NATURE’S OWN STAINED GLASS [via Nina Reznick]
Transparent Butterfly It comes from Central America and is found from Mexico to Panama . It is quite common in its zone, but it not easy to find because of its transparent wings, which is a natural camouflage mechanism. A butterfly with transparent wings is rare and beautiful. As delicate as finely blown glass, the presence of this rare tropical gem is used by rain forest ecologists as an indication of high habitat quality and its demise alerts them of ecological change. 
Rivaling the refined beauty of a stained glass window, the translucent wings of the Glasswing butterfly shimmer in the sunlight like polished panes of turquoise, orange, green, and red. All things beautiful do not have to be full of color to be noticed: in life that which is unnoticed has the most power.
LAUREN (ATCHITY) SCHUMACHER INTERVIEWS HEIDI/SPENCER FOR TV.COM
It ain't easy being Heidi Montag, says Heidi Montag
By Lauren Schumacher
The Hills' Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt discuss what it's like being reality TV stars, where their relationship is headed, and Heidi's mom.
From Brad and Angelina to J-Lo and Puff Daddy (remember?), people have always been fascinated by celebrity couples. In the case of Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, you either love them or you hate them. The pair has been making headlines since they joined forces on The Hills by getting in some nasty catfights, making some YouTube-friendly music videos, and almost getting married (twice).
The Hills pair (well, mostly Heidi) talked to us about the future of their tumultuous relationship, life on reality TV, and the special romantic gesture(s) Heidi is looking for from Spencer--full length body tattoos, anyone?
TV.com: At the end of last season it seemed like everybody was on Spencer's side because he gave an amazing, romantic speech to Heidi about giving her the wedding of her dreams. Jump to this season, Heidi's mom hadn't really jumped on the bandwagon, despite the romantic gesture. Can you talk a little bit about that?
Spencer: Yeah, it's probably one of my main problems with Heidi's mom is she goes off of what she reads and she sees a little piece of me on TV and she doesn't go to the source and never asks Heidi how well I treat her 99.9 percent of the time, except for that .1 percent when I'm sleazy, which I'm not anymore. We're in couple's therapy now and I'm making some great progress.
TV.com: Well, that's great to hear. So, although last week it looked like you two were done, you're telling me that you aren't breaking up but you're working through your differences?
Heidi: Yes, we are definitely trying to work through it and figure out what we're going to do.
TV.com: Well, kind of going along those same lines, do you think there will be a Hills wedding at any point?
Heidi: I don't know. I would need a ring before that. And a big one, to make up for everything I've been through.
TV.com: Well, we would all love to see a Hills wedding.
Heidi: Thank you, that is so sweet. It's so nice to talk to someone who's nice. I'm so sick of meeting mean people, there's too many of them. It's like, ahhh.
TV.com: I can imagine. So, is it hard to have your relationship on TV and have the camera in your face all of the time? Because, we kind of only get to see one side of you, and I'm sure that they omit a lot of what goes on.
Heidi: Yeah, sometimes it is. Especially with this scene and people are just getting so crazy about the show, judging you one way or another. I'm really not about judging. It's not something I like to do to other people or have people do to me. So, I'm not too into that.
TV.com: It must be frustrating if they jump cut and make you seem like someone you're not.
Heidi: Yeah, people are just so critical. Like, it's just such a lose-lose situation with so many people. But you've just got to put it in the back of your mind and try to not let it affect you and move on in a positive way.
TV.com: Is there a side of you guys behind closed doors that we don't really get to see, because they don't show it?
Heidi: Yeah, I mean, it's not The Truman Show, and you only see a couple of minutes of our lives in a certain time period. So, you don't get to see us every day, and we're not always in our element. But our favorite nights are DVD nights and pizza nights but I don't think people really want to watch that.
TV.com: It's not, "We go to the club every night and that's all we do."
Heidi: Yeah. I'm not so into the clubs anymore. Well, at least you hope you get over them fast. If you don't, then you might have a problem.
TV.com: Have you ever watched an episode and seen something you didn't want to see, something that Spencer didn't tell you about?
Heidi: That happened to me. I didn't know Spencer told the bartender to get on a table and she said "pour some sugar on me." I was so mad! I couldn't talk to him for a couple of days, it so infuriated me that he would be so sleazy behind my back like that.
TV.com: Right. And seeing it on TV for the first time makes it worse, I'm sure.
Heidi: That made it so much worse. If he would have just told me, and if I would've known that happened, it would've been easier. Like, "Look, I said this line, blah, blah, blah." But when that communication isn't happening, it just makes you madder, because you think someone's just trying to hide that from you.
TV.com: Of course. So, do you think that at any point there will ever be a spinoff series that would focus more on you and Spencer? Or would you even be interested in that kind of spinoff series?
Heidi: You know, eventually, one day, I'm sure. But we love The Hills and we're not trying to go anywhere right now, because that's our home.
TV.com: Do you think that your friendship with Lauren is on the mend?
Heidi: You know, Lauren and I are definitely in the best place we've been in a long time. I would call her a friend. We're not best friends, or anything like that, but we definitely get along a lot better than we have.
TV.com: That's good to hear.
Heidi: I just want it to be positive. I just want all good stuff and to be the best person I can be. That's all we have in life, you know.
TV.com: And it seems like you're in a good place with Spencer.
Heidi: I mean, we'll see. He has a lot of making up to do and good behavior to start.
TV.com: Can you let us know anything he's done to try and make it up to you?
Heidi: I mean--he hasn't really done anything to make it up to me yet, that's what I'm waiting for.
TV.com: I think you need to hold out for some dinner and flowers, or something.
Heidi: Oh, you're telling me. I want an island named after me.
TV.com: Don't settle for anything less.
Heidi: No way. [Having] "I Love Heidi Montag" tattooed from head to toe, no slutty bartenders here.
TV.com: That would be some good television.
Heidi: That's what I'll make him do.
TV.com: Thanks for your time.
By Lauren Schumacher
The Hills' Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt discuss what it's like being reality TV stars, where their relationship is headed, and Heidi's mom.
From Brad and Angelina to J-Lo and Puff Daddy (remember?), people have always been fascinated by celebrity couples. In the case of Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt, you either love them or you hate them. The pair has been making headlines since they joined forces on The Hills by getting in some nasty catfights, making some YouTube-friendly music videos, and almost getting married (twice).
The Hills pair (well, mostly Heidi) talked to us about the future of their tumultuous relationship, life on reality TV, and the special romantic gesture(s) Heidi is looking for from Spencer--full length body tattoos, anyone?
TV.com: At the end of last season it seemed like everybody was on Spencer's side because he gave an amazing, romantic speech to Heidi about giving her the wedding of her dreams. Jump to this season, Heidi's mom hadn't really jumped on the bandwagon, despite the romantic gesture. Can you talk a little bit about that?
Spencer: Yeah, it's probably one of my main problems with Heidi's mom is she goes off of what she reads and she sees a little piece of me on TV and she doesn't go to the source and never asks Heidi how well I treat her 99.9 percent of the time, except for that .1 percent when I'm sleazy, which I'm not anymore. We're in couple's therapy now and I'm making some great progress.
TV.com: Well, that's great to hear. So, although last week it looked like you two were done, you're telling me that you aren't breaking up but you're working through your differences?
Heidi: Yes, we are definitely trying to work through it and figure out what we're going to do.
TV.com: Well, kind of going along those same lines, do you think there will be a Hills wedding at any point?
Heidi: I don't know. I would need a ring before that. And a big one, to make up for everything I've been through.
TV.com: Well, we would all love to see a Hills wedding.
Heidi: Thank you, that is so sweet. It's so nice to talk to someone who's nice. I'm so sick of meeting mean people, there's too many of them. It's like, ahhh.
TV.com: I can imagine. So, is it hard to have your relationship on TV and have the camera in your face all of the time? Because, we kind of only get to see one side of you, and I'm sure that they omit a lot of what goes on.
Heidi: Yeah, sometimes it is. Especially with this scene and people are just getting so crazy about the show, judging you one way or another. I'm really not about judging. It's not something I like to do to other people or have people do to me. So, I'm not too into that.
TV.com: It must be frustrating if they jump cut and make you seem like someone you're not.
Heidi: Yeah, people are just so critical. Like, it's just such a lose-lose situation with so many people. But you've just got to put it in the back of your mind and try to not let it affect you and move on in a positive way.
TV.com: Is there a side of you guys behind closed doors that we don't really get to see, because they don't show it?
Heidi: Yeah, I mean, it's not The Truman Show, and you only see a couple of minutes of our lives in a certain time period. So, you don't get to see us every day, and we're not always in our element. But our favorite nights are DVD nights and pizza nights but I don't think people really want to watch that.
TV.com: It's not, "We go to the club every night and that's all we do."
Heidi: Yeah. I'm not so into the clubs anymore. Well, at least you hope you get over them fast. If you don't, then you might have a problem.
TV.com: Have you ever watched an episode and seen something you didn't want to see, something that Spencer didn't tell you about?
Heidi: That happened to me. I didn't know Spencer told the bartender to get on a table and she said "pour some sugar on me." I was so mad! I couldn't talk to him for a couple of days, it so infuriated me that he would be so sleazy behind my back like that.
TV.com: Right. And seeing it on TV for the first time makes it worse, I'm sure.
Heidi: That made it so much worse. If he would have just told me, and if I would've known that happened, it would've been easier. Like, "Look, I said this line, blah, blah, blah." But when that communication isn't happening, it just makes you madder, because you think someone's just trying to hide that from you.
TV.com: Of course. So, do you think that at any point there will ever be a spinoff series that would focus more on you and Spencer? Or would you even be interested in that kind of spinoff series?
Heidi: You know, eventually, one day, I'm sure. But we love The Hills and we're not trying to go anywhere right now, because that's our home.
TV.com: Do you think that your friendship with Lauren is on the mend?
Heidi: You know, Lauren and I are definitely in the best place we've been in a long time. I would call her a friend. We're not best friends, or anything like that, but we definitely get along a lot better than we have.
TV.com: That's good to hear.
Heidi: I just want it to be positive. I just want all good stuff and to be the best person I can be. That's all we have in life, you know.
TV.com: And it seems like you're in a good place with Spencer.
Heidi: I mean, we'll see. He has a lot of making up to do and good behavior to start.
TV.com: Can you let us know anything he's done to try and make it up to you?
Heidi: I mean--he hasn't really done anything to make it up to me yet, that's what I'm waiting for.
TV.com: I think you need to hold out for some dinner and flowers, or something.
Heidi: Oh, you're telling me. I want an island named after me.
TV.com: Don't settle for anything less.
Heidi: No way. [Having] "I Love Heidi Montag" tattooed from head to toe, no slutty bartenders here.
TV.com: That would be some good television.
Heidi: That's what I'll make him do.
TV.com: Thanks for your time.
LAUREN ATCHITY SCHUMACHER WEB EXPERT ON 'AMERICAN IDOL' [via Vincent Atchity]
Michael Sarver talks about his Idol exit
By Lauren Schumacher
The oil rig worker was eliminated from American Idol last night, but he isn't going back to Texas Gold just yet.
Michael Sarver, the latest contestant to get the ol' heave ho from American Idol fans this week and one of the classiest contestants on American Idol since Sanjaya (that's a joke, people), talked to us in a conference call Friday about his priorities, his future music career, and the warm and fuzzy feelings he surprisingly still has for
the judges.
Sarver, the married father of two and a former oil rig worker, doesn't plan on going back to being a roughneck (surprise, surprise). Instead, Sarver said he plans on taking some time off to spend with his family before the rocktastic American Idol tour this summer.
"I have learned just how much I love my family through this experience because I have never been away from them this long. They are my number one priority," he said.
A seemingly unlikely contestant, Sarver brought his Texas charm and politeness to the stage, a striking contrast to the likes of Simon Cowell. But, Sarver said he was never insulted by the judge's comments or their most recent childish antics during deliberation (Simon drawing a mustache on Paula's face is an example... they have to give us something to laugh about ever since Ryan Seacrest got rid of his highlights).
"Personally, I enjoy that. What people need to understand is that this is supposed to be fun. Overall, the fun that they're having is making everybody smile," he said. "America listens to what the judges have to say. They are in those four seats for a reason. They are smart. They don't get it all right but they do get some things right."
Phew. Finally a contestant with some perspective.
But, despite the judge's critique's, Sarver said he plans on hitting the music scene on his own after the summer tour is over.
"I believe in myself and what I'd like to offer to the music world," he said. "Something people don't know is that I have written over 890 songs since I was 14. There are a lot of stories from a good lived life, a lot of stories and I want to share them."
Ah, the wisdom of a 27-year old.
Who will be voted off next week? How many more innocent songs will Megan Joy butcher before she gets the guillotine?
By Lauren Schumacher
The oil rig worker was eliminated from American Idol last night, but he isn't going back to Texas Gold just yet.
Michael Sarver, the latest contestant to get the ol' heave ho from American Idol fans this week and one of the classiest contestants on American Idol since Sanjaya (that's a joke, people), talked to us in a conference call Friday about his priorities, his future music career, and the warm and fuzzy feelings he surprisingly still has for
the judges.Sarver, the married father of two and a former oil rig worker, doesn't plan on going back to being a roughneck (surprise, surprise). Instead, Sarver said he plans on taking some time off to spend with his family before the rocktastic American Idol tour this summer.
"I have learned just how much I love my family through this experience because I have never been away from them this long. They are my number one priority," he said.
A seemingly unlikely contestant, Sarver brought his Texas charm and politeness to the stage, a striking contrast to the likes of Simon Cowell. But, Sarver said he was never insulted by the judge's comments or their most recent childish antics during deliberation (Simon drawing a mustache on Paula's face is an example... they have to give us something to laugh about ever since Ryan Seacrest got rid of his highlights).
"Personally, I enjoy that. What people need to understand is that this is supposed to be fun. Overall, the fun that they're having is making everybody smile," he said. "America listens to what the judges have to say. They are in those four seats for a reason. They are smart. They don't get it all right but they do get some things right."
Phew. Finally a contestant with some perspective.
But, despite the judge's critique's, Sarver said he plans on hitting the music scene on his own after the summer tour is over.
"I believe in myself and what I'd like to offer to the music world," he said. "Something people don't know is that I have written over 890 songs since I was 14. There are a lot of stories from a good lived life, a lot of stories and I want to share them."
Ah, the wisdom of a 27-year old.
Who will be voted off next week? How many more innocent songs will Megan Joy butcher before she gets the guillotine?
Aubade By Vincent Atchity
Youth was my sprightly joy,
all that I could and would be,
my kingdom on its way.
At forty-three, while cashiers
still require proof before
selling me their ten dollar wines,
I find myself in the
quickened interstices,
letting go of could and would.
Here is our companionable
morning coffee, later I'll pause
for a sight of the bridge at the
rim of the mountain-held bay.
I'll ride my bike alongside bobbing
coots and mirror-winged crows
edges flashing white with light.
The bulk of the day will be a service
to humility, absorbed in a crotchety
machinery of function. All this inner
music silenced to a hum.
Five o'clock will whistle me back to you.
I'll fly downhill into the setting sun
toward the shoreline. The light on the water
will be an orange silver shimmering,
a defiance of representation, an evocation
of the painters who've taken the best measure of time
and tried to keep it.
We'll have our wine and we'll toast the antioxidant properties.
We'll inhabit the evening as fully as moons
before our faces ever wane.
You'll push up against me on the sofa.
I'll feel your warmth here
in my kingdom come.
all that I could and would be,
my kingdom on its way.
At forty-three, while cashiers
still require proof before
selling me their ten dollar wines,
I find myself in the
quickened interstices,
letting go of could and would.
Here is our companionable
morning coffee, later I'll pause
for a sight of the bridge at the
rim of the mountain-held bay.
I'll ride my bike alongside bobbing
coots and mirror-winged crows
edges flashing white with light.
The bulk of the day will be a service
to humility, absorbed in a crotchety
machinery of function. All this inner
music silenced to a hum.
Five o'clock will whistle me back to you.
I'll fly downhill into the setting sun
toward the shoreline. The light on the water
will be an orange silver shimmering,
a defiance of representation, an evocation
of the painters who've taken the best measure of time
and tried to keep it.
We'll have our wine and we'll toast the antioxidant properties.
We'll inhabit the evening as fully as moons
before our faces ever wane.
You'll push up against me on the sofa.
I'll feel your warmth here
in my kingdom come.
Black Dog Yoga supports microfinance
On Saturday April 11th, the Sherman Oaks yoga community banded together for a yoga fundraiser held at Black Dog Yoga benefiting Yoga Gives Back, a Los Angeles organization that raises money and awareness of micro loans in India, the birthplace of yoga.
Micro loans are small amounts of money, sometimes as little as $25, and are invested in people, mostly women, who suffer from extreme poverty. Kicking off the workshop/fundraiser, Joel Bender, one of the founders of Yoga Gives Back, explained how Yoga Gives Back started and how the loans, about the cost of two yoga classes, make an enormous impact on peoples’ lives by helping them start, sustain and grow their small businesses.
In 2006 Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a Bangladeshi economics professor, won the Nobel Peace Prize
for his revolutionary work in microfinance through the Grameen Bank, a bank he fo unded to administer the loans. Yunus is changing the face of the poor by making them credit worthy. Generally, it takes money to make money. In order to get a loan, one has to put up collateral. Impoverished people usually don’t have any collateral, thereby increasing poverty’s vicious cycle.
If a woman wants to invest in a rickshaw her husband drives, or invest in a sewing machine, or parts for the sewing machine, they might need $20 or $40. When a bank doesn’t entertain their business needs they will go to a lender of last resorts. Micro loans through the Grameen Bank
eliminate the security risks involved with these transactions. As the loan recipients repay the loans, they begin to take their first steps out of poverty.
Yoga Gives Back co-founder, Kayoko Mitsumatsu, a documentary filmmaker traveled in India and has interviewed Dr. Muhammad Yunus on various occasions. Seeing the immense poverty after a beautiful yoga practice, Kayoko said she “felt a strong obligation to give back to the country that has given her the love of yoga.” She hopes that the Western yoga community will donate their time, money and passion to help the Yoga Gives Back cause.
Black Dog Yoga owner, Peter Barnett, who helped organize the event, galvanized not only an incredible group of teachers but also the yoga community for a workshop filled with asana,
amazing Indian music, sweat and laughter. Over 30 students donated their time and money to support this cause. A talented group of 10 teachers taught the three-hour yoga fundraiser in fifteen-minute increments, each volunteering their time and their own perspective into how with yoga we can effectuate change. The event wrapped up with a raffle of yoga gear and good food.
To hear about more upcoming workshop fundraisers visit yogagivesback.com.
Micro loans are small amounts of money, sometimes as little as $25, and are invested in people, mostly women, who suffer from extreme poverty. Kicking off the workshop/fundraiser, Joel Bender, one of the founders of Yoga Gives Back, explained how Yoga Gives Back started and how the loans, about the cost of two yoga classes, make an enormous impact on peoples’ lives by helping them start, sustain and grow their small businesses.
In 2006 Dr. Muhammad Yunus, a Bangladeshi economics professor, won the Nobel Peace Prize
for his revolutionary work in microfinance through the Grameen Bank, a bank he fo unded to administer the loans. Yunus is changing the face of the poor by making them credit worthy. Generally, it takes money to make money. In order to get a loan, one has to put up collateral. Impoverished people usually don’t have any collateral, thereby increasing poverty’s vicious cycle.
If a woman wants to invest in a rickshaw her husband drives, or invest in a sewing machine, or parts for the sewing machine, they might need $20 or $40. When a bank doesn’t entertain their business needs they will go to a lender of last resorts. Micro loans through the Grameen Bankeliminate the security risks involved with these transactions. As the loan recipients repay the loans, they begin to take their first steps out of poverty.
Yoga Gives Back co-founder, Kayoko Mitsumatsu, a documentary filmmaker traveled in India and has interviewed Dr. Muhammad Yunus on various occasions. Seeing the immense poverty after a beautiful yoga practice, Kayoko said she “felt a strong obligation to give back to the country that has given her the love of yoga.” She hopes that the Western yoga community will donate their time, money and passion to help the Yoga Gives Back cause.
Black Dog Yoga owner, Peter Barnett, who helped organize the event, galvanized not only an incredible group of teachers but also the yoga community for a workshop filled with asana,
amazing Indian music, sweat and laughter. Over 30 students donated their time and money to support this cause. A talented group of 10 teachers taught the three-hour yoga fundraiser in fifteen-minute increments, each volunteering their time and their own perspective into how with yoga we can effectuate change. The event wrapped up with a raffle of yoga gear and good food.
To hear about more upcoming workshop fundraisers visit yogagivesback.com.
VALENTINE’S DAY BEGINS AGE OF AQUARIUS [via Nina Resnick]
If the stars control..........
THE AGE OF AQUARIUS ALIGNS COMPLETELY ON FEB 14TH
(THE SONG HAS COME TO FRUITION)
The Dawning of the Age of Aquarius: A Rare Astrological Concentration
Jude Currivan, Ph.D.
In mid February, we are offered cosmic support to this re-membering of who we really are, by a rare astrological concentration that brings together a number of planets together with the North Node ½ denoting higher purpose - in Aquarius. And which energizes and inspires the possibility for transcendental breakthrough and healing.
We measure our global sense of both space (longitude) and time (universal time - UT or GMT) from the prime meridian located at Greenwich, England. We can perceive the collective influence of this momentous astrological event by looking at the alignment from this globally "centered" perspective. When we do, something extraordinary and exquisite emerges.
At dawn on 14th February the day dedicated to St. Valentine, the patron saint of Love, the Moon in Libra enters the seventh house of relationships. And Jupiter and Mars are aligned inAquarius in the twelfth house of spiritual transformation.
Forty years ago, the intuitive words of a song called Aquarius, brought the dawning of the new age into our collective awareness:
When the Moon is in the seventh house
And Jupiter aligns with Mars.
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars.
At dawn on 14th February the Cosmos actually embodies this perfect alignment to support our collective manifestation of love and peace and the dawning of the Age of Aquarius.
The Aquarian chart of 14th February reveals an incredible concentration of cosmic influences blending with the energies of Aquarius in the twelfth house. Expansive Jupiter and energetic Mars are aligned with the higher purpose of the North Node. The presence of Chiron the wounded healer offers us the opportunity to heal the schisms that have separated us for so long. Neptune emphasizes collective humanitarian movements and the co-creation of social justice. And the presence of the radiant Sun enlightens the entire alignment.
Mercury also in the twelfth house but just beyond the cusp in Capricorn, allies with transformational Pluto to communicate and anchor the Shift throughout our global structures and institutions.
The Moon in Libra in the seventh house emphasizes harmonious relationships. Venus in Aries in the first house energizes and empowers dynamic co-creativity. And whilst Saturn the great task master in opposition to Uranus the unexpected awakener is suggesting an ongoing confrontation as the dregs of the unsustainable old paradigm reluctantly give way to the untested hope ofthe new, their placements in Virgo and Pisces brings practical altruism and visionary inspiration to the transition.
At 7.25am on 14th February and for the 18 minutes of the alignment, I invite you, in the universal heart, to add your own intention for love and peace and to co-create the dawning of the Age of Aquarius to that of the Cosmos. In whatever way feels appropriate for you, you may choose to align with 7.25am (UT) or 7.25am your own local time energizing a wave of intention that will surge around the Earth.
Having searched for over a thousand years, I can find no other alignments in the past of this incredible significance. But amazingly, at one moment in time nearly fifty years ago, the collective voices of our ancient ancestors seem to have been given such a cosmic voice to energetically seed this coming Age and the birth of the Aquarian human.
In 1962 at the same time on the same day, as 2009, Jupiter and Mars were in Aquarius in the twelfth house and the Moon in the seventh house. But then the awesome concentration of planets that energize the 2009 alignment was missing.
And instead of the North Node (higher purpose) being aligned with Jupiter and Mars as it is in 2009, it was in opposition. What this means is that back in 1962 it was the so-called south node rather than the north node that was aligned with Jupiter and Mars. The south node represents what we bring in from the past. So in 1962 the potential for us the birth the Age of Aquarius came through from our collective race memory - but only now are we able to fully manifest its higher purpose. In 1962 we essentially took a collective in-breath of possibility and now with the cosmic support of the Aquarian alignment of 14th February 2009 we are able to take the out-breath and make it happen.
The second verse of the song Aquarius is;
Harmony and understanding
Sympathy and trust abounding
No
more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Magic crystal
revelation
And the minds true
liberation
Aquarius!
Aquarius!
THE AGE OF AQUARIUS ALIGNS COMPLETELY ON FEB 14TH
(THE SONG HAS COME TO FRUITION)
The Dawning of the Age of Aquarius: A Rare Astrological Concentration
Jude Currivan, Ph.D.
In mid February, we are offered cosmic support to this re-membering of who we really are, by a rare astrological concentration that brings together a number of planets together with the North Node ½ denoting higher purpose - in Aquarius. And which energizes and inspires the possibility for transcendental breakthrough and healing.
We measure our global sense of both space (longitude) and time (universal time - UT or GMT) from the prime meridian located at Greenwich, England. We can perceive the collective influence of this momentous astrological event by looking at the alignment from this globally "centered" perspective. When we do, something extraordinary and exquisite emerges.
At dawn on 14th February the day dedicated to St. Valentine, the patron saint of Love, the Moon in Libra enters the seventh house of relationships. And Jupiter and Mars are aligned inAquarius in the twelfth house of spiritual transformation.
Forty years ago, the intuitive words of a song called Aquarius, brought the dawning of the new age into our collective awareness:
When the Moon is in the seventh house
And Jupiter aligns with Mars.
Then peace will guide the planets
And love will steer the stars.
At dawn on 14th February the Cosmos actually embodies this perfect alignment to support our collective manifestation of love and peace and the dawning of the Age of Aquarius.
The Aquarian chart of 14th February reveals an incredible concentration of cosmic influences blending with the energies of Aquarius in the twelfth house. Expansive Jupiter and energetic Mars are aligned with the higher purpose of the North Node. The presence of Chiron the wounded healer offers us the opportunity to heal the schisms that have separated us for so long. Neptune emphasizes collective humanitarian movements and the co-creation of social justice. And the presence of the radiant Sun enlightens the entire alignment.
Mercury also in the twelfth house but just beyond the cusp in Capricorn, allies with transformational Pluto to communicate and anchor the Shift throughout our global structures and institutions.
The Moon in Libra in the seventh house emphasizes harmonious relationships. Venus in Aries in the first house energizes and empowers dynamic co-creativity. And whilst Saturn the great task master in opposition to Uranus the unexpected awakener is suggesting an ongoing confrontation as the dregs of the unsustainable old paradigm reluctantly give way to the untested hope ofthe new, their placements in Virgo and Pisces brings practical altruism and visionary inspiration to the transition.
At 7.25am on 14th February and for the 18 minutes of the alignment, I invite you, in the universal heart, to add your own intention for love and peace and to co-create the dawning of the Age of Aquarius to that of the Cosmos. In whatever way feels appropriate for you, you may choose to align with 7.25am (UT) or 7.25am your own local time energizing a wave of intention that will surge around the Earth.
Having searched for over a thousand years, I can find no other alignments in the past of this incredible significance. But amazingly, at one moment in time nearly fifty years ago, the collective voices of our ancient ancestors seem to have been given such a cosmic voice to energetically seed this coming Age and the birth of the Aquarian human.
In 1962 at the same time on the same day, as 2009, Jupiter and Mars were in Aquarius in the twelfth house and the Moon in the seventh house. But then the awesome concentration of planets that energize the 2009 alignment was missing.
And instead of the North Node (higher purpose) being aligned with Jupiter and Mars as it is in 2009, it was in opposition. What this means is that back in 1962 it was the so-called south node rather than the north node that was aligned with Jupiter and Mars. The south node represents what we bring in from the past. So in 1962 the potential for us the birth the Age of Aquarius came through from our collective race memory - but only now are we able to fully manifest its higher purpose. In 1962 we essentially took a collective in-breath of possibility and now with the cosmic support of the Aquarian alignment of 14th February 2009 we are able to take the out-breath and make it happen.
The second verse of the song Aquarius is;
Harmony and understanding
Sympathy and trust abounding
No
more falsehoods or derisions
Golden living dreams of visions
Magic crystal
revelation
And the minds true
liberation
Aquarius!
Aquarius!
PROGRESSIVE RADIO QUASHED IN D.C.
Another Right-Wing Conspiracy in Washington?
By Bill Press
Sunday, February 8, 2009; Page B08
If you're looking for a break from those conservative voices that dominate talk radio, take time out today to listen to local station OBAMA 1260 AM. You'll hear the progressive voices of Stephanie Miller, Ed Schultz, Lionel -- or, during morning drive, my own "Bill Press Show" -- providing welcome relief from the constant Obama-bashing by Rush Limbaugh and others. Unfortunately, today's the last day you'll be able to do so.
As reported by The Post [Style, Feb. 2], Dan Snyder's Red Zebra Broadcasting Co., owner of OBAMA 1260, has announced plans to jettison all progressive talk and replace it with pre-recorded financial advice programming.
The commercial use of public airwaves is supposed to reflect the diversity of the local community, but that's not how it works in Washington. On the AM dial, WMAL (630) features wall-to-wall conservative talk. So do stations WTNT (570) and WHFS (1580). For the past two years, OBAMA 1260 -- even with a weak signal that cannot be heard in downtown Washington -- was the exception. No longer. Starting tomorrow, our nation's capital, where Democrats control the House, the Senate and the White House, and where Democrats outnumber Republicans 10 to one, will have no progressive voices on the air.
Or maybe one.
To mollify critics, Red Zebra has said it will add Ed Schultz to its conservative lineup on 570 AM. This means Shultz will be outgunned in this market by at least 15 conservative talkers: Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Mark Levin, Chris Plante, Michael Smerconish, Michael Savage, Andy Parks, Fred Grandy, Bill Bennett, Monica Crowley, Bill O'Reilly, Dennis Miller and Lars Larsen. No matter how good Schultz is, that's not a fair contest -- nor a fair use of the public airwaves.
Unfortunately, what's happening in Washington reflects what has happened in one city after another across the country. In Miami, Clear Channel recently dumped progressive talk for sports: Clear Channel stations made the same move in San Diego and Cincinnati. Sacramento abandoned progressive talk for gospel music. In fact, according to a study released by the Center for American Progress and Free Press, there are nine hours of conservative talk for every one hour of progressive talk.
Why? Station owners complain they can't get good ratings or make any money with progressive talk, but that's nonsense. In Minnesota, independent owner Janet Robert has operated KTNF (950 AM) profitably for five years. In Madison, Wis., WXXM, 92.1 FM, just scored its highest ratings ever. And KPOJ in Portland, Ore., soared with progressive talk from No. 23 in market ratings to No. 1. Nationwide, progressive talkers Randi Rhodes, Ed Schultz and Stephanie Miller have proven that, given a level playing field, they can more than hold their own in ratings -- and make money for their stations.
In fact, the only reason there's not more competition on American airwaves is that the handful of companies that own most radio stations do everything they can to block it. In many markets -- witness Philadelphia, Boston, Providence and Houston -- they join in providing no outlet for progressive talk. In others, as in Washington, they limit it to a weak signal, spend zero dollars on promotion and soon pull the plug.
Companies are given a license to operate public airwaves -- free! -- in order to make a profit, yes, but also, according to the terms of their FCC license, "to operate in the public interest and to afford reasonable opportunity for the discussion of conflicting views of issues of public importance." Stations are not operating in the public interest when they offer only conservative talk.
For years, the Fairness Doctrine prevented such abuse by requiring licensed stations to carry a mix of opinion. However, under pressure from conservatives, President Ronald Reagan's Federal Communications Commission canceled the Fairness Doctrine in 1987, insisting that in a free market, stations would automatically offer a balance in programming.
That experiment has failed. There is no free market in talk radio today, only an exclusive, tightly held, conservative media conspiracy. The few holders of broadcast licenses have made it clear they will not, on their own, serve the general public. Maybe it's time to bring back the Fairness Doctrine -- and bring competition back to talk radio in Washington and elsewhere.
-- Bill Press
Washington
The writer, host of "The Bill Press Show," is working on a book about talk radio.
By Bill Press
Sunday, February 8, 2009; Page B08
If you're looking for a break from those conservative voices that dominate talk radio, take time out today to listen to local station OBAMA 1260 AM. You'll hear the progressive voices of Stephanie Miller, Ed Schultz, Lionel -- or, during morning drive, my own "Bill Press Show" -- providing welcome relief from the constant Obama-bashing by Rush Limbaugh and others. Unfortunately, today's the last day you'll be able to do so.
As reported by The Post [Style, Feb. 2], Dan Snyder's Red Zebra Broadcasting Co., owner of OBAMA 1260, has announced plans to jettison all progressive talk and replace it with pre-recorded financial advice programming.
The commercial use of public airwaves is supposed to reflect the diversity of the local community, but that's not how it works in Washington. On the AM dial, WMAL (630) features wall-to-wall conservative talk. So do stations WTNT (570) and WHFS (1580). For the past two years, OBAMA 1260 -- even with a weak signal that cannot be heard in downtown Washington -- was the exception. No longer. Starting tomorrow, our nation's capital, where Democrats control the House, the Senate and the White House, and where Democrats outnumber Republicans 10 to one, will have no progressive voices on the air.
Or maybe one.
To mollify critics, Red Zebra has said it will add Ed Schultz to its conservative lineup on 570 AM. This means Shultz will be outgunned in this market by at least 15 conservative talkers: Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, Mark Levin, Chris Plante, Michael Smerconish, Michael Savage, Andy Parks, Fred Grandy, Bill Bennett, Monica Crowley, Bill O'Reilly, Dennis Miller and Lars Larsen. No matter how good Schultz is, that's not a fair contest -- nor a fair use of the public airwaves.
Unfortunately, what's happening in Washington reflects what has happened in one city after another across the country. In Miami, Clear Channel recently dumped progressive talk for sports: Clear Channel stations made the same move in San Diego and Cincinnati. Sacramento abandoned progressive talk for gospel music. In fact, according to a study released by the Center for American Progress and Free Press, there are nine hours of conservative talk for every one hour of progressive talk.
Why? Station owners complain they can't get good ratings or make any money with progressive talk, but that's nonsense. In Minnesota, independent owner Janet Robert has operated KTNF (950 AM) profitably for five years. In Madison, Wis., WXXM, 92.1 FM, just scored its highest ratings ever. And KPOJ in Portland, Ore., soared with progressive talk from No. 23 in market ratings to No. 1. Nationwide, progressive talkers Randi Rhodes, Ed Schultz and Stephanie Miller have proven that, given a level playing field, they can more than hold their own in ratings -- and make money for their stations.
In fact, the only reason there's not more competition on American airwaves is that the handful of companies that own most radio stations do everything they can to block it. In many markets -- witness Philadelphia, Boston, Providence and Houston -- they join in providing no outlet for progressive talk. In others, as in Washington, they limit it to a weak signal, spend zero dollars on promotion and soon pull the plug.
Companies are given a license to operate public airwaves -- free! -- in order to make a profit, yes, but also, according to the terms of their FCC license, "to operate in the public interest and to afford reasonable opportunity for the discussion of conflicting views of issues of public importance." Stations are not operating in the public interest when they offer only conservative talk.
For years, the Fairness Doctrine prevented such abuse by requiring licensed stations to carry a mix of opinion. However, under pressure from conservatives, President Ronald Reagan's Federal Communications Commission canceled the Fairness Doctrine in 1987, insisting that in a free market, stations would automatically offer a balance in programming.
That experiment has failed. There is no free market in talk radio today, only an exclusive, tightly held, conservative media conspiracy. The few holders of broadcast licenses have made it clear they will not, on their own, serve the general public. Maybe it's time to bring back the Fairness Doctrine -- and bring competition back to talk radio in Washington and elsewhere.
-- Bill Press
Washington
The writer, host of "The Bill Press Show," is working on a book about talk radio.
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