 
Catfish

Volumes 31-35

©2015

Andrew Bushard

Catfish

Volume 31

Andrew Bushard

3/10/02

Hello wonderful Catfish fans. The latest issue of Catfish is before your eyes. Hopefully it will be a delicious feast that you will savor.

For the author, graduation is near. After 5 years of college, ending time is within reach. Although college is almost done, education itself is not. Graduate school is on the horizon. The plan is first the master's then the PhD. For the master's, the author is going to go to a cold city, Mankato Minnesota to attend the sociology graduate program at Minnesota State University in Mankato. Hopefully, after the master's the author can migrate to a warm climate. The author detests the cold . A huge plan is to continue the revolution of Federation Without Television. Mankato is the plan for FWT's second chapter.

There is a fear that graduate work will take away from the revolution due to the time and commitment involved. Hopefully, it won't be way too much more intense than undergraduate work. The revolution of Federation Without Television is a must for this existence, so the author is determined to make it go strong. Not only is there the course load of graduate school, but I also am fortunate to have a graduate assistantship. The assistantship requires about 20 hours a week of work. That is a major time commitment. Hopefully the specific details of scheduling for the assistantship can be fleshed out early, so lots of planning for FWT can occur when the schedule is out of the way.

The assistantship is wonderful because it will pay 8000 a year. To most Americans, this doesn't seem like much. But to college students that at the very most made 3000 a year, it seems like a gold mine. This last school year including the summer, the author delivered newspapers, which pays 80 dollars a month. Adding only 300 dollars for the brief time at the summer camp, this is only slightly over one thousand dollars. Having such little income, helps one value 8000 dollars. The fact that many Americans would not be content with 8000 dollars demonstrates how spoiled we are. 8000 dollars is sufficient if one is dedicated to living at least relatively simply. 8000 dollars is sufficient to provide the basic needs of life and extra comforts. All that money will feel great to have.

Federation Without Television recently came out with a series of 5 new leaflets. Each leaflet addresses a particular political view, hoping to attract the proponents of the view over to our cause. Leaflets are targeted to Liberals and Progressives, Conservatives, Socialists, Libertarians and Anarchists. Television's damages is so powerful and pervasive, television is clearly an enemy to the actualization of all of these groups. Anyone who seeks to cultivate a better society is threatened by television. The harm of television is evident when we consider it is disastrous to all these groups. Federation Without Television seeks to be very dynamic, we want to be a hope where all this groups of people feel comfortable. An organization that can attract such a wide collection of peoples is truly a powerful organization, we hope to be such an organization. A successful movement is a movement that can unite diverse peoples together for a common purpose. The above mentioned groups have very different views, but all should find power in our anti television movement because television discourages critical thought and social evolution. Television is a tool of the status quo, and these groups recognize ills of the status quo that need changing. All these beautiful people can be a great service to the actualization of the Federation Without Television.

You the reader should get involved in Federation Without Television. Any commitment is helpful. If nothing else, read our literature, the FWT book, Federation Without Television: The Blossoming Movement: essays and leaflets available at Xlibris.com. or Amazon com. Also great is listening to our wide array of audio taped programs. Even better is distributing our literature. Visit our website http://bushard0.tripod.com/federationwithouttelevision/. It would be great if you could join the organization. Ultimately awesome, would be starting your own chapter.

In order to become better focused next year, this author desires to stop spread himself too thin. Although the author is currently able to devote lots of time, energy and resources to the Federation Without Television revolution, the author realizes that other activities prevent yet even more time, energy and resources being used for the FWT. The author is involved in probably too many organizations. The assistantship will be an extra crunch, so belonging to too many organizations simply isn't feasible. Focusing can also make one happier. It can be peace inducing to center the energy. Great knowledge of the self leads one to utilize the energy most effectively for what they really love.

Next year, the author is thinking it should be best to participate actively and centrally in only two groups: Federation Without Television and Toastmasters International. Many of the tasks accomplished in other groups, can often be accomplished in Federation Without Television. FWT is so beautiful that it allows one to flourish socially, politically, intellectually and creatively. This is not to say that the work of other groups is not important, just not what is ideal to center most energy on for this existence. The author doesn't like to quit, so when the author graduates, the author will not be quitting. Sure, particular involvement at an individual location will change, but the underlying motivation will not change. It's simply not possible to belong to a local only club at a different locality, thus ending involvement in a local club when a move is necessary cannot be considered quitting. It can be addicting to belong to every worthwhile club, but it's not best for one's energy or sanity or effectiveness. It can be hard to resist other's pleas to get involved in other organizations. It can be hard to be perfectly assertive when one digs what another group is doing, but really shouldn't belong for energy and time reasons. It's tough to be assertive to turn down something you support. Hopefully, I will have the strength to turn down offers of getting involved in other groups.

I do not desire by any means to give up activism, it is integral to me. The activism will either be non organization based or within the framework of the very dynamic Federation Without Television. Too many meetings can be draining. Draining energy from what is most dear to one's heart. It is a matter of concentrating on the core. It is optimal when we can tap into our true calling(s), preventing anything less than vital for us, to drain our energy.

In this issue, are editorials mostly about peace and justice issues. These essays attempt to make powerful statements and encourage people to approach matters most justly and rationally. There are almost some press releases which describe a few activities FWT has been up to. As is most often the case, there are also reviews.

Sleepout for the Prohibition of Alcohol press release deserves mention. This event was inspired by an event a bunch of us did at the end of 2001 called "Sleepout for the Homeless" Due to various experiences and thinking, neo-prohibition has been deemed the most just and liberating approach. On Friday night, the event occurred. Only the author was there for the cause of prohibition. A wonderful friend Blanca Martin was so cool to provide support and company. It was raining badly. It was cold. The temperature was near freezing all night. But due to experiences of other events, what to wear was known. In fact, there were 2 extra layers on top. Blanca was cool because she was there when she didn't agree with the cause, but also when the weather was far less than ideal. That is what one calls a friend! Some of our activist friends, Jim Missey (a retired professor) Dana, Deanna, and Katie checked up on us. The author only slept for about an hour which was when Blanca went home for awhile to get extra supplies and to get warm.

A fabulous idea of Blanca's was bringing a blow dryer. It was a wonderful source of heat that kept us warm. We notice that the heat made the night very bearable. There was almost no shivering. Going to the bathroom was unpleasant because it involved getting feet wet out in the cold rain. The time went by really fast largely because the author and the author's buddy Blanca had really cool conversation. All considered, staying outside wasn't too unpleasant at all. It's empowering to stay a long time outside during the cold, one is able to realize all that they can truly do.

The author made some minutes of recording at the start of the event, discussing the purpose of the cause and the novel event. Blanca's friend Ruthie stopped by and we got some words from her on the tape. We were underneath a building ledge since it was raining. We were very near to many bars. There wasn't a whole lot of people outside. Most people didn't notice us or at least didn't acknowledge that we were there by any comments. We really only had one conversation with someone we didn't already know, a dude that talked alot about homelessness and the Salvation Army. Right before he left, he made hints about devotion to god.

Saturday was a miserable day. There was lots of snow blowing, strong wind blowing and very cold temperature. Although the event was planned to also be on Saturday, it simply was not prudent to stay outside. The author asked Ben Stites the main organizer of Sleepout for the Homeless about when the event should not occur, he said "We are insane but not suicidal. We don't want to stay outside if there is a threat of hypothermia." This standard was applied to the Prohibition event also.

A bunch of great anti-alcohol and prohibition literature was printed on the computer. But since we had almost no interactions with outsiders, none was distribution. The author discovered a great site that had material from back in the day prohibition organizations. The author was thinking that it might be cool to have a "Prohibition camp" inspired by the Peace Camp we did during the beginning of the Afghanistan war. Maybe during the end of the school year when the weather is beautiful.

Dig Catfish. Have a great day, reader.

Andrew Bushard

Reviews

Opposing Junior Viewpoints, Identifying Propaganda Techniques, The Palestinian Conflict, Neal Bearnards, Greenhaven Press, 1990.

Appropriate for kids. I use to be uninterested in this issue, but now it eems interesting. A simple introduction. It's swell how they are encouraging youngsters to think critically. Greenhaven Press deserves kudos for trying very hard to be free from bias.

The Celebrity Almanac, Ed Lucaire, Prentice Hall, 1991.

Light reading, chock full of lists and facts. A copious amount of lists with names, it's almost overwhelming. Your curiosity can be satisfied. You can be entertained.

Everything You Need to Know About An Alcoholic Parent, Nancy Shuker, Rosen Publishing Company, 1990.

Since I detest alcohol with a righteous passion, I applaud any efforts to educate people about alcohol's great evils. Presented is a sensitive approach which is very effective. I was impressed with the use of social work knowledge. This book could be very comforting for young people who suffer due to alcohol. The information could be a liberating revolution for some needy kids. Kids hurt by alcohol could benefit from such a well written and important book like this.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Reinventing Yourself, Jeff Davison, Alpha Books, 2001.

I didn't read this book because I wanted to do a metaphorsis, but rather because the premise looked worth checking out. It seemed as if anyone with some patience could have written this book, the information didn't seem too earth shattering. Sometimes it is good to affirm the knowledge you've heard before, so it could be valuable. It could be useful to refresh yourself with all the different possibilities. To be sure, I could benefit from some ideas in here. Maybe I would have found it more valuable if indeed, I did want to become a new person.

Crossword puzzles for Dummies, Michelle Arnot, IDG Books, 1998.

Recently, I have begun to get crossword cravings. Crosswords are very fun. The author knows her crosswords. People Passionate about their hobbies are a plus. Crosswords are an experience that everyone should do at least every once in awhile. I'm sure Arnot would say that they are an indispensable aspect of modern life. I like it how she also discussed other types of puzzles. I didn't know too much about those. Federation Without Television is even doing a program about crossword puzzles, which I'm sure Michelle Arnot would love.

People Weekly: The Most Intriguing People of the Century, Time Inc, 1998.

Although I disagreed with their slight emphasis of popular culture people over political or social people, they did a good job presenting a wide array of different peoples. I do wish they would have spent more than one page on the autocrats, for these are perhaps the most interesting people to me. I am a fan of picture books, so the expert photography pleased me immensely. The descriptions of the figures were terse and powerful. I am hoping that I will be successful enough to be included in the 21st century version of this book. That is a prime goal of mine.

Food Rules, Bill Haduch, illustrated by Rick Straniski, Putton's Children's Books, 2001.

The book is a colorful, useful book for children. I learned some new info. A little too cautious about vegetarianism. All considered it would be valuable for kids and they are sure to enjoy it.

Cultures of the World: Afghanistan, Sharifah Enayat Ali, Marshall Cavendish, 1995.

Another winner from one of my favorite series. I get self conscious traveling to the children's section for these books, but it is worth it. Afghanistan is a country I needed to know about. Unfortunately this book was written slightly before the Taliban became prominent. This fact demonstrates the instability and change present in Afghanistan since this fine series is one of the most up to date series in the libraries. In a country like the USA, 5 years probably would probably not be as significant as 5 years in Afghanistan. No where is Bin Laden mentioned probably since this book was written before the terrorist incidents even the terrorist incidents before 9-11. This was disappointing, but it certainly cannot be the books fault. Awesome pictures again! Wonderful text. It's very good to learn about this country.

Cultures of the World: Saudi Arabia, Hunt Janin, Marshall Cavendish, 1993.

It's amazing how similar Saudi Arabia is to Afghanistan. Comparing the above book to this book, it appears as if Afghanistan is fundamentalist Islam in a poor land and Saudi Arabia is fundamentalist Islam in a richer land. One fact is for sure, Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan have far more common with each other than we have with Saudi Arabia, our ally. Women are oppressed in both nations. In fact, from my learning about the middle east, I am concluding that socially women have it better in Iraq than in Saudi Arabia. If we truly care about the plight of women, maybe we should refuse to buy oil from Saudi Arabia until women are elevated in status. If we can impose sanctions on Iraq, why not Saudi Arabia too? This book makes me want to learn more about the very interesting country of Saudi Arabia.

1991 and 1992 Top 10 Almanac, written by Michael Robbins, Conceived and Designed by David Kaestle.

Entertaining in the junk food type of way. Too popular culture orientated. Lists are great and some of the lists were fascinating. Unfortunately other lists were banal.

Culture Shock: Successful Travelling Abroad, A Globe - Trotters Guide, Fredrick Fisher, Time Editions, 1995.

This is another great series like "Cultures of the World". This series is more about traveling while the "Cultures of the World" series is more about an introduction to a society. "Cultures of the World" gives you a perspective from afar, while "Culture Shock" guides you right through a given culture. "Cultures of the World" seems targeted more towards children, and "Culture Shock" towards adults. "Cultures of the World" is very photographic, while "Culture Shock" is more text based with a spattering of drawings. In this "Culture Shock" book, the writers are British, so you will see some different spelling that Americans are use to. Not super enlightening, but the book would seem useful for someone who has to remember it all before they travel. The Series is pretty cool in my book. Reading about travel is marvelous.

Culture Shock: Iran, Maria O'Shea, 1999 Time Editions.

I expanded my knowledge about Iran. Iran doesn't seem as bad as I previously thought. I dig learning about countries. This book was one of the few up to date country book at the UW-Stevens Point University library. I am glad I stumbled upon it. Keen book. Written at a good level, not too over one's head nor under it. Read it, it will be worth your while.

Inside Adolph Hitler, Roger Manvell and Heinrich Fraenkel, 1973, Pinnacle Books.

It's great to get various perspectives on Hitler. The difference between the perspectives demonstrates the fact that history is a very relevant subject. Even though I have read a fair amount of books on Hitler, the book did indeed increase my knowledge. The back cover tried to describe the uniqueness of the book, but it's not as unique as the back described. I got it for a darn cheap price at a rummage sale. The book got a little wet, but with a book about Hitler for pocket change, you can't go wrong.

Cultures of the World: Pakistan, Sesan Sheehan, Marshall Cavendish, 1994.

For fabulous pictures, educational value, easy yet very informative reading, you can't go wrong with this series. It is good to learn about Pakistan.

Totally Awesome 80's: A Lexicon of the Music, Videos, Movies, TV shows, Stars and trends of that Decadent decade, Matthew Rettenmund, St. Martin's Griffin, 1996.

My mother thought this book really ruled and I dug it too. The author has bite to his words, he isn't afraid to be sarcastic, brutally honest or mean, which makes the reading delightful. Great lists that help one remember what life was like back in the day. The popular culture bases on this decade are all covered. This book caused me to reflect upon that relationship between the politics of an era and the popular culture of an era. Popular culture books most always seem to be page turning, and here is a perfect example.

Cultures of the World: Kuwait, Maria O'Shea, Marshall Cavendish, 1999.

Go to your local library and check this book out. Or you can go to a local book store if they are cool enough to stock it.

Lands and People: Special Edition: Crisis in the Middle East, Grolier Incorporated, 1992.

A very useful primer about the Middle East. The Various techniques of teaching are quite helpful. Short yet containing the important details. A good place to start to learn more about world affairs.

Flashpoints: The Revolution in Iran, Akbar Husain, Rourke Enterprises, 1988.

A light book in weight, but heavy in value. It was too bad to see the Shah go, because I think monarchy is cool. Iran is an interesting country, before and after 1979. Maybe America can have a revolution like Iran, but a revolution of a different sort. Since I have read two books on Iran, my brain is growing with knowledge about this country.

Saddam Hussein: Absolute Ruler of Iraq, Rebecca Stefoff, Millbrook Press, 1995.

The book started to appear overly biased that Iraq was wrong and Kuwait was right, but by books end there was a fairly fair evaluation of the circumstances. A nice touch was the honesty about George Bush and American foreign policy. A not too long book, with plenty of new knowledge.

Parental Advisory: Musical Censorship in America, Eric Nuzum, Perennial Books, 2000.

The author is a believer in the good of music and believer that the bads of music are over exaggerated. A very absorbing read, it seems to me as if some of the most page turning books I read are books about rock music. The author does an excellent job at exposing the holes in the logic of rock music's critics. Insightful point after insightful point. My only complaint is that the author should be more critical of rock music, because there is alot of rock music that is worthless and destructive. The censors may be whacked out, but often so are the rock musicians. We must be able to distinguish the positive and artistic rock from that which truly undermines our nation. Censors threaten freedom of speech. We should also be ready to criticize rock musicians who are living backwards lives, spout stupid or corrupt lyrics and are bad role models. A key testament to the fact that popular culture is immensely fascinating.

The World's Dumbest Criminals, Jr. Edition, Daniel Butler and Alan Ray, illustrations by Mike Harris, Scholastic Inc, 1997.

Suppose to be international in focus, but there was too many profiles on the U.S. and Canada, other areas are interesting too! As a fan of odd laws, I dug the small section of insane laws. We need more books like this!

Decades of the 20th Century: the 1970's From Watergate to Disco, Stephen Feinstein, Enslow Publishers, 2000.

Brief. Historically valuable book. I wish the pictures would have been in color. I got a better grasp of the decade, I was born at the tail end of. Reading the back cover, I discovered the series only covers the 40's to the 80's. It will be groovy if and when they fill in the gaps. Speaking of groovy, I don't remember "the Brady Bunch" being mentioned, but in the small space only so much can be covered.

Audio

Don McLean Classics, Don McLean, Curb Records, 1992.

Everyone has heard the song "American Pie". It deserves all its praise, the lyrics are subtle, full of images, passionate, original, emotional without losing us and real. A less popular song that has touched me is "Vincent". This song is a prime example of humanity's nobility , reflecting the splendid qualities of both the subject of the song and the writer of the song. "It's a Beautiful Life" is a nifty seemingly stream of consciousness song that makes me think of beatniks. It's good to hear mellow and soft music. I'm glad I can like musicians ranging from the Hardcore to "soft rock". Don McLean seems to be a true artist, not a commercial icon like so many others.

Chicken Soup for the Veteran's Soul, Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Sidney R. Stager, Health Communications, Inc, 2001.

This "Chicken Soup" book didn't do it for me. The other books I have been exposed to, seemed to reach me more. I imagine veterans could obviously relate more than me. I wonder when they are gonna come out with the book "Chicken Soul for the Peacenik's Soul." Probably not for a long time.

Midnight Oil, Scream in Blue, Colombia, 1992.

I wish this wasn't a live album, the benefit of spontaneity doesn't make up for the lost in polish. "Beds are Burning" was a big reason I checked out this cd, and it did not disappoint me. "Sell My Soul" was a new catchy song for me. I think what Midnight Oil is doing is valuable and honorable.

I'm Breathless, Madonna, Sire Records, 1990.

The songs on this album save "Vogue" sound like songs from the 1920's. That era was very interesting to me for various reasons. Like the other album of Madonna's review here, this is done exceptionally. Madonna's class and creativity shine on "Vogue". I listened to that song many times. "Hanky Panky" was a nice surprise. I certainly didn't expect it to be song with a S&M edge. Then there was also "Cry Baby", cool lyrics. Madonna skillfully sings in a voice to fit the part of Breathless Mahoney. So many musicians have done sex appeal so poorly and so typically, that they have made it banal. But Madonna is never banal, her sex appeal is real, human and LIBERATING. I also love how she is so open about sex. Listening to Madonna's sexual music seems acceptable for socially liberated persons. When Madonna poses for a pinup, it is not shameful or degrading. When Madonna sings sexual songs, she is not falling into the same trap as so many of her contemporaries. She is to be commended for this and so much more.

Bedtime Stories, Madonna, Maverick, 1994.

Madonna is groovy. She is dug by me. This album usually synthesize music which many consider unreal, but Madonna uses it very well. She does a wonderful job at making sure rock music, a genre that has been done to death, never gets stale or mechanic. "Human Nature" was repeated on the cd player for me, lyrics and music combined to deliver a marvelous message. Right on Madonna with "Human Nature". "Survivor" also rocks. In fact, most of the songs on this album rock. There are a couple of songs in the middle, that aren't perfectly moving, but overall, Madonna did a great job. She is likely the most attractive woman in America, and she is in her 40's! Madonna posses perennial and everlasting beauty and appeal.

Imagine, John Lennon, EMI Records, 1971.

Unfortunately the later Beatles seemed to have plenty of drug allusions in their songs. This album doesn't seem to have too many drug allusions, so I was glad about that. It also appear as if the music was virtuously simple. Socially aware lyrics that aren't painfully blunt or direct. Very hummable and memorable, catchy.

Question the Answers, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Polygram Records, 1994.

Overhyped. The mediocre album didn't impress me a whole lot. I remember an incident in high school that reflects the band. Two popular yet nice woman in my class were discussing the Mighty Mighty Bosstones in Mrs. Osborne's College Algebra class. One of them remarked "The Mighty Mighty Bosstones started Ska Music." This drove my ska fanatic friend Alan Saunders up the wall. Alan had very definite opinions about ska music. He considered bands like Mighty Mighty Bosstones to be poseurs and to be latter day commercialized ska. Referring to the incident in our class, Alan said something to the effect, "I don't get mad very often, but what they said made me want to break my pencil." The title of the album sounds provocative and profound. To be fair, I didn't have a chance to peruse the lyrics fully enough, but from listening to the album, I don't remember any songs catching my mind's eye as being powerful social statements. (Ska music tends to be lighter on the deep themes and more into fun)

As of late, there is, of course, tons of angry aggressive, vengeful, militant rhetoric spouted by the masses. Many Americans believe we not only have a moral right, but also a moral mandate to attack Afghanistan and also Iraq.

As a peace activist who has been accused of not being real and true enough in my beliefs, I must respond to the empty rhetoric of other side.

Many people are incensed and outraged about 9-11 and often respond to peace activists with knee jerk responses like "We can't sit back and do nothing. We must do something." They make it sound as if the peace activists are the apathetic inactive ones and they are the caring active ones.

It's amazing how many people want war - yet how few are actually fighting the war. It's easy for insulated detached people, living in comfort, to demand war, but it sucks for the people actually fighting the war. We peace activists are deeply concerned about life, both ours and our "enemies". Many people really don't care who dies to teach the terrorists a lesson, just as long as it's not them. The privilege of these people separates them from the reality. Through intuition, reason, morality, us peace activists don't like the thought of anyone fighting war.

There are droves of pro war ranting drunkards imbibing their worthless decadence of a beverage We must remember that the Taliban despite all its egregious faults, has had the insight to ban alcohol.

We need some perspective. Although we are much freer than the Taliban's Afghanistan, the Taliban's Afghanistan did have some advantages to America and in some ways, were indeed freer than us. Banning alcohol was a wise move which liberated at least a part of Afghanistan's soul. Americans thinks that we are free because we have legalized alcohol, but we must realize that alcohol addiction never can be freedom. We and our not free, by any stretch of the imagination, press mindlessly spout rhetoric about us having great freedom, but alcoholic debauchery is the antithesis of freedom. The taverns by plastering a $4.99 flag decal from Wal-Mart on their windows, act like they really care about America If they really cared about America, they wouldn't pollute America with the miasma of alcohol.

There are even sober pro war ranting folks. I believe anyone who wants a war, should be ready to fight it. Else these people really don't want a war. If you truly believe it is noble and virtuous to bomb the hell out of Afghanistan or Iraq, then you should have enlisted in the military. It is quite easy to call for war when others may die. It is easy to demand military aggression when someone else has to do the dirty work. Although, I am morally opposed to most military aggression, I admit, that those in the military at least have the guts to fight the war. So many call for war, yet only a small fraction is willing to fight it. If you want the war, you should fight it. If the masses who aren't in the military, got real with themselves, they should realize that war is ugly. If the non military enlisted, war mongers out there would be honest with themselves, they would realize that war is no game. If you want a war, you should be fighting it. Else, it's just empty rhetoric flowing from your mouth. If many people would actually have to fight the war, likely many people would have second thoughts about being a war hawk. Many fans of war would likely change their tune if they had to actually fight a war. Many people definitely want a war just as long as they are not the ones fighting it. Only a distorted sense of fantasy leads anyone to believe war is anything but ugly. If peace activists are not backing up their beliefs then the taverns and mainstream America sure aren't either.

Dear Pointer:

In regards to Christianity I see 3 main possibilities.

One possibility is the bible is wrong, then of course we shouldn't follow it.

Another possibility is that there is some good and some bad in the bible. If such is the case, we should be take some and leave some. In fact, many Christians do exactly this. Christianity to many is a cafeteria style religion. Many Christians justify their actions based on convenience. Convenience is not a noble motivation. Virtuous people are not motivated first and foremost by pragmatics and expediency. Virtuous people are motivated first and foremost by righteousness. I remember learning that "the Lord would spite out of his mouth the lukewarm". That would seem to be a condemnation of convenient cafeteria style Christianity.

A third possibility is that the bible is completely true, right and wise. Then Christians should be following the bible. From my Christian upbringing I remember learning bible teachings like "Do not fight evil with evil" This would seem to not justify bombing Afghanistan. By bombing Afghanistan we have in a Pointer editorial writer's terms "been playing the Taliban's game" We should show our love and civilization and use a different tactic. An old saying comes to mind "Don't fight fire with fire, fight fire with water and chemicals" Of course there is also "Turn the other cheek". America and many Christians are bent on revenge. Another bible verse is "Love your enemies". Christian America led by God loving George W. Bush hate Bin Laden, the Taliban, some even hating Muslims in general, and worse yet, some hating Afghan people or Middle Eastern people in general. The quintessential teaching of Christianity is supposedly "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Would we like our nation to be bombed? There are just a few of the many teachings in the bible which one who think would inspire Christians to oppose this unjust war.

The most salient appeal is not a bible verse, but a Christian, especially Contemporary Christian outlook. A peace and justice loving friend of mine asked his Christian parents "What would Jesus do?" I think that question should be reflected on by Christians. Would Jesus bomb Afghanistan? Would Jesus invade Iraq? Would Jesus impose sanctions on Iraq? Would Jesus support a draconian war on terrorism?

Christians, now is the time to stand up for justice. I am inspired by religious people whose faith motivate them to fight for justice and peace. Quakers and other peace loving Christians are helping make this world a better place. Christians should be at the anti war demonstrations. But most Christians are not. Christians you could be a great force in the anti war movement. We need you to show the love you profess to uphold. We need you to oppose this war. Christians, if indeed, there is noble love in your religion, this time of trial is the time to show it. You can make a great difference. Christians, you have the choice to either let injustice occur or stand up and refuse evil. Innocent people all around the word depend on you to stand up for the love and righteousness your religion professes to uphold.

Long live justice. Long live peace.

Folks, it is amazing.

There are two ideas the status quo sternly disapproves of: protesting and peacenikism. Any one who embraces either of these ideas as valid is rewarded with criticism and bitter dislike. If you doubt these sentiments, just observe the reactions of the majority of the mainstream whenever someone takes a stand for peace or when someone protests in general.

Thus one would imagine that anyone who exemplified these values

would be a social outcast. One would think that anyone who is a peacenik or a protester, or worse yet, a peacenik protester would be an major foe of today's status quo.

It would be ludicrous to think that a society would glorify as a hero, a person who supported two values it so utterly despises. But indeed this is the case. Every year America closes down schools and government buildings to honor someone who is one of the paradigm examples of peace advocacy and protesting. Every year, our society

exalts the memory of a man who believed in ideals contrary to the status quo of his day and also of our day. To the masses, Protesting often seems right in hindsight, but rarely does it seem right in a contemporary circumstance. Many believe we evolve, unfortunately we fall in the same trap, have double standards and ignore or arrogantly refuse to learn the valuable lessons of history.

It is very ironic that we have a holiday to celebrate the noble work of a person who believes in virtues, our society has largely frowned upon. Sadly many people will hypocritically praise a man who embraces certain values, yet will become irate by contemporary examples of the same behavior. An inconsistency.

Americans are very lucky to live our wealthy society. In many ways, we are very privileged and fortunate. Unfortunately, the affluence most of us experience, can make us forget that there are people in this country who regularly go without.

Hunger and Homelessness are serious problems which deserve our attention. Hunger and homelessness are complex problems, but they are not unsolvable problems. If we learn about hunger and homelessness and we are determined, we can likely alleviate much of this problem's hurt.

In order to promote better understanding about the social problems of Hunger and Homelessness, Federation Without Television is sponsoring the Public Forum: "The Sadness of Homelessness and Hunger" given by Danny Katz of the Wisconsin Public Interest and Research Group. The event will be held Thursday March 21st, 1:00 p.m. at the UW-Stevens Point University Center Room 205.

The solution to any problem stems from understanding the problem. This program will help promote better understanding of a major national problem. Hopefully, one day these problems will be eliminated.

Andrew Bushard, for Federation Without Television

For Immediate Release: February 18th, 2002

Ever since the end of world war two, the specter of nuclear war has petrified us. Due to the advancement of technology, the annihilation of all life is possible. The inventors of nuclear technology opened up a Pandora's box of epic proportions, that cannot be closed.

In order, to preserve the sacredness of life, in the threat of a nuclear holocaust, many activists throughout the years have been diligently working to secure peace. After September 11th, Americans lost their decades old security. If the cards aren't played right, it can be a horrible circumstance for us all. But there is hope if we pursue justice and wisdom. The organization, Nukewatch, located in Luck, Wisconsin is striving to create a better world. Nukewatch believes a key to a better world can be accomplished if we are determined to oppose the insanity of nuclear weapons.

On Wednesday March 20th, 5:00 p.m. in the UW-Stevens Point University Center Room 103, The UWSP organization, Federation Without Television is sponsoring the presentation, open to all and free of charge, by John LaForge of Nukewatch, "The Struggle to Eliminate Nukes", because some of us believe a better world can be achieved.

Andrew Bushard

For Federation Without Television

For Immediate Release:

The Youth are Our Future. The goal is to encourage youth to follow positive paths and models. Unfortunately, our society can often be full of decadent, corrupting influences. Illegal Drugs, alcohol, tobacco and other forms of hedonism are major obstacles to our youth becoming the best they can be.

It is up to all of us to plant the glorious seeds of a better way. We have the great potential to lead youth right, or astray. Our actions and choices make all the different.

In order to advance the most uplifting outcome for the very important youth, Federation Without Television is sponsoring the Positive Youth Conference on March 15th and 16th in the UW-Stevens Point University Room 103.

Positive Youth Conference Schedule

@ UW-Stevens Point University Center Room 103

Friday March 15th

11:10 A.M. Andrew Bushard Keynote Address "The Youth Are Our Future"

12:00 Tim Russell from Log Cabin Republicans and Gays and Lesbians for Life

1:40 Brenda Hansen from the Wausau Pregnancy Information Center "How to Keep Your Kid Out of the Pregnancy Information Center"

4:30 Peggy Obrantz from Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Saturday March 16th

10:00 a.m. Workshop "The Benefits of Role Playing"

12:00 p.m. Christine Jacobs from Mothers Against Drunk Driving

1:30 p.m. Workshop " Resistance to Drugs"

There is a great opportunity for adult mentors to further develop effective strategies to help steer youth towards a just, liberating, pure and sober way. Youth should also find the conference valuable as positive inspiration to live virtuously in an often impure world. Purity and innocence are beautiful, let's do our part to make them reign supreme.

Andrew Bushard

FWT

For Immediate Release:

East Timor has long been an area of contention and conflict. Many believe that the nation of East Timor has suffered a horrific plight and deserve liberation.

The East Timor Action Network has been one of the most vocal and active groups of the East Timor issue. The East Timor Action Network has been working tirelessly to promote awareness about the unfortunate situation in East Timor. The East Timor Action Network hopes that one day the people in East Timor will have freedom.

On Tuesday March 12th at 7:00 p.m. in the UW-Stevens Point University Center Room 113, Federation Without Television is sponsoring the presentation "Justice for East Timor", which will be given by Eric S. Piotrowski of the East Timor Action Network.

This is an excellent opportunity to gain greater knowledge about an area of the world that deserves more attention. Come to further understand why justice for East Timor is right and necessary.

Andrew Bushard

Federation Without Television

For Immediate Release: February 22nd, 2002

In our society, Alcohol is an epidemic problem. It is a problem that pervades all of society's sectors. The damage of alcohol transcends all classes, races and both genders. The sad aspect is that many don't recognize the gravity of this severe problem.

Taverns have contributed to the downfall of morality, health, intellectual culture and our spiritual life. It is time we take action. It is time that the conservatives embrace the glory of opposing an anti family, youth corrupting force. Also it is time that progressive thinkers look to the future, embracing a truly liberating vision.

Because our society deserves better, we must oppose the decadence of alcohol culture. Thus on Friday March 8th starting at 10:00 p.m. until Saturday morning and Saturday March 9th at 10:00 p.m. until Sunday morning, there will be "Sleep out for the Prohibition of Alcohol" on the public sidewalk in front of Steven's Point Main Street Shopko to garner support for the neo-prohibitionist cause. We also seek to galvanize people to emancipate themselves from the shackles of alcohol.

As neo-prohibitionists, we encourage the best approach, banning alcohol WITHOUT imprisoning people. We'd rather focus on eliminating alcohol from society, rather than waste time and energy imprisoning people. Besides, alcohol abuse is punishment enough.

Partake in this activity organized by an informal connection of the interested, rather than by a formal organization. The future of America is on the line. Participate in the amazing activity of sacrifice to bring purity and innocence back to this nation. People are welcome to come and go as much as is needed. Any amount of time protesting or merely visiting the event will be helpful. Opposition to alcohol's destruction is the epitome of love and compassion. Come take the stand that you don't want any more lives destroyed by alcohol.

Andrew Bushard

abush230@uwsp.edu

715-346-5835

442 Pray Hall

UWSP

Stevens Point, WI

54481

At the suggestions of a cool fellow activist I decided to do a write up about a recent protesting experience I did attempting to encourage Christians to embrace our valuable cause. I would like to share my thoughts and insights about the experience.

The idea struck me on the Sunday before. But last Sunday it was raining. I was slightly disappointed at myself for wussing out because of the rain and me needing a nap, so I vowed to do it on Wednesday which is generally the 2nd best night for Church attendance.

I don't know exactly why but the spirit moved me to choose St. Paul Lutheran's Church. I have a little history with this church. Since both meetings with the church were fairly long ago, it likely they forget who I was. First I got to talk to a pastor (I don't remember if it was Pastor Barnes or not) because of a project I was doing for a now defunct group called Alternative Art Forum. This project was hated by top AAFers, due to closed minded thinking of the AAF leadership. I felt it had virtue. The point of the project was to go to churches and have them interpret art. I was able to successfully hook up with the Quakers, and the my art interpretation session with them was inspiring and stimulating. At St. Paul's Lutheran Church, I got a Christian feeling of the mystical guise of the Lord working on me. Thankfully, I did not fall for the all seductive lure. The strings of Godliness pull, but us Secular Humanists like to avoid them for profound reasons. I even got to meet a churchperson who just got back from our ally Israel. The pastor sat down with me and discussed the project, but ending up deciding he didn't want to participate in our project.

The second instance with this church was on May 6, 1998. This was the National Day of Prayer. This was suppose to be held downtown. But ironically, no amount of prayer could prevent it from raining. I was determined to go downtown despite the right and protest this unconstitutional state endorsement of religion, but when I got there I found out that the Day of Prayer was to be held at St. Paul Lutheran's Church instead. I was willing to stand out in the rain to hold my signs saying "Keep Church and State Separate Forever" and "Celebrate Action not Prayer". I was obviously more determined on this day to protest than I was on the last Sunday. My friend Tim convinced me to do this protest and he wanted us to get lots of people. In the end, it was me who was gung ho and Tim didn't come. The point of the protest was 1) to protest government endorsement of religion and 2) to encourage activist action instead of merely praying in the spirit of Robert Ingersoll's quote "The hands that help are better far than the lips that pray". I was also disappointed because I had to walk from downtown to St. Paul Lutheran's Church which isn't too short of a walk. I was missing valuable protesting time doing this walking. It sucked that since the event was inside the church, I could only reach the people entering and existing the building. I would have been more visible had it been inside. It should also demonstrate my determination the fact I was to protest such a strong foundational belief of our society, alone. I was just about throwing myself to the wolves. If the event would have been outside, I really would have been throwing myself at the wolves. It makes a person strong to do protests even if no one else comes.

One guy told me "You need grace." I replied "I already have grace." He responded "If you did, you wouldn't be holding up that sign." One woman unaffiliated with the church came by and asked "Did you know that Jesus died for your sins?" Of course, I did, most people in the United States of America have heard about Jesus. I don't know if you could conceivably meet someone who has. This one woman tried to convince me that people can simultaneously exalt both action and prayer. This woman had some dialogue with me. I made the allegation that Christianity can often be ethnocentric. She said "I don't know what that word means, but it sounds like ethnicity. God loves all races and ethnicities." She even wanted to give me a hug. I declined. Not because I am a mean person, because 1) I did not know her, 2) I rarely give hugs even to people I know well 3) I didn't feel the necessary uplifting connection to give a hug. She invited me inside. But I declined. We did engage in some small talk.

But on December 19, 2001, my mission was considerably different. I did not want to protest per se, but hope to galvanize Christians to join our noble peace movement. From the telephone book, I found out that St. Paul's Lutheran Church met at 5:30 for Wednesday Service. I knew that darkness sets in early at this time of year, but determination to do this was more important.

Ironically not far from St. Paul's Lutheran Church was a church called Peace United Church. in the dark of night, I thought this was St. Paul's Lutheran Church. I mused that this church's definition of peace was a watered down version of ours. They had a pole having "May Peace Prevail on Earth" inscribed in different languages. Cool enough, the language I saw was Arabic.

Since it was dark, visibility was a setback. But I promised myself I'd do, and promising oneself to do an activity then actually doing the activity is of paramount importance is my mind. I brought along a sign I have held for one or two of our peace marches, "Would Jesus Bomb Afghanistan" Sadly, people can twist the bible to anything they want, and is can be often affirmed when people take notice of the sign. It's nuts to see people driving by in their cards and nod their heads "yes" that Jesus would bomb Afghanistan.

It was difficult to find a good location. People in fairly equal numbers came in from both the parking lot entrance and the front. This meant I had to ran back and forth. It was helpful since the evening was a bit cold. Most people didn't say anything. A few said "hello." I got 3 very positive responses to the sign. One guy said "Good point." Another guy said "I don't know. Probably not" A woman responded "Probably not". One women entered and asked me briefly to describe what I was doing, I gave her my spiel about thinking the bible should support peace and wanting to get people to think. She said "People are thinking". She came back out and few minutes later and told me "What about when God encouraged followers to eradicate the heathens from Israel." I made a point about Jesus not killing. She said that "God does use other people to kill sometimes." She made a remark about decisions being difficult in matters like these. I think she understood where I was coming from. Folks, I may have not struck gold, but I got a few specs on my dagger, enough to convince me that digging some more might be a good idea. Although I didn't talk to most of the people who went by, I didn't sense any "Bomb the fuckers" feelings.

I was looking for my bag after I was done, but couldn't find it right way. Luckily I looked inside the window and saw that apparently someone had brought the bag in. It appeared to be a good spirited action. It could have caused me strife, because finding objects in the dark isn't always easy. I snagged my bag and was on my merry way.

Folks, I have an intuition that if we can attract Christians to this cause, especially the mainstream moderate Christians, we can do much with the Peace Movement. If we can get conservative Christians to join us, likely, we can obtain the momentum to achieve wonderful justice. We don't even have to worry about the cool liberal Christians like the Quakers and the Unitarians because they are on our side already! If the Peace Movement can attract the Christian population of this country, we will further validate and empower our righteous cause. Although I am a Secular Humanist and loving it, I dig it when Christians are inspired by their faith to do good. That is indeed awesome. It appears as if neither Secular Humanists nor Christians innately posses just behavior, there appears to be a different variable operating. Christians are often the ones who do the reaching out, it might be a good idea to reach out to them by appealing to their professed values of justice and virtue. Hopefully I can motivate myself to do some more of this worthwhile work.

Goodbye readers, come again.

Catfish 32

Andrew Bushard

Hello. Welcome guests to Catfish 32. It's good that you come today. Have a seat. Take off your sandals. Chill. In this volume we have good articles and reviews. Someone donate a printing press to me. Or it would also be nice to have an unlimited free pass to make copies at a copy store.

In not too shortly of awhile I plan to move to Mankato, MN to begin graduate school. I plan to bring the revolution there too. I am really starting to become focused and passionate about the prohibition of alcohol. It's good to have focus. I admire the trait in people that makes them focus well. Since I'll have less time in graduate school, it's important that I direct my available energies to the most important doings, what really matters most to me. It can drain energy to participate in activities which don't provide you with catharsis and satisfaction. I hope to avoid that as much as possible.

Another new location can cause problems with zine mail. It's difficult to get regular zine mail when there is no constant address. I hope the move does indeed increase the advancement of the revolution and is full lots of excitement for me.

It's vital that I remind you to read my other two zines, "Green Jean Humor" and "Art, Humor and Hate". Also you should check out the book I wrote about the revolution called "Federation Without Television: the Blossoming Movement", from Xlibris.com. Check out the Autonomy Party too, website http://bushard0.tripod.com/autonomyparty. It is needed for you two to help advance the revolution. Start a chapter of either or both Autonomy Party and Federation Without Television. Each have their niches, which is wonderful to suit different people. So far, I have seen 4 facets of our revolution: the spiritual facet (with the religion of Frelsun), the intellectual facet: with Federation Without Television, the creative facet: with zines and other creative activities, and also the political facet with the Autonomy Party. It will be a great day if all the facets of the revolution become completely actualized. We must work to make that happen. There has been plenty of revolutions in the past, it is due time that our original revolution happens! We have great earth shattering life changing events ready for the world. May our beloved wonderful revolution stay strong and achieve our desires!

Read the writings, readers!

Andrew Bushard

Reviews

The Astrologer's Handbook, Julia Parker, CRCS Publications, 1995.

It's important to have an open mind. It's vital. An open mind enables one to see how fascinating astrology can be. It's amazing how seemingly accurate it can seem. This book is very interesting all the way from the beautifully drawn cover of all the zodiac motifs to the nifty powerful charts in the back of the book. The book did a swell job at introducing this beginner to astrology. My friend Blanca has so coolly opening my eyes to astrology and how right on it can seem to be. It's cool that before I didn't give astrology a second thought, but once I got exposed to it, I saw how amazing it could seem be. It seems to be a very romantic outlook. Lots and lots of information, it's good fare to digest. The book helps a person move from newspaper astrology to a deeper (but surely not complete) understanding. Astrology gets my head thinking, and it appeals to me. There is a very exhaustive analysis of the zodiac in this book. The author explains the matter of astrology without pretentious words, making it something a novice can read well. Not being an advanced astrologer, I wouldn't know for sure, but this book seems to be the type of book, that could give a good framework for a beginner and also have the potential to maybe teach a more advanced astrology student some extra facts. (Books that can aid both the expert and novice are truly powerful books). It's cool to probe beyond the surface of what most people know about astrology; seeing its dynamic and complex nature.

You and Your Alcoholic Parent: A Young Person's Guide to Understanding and Coping, Edith Lynn Hornik, Association Press, 1974.

I was fond of the attempt to provide some comfort from a group of people who often are not recognized as great sufferers. Even thirty years ago makes a big difference how the person writes, the book is too old. I don't like the subtly traditional roles portrayed in this book. In addition to some sound advice for alcohol matters, other general good advice is given. I didn't like the AA influence in this book. I'm not too crazy about the organization. Their approach doesn't work for me for a number of reasons. I wish our school library had more current books than this. This may have been satisfactory minus the AA influence for its time, but most of us couldn't relate to it perfectly. Their effort is admirable because alot of these children hurt badly. It was comforting to realize someone is trying to care about us.

Nightmare Abroad: Stories of Americans Imprisoned in Foreign Lands, Peter Laufer, Mercury House, 1993.

It seems as if many travel books border on the unexciting, however there are a few gems and treats out there. I think it's a matter of being untypical and fusing in a little romance too. Romance and excitement are key to a good travel story. The author is to be commended for writing about a different angle for a travel book. Travel books should not be dry like many textbooks are, which is why it's marvelous this author choose the topic and writing style he did. The purpose of this travel book is unique, thus it is welcome.

The Young Hitler I Knew, August Kubizek, Paul Popper and Company, 1954.

This was an old book, but I didn't mind. The book pulled me in. I found some wavelength connection with the book and its tale. A friend inquired as to why I was so drawn to reading about Hitler. Adolf Hitler appeals to me because most people consider him to be the epitome of evil, which permits many from seeing that he was human too. The humanity of Hitler interests me. The subject of Hitler is a subject I never seem to tire off, there is just so much to learn. I was glad to become more knowledgeable about the period discussed in the book, the time in Austria before Hitler went to Germany. I would like to learn about his time from 1914 to when we first joined the National Socialist Party. I dug how the author talked about his reunions with Hitler was the leader of Germany. The book describes the way Hitler treated his friend further demonstrated humanity, something most people don't attribute to Hitler. I do not like the violence and anti Semitism of Hitler. But I am able to set aside that to see some good qualities in Hitler. We all have good qualities, even "evil" people. A truly eclectic person will try to find virtue in what others deem having no redeeming value. In Hitler's early days, I find I can identity with some of his suffering. My hope to aspire to a mighty position like he did, but use the power for good. Without the qualification I dislike the anti Semitism and the violence of his regime, I believe there is a lot to learn from Hitler, even to admire. The author did not do a boring academic study, which is likely why the work was so wonderful to read. The author was very candid and was not pretentious, using his real stories from a real person that he is. The genuine touch was a plus, to be sure! Reading about Hitler captures me.

It Won't Happen to Me, Susan Newman, Pedigree Books, 1987.

It was good how much of the books was in the form of narratives, because I hear youngsters can sick of preaching about drugs. I like books that show the bad side of drugs. Too many youngsters are hedonistic today, thus definitely needing a wake up call. Hopefully, youngsters will not be cocky and too confident in themselves to actually read it. This book demonstrates how foolish youngsters are when they dare to underestimate the ever present harm of drugs.

America's Least Competent Criminals, Chuck Shepherd, Harper Perennial, 1993.

Books about crime sure seem to appeal to people. It's cool to have the lighter side approach in this book, because many crime books are darker in tone. I'm glad Chuck Shepherd put together this book. There's even cute pictures too. This book is a testament to the fact that sometimes in the heat of action, criminals don't think the most clearly or rationally.

CB: Citizen Band Radio Service Rules, prepared by the Federal Communications Commission, Effective August 1, 1978.

Our public library is shamefully lacking books about CB. It's too bad there are more updated sets of rules. There should at least be a set of rules in the library for checkout AFTER I was born. I imagine rulebooks are high in demand, because there aren't many CB radio operators anymore and probably many CB radio operators don't care enough to read the rules. In 23 years a lot of changes can occur. I'm probably one of the rare few who would read a book like this just for leisure reading. The question and answer format made the reading easy. The explanations are simple enough for everyone to understand. The drawings might even be atypical, I've seen the style before but I can't pinpoint where. For the most part, this was not dull as one might expect rules books to be, but it had interest for me.

If You Love Me, Don't Feed Me Junk, Sandy Gooch, Reston Publishing, 1983.

The title and the theme reflected through the book is right on! Too bad more people don't feel this way. Someday the advice in this book might come in very handy if I ever choose to have kids. Eating right is very important. The author seems like she would be a very kind mother and teacher. She has a wonderful writing tone, a tone that exudes compassion. She has pictures and recipes from children, which surprisingly often weren't the most healthy recipes. It was refreshing to see the author use "her" instead of the gender exclusive "him" many people often use. However, it would have been better in my book, if would have used "his or her". She seems to vie strongly for tolerance and seems to eschew being pushy. I like how she uses how personal bad experiences with was not nutritious food to discuss the importance of proper nutrition.

Simplify Your Life, Elaine St. James, Hyperion, 1994.

This is another of those books which seem very mainstream, but can be an excellent asset to any radical or revolutionary. The book was wider, but it could still fit in my coat pocket. It is of deep substance, yet a breeze to read. This book can be a good reinforcement for me, because I've been thinking about focusing a bit more. I like how the author gives a backseat to unnecessary societal decorum. Most of the ideas are not earth shattering, but it is good to have such a big list in one place to remind us of a number of ways to better focus ourselves.

Children of the World: Jordan, Edited by David K. Wright and Mary Lee Knowlton, Gareth Stevens, Inc, 1988.

The first part with the narrative and the pictures, I dug. But the second part with the straightforward information didn't do it for me. Life in Jordan seemed not too bad You'll read this book in a flash.

You Wouldn't Want to Be A Slave in Ancient Greece: A Life You'd Rather Not Have, written by Fiona Macdonald

The cartoon format was fun and effective. It helped to convey the information in a very understandable yet very exhaustive manner. I wonder if the format might slightly trivialize or make light of these people's experiences. The feature "Handy Hint" along with other neat organizing techniques can really help someone absorb this material. The format is very entertaining. I had a history class which made Ancient Greece sound dull, but this book does the opposite.

Shortwave Radio Listening for Beginners, Anita Louise McCormick, TAB Books, 1993.

I wasn't too impressed. I've read about shortwave listening before, and I don't think much at all was added to my knowledge bank. In reading books about shortwave radio, I like to look at how the subject of pirate radio is handled. Although others are worse, she wasn't too great about pirate radio. It's probably the most interesting part about shortwave; she only used a few pages to cover it: a disservice! She did give pirate radio some props, but I believe she should have been more empathetic. She was too reserved about it. If you don't have any knowledge about shortwave, this could help you, if you do have a bit of knowledge, you will probably find it dull. It's too bad our library doesn't have better books about the topic.

A Day In the Life of A Police Detective, David Paige, Troll Associates, 1981.

From looking at the pictures in the beginning, I guessed that the book was probably written in the early 80's. Then I looked at the date the book was published and I was right! Kids could learn something by reading this book. It's good to see books perhaps naively look at police officers. With today's cynicism and anti police sentiment, it's necessary to have a book that portrays police positively, because they truly do help out society, some of the time at least. Besides, likely young children likely can't comprehend the issues of corruption and brutality.

At the Police Station, Carol Greene, Child's World, 1998.

Photos accommodated the text giving a good glimpse. Cartoons added comments and sometimes admonitions to youngsters. The level fun motifs is ideal to still teach and also keep the youth focused.

Officer Brown Keeps Neighborhoods Safe, written by Alice K. Flanagan, photographs by Christine Osiniski, Children's Press, 1998.

It focused on the happenings of one police officer. I liked how it used a successful black woman to motivate others in disadvantaged positions to rise up. Very few words in this book, there can't be too much more than 100-125 words. I could have just as easily read it in an instant at the library without checking it out, but I wanted to review it.

How To Watch TV News, Neil Postman, Steve Powers, Penguin Books, 1992.

A winner! This is the second book I read which Neil Postman wrote, and I'm glad he's willing to call a spade a spade in regards to television. In fact, the thesis of this book is to not blindly absorb the news on the television set. What was true 10 years ago, is likely even more true now. The insightful chapter "Television in The Courtroom" would be especially pertinent after the O.J. Simpson trial. Page turning, enhancing one's insights about television and media, written at a very sophisticated yet highly readable level and style. One Joke about Switzerland I found funny especially because it's my type of joke motif. Excelling at being excellent.

Teens and Drunk Driving, Nathan Aaseng, Lucent Books, 2000.

Sometimes we may expect books written for younger audiences to be light on content, but I felt this was not the case with this book. There was certainly new info that I learned about. Prohibition was covered without vilifying it too much, but I wish they would have embraced it. Unfortunately, too few do. This book is a contribution to our struggles. The book informs us without preaching.

Periodicals

Laugh: Comics Digest, Close-Up, 1977.

Archie's trouble is loaded with fun and charisma. For variety, it's nice to see some side minor strips presented too. I would like to read more Archie comic strips because it's a good strip. Parents might not mind it either because it's relatively clean, probably PG rated. Since Archie is a good comic, I wonder why I don't remember seeing it syndicated in many newspapers. The strip "Caramel" was a wonderful tale, with a different tone than the other humorous strips. It was a story with elements of sadness which touched me, by the way it cared about animals. The author of that piece is to be commended for using a comic to present an often tragic circumstance of animals. The characters in that strip were lovable, I hope to read more of this strip. I approve!

Audio

Beatles, Help: The Original motion Picture Soundtrack, Capitol Records.

What I dig about the Beatles is how they master melodious singing. Many Beatles songs are very memorable because the music is real rock done well. I really dug "Help!", "Ticket and Ride" and "You're Going to Lose that Girl" these songs I wanted to listen over and over again. Unfortunately, the audio quality was bad; I imagine partially because the tape is older and also partially because it's a library tape that has likely been used a lot. I wish I could have heard the songs in a bit better audio quality, but the music was good anyways. I noticed that the album seemed shorter than maybe what I thought was standard. Maybe it was because it is a soundtrack and maybe it is because that was the practice back then. Truly a band that has stood the test of time, and it is well deserved success.

Bad Religion, Process of Belief, Epitaph, 2002.

This is Bad Religion, so of course, the album is good. Since I'm eclectic minded, I can't really choose one favorite band. Bad Religion does appeal to an essential and major part of me. The music lyric combination is almost perfected. I was happily surprised to see a song called "Kyoto Now". A very timely and needed song. Lyrics are loaded with thoughts to ponder about, a great and too rare attribute of music. I observed from this album that Bad Religion doesn't seem the most dynamic musically. They don't change a whole lot over the years, and don't seem to delve into too much musical new territory, in other bands this could be quite the setback, but I love what Bad Religion does, so it isn't that big of a deal. A sign that a band rocks is a band that you can play over and over again without tiring of them. It almost seems impossible to get sick of Bad Religion. Surely, my mind will be absorbing all the thoughts of this album for a long time to come, and hopefully lots of listenings will help me gain more insight into their radly incredible lyrics. I bought this in vinyl and decided it was a good decision. Lyrics were printed both on the album cover and the record sleeve, to me this seemed different. Bad Religion isn't a happy go lucky band, which is good because their unique perspective and analysis of the world is an awesome asset to my eclectic self.

10 Stupid Things Couples Do to Mess Up Their Relationships, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, read by the author, Harper Audio, 2001.

I've heard some very negative remarks about Dr. Laura Schlessinger. Since liberals can be biased, it often best to get it from the horse's mouth to judge for myself. She is a bit too extreme, but I do believe she has some wise advice. I do not agree with her assessment that our culture is majorly slanted in the liberal direction, I believe it is slightly slanted, but to ill effects in some ways. Yes, some ways of the old were perfectly fine, which we should go back to. If she tempered her views a bit, she could be deemed totally wise. She believes sexist views, which I do not think are healthy. I wish she wasn't sexist and she didn't believe in stereotypical roles for the sexes. If she could drop that, she could be very helpful. I believe the liberals have exaggerated about her. At any case, it is foolish to close oneself completely to her words, because there is some good here.

Drinking: A Love Story, Caroline Knapp, read by the author, Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing, 1997.

I've walked past this audio tape before at the library, but didn't check it out. I'm glad I did now. Maybe its length deterred me, but now it didn't stop me. A book about the pitfalls of alcoholism is of course, right up my alley. It's a emotional testimony and a good one. Occasionally hard facts are thrown in to frame her experience in the bigger picture. It was wonderful because I did not have these very potent specific facts solid in my head before. It's a sad story, but we should hear it because it reinforces the idea that there is too much to lose by drinking alcohol. A portrait of an alcoholic is sad, but hopefully we can be galvanized to change because of it. She even mentioned prohibition, but it was in a sense that wasn't endorsement of the novel idea. I hope to find more good books like this about the troubles of alcohol.

State of the Revolution Address

Below is the text of the first ever Federation Without Television "State of the Revolution Address." We have "State of Nation" address by the President, "State of the State" address by the governor, we even have "State of University Address" by our student government president, we also have "State of the City address" which our college student alderperson Matt Filipak gave one night at a tavern. Why not have "State of the Revolution address?"

The revolution is strong. We must pat ourselves on the back, for all the wonderful work we did over the years here. The revolution has been incredibly awesome.

Recently, there was a powerful sign about the difference this fabulous organization has made, that we made a Pointer newspaper Crossword puzzle, don't remember too many other groups making. We are becoming entrenched as a major feature of this campus. Clearly we have made a name for ourselves and have made a profound difference in Stevens Point, soon, hopefully we shall make a difference for the entire world.

In 3 years, we started from scratch and have blossomed into one of the most active, ambitious, prominent, dynamic, novel organizations to ever set foot in this town. We have made awesome strides for this ultra essential revolution. As this revolution unfolds, there is much excitement to be actualized. At every step of evolution, excitement flourishes!

We have proved our selves to be very fair minded, very dynamic and very inspiring. We have beautiful stamina and endurance that gives us power and determination to persist in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

We have exemplified the virtues of inventiveness, creativity and dreaming. We have carved out an awesome niche, which was previously a very empty void.

We have produced a prodigious amount of quality programs on a vast cornucopia of topics. All these different programs have been instrumental in promoting intellectual growth and critical inquiry. We have been bold enough to expose ourselves and others to the wide spectrum of ideas. The Sky is the limit is the organization, where we keep growing in the diversity of ideas and views we present.

We have had a book published, which has 30 copies have been purchased thus far. We have had business cards made. We have a website. We have a great list of interesting audio tapes available. We have office space. We have come a long ways. We have produced first class promotional material, including 12 different leaflets. We are a class act. Even more virtuous fruits are yet to come. You can help make it happen.

Now we face a pivotal point in the revolution. The revolution seeks to be continued in new areas, we seek to have chapters sprout up all over the world, so that one day we can be well known, we can be a household name. The torch of light calls your name. It would be a dire shame if all our hard work and beautiful cultivation of intellectual stimulation and the justice revolution would fade away. You can be one of the powerful leaders we need. Leadership is a challenge, you should accept, because it is a potential that lies in the human species. Leadership is beautiful and is edifying. Leadership is not magic or complicated skill, but rather passion and vision!

Since this organization is dynamic, this chapter of the organization can evolve in a way that the sky is the limit. Your unique personality can be utilized to advance this awesome revolution. Any energy devoted to this revolution is helpful and powerful. In this organization, you as a person can blossom and flourish, even find yourself as the organization is also blossoming and flourishing. There is so much to be done, whatever your commitment level is, you can help this revolution out.

You can write a flyer for us. You can encourage libraries and bookstores to carry Federation Without Television: the Blossoming Movement. You can promote our collection of audio tapes. You can distribute FWT literature. You can continue to cultivate intellectual stimulation here by helping to operate this organization next year and further down the line. It has been an ambitious venture here, but don't think that you would be required to be as ambitious as this organization was in the last 3 three years. Anything that keeps the UW SP chapter going is positive, even the most bare bones operation. Operating an organization may sound scary, but rest assured that you have the power and ability and to do it. It's not a Magical process , it's more about desire and determination to create a better world, which people aren't exposed to endless lies, half truths and distortions. Desire and determination to create a world where people have intellectual autonomy and freedom to flourish creatively are two of the biggest traits of leaders. Don't underestimate yourself, because you have this power. Of causes, the cause of struggling against the mainstream media is one of the most important and most noble. This cause is one of the best uses of your energy, and it will likely fulfill intellectually and emotionally, even spiritually.

Virtually everyone who attends our programs finds to them to be immensely valuable. We have developed a reputation of integrity by having the insight to present views both left and right and otherwise. We tirelessly promote this much too uncommon values of critical inquiry, creativity and intellectual stimulation. The direction of this chapter, along as it fulfills basic missions of the organization, is largely up to any new leadership. We are determined to make our mark on history, to contribute endlessly to intellectual culture and to make a profound difference on the quality of life on this planet.

It is planned to carry this revolution to another state and start another chapter. The second chapter will be another wonderful milestone in the already splendid life of FWT. Let's continue to forge into new territory and establish new milestones. Let's continue advancing our pioneering spirit.

Remember the sky is the limit. By even working to keep this chapter alive at the most basic level, you are doing an awesome deed. Empower yourself and the world, step up to continue this dynamic, novel revolution. . Don't let the fulfilling excitement pass you by; allow your unique perspective on life to shine through as a leader of Federation Without Television at UWSP.

The state of the revolution is great, you can help make it greater, and to evolve further yet. Respond back if you feel the spirit moving you to make a historical impact on society and the world. Be moved by the spirit

Andrew J. Bushard

member of Federation Without Television

Rad Prohibition Event

The concept of prohibition really is beginning to appeal. It's almost intuitive. It's too bad I didn't embrace it earlier. My sXe views and my anti alcohol outlook has grown to adopt this wonderful idea. I use to be against it, but I now am loving it. My contempt for alcohol has caused me to adopt neo-prohibitionism.

I like to look at other activists and organizations and get good ideas from them. I like to adopt their ideas for my own political purposes. Earlier this year, I was inspired by our Sleepout for the Homeless to do Sleepout for the Prohibition of Alcohol. I also thought our Peace Camp was a wonderful idea. It certainly was very fun and powerful. This Peace Camp got me itching to do a Prohibition Camp. I wanted this to be a spontaneous event. I didn't want to plan lots of press releases and other advertising. The hope is that the momentum would carry attention far and wide. There is a definitely virtue and good reason to do a spontaneous protest.

I'm very glad I did it. It's good for psychological reasons and also to help an essential cause, especially a cause like this, that few are in support of it. It's wonderfully liberating to bring new causes to the minds of the masses. Hopefully someday, people will deem neo-prohibition as viable. This cause is unpopular, but it's important to engage in activism in support of obscure causes too. It's a risk, but it's worth it for justice purposes. Most every moral advancement in society happened because people had the guts to endure persecution and resist the status quo. This cause might seem even more risky than others, because proponents are often have very little if any support.

On Saturday May 4th was the first evening. The last evening was Tuesday the 7th. It was 4 nights in all. Hopefully this experience of mine can encourage others to engage in neo-prohibitionist activism, or if not activism in general.

My friend Blanca asked me "What's the difference between a sleepout and a camp?" I replied "probably length." Location was also different too. The Sleepout for the Prohibition of Alcohol was downtown Stevens Point, but this event was in the UW-Stevens Point sundial. Incidentally, from my residence hall director, we recently got an email about how camping out is not kosher. There was some issue about this in regards to Peace Camp, but we got around it. Even if it is a solid regulation, people actually have to care enough to enforce it. Some folks complained during Peace Camp because they didn't like what we were doing. In Peace Camp, many in authority talked about how this camp was in line with first amendment expression rights. This would be good ammo for me if I needed it, but fortunately, there wasn't any major problem with authorities.

A big difference between this and Peace Camp and Sleepout for the Prohibition of Alcohol was the weather. The weather was far nicer than in October during Peace Camp, as it should be in May. The coldest it probably got was around 40 degrees. The difference between 30 and 40 degrees is considerable. It was nice because I didn't need as much clothes this time around. It can be a pain to dress in many layers. At the most I had 2 layers on. Most of the time, it seemed to be around 50 degrees. In the mornings, I went back to my dorm. The time depended on when I woke up, what time I had class and how cold I was in the morning. Unlike the Peace Camp, the Camp could not be 24 hours. I did not have enough energy for that.

I slept on grass and concrete. This helped me realize that I can sleep most anywhere. It's good to be versatile like this. It might come in handy in a desperate situation. Not only could I do, but besides it being a little cold occasionally, it didn't bother me much. My back didn't even hurt much from it. In some ways, it's probably even healthier to sleep outside than inside. Certainly there is better air circulation. In this spring time, there's not many bugs around to bother you either.

The first night was a drinking night. The Sundial is not the most frequently traveled location for drunks, but there is a fair amount of traffic across it. I would venture to say it's a lot of people going to and from the dorms. I really wasn't in much of a mood to engage in conversation with inebriated people, fortunately, not too many bothered me. Inebriated people really irk me. I hate interacting with them. One dude asked "What are you sleeping out for?" I told him "Prohibition". He said "Are you for it or against it". I, of course, replied "For it". Then he walked away. This was about the extent of conversation I had that night, or the whole time for that matter. Someone came by and made an anti peace comment because they thought this sleepout was related to a peace cause. This same mistake was made during Sleepout for the Homeless. I slept on a tarp, which was a hassle to drag out to the sundial. It got colder, so I wrapped the tarp around me along with the sleeping bag. I heard some people talking. It sounded like it was drunks exploring. They made comments about my belongings wondering what was going on. I thought I would just stay in the tarp, hoping they would just let me be and go away. They were making noises too, that weren't exactly usual. I looked out and saw a man taking away the "Prohibition Camp" sign. It was some maintenance worker picking up paper litter. I managed to get the sign back, but was worried that they almost took it away. Throughout the night, I was awoke by the loud chatter of drunks, as likely the only way drunks can talk. I got cold, so I went over by some ducts near the library building, which was discovered by us as a source of warmth in peace camp. The ducts seemed warmer during Peace Camp. But during Prohibition Camp, they seemed just barely more warm than cool. The pressure wasn't incredibly intense, but it was nice. However, I found sleeping by it was very nice, and it was a good way to boost one's overall feeling of warmth. It's subtle warmth that builds up over time. I was disgusted to wake up during this Saturday evening to find some of my belongings strewn about. A deck of cards was scattered all over the place. Two books of mine were moved onto some brush far away from where my bag was. Fortunately, it didn't look as if anything else was taken. This did make me more cautious. I wondered why people had to do this. Fortunately, this was about the worst occurrence that happened through the whole Prohibition Camp. During Peace Camp, there was a lot more negative reactions, more intense too.

It was fortunate to have after hours access to our office in 30K of the Student involvement Center of the University Center during Prohibition Camp. Whenever I wanted to go inside for whatever reason I could. During Peace Camp, after 1:00 a.m., there was almost nowhere close we could go inside.

Sunday the second night fortunately did not have any drunks bothering me. I dragged out all the material and laid down to go to sleep. I was thinking to myself how beautiful of a night it was. The weather was almost ideal. Warm, but not hot. It seemed to be almost the perfect night to sleep outside. Then it started raining. Sure, this wasn't fun. But I decided I should try to adapt to the circumstance and not let it bother me too much. I pulled the tarp around me to cover me and this seemed like an excellent solution. I was thinking although going outside to go to the bathroom would be unpleasant, the tarp could protect me from the rain. After a while, it seemed as if slightly rain was seeping through the micro holes in the tarp. Apparently, the tarp wasn't perfect. Then some water managed to get into the tarp, and I got wet. I moved the sleeping material (the sleeping bags and pillows) to under the doorway of our College of Natural Resources building. What I wish didn't happened, did a security officer, saw me and inquired as to "what are you doing here?" I responded very matter of factly, "It was raining, so I came over here." He asked "Are you a student?" I replied to the affirmative. He told me "It's not raining now." I went back. Also this night, Ted and Blanca, my buddies, were chillin in one of our favorite, if our the absolute favorite hangout, our office in 30K of the UW-Stevens Point University Involvement Center. I tried to get dry inside with the hand dryers, but it wasn't as successful as I would have wished. Unfortunately, also during the rain, my bookbag got a little wet. Inside the bag, a book about nutrition also got wet. As of this writing, the book is still damp. Wetness can ruin books, which makes paging through it less enjoyable. After placing the backpack near the duct overnight, it rebounded back to its normal state.

After the end of the second night, while hanging out by the duct, I saw a man in a truck trying to take away my belongings. I dashed over their to get him to stop. It ended up being a touching experience as the man was very nice. He was a custodial supervisor. He apologized for taking it down, he was under the impression that it was abandoned. He mistake it at first for the Sleepout for the Prohibition which was why he thought it was abandoned material. He helped me fold up the tarp which was very helpful because the tarp was a trouble. He gave me props for what I was doing. He even drove me and my belongings over to the University Center in an University van. He stated something to the effect, "I supervise 20 janitors, 4 of which are chronic drunks, I'm always afraid they aren't going to come into work". He said to me "We love what you write in the Pointer. We look forward to it." He even offered "If you get cold, you're welcome to come in the back door of the Collins Classroom Building. It was cool to have this cause connect to people. It was great to get his support and help.

Before the last night, Chris Talbot, my friend, saw me carry the belongings out. She was concerned about my welfare and safety. It was nice of her to be concerned. I talked a bit to her about how alcohol is an instigator of rape and sexual assault as she loves to do activism for the feminist cause. She respectfully disagreed. She made sure I had her phone number. It's good to have people care about you.

It was empowering to have done this rad prohibition event. Hopefully it can inspire more people. It would be great to someday hook up with the Prohibition Party to do some major activism, as they are about the only ones who are on the same page as I am on this issue. The hope is that this activism helps to impede the progress of the alcohol industry. Hopefully we can march towards the end of a Prohibitionist society. Hopefully one day, the Autonomy Party can lead this nation to the sXe prohibition victory. This event made a great impact for me personally. It's great to be active, to actualize yourself further. I do not like to live with doubts or regrets or wishes. I like my desires to come true. It's an awesome feeling when you can do something amazing, something thrilling, something that requires bold initiative and determination. It can be very empowering to stand up for the right when the status quo is wrong. I hope one day, the taverns can be shut down like they deserve. Society will then be saved lots of suffering.

Activism is exciting. It's wonderful to engage in activism. It sure beat apathy! Activism energizes me and I'm glad I can do all that I do. I hope to continue to do powerful activism in the future. March to the Prohibitionist beat!

April Fool's Day 2002

With great eagerness and anticipation I awaited the coming of April Fool's Day in 2002. I believe April Fool's Day is the best holiday. I love pranks! Last year was a big blast. I fooled my dad by telling him Pat Buchanan hired me to work for him because he needed Philosophy majors. A bunch of Progressive Action Organization related people, lead by I pranked a bunch of people we knew by telephone. It was fun to do it with a group of other people. I was most excited about it in the whole bunch, but a couple of others dug it a bunch too. I did some other pranks too. I was excited to the max. It was a wonderful way to laugh. I don't laugh that hard every day, that is for sure. Pranks clearly are good for you! Since I had so much fun last year, I was waiting from April 2, 2001 until the next April's Fool Day. I sought to focus almost all my energy on pranks this day. I was very focused for this day. I wanted it to be big and hilarious. It only comes once a year.

When April 1st, 2002 finally came around, I was ultra intensely excited. For a couple of months, I was thinking about the best pranks to do, and when the time got closer, I wrote my ideas down. I was methodical about it, because this day deserved it! No one seemed to like this wonderful as much as I did, nor did anyone seem to go all out as I did. In fact, I heard about only a rare few other people doing pranks.

I was determined to not waste any of this precious day. I began right after 12:00 a.m. rolled around. I played one prank which was probably the only prank I regretted doing, some people are too cool to distress with pranks. Then I went jogging to get that out of the way. I could only go 5 miles, since I was bursting with excitement about all the pranks I was going play. I normally don't run when it was pitch black, but I had to get that done as soon as possible so I could focus my energies on pranking. For the whole day, I played dozens and dozens of pranks.

The telephone was the huge way I played pranks. It's a great way to disguise your identity through your voice. You also don't have to look people in the eye. People don't have to see you smirking. I even called people very early in the morning for two main reasons, 1) I was too energized to wait, 2) tired or groggy people don't think as clearly, thus are easier to pull a prank on. The Progressive Action Organization people living together in one house who I called earlier thought it was rude, but when they found out it was an April Fool's Day prank, it was all good.

I learned that the most successful pranks are those when I was being myself. When I pretended I was someone else, these pranks worked less effectively. It's hard to disguise one's voice. Although many people weren't on that it was April Fool's Day, a good number could tell that something was up.

People wondered if I was the victim of any pranks. I wasn't. About the only other person I know who would have likely tried is Tim Kidd. He is one who is very good at pranks. It's great he values a good prank. Not enough people do. We have both played a good successful prank or two on each other. I was way too aware of this day, that it is unlikely anyone could have fooled me. I was wondering if people would try to get me back for all the mischief I caused. But nobody did.

I used to wonder if maybe it was not the best to do pranks on April Fool's Day, but I figured the holiday was too much fun to waste. People might be more ready on this day, but I as I jokingly told people "The karma of April Fool's Day is interesting, whatever mischief you caused can only come back to you on a April Fool's Day." This sure seems to be true. If a person plays pranks on other days, they always have to watch their back. It's better to watch your back on just one day when a good prankster is on their toes. It sure is interesting how different people interpret pranks, a major theme of the whole ramifications of this day.

In fact, I was so pumped up that I could only sleep one hour for the early part of the day. I had about a half hour nap later in the day. We have a Federation Without Television program scheduled about hard drugs. At first, I was thinking, it was going to be hard to be serious for even a bit on this day. I decided to make this event into a prank too. I lectured on how hard drugs were very good and everyone should use them a whole bunch, even little kids. If you like, you should get a tape of it.

I tried to think of all the people I could to play pranks on. I tried to call and play other pranks on as many of these people as possible. I was very persistent. I called and called and called some people even over a dozen times for some until I got them. Some people, unfortunately I could not reach. For some, it was because I couldn't find their phone number, and others I could never get them answering the phone. I tried a variety of jokes. My favorite one was calling people and telling them "I am a Officer _________, we have ___________ in custody, can you bail them out of jail." This joke we did alot last year. This joke was especially humorous to me when I was claiming certain people were in custody, who very likely would never be in custody. It seemed to work better last year. What was more successful was telling people I was started dating a friend of ours. I told various people I was dating my friend Jess, Sarah Bodine and Dana. A good percentage of these jokes worked. I got all excited telling people about my "new love", which in itself could have been a good sign that I was fooling. I am more reserved about telling people about a new love. I likely would not be telling everyone about it.

I told some folks from my dorm that George Bush resigned, and they were convinced of my sincerity. It's a shame it is not true.

I told people who worked at our campus newspaper that Dick Cheney was in one of our rooms and people there wanted press coverage. They told me "We wish we were notified earlier. We don't have anyone to send out." I think they may have got back at me through a stab they made in their april fools issue. They had a picture of me that a photographer took with me having my eyes shut. The caption was "A Moment of Zen". I venture to say this picture may have been due to my prank on them, but I cannot say for sure.

A couple times, I called people and told them "We're worried about your friend, We had to go into their room, where we stumbled upon magazines which had pictures of 70 year old women in bathing suits." Sabrina Johnson thought it was funny, and she was one who I called dozens of times, before finally connecting. She said "This is probably a holiday you actually like." Very true.

Jess Krueger, was very quick in figuring out that I was bluffing about dating Sarah Bodine. She also was quick last year, noticing my conversion to Christianity was not real. But the quickest award goes to Meredith, my friend's Phil Kauth's partner. Before I could even finish the sentence, she figured out it was an April Fool's joke. When I asked her about it, she said "Phil told me you like to do those." She and I were discussing what she could do to Phil, but nothing resulted from it.

I had fun with the local chapter of Young People's Socialist League. I first called Loren Balhorn in the morning pretending I was a representative from the ultra radical Spartacus League trying to convert him over to their brand of socialism. It wasn't too long before he figured out it was me. He chuckled. His mother had a good sense of humor about it as she sent me an email, complimenting me on my performance. I also tried this same prank with Kate Stites of YPSL. I promised her a gift certificate to the mall and a coffee mug if she joined. She was very adamant about rejecting the offer and saw the irony in an ultra socialist group using capitalist motifs to win people over. She did not seem to see it was a prank, because we argued for awhile and she eventually had to leave. In the afternoon, I called Jesha LaMarche with the same prank, but she didn't fall for it, because Loren told her about it. Jesha made the interesting point about Kate, "It would have been awful if she would have accepted the offer, it could be a good test."

I called Michael Roth who is well known for working hard with the Non Traditional Students office. I tried to disguise my voice saying I was a person from "The Anti Non Traditional Students Association", asking him "Would you like to debate us?" Michael replied "You don't think non traditional students should be educated?" Michael realized it was a prank right away. He told me "I'm flattered you included me in your April Fool's pranks."

Jill Christensen is a SPASH high student who was president of their animals right club. I called her acting as if I was a police Officer investigating some vandalism done to McDonald's property. She was incredulous. After we got done talking, she called back my answering machine and said "I wanted to call you to tell that a police officer called about some vandalism done to McDonald's property." Later she told me, she discovered it was I who did it because of star 69 service.

My mother was about the only person who talked to me about the holiday before it happened. She is also one who enjoys this absolutely wonderful day. She was asking me about potential pranks possibilities, she wanted to use on a friend of hers. I tried to change the subject, because I wanted to play a prank on her, I did not want her thinking about the day. I didn't really think I could be successful with her, but I tried I anyways. I told her the new bike which she recently bought me right before April Fool's Day was stolen. This would seem extra bad, because the old rusty bike I had before was stolen which was the reason she bought me the new bike. She called back and left a message saying "You can't fool me. I pulled a prank on Eric [her friend]. I'm smarter than both of you two combined."

In Philosophy class, I told some love to party kids, that I have renounced my sXe ways and wanted to have an experience. One person told one of this people it was an April Fool's joke who fell for it before he was told. The others fell for it. This was hard for me to do, because I didn't want to admit even for a second that I would want to use alcohol. A dude named Pablo was making big plans. He mentioned that he would drop me a note via email about the details, but he never did. I wonder if he just forgot or if he figured out it was an April Fool's Day joke.

I called home to Rockford, telling my dad I was a member of the Rockford police department. I told him we did a search of lockers in the morning, and found pot in my sister's Katie's locker. This would be a very unlikely occurrence. My dad said "I don't think so. What is your address?" I hesitated a little, sounding a bit unsure of myself. My father said "You can't even tell me your own address, that's not good." Then soon I admitted that it was a prank. My dad said "Someone probably wouldn't call that early in the morning."

Demographically, speaking, the best group to do pranks on seemed to be professors. 4 out of 4 professors fell for the pranks I pulled. 3 professors, I told I was not going to graduate school; instead I was going to southern Mexico to fight with the Zapistatas. This concerned two of the professors. One professor, Professor Miller overheard me talking before class about the best holiday. He asked" what is that?" I told him and then said "You got a call, didn't you?" He responded surprised "That's what it was! I believed you! If it would have been Jeremy Smith [a Republican political science major], I would have not believed him, but you I did believe." Pacifist Professor Emeritus James Missey who advises PAO fell for my prank hard. I told him Dana Churness and Pete Barwis were in custody for vandalizing ROTC building. I gave some very high bail that he likely could never pay. I was a hard nosed cop. I ask him questions like "Did you coerce them to do this?", and "Are you one of those radical professors?" He said "Good heavens, what questions you ask over the phone!" He was about to come over to the police station, so I decided to tell him it was a prank. He felt relieved that it was just a prank, because he did not like the sound of it. He wasn't bothered and admitted it was a good job.

The biggest prank of them ramifications wise was what I did to members of a new burgeoning newspaper on campus called Counterpoint. They have published pieces about why Taco Bell is bad, and one writer especially is very anti Taco Bell. I called them telling them I was Don Birling, a recently retired officer of our campus's Protective Services. I told them our Taco Bell on campus was vandalized and they needed to come down for questioning. Alexa did not want to come down right away, she wanted to come down later. I fought over the phone with her about it for awhile. It was especially funny with Michelle Ringhoffer. She was determined to defend counterpoint's image, she said "The people involved in Counterpoint are all respective students." I asked her "Is Counter Point trying to counter everything good?" She explained the real purpose of counterpoint. "Are you a bunch of subversives?" She insisted that none of them did and that she had her family to back her up that she was occupied at that time of the incident. I told her "Of course, your family will back you up." She finally said "I got to get my kids ready for school." Michelle called back leaving a message "Andrew, you are a big fucking jerk. I get it now; it's April Fool's Day." Justin, I called early in the morning. He said "I'm going to have to get a badge number." I responded "I don't have to do anything Justin." Unfortunately, Justin called Protective Services to report it. That was how this wonderful day was tainted because some trouble came.

A couple days later I heard about how Michelle was questioned by Protective Services about the happenings. Then my roommate told me he was questioned. He told me about the odd questions they asked, besides the basic questions trying to determine if he was responsible. He told me they asked him "Did you pick your roommate?", "Do you get along with your roommate?" I knew it was only a matter of time before they came to me for questioning. Indeed they did.

Before my sociological methods class, Officer James West flashed his badge at me, inquiring about my free time to talk to them. I told him I had class now. He told he knew that. He said "You come down now during the openings in your schedule or else we will find you and have you come down on our time." This caused me to shake.

I have started to learn a bit about my rights. I didn't want to doing anything that would sacrifice these rights. I knew I didn't have to answer any questions to a police officer, but I wasn't sure what to do because of the campus issue. After talking to some knowledgeable people about the sticky situation, I decided not to answer Officer's James West questions. I did go down to the Protective Services office. Officer West took me to a private room. He said "There's the door, you don't have to answer any questions, you're free to leave at any time." I gave him my ID to take down the information. He remarked "This must be an old ID, you look young here." Indeed, it was because the ID was from 1997, when I came here at only 18 years of age. He told me something to the effect, " We are investigating this matter. We want to make this as easy as possible, if you can cooperate. We want to keep it inside the university. We understand that you allegedly made some calls impersonating Don Birling of protective services and the Stevens Point Police department. If you cooperate, it'll be just an ordinance violation. If you don't, it may go to trial. The D.A. said he will prosecute this. You could get a misdemeanor or felony depending on whether it's impersonating a police officer or impersonating a public employee. Don Birling is interested in pressing this, he might press for a civil suit. 3 maybe 4 individuals have stated that you did this act, if you can cooperate, we can move on." I refused to answer his questions. I left. As I left he said "I hope you realize everyone and their brother has caller id these days."

This incident later made a part of our school newspaper called "Campus Beat". However, they got it wrong. The blurb said "A student called Protective Services identifying themselves as a member of Protective Services and the Stevens Point Police Department".

I thought it was horrible I could possibly get a felony for this. Likely, a person could not get a felony for battering their spouse to a state of being black and blue. Our criminal justice system can often be very unjust and unfair. I was disturbed by the intensity that people wanted to pursue it. I thought it was bad Don Birling wanted to possibly pursue a civil suit against me. Later, too late to use as argument, I was thinking that's it very unfair how our campus newspaper can make outrageous lies about almost anyone they want to any degree they want. Yet, no one gets them in trouble. I don't think they should get in trouble, because people should be able to take jokes and also we should have very wide open freedom of speech rights. I was perturbed that Protective Services had nothing better to do this. It seems often arbitrary what they press forward and what they ignore.

I disappointed that these fellow activists would testify against me. It is a code of honor among activists not to testify against other activists. I have in the past lied to officers of the law to protect other activists, because I felt it was honorable. I felt a bit betrayed. Especially, since it's unlikely these people would get in trouble for not testifying. They had nothing to lose to by not testifying."

I was touched when Michelle told me "I'm not going to issue a statement against you. The other 2 are. The only way I would is if I am subpoenaed for a civil suit." I thought it was very kind of her. I wrote her one email and one paper note of thanks. It's nice to know we have people like her. All around she is real good person.

One day after I came out of the shower, I entered my room to see Officer West talking to my roommate. It was a casual discussion. James West delivered me a ticket for disorderly conduct. He explained what happened and what I needed to do. The ticket was for $244. He mentioned that I could either pay it or ask for a trial. He also told me this issue "was forwarded to Conduct on campus, and if John Jury determines that this is a conduct matter, he will hear it." The school conduct matter seemed to bother me more than the city.

In not too long a while, I got a note in the mail from the Student Rights and Responsibilities office telling me about the conduct hearing. It did not make me feel good to get it. Putting it in perspective helped as the note said "This is not an expulsion or suspension case." Those two possibilities would suck. It lessened the blow to realize that the punishment wouldn't be too much in all essence.

The conduct hearing went well. It ended up being just a formal reprimand by the university. I was relieved about that.

I was stewing about whether I should plead guilty to the ordinance violation or ask for a trial. I was split on the issue because different sides of me where supporting different choices. My practical side told me that I could plead guilty, get a minor penalty and then be done with it. My adventurous side was angry about the whole injustice of the matter. I also thought it could be exciting to go to trial. It would have been cool defending myself and practicing the public speaking skills I have learned. I also felt it would be a good opportunity to point out how absurd the whole ordeal was. As someone in our local Toastmasters International club said "People do awful crimes everyday. Can't they see this is just a harmless prank?" There was a risk of pleading not guilty that I could get the felony or misdemeanor, but also the possibility of having all the charges dropped. It would be a gamble to plead not guilty. If I chose to plead not guilty, I was hoping that they would go for a felony, because that would seem too ludicrous to probably get a conviction. Something in the middle, I could get convicted of.

I eventually decided that I would plead guilty. I didn't feel this was worth investing too much energy. I believe in the saying "pick and choose your battles." If I was to get a felony conviction, I would want to get a conviction for a noble political cause, doing something like Martin Luther King Jr. did. I also believe I should play the trump card of going to trial only when it's most necessary or else I could lose the trump card.

On April 30th, the judge asked "How do you plead?" My reply was "May I ask a question." The judge agreed. I asked "Can I go to jail instead of paying the fine?" The Judge replied "Not directly. You would have to not pay the fine within 60 days, than a warrant would be put out for your arrest." Earlier the judge said "For every 25 dollars of your fine unpaid, you spend one day in jail." Before, I thought one day in jail was worth more fine money than that. I plead guilty. Since I didn't anticipate getting too much money and also considering I'm perpetually low on the dough, I was thinking I was just wait until the time to pay the fine expires and I then can go to jail. The judge also told us "If you can not pay it all at once, you can talk to the payment bailiff to workout a plan." I might pay some if I get some good money for graduation. I might pay a down payment sum, then pay a little each money. Stretching it out would make it not the end of the world.

A person I know named Luke asked me "What have you learned from this?" I replied "that some people have no sense of humor. Some people take themselves too seriously."

Because of the trouble I experienced, I was inspired to write a position paper for the Autonomy party granting people a right to play pranks (with very limited exceptions) on April Fool's Day. We need a world where we can have one day to totally let loose and play pranks without any needless taboos. The right to play pranks on April Fool's Day should be a constitutional right. I told my friend that his friend in law school, named Lance should go into Practical Joke law. Tim asked "What would he do, defend pranksters like you?" Another reason to join the Autonomy Party! What other party has the coolness to guarantee the right to play most pranks on April Fool's Day?

Despite the trouble, I hope I can have lots more April Fool's Day fun in the future. I suppose I won't impersonate official people anymore, although that is fun. I'll have stick to other pranks. It might make me more creative.

What an interesting tale! Lots of folks were entertained by this story. It certainly is better than many movies out there! April Fool's Day rules!

Catfish 33

Andrew Bushard

Hello everyone.

This is the first issue from my new location Mankato, MN. Send me some trades of zines. I haven't seen too many zines lately. Which is a shame because zines are really cool.

I am going to graduate school here. So far, it's pretty decent. It's nice to have my own apartment even if I'm paying too much for it. It's a nice retreat. It will also be nice to get my first pay check as a graduate assistant.

This issue has lots of writings for you. I need a megaphone. I need a tape recorder. I do have 3 tape recorders that are the portable variety. They work enough, but I wish I had better. These portable varieties generally have to be very close to the person speaking. Unfortunately, the issue with the bigger recorders is transportation. Those of you who are familiar with me realize I am a bicycler. The recorder I was using in Stevens Point could not be easily transported via bicycle. It would be nice to get a mix of both portability and range. But if I have an amplifying device, the range issue wouldn't be as important. Yes, I would like some amplifying device. Of course, I am still hoping someone will give me a printing press. A book binder would be nice too.

Wonderfully happy news is the spreading of the book: Federation Without Television: the Blossoming Movement, Essays and Leaflets by Andrew Bushard. According to Xlibris.com, the publisher of this book, 64 copies have been purchased. I also found out from World Cat that there are 34 copies in libraries. Maybe some of the other 30 books are in libraries too and World Cat hasn't updated. I'm not sure. Copies of this book are in libraries in many states. What was most exciting of all was the fact that two foreign libraries were listed as purchasing these books. One library was in Australia and the other was in the United Arab Emirates. I was ecstatic about the foreign purchases, especially the United Arab Emirates purchase! It was cool to see such a country have a library purchase this book. One would usually expect a Canadian country to be the first foreign countries to purchase it. If I ever set foot in the United Arab Emirates, I would probably not be too welcome, as I would stick out like a sore thumb in this wealthy Muslim country. At least, the FWT book is welcome there. It is a great victory to have a copy of this book at such a country so far away. It is a great milestone. I wonder if this book will ever face censorship. It is a bit odd that such a book would be welcome at an Islamic country. But I am very glad that it is. Help advance the revolution by encouraging libraries all over to stock this book. I have tried hard to encourage libraries everywhere to buy a copy of this book and it looks like some of the work is starting to pay off.

It would be really wonderful and quite amazing if the third chapter of FWT to be formed was in the United Arab Emirates. That library is really cool for ordering the book. I am utterly thrilled about it! Let us spread this revolution far and wide!

You can start a chapter of Federation Without Television wherever you are, whether you are in Gary, Indiana, Afghanistan or Iceland! It is marvelous to start to taste the magnificent outcomes of a revolution. Hopefully these advancements are signs of something even better to come.

In the Mankato chapter, I have contacted various organizations to try to find a regular meeting place. A meeting place is key. It would be nice to not have to be involved in the University bureaucracy just to get a meeting room, but there are benefits of having a university affiliated group. Although the UWSP chapter of FWT was involved in the bureaucracy, we were lucky that it wasn't too restrictive on us. If you have any free advertising sources, let us know, because we would like to take advantage of them. I am trying to think of inventive ways of advertising which don't cost much money. What is super amazing about this group is what it has done with only a little money. We have had little to no budgets but we have done more than many groups with extremely huge budgets. This revolution is something you don't want to miss.

Don't forget to visit these awesome websites:

Federation Without Television: http://www.freepressmedia.org

Autonomy Party: http://www.autonomyparty.com

Have a wonderful day.

Reviews

Audio

Family -- The Ties that Bind and Gag, Erma Bombeck, McGraw Hill, 1988.

It took me a little while to get into it, but it grew on me some. Enough, for me to maybe want to check out more of work. She's too cynical if you ask me. She seems pretty famous, it's good I finally got to listen to one of her works.

In Contempt, Christopher Darden with Jess Walter, Harper Collins Audio, 1996.

Previously, this book looked banal on the shelves, but now it looked interesting. I was very right, because it was worth listening to. I valued it a bunch. Mr. Darden's side should have won. I was fienning to learn more about O.J. Simpson, the tapes went by fast because they were greatly enjoyable. Darden made all the sadness of the case very real to the audience.

Unabomber: On the Trail of America's Most Wanted Serial Killer, John Douglas and Mark Olshaker, Simon and Schuster, 1996.

I knew the general outline of this ordeal, but it was nice to fill in the details. I really dig these types of audio tapes. Stories about actual crime appeal to me. It was so fascinating, that I only wish there would have been more as the audio tape ended too quickly.

Dave Barry Turns 40, Dave Barry, read by the author, Random House Audio, 1990.

I've seen alot of Dave's works all the over the place, but until now, never heard any them. I wasn't rolling over with laughter, but it is material that can make you smile.

Dear Dad, Louie Anderson, read by the author, Harper Audio, 1990.

Any book portraying the disaster of alcohol has something going for it. This book is a good anecdotal, emotional argument for our cause. I can relate to Mr. Anderson, it's wonderful he wrote this book to help our struggle out.

The Road Ahead, Bill Gates with John Ottavino, Penquin High Bridge Audio, 1995.

The book was worth listening. I was hesitant that since it was such a mainstream book, it might be dull, but it wasn't. John Ottavino does most of the talking which is for the better, because Bill Gates isn't the world's most exciting speaker (at least from what I heard on this tape), but Bill Gates is a considerably better writer. For being the world's richest person, he sure can write in a way that the rest of us can relate to. This book is actually too old, especially considering the topic. Gates deserve huge props for using non sexist language. I was pleased to hear some as mainstream as him do that. Bill Gates probably wrote this book to supplement his dismally low earnings from Microsoft. He is descriptive without being overbearingly detail orientated and he paints lucidly. Despite, my anti capitalist views, listening to these tapes got me to admire Gates's contributions to society, of course, I don't believe he should have millions of dollars in the bank because of it.

Monica's Story, Andrew Morton, read by Jennifer Van Dyck, Harper Audio.

The author is sympathetic to Monica and paints her positively. I don't know about some biographies. There are biographies about tons of people, people who got in the spotlight somehow for something. Some are not all that interesting, because the people are products of bland corporate media society. At least this isn't an autobiography, because one could argue that autobiographies are egotistical. "I'm so important that I should write a book about myself." A person should be a bit ashamed of listening to this. I got a summary of the whole issue I missed because I avoid mainstream media. My sympathetic thought about Monica was that it would be difficult to be normal again because she is so infamous, a point the author also touched on.

Crank it Up: The Music Album, Jeff Foxworthy, Warner Brothers, 1996.

Mildly humorous at best. What I expected and I didn't expect much. Way too typical. The nice part was the anti drunk driving message. Jeff got too famous for too little humor, it's shame because there are alot of obscure people who deserve to be famous.

Organize Your Life and Get Rid of Clutter, Ab Jackson, Career Track, Inc.

I was afraid this tape was going to be really dull, but it happened to be lively. The energetic presentation matter helped out immensely, this topic has the potential to be dry. Some of the tips are too elaborate and intense to implement for me. There is also the issue that everyone has some guide to living they want you to follow, whether it be cleanliness, frugality, assertiveness or positive thinking. It's hard enough to follow one guide, it can be mind boggling to follow more than one. I couldn't quite tell if the laughing was a sound track or real live lame human laughter. The laughing intensity did vary, but I imagine it could be done by a good laugh track machine. I was astonished to hear laughing at lame jokes and worse yet laughing at statements that weren't even jokes. It got distracting. The laughing did taper off towards the end. The ideas could be considered good, if you have the effort to implement them.

The Threats Cult Have for Gifted Children, Sandy Anron.

He used the overhead for the presentation which is helpful for getting the message across, but it's a problem when the speaker doesn't fully explain everything when an audio tape is being made. He talked about one of my favorite cult folks, L. Ron Hubbard, who he said "is one of the most dangerous threats today." Yes, the tape is that old that L. Ron Hubbard was still alive. It seemed to be created right as or not too far after I was born. It was useful information that a parent could benefit from. I was disappointed that he covered the different cults too briefly. How about a whole program on L. Ron Hubbard? The different angle provides additional insight into this subject matter.

A Juvenile Convict Talks About His Entry into a Life of Crime, Educational Research Group, 1969.

Surely an old dog tape. I don't know when reel to reel stopped being used predominantly and the standard tape became more acceptable, but maybe it was around this time. Clearly, it is intended for school type learning (which can have the affect of taking away from presentation) I was a bit surprised with some of the worthwhile criminal justice views presented. Even though it is old, it still sounded alright. Some of the analysis was smart, other parts of it were too typical.

Astrology, Len Scheer, Center for Cassette Studies.

Sometimes old can be a sign of being dry and dull, but such was not the case in this tape. A very fair minded look at astrology, with an emphasis that astrology is right. Interviewing different people sure helped the case and made the program interesting. The musical interludes were nice additions too. It was neat how they evaluated astrology through a logical and scientific lens, and they concluded that it passed these tests. The different perspectives demonstrated how different people view astrology which seems to suggest its validation. I heard an impressive all different description of the signs of the sun, moon, ascendant, and midheaven. I don't know what I take of that description, but it was interesting. Bravo that it stimulated my mind, entertaining me and getting me to think more about this fascinating subject.

The Dark Side of Islam, R.C. Sproul, Ligonier Ministries, 2001.

I obtained this anti-jewel for free. You better not pay money for it. I am learning that one of the worst ways to learn about Islam is through Christians. The ex-Muslim interviewed says "R.C....." alot. It's annoying. R.C. Sproul is not a wise man. R.C. Sproul is not the best speaker. He stumbles over his words too much. These Christians can be hypocritical. Too frequently what they criticize about Islam applies to Christianity as well. To give them credit, they were better than some. There is little new about Islam here, they just scratch the surface in their biased way.

"Weird Al Yankovic, Running With Scissors, Volcano Entertainment, 1999.

I see Al has shaved his mustache in this album, that's too bad because I think he looks better with the mustache. Top notch satire like this rarely gets old. Not only is he very skilled in the art of parody, he is also quite talented in the art of rhyme. Popular culture sure deserves all the stabs he gives it. (Television especially). He rips on astrology in the song "Your Horoscope for Today", which I don't believe he fully understands astrology. He doesn't seem to have enough knowledge about astrology. I was happy to get another chance to listen one of Al's albums.

Books

Mussolini: An Intimate Biography, Rachele Mussolini, as told to Albert Zarca, William Morrow & Company, Inc, 1974.

This book presented a much perspective of Mussolini than what I have seen before. I sure hope his wife's view is right and others are wrong. Since she was his wife, she likely will view him more positively than most, let us hope she is right. According to this book, Mussolini was a great guy. There's a lot to admire in him if this book happens to be true. A lot. What she said about Mussolini's leadership style is indeed touching. It was valuable of his wife to give opinions and political judgments, this enhanced the book. Too many biographies are too objective. Her good personality enriches the work. I was impressed by Mussolini's character. In fact, when I envision myself ruling our nation, many of the noble ways of governing I dream about, is what Rachele described Benito Mussolini as doing. Biographies like these contribute to why this genre can be very fascinating. Let's hope this Mussolini biographer is right because if it is, I really like Benito's style.

I Want to Tell You: My Response to Your Letters, Your Messages, Your Questions, O.J. Simpson, Little Brown and Company, 1995.

The murderer speaks. Audacity is a word to describe O.J.'s writing. It was sick to read him complain about the Prosecution having more money than him. How could he get a better defense team? It's not possible. O.J. contradicts his supporters, but disagreeing with some aspects of their letters. Writing wise, he's a decent writer, being fairly terse, but the lying is hard to bear. O.J. evens stoops as low as comparing his predicament to that of Jesus Christ and Job. He does raise a fantastic point about our approach to criminals, a point I have thought about, but have rarely seen discussed, as unjust as the approach is. It's on page 162. It would be a swell frank touching book, if he was not lying through his teeth as I believe he is.

Every Secret, Patricia Campbell Hearst with Alvin Moscow, Doubleday and Company, 1982.

The long length concerned me because I wanted to finish it before I got busy, but finishing it was a cinch, in fact, it was difficult to put the book aside. I read pages and pages in days. A very fascinating situation told in a very wonderful writing style. Patty Hearst has great talent as a writer because her book is so engaging and readable. I was attracted to this book after reading about Kathy Soliah. This book was a little old which especially involving Kathy Soliah, much has changed. There is nothing to say negative about this book. I'm all positive because books like these are wonderful retreats of the mind. Books like these can take someone like me (someone not often swept by altered states) away. My eye was hurting because one day I read so much, but I was hooked, I could not stop reading. Thrilling books like this make me glad I'm alive to have my mind entertained so wonderfully! Amazing compliments to Patty Hearst for writing a very fine book.

Cats for Dummies, 2nd Edition, Gina Spadafori, Paul D. Pion, DVM, DACVIM, IDG Books, 2000.

Since I dug my friend's Chris's cat, Healthcliff, I decided I wanted to learn more about cats. The "Dummies" books are a good way to go to do something like that. In the middle are color pictures, an extra bonus, something I don't remember seeing in many "dummies" books. A swell book. A cat person will really help themselves out by reading this book.

Partisan Prophets: A History of the Prohibition Party 1854-1972, Roger C. Storms, National Prohibition Foundation, 1972.

Good Pro Prohibition material is hard to find, thus it was very cool to come across this. The date of publication is a drawback because it would be nice to know what has happened between 1972 and 2002. The volume is thin, but the printing is small. I don't like small printing. I respect the Prohibition Party for its honorable legacy. As I noticed from the Prohibition Party website and from the last part of this book, the Party seems more right orientated. The book describes the transition from more liberal days to the modern time. The tone is straightforward, interjecting some interesting anecdotes in too. If only we could adopt their way of Prohibition. If you like them or not, it would be valuable to read this to find out who they are and all they have gone through.

Public Enemies, John Walsh with Philip Lerman, Pocket Series, 2001.

Another high quality and exciting book from a great author. I love the down to earth realness that Walsh writes with. The emotional component greatly enriches his writing. I learned about some very intriguing America Most Wanted cases. Crime books are marvelous especially when they are written by such a fantastic author who seeks justice. A justice seeker is a great person to be.

Out of Business: Force a Company, business or store to close it doors....for good!, Dennis Fiery, Loompanics Unlimited, 1999.

Here is a testament to the beauty of Interlibrary Loan. Even ultra cool and troublemaking books like this one can be obtained from interlibrary loan. Although surely someone angry and intelligent, could think of many of these ideas, Dennis saves you the work so you can focus on destroying the business if that's what you want to do. The author seems a bit too confident about some plans which seem too risky for my tastes. With a notebook and a pen, I wrote down many of the wonderful suggestions, should I ever get the full urge to seek to destroy a business. I can get very angry, but there is something that holds me back. He even mentions one of my absolute favorite measures: protesting. A great book. Dennis gives folks with a grudge some wonderful opportunities to implement their ideas. I enjoyed the political ramifications, stated and implied of this volume. I wish these Loompanic books were everywhere.

How to Build a Time Machine, Hazel Richardson, illustrated by Alan Rowe, Oxford University Press, 1999.

Unique premise. I was overwhelmed with all the science and experiments, though the concept of time travel certainly interests me. The approach was well done because it teaches scientific principles without dumbing them down for children, there is alot to learn for non science people. A thin volume, so if your mind is oriented for science, go for it.

Pirate Radio: The Incredible Saga of America's Underground Illegal Broadcasters, Andrew Yoder, High Text Publications, 1996.

I often tell people that the best book I ever read was "Pirate Radio Stations: Tuning into Underground Broadcasts" also by Andrew Yoder. That book was an edifying experience, I found a part of myself, I found something I totally could be captivated by. Pirate radio is indeed a wonderful subject. Since the first book was so good, I was hoping to come across more of Andrew Yoder's works, but unfortunately that was difficult. When I discovered interlibrary loan, it all became possible. This book was exciting. Some of the information was the same as the other book mentioned here, but there was more than plenty which was new. It was useful how the author included last minute information. My only disappointment was the cd included. I was thrilled about getting to hear more pirate radio stations, but I was not satisfied. I expected the cd to be more than samples and sound bytes, but unfortunately it was just brief recordings. I guess, since a cd is not included in every book, we can set aside the one downer. There's too much to praise to allow the cd to take away from this book's greatness. Mr. Yoder's style is powerful, it's descriptive and interesting (he gives you the good scoop about pirate radio), and he also includes a few humorous remarks. I was impressed with the chapter on "The Federal Communications Commission". It's appropriate I dug this chapter, because he was one of the people to open my eyes most to the flaws of the FCC. Books like these make you glad you are alive.

Success for Dummies, Zig Ziglar, IDG Books, 1998.

It seems as if everyone gives props to Zig Ziglar, so some perspective on my part shall be a healthy difference. Motivational books have a good premise, but just because they have a good premise, is not an indication they should be exempt from criticism. In a few cases, I felt inspired, but in other cases, my critical thinking cap was definitely on. There is a sizable portion of this book, that reflects what I don't like about contemporary psychology. We have to remember that when there is evil in the world that affirms the existence of corrupt people, positive thinking affirms this evil because the leaders want you to act as if no evil exists. A big deal is that Ziglar seems to believe that optimism is an unqualified good. I have serious contentions with that view. Some of his beliefs are scary. Even scarier to think is that he is programming others with these questionable beliefs. I do believe his heart is in the right place, for sure. One example of his dubious views are: an unqualified elevation of Capitalism (the hard core kind). Capitalism has many flaws, and it is dogmatic and foolish to be lead to believe that is just great. He supports laws too much. He supports a sickening quote from a friend "Obey the laws. Laws aren't made to cramp your style; they're intended to enable you and everyone else to live and operate freely and safely in a society that offer enormous rewards." (Ziglar, 82) Really? I imagine this is exactly what the corporations that run and ruin our country want you to think. Corporations make laws period. It's silly to believe that laws are just solely for the betterment of all, and not for the powerful. Positive thinking may help someone improve internally, but thinking positive about corrupt institutions does not make them virtuous. Uncritical acceptance and allegiance to authority is one of the greatest problems in our nation. It's a shame so many people have to be influenced by this train of thought. It also nauseated me to read a section called "Teaching values and authority" on page 234. On page 234, he manages to discuss why it's important to teach children to love police officers. His skin is white and he is an adult, he likely has never had the misfortune of having a baton wielded on him. He should realize not everyone is as lucky as him and also police officers can do bad. We surely should not pledge allegiance to them without a critical evaluation of their activities. Surely, at least a fairly significant portion of police officers, are inspired to some degree to be officers for reasons of having power over other people's lives. No Zig, not everyone who has been beaten with a baton is disrespectful. Ziglar seems too old fashioned. There is indeed good from the old days, but there is also bad that drags society down. Throughout the book, he recites his maxim "You can get what you want in life, if give enough people what they want". Generally, this is true, wise and kind. We have to remember there must be exceptions to this rule. I do applaud his condemnation of alcohol and other drugs, it is much needed. Too many conservatives are spineless jellyfish about alcohol. We surely need the change. In one part, he endorses some sexist views, but to his credit, he later mitigates that, by being more fair. I have a friend who's a nihilist, it would be interesting to see this two interact. I don't agree with nihilism at all, but maybe it could provide some perspective for Zig. Zig seems very bubbly. Maybe he shouldn't always be happy. Maybe we all shouldn't. It is something to think about. I am oriented towards dislike of AA, thus I was appalled when he supported. To be sure, many people don't fully realize what AA is all about. I think his endorsement was innocent, but mistaken. On pg 190, he says "I believe based on this incident that anyone facing what he or she believes to be his or her imminent death would at least pray the prayer that renowned atheist Ralph Ingersol (sic) prayed as he lay dying 'God, if there be a God, have mercy on my soul." I admire the "Great Agnostic" Robert Ingersoll, but I believe he is confused when he talks about "Ralph Ingersol" To verify my belief, I double checked if Robert Ingersoll was also called "Ralph", I searched on the internet, I found a "Ralph Ingersoll" but it was not the person I am so fond of. Before he makes such bold claims, he should at least know who he is talking about. I have also heard that such a statement made by Ingersoll is dubious. He seems humble, but I see he named his organization after himself. Bradford Lytlle, the venerable pacifist and I were talking about H. Jay Dinshah, which Bradford said "As you see he named a street after himself, that tells you what type of person he is." I may have sounded critical of this book, but I must say that it has some important value. You can benefit from this book, if you don't absorb it like a sponge, and you think, think, think about what he says.

The Contract For Life, Robert Anastas, founder and Executive Director of SADD with Kalia Lulow, Pocket Books, 1986.

This man has a good heart. It's wonderful that he felt inspired to make a difference. I admire what he has done. I would recommend a change in the operation of SADD. For example, Robert seems to think that since the alcohol vendors helped to fund him that they are purely benevolent. Take a look at the Common Cause webpage and you will see how much the alcohol industry spends on opposing what anti drunk driving people are working so hard for. I wish SADD would be more radical, I wish they would advocate Prohibition because alcohol doesn't do us any good. It's powerfully motivating to read about people who have both a warm heart and a strong will.

Enchantment of the World: Antarctica, Henry Billings, Children's Press, 1994.

Since most of the books I read from this series deal with countries, it was a refreshing change of pace to read about this cool place (figurative and literal). It was an interesting trip to Antarctica. Maybe someday I could visit the place if I ever got the money. IN one running magazine, they discuss a marathon that is run on Antarctica. This book will be good for any romantic mind.

The Need to Know Library: The Dangers of Hazing, Jay Schleifer, Rosen Publishing, 1996.

In my opinion, hazing sucks. In fact, the Autonomy Party has a position paper opposing hazing; the policy inspired by Hank Nuwer. The book is concise with just enough information to give you a good introduction. It is a good book to read for young people and for fools people who are hazers.

Ten Nights in a Bar Room and What I Saw There, T.S. Arthur, edited by Hugh Holman, 1966 (originally published 1854).

Simply lovely! I usually don't read fiction, but I felt I should read such a much talked about book, written about one of my favorite topics: the decadence of alcohol. As a blossoming Prohibitionist, I just had to read this book. It did not disappoint me. It is the type of book I could see myself writing. I am surely on the same page as T.S. Arthur. Hopefully you are too. Wonderful, fantastic, brilliant! His vision is very right on! I love it how he used the term "inmates" to describe the sorry drunkards. I was offended by some of the injustice portrayed in the book, but fortunately, by the end, justice prevailed. It seems odd that many drunks in this book actually supported prohibition. I have yet to find any drunks to support prohibition, much less sober people to support prohibition. Actually, I find it hypocritical the drunk characters believed in prohibition yet drunk themselves. The introduction discusses the importance of legal measures in curing the drunk problem, indeed considering the comments I made in the last sentence, it would seem as if the "Maine State Law" (the contemporary measure advocated at the time) would be a Superman or Superwoman. The book ends in a way a good Prohibitionist would want it to end. But I am skeptical that people in the real world would have as much good sense and insight as these characters do. I agree with the book's main premise entirely, that alcohol is without redeeming value, that is wrecks everything it gets in contact with. The introduction by the editor is blunt. His calls "Ten Nights" "a bad novel" I disagree, it's a great novel with a beautiful theme that is still true after all these years. The more the world changes, the more it stays the same! Hard hitting, terse and powerful! Those who are receptive to justice, should love this wonderful book. A book that shows alcohol for what it truly is: endless trouble and decadence. Adopt its message as a guiding philosophy of your life and the world will be better.

Cultures of the World: Czech Republic, Estathia Sioras, Marshall Cavendish, 1999.

Since I have a bit of Czechoslovakian in me, I was attracted to this book. I am not sure whether the new Czech Republic would be where my ancestors were from (they may be from Slovakia). The book succeeded in the task that it set out to do.

Cultures of the World: Trinidad and Tobago, Sean Sheehan, Marshall Cavendish, 2001.

I am attracted to Caribbean countries due to their beautiful tropical climate. With the usual great pictures, this series did wonders describing this interesting country. I believe it is wise to study both popular and not so popular countries. I'm glad I read the book.

Political Trashing, Victor Santoro, Loompanics Unlimited, 1987.

At first I thought this book wasn't going to be too great, but it got better. It didn't seem as well methodologically laid out as was "Out of Business", also published by Loompanics. I took notes on the book, then disappointingly or maybe, happily, in the appendix I discovered the very condensed version of the book. I plan to copy this condensed version. I don't plan to act on any of these suggestions too soon, I'm not quite mean enough. But I think I'll file it in case the need rises. It's good to have ammunition like this book in your plans, in case one needs to ever use it.

Moon Signs: The Key to Your Inner Life, Donna Cunningham, Ballantine, 1988.

I was addicted to reading this fascinating page turning book. I used the photocopier quite a bit to have the wonderfully well explained and highly useful charts ready. I did get overwhelmed with some of the information about moons, but hopefully I can absorb the information enough so it's not overwhelming for all that long. I dig her writing style because she is clear and interesting. I am sure glad I got to learn all this.

Linda Goodman's Star Signs, Linda Goodman, St. Martin's Press, 1987.

Linda Goodman is really into new age. It's almost to the point that it seems as if it's new age, Linda Goodman believes it. She's critical enough about other matters, too bad she's not more critical about the new age. I found it odd that she authored both the preface and the introduction, when I see often at least someone else authoring one of these. My friend tells me Linda Goodman is a double Aries, thus it would make sense. As a Virgo and Scorpio person myself, a double Aries should be trouble for me. Linda Goodman is different than me, I don't seem to work this way. MY friend Blanca lent me this book, I was intimidated by the size, but Blanca told me "It'll go fast, it's easy reading." This is true because her style of writing is accessible, her style is down to earth. I'm concerned about the notion of lexigrams which she exalts. Words vary from language to language, we could make a whole lot of words from foreign words. Words are more arbitrary than she leads us to believe. I'm not saying there is no rhyme or reason to language, but there is only so far it can go. She has this practice of adding letters to words derived in lexigrams which concerns me, because it seems too easy to create the words one wants to. I dug her emphasis on the importance of altruism. She is wise and kind in sharing the outlook of altruism. Her principle "after living expenses give away half of all your money" sounds very good to me. She dissed the American Cancer Society, which I didn't agree with because the ACS is generally non political and very fair, also concerned about our nation's well being, plus not afraid to tell the truth about tobacco. She gives glory to karma, but I believe karma can obscure the true nature of altruism. I believe ideally altruism shines when people do something kind for its own sake. Under karma, a person is motivated by reward and punishment, which is similar to the Christian motivation of heaven and hell. But at least, karma is based on actions done rather than just belief which makes it superior to Christianity. To me, karma should be a mute point, we should do what's right for its own sake, whether we get rewarded or not. Karma should be a mute point, because we should be doing good anyways. Oftentimes in reading vegetarian arguments, one reads the same arguments over and over, thus it was rather refreshing to her all original argument for vegetarianism. Early on and a bit later on, she referred to "nature's law", a phrase and concept I really adore. I don't know about her endorsement of herbs, especially when I see a friend's herb company listed. It may be veiled advertising, if so, watch out. Her poetry was a creative way to open up the chapters, it's a good accompaniment to the rest of the text. I got a fresh perspective on the nature of karma from her new school analogy. Her book is surely different than the relatively straight forward astrology books. Her essay approach is a good change which can can prevent information overload while still teaching. Some of her solutions to problems seem too easy, and of course it doesn't work that way. The social commentary was a benefit. I didn't agree with all of it, but it did get me thinking. She writes about numerology saying something to the affect "People's numbers correspond to transits and progressions on their natal charts." If so, why do we need the numerology, why don't we just stick with the astrology? Very telling and disconcerting is when she says something to the effect of "believe it until it's true...." No, it shouldn't work that way. Her weight loss and gain plans seem odd. I guess I'm not the new age type. As you can probably tell from all this writing, this book got me to think alot which is of course, good!

The Book of Wimmin: an Anthology of Contemporary Feminism, compiled by Two Men, Private Eye, 1986.

At first, I couldn't quite tell whether it was pro or anti feminism, but after looking at the whole title, I could tell. I got this book from the recycling bin at Viterbo College. This book was unusual especially to be found at Viterbo. It's a collage of words format. Just barely larger than my hand, a quick book that is if nothing else, interesting.

A letter I write about a funding source of my old school UWSP:

Hello Vice Chancellor Diemer:

I have had a good experience at UWSP. I feel the physical fitness I obtained from 4 years of track and cross country was very valuable.

As an alumni of UWSP, I have a concern about where UWSP gets its money. It was disappointed to hear that UWSP accepted a check for $5300 from Point Brewery for athletics. Two years ago, I attended a Chancellor's leadership banquet where the issue of drug dealers was brought up. Vice Chancellor Tomlinson made the comment "We aren't going to tolerate drug dealers on this campus." We shouldn't because drugs are very harmful and are often the antithesis of the learning process here at UW-SP.

I wonder why we not only tolerate the dealing of the drug alcohol, but we welcome the industry investment into our university. Alcohol is one of the most serious and deadly drugs in this country. In my book, alcohol is worse than pot. Yes alcohol is legal, but as a wise man John Africa once said "Just because it's legal doesn't make it right." I have just spent a couple days observing proceedings at the court house. It seems as if the great majority of the problems have alcohol involved. The difference between a student who sells pot and a representative of Point beer selling alcohol is only one of legality. As a Philosophy major at UW-SP, I learned that legality and morality are independent. If we are to strive to be moral, we certainly must not base our morals on just legality.

In the Stevens Point area, there are many fine businesses of which to invest. I applaud the administration's decision to look locally, but there are also many better more moral local businesses to choose from. We have a lot of locally owned businesses on main Street for instance.

Have a good day.

Andrew J. Bushard

Class of 2002

Infotainment's National Third Party Day Press release

For decades and decades, third parties have ideologically been contributing to a better life in America. Unfortunately, the stagnant politics of the one party Republicrat state of America has prevented the fullest actualization of these ideas. Due to the structure of the system, it is difficult if not impossible for third parties to get any leverage no matter how brilliant and legitimate their ideas are.

Many of us do not get full exposure to the valid ideas of third parties due to our biased media. http://www.infortainment.com/natl-3-p.htm is sponsoring a national third party day on June 22nd. Locally, the eclectic, dynamic and very original 3rd party of the Autonomy Party is sponsoring it. Starting at 5:00 p.m. on June 22nd, on the public sidewalk by downtown Shopko, there will be a sleepout. Here the public is invited to learn more about the liberating Autonomy Party and to get some free bananas which the Autonomy Party will be distributing.

It is our hope that someday soon, 3rd parties can have a better chance to effect hopeful change in this nation. Help celebrate the Autonomy Party and 3rd parties in general this day.

The event:

When I was on the internet, I came across a page talking about a "National Third Party Day." This day was organized by the site Infotainment.com. Since, I am so fond of third parties, we just had to do something locally. The wonderful Autonomy Party sponsored the day. It was a Sleepout. The sign proclaimed the day, with the additional words on it "Free bananas if you're sober." and "Free literature, just ask."

Interestingly enough, I had been homeless for a couple of days before these events. This happened because my plan of squatting at Nelson Hall at my alma mater fell through. During the days of being homeless, I've have slept at various places. A couple of sidewalks in neighborhoods. I also slept on a sidewalk behind Copps grocery store, then it rained, so I slept under a building ledge. One night alone, I slept under a bridge, in the foyer area of the Chamber of Commerce, and mostly in a telephone booth. Two key problems were rain and police pestering me. It seems as if different police have different takes on sleeping on public property, what is permissible and what is not. Most germane is one police officer's view in comparing Sleepout for the Prohibition of Alcohol and my homeless situation "That [sleepout for the Prohibition of Alcohol] is political speech, this is loitering". Ironically it seems that police officers allow radical political protests, but have problems with sleeping out because one is homeless. It might look real bad for them, if they stop the constitutional right of the 1st amendment. I have written about my adventures of being homeless in my diary, and I might print some of it in Catfish.

Since I'm homeless I've been storing my belongings temporarily at Blanca Martin's friend's house, until we can get a storage space. Through use of my bike, I transported sleeping material, back pack, food for me to eat, and bananas to the downtown Stevens Point sidewalk near Shopko. The event began promptly at 5:00 p.m. It was a hotter than it has been lately at the start, but it was gorgeous. I was glad it wasn't raining, which it sure has been doing a lot of lately. In fact, it didn't rain the whole time of the event. It surely was more agreeable weather than other winter sleepout events that I have done. I unfortunately did not have much reading matter. This prompted me to fork over a dollar to buy a crossword puzzle book at the bookstore.

There were some interesting interactions and occurrences. Since it was a Saturday, lots of drinkers were out. (much to my dismay). I do not like interacting with drinkers.

Across the street were two folks who asked "When is National Party Day?" I clarified that it was "National Third Party Day" They seemed a bit disappointed after that. "National Party Day" in the usual sense of the term is an arch nemesis of the Autonomy Party. Not too long after that, two kids rode by on their bicycles. One shouted "Alcohol rules, man! Alcohol is number one!" Apparently noticing me from my anti alcohol activism. Unfortunately Shawn Goodwin came by and gave me some gadfly talk. He talks way too abstractly. He seems to argue for the sake of arguing. He did ask one question which I don't think I ever heard before. I was telling him about the uniqueness of the Autonomy Party about how it is eclectic and dynamic. He asked "Isn't a party by its very nature eclectic because it involves more than one person?" As we were talking, he seemed to get a little frustrated, he said "Good luck", then left.

I got annoyed by these young males who were painting in this office building. They got a thrill out of pounding on the windows, causing people to look in, then they hid. They even took the sign as I was in Shopko. They held the sign up to the window. I got irritated but I also thought, "The sign there might be a good place, more visible than on the bench." I approached the door, one of the young males gave me back the sign saying "It was just a practical joke." If such was the case, it was pretty lame joke which wasn't a "practical joke" at all. The youth seem rather rambunctious and hyper. They seemed to be screwing around alot. I wonder how they got serious enough to paint the insides of the office. They even had a paint fight. They came out and talked to me about the sleepout. Reading the sign, one of them asked "I'm sober, can I have a banana?" They also said "We're going to drink tonight, but we're sober now." Since they qualified, I allowed them to have bananas. But I regretted it because they used their tools to play with and smash the bananas I gave them.

I did get to see some friendly faces. Alan Smith, a fellow peace activist came by and chatted. He applauded the efforts. He even offered to bring some food, but I declined. Phil Kauth also came. Erick McGinely and I talked for quite a bit. During the middle of our talk. One woman, accompanied by a friend. The blond haired one had alot of spunk. She asked for a cigarette. Which of course, I didn't have. She asked if we went to what I thought she said was "the herbal energy fair." Which we didn't. I though the fair sounded odd named. Later when I was talking to someone, he asked me "Did you go the Renewable Energy Fair"? Then I realized that's apparently what she was talking about. She read the sign and started questioning me about the event. She asked me "why don't you like drinking?" I gave a couple of reasons. Then I did something very good, I started questioning her. If teetotalers are questioned, drinkers should be questioned. Why should they get away with not thinking about their consumption. I asked her what was good about alcohol. She said "I like the taste. I like a beer with a pizza. I like the taste of dark stout. If I found a dark stout that was non alcoholic, I would drink that." She accused me of "being drunk prejudiced", she also said "You should judge a person by what's inside." (Alcohol disguises what's inside and we can't see the real person.) She debated the qualifications for giving out bananas. She asked "What if someone is drunk but they haven't had any food and were hungry?", "In New Orleans, people won't hesitate to give you money for beer, but they won't give you money for food. The blonde woman got distracted for a bit. Her friend talked to me about third parties. She asked Erick and I if we voted for Nader. Which we both did. She gave us fives for that. He talked to me about how she didn't like Nader missing out on matching funds for getting an insufficient amount of votes.

The blond woman said "I drink. But I only get drunk once in a blue moon." Her friend stated once something to the effect "I have no other addictions except food, water and air." The blond woman said "I use pot, but for medicinal purposes (yeah, right!) My uncle grows and produces it for medicinal purposes legally" I asked "What for?" She replied "He has skin cancer." She asked "Are you straight edge?" Which I replied affirmatively. She made a fairly respectful comment about it. Later I saw her drunk, and she could have been drunk when I was talking with her. She seemed to lie alot. She came back later in the night. Through the night, She told some different stories about dead friends. I first believed her first story, then I started to get skeptical after thinking about it. I was sleeping to be awoke by her. My left short leg felt wet. She laid a bottle of Crown Royal near me which I took elsewhere. I guessed that she may have poured the liquor on me. She told me "I had a good friend in college die from drinking." Later She said "Drinking is the only way I can cope." I disagreed firmly with that. She clearly was wasted as she said "I had a friend die from puking on their own puke." Apparently the color of the moon was blue.

A police officer came over to me to find out what I was doing. I told him what was up. He asked "Is this all night sleepout about alcohol." I responded "It is related." He read the sign saying "If you find someone sober, they get a banana." He asked if "anyone has been bothering you." I told him about the wet pant leg. He give some advice "I can't say whether or not this is a good cause, I have to be neutral on these matters. I don't have to tell you that people act stupid when drinking. You should stay up through bar time. Good luck."

The high points of aggravation was interacting with obnoxious drunks walking out from the bars. A dumb drunk asked "What are you doing?" Then he grabbed me and also grabbed my blanket. I yelled "Get off! Get off me!"

Since at this time virtually everyone was drunk, I didn't care to interact with most of anyone. One drunk asked "What does third party day stand for?" I try to not deal with him. He said "I'm serious." I said "Look it up. don't drink."

One person blabbered "Third parties suck." He also told me I should shave.

A couple drunks wanted to shake my hand. I wondered "Why do drunks seem so eager to shake my hand?"

One person from a group of drunks was messing with my bike. I firmly shouted "Get away from the bike" He was intimidated and complied.

A dude named Carmen who I ran track with, for a year asked "Why don't you like drinking?" I gave him reasons like 100,000 dead a year, drunk driving, rape, lousy behavior and child mistreatment. He said "I can see where you're coming from. Not many people here will agree with you" He asked "Have you ever been under the influence?" I told him I drank a few times long while ago, but I was never drunk. He said "There's 2 sides to every story."

One man came from across the street. I couldn't quite tell if he was drunk or not. He said "I commend you. You're putting your life and limb on the line here. Our place is across the street if you need anything." He told me about a law passed in our area banning "unauthorized gatherings of 15 or more people." He told me how a bunch of his buddies and him protested this in front of the police station. He put a painting on the bench near me to take a picture of it. Yes, alot of people could care less about social justice issues, but if you take away their beer, they become activists.

Around 6:00 in the morning another cop came up to me and asked "Do you live here?" I pointed the sign out to him. He gadflingly asked 'How does sleeping out help third parties?" I responded "It's just a way to celebrate them."

Right before I left, the people across the street, asked "Isn't it a beautiful morning." I responded affirmatively because indeed it was. They gave me some props for doing what I did, which was cool.

It was good to do this. It is good to do sleepouts. It is good to advance third parties.

Drunk Driving

Tons of people made a big stink about what Bill Clinton did with Monica while he was president. His character and integrity was questioned. But there is a character issue of our current president, that I consider much worse that what Clinton did with Monica. Our current President had so little regard for human life, that he drove drunk. Although the press did attack President's Bush's drunk driving conviction, it wasn't attacked enough. It seemed as if the press was more concerned about the honesty issues involved, rather than the act itself. Drunk driving is a horrible deed to do. The fact that our president was convicted for drunk driving demonstrates how selfish and callous he is. It is very regrettable, the president has this on his record. He is a model for behavior everywhere, and horrible message is being sent to a nation where way too many people drink and drive, the way it is. President Bush's act in perspective of his position of authority, has to some degree, legitimatized drunk driving, something vile. The press endlessly ranted about Clinton taking a whiff of pot, but at least, I don't remember him driving while doing that.

Way too many people think they are too good to follow the laws. They think they are above the laws when they drink and drive. Unlike with other crimes, usually a main cause of drinking and driving is not because they had a bad family background, but simply because they are too cocky, they don't care about others and they are selfish and foolish.

Drunk driving is worse than consensual oral sex most always, no matter where the oral sex occurs.

Other countries don't fool around with drunk driving. Other countries are more strict and serious about drunk driving than America is. Drunk drivers deserve jail. Put George W. Bush in jail for drunk driving. I was talking to this one typical fundamentalist Christian who didn't think I should be so harsh about George W. Bush drinking and driving since he made a foul up. Indeed, we all error, but instead of considering drunk driving a small minor mishap, we should consider it a vile act of moral turpitude. I'm just glad he got caught! Drunkenness is a foul enough activity, drunk driving is foul squared. Drunk drivers belong in jail even if they are the president of the United States. I wonder how the founder of MADD feels that the president of the U.S. could have killed someone like her child.

It would be absolutely wonderful if we had someone tough and relentless on our side. If we had someone willing to call a spade a spade on our side, we could take on the horrible foe of alcohol induced driving. If we had someone blunt, refusing to mince words, like John Walsh, focused as a spokesperson for the issue of drunk driving, we could be very powerful.

Drunk driving is a horrible outcome of a very horrible beverage. Let's ban alcohol to save us from endless sad trouble like drunk driving.

Dear Speaker of the Senate Elect:

As a Senator Emeritus of the UWSP Student Body, I was disappointed that I did not learn about a very important motion until very late in the game. This happened because I was going above and beyond the call of duty, reading through Robert's Rules of Order. If it wasn't for this, I may have never discovered this essential motion.

I recommend that you take every measure possible that this does not happen again. I believe it is absolutely essential that every senator know fully how to use "motion to eject". If they don't, it could be executed wrongly in a time of dire need. Every new senator must be taught this.

If you need help in training the new senators about this important motion, you can always fly me in from Mankato. I'm sure Bethany and Rebecca wouldn't mind that budget expenditure.

Whatever you do, don't forget to teach the senators this!

Andrew J. Bushard

Catfish 34

Andrew Bushard

Welcome to Catfish 34

I have finished my first semester at graduate school. It's nice to know I only have 3 semesters to go. It's nice to have a chapter of Federation Without Television here.

These last months in Mankato have be absolutely pitiful for snail mail delivery. I almost can't believe it's possible to rarely get anything good.

I hope you really enjoy this issue of Catfish.

Send me your comments and lots of mail!

Andrew Bushard

Dear Editor:

I believe it is most noble to resist and destroy the evil of this world. This should be a main purposes of one's existence. One issue that concerns me greatly is the issue of how the alcohol industry has wrecked this country. Many throughout history have argued and have demonstrated how this industry ruins humanity. As a person who has experienced second hand alcoholism, I can testify that alcohol = tears and sadness. We hear endless talk from conservatives about family values, but they are often spineless jellyfish about the issue of alcohol. On the other side of the coin, Marxists often express disdain about capitalism's injustice, but do not often enough boycott an industry which profits off the destruction of human health, the liquor industry. I believe it behooves both family value conservatives and anti-capitalist Marxists among others to resist the decadent liquor industry. I believe that we should be boycotting and otherwise resisting what we find most repugnant.

From November 1st, 2002 to November 21st, 2002 (21 days), I fasted to protest the social damage caused by the alcohol industry. I fasted to call on the taverns of this city to close down and erect vegan restaurants in the place of their previously destructive and decadent businesses. Why should the taverns sell harmful products when they could be selling something good? If the taverns of this city, choose not to do the right action on their own, then I encourage the local government to be smart like MSU, and to make this city and county dry. We don't need any more taverns, but we sure need more vegan restaurants. I also call on the taverns and legislators of other cities and counties, and even the nation at large, to do the same. Fasting is beautiful and I seek to use this powerful tool for justice. I hope that others will be inspired to join me in this, whether you fast one day or 14 days or more, it all helps. At the very least, you can sign a petition I have created to call on those in power to make this nation a dry nation. If we want change, we must make profound sacrifices. We must work to dry the endless flowing tears caused by Alcohol industry. I hope this fast will dry some tears. I hope this fast can help destroy pervasive miasma.

Reviews

Audio

Hollywood's Unsolved Mysteries, Barr audio, 1991.

The way the narrator spoke set the mood real well. She had a good voice for this type of presentation. It's too bad that it wasn't released a few years later, so O.J. Simpson's case could be discussed. This type of tape can make you feel more cynical as sad as it is.

Erotica, Madonna, Maverick Records, 1992.

Although I really dig Madonna, some of the songs were too slow for my tastes. The song "Where Life Begins is cool, cool, cool. I'm glad she composed such a song.

Shaking the Tree, Peter Gabriel, Geffen Records, 1990.

This album didn't trip my trigger like "So" did. Many of the best songs from "So" were on this tape. It also didn't help that the portable tape player was not functioning the best.

Jonathan Winters, Crank Calls, The Publishing Mills, 1995.

More witty, sophisticated and mature, also less ribald and obscene than the famous Jerky prank calls. Prank works of art seem rare, thus it nice to come across them. I praise Mr. Winters for creating this. I do wish it was longer. This is proof positive that it is virtuous to tape record most everything.

Robert F. Kennedy in His Own Words, Robert F. Kennedy, Jerdin Records, 1995.

RFK doesn't really excite me all that much as a person, though I must say some of his messages were inspiring. I have heard some good comments about him and some quite bad remarks about him. I do wonder how much of his inspiring words were not just fluff. I was impressed that back in his day he discussed the perils of tobacco.

Britney Spears, Britney, Zomba, 2001

The fact that I had to resort to this is testament to the Slim Pickings of the La Crosse, WI libraries. I must say that this album is not as bad as everyone makes it out to be. In fact, song 5 is a super terrific song. I won't go too far in defending Britney, but I will say that people have perhaps criticized her too much. There is some merit here and I would like a chance to hang out with Britney, because I could mold her into a revolutionary of THE revolution.

The Fabulous Forties, The Great American Audio Corporation, 1987.

Very brief but I still learned something. A brief audio tape gets a brief review.

The 50's Lifestyle, The Great American Audio Corporation, 1986.

Ditto the above review. This may be the first time I used "ditto" in a review. If not, it is one of the first.

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, read by Ed Begley, Caedmon.

Why didn't the author read this?! Ed Begley's voice reminds me of the recording I heard of William Jennings Bryan. It was sure good to get a glimpse of a very early era. His life tale is indeed worth telling. I do consider him a bit off on some matters, but I suppose it is that way with everyone.

Knowledge in a Nutshell: 500 Amazing, astounding fun facts, Charles Reichblum, read by Dan Cashman, books on tape, inc, 2000.

As trivia fan, this was suitable for me. I have indeed heard alot before, but there was a fair amount that was new. It was good to go over some of the less banal cases I heard before.

Rock Music Seminar, Peter Brothers and Zion Christian Life Center, tape 2, Zion, 1982.

Ironically (to some), it's actually fairly difficult to get fundamentalist x-tian pieces about rock music. Thus finding this in a thrift store was a treat. Sadly, I did not get tape one. The tape is dated a bit early before rock music got even worse in X-tian minds. The speakers talk too fast, as if they have too much material to go through in too little time. They are even sarcastic, which I didn't really expect. I do agree that there are problems with rock lyrics, but the fundamentalist Christian way is not the way to handle it.

The Press Questions NAACP executive director Roy Wilkins, Educational Research Group, 1969.

short, but good.

Clifford's First Christmas, Norman Bridwell, music by others, Scholastic, Inc, 1994.

I could only see the very youngest of children liking this. I imagine lots of people would find it corny. Also the tape itself is very short.

Your Child's Self Esteem: the key to his [and her] life, Dorothy Corkville Briggs, Success Motivation Cassettes, 1974.

Much of it seems to be fairly good advice. The "homosexuality as unhealthy" bit demonstrates some truly old school elements of this author. If you are raising kids, you could use it, but a newer handbook might be more useful yet.

Political Dissident Angela Davis speaks, Center for Cassette Studies Inc, 1972?

I believe this is the first time I heard Angela Davis's voice. She seems articulate. She makes good points.

The House at Pooh Corner, A.A. Milne, read by Charles Kuralt, Penguin Audiobooks, 1997.

Everyone seems to have a whole of respect for Christopher Robbins. I heard a pirate radio station talk about the deep analysis in books such as "The Te of Piglet" and "The Tao of Pooh", thus I started to analyze the other characters in this book too. The photograph on this seems to be an older picture of Pooh.

Pollyanna, Eleanor H. Porter, read by Hannah Gordon, first published in 1927, Chiver's Children Audio, 1995.

Sometimes, the internet is not enough. After hearing about the legend of Pollyanna, I wanted to learn more about it. Thus I did a search about "Pollyanna" on the internet, trying to find out more about the story. But I didn't find much. I found mostly references to the character. Then one day while looking for audio books at MSU-Mankato, I stumbled across it. I was glad because it looked like it was hard to find. Many people seemed to exaggerate Pollyanna's nature. She seems to be healthily optimistic, not naive the way many have described her. We could indeed be better off following her lead. I thought I figured out a bit of suspense in the plot, real good, but I was thrown off course, by an interesting turn. The vocabulary is neat, regularly used is "ejaculated" and "mistress". These words are not commonly used today in our society especially how they were used then. Due to the book's length, the real young might not have an attention span long enough to listen to it all, but thus it might be better suited for adults. The author sure seemed to be making some very valuable comments about life in this book. This is a story to remember. This story should get you to think, it should get to your heart as Pollyanna is a quinessential example of the joy of young children. I was relieved there was a happy ending.

Black America: the Black Separatists, Educational Resource Group

I do not really care for Elijah Muhammad. Surely, NOI has some legitimate concerns, but it seems as if integration is more beautiful than what they are espousing.

Lives of Extraordinary Woman: Rulers, Rebels (and what the neighbors thought), written by Kathleen Krull, read by Melissa Hughes, Audio Bookshelf, 2000.

It bettered me to listen to this. It furthers one of my arguments in favor of monarchism, is that women have actually had considerable power under monarchism while the United States has not yet had a woman president. My brains and passions approve. Why didn't we learn more about these strong females in our history classes? If we had our education would have been surely richer. The author helps to fill in the gap.

Effective Telephone Techniques for Professional Secretaries and Receptionists, Thom Norman, General Cassette Corporation.

Thom demonstrates sexism by assuming that secretaries are always female. Thom is perhaps the one who needs the education. Anal and rigid as many business presentations can be. Thom does have a commanding vocal presentation.

Murder in the First, Dan Gordon, L.A. Theatre Works, 1995.

Again another great one from the L.A. Theatre Works. Full of suspense that keeps you sucked in. The injustice of the tale sickened me. I admired the very brave and justice seeking young attorney who truly had guts to do what he did. Wow is a good word for how awesome these actors do in recreating the original situations.

How to Remember Everything in Your Past, Kevin Trudeau, Nightingale-Condant Corporation

The cassette they used just had to be shorter than standard which makes me wonder why they didn't just use a tape where they could fit it all on one side. Mr. Trudeau is terse which is good because I was thinking it would be very ironic if we could not easily remember a technique to help remember.

Camping With Henry and Tom, Mark St. Germain, L.A. Theatre Works, 1996.

I am beginning to really love L.A. Theatre Works because their presentations royally rule. I love the time period of the 20's. I haven't heard much good about Warren G. Harding, but he sounds interesting. My evaluation of Thomas Edison lowered due to see the side of him presented on this tape. I never realized Edison was so surly. I was wondering when Ford would make some anti-Semitic remarks, it took a while but it happened, which demonstrates how true to life this theatre group makes its plays. Alan Alda has a distinctive voice, which might not reflect Ford's true voice, but regardless Alan Alda is a good actor. I sure would like to hear more dramatic adaptations of famous people getting together. I'm really being drawn in by L.A. Theatre Works.

Personal Power #8: Turn Fear and Self Sabotage into Success, Anthony Robbins, Robbins Research International, 1993.

His voice can carry! He is the type that might not need a microphone. Active listening is crucial for these types of tapes and I was in the mood for passive listening, thus I didn't get as much out of it as one could. People need self-empowerment; folks that seek to provide it can sometimes seemingly perform miracles. He is able to make the tape seem interactive. He is skilled at being encouraging and I believe much of what he says can be quite helpful.

Emily Post's Guide to Business Etiquette, Peggy Post, read by the author, Harper Collins, 1997.

My late grandmother gave me an edition of one of Emily Post's early books written early in the 20th century. I found it to be an interesting look. At one Federation Without Television meeting, we were looking over it and many observed how prententious it was. The lot of it is nit picky rules. In this work, I was glad to see acknowldgement of the importance of sexual equality. Some of the rules were good, but a bunch of others were anal. This work is a big reason why the business world is not for me.

What's Wrong With Sorts, Howard Cosell with Shelby Whitfield, read by Howard Cosel, Simon and Schuster audio, 1991.

I thought this book was going to be okay when I got it, but it was alot better than just okay. Cosell impressed me with how he was concerned with principles and integrity. Although I am no sports fan, I realize the social side of sports gives us alot to think about. It takes a good writer to write so interestingly about a topic, that those who aren't even fans of the topic, like the book.

In the Name of Security: The trials of Alger Hiss, Julius and Ethel Rosenburg and the case of Robert Oppenheimer, Peter Goodchild, L.A. Theatre Works, 1999.

The library at MSU-Mankato has a good number of these L.A. Theatre Work tapes. Helpful is how they include both reenactments and commentary. It's cool how they make history exciting and lively. This is a fantastic way to learn more about our history. It is sure a lot better than dry textbooks. First rate acting too!

Top Secret: The Battle for the Pentagon Papers, by Gregory Cowan and Leroy Aarons, L.A. Theatre Works, 1999.

I wished there was more about the trial instead of having the emphasis on the out of court scenes at the Washington Post. The actor who portrayed Nixon did it realistically, the voice was annoying, but it was impressively accurate. I'm happy that L.A. Theatre Works exists!

Fitness for Dummies, Suzane Schlosberg and Liz Neporent, M.A., read by Suzanne Scholsberg, Harper Collins Publishers, 1997.

This tape is doing a wonderful deed by making wellness accesible to the masses. America sure needs physical wellness. The reader has a lively voice and the humor thrown in is a plus. I knew the basic material, but I believe this would be a good general starting point for newcomers.

The Hidden Life of Dogs, Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, narrated by Barbara Caruso, Recorded Books Productions, 1994.

Animal Lovers are swell because they have tremendous patience for animals. Their love is admirable. If only I could be as loving as this author. I was under the impression that enigmas would be uncovered, but I didn't really get that here. I usually don't read nature books, thus this was good for me. It's a great evolutionary step when people have compassion enough for dogs to value them highly.

Why America Doesn't Work, Charles Colson and Jack Eckerd, read by Adam McCormick, Word Inc, 1991.

It seems contrived that most all these audio tapes last exactly as long as the tape lengths. I realize they don't want to waste tape, but it still seems contrived when a person thinks about it. I was under the impression that this book was a liberal or leftist book when I saw it in the stores, but it surely is not. My interpretation of the title lead me to believe the book was oriented differently than it was. I must say they had some good ideas and if these ideas were applied on a large scale, one might rethink an aversion to capitalism (a system the authors love). If we are to have capitalism, it should be the way the authors recommend. The authors talked about their Christian faith, but it wasn't all that overwhelming. They did mention it, but talk about it wasn't everywhere. I was impressed by the examples they gave. I was impressed about the egalitarianism in action that their examples demonstrated.

What Does She Want From me Anyway, Holly Faith Phillips with Greg Lewis, Zondervan Publishing House, 1997.

I almost didn't listen to it. Since it was influenced by Promise Keepers, I was a bit scared. But it ended up not too bad at all. Some parts of the book would even read like the writing from a book about a liberated feminist approach to marriage. Perhaps, to me, this tape seemed like the antithesis of what everyone says the Promise Keepers are. She talked about her religion a lot, but I didn't bother me. I felt bad for the bum deal she got. If this is the Promise Keepers, maybe they are not as harmful as people make them out to be, or maybe they are showing a good side here. I could see people benefitting from this if they ignore the Christianity.

The Chicago Conspiracy Trial, adapted from the original trial transcripts by Peter Goodchild, L.A. Theatre Works, 1999.

Extremely wonderful and fantastic! The portrayal of Bobby Seale was very convincing, loaded with some awesome energy. I got aggravated quite often by the Judge (about every time he spoke). I gained even more respect for William Kunstler from what I learned about this trial. Leonard Weinglass too. This tape mentioned Seale's contempt of court 4 years in jail sentence. It's egregious to ponder Seale's 4 years behind bars for a contempt sentence, when some people who rape don't even get that. In some areas, clearly, the worst crime is to offend the ego of a judge. Surely, I wished the play would have been longer, but it was very satisfying. I just had to learn more about this trial and I was delighted to gain this exciting knowledge! Besides, I love trials in general!

Plaza Suite, Neil Simon, L.A. Theatre Works, 1995.

Ed Asner seems to be suited to play grouchy people. It seems as if he is often in that role. Though in real life I've heard he is quite a good person. The style of these skits seemed unique, instead of having a defined climax, they just seemed to fade off into the background, leaving you wondering what happened afterwards.

Six Degrees of Separatation, John Guare, L.A. Theatre Works, 1999.

The two main characters had this rapid rate of talking that was almost overwhelming. For someone who talks slow, it can be harder to listen to people who talk rapidly. Looks like it is another example of good drama, because you leave it wondering whatever happened. What happened to these characters could happen to us in real life if we aren't careful.

The Cocktail Hour, A.R. Gureny, L.A. Theatre Works, 1994.

I didn't like some of the characters' ways of being. the play was fab.

'Night Mother, Marsha Norman, L.A. Theatre Works, 1995.

The description on the back says "Thus begins a nerve wracking dual between a woman systematically preparing for her own death and the frantic, comic, and touching efforts of her mother to stop her." Overall, it is a good description, except for one word, "comic". I didn't find anything funny in this tragedy. As tragedies go, it succeeded.

Great American Women's Speeches, read by Eileen Heckhart, Claudia McNeil, and Mildred Natwick, Harper Collins publishers, 1995.

I got inspired by listening to this. These women read dramatically with great expression and passion. The speeches made absolutely wonderful points that shook up the contemporaries rightfully. The speeches are great examples of rhetorical eloquence too.

A Fair Country, Job Robin Baitz, L.A. Theatre Works, 1998.

It looks as if many of the newer LATW performances are on cd, thus it is nice this is on tape for me. The political themes were a nice touch. I derived enjoyment from it. I reckon you will too

Three Hotels, Jon Robin Baitz, L.A. Theatre Works, 1995.

The style is different than other plays as it is two monologues. The different style is a great change of pace. Mr. Baitz seems to have quite a social conscience. Of course, that is a major positive.

101 Secrets of Highly Effective Speakers: Controling Fear, Commanding Attention, Caryl Rae Krannich, Ph.D., read by Beth McDonald, Listen and Live Audio, 1998.

Although, I would recommend this to people just starting public speaking, as someone who has learned a lot of the techniques from Toastmasters International and personal experience, among other ways, I only found about 1 1/2 tips here that were new to me, the rest I've heard before. If you are a beginning speaker, here is something potentially valuable, if you are more advanced, it is likely you won't find much new, though it may help to review these tips.

George Sheehan on Running, Dr. George Sheehan, Listen and Learn USA.

This tape gave props to itself for being short, but I believe it is a disservice to someone like Sheehan to force him to cram his thoughts into this tape. It should have been longer. The tape is obviously older, though I can't find an exact date, which is apparent listening to the sound quality. Some of the "basics" were too basic for me. All old hat, really. To me, there is just a different aura about more contemporary works on running that make them more readable, (of course some older running books can be about as good as you can get such as Jim Fixx's books). Maybe someone else observed it that I heard before, but in addition to that, I also observed that Sheehan isn't all that dynamic in speaking abilities. Critics are right about his writing ability, but speaking is a different matter.

All Madden: I'm Talking Pro Football, John Madden with Dave Andreson, John Madden, Red Bear Inc, 1996.

My big sports fan, brother told me "I can't listen to that guy" due to his intensity. Interestingly enough, Madden's energy is what really draws me in, even though I am not a football fan. It seemed as if he talked about the straight football matters, instead of the social issues of the game. I would have preferred the latter, but it was a good experience it hear him talk about straight football. This proves what people often say, "A good presenter can make any topic interesting."

Should a Therapist Have Intercourse With Patients, by Arthur Seagull, Ziff Davis Publishing, 1973.

I thought the answer to the title question would be a resounding "no", but I was off the mark a bit. The psychologist here hesitated to condemn such an action universally. I guess that perhaps might say something about the field of psychology. It seemed as if side two just a duplication of side one. I don't imagine someone reacting the same way today.

Facing the Challenge of a New Age, Rev. Martin Luther, Jr, Spoken Arts, Inc, 1991.

Wow! I love listening to his emotionally charged speeches (with a wonderful amount of rational thinking mixed in too) I am glad I am expanding beyond hearing his "Free at Last" speeches which is so common and popular, and am hearing some of his other speeches, because most of the attention seems focused on that one speech. This other speeches are beautiful too, with great insight, and they surely inspire me. Although, civil rights isn't destined to be my main cause (both our times and myself are different from he and his times), I get charged by listening to him, because I love righteous passion!

The Fountainhead, Ayn Rand, read by Edward Herrmann, Penquin High Bridge Audio, 1994.

I am glad I got a chance to be exposed to this highly acclaimed book. Since it is a little longer in length, the book version scared me off a little, thus having it on audio tape was welcoming. In my junior year of high school, I did my term paper on "Anthem" which I thought was a most excellent book. Although, I surely do not agree politically with Rand, I must say she surely paints a noble vision. I don't agree with everything in this book, but I do believe there are some good themes. What was also valuable about listening to this is that, I got the chance to hear a political fiction piece, which seem all too rare. I found the main character, Howard Roark, aloof and stiff, but as Rand is getting across and as other readers have observed, he has traits which surely are to be admired.

Run if You Dare, Randy Powell, read by Johnny Heller, Recorded Books, 2001.

Great for young people, but it also has value for us other folks. As a longtime runner myself, I related to the theme of the book. Furthermore, the main character began running at a fairly early age and I also began running in my early days. Another book with good themes.

Give a Boy a Gun, Todd Strasser, narrated by "various authors", Recorded Books, 2001.

I was looking for an emotionally charged book, and I found it. I liked the liberal analysis of the situation. We usually get ad nauseum conservative takes on these school shootings. It's a very heavy book, which we need. The monologue approach was fabulous. Although, I do agree with those who suggest that there has been too much hype about these school shootings, I think the compassionate look at the stuation is insightful and deserves high praise!

#15 "Arabs and Islam", #18 "The Reformation", # 17 "The Renaissance", # 13 "The Roman World", #16 "The Middle Ages" by Alexander Damianakos, Ph.D., University Press and Sound, Inc, 1993.

I believe these tapes are somewhere in between really dull history telling and wonderfully exciting history telling. Maybe somewhere in the middle. I have had both an excellent and a terrible history professor, thus I know what the two are like. Average history telling, thus sometimes it's a little dull and sometimes, it's interesting.

Ironman, Chirs Crutcher, narrated by George Guidall and Johnny Heller, Recorded Books, Inc, 1995.

I see on the cover that this book received "Association for Library Service to Children, American Library Association Notable" award. You better believe it deserves it! I have heard two audio cassettes by Chris Crutcher and I am really in sync with his writing. This book is proof that sometimes children books are more provocative and touching than many adult books. This book is proof that sometimes children books can be much more real than adult books. In fact, the book almost brought tears to my eyes, in parts. One of the greatest lines is when the main character said something to the effect of "I want to learn about what causes injustice." My passion was moved and I must exclaim loudly that this was a beautiful book.

The Flunking of Joshua T. Bates, Susan Shreve, Recorded Books, 1998.

Not as quite as deep as the other "youth" books I have reviewed here, because I don't sense that this could as easily appeal to us older people, but it could be quite valuable for younger people. It does has some good lessons too.

Why People Believe Weird Ideas, Michael Shermer, Audio Renaissance, 1998.

Typical "Skeptic" material. I don't like how "reason" is so absolutist with this skeptic people. I believe other factors should influence our decisions. At the start, I thought, the ground he was going to cover was pretty banal, but I was glad he covered Holocaust Revisionism. I also was glad at how long he discussed this matter. About Holocaust Revisionism, he was some wonderful perspectives and shared some fascinating outlooks. I oppose his view "if it's established, it's likely to be right". Christians have a valid point when they criticize the "faith" these skeptics have in the scientific method. As with many, there are limits to what he questions. For example, natural hygienists and other non mainstream medicine advocates would be likely to question his myopic allegiance to western medicine. I believe that western medicine is one of the least questioned ideas out there, and if he is such a great freethinker, he sure should be questioning that too. Thus natural hygienists are light years ahead of him on those grounds. I felt myself getting irked at points in this tape. He's a typical "freethinker" and I'm glad I'm not one. Often these "freethinkers" all think the same and all are carbon copies of each other. I'm glad I'm not in that rut. Although, I surely don't agree with everything on this, it sure was interesting.

Poison Pen, authors/readers, Lysa Moskowitz -Mateau & David LaFontaine. Dave Audio, 1996.

Pretty good.

So, Peter Gabriel, Geffen, 1986.

Back in my MTV watching days, I remember Peter Gabriel's song often being on the top of their "lists". At the time, Gabriel didn't really suit my fancy. But from listening to this, I gained a fondness of this music. After listening to this album, I realized that he deserved to be lauded by critics.

The Great Gasby, F. Scott Fitzgerald, read by Christopeher Reeve, Durkin Hayes, 1992.

I was waiting to hear this lovely sounding line which I first saw in the book "Soliah", but I unfortunately did not get to hear it, maybe it wasn't in this version or maybe I missed it.

Iron John, Robert Bly, Random House, 1991.

A bit out in left field filed to me. I don't think Bly's way is what's best.

Madonna, Music, Warner Brothers, 2000.

It's from Madonna, so it is of course, fantastic. What a beautiful amazing woman! She is wonderful and this cd is spectacular! I love the essence and the ways of Madonna!

Sam Walton: Made in America: My Story, Sam Walton with John Huey, read by Kevin O'Morrison, Bantam Audio, 1992.

I can just hear the progressives giving me a hard time for listening to this now. But I guess that's why I'm no quintessential progressive. I kept thinking that although Walton may have run his business with integrity and principles (although the left will seriously argue against that), it seems like a waste, because his main purpose is earning more money instead of making the world a better place. I thought it was neat when he discussed how he was niggardly, especially in regards to his use of a not so hot automobile. MY friends were discussing how one of our anarchist friends drive a SUV, thus I can say that I know Anarchists and Leftists who have better cars than this very rich person! The tape was interesting to listen to, but I don't really admire as someone to emulate Sam Walton, except for his ability to do well. Perhaps, if Walmart was an organ for social justice first and foremost, its raison d'etre, then we could admire it as a model to emulate.

Leading With the Heart, Coach K's Sucessful Strageties for Basketball, Business and Life, by Mike Krzyzewski with Donald T. Phillips, Recorded Books, 2001.

Unfortunately, a lot of these inspirational tapes tend to be geared towards "business" which is why I imagine he stressed this part. Why not social activist groups? But of course, a person needs only be a critical thinker to carry his good advice to activist groups or social movements, which in a place or two, he does mention the universality of these ideas. I'm no big basketball fan, but I found this tape great. A person may think that a basketball coach would be very macho, but in fact, he seems to be the antithesis of macho in many ways. (he is quite sensitive and he often discusses himself experiencing tears) Although on some particulars such as his praise of the almost automatic benevolence of "tradition", I must say he seems like a real good person with sound ideas. He talks often about and demonstrates "his passion", something I consider very beautiful. No matter if you like basketball or not, you should listen to this wonderful tape.

Billy Joel, TurnStiles, CBS, Inc, 1976.

I've came across better Billy Joel albums, but this one still has his trademark realness. The song "Angry Young Man" seems to be a critique of the lifestyle protestors. We protestors need to think about the philosophy of doing what we do. I do feel that he is overly critical of our mind frames. I believe this album is a bit too mellow, and some of Joel's best songs are some of the non-mellow ones.

Garth Brooks, The Chase, Liberty Records, 1992.

Listening to this album, I for the first time, realized the meaning of the song "That Summer", tawdry, when before I thought it was more innocent. Yup, I do like some Garth Brooks songs.

Don Henley, Building the Perfect Beast, Geffen, 1984.

This album may be about "Building the Perfect Beast", but it is not about "Building the Perfect Album" for me.

Beach, Greatest Hits, Capitol Records, 1999.

About every other song is about surfing. Most of this fare is really light, nothing deep. It seems as if all the songs have the same harmony. "Kokomo" has got to be the best song of the lot. It's nice to think of beautiful warm places when I'm stuck in cold Minnesota right now.

The No Spin Zone, Bill O'Reilly, Books on Tape, Inc, 2001.

He does seem fair minded and I was impressed by the some of his variety of topics and people to discuss. He talked about such non banal subjects such as Puff Daddy and NAMBLA. Though we should recognize the fact that it is usually much easier to be the questioner of people rather than being the one questioned. In a way, what he does is a television version of Federation Without Television, except, we generally try to find virtue in people's views first while he seems to do the opposite.

The Darwin Awards: Evolution in Action, Wendy Northcutt, read by Jason Harris, Listen and Live Audio, 2000 and 2001.

The opposite of dull. There was a little of overlap between the two books, but that's not the end of the world. In the excellent group of audio tapes out there. The concept is a fab one, and Wendy Northcutt deserves props for thinking of it and carrying it out.

Books

Blind Love: the True Story of the Texas Cadet Murder, Peter Meyer, St. Martin's Paperbacks, 1998.

If crime books are this good, I should read more! I read this book in only a day or two. The number of pages read increased rapidly. It was the type of story I am allured to, an abrupt fall from grace, a very abrupt fall from grace story. Personal stories are great to read because they are often a lot more interesting that dry facts.

White House: Confidential: The Little Book of Weird Presidential History, Greg Stebben and Jim Morris, Cumberland House Publishing, 1998.

In my early days, I was much interested in the Presidents. I memorized them all. I still can recite them in order. I also still enjoy reading about them. This book was done right and is a hit!

Stupid White Men, Michael Moore, Regan Books, 2001.

Moore's good because he is an iconoclast who's blunt about the evil and injustice out there. It sure was interesting to find out that he was injured by a selfish drunk driver. That would be powerful if he could join us in the anti-alcohol movement. His passion and style could be a wonderful asset. He is a bit too liberal for me, but on some issues, this liberalism is good. His stabs at Bush are much needed.

Split-Level: Dykes to Watch Out For, Alison Bechdel, Firebrand Books, 1998.

I didn't care for the nudity drawn largely because I personally did not find the characters who were drawn nude, attractive. It's a thought out comic because the whole book tells a story. I imagine books like these can be rather effective in getting people to understand lesbianism better, getting people to see that lesbians are people just like everyone else. Bravo for doing that. There's this picture of a "Mark Sashara" on back. I couldn't quite figure out why. Is he the illustrator? The publisher? Why not a picture of Alison Bechdel?

Who's The Next President?: An Irreverent Guide to Everyone Who's Running - Or Should Be Running For President of the United States, Ken Lawless,Philip Leif Group, Inc, 1988.

I believe I have heard of Ken Lawless before. If some of these people did run for president, the presidential races would be much better. Too many politicians are boring. It's good that the author takes stabs at the 1988 presidential candidates. Although this work is satire, it opens up our imaginations to who could run for office.

I Ain't Got Time to Bleed: Reworking the Body Politic From the Bottom Up, Jesse Ventura, Random House, 1999.

I am excited that Jesse Ventura was elected governor of Minnesota, it was an awesome advancement for third parties. I surely don't agree with everything Ventura believes in or does, but I'm glad that third parties have made this much progress. Now, I even live in the state with the third party governor. The book is categorized as "Autobiography/ Politics" on the cover, which is a good way to categorize it. This is because Jesse talks about his life and also shares his political views. Ventura is too macho for my tastes, but the trait everyone seems to notice about him: his guts and candor, exactly the type of people we need in government. Politically, I'm much different from Ventura's libertarian views. His views on education seem a bit contrary. He supports public education up to secondary school, at a free cost for people. Yet he believes already workaholic students should work more to pay for college. The problem is his argument that society is better by public education, thus taxpayers should pay for it. But he also believes college students should pay the enormous costs of college. Mr. Ventura isn't society bettered by college education too? I believe it is a legitimate taxpayer expenditure especially if tax payer funded high school is also considered legitimate. I can take something and leave something with Ventura's life and his ideas, to add on to my political eclecticism.

Soliah: The Sara Jane Olson Story, Sharon Darby Hendry, Cable Publishing, 2002.

A good portion of the book seems to be a condensed version of Patty Hearst's book, she seems to tell it the same as Patty Hearst. Now and then, she did add some extra information to Patty's. Reading this condensed version of Hearst's book was addicting, but the author's real contribution came what she wrote about afterwards. I'm looked for a bit of information on the internet about Kathy Soliah, and not all of it is fully updated, it's nice to see a book about it that is very timely. The book has some helpful features such as "Cast of Supporting Characters", "Pertinent Political and Radical Players", "Timeline" and "Where are they Now?" These well-organized features are a terse summary of the vital information. I sure dug reading a book like this. Yes, "Truth is Stranger than fiction."

The Criminal Law Handbook: Know Your Rights, Survive the System, Attorneys Paul Bergman and Sara J. Bergman-Barrett, Nolo Press, 1999.

There are good books and there are absolutely great books. This tome is in the latter category. Many books a person just reads, but this book has wonderful practical application to one's life. It is something everyone can use and everyone should be aware of. I typed up the most important information to be used later if and when I need it. I love the empowerment I can from learning all this, this book provides a true education! The writing was stellar because it was so clear and interesting. I loved the examples, they were very effective. The examples used humorous names, sometimes puns, sometimes names of celebrities. I observed the authors used a whole bunch of O.J. Simpson examples. This fact appears to be a sign of how important this trial was. The graphics were cute and even silly! Since the authors are lawyers, I am skeptical of their advice against self-representation. I'm skeptical of that advice anyways. Empowerment all the way!

And then the Vulture Eats You: Ultramarathons: Journeys of Discovery, John Parker, Jr. editor, Cedarwinds Publishing, 1991.

Books on ultramarathoning seem quite rare. I am not just referring to availability in my area, but to the larger fact that even looking on worldwide databases, a person is liable to find only a couple of books at most. This book had to be obtained from interlibrary loan, and I am rather glad I did that. It didn't take very long to read this and since it was as interesting as it was, I wish it would have been longer. But of course, good books never are long enough. I enjoyed how the book had different writers discuss a variety of ultra-races. I hope to soon run an ultra-race. Wonderful books like this serve as fantastic inspiration.

King Alcohol Dethorned, Ferninand Cowle Inglehart, D.D. The American Issue Publishing Company, 1919.

I feel as if sometimes I was born in the wrong era, due to my ideas. I am a neo-prohibitionist who has found almost no one who shares my brand of anti-alcohol views. It sure would be interesting to live in an era when a large percentage of society is receptive to such views, as opposed to now, when most people are hostile and critical. I sometimes feel as if I have this connection to these prohibition movement people from years and years ago. Oftentimes, newer books have better perspectives and keener insights than older books, but this is often completely opposite in the matter of Prohibition. The older books about Prohibition are usually more right than even the best anti drug advocates today. On the title page of this book, it says that the author was a "lecturer on Sociology and temperance" at Syracuse U. Maybe sociology has changed too, because he seems way more biased towards a given idea than I have seen any sociologist be, in fact, I have heard sociologists caution against such an approach. Actually, I like how he is so outspoken and passionate about Prohibition, that is way cool that he was a "lecturer on temperance". This is a Great book written at the pinnacle of this glorious movement about such an important issue. I learned some more, which is helpful ammunition in the fight against the shame of alcohol. The author sure has good opinions. The author covers many different areas, demonstrating how alcohol can be harmful to most any field or undertaking. One main motif is him discussing how prominent people such as Abraham Lincoln, Joe Corbett, Theodore Roosevelt and others have spoken out against alcohol. Though, I should say that proponents of logic caution against "appeals to authority" to prove points. But it is nice to see all these great people have the guts to condemn injustice. Importantly, he gloriously refutes the rubbish spouted by the villainous alcohol industry. I don't share his religious views, which unfortunately, lots of these prohibition advocates had. However, I have been thinking about how religion can be used as a force to halt alcohol. This author discusses Roosevelt's courage to keep taverns closed on Sundays. Normally, I would oppose the church state encroachment involved in such a blue law. But lately, I have been thinking that the alcohol industry is the greater evil than this type of church state encroachment, thus I might support such a blue law. Getting any type of edge over the liquor industry is difficult, thus a blue law might be sadly be one of the better bets to chip away their armor. Also, I must highly recommend this book because most books available in libraries about the subject of prohibition are ultra critical, thus this supportive book is very refreshing.

Killer Cults, James J. Boyle, St. Martin's Paperbacks, 1995.

I was offended that the great organization, MOVE, was included in here. Furthermore, I was offended with the tone in which the author described MOVE. I think MOVE is great. I thought the author should have made a distinction between the badness of groups that kill themselves and those that kill others, but he lumped them together under the name "Killer Cults". I do think the point he was trying to make was that both types are harmful. The book was interesting, though some profiles interested me less than others. I am beginning to really enjoy books about crime, and since I have been interested in cults for awhile, this book has appeal.

Do I Stand Alone: Going to the Mat Against Political Pawns and Media Jackals, Jesse Ventura with Julie Mooney, Pocket Books, 2000.

I am proud to live in a state who has had a third party governor like Ventura. Rad book, he makes good points in a very good writing style. I enjoy reading his books. I am so glad he is in politics. I hope to read his latest book too, which will serve perfectly as I have already read this book and his first book. Way to go, Jesse, Ventura.

Women Behind Bars: The True Story of Female Criminals in Prison, Wensley Clarkson, St. Martin Paperbacks, 1998.

I wish there were more pictures, because I really enjoy pictures in books like this. The author is good at authorship. Books like this, make this crime genre so appealing.

Periodicals

Simpson Comics, Bongo Comics, 2001.

These comics are the bomb! As wonderful as can be. These comics often have some outrageous happening to the Simpson family, then life returns to normal. Ending that predictable routine would be my only suggestion here for improvement. When something is as great as this, there is very little room for improvement!

Catfish 35

Andrew Bushard

Welcome Readers. As I write this I am very close to the finish of my first year of graduate school. At year's end, I shall be half done with grad school, which is exciting.

Send me lots of cool mail. Few pleasures in life are as sweet as good mail.

If you want to trade me zines, that would be swell. I want no zines which compliment Howard Stern in anyway. Copies of my zines are free! Yes, free and still better than many mainstream magazines.

Dig the issue and have a fabulous day.

Reviews

Books

Perfect Crimes, Marvin J. Wolf, Katherine Mader, Ballantine Books, 1995.

I didn't get into to it right away, but then I really got into it. The print was a bit small, but we can forgive them because they probably wanted the space to fill with their wonderful words.

Hate Crime: The Story of a Dragging in Jasper, Texas, Joyce King, Pantheon Books, 2002.

Incredible book. I was intensely engrossed in this fabulous tome. She has the writing skills to pay the bills. She made personal reflections, but not too many to detract from the main story. She was really effective in describing the humanity of those involved in the ordeal. Her prose is talented indeed. She has created a book that I invested an entertaining and thoughtful night reading.

In the Belly of the Beast: Letters from Prison, Jack Abbott, Vintage Books, 1981.

Heavy. He's angry, though from the sounds of it, it is very justified. He seems insightful in the same way that Mumia Abu Jamal is insightful, and naturally so, because they have similar plights. The author is intelligent and races some very thoughtful points. He furthers the idea many people have that prison is scary.

America and the World Liquor Problem, Ernest Cherrington, American Issue Publishing, 1922.

The margins are tight and the pages are small, thus not many words are on a page. It gives you almost a roller coaster feeling, the pages go by so fast. I've seen other books written in that era, which are not formatted in the same way, thus time period is no excuse. Ernest Cherrington seems to have done alot of good work and I am glad I read another book written by a prohibitionist.

Napoleon and Hitler, Desmond Seward. Viking, 1988.

Although I have read quite a bit of material about Hitler and little about Napoleon, I found the material about Hitler more fascinating. I may never cease to find Hitler and the Nazis fascinating. These types of synthesises are very valuable because the author must demonstrate knowledge about two different subject matters rather than just one. Just one is hard enough the way it is. I imagine he could have been more detailed in his comparisons and contrasts, but perfect detail would have likely required more pages. The author illustrates not only how he drew parallels but how Hitler himself drew parallels.

I Was the Nuremburg Jailer, Colonel Burton C. Andrus, U.S. Army, retired, Coward-McCann, Inc, 1969.

I just can't get enough of reading about the Nazis. I haven't read all that much about this part of the Nazi issue. I am beginning to really love these first person accounts because they seem to be so engrossing. Some swell pictures, but since I like pictures there does not seem to be enough of them. In this book, he mentioned how most of the defendants stayed away from Ley and Streicher, but I wonder why more didn't stay away from Hess, since the Nazis deemed him to have betrayed the country. Maybe they thought, overall, "we're all in this together." A number of authors mention how many if not most Nazis abandoned their convictions when the times were tough. Thus maybe since most of them did anyways, Hess's transgressions weren't all that much in retrospect.

The Nazi Olympics: Berlin 1936. Susan D. Bachrach, Little Brown and Company, 2000.

I find this Olympiad to be one of the most interesting aspects of the Third Reich and that is coming from someone who finds virtually any aspect of the Third Reich interesting. In our library card catalog, this is listed as "juvenile", which certainly could explain why the style was at a lower level. But it was still swell. I did learn a little more, especially about the people they highlighted. I dug the emphasis on pictures. The books mentioned how the Germans yelled cheerfully for Jesse Owens. I'm surprised that Hitler would permit that or even that they would do that.

The Hitler of History, John Lukas, Knopf, 1997.

I thought I was too overwhelmed to finish this book, but I was wrong, it was just too interesting to pass up. I love how the different authors take their different angles and write about different aspects about the Third Reich which is perhaps why the Third Reich is endlessly fascinating. John Lukas describes his book as "A history of the history of Hitler not the history of Hitler" which is good because it is a new take for me. Although I wish he would have covered some areas which I find superbly interesting, I must commend him for providing dialogue on a great number of provocative themes. It was quite interesting, when he proclaimed "We're all national socialists" (which must of course be viewed in the appropriate context), referring to how he believed that the fusion of nationalism and socialism has entered virtually every type of political thinking. He even has the decency to write some words about the font the book uses. Besides me, reviewers and writers are keen to do this.

Farewell to Spandau, Tony Le Tissier, Ashford, Buchan and Enright Publishers, 1994.

I was disappointed with both the thinness of the book and the content of it. Through reading the descriptions on the websites, I thought there would be more about Rudolf Hess, but there wasn't that much, just seemingly as much as the author felt was needed. My friend Amy once remarked that probation officers write in a much more technical format than others. Thus I wonder if the same phenomenon is occurring here. I wonder if the author's military experience is influencing his matter of fact writing style. It seemed almost as if the book was more about the authorities and the ending of the prison than about Hess and the other prisoners. I really wanted more about Hess and the other prisoners, thus the book did not meet my expectations.

Inside the Third Reich, Memoirs by Albert Speer, Macmillan Company, 1970.

I have come across lots of books about Hitler which mention this work, thus I finally felt compelled to tackle it. Tackling was a long job, but I did it. From the page counts, of references and abstracts, I saw how long the book was, thus was deterred, when I got the book, I found out that not only did it have lots of pages, but there were lots of words on each page. I enjoyed how there were 3 different photo sections. In the book, the introduction, mentions how Speer had to "Smuggle out notes for this book." I wonder why he had to. Apparently either there was some official or maybe de facto force causing him to not be upfront about it. In some ways, my estimate of Hitler got a bit better, in other ways, it got worse. Speer seemed to suggest Hitler was incompetent. I thought it was especially cruel when Speer told how Hitler's adjutants were taken away when Hess did his famous act of disobedience, because the adjutants told Hitler the truth. That just seemed beyond horrible for me. I found it odd that as forceful of his beliefs as Hitler was, he seemed more live and let live in regards to alcohol. Due to his temperament and also considering how as suggested by many, he was opposed to alcohol, it is surprisingly almost, that he did not embrace prohibition of alcohol. Thomas Childers suggested that this work may not always be truthful, which I didn't like to hear at first. Then I thought, such a suggestion is good, because I naively assumed without question, that it would be the truth. If someone has done bad deeds like the Nazis, as folks say, they will probably lie too, since lying is far worse the Nazi crimes.

Holocaust Denial, Kenneth S. Stern, American Jewish Committee, 1993.

I wonder if the author is in any way related to the scumbag, Howard Stern. The author tries to appear that he is the sensible one, but his language is quite categorical and emotionally charged, even inflammatory. He gets real close to writing off anyone who is opposed to Israel as "anti-Semitic" He with one sweep, marginalizes anyone who denies the holocaust. On page 70, the author tries to show how holocaust victims testimony have great value, but even Michael Shremer refuted this idea by suggesting that historical writers take their reports with a grain of salt. The author's bias prevents him from understanding the essence of Holocaust denial. Although the book was enjoyable to read, it was a disappointment in the intellectual understanding department.

How to Screw the Post Office, Mr. UnZip, Loompanics, 2000.

The premise is as radly interesting as can be, but the book is much too short. It is more appropriately called a pamphlet rather than a book. It's so short, it was almost not justified to get it by interlibrary loan. The suggestions in here seem to be too much work, too much risk, for too little gain. In my younger days, I in jest, wrote a poem about "defrauding the post office", but I respect the Post Office too much to want to cheat it. His main rationalization for "screwing the post office" is the old "two wrongs make a right.", since he believes it's okay to defraud the Post Office because the Post Office does wrong too. The cover is rather obscene: a middle aged man with his pants around his ankles, buck naked, humping a mail box. This image although attention getting, maybe should have been replaced by another image. His complaints about the postal service are banal and unfair. As my dad suggested, "the Post Office is efficient because where else can you mail a letter across the country for just 37 cents?" I found it a bit funny, that some dude named "Bert Elwert" generously donated this highly provocative, intellectual, artistic masterpiece to a library, according to a label on the inside of the book. I was wondering what the library clerk and the interlibrary loan people thought about ordering this book for me. That wondering caused me to laugh.

101 Ideas to Do Until the Revolution, Claire Wolfe, Loompanics Unlimited, 1996.

The author clearly stated her libertarian political leanings and how the book was oriented in that direction, it disappointed me to find that out. It figures because a couple of years ago, the person who recommended this book had a reputation in Stevens Point as an arch libertarian. I don't expect to implement many of these ideas. A good number of ideas didn't seem all that useful or original. The author's insight about refusing to "debate others" may sound good as I am finding it draining to engage in debate these days. I use to not relish it, but I felt compelled to do it. If you want a more useful book for subverting the system, then read Out of Business also available from the same publisher. But of course, the books have different targets and your preference may all depend on whether you detest government or capitalism more.

Tenant's Revenge: How to Tame Your Landlord, Andy Kane, illustrations by Steve Soeffing, Paladin Press, 1983.

I ordered this book via interlibrary loan through our school library, but then I found out the ILL came from our public library in town. I'm impressed because this is an awfully cool book for a library to have. He ends most chapters with the phrase "God Bless America". He explicitly states that since he is in the pro-landlord camp. His humor is sharp, but it is a nice addition in a genre (apartment renting_ where other books are often dry as dirt. An example of his abrasive terms, though funny terms, is his use of "brats" to categorically describe young children. Not really necessary for the main premise, but definitely necessary for interesting reading, was his "anatomy of a landlord" where he basically described himself in a humorous fashion. On the back cover, it says "Kane is a real estate mogul in the city where he lives." Before, I have certainly seen the use of pen names or the phrase" by anonymous" when someone for some reason or another, wanted to conceal their identity. In this case, he gives his name, but not his city. Perhaps, most abrasive of all, is his general contempt for tenants (whether hyperbole for the sake of writing or real) .

New I.D. in America: How to Create a Foolproof New Identity, Anonymous, Paladin Press, 1983.

I like the author's tone and style/ Some new info here, some common sense. He talks about how it is difficult to get credit cards. Times sure have changed. Today it is way too easy to get one, just ask any college student. Folks who read these types of books often ask, "in 20 years, how much in this book is still valid?" It looks like at least a fair amount.

Audio

Abuse of Power: The New Nixon Tapes, Edited by Stanley I. Cutler, Dove Audio, 1997.

Just when I thought I had check out all the good audio books at our school library, I came across this one.

Taking Charge: The Johnson White House Tapes: 1963-1964, Michael R. Beschloss, Simon and Schuster Audio, 1997.

Relatively speaking, behind the scenes, Johnson looked like a fairly decent person. He seemed to love his wife alot and was otherwise nice to other folks. These political tapes are very enriching to hear. I hope I can hear Beschloss's tape about the later years of Johnson's reign.

Reaching for Glory: Lyndon Johnson's Secret White House Tapes: 1964-1965, Michael Beschloss, Simon and Schuster Audio, 2001.

The author was a bit more blunt and critical of Johnson on this tape, than on the first, it seemed. Surely, in a good number of cases, it may have been justified. I thought it was interesting when Johnson gave credit to an idea of Hitler while ironically talking to Martin Luther King, Jr. From the first tape to this tape, my impressions of Johnson went downhill some. Beschloss has done something commendable by going through the hard work of sifting through Johnson's tapes to provide us with the highlights. Since people's tastes are different, I wonder if anything cut from here I would have found interesting.

Crash, Jerry Spinelli. narrated by Jeff Woodman, Recorded Books, 1996.

The author describes one of the main characters as an activist who jogs. I sure can relate to that! There are parts in the book that will really get at your heart. I was impressed how the narrating character's sister became an activist at the very young age of 10.

Napalm and Silly Putty, George Carlin, HighBridge Company, 2001.

I must admit he makes some very clever observations and he is a master at word play. His piece on terrorism was wonderful. I wonder if this was before or after September 11th, knowing him, I doubt if he would have toned down the offensiveness even if it was. Unfortunately, these positives get obscured in some negatives. He is too crude. He is too harsh. He has too much negative thinking in his head. He sure swears alot which can get really hard to listen to. He is too coarse. If he could remove these negatives and retain his cleverness, he would have himself a good product.

Mussolini, Jasper Ridley, read by Nadia May, Blackstone Audio Books, 1998.

Little can beat a well written biography about a fascinating person. In the past, I have been apprehensive to check out long audio books, because they seemed too much to get through. This audio book is probably one of the longest, if not the longest audio book, I ever listened. It contains 11 tapes of 1 1/2 hours long they tell you. Not only was it not too long to get through, but ironically, it seemed almost too short, as when the end came, I wish it hadn't. I believe this is the 3rd biography I have read or listened about this man. This author explained how for quite a long time, Mussolini avoided alliances with Germany, even being adversaries with Germany. I found it marvelous that the author took the care to refute other historian's versions of Mussolini's lives, which as historians tell you is a demonstration of how dynamic history is. When the author refuted an alternative point of view, he used great logic and evidence to argue for his case. A compliment for Nadia May is also in order: she had a good reading voice and read it as not to be overly enthusiastic and also not overly monotonous. I can't help but thinking that after reading for 17 hours, her voice really must get sore. Too bad, there are not more wonderful biographies on audio tape. I love enriching my knowledge about people like Mussolini.

First Things First, Stephen R. Covey, A. Roger Merrill, Rebecca R. Merrill, read by Stephen R. Covey. Simon and Schuster, Inc, 1994.

Why is Stephen's name printed larger on the cover than the others? He says he has a "Covey Leadership Institute" isn't that egotistical to name one after yourself? Zig Ziglar also talks about naming an organization after himself. You have to wonder about these psychological people sometimes. Since, I am increasingly wary of the dogmas of modern psychology, I found some of Covey's suggestions dubious. I did implement one good idea he had. I did like how he concisely explained some of the thoughtful and wise discoveries of his original book, particularly his main idea. Covey has good intentions, to be sure, but his thinking can be a little off.

The Diary of a Napoleonic Foot Solider, Jakob Walter, unabridged narration by Patrick Tull, Recorded Books, 1992.

Diaries seem to be one of the most readable formats for books. The last tape in the set played almost the way W.C. Fields talked (voice wavering from loud to soft). I feel sorry for the writer after he described all he had to go through.

Rumpole on Trial, John Mortimer, read by Timothy West, Chivers Audio Books, 1992.

When I worked at that rotten summer camp, Camp Menominee, Chris from Liverpool, taught me that even garage tools differed from Britain to the US. I observed how this audio book's cassette holder was different from the American standard. If only I got a dollar for everytime someone in exasperation, anger, frustration or annoyance, exclaimed "Rumpole", or "Mr. Rumpole", I could buy a good amount of groceries. Rumpole has a sassy mouth which often sputters sarcastic words. He even expressed dislike for the social work profession, a profession many consider to be too benevolent to be criticized. On the back cover, it gave me the information that Rumpole enjoyed pubs. Thus I expected to hear about it, much to my distaste. I hope the British government boards up his favorite pub. Underneath his sass, seemed to be noble doings. I learned a bit about the British legal system by hearing a portrayal of it.

Bismarck and Germany, Geoffrey Barraclough, Sussex Publications, 1972.

I wish it would have been full of a bit more information. Two professors discussed Bismarck in not always the most exciting manner, but I have heard more dry discussions. At least, I know a little more about Bismarck now.

Stalin, Robert Conquest, read by Frederick Davidson, Blackstone Audio Books, 1992.

It seems as if Blackstone uses readers with accents. That is good for variety purposes. I have a rough rule about doing reviews. If possible, I try to read or listen to every main part (appendices and other supplementary parts are not thus required). Maybe about 90% of the total should be read to be fair to the writer of the material. Unfortunately, tape six of the set, didn't run well, it sounded garbled and thus I couldn't listen to it, at least to gain any information about Stalin. It's funny how I can't get enough of Hitler books, but one book about Stalin might just be enough. I didn't feel he brought out the gory details enough, and as odd as it may sound, Stalin seemed a little less bad from this book. It's great that this was an audio book, because I don't think I could have trotted through the whole hard book. It's probably more against Stalin than against Conquest, because I believe Conquest did an adequate job writing.

Alexander the Great: A Concise Biography, E.E. Rice, read by Martyn Reed, Isis Audio Books, 1997.

Not terribly exciting, but I've seen duller. I am glad to learn some more about Alexander, whom before I have not read all that much about.

For the New Intellectual, Ayn Rand, read by Anna Fields, Blackstone Audio Books, 2000.

Although I am no objectivist, I love how Rand attempts to create absolute morality from a secular framework. Very rarely is this attempted. Lots of secularists don't believe strongly enough in absolute morality. I love how throughout, Rand disparages the habit of liquor using, because it truly deserves it. However, I also know she would not like prohibition of alcohol at all. I was expecting a bit more than the reprinting of diatribes from other of her books, but it was alright. I must admit that she as an objectivist does occasionally make points which seriously must be thought of by others. There is romance and nobility in objectivism, but I don't believe it is the best philosophy out there. After having been exposed to this work, I am really getting to be well read in Rand's work as I have either read or listened to The Fountainhead, Anthem, The Romantic Manifesto and the Virtue of Selfishness.

The History of Hitler's Empire, Thomas Childers, The Teaching Company, 1990.

Although, this work is general, I able to add extra knowledge to my third Reich knowledge based and I still enjoyed it immensely. Although, Childers's style is straightforward, he presents material well, though Toastmasters International would surely criticize some aspects of his delivery. Since the work was so good, I wish it was a bit longer.

Living Biographies of Famous Rulers, Henry Thomas and Dana Lee Thomas, Blackstone Audio Books, 1995.

My type of book all the way! Since they covered a lot of different leaders, each one was given only a little time, but the time was sufficient enough to give a good overview. None of the descriptions were dull and virtually all were tremendously fascinating, which is quite the compliment since other writers who have written about some of the same subjects have made the subjects appear not that interesting. It was interesting to hear their analysis of 3 leaders who were still alive at the time of the book writing: Stalin, Mussolini, and Hitler. Though their analysis didn't seem radically different than most writers who wrote after the fact. They seemed critical of the leaders, especially Hitler and to a lesser extent, Mussolini.

Berlin Diaries: 1940-1945, Marie Vassiltchitkov, read by Alexandra O'Karma, Recorded Books, 1989.

It was helpful how they supplemented the text with asides to help the reader understand what was going on and what the author was referring to. I like diaries. After awhile, it got a little monotonous, but the pace picked up after time. The diary writer was a likable character and it was swell to get her perspective on Hitler's Reich.

Visionary Activist Astrology, Caroline W. Casey, Sounds True, 1996.

The "Activist" part of the title is a misnomer because, there is only scant talk about "activism". It seemed like any other introductory astrology work, maybe with a few more anecdotes, often with a New Age twist. She used some analogies and descriptions, I did not hear before, and this is good. Sadly, tape six went haywire. She seems slightly too mellow.

The Big Reward, John Stauffer, World Records, 1995.

Much too short. Although, I am perhaps one of the passionate sXe folks around, AA, which this tape is inspired by, does not seem to thrill me too much. Maybe it's at least partially due to Charles Bufe's book Alcoholics Anonymous: Cult or Cure? The music wasn't too great nor were the words, but I must admire the motivation behind this, even if the art wasn't to my liking.

How Could You Do That?: The Abdication of Character, Courage and Conscience, Dr. Laura Schlesinger, Narrated by Barbara Caruso, Recorded Books, 1996.

Dr. Laura is speaking much truth here, I love her condemnation of perilous hedonism and support for what she deems, "the 3 C's: Conscience, Courage and Conviction." Apparently, Barbara did a good job narrating, because I thought it was Dr. Laura herself. Dr. Laura is a very denigrated figure. After listening to this, I wonder why. She seemed awfully sensible to me. I don't know how anyone who honestly listens to this could in a good mind object to most of what she says. One of the big criticisms against her are that she is supposedly a huge homophobe. But on this audio book, homosexuality was only mentioned a scant few times, and then it was not as radically disparagingly as those opponents seem to suggest. Perhaps, her two biggest gems of wisdom were "A few moments of sexual freedom can deny one of a lifetime of freedom" which is so very true and "Any movement which emphasis rights without responsibilities is an unbalanced movement." She didn't even seem overzealous with her religious views. Surely, it was apparent she was Jewish, but she did not talk about religion constantly. Folks say "She has a framework of Judaism". Maybe where the values emanate from, is not as important as the end result of what the values are. For example, I may disagree with Christianity as a foundation for values, but I applaud anti war folks who derive their anti war views from Christianity. From the two audio books I've listened to from Dr. Laura, at this point, I must conclude that her opponents seem more off base than she does.

Libertarianism: A Primer, David Boaz, read by Jeff Riggenbach, Blackstone Audio Books, 1997.

I knew most of these arguments, but there was some new ground covered. The book is persuasive, but I don't agree with it. I understand Libertarian arguments, but I don't buy. Although there are noble aspects of their vision, I find it lacking some essential romance. I believe, in a sense, these Libertarians want power too, after all, they want to you to follow their ways, which is indeed power. If you are not familiar with Libertarianism, it is good to learn, and this book can teach you.

What It is to be a Libertarian: A Personal Interpretation: Charles Murray, Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio, 1997.

This book is not nearly as long as the other reviewed piece about libertarianism, thus also consequently not as exhaustive. Some of the same arguments are used in here. As Murray himself mentions, he isn't as purist as some libertarians are. I like that, but I don't really dig his vision.

Forge of Union, Anvil of Liberty: A Correspondent's Report on the First Federal Elections, the First Federal Congress and the Creation of the First Bill of Rights, Jeffery St. John, read by Jeff Riggenbach, Blackstone Audio Books, 1999.

I couldn't get into it right away. I sluggishly trodded through, but I made it. My initial disinterest gave way to eventual interest. I was first a bit put off by the official air the book had, but in the end it was all good. Even to the extent, that I decided to check out other books on the American Revolution by the same author.

Holding On: Dreamers, Visionaries, Eccentrics and Other American Heroes, stories by David Isay, Hosted by Susan Stramberg, Shanachie Entertainment Corp, 1995.

Good premise to be sure. In fact, before I was able to get my new cd player (after my old one was stolen), I yearned to listen to this cd, but I couldn't. I totally echoed the sentiments of one man profiled who created this wonderful architectural masterpiece and in his view did not get adequate acclaim for it, in response he said something to the effect "Joey Buttafocco, David Letterman are newsworthy, but this is not?" It wasn't quite as interesting as it could be, but it was still worthwhile.

Men are from Mars, Women are From Venus, John Gray, Ph.D. Narrated by George Guidall, Recorded Books, 1994.

Everyone talks about this book. Lots of good talk, some bad. For awhile I felt resisted to such a notion, but now I could listen to it, but I don't believe it all. I don't want to live my life exactly the way John Gray proposes. I learned some new ideas, but the book isn't all that great. Astrology folks should applaud his use of astrology derived metaphors. I wonder to what degree Gray thinks astrology is good.

Let Go, Avril Lavigne, Arista Records, 2002.

All I want to say is good. I don't want to say bad about her. I decided I just had to listen to her. "Skater Boy" is the strongest track on the album. It's very catchy. I relate to it. Also early on, I also noticed the coolness of "Nobody's Fool", then a little later I discovered the radness of "My World", a great song. I noticed her voice has an uncanny resemblance to Alanis Morrisette, but Avril's music is a bit rawer. It might be a Canadian deal. The other songs grew on me with time, thus the whole album was ultra rad. I read articles which the writers mention pt her against Brittany Spears. I personally find Avril more attractive than Brittany. Brittany looks like a 16 year old plastic doll. Avril has some spunk and edge. I read some about Avril, thus it was really good I got a chance to listen. I wish she would join the Autonomy Party Revolution. Though I would be cautious to push her too hard to mold her in my ideal since she expressed dislike of partners forcing their agenda on her in "Nobody's Fools" It seems like a lot of love and romance themes, which is good. Her essence seems fab. I haven't wanted to really buy a cd in quite a while, but I am getting tempted to buy this. I am starting to adore her. The songs are memorable, often sad, but touch you emotionally. She seems to be a very balanced type of female, which I pick up from both this album and her interviews, thus she is all the more appealing. I don't really care what people say, I think this album has wonderful music on it written by someone who has good amounts of realness and nifty spunk. I am beginning to think she is great.

The Onion's Finest News Reporting: Volume One, hosted by Doyle Redland (P.S. Mueller), Random House Audio, 2000.

I remember one of my last stands with television. Since I loved Mad Magazine, I was naturally interested in its television program. I thought the cool magazine would be enhanced by television. But the magazine did not translate well to the television medium. I was utterly disappointed and thus was propelled even deeper into my anti television ways. But the Onion is different. The Onion translated beautifully from newspaper to audio, in fact, it seems even better on the audio medium. Some of the satire in here was real, real good. I laughed at the funny bits. Probably the only substantial complaints I have against this otherwise very fine tape are 1) the greatness was too short in length and 2) The introduction and conclusion "This is Doyle Redland, read the Onion or visit our website" played at the start and end of every piece, even the small ones got very redundant and I wish it weren't there. I liked how they mixed editorials when short news pieces. Very good.

I played a joke. One day in the office Mike made an observation of our Sociological theory textbook written by George Ritzer, he said "Ritzer says every theorist is 'arguably the most influential theorist of the time'" I also noted "Ritzer did a profile of himself in his book." (Ritzer does profiles for the major sociologists discussed in the book which obviously includes himself) Mike replied "He would." Lately I have been joking about Mike starting up a George Ritzer fan club and I also said "You should do your paper on the George Ritzer movement, George Ritzer for President campaign Mike asked "Would he even want that job?, it's a tough job."

I checked out the book from the library with his mug in it and made 3 photocopies of his face of various sizes. Too bad, the resolution wasn't better, but the smallest picture was halfway decent. I taped these pictures along with the following note to a piece of paper which I slid under Mike's apartment door [My comments to explain certain points are in brackets]:

"To Mike C:

I though you would enjoy these pics of me. You are arguably my number one fan and I love you for it. I hope the McDonalidization of Society is not getting you down ["McDonalidization of Society is his term for his view of our society] I love how you exalt me above all theorists because I truly believe I deserve it! I enjoy reading your sociological essays. May I include your upcoming term paper on "anti globalization movements" in my upcoming book The WalMartization of Society? It sure would make the book rock! You have a bright future in sociological theory.

I'm flattered you seek to start a club at MSU-Mankato to honor and exalt me. In my wildest dreams, I never could have imagined such a wonderful gesture by someone who is arguably my #1 fan. I wish you the best of luck in the club. It sure makes an old theorist feel good. Pat yourself on the back. My only concern is this: Do you have a meeting room large enough to fit all interested persons? Your decision to start this club is arguably the wisest decision in your entire life. I better get going-- all these female fans are mobbing me. They can't resist someone like me who is arguably the #1 sociological theorist in history. Keep the faith, bro.

Yours ever truly

Continuing my joke, I created this which I delivered to Mike's doorstep. I used my rubber stamp to stamp the words "inmate mail" on the envelope. I had to stamp it several times to finally get a readable print:

Mike C:

This is your hero.

Sadly, I've got some crummy news. Right now, I'm currently in custody at the Hoover Correctional Institution in the state of Maryland.

You probably shocked, wondering what, arguably the number one sociological theorist, is doing in custody here. No, sadly, I am not doing a study, I am behind bars and have gotten a bum deal.

Unfortunately, I could not notify you earlier, but everything happened like a blink of the eye. I have been handed down a death penalty. Yes, the death penalty by firing squad.

What is especially cruel is I have had a phobia since birth about firing squad. This proves how sadistic our government is.

Maryland has this odd quirky law, where if you commit two crimes at the same time, you can face the death penalty. Mike, they charged me with 15 counts of simultaneously committing bigamy and forgery. Worse yet, my family has disowned me, thus all I have is you.

You are probably wondering if I am guilty or innocent. That question is irrelevant, what is really important is that I need to be freed. I still have lots of theory to write. I absolutely cannot die without completing my upcoming book the Walmartization of Society which will arguably be one of the best sociological books in history.

Mike, as someone who is arguably, my number one fan, can you start a Free George Ritzer movement? I am now, arguably, the most oppressed political prisoner in the history of the world. I swear McDonald's might be behind this! Mike, rally your classmates to support arguably the most important issue of the current day, freeing me.

Activism will work great for ordinary folks, but if you want to impress the Sociological community, you need to do a research article. Although you're already several weeks through in your social movements class, as your professor says, you can still change topics. Can you change your topic to the new Free George Ritzer movement? It sure would help. The top sociological journals are sure to come knocking at your door for it. Additionally, it will arguably influence sociologists to fight to free me. There is nothing more powerful than sociologists working for liberation.

Mike, it is my conviction, that if C. Wright Mills [C Wright Mills is a famous dead sociologist who ever sociologist today always notes he was rebellious and iconoclastic within sociology] ere alive today, he on his motorcycle would want you to dedicate all your energy to Free George Ritzer.

I've already got Zsa Zsa Gabor to support my cause. Mike, arguably, nothing you could do in life could be more important that freeing George Ritzer. Mike, I may be old, but I'm still too young to be executed. I arguably need your help.

Free George Ritzer!

Ever sincerely yours,

George Ritzer

I made up an email account with George Ritzer's name on it and sent this out to Mike.

Hello Mike, This is George Ritzer

I got my secretary to write you an email which I obviously cannot do

from Hoover Correctional Institution

Mike, Last week in New Ulm, MN, 250 million people marched to demand

freedom for "George Ritzer". (not to mention 3 billion marching in

various cities around the world) How can this government call it self a democracy,

when after 250 million people have spoken and it stills confines me on

death row?

Mike, furthermore, the treatment here is horrendous. All they feed

me is lima bean puree. Nothing more.

Help me, organize a march in Mankato. This time get 300 million

people to march on behalf of the arguably, most important sociologist in

History.

Yours in freedom,

The latest in the prank epistles

Dearest Mike:

Arguably, this is George Ritzer. I arguably hope you got my last correspondence about the big march of 250 million people for me in New Ulm, MN. It's arguably difficult sometimes to send correspondence when tyrants run the prison.

Mike, prison, arguably, sucks. They are, arguably, very cruel and wretched to me. They have, arguably, stopped feeding me just lima bean puree. You may say, "This is, arguably, good." But it is arguably not good because they are now force feeding me Chicken McNuggets, Big Macs and happy meals. This is why I say McDonald's is arguably behind this.

Mike, 250 million people marched in New Ulm for me, which is arguably a lot of people and the one mainstream media outlet said "Only 3 people showed up for the Free George Ritzer march in New Ulm, MN, thus the cause is without any merit whatsoever." That arguably was hurtful to hear. Mike, the mainstream media is, arguably, biased and it arguably distorts the truth. .Mike, 250 million people at one demonstration is arguably the most people to ever attend a march, even more then some of those father's rights marches which arguably attract 100 million people.

Mike, I arguably still have dreams. For example, I arguably desire to become President of the American Association of Theorists. What is arguably the most cruel aspect of my imprisonment is that the evil guards absolutely refuse to allow me to read or write any theory. Mike, a theorist without theory is arguably a paradox.

Mike, during the arguably long days in my cell, I reflect upon the good old days when I was not treated like a subhuman inmate. I arguably, ponder my good times in my band called "the Theorists" where I was the lead singer. We arguably sung both Beatles songs and original compositions. The female fans, arguably, went a million times more crazy for us (especially me) than the original Beatles band. Arguably, some of the names of our original compositions are "Arguably", "Theorists Rule", "Theory is All Important" and "George Ritzer -- the Number One Theorist".

Mike, what is also arguably very bad is that they are threatening to take away all my degrees. Mike, it's arguably hard to find a job writing theory, when you have no degrees.

Mike you arguably, must galvanize folks at your grassroots activism conference. My cause is arguably the most important cause facing America today. My life is arguably very precious. I arguably have more theory to write down to share my wisdom with the world. You must arguably devote every waking hour to freeing me.

Arguably,

George Ritzer

ja (Janet Allison, Dr. Ritzer's assistant)

Mike, It's your hero, George Ritzer again.

Mike, just when I thought it was as bad as it can get, it has just got worse.

Remember hearing about all those newspaper articles about how the Beef Industry took Oprah Winfrey to court? A similar circumstance has happened to me. McDonald's is taking me to court for my great book, "The McDonalidization of Society". They want to sue for 300 billion dollars. Mike, I've sold alot of books, but I cannot afford that.

Death row is getting me down. I'm getting lonely after since Doris, my wife, disowned me.

They still won't let me read or write theory.

In order to protect my assets, I have decided to put everything into my will. 99% of my assets will be sent to you, you lucky dog. However, there are a couple of assets, which I cannot allow you to inherit. One is my signed copy of Talicott Parson's [famous sociologist] first book, that goes as a charitable gift to The Talicott Parisons Library in Nashville, Tennessee, also my extensive beanie baby collection (over 150,000 different dolls) must go to the Association to Give Beanie Babies to the Needy, and finally, all the golden busts of me are willed to the Karl Marx Sociological Museum to be preserved for posterity.

Your loyalty to me has paid off, as I am giving you 99% of my assets upon my death, which I hope is not soon. I dream of being free so I can continue writing in theory. Don't forget to devote all your energy to freeing me. Remember, the upcoming conference in Chicago is a grand opportunity to recruit for my very noble cause. If you can't trust your fellow theorists, then who can you trust?

Yours in Theory,

George Ritzer

ja

In Defense of Ex Governor George Ryan

On January 16th I wrote this:

George Ryan did something great, something very touching! I can't help but be touched by his act of compassion.

Opponents of the death penalty often argue that an innocent person may be mistakenly executed. Even if the court system in Illinois is 90% right, which recent news reports suggest otherwise, out of 100 people on death row, that would be 10 who were there wrongly executed.

George Ryan has saved life. I've heard The Koran says "Those who save one life save the eternal world."

George Ryan doing this is quite the statement. He's a Republican, not some liberal democrat.

I wrote Ryan a letter praising his wonderful deed.

Maybe George Ryan should be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. What he did was so beautiful. It makes me almost cry.

Then I came across Eric Zorn's page recently. On it he also suggested George Ryan be nominated for a Peace Prize. Alone, his acts of halting the death penalty are noble enough for this award. Then I found out on Mr. Zorn's page that Ryan goes to Cuba to provide relief and he wants "the U.S. Embargo against Cuba" stopped. By finding out about his actions towards Cuba, I really think George Ryan should be honored, maybe even with a Nobel Prize. Alone the death penalty actions are nothing short of stellar, and the Cuba actions propels him into a very wonderful category.

Certainly, people are going to criticize me for praising Ryan. On Zorn's webpage, their are some rather nasty comments about George Ryan. Since I don't make it a habit of highly praising Republicans in power, I seek to explain why George Ryan is worthy of honor. Yes, the saying "Politics makes strange bedfellows" rings very true here. I am filled with intense dislike of the current Republicans currently leading our nation, but towards George Ryan, I feel much differently.

Federation Without Television is even sponsoring a rally to honor him.

Opponents of George Ryan are sure to bring up the their talk of the corruption issues. One of my family members said "he is the most corrupt governor in Illinois History". The Corruption issue is one that deserves to be addressed, especially as it relates to his acts.

On Zorn's page and a couple of other places, I have seen some criticism of Ryan's actions. Some of these people believe he only has done the act of commuting death penalty inmates to feebly attempt to salvage his name in the face of great public disapproval. They believe there is an ulterior motive behind his good deeds. One article I came across even had a telling title "Cowardice masquerading as courage."

I got news for you. I have learned from people about a philosopher named Thomas Hobbes who believed there were no truly selfless acts, thus every act is one done with ulterior motives. I believe less than noble motivations can still be used for noble ends. My friend Tim has claimed I only do activism to "get attention for yourself". Even if this was entirely true, my activist deeds are still noble. I may be using a non-noble motivation for a greater good. Indeed, I am motivated by getting positive attention, but this drive for positive attention can be used to do good deeds. Just as George Ryan may have not so noble intentions for doing what he is doing, the deeds are still noble. They are deeds I see few if any other major political figures doing, thus he deserves to be highly commended. Even a bad motivation does not necessarily negate a good deed. In this case, providing relief to needy Cubans is still a good deed even if the motivation behind it is less than noble. A good deed, that needs to be recognized.

Cynics claim "Politicians are all power hungry egotistical crooks." If so, why does society lash out at some but not others. Why not lash out at Cheney and Bush? At least George Ryan has done good, while those bums are pushing forward disaster. There are some people I know who if entered politics would be corrupt and dishonest, but in regards to affirming human life, they would be wonderfully kind and decent. I'd rather have people like that in office than non corrupt but life destroying or non corrupt by outright evil doers in office.

Corruption is not the greatest evil. I am surely not one to justify or overlook corruption. I plan to enter politics and I seek to be as full of integrity as possible. We must realize there are worse evils than corruption. For example what Bush is doing now. Hitler's genocide is generally considered to be the worst crime in history, but I do not believe Hitler's regime was the most corrupt in history. I would rather have a politician who saves lives and does good deeds yet happens to be corrupt, than a politician who is not corrupt but is a death monger.

We also need some perspective about other great figures in history. Reputable sources have demonstrated that the greatest of the great, Martin Luther King Jr. plagiarized large portions of his seminary school dissertation and also this man loved having sex with hookers. Somehow, our society overlooks all this about King, not to mention the well reported by journalists, communist leanings of his. These are just some of his more well established failings, I have even read other strikes against him. Why should we selectively overlook King's faults, but not George Ryan's faults? Both men have done great deeds. In perspective, the critics can be silenced, because Ryan looks good.

If Ryan is sincere about his acts, then he is truly an exemplary person. If he is not, his character may be open to question, but his deeds are still great and deserve praise and recognition. His acts are examples of using power justly. Few forces in the universe are as magnificent and inspiring, not to mention empowering as using power justly.

It has been said "We all have our soft spots." Maybe corruption is George Ryan's soft spot. If we all have a soft spot, shouldn't we forgive him for his? In my mind, he has at least partially made up for any alleged corruption by doing his good deeds.

There is something I don't understand by Ryan's opponents arguments. They claim he did this to get himself out of hot water? What? Commuting death sentences of committed criminals and traveling to Cuba are surely controversial acts. I believe there would be strong public sympathy against these acts regardless of the motive behind them or who did them. Thus it would seem, these acts would get him further in hot water. It would seem that these acts would get him in more trouble. Thus if he really wanted to save his hide, why not do something that is not controversial at all, something everyone would love, such as a major project to help the handicapped. His Cuba and death penalty actions sound like the actions of a very liberal politician, but Ryan is a Republican. This criticism of Ryan leaves me wondering.

George Ryan is doing good deeds that few others are doing. His acts have touched my heart.

I thus believe George Ryan should receive a Nobel Peace Prize and other honorable awards. No George Ryan is not perfect, but when we look at this man with honest and clear sighted perspective, we can conclude he has done noble.
