Freedom is risky. Freedom is costly. Freedom is noisy. Freedom is fractious. Freedom is worth it.

http://www.cracked.com/blog/the-true-meaning-christmas-that-everyone-forgets/

I don't agree with all his points, but his conclusion hits the mark:

So, if you're gathering with your family and friends this time of year, I personally don't ( Read more... )

Click to view

Oddly enough the overriding sensation I got looking at the earth was, my god that little thing is so fragile out there.

- Mike Collins

Wishing you a happy, safe and peaceful holiday season. May your new year be full of kindness and compassion.

Via ursulav

http://gizmodo.com/how-greenpeace-wrecked-one-of-the-most-sacred-places-in-1669873583

( This is the email I sent to them )

"...the warm wind blows gently and the red poppies dance."

https://www.flickr.com/photos/19489165@N00/collections/72157648148102498/

Enjoy!

( Read more... )

I've been using a Mongolian (and other Central Asian, probably) divination system called shagai ever since I picked up a set the year the Smithsonian Folklife Festival theme was "The Silk Road"*. It works pretty well for me for questions that are simpler than Tarot-level ( Read more... )

We picked up a number of Mongolian music CDs, which have been good so far. But as an unintended consequence, I have a dance/electronica/khöömei version of "My Heart Will Go On" stuck in my head. Oh, well, at least it's better than the original...

Some cool stuff I did on our Mongolia trip (in no particular order):

- slept in a ger (actually, 5 different ones, 5 nights in a row)
- herded sheep
- helped milk a cow
- rode a horse for 23 km
- shot a Mongol-style bow (note my new icon!)
- tried airag and arkhi
- ate khuushuur, bansh, buuz, tsuivan, and many other delicious local dishes
- drank ( Read more... )