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knit-in, solar stoves, Rice [18 Apr 2008|11:11pm] Knit-in held for Darfur awareness    A tour group visiting Penn State saw more than just the HUB-Robeson Center and East Halls yesterday. They saw 50 people knitting 400,000 pink stitches on the Pattee Mall. "Sign a petition for Darfur," students knitting yelled at the passing tour group, adding, "There's nothing more Penn State than that." The Knit-in, sponsored by Women's Studies 401 (Feminist Perspectives), taught by professor Stephanie Springgay, represented the 400,000 people killed during the genocide in Darfur. It took place in front of the Pattee/Paterno Library's central entrance from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. yesterday. The group's goal was to raise awareness of the genocide and to raise enough money to buy two $15 solar cookers for families living in Darfur refugee camps. The cookers are meant to ensure that women do not have to leave their camps. "When women leave their camps to get firewood, they are often raped or murdered," said Sarah O'Donald (junior-women's studies and human development and family studies). The money will be sent to Jewish World Watch, a human rights organization that fights genocide around the world. They also created a petition and handed out postcards that ask the government to do more about Darfur. The petition and postcards will be sent to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. "It's about Darfur, but it's also about violence against women," Springgay said. Springgay said the project was not originally on the class' syllabus, but class members decided to drop the final exam in favor of this project. "We learned to knit in the beginning of the class, and [Springgay] talked about knitting as a peaceful way of using activism," O'Donald said. They considered a number of topics to raise donations for, but the students chose Darfur because "it's not represented on campus very much," O'Donald said. Curt Porter (graduate-curriculum and instruction language and literacy) participated in the Knit-In. "I think it's a good cause. When you read the newspapers all you read about is [Sen. Barack] Obama and [Sen. Hillary] Clinton ... I think there are more important things," he said. Participants said they liked the idea of knitting to raise awareness. "I like the idea of using knitting as a way to get people's attention. Knitting's such a passive, peaceful act," Leslie Rosenbaum (senior-journalism) said. Porter said there is something about knitting "that's naturally pacifying and peaceful." "I think it's a way of rethinking protests," he said. Although their goal was only $30, the Knit-In raised $112.23 from donations from passersby. They also got 90 signatures on their petition, and 50 postcards were filled out. "I consider this a success. It went really well. We provided information, answered a lot of questions and had a lot of people sign the petition," O'Donald said. The group will host another Knit-In from 1 to 3 p.m. today on the Old Main lawn. This demonstration will be to help raise awareness of sweatshop labor. post comment

hello uncle jeff! [02 Apr 2008|11:11pm] 6 comments|post comment

Lee Mingwei [30 Mar 2008|11:11pm] As an artist who has had solo exhibitions at The Whitney Museum of American Art and The Cleveland Museum of Art, Lee Mingwei explores the evanescent and diurnal cycles of living. His work is based on such basic human activities as cooking, letterwriting, and now child-bearing. A few weeks ago, writer Janice Versalius of PaperVeins magazine had a long and intimate conversation with Mr. Lee in his Manhattan apartment. An excerpt of the interview appears below. Additional interviews with Mr. Lee will also be included in the upcoming film documentary. Janice Mr. Lee, as we just discussed, male pregnancy may prove to be an extremely dangerous medical procedure at this point – particularly when your doctors perform your Cesarian operation. Why have you chosen to do this? Mr. Lee A lot of people have cast this endeavor as something terribly monstrous – a startling example of how science and medicine have simply gone too far. From my perspective, however, I am simply bringing a child into this world. There is nothing more natural and beautiful on this earth than that. This is something that I've always wanted to do. Janice But surely you understand why some people find the idea of a pregnant man disturbing? Mr. Lee Well, I understand how it may be a shocking concept at first. Biologically, women have always given birth to children, and men have not. Despite the dramatic results of the sexual revolution in the latter half of this century, there are still very distinct and concrete social roles determined by this... until now... undeniable biological fact. Now, it seems, we have several important questions to consider. Why shouldn't men carry children and care for a fetus the same way a women does? Why shouldn't a man bear a burden that women have always carried? On the other hand, why shouldn't a man be able to experience the same joy and excitement that a pregnant woman feels nurturing a child within her own body? Now I think men, as well as women, have more choices, more possibilities, more roles they can assume in their lives. Janice I can tell you that my father for one would have donated all his internal organs before even entertaining the idea of getting pregnant. Mr. Lee Yes, it's interesting that many men feel very threatened by this idea. Men getting pregnant used to be a big joke – a point of ridicule. Someone was telling me about this popular American film where Arnold Schwarzenegger's character became pregnant. The humor was based on the sheer absurdity of such a distinct feminine condition being imposed on someone who represented the ultimate paradigm of Western masculinity. It seems like something rooted in a preoccupation with very traditional gender role assumptions. There was also an episode of The Cosby Show, apparently, where the male characters dreamed they were all pregnant. Now that pregnant men are a reality, no one is laughing anymore! Janice I was thinking about how a lot of sitcoms, particularly in the 70's and 80's, were always filled with men dressing up women to get laughs. But when men in real life actually wanted to dress up as women, they were usually harassed or beaten up. Mr. Lee That's a good analogy. Drag was once considered something provocative, bizarre, and unnatural. Now we even have the mayor of New York dressing up as a woman on live television. Did you hear about that? Janice I remember seeing it last year on Saturday Night Live. I thought I was hallucinating. Mr. Lee But, he still did it for laughs. I think many drag queens who were drawn to the subversion of drag – the shock value of it – are somewhat disappointed at how mainstream it has become. And at the same time, I see many transvestites who are still marginalized by both gay and straight people. If you're a man who actually wants to become a woman, without the intent of performing or putting on a show, then you're still considered weird. Janice How would you respond to people who would consider you a pregnant transvestite and not a pregnant man? Mr. Lee Well, it's not really accurate. I'm still male afterall – biologically and anatomically. It's interesting that some people believe the definition of being a man is so precarious! And unlike the men who feel this strong desire to physically become women, I've never wished for that ... and I haven't done that. I have, however, always wanted to have a much stronger empathy with women. I love my mother and sister very much, and I'm very happy to share in something they have both experienced. Being pregnant is a wonderful feeling. It's something that all human beings – both men and women – should experience before they die. This process has been a spiritual rebirth for me. Janice I was just reading about one of your art projects – A Hundred Days With Lily. You have also described it as spiritually renewing experience. Mr. Lee Yes. I carried a handful of white lilies for three months with me wherever I went. It was in honor of my grandmother who had passed away, to pay respect to her in some small way. Janice I read that this was something rooted in Ch'an Buddhism. Is that correct? Mr. Lee The idea is rooted in Ch'an Buddhism. I had spent many years growing up in a Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. We learned to appreciate the simple, transient, and everyday moments in life. Janice Well, I must say, a pregnant man isn't something you see everyday. Mr. Lee Actually, I see this pregnancy as being very much in keeping with Buddhist philosophical thought. There is a strong connection I feel between myself, the child within my body, and the world around us both. And I think there is a greater awareness and empathy I now share with my mother and sister as a result of my pregnancy. Most of all, there is a level of insight and understanding about being alive – of sharing your life – in ways that I've never realized before. Janice I've talked with other pregnant people who have also described this sensation. I felt it strongly myself when I had my own daughter a few years ago... One last question, Mr. Lee. Do you have a name for your baby yet? Mr. Lee I think I'll only know the name when the child is born. I guess we'll have to wait and see! post comment

saturday night [16 Mar 2008|11:11pm] i met elijah wood, jandek & thurston moore and played at SXSW all in one day! 6 comments|post comment

bliss lover [13 Mar 2008|11:11pm] post comment

O D E S [06 Mar 2008|11:11pm] Love Said to Me I worship the moon. Tell me of the soft glow of a candle light and the sweetness of my moon. Don't talk about sorrow, tell me of that treasure, hidden if it is to you, then just remain silent. Last night I lost my grip on reality and welcomed insanity. Love saw me and said, I showed up. Wipe your tears and be silent. I said, O Love I am frightened, but it's not you. Love said to me, there is nothing that is not me. be silent. I will whisper secrets in your ear just nod yes and be silent. A soul moon appeared in the path of my heart. How precious is this journey. I said, O Love what kind of moon is this? Love said to me, this is not for you to question. be silent. I said, O Love what kind of face is this, angelic, or human? Love said to me, this is beyond anything that you know. Be silent. I said, please reveal this to me I am dying in anticipation. Love said to me, that is where I want you: Always on the edge, be silent. You dwell in this hall of images and illusions, leave this house now and be silent. I said, O Love, tell me this: Does the Lord know you are treating me this way? Love said to me, yes He does, just be totally, totally silent. post comment

veggie burger [28 Feb 2008|11:11pm] 1 comment|post comment

fly [30 Dec 2007|12:04pm]   post comment

enchanted [26 Dec 2007|11:11pm] drove north on the night of the full moon, drove until the interstates became country routes & ranch roads. turned off the headlights and everything was still, cool, bewitching blue. pitched the tent alongside the Llano River; it's slow movement was an all night soundtrack 30 degrees and under 4 blankets much warmer. stars glittered like ice as the grass frosted beneath us. Enchanted Rock: a batholith of light pink granite sticking out from sandy, thorny hills that surround it. they say texans are friendly, but this terrain (of random rocks, steep drops, cacti, fire ants, rattle snakes, hot sun) is completely unforgiving! the dry winter, though, has tamed this place. we came to enjoy it.   hiking up, looking out on top! top of the rock picnic: olives, chipotle cheddar, french bread, cultured veggies, lara bar, banana, pecans, jasmine tea & water aaron maneuvering between the fallen granite "caves" surrounded me trying to figure out how to get out on the lake sunset on the loop trail deer after sunset! sharing with you our holiday adventure, we hope you've had a wonderful celebartion with time to enjoy, connect & discover new ways to enjoy everything & everyone that surrounds you! love in stone, * post comment

increase [17 Dec 2007|11:11pm] i love when people sing me happy birthday! mocha pecan tres leches cumpleaños cake! 4 comments|post comment

birthday showers! [13 Dec 2007|08:06pm] December 2007 Geminids December 13-14 Frequency:   The most reliable meteor shower of the year, the Geminids are characterized by their multi-colored display--65% being white, 26% yellow, and the remaining 9% blue, red and green. quintana beach, sleeping bags, pillows & dried mangoes. (leaving. right now!) 1 comment|post comment

born on a monday, party on friday [05 Dec 2007|11:11pm] xx meets xy in 1981 from an extraordinary coordination of energy, fluids, feelings & timing emerged the proper space in which ankah could start forming her body. tracing back cell memories, the first impulse that created her was love. she gathered nutrients & spent time listening through fluids to the sounds her mother made. ankah sent impulses to her mother to be fed pomegranates nearly everyday. snowflakes fell gently as her new skin was touched by strangers with gloves weighing, washing... she was mildly jaundiced & happened to not have enough time to finish making a very small part of her heart. she went home just before christmas. the lights on the tree fascinated her. she would make a high pitched sound when she saw them flashing and changing colors. the merging of celebration & birth has always been together in her life. this year, she would like you to celebrate her newest year with her! come celebrate ankah's  26th  year of life! bring on the celebration & the blinky lights!       dress up 80's, festive, warm                                                    music, billiards, dancing, talking                                                                                                food made by ankah & karen Friday December 14 @ 8pm 1719 live oak street unit e houston 77003 if you wish to gift, there's 2 things ankah's really wishing for: to finish college! (only 1 year left on a B.F.A.) Ron Paul for president! and before you leave the house, don't forget to put on your PARTY ASS! ~much love~ 1 comment|post comment

the epic is done! [04 Dec 2007|11:11pm] ((the softest i've ever knit)) 3 comments|post comment

cute [02 Dec 2007|11:22pm] 1 comment|post comment

sugarland performance [27 Nov 2007|11:11pm]   2 comments|post comment

the cold part [27 Nov 2007|11:11pm] after all the complaints of 80+ degree heat and mosquito bites in november, we finally got hit with the damp cold cloudy rainy windy winter weather.   i've been getting out of bed keeping my pajama pants & knee socks & shirt on pulling work clothes over them. the thick scarf i knit earlier this year has been dug out & is diligently wrapped around my neck before leaving the house.   i let aaron borrow a vivid scarf i knit half cyan/half red with cyan fringe on the red side & red fringe on the cyan side (part of my "opposite on the color wheel" series). it is hand-spun & kettle dyed yarn from Uruguay. i remember where i knit the most of it, which was in a coffee shop in Cambridge, MA. the dye stained my wooden knitting needles.   the rains clean the streets and the air seems lighter. i feel the magic in the cold weather. it's undeniable. something happens in the cold that is unique. it feels like a higher vibration.   the sun is out today, full force & brilliant. i love these kinds of days, when the sky is so clear you can see the moon from last night and the pieces of blue reflect off of the tops of irises, bounces off of black hair.     *ankah's cold little fingers* post comment

on my days off... [19 Nov 2007|11:11pm] 12 comments|post comment

new moon bhajan [11 Nov 2007|11:11pm] the temple is psychedelic. and the krishnas know how to get down! post comment

deepawali love [08 Nov 2007|11:11pm] Deepawali is a festival of lights symbolizing the lifting of spiritual darkness. Asatho maa sadgamaya Thamaso maa jyothir gamaya Mrityour maa amritham gamaya From the unreal lead me to the real, From darkness lead me to the light, From death lead me to immortality Continuing the story of Rama, this festival commemorates his return to Ayodhya after completion of his fourteen year exile and after his victory over the evil king Ravana. Twinkling oil lamps (diyas) light up every home and fireworks displays are common all across the country. The goddess Lakshmi,  who is the symbol of wealth and prosperity is also worshiped on this day. This festive occasion also marks the beginning of the Hindu new year and Lord Ganesha, the elephant god, the symbol of auspiciousness and wisdom, is also worshiped in most Hindu homes on the Deepawali day. The occasion of Deepawali sees the spring-cleaning and white-washing of houses and decorative designs or rangolis are painted on floors and walls. New clothes are bought and family members and relatives gather together to offer prayers, distribute sweets and to light up their homes. many blessings this new year! may your life overflow with wisdom, love and abundance of the Divine. *ankah* 6 comments|post comment

mexikitsch [05 Nov 2007|11:11pm] some people call it art... or soup who knew i'd match the piñatas! make tacos not war! 3 comments|post comment

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