Almost every ballet production requires that its female dancers wear pointe shoes, or toe shoes. These dancing shoes are a complicated mixture of pretty satin covering, glue, nails, canvas, cloth, and leather. Brand new pointe shoes are rock-hard and nearly impossible to dance in without causing the dancer much pain through sore feet and bleeding toes. In order to make the shoes usable, dancers soften the shoe through a variety of techniques that approach a pre-performance ritual.

Hammering Pointe Shoes

Many dancers swear by the hammer. After taking the pink satin shoe from its box, a dancer will hold the shoe against a hard surface such as a floor, and beging hammering the toe of the shoe until it begins to acquire the necessary flexibility for a dancer's foot. This process often requires that the dancer hammer, try the shoes on, take the shoes off, hammer more, then test the shoes again, until all the stiffness is hammered out. Dancers test various hammers, and often carry a favorite hammer with them as they travel for performances.

Slamming Doors on Pointe Shoes

Another method is to slam doors on brand new pointe shoes. In this case, the dancer will hold the toe of a pointe shoe in an open doorway, and then slam the door as if to close it. The momentum of the door hitting the pointe shoe is what begins to knock the stiffness from the toe section. As with hammering, dancers often laugh about slamming doors, as people in the vicinity tend to complain about the noise of doors hitting pointe shoes.

Watering Pointe Shoes

A third, and less noisy way of dealing with stiff pointe shoes is to water them. In this method, a dancer will simply turn on a faucet and place the hard toe shoe under the running water. A variation is for the dancer to put on the shoes, and then place her foot under the running water. Some dancers prefer warm water that also helps to warm up their feet. Others prefer cold water, to help take pain from their toes.

Softening Will Lessen the Life of a Pointe Shoe

No matter which method is used, softening does tend to make the life of a pointe shoe short. This aspect often is immaterial for the professional dancer who is wearing a shoe designed only for one performance. In addtion, professional dancers are often provided with pointe shoes by the dance company. However for new dancers, especially those worried about the high cost of pointe shoes, the expense of buying new ones often leads dancers to avoid the softening process, or else reverse it by painting a stiffening glue inside the toe box after dance classes or performances.

The Ritual of Wearing Pointe Shoes

Whichever method a dancer selects, softening pointe shoes remains an interesting topic of discussion among dancers. The ritual of preparing for a soft, floating effect will always include hammering, slamming doors, or the sound of running water.

Here are some guidelines about the proper age to begin pointe work (Link is coming)
References

Rouse, Bess. "The Hidden Tribulations Behind Ballet Shoes. The Tech. Online Edition. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Volume 121, Issue 49. 5 Oct. 2001

Zanda, Brett. "The Modern Twist on an Ancient Shoe." Popular Science.

Copyright Teresa Knudsen. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

Teresa Knudsen- Teresa's writing appears in the British Library, Harvard, Yale, and Princeton. Online she has written for USA Today and E How.
Comments

Jun 6, 2009 12:04 AM

Guest :

this is a nightmare for a dancer who does not know what they are doing.. I am predicting a lot of wasted shoes and angry parents...

Jun 9, 2009 11:49 AM

Guest :

as a dancer, I must say that this ritual of softening your pointe shoes is very common. I prefer the hammer method, and if that doesn't work as well as i'd like, I suffer through it. My favorite brand of pointe shoes is Capezio Plie II. They are beautiful and offer great support. I have come to prefer them over other brands. I like to get my pointe shoes from online retailers like http://www.childrensdanceshoes.net since I buy them so frequently, I get tired of running to the local dance store. Interesting post! Thanks for the other ideas, i'll have to try them.

Aug 29, 2009 10:50 AM

Guest :

i also prefer the hammering technique,,..,,.. its easy fast and successful!!!! i had to soften my freeds... ,, .. . the box was way to hard and it would cause blisters and bleeding toes!!!! thank god that nightmare is over!!!!!!!

Mar 18, 2010 1:10 PM
Guest :

i have a hnd and hnc in ballet and as a danser have tried all of thease methods but i just baugt gel pads or fome pads and plase then in and it works like a treat no pain and it make your shoes rellie comfy :D

May 17, 2010 1:20 PM

Guest :

I've tried some of these methods, but I still prefer to break them in the old fashion way. Yeah, it's painful but I find the shoe fits my arch better than any other way.

Jun 23, 2010 5:14 AM

Guest :

I like breaking my shoes in with my feet. It takes a while but it makes them more comfortable. It also really strengthens your feet in the process.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Qualchan the Yakama Warrior of the Mist. Article written by Teresa Knudsen. Originally published on Suite 101 April 08, 2009. Republished June 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings

Qualchan the Yakama Warrior of the Mist. Article written by Teresa Knudsen. Article was originally published on Suite 101 April 08, 2009. Article was republished June 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings.

Qualchan the Yakama Warrior of the Mist. The 1858 Execution of Qualchan, by Colonel George Wright.

Qualchan, a Yakama warrior, defended tribal lands, in the tradition of Geronimo, Cochise, Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse. Yet, Qualchan's story was lost in the mists of time.

Qualchan was a leading warrior in Washington Territory, defeating gold prospectors, civilian militias, and the U. S. Army troops.

Cattle Ranchers Record the Story of Qualchan

Lucullus Virgil McWhorter, (1848-1945) a cattle rancher, met Qualchan’s relatives. His writings are in the McWhorter Papers.

Qualchan was born into a charmed life. His father, Owhi, was War Chief . His uncle Ka-Mi-Akin was a renowned warrior. Qualchan underwent a quest., with his spirit power one of the strongest: The mist changed the weather, defeated enemies, and healed the sick and wounded.

Warrior and Medicine Man

Qualchan was handsome, strong, and loved. He relieved trespassing miners of their gold, and of their lives, and then traveled to the pioneer towns of Portland or Seattle to purchase presents for the tribe, and also guns and powder.

Another early cattle rancher was Andrew Jackson Splawn (1845-1917). In Ka-Mi-Akin, Splawn says Qualchan was also hated. “When he was recognized, some of the weaker men took to cover, in fear for their lives. Qualchan had been known to kill an ordinary Indian as mere pastime, to whet his appetite for blood.”

Qualchan and His Wife Whist-alks

Whist-alks, or Walks in a Dress, was beautiful and fearless.Judge William Compton Brown (1869-1963) explains, “Certain it is that Qualchan was very fond of her and very proud of her and took her with him everywhere he went as much as possible.”

Battles of 1855 to 1858

In 1855, Qualchan killed a party of miners who had assaulted Yakama women. In 1856, 50 Yakama warriors with Qualchan snow-shoed over the Cascade Mountains, canoed across Lake Washington, and joined Leschi in the Battle of Seattle. From 1855 to 1858, Qualchan and other warriors defeated the civilian militia and the U.S. Army in one humiliating defeat after another.

Responding to Colonel Edward Steptoe’s May 1858 defeat, the U.S. Army sent 1,000 troops, led by Colonel George Wright, into Eastern Washington. During the Battles of Four Lakes and Spokane Plains, the troops used Sharps rifles and howitzers to defeat the confederacy of tribes: Spokanes, Coeur d’Alenes, Yakamas, Pend Oreille, and Palouse.

The Hanging at Latah Creek

After taking Qualchan’s father prisoner, Colonel Wright sent messengers to invite Qualchan to the camp on Latah Creek to sign a treaty. Qualchan rode into the camp with his wife, brother Lokout, and little brother Seven Mountains. Wright ordered Qualchan’s immediate hanging.

Six men held Qualchan down for the noose. Qualchan’s younger brother saw the rope break twice before the soldiers hanged Qualchan. Whist-alks stood her ground, defiantly threw Qualchan’s staff into the ground, and escaped with Qualchan’s brothers.

After Qualchan’s execution, Latah Creek was called Hangman Creek. As the Civil War began, Qualchan and his bravery vanished in the mist.

Sources:

Brown, William Compton. The Indian Side of the Story. Spokane, WA: C. W. Hill Printing Co., 1961.

“Hangman Creek.” Spokane Outdoors.

McWhorter, Lucullus Virgil. Manuscripts. Washington State University.

Guide to the Lucullus Virgil McWhorter Papers 1848-1945

Splawn, A. J. Ka-Mi-Akin. Caldwell, ID: Caxton Printers, Ltd., 1917 First Edition, 1980 Fourth Printing.

Friday, February 3, 2012

How to Begin a Writing Project: Writing Strategies to Overcome Writer's Block by Teresa Knudsen, March 17, 2009

Does Your Writing Space Look like This?, Teresa Knudsen

How to Begin a Writing Project: Writing Strategies to Overcome Writer's Block
Written by Teresa Knudsen. Published on Suite 101 March 17, 2009.
Republished February 3, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings

How to Begin a Writing Project:
Writing Strategies to Overcome Writer's Block

Gone are the days of the cliché-ridden image of a writer sitting huddled over a desk, surrounded by crumpled pieces of paper that had been thrown on the floor in despair.

Researchers have found that there are writing strategies including prewriting, writing, and revising. Prewriting often can begin with freewriting, where a writer just begins writing and putting words down on the page.

Freewriting and Brainstorming Writing Ideas

Some writers prefer to just make a list. At this stage, the “editor” inside a writer should remain mute. The writer writes without judging the writing, and the goal is to just get some writing onto the paper. Making sense of the writing will come in a later stage of writing and editing.

Some writers prefer something called the “non-stop” where they set a timer and keep writing even if they don’t know what to write. In the case of coming up with no ideas, a writer would simple keep writing, “I don’t have any ideas, I wish I had some, oh no, I forgot to feed the cat…” or similar types of writing. Again, the goal is to get words onto the page, and this act alone will give the writer some sense of accomplishment. Besides, there might be the kernel of an idea in the freewrite, or non-stop.

Strategies for Writers' Block

What about the dreaded and mythical “writer’s block”? Again, educational research has taken the mystique from this condition. In his book, Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective, Dale H. Schunk explained that “Block may be caused by inadequate knowledge of the topic or lack of interest. Rose (1980) found that adopting rigid rules for writing can cause block. Writers who believe that they must begin with a quote or make four important points may get stuck because they cannot follow these rules” (216).

Thus, a writer suffering from writer’s block might consider returning to the brainstorming and researching phase of writing, getting more information, and then returning to the task of writing.

Regarding writer’s block, Spokane author Jess Walter has worked as a journalist, and written highly regarded non-fiction and fiction. His writing includes the non-fiction Ruby Ridge, as well as novels, Over Tumbled Graves, Land of the Blind, Citizen Vince, and The Zero. Jess tells this joke about writer's block: “Do you know what they call a writer with writer’s block? Unemployed.” If nothing else, a writer can become motivated by knowing that writing can equal money.

The Role of Ritual in the Writing Process

Jess Walter advises writers to develop simple rituals to help begin their writing tasks: “Ritual can be really important for getting started writing, how I have a cup of coffee, write a page in my journal and then start in. Of course, the ritual can be anything, but keep it simple so that if--for instance--you didn't do tai chi that day, you can't use it as an excuse for not writing.”

So, no matter which strategy a writer selects, it's good to know that there can be a method to the madness, and that getting ready to write can be a pleasure.

References

Schunk, Dale H. Learning Theories: An Educational Perspective. New York: Merrill, 1991.

Walter, Jess.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Hollywood Pirates and Heroines: Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine Sisters in Pirate Films

Howard Pyle's painting Attack on a Galleon

Hollywood Pirates and Heroines: Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine Sisters in Pirate Films Written by Teresa Knudsen. Published on Suite 101 April 09, 2009.
Republished January 11, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings

Hollywood Pirates and Heroines

Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine: Sisters in Pirate Films

During Hollywood's Golden Age of the 1930s and 1940s, two sisters starred in two different pirate films: Captain Blood and Frenchman's Creek.

In the Pirates of the Caribbean films, heroine Elizabeth Swan transforms from a proper governor's daughter into a pirate captain. While this change reflects modern times, two films from the Golden Age of Hollywood offer two heroines as spirited as Elizabeth Swan.

For these parts, Hollywood producers selected Olivia de Havilland and her younger sister Joan Fontaine. These two actresses gave performances that illustrated why a proper young woman would fall in love with a pirate, and why a pirate would fall in love with her.

Captain Blood with Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland

In 1935, Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland were paired as the lovers in the film version of Rafael Sabatini's novel, Captain Blood. Olivia plays the spoiled niece of Port Royal's governor. As Arabella Bishop, Olivia shows spirit and compassion during a slave auction, as she buys Dr. Peter Blood in order to save him from being punished for his defiant attitude. He later escapes for a life of piracy, and takes Arabella as captive.

Olivia de Havilland was only 18 when she starred in Captain Blood with the romantic Errol Flynn. In an interview, she remembers that she was immediately drawn to him:

“… I walked onto the set, and they said, "Would you please stand next to Mr. Flynn?" and I saw him. Oh my! Oh my! Struck dumb. I knew it was what the French call a coup de foudre."

The dashing Errol and the demure Olivia turned their chemisty into box office gold, opening the door to their careers and many other films together.

Frenchman's Creek with Joan Fontaine and Arturo de Cordova

In 1944, Joan Fontaine starred in Daphne du Maurier's classic, Frenchman's Creek. Joan plays Dona St. Columb, the darling of London court in the year 1669. She is married to a nobleman more interested in drinking and gambling than in noticing that his best friend, Lord Rockingham, is trying to seduce his wife.

Dona flees with her children and nanny to the family manor home on the Cornish coast, where she finds refuge, a strange servant, and a pirate who has been anchoring in her creek and sleeping in her bed. Joan's performance captured the effervescent Dona, bright as a candle and in love with a dashing pirate who gives away most of what he takes, with a sense of humor as he puntures the vanity of the local nobles.

Yet, in her autobiography No Bed of Roses, Joan regrets doing Frenchman's Creek, saying that the pirate film hurt her career.

Enduring Popularity of the Sisters' Pirate Films

Both Captain Blood and Frenchman's Creek were made over 50 years ago. Yet, the films and their stars are as well-known and popular as ever.

What is it about pirates that causes level-headed high-born women to suddenly forsake their corsets and crinolines, and escape their narrow existence by jumping aboard a pirate ship and sailing the seas? Again and again in pirate films, the heroine finds life, love, and freedom in the arms of rebel mariners.

As the sisters Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine show us, the heroines are just as spirited and independent as the pirates.

The only remaining question is if Arabella Bishop and Dona St. Columb were in Pirates of the Caribbean, whom would they choose? Captain Jack Sparrow or Captain Will Turner?

References

Fontaine, Joan. No Bed of Roses. Berkeley Publishing Group, 1979.
Joan Fontaine Interview. Proust Questionnaire Vanity Fair. February 2008.
“Olivia de Havilland Interview, Legendary Leading Lady: The Last Belle of Cinema.” The Academy of Achievement: A Museum of Living History. October 5, 2006, Washington, D.C.

Ocean City, Maryland, Boardwalk Attractions

Written by Teresa Knudsen. Published on Suite 101 July 31, 2010.
Republished January 11, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings

Trimper's 1902 working wooden antique carousel made by the Herschell-Spillman Company.

Ocean City, Maryland, Boardwalk Attractions

During summer months, the boardwalk at Ocean City, Maryland, fills with visitors who come to the area for sun, surf, and traditional boardwalk amusements.

Since the beginning of the 20th century, the boardwalk at Ocean City, Maryland, has served food, amusement rides, shops, and entertainment to visitors who enjoy the beach and ocean waves. The activities are endless, but here are some of the traditional places to go.

Trimper's Rides and Amusements

One of the most popular boardwalk destinations is Trimper's Rides and Amusements, dating from the beginning of the 20th century. The amusement park has stayed in the Trimper family up to the time of this writing. a tradition for many vacationers who return to Ocean City year after year. The mixture of classic amusement park attractions, such as the ferris wheel and haunted house, with modern rides such as the "Rock & Roll Matterhorn" provide entertainment to all ages.

The centerpiece of Trimper's is the 1902 working antique carousel made by the Herschell-Spillman Company. The wooden carousel offers a variety of animals, including horses, a dragon, ostriches, camels, cats, dogs, a deer, a lion and a tiger. Grandparents and parents who rode on the carousel and rides when they were children enjoy bringing their own youngsters to ride on Trimper's Rides and Amusements.

Thrasher's French Fries

One of the most familiar aromas on the boardwalk is french fries from Thrasher's. Dating from 1929, Thrasher's fries are fresh cut and served piping hot. Visitors line up for these fries, so plan for a short wait in a long line, as the many customers are quickly served by the Thrasher's staff. What distinguishes these fries are the flavor from the vinegar offered as a condiment instead of ketchup. The fries are cooked in peanut oil, which give a distinct flavor.

The Ocean City, Maryland Jolly Roger at the Pier

The pier gives visitors even more chances for amusements and thrilling rides. The giant ferris wheel gives incredible views of the boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean. Morbid Manor 3D gives a haunted house experience. The Looping Roller Coaster is guaranteed for thrills. The main attraction is the Slingshot, which shoots a pair of riders straight up into the air, and then bounces them up and down before finally bringing them back to earth.

These Ocean City, Maryland, boardwalk traditions are just the beginning of many others, as well as new experiences. The boardwalk combines familly-oriented activities along with rides for all ages.

References
" The 1902 Herschell-Spillman Carousel at Trimper's Rides and Amusements." National Carousel Association.
Boardwalk Beach Cam and Current Weather. Ocean City Maryland.
"Trimper's History." Trimper's Rides, Ocean City, Maryland.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Anarchy and Anarchist History and Philosophy Background

Anarchy and Anarchist History and Philosophy. Photo by Teresa Knudsen.
Written by Teresa Knudsen. Published on Suite 101 April 11, 2009.
Republished January 11, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings

Anarchy and Anarchist History and Philosophy

The number of anarchists is growing. In "Golden Age," Crispin Sartwell says "The second golden age of American anarchism is upon us." A study of anarchist philosophy offers ideas and images in addition to the smashed glass of coffee shops. A bedrock of anarchist philosophy is individuals are responsible for their actions. Without a ruling hierarchy, there can be order and stability.

The American Revolution was called Anarchy

In 1776, when the American colonists announced the Declaration of Independence, the British monarchy considered the document to be treason and its supporters lawless traitors. The idea of natural rights, of freedom and liberty for all, upset the hierarchy and the absolute power that the monarch claimed came from God.

Thomas Paine's Common Sense and Rights of Man

Thomas Paine (1737-1809) argued in his 1776 pamphlet, Common Sense, that the king was nothing more than human, like all humans descended from Adam and Eve, and therefore liable to err.

Paine reversed the saying "The King is Law," and instead proclaimed that "The Law is King," meaning that the king must follow laws. Paine despised monarchy, saying:

"It was the most prosperous invention the Devil ever set on foot for the promotion of idolatry."

When Paine later wrote the Rights of Man, it was critiqued by British statesman Edmund Burke (1729-1794) who wrote:

"They made and recorded a sort of institute and digest of anarchy, called the Rights of Man." (On the Army Estimates, Vol. iii, p. 221).

Thomas Jefferson's Thoughts on Anarchy

According to Anarchists in Modern History many anarchists share Jefferson's vision of an agrarian society, a sustainable environment, and freedom from government oppression. Jefferson himself claimed not to be anarchist. Nevertheless, his name is much associated with anarchist principles.

"When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty." These words by Thomas Jefferson were quoted in the film V for Vendetta. The film explores the theme of anarchy being a means to end oppression and restore freedom for all.

Anarchy is Order

French printer, politician, and philosopher Pierre-Joseph Proudhon (1809-1865) summed up his views on anarchy in his book The Confessions of a Revolutionary. According to Proudhon, "Anarchy is Order." Proudhon's phrase is often credited with today's anarchist symbol, the circle enclosing the A. The "circle A" can symbolize that order encircles anarchy.

Anarchy, Mother of Stability, Mother of Social Order

Mikhail Bakunim and Peter Kropotkin were Russian philosophers credited with the slogan, "Anarkhiya Mat Poryadka," translated as "Anarchy - Mother Of Stability" or "Anarchy - Mother of Social Order." According to information posted on FreedomBin.com, Bakunim and Kropotkin "advocated a constructive anarchism, a form of radical democracy, similar to what's been called 'Jeffersonian Democracy' in the USA, where power flows from the bottom up."

Infoshop

In 1998, Infoshop was started by Chuck Munson, previously with the University of Maryland at College Park. The anarchist website contains information on the history and philosophy of anarchy, as well as commentary and notices regarding current and direct action events of the contemporary anarchist movement.

Categorizing what anarchists stand for is tricky, and similar to trying to herd cats. Yet, there seems a common thread of respecting human rights and taking responsibility for one's actions. The true source of chaos is seen in authoritarian government.

References
"Basics of Anarchism." Infoshop.org
FreedomBin.com
Paine, Thomas. Common Sense. January and February 1776.
Sartwell, Crispin. "Golden Age."

Battle of the Brandywine, September 11, 1777 at Chadd's Ford, Pennsylvania

Battle of the Brandywine, September 11, 1777 at Chadd's Ford, Pennsylvania
Written by Teresa Knudsen. Published on Suite 101 on/about July 19, 2009
Republished January 11, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings

Battle of the Brandywine, September 11, 1777

In the second year of the American Revolution, the British were at a stalemate, without a decisive victory against the American Continental Army led by General George Washington. British General Sir William Howe aimed to capture Philadelphia, the capital of the thirteen colonies with supplies for the revolution.

Howe Decides to Attack Continental Army from the Southwest to Capture Philadelphia

With heavy fortifications protecting Philadelphia on the Delaware River, Howe sailed 264 ships containing between 15,000 to 18.000 troops to the Chesapeake Bay, and thence north, to present-day Elkton, Maryland, where the British forces marched northeast toward Philadelphia.
George Washington planned to defend Philadelphia by placing his troops, numbering about 11,000, in the rolling farmlands in and around Chadds Ford, a popular crossing of the Brandywine River, on the road between Baltimore and Philadelphia. He also placed defenses at Buffington and Pyle's fords. Despite some warnings, Washington decided not to defend Jefferis Ford to the north, as being too deep for crossing.
British General Sir William Howe Creates a Diversion
However, Howe set up a diversion. He sent troops of Hessian mercenaries to Chadds Ford, where Washington expected the British. But Howe ordered the bulk of the British troops north, where they crossed the Brandywine River at Jefferis Ford, and then marched south, in a surprise attack the American troops.

British Win the Battle of the Brandywine, Rest, and Capture Philadelphia on September 26, 1777

Though the Continential Army was outnumbered on that hot , muggy day in the battle by the Brandywine River, the British forces lost more, about 2,000 troops. Washington was unable to prevent the British takeover of Philadelphia on September 26, 1777, and retreated to nearby Germantown for another battle, and then eventually to winter at Valley Forge while the British occupied Philadelphia.

Contiential Troops Retain Faith in General Washington and the Cause of Freedom

Despite these setbacks, the colonial troops kept their spirit, certain that inaccurate field reports and the overpowering number of British forces were the cause for the loss. Paradoxically, the loss refreshed the Continential Army, and solidified support for the American Revolution.

Brandywine Battlefield is Now Under Fire from State of Pennsylvania Budget Cuts

Today, the Brandywine Battlefield is facing a different enemy. As a way of balancing the state budget, Pennsylvania has targeted the parklands, and proposed closing the battlefield to the public. The Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site contains information about efforts to keep the Brandywine Battlefield park open and forever honor the fight for freedom at Chadd's Ford.

References
Brandywine Battlefield Historic Site
Brandywine Soldiers
British Battles
The History of the Battle of the Brandywine

Bilbo Baggins, 111th Birthday, Martinmas, and November 11th

Bilbo Baggins, 111th Birthday, Martinmas, and November 11th
Written by Teresa Knudsen. First published on Suite 101 Nov. 10, 2010..
Republished January 11, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings
Then sent to Pirates and Patriots. Please click this link to go to the article.
http://piratespatriots.blogspot.com/2012/01/bilbo-baggins-111th-birthday-martinmas.html

Biochemist, Pilots, Passengers Backlash Against Naked Body Scanners

Biochemist, Pilots, Passengers Backlash Against Naked Body Scanners
Written by Teresa Knudsen. First published on Suite 101 November 13, 2010.
Republished January 11, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings

Biochemist, Pilots, Passengers Backlash against Naked Body Scans

The latest news about the U.S government deployment of compulsory naked body scanners for air travelers comes from a biochemist's warning that the body scanners have not been proved to be safe and a national protest against the scanners planned for the day before Thanksgiving, 2010.

Biochemist Warns on November 11, 2010 of Unsafe Scanning Machines

As noted in the article "Biochemist Says 'Naked' X-Ray Scanner May Be Unsafe" by Declan McCullagh on November 11, 2010, a biochemist from the University of California, San Francisco, Professor John Sedat called Obama's claim that full-body scanners are safe, an "error."

Sedat said that from the White House report, "...it appears that real independent safety data do not exist." Sedat notes the naked body scanner threat to travelers, particularly children being exposed to untested types of radiation emitted by the scanners.

"National Opt Out Day." November 24, 2010.

The National Opt Out Day website encourages air passengers to opt out of the government's body scan machines, which send the passenger's naked image to be viewed by a government employee. As noted on the website:

"It's the day ordinary citizens stand up for their rights, stand up for liberty, and protest the federal government's desire to virtually strip us naked or submit to an "enhanced pat down" that touches people's breasts and genitals in an aggressive manner."

Background of Body Scanners Deployment in Airports

After the failed bombing attempt on Christmas, former head of the Department of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff, outlined his solution to possible similar bombing. Chertoff advised that the U. S. government purchase hundred of body scan machines from a company he now represents as CEO of the Chertoff Group.

The U.S. government used funds marked to help Americans receive an economic stimulus, and instead placed machines and staff that require air passengers to surrender their 4th Amendment rights and endure a virtual strip search from machines that deliver an unknown radiation experiment.

Then, the passengers can be groped on breasts and genital areas by Transportation Security Administration staff. The TSA is now groping men, women, tweens, children, toddlers and babies, as well as elderly people.

The bad experiences of airline passengers are piling up about the body scans and the TSA actions, which amount to unreasonable search and seizure, as well as sexual molestation by government officials, as reported by CNN's Phil Gast in the November 13, 2010 article, "Growing Backlash against TSA Body Scanners, Pat-Downs."

Complaints about Government Body Scans and Groping by Government Staff

Michelle Nemphos describes her daughter's bad experience of being singled out and forced to go through a full body scanner. The 12-year-old felt tramatized when she realized what was happening with the machine and airport staff seeing her naked. In the article "Mother Upset about Daughter's Full Body Securty Scan Experience,"

Michelle Nemphos sums up the issue of allowing government workers to view naked passengers, especially children.

"It's an image of a nude child that they're seeing. This is child pornography whether people want to believe this or not. People think that this is a blurry image. It is not a blurry image. It is an image of a naked person."

In the article "Airport Body-Scanners Reveal All, But What about When It's Your Kid?" Lenonora LaPeter Anton, staff writer at the St. Petersburg Times, talked with TSA spokeswoman Sari Koshetz, who said anyone can be selected from the line and given a body scan. This includes children who can hold their arms over their heads for five or more seconds. There was no TSA statement about how TSA would determine which children could hold their arms up and which children couldn't.

Airline Pilots Against Body Scans, "Pat-Downs"

As reported by CNN, " ExpressJet Pilot Rejects Body Scan and "Pat-Down," Pilot Michael Roberts, as he was preparing to travel by plane to work, rejected both the U.S. government naked body scan and the enhanced "pat-down" from government Transportation Security Administration (TSA) staff.

Roberts said both the scan and "pat-down" by government workers violates his rights.

"Pat down is misleading...They concentrate on the area between...the upper thighs and torso, and they're not just patting people's arms and leg, they're grabbing and groping and prodding pretty agressively."

The Allied Pilots Association President Captain Dave Bates advises the pilots to refuse the U.S. government naked body scanners, in a letter sent to The Atlantic, published November 4, 2010, in the article "American Airlines Pilots in Revolt Against the TSA." by Jeffrey Goldberg.

Government Staff at TSA Seem to Select Women and Children for Scanning and Groping

In San Jose, at the airport, Alex Jones stated that he saw TSA workers only select women and small children to go through the government naked body scanners.

Alex describes the children "...in strollers being put through naked body scanners, being bathed in radiation. It violates your Fourth Amendment."

The TSA is planning to force all passengers through the naked body scanner and the "enhanced pat-down," which includes a government agent using the front of his or her hands and fingers for groping, grabbing and squeezing the private parts of airline passengers. This "enhanced pat-down" is now being referred to as the "x-rated pat-down." The process is designed for the government agent's hand to feel everything on every man, woman and child.

A woman on the Alex Jones show describes her experience in security at Denver Airport. She and her two children walked through the metal detector. The TSA staff then wanted her to go through the naked scanner. The woman did not want her children or herself to be subjected to the radiaition and naked images of the body scanner, so she and her children were subjected to a "pat-down."

The woman was groped by a male TSA agent. "They feel your private area. They grab your breast..."
The male TSA agent then wanted to grope her two daughters, aged 8 years old and 20 months old. The mother would not allow the male to touch her two children, and requested a female officer. "I want a woman to pat down my children...They did the same thing to the kids they did to me."

"You were sexually assaulted." Alex Jones to the mother, "This is slave training...This is outrageous."

If a passenger declines to go through the naked body scanner, the U.S government TSA workers willl begin to yell "Opt Out! Opt Out!" Then, expect a lot of U.S government TSA staff to appear.
The general experience for the "enhanced pat-down" is that the U.S. government TSA staff will then place the front of their hands all over the passenger, including breast and genital area, with grabbing, pulling and twisting motions, on passengers of all ages.

References
"Airport Body-Scanners Reveal All, But What about When It's Your Kid?"
As reported by Lenonora LaPeter Anton, staff writer at the St. Petersburg Times, "
"American Airlines Pilots in Revolt Against the TSA." By Jeffrey Goldberg. The Atlantic. November 4, 2010.
"Backlash Grows Over TSA's 'Naked Strip Searches.'" By Declan McCullagh. November 11, 2010.
"Body Scanner, the Constitution, Ethics, and X-Ray." Suite 101.
"ExpressJet Pilot Rejects Body Scan and "Pat-Down." CNN. Oct. 20, 2010
" Growing Backlash against TSA Body Scanners, Pat-Downs." By Phil Gast. CNN. November 13, 2010 .
"Naked Body Scanners May Be Dangerous: Scientists." By Agence France-Presse. Friday, November 12, 2010
"National Opt Out Day." November 24, 2010.optoutday.com
"TSA Fondles Women and Children Refusing Airport Naked Body Scanners." Alex Jones. Infowars.com. Nov. 5, 2010.

Body Scanners, From Airports to Football Games

Body Scanners, From Airports to Football Games
Written by Teresa Knudsen. First published on Suite 101 January 11, 2010.
Republished January 11, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings

Body Scanners, From Airports to Football Games

On Christmas Day, 2009, a passenger on Northwest Flight 253 was charged with trying to blow up an airliner, traveling the Netherlands to Detroit. According to reports, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab concealed an explosive, PETN, or pentaerythritol, also used by the "shoe bomber" Richard Reid, and tried to blow up the plane.

Reports indicate that in November 2009, the man's father tried to warn the Nigerian US embassy of his son's religious beliefs, but that the warning was ignored. In addition, although Abdulmutallab's name was in the Terrorist Identities Datamart Environment, people on the list are not stopped from taking a plane to the United States.

The U.S. Transportation Safety Administration, with the Obama administration and Congress, is working to compel all airline travelers to undergo full-body scans, which might or might not reveal explosives such as PETN, but which would reveal a person's body unclothed in complete detail resulting in pornography, and which would give dangerous radiation to travelers.

Body Scanners

There are two general types of scanners, as explained by Jeremy Hsu in his April 1, 2009 article "Airport Body Scanners Reveal All."

"The TSA has tested two technologies, including "millimeter wave" (MMW) technology which bounces radio-frequency waves off people to construct a 3-D image within a few seconds. TSA also temporarily leased four "backscatter" units which use X-ray scanning, although the MMW method is currently faster."

Practical Issues

There is concern that not only will the body scanners cause further delays at airports, but also that the body scanners are not an effective counter-terrorism tool, according to Mark Guarino's recent article in the Christian Science Monitor.

In the article, the senior editor of Aviation Week, Andrew Compart, explained that the 45 second scan per passenger will create hours of delays for air travelers. In additon, Compart believes that better intelligence-gathering is a more effective tool for anti-terrorism than body scanning.

Some in Congress agree. As reported by John Hayes in the Chicago Tribune, Representative Jason Chhaffetz, R-Utah, stated on January 8, 2010:

“We don’t need to look at naked 8-year-olds and grandmothers to secure airplanes. Are we really going to subject 2 million people per day to that? I think it’s a false argument to say we have to give up all of our personal privacy in order to have security.”

The discussion will continue. Besides airports, government and business have plans to expand the use of body scanners to public gatherings, such as sports events, and to general body scanning on the street, by mobile vehicles, or even scanners on lamp posts. The Dutch police are working on a mobile scanner, for mass scans of crowds. British security are working on street scanning.
For further discussion, see "Britain Requires Air Passengers to be Scanned."

References

American Civil Liberties Union. "Body Scanners." March 15, 2002.
The Bill of Rights. National Archives Records Administration.
Benen, Steve. "Michael Chertoff's Pushing 'Full-Body Scanner for Airports but He Has a Conflict of Interest." Washington Monthly. January 2, 2010.
Chertoff, Michael. "Former Homeland Security Chief Argues for Whole-Body Imaging." The Washington Post, January 1, 2010.
Foehammer. "Body Scanners. Do Not Submit." January 6, 2010.
Guarino, Mark. "Airport Security: Two Alternatives to Full-body Scanners." The Christian Science Monitor, December 31, 2009.
Hayes, John C. "Privacy Activists Score Victories against More Detailed Body Scanners at Airports." Chicago Tribune. Sunday, January 10th, 2010.
Hsu, Jeremy. "Airport Body Scanners Reveal All." LiveScience, April 1, 2009.
Savage, David. "Privacy Activists Score Victories Against More Detailed Body Scanners at Airports." Chicago Tribune, January 10, 2010.
Warren, Scott. "Full-body Airport Scanners Face Further Delays..." January 5, 2010.
Watson, Paul Joseph. "Now Mobile Devices Will Scan on the Street." Friday, January 8, 2010.

Friday, December 21, 2012

Saturday, November 10, 2012

Written by Teresa Knudsen, republished November 10, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings, originally published on Suite 101 April 10, 2009.

Ballet Dancers, Pointe Shoes and Dancing on Toes Preparing Toe Shoes for Ballet Performances is Hard Work.

The image of a graceful ballet dancer, gliding across the stage on her toes makes dancing in pointe shoes look easy. Yet, dancers must spend time to prepare their shoes.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Friday, February 3, 2012

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Howard Pyle's painting Attack on a Galleon Hollywood Pirates and Heroines: Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine Sisters in Pirate Films Written by Teresa Knudsen. Published on Suite 101 April 09, 2009. Republished January 11, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings

Hollywood Pirates and Heroines

Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine: Sisters in Pirate Films

Enduring Popularity of the Sisters' Pirate Films

References

Written by Teresa Knudsen. Published on Suite 101 July 31, 2010. Republished January 11, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings

Ocean City, Maryland, Boardwalk Attractions

Trimper's Rides and Amusements

Thrasher's French Fries

The Ocean City, Maryland Jolly Roger at the Pier

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Anarchy and Anarchist History and Philosophy

The American Revolution was called Anarchy

Thomas Jefferson's Thoughts on Anarchy

Anarchy is Order

Anarchy, Mother of Stability, Mother of Social Order

Infoshop

Battle of the Brandywine, September 11, 1777

Howe Decides to Attack Continental Army from the Southwest to Capture Philadelphia

British Win the Battle of the Brandywine, Rest, and Capture Philadelphia on September 26, 1777

Contiential Troops Retain Faith in General Washington and the Cause of Freedom

Brandywine Battlefield is Now Under Fire from State of Pennsylvania Budget Cuts

Biochemist, Pilots, Passengers Backlash against Naked Body Scans

Biochemist Warns on November 11, 2010 of Unsafe Scanning Machines

Background of Body Scanners Deployment in Airports

Complaints about Government Body Scans and Groping by Government Staff

Airline Pilots Against Body Scans, "Pat-Downs"

Government Staff at TSA Seem to Select Women and Children for Scanning and Groping

Body Scanners, From Airports to Football Games

Body Scanners

Practical Issues

References

Alexa Rankiing for Teresa-knudsen.suite101.com

Webstats Domain Ranking

Howard Pyle's painting Attack on a Galleon

Hollywood Pirates and Heroines: Olivia de Havilland and Joan Fontaine Sisters in Pirate Films Written by Teresa Knudsen. Published on Suite 101 April 09, 2009.
Republished January 11, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings

Written by Teresa Knudsen. Published on Suite 101 July 31, 2010.
Republished January 11, 2012 on Sweet Suite Writings