Solidarity

Solidarity seems to mean a lot of things to a lot of people. While it took on pretty specific meaning in the union movement (one I sometimes seem to worry it is losing), there is at base some notion of a unity of feeling. In that way, if in no other, it seems to have a lot in common with compassion. 

Anyway, its a feeling and an idea I like. So I just wanted to record one way that I feel solidarity. Somehow, when I'm working alone on schoolwork (particularly at night), knowing that all over the place my friends are doing the same thing at the same time gives me a feeling - perhaps of unity of purpose, perhaps of suffering together - but its a feeling I like and hold onto. And somehow, being connected by the internet, with even the potential of instant communication - even if I don't actually talk to anybody - makes the solidarity somehow more real. 

A little more constructive...

So, I've been thinking. As per usual. But a lot of people are pointing out that we're in a bit of global crisis right now. Not only are we witnessing a direct meltdown of capitalism, in the form of a global financial crisis & recession/depression (depending on how gloomy you are), but its looking increasingly like we are pretty much doomed on the environmental front. 

I prefer not to be gloomy, as it is spring. I feel like the basic point is that we need radical change - but radical change doesn't have to be huge or even difficult, it just has to be fundamental. And there are lots of ways of accomplishing that. So I thought I would think about things we can do with our time that are fun and fulfilling, but require fewer resources and do less damage. 

So here we go:

1. libraries - using the library is free to you, but also the unit cost of another person using the library is negligible to the system. basically, its a matter of sharing resources that already exist. which is pretty awesome. also, there are some very cool libraries out there. and it's really fun, I discovered, to just go look for "a book", in general, rather than a specific book. you avoid disappointment when things aren't in - and I've found some of the best books I've ever read this way. (e.g.)
2. used books - if you can't find what you're looking for at the library, and really want to read that particular book, used book stores are a good bet. or if you want to build your own library, I suppose. but you can often get a good used book for less than it would cost to rent a movie! and you usually get more entertainment (time-wise) out of the book - plus you get to keep it! which means afterwards you can share it with friends (and get more books in exchange) - or even share with people you don't know
3. biking - uses way less resources than most transit to get you around, plus it gives you exercise (saving health care resources down the road?), is fun, and gets you outside. it's also a pretty quick way of getting around and hugely extends the range of what things are close and accessible. apparently it adds years to your life...if you don't believe me, believe them. also, apparently driving and getting stuck in traffic not only makes you angry, it gives you heart attacks. 
4. skill-sharing - teaching is fun. learning is fun. teach somebody you know something you know and they don't. then vice versa. it'll be great. 
5. old magazines - may be fun to read, at least selectively. but also great for cutting up and using to make collages and cards and things. I'm pretty sure you can get ahold of these for free...I would try local libraries (see what they do with old issues), coffee shops that have magazines, and anywhere that has them in a waiting room - dentist's offices, barber shops, etc. if all else fails you can usually get a box of them at the end of a church rummage sale for $1.

So there's five ideas...I'm sure there are tons more out there. This is a great list of other ideas.

Return of the Blog

Once again, I have utterly failed to write on here for a long time. Once again, I remedy this with a pointless post. 

Rhythm is really hard to spell. I realise that in writing, this makes little sense, since you can see how to spell it. But I can never remember. I try to put in a second y, which is clear wrong. But then  try to look it up, and forget the first h, and then can't find it. It's very vexing. 

Anyway, I'm hoping that by making a big deal of it, I will remember in future. Fingers crossed...