The Poetry of Arthur Vaso

Speakeasies and the 1920’s...... and music!

2/19/2017

8 Comments

 

Enjoy and Listen!


Now strictly speaking, I will broaden the topic a wee bit to include a few more songs, but I was inspired by the music of yesteryear's. I found the 1920’s era, both romantic, musical and more than that a common thread between both France and the USA as many musicians traveled back and forth between the two countries.
 
For me a poetic time, and a period very romanticized, by many including of course myself.
 
This blog is very much about music, and carries a few small subtexts, both “Then and now” as well as inclusion. Ironic that from Prohibition came more integration of races and the sexes. All I can say is music itself is a great uniter of the human spirit!
 
I added one song at the end, bring both the past and present together!

From Wiki
 
A speakeasy is an illicit establishment that sells alcoholic beverages. Such establishments came into prominence in the United States during the Prohibition era (1920–1933, longer in some states). During that time, the sale, manufacture, and transportation (bootlegging) of alcoholic beverages was illegal throughout the United States.[1]
 
Speakeasies largely disappeared after Prohibition was ended in 1933, and the term is now used to describe some retro style bars.
 
Speakeasies were numerous and popular during the Prohibition years. Some of them were operated by people who were part of organized crime. Even though police and agents of the Bureau of Prohibition would often raid them and arrest their owners and patrons, they were so profitable that they continued to flourish. The speakeasy soon became one of the biggest parts of American culture during this time. Several changes happened as speakeasies formed; one was with integration. With "black and tans", people of all races, black or white, would gather together and even mingle. People would mix together and have few or no problems.
 
Another change that occurred was more participation from women. Many businesses would set up their speakeasies to attract women to get more profits.Women also began to insert themselves into the business of speakeasies. Texas Guinan, a former screen and stage actress, opened many speakeasies during Prohibition such as the 300 Club and the El Fey. Guinan greeted customers with "Hey Suckers" and admitted she'd be nothing without Prohibition. Her two biggest competitors were Helen Morgan and Belle Livingston.

8 Comments

Music that is Poetry

2/11/2017

6 Comments

 
Picture
Often we think of some poems as lyrical, or the form is lyrical even thought they are never put to music. Then it occurred to me, what about songs that are really poetry?

Sometimes that bell rings in your head and for some reason I thought of this song! I said for me this is poetry. Not only for the lyrics themselves, but because having watched this video, well I envisioned the underdog, the frog and the prince so to speak, and he sings with such powerful , ok I will say it, poetic emotion.

To see the above video you may be asked to view it direct from YouTube, this is safe to do so!
If anyone has a song that instills the same emotions and thoughts, feel free to contact me, I would love to extend this concept!

Picture
6 Comments

FASHIONISTAS!

2/2/2017

5 Comments

 
No do not fret, Castro is not wearing a dress!!
Picture


Now any fashion blog, must, I say must start with the image of a beautiful woman!

Who ever would have thought! A Fashion blog!!!! However those who know me know that when it comes to fashion, I am FASHION! I know most think of me as a poet, but each and every season, you have no idea how many fashion houses and boutiques, come to me and say, Arthur, what’s the new trend going to be?
 
Of course this happens so often, than when I go out now, I have to be in disguise and dress as unfashionably as possible, I mean like to the MAX!!!!!
 
Do not let my Wal-Mart disguise fool you! Anyone who knows hair knows I am trendy! Ask anyone, Vidal Sassoon, Atiqa Odho or Bechir!
 
Now as most artists and creative people are, I believe in building bridges not fences, and fashion can be one of those bridges.
 
So who would have thought the latest trends, the latest fashion news would come from Iraq? Well of course I know all, and have discovered the latest FASHIONISTAS of fashion!!!!


Iraqi Kurdish fashionistas make a splash

Picture
So with out further adieu I will quote from the BBC! (Whom of course I tipped off about this fashion trend)
 
Conflict and militancy may be first things that occur to many about Iraq, but a group of young fashion-conscious Kurds are hoping to help project a brighter, more optimistic image - and perhaps effect social change along the way.
The group calls itself Mr Erbil, after the capital of the autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq that has been at the frontline of the struggle against the militants of the Islamic State (IS) group.

Picture
Mr Erbil's launch and first photoshoot last February quickly made waves on social media. Dubbed "gentlemen's gatherings" in a recent profile in Vocativ, it took place at the city's ancient citadel, a UN world heritage site.
The pictures of the 20 men posing in latest Western men's fashion - specifically, the style recently associated with hipsters, replete with the trademark sharp suits, tight trousers and lovingly trimmed beards - became wildly popular on via Arthur Vaso’s instagram!!!!
 
Mr Erbil sees itself as something almost akin to a movement representing young Iraqi Kurds who are looking for a better life and want to promote Kurdish culture to the world.

Picture
The group even hopes to effect social change and challenge traditional attitudes, particularly on women's rights.
The Mr Erbil account frequently posts pictures and musings about women's issues in Kurdistan, Iraq and the world.

Picture
My hats off to the creatively of using fashion as a statement for human rights, women's rights, and doing so in such a classy way. Speaking of Class, Bechir was the consultant for all the hair styles you see above!
5 Comments

GREAT READS          Berlin Diary by William L.Shirer

1/30/2017

11 Comments

 
Berlin Diary by William L.Shirer

This non-fiction book is without a doubt a GREAT READ! This basically covers the build up of Nazi Germany and you get the perspective and views from inside the country. What I liked about this book, as it covers not only the historical context and content, but it’s basically from a personal point of view and describes the day to day life people had to live under. You get to see both the he right and wrong assumptions of someone who is living the period without the benefit of hindsight. I found the book very refreshing and a stark reminder of how this could come to be, even in our times.

Picture
With the election of Donald Trump, I found this book very relevant, and I certainly hope in this case history will not repeat itself, however its certainly a wake up to call to be on guard. I hope the American system can withstand the likes of Trump, and regardless of whether his intentions are the same or simply the actions of a psychotic egomaniac, the sad part is the outcome could be the same.

Picture
Below is a summary of the book by Wiki.
 
Berlin Diary (1934–1941) is a first-hand account of the rise of Nazi Germany and its road to war, as witnessed by the American journalist William L. Shirer. He was a radio reporter for CBS, covered Germany for several years until the Nazi press censors made it impossible for him to report objectively to his listeners in the United States; feeling increasingly uncomfortable, he left the country. The identities of many of Shirer's German sources were disguised to protect these people from retaliation by the German secret police, the Gestapo. The contents of this book provided much of the material for his landmark book The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich.
 
In 1947, End of a Berlin Diary continued and finished the story of the Third Reich, from July 20, 1944, to the Nuremberg Trials.

Picture

William Shrier (left)

As a side note, Donal Trump has banned Syrians from the USA, I wonder how much the American economy would have suffered had he prevented STEVE JOBS from entering the USA, yes he was a Syrian!

Picture
11 Comments

U-Haul evicted man living in Vancouver storage locker

1/21/2017

7 Comments

 
Now when I came across this new item, it peaked my interest. This man was evicted from a U-Haul Storage facility. Now I do get there are rules, and you maybe can’t have everyone doing that, but there was one thing that stuck me as kind of odd.
 
You cant live like that because of Government regulations rules and policies etc. Yes you got that right. So it seems that being “green” is in, it seems well its not so in. Here is a guy who managed to reduce his carbon imprint, in a very creative way, and in a way he was comfortable with, and this is not a good thing?
 
I get there are rules and regulations, first as he was such a unique exception, they maybe could have left him alone, however, why not on the other hand give this man kudos? Why not say he has done something that might indeed be a solution for some? Imagine reducing your cost of living and carbon imprint and being happy and content about it.

Picture
So it just struck me odd, that we are against big corporations and pipelines supplying us all of our needs, that we demand! ( or else why supply them ) and here is a guy that solved an issue ( at least partially) on the consumption side.
 
I know is more complex that I have set out here, but at least this is something to think about, n’est pas?

Here is the article from the CBC Canada

Tiny home included a double-bed, big screen TV, love seat and a kitchen area with running water
By Mike Laanela, CBC News Posted: Jan 13, 2017 2:51 PM PT Last Updated: Jan 13, 2017 2:51 PM PT

U-Haul has procedures in place to detect anyone attempting to break the law and live in a storage locker/unit," company spokesman Jeff Lockridge told CBC News.
 
His amenities included a double bed, big screen TV, love seat, hot plate, and toaster oven. He also shows how he ran power to the unit from a nearby plug and picked up phone service with an extra antenna. He also rigged up running water.
In a matching post on the social media site Reddit, the man details how he made the small space livable — at a cost of about $100 for hardware. The cost of renting the locker was $205 a month, including insurance.
"Staff knew about my power and charged me $5 a month for it.... so I didn't need to keep unplugging the power," he said.
He used the washroom in the building and showered at a local gym and claims staff at the facility let him live there as long as he kept a low profile.
"I had 24-hour access, I was allowed to be there at any time for as long as I wanted. The only rule I broke was sleeping there," he said.



7 Comments

GREAT READS        The October List – Jeffery Deaver

1/18/2017

5 Comments

 
Picture
Now many know Jeffrey Deaver, a No 1 best selling author, famous for his Lincoln Rhyme series of books. Having read many of his books, I was browsing a bookshop and came across one of his called “The October List”. I knew one can’t go wrong with a novel by him.
 
So, I was in for a few surprises, and not quite sure pleasant ones. He wrote the book backwards! That’s correct backwards. The book starts at Chapter 36 and so you at least have no doubt you will getting 36 chapters worth of novel. However I certainly couldn’t see how this was going work, and was a little skeptical after the first few, or shall I say the last few chapters. But come on its Jeffery Deaver here, have faith I told myself.


Life can only be understood backwards; but I must be lived forwards.
 
Søren Kierkegaard


So onwards I marched, reading a newer chapter by newer chapter, and slowly, like any addictive drug I became hooked. This is a Mystery Thriller that with each earlier newer chapter gets better and better.
 
What is also interesting, is at the beginning of each chapter is a photo, something you don’t always see in novels these days, and explained at the end, end of the book, where I might add is the table of contents, yes at the end of the book. This book was after all written backwards.
 
Its about a woman Gabriella, whose was leading a normal life, and a kidnapper takes her daughter and not only demands an impossible ransom, but demands she find a list she knows nothing about in twenty four hours.
 
Definitely a great read!!!

5 Comments

Famous People who have passed on.

12/31/2016

15 Comments

 
Abdul Sattar Edhi
Abe Vigoda
Alan Rickman
Alan Thicke
Arnold Palmer
Asghar Bichareh
Bekal Utsahi,
Carrie Fisher
Charlie Hodge
David Bowie
Debbie Reynolds
Doris Roberts
Fabiane Niclotti
Fidel Castro
Florence Henderson
Frank Sinatra Jr
Garry Marshall
Garry Shandling
Gene Wilder
George Michael
Glenn Frey
Gordie Howe
Greg Lake
Greta Zimmer Friedman
Intizar hussain
James Bond
James Noble
Jean Lapierre
Joe Santos
Juan Gabriel
Keith Emerson
Kenny Baker
Leila Alaoui
Leo Marjane
Leonard Cohen
Madeleine Lebeau
Muhammad Ali
Nancy Reagan
Patty Duke
Prince
René Angélil
Rob Ford
Ron Glass
Sara Beckett
Shahram Amiri
Shimon Peres
Sir George Martin
Steven Hill
Zsa Zsa Gabor

Picture
Picture
Picture
2016 for some reason seems to have been a terrible year to have been famous! (Yes I am very nervous now!!) So many have passed on. Maybe it’s because I recognized so many names this year, or maybe it’s because so many passed away dramatically at the end of the year that it’s foremost in the mind.
 
Of course it is sad when anyone passes on, however I think when someone famous we know passes away, it’s a stark reminder of our own mortality. When they are famous it’s as if part of our past has died. I have included a list, and although its not all, and I don’t know all of them, it’s a list of either famous Actors/Actresses, Entertainers, Singers, poets, famous people and sports heroes, meaning Hockey players as that’s the only true sport, if you really think about it.
 
For some of you, there will be a few surprises, yes as a special gift I bring death! As the list contains a few persons who are indeed famous but maybe not well know in Canada or America.

Picture
I should also point out that although not in this list many an Arthur passed away this year. This and the fact so many famous people passed on, well call me paranoid but I am nervous! Yes I am! Please Lord, don’t take me just yet!! Leave a few of us FAMOUS people around for another year!!
 
I want to make it to 2017, as much as I have killed myself so many times within my poetry, it was my idea to do so, the fact someone else wants to take me away I find offensive! I have hired 3 heart surgeons, 3 Doctors, a Dozen nurses from Wales, to monitor my health status and keep me going. I have cut down to 1 large pizza a day and won’t even have whiskey with breakfast.
 
I mean there’s like a day left, and I will skip Kentucky Fried Chicken tomorrow, so hopefully I will be around in 2017!
 
If not, well Cheers!

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

Gordie Howe joins Jean Belliveau in Hockey Heaven

Picture
We now know for sure, that with both Gordie Howe and Jean Belliveau in heaven, they have a hockey league up there!
Picture
15 Comments

Merry Christmas 2016

12/23/2016

8 Comments

 
Xmas Poems
Picture
To one and all. Poets and friends, peace on earth and goodwill to all men. I will take this opportunity to thank all my fellow poets in Malta and Lebanon, whom have given me inspiration and kindness. Over the past year it has been an honor to be able read the works of Paul Callus, Victor Buhagiar, Charmaine Chircop and the Princess of Romantic poetry from Lebanon, Eileen Manassian!

Of course, I have been blessed to know so many more lovely poets on PoetrySoup from all over the world, however as my heart and soul often travels there, this is my way to give praise and thanks. I hope one day to visit Malta and also one day to return to Lebanon.

The link above is my 2016 Christmas page, so I shall say again Merry Christmas to everyone the world over and god bless. Oh and Cheers!

8 Comments

Swimming 2016!

12/6/2016

11 Comments

 

Made my 500km goal by November 2016

Picture
This is the new Dorval Aquatic Center where I swim!
Picture
Picture
This is a little off topic and totally about me, but something I am kinda proud of, so here goes. A few years, well over 10 now I have taken up swimming, and I love it. With the stress of running a business, and well life in general, swimming as been both a great exercise and therapeutic. I might also add, suffering from depression, it has helped me to cope to get by day to day.
 
Now when I say swim, I mean swim! I usually do over 500lm a year and often over 600, even 700 a year. That’s more than some fish swim. (I didn’t actually fact check that just a guess! LOL) If that’s true then great, if not then it’s a “Trumpism”.
 
However in the last few years, I have been under 500km a year, due to bad health and traveling, and so this year, I was hell bent to improve! Well things were going along quite well until the summer, when I injured the tendons in my arm, and as anyone knows an injury like that can last months and it did.
 
Then in the fall, I got Plantar Fasciitis, basically an injury in the heel of the foot that is both very painful and makes it very hard to even walk. Swimming was not much easier.
 
However, I hobbled and limped to the pool, as I was determined this year to hit the 500km mark. Well by the end of November, I managed to reach 500km and with months and months of injury, I even impressed myself!
 
I hope you all didn’t suffer much through this little blurb about me, then again, many on the poetry sites have been asking me to let them know more about me! Now you know, I am a fish! LOL

11 Comments

In memory of Leonard Cohen

11/11/2016

8 Comments

 

Sept 1934 to Nov 2016

We have lost a great poet, writer and musician. A fellow Montreal-er who has inspired many of my writes. I hope to add to this blog later on, for now a song and a few photos!


Cohen was born on September 21, 1934 in Westmount, Quebec, an English-speaking area of Montreal, into a middle-class Jewish family. His mother,Masha Klonitsky,was the daughter of a Talmudic writer, Rabbi Solomon Klonitsky-Kline, of Lithuanian Jewish ancestry


Picture
Picture
Link to Poem Dedication
8 Comments

Great Reads The Prettiest of Feathers

10/24/2016

5 Comments

 
The Prettiest of feathers and The Killing Circle
Picture
Picture
Psychological thrillers are not my favorite genre; however in this case, I shall recommend two books I thoroughly enjoyed. One is by a Canadian author and takes place in Ontario Canada, the other is by both John Philpin and Patricia Sierra.
 
THE PRETTIEST OF FEATHERS delves into the deep and dark mind of a psychotic killer. What is interesting is the dance between his latest victim and himself, one bent on killing and the other seemingly wanting to be killed. I will say no more, not to spoil the read!
 
I will add however the start of the story takes place in a bookshop, and poetry plays a role!
 
THE KILLING CIRCLE. Is another thriller based on a writing group. (by Andrew Pyper) Now as most interactions between writers and poets is via the internet, I am sure many could relate to this one. Oh how much fun it would be …. If only……………. Ah if only one could keep a secret! J
 
Now I have shared these good reads with a few poets on the PoetrySoup, so it will be interesting if this should maybe inspire a poem or two. I most surely think it will.
 
As Halloween is just around the corner, I thought what a fitting post!

5 Comments

Cristina Ramos

10/22/2016

4 Comments

 
Picture
It has been a while since I have posted a blog! Yes there is a reason for this. It has not been for lack of ideas or topics, simply because with current events, most of my ideas have been focused on American Politics, aka Humpty Dumpty and his wall, and of course the ongoing suffering in the world, mainly the war in Syria, and Russia’s indiscriminate bombing of hospitals, children and civilian areas! See I can’t stop myself!!!
 
Now this would be easy to do, however being mainly a poetry site, I thought as relevant as the topics may be, at times it can be a little over the top for a poetry site, even these are topics I often write about. So…
 
How about something more uplifting, less serious and none the less not without meaning, not to mention very entertaining!
 
I love music, I play classical guitar, and love when I hear truly talented voices and musicians! However what I truly love in life and music is diversity, and so this music video provides all that.

I might also add a small side note! The strength of her voice for some reason reminds me the strength of another woman’s poetry, Eileen Manassian. I find that poetry, art, music, culture so intertwined and beautiful, and I love when form or poet or artist or singer, reminds me of another. This is often the muse required for creating yet more original words!!!!! 
 
Enjoy!!!!!

Picture
4 Comments

Emmanuel Kelly

8/3/2016

3 Comments

 
I will simply re-post his Bio, thats says it all, this young man is an inspiration, both his story and his own spirit, and his brothers. Let no one tell you love is not powerful. I have posted a poem  in the Humanity-People section EMMANUEL
Picture
His Bio from his Page

Bio Of Emmanuel KellyEmmanuel Kelly has always dreamed of becoming a professional recording artist. This inner spirit of determination and courage together with a beautiful voice and performance moved demanding judges and many of the 6000+ audience to tears and a standing ovation on The X Factor’s opening night on 29th September 2011. Emmanuel wowed judges Ronan Keating, Spice Girl Mel Brown, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and Guy Sebastian with his heartfelt performance, Ronan Keating said, “I don’t think I’ve ever been as moved as I was by that performance ever!”
Emmanuel was born into war torn Iraq and abandoned by his parents as a baby, he was raised at an orphanage ran by the Mother Theresa nuns, before being rescued by his now mum Moira Kelly and brought to Australia for life changing surgery. Over the last 14 years being in Australia Emmanuel has had over 6 surgeries and has had to step over huge hurdles to try and achieve his goals. he has always had his eyes set on huge dreams. In his words: “You have to dream to achieve the greatest goals in life.”
Emmanuel has melted the hearts of millions around the world. Within days of his X Factor audition Emmanuel’s YouTube video received over 12 million views; in 6 months he generated an amazing 50 million hits, today Emmanuel is estimated to have over 100 million views all over YouTube.
Emmanuel’s rendition of Imagine even touched Yoko Ono so much that she tweeted “Thank you, Emmanuel. You sang beautifully! Thank you. John would have been proud of you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Love, Yoko”.
Since his Appearance on X factor Emmanuel has released 3 singles, one dedicated to mothers called A Song For Edis, which charted in the top 100 in Australia whilst having very limited marketing and no radio air play, Dream Big which is featured in the U.S movie Crooked Arrows as the end title track and Let love find you which went on to chart in the top 40 in Australia and top 100 in 4 different countries. Despite the fact of again having very small limited marketing, no budget and mainstream radio refusing to play the track Emmanuel still was able to beet the odds.
He has also produced, recorded and written with U.S and Canadian writers. performed concerts, toured and spoke around the USA and Europe, in 2012 Emmanuel Performed in front of a crowd of over 8,000 at the famous MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, he has performed at main platform events around the world to audiences of over 10,000 and has even auditioned for the hit program Glee.
There is nothing ‘ordinary’ about the extraordinary Emmanuel Kelly, neither his start in life nor growing up. However, Emmanuel says that his damaged limbs have not held him back and never will. He is not looking for sympathy. “I have actually been through nothing compared to some of the other kids I have met.” Emmanuel’s sheer passion for singing, for life, for ‘dreaming big’ in the face of HUGE obstacles is a much needed message for our troubled times. It is a message with mass appeal that transcends boarders, boundaries, countries, cultures and religions and ages. In a world consumed with all too often insignificant worries or stress, Emmanuel is an immediate wake-up call with the innate ability to touch, move and inspire young and old alike to their very core.
In Emmanuel’s words; “I may not have the greatest voice or looks but I do have a passion and that is to sing and entertain for world. My dream is to make people smile through my music, and to show young kids that it is ok to strive for your dreams. My ultimate dream is to become the first artist who is different to be recognised in the comercial world, so then I can show young teens and also the older generations around the world, that it is never to late to dream big and it doesn’t matter what you look like, what religion you are, or where your from, you can still achieve your dreams!! At the end of the day we are all born with gifts and talents, mine is to inspire you to achieve through my words, to make you smile, dream, imagine through my entertaining, to be passionate through my music, and most of all to never give up!!
DREAM BIG NEVER SMALL
BELIEVE
HOPE
WORK HARD
AND NEVER GIVE UP!!!!
This is my Moto

3 Comments

Hanan al-Hroub Global Teacher Prize 2016

7/3/2016

1 Comment

 
PALESTINIAN TEACHER HANAN AL HROUB WINS US$1 MILLION GLOBAL TEACHER PRIZE 2016
Announcement made by His Holiness Pope Francis


Picture
BiographyHanan grew up in the Palestinian refugee camp, Bethlehem, where she was regularly exposed to acts of violence. She went into primary education after her children were left deeply traumatised by a shooting incident they witnessed on their way home from school. Her experiences in meetings and consultations to discuss her children’s behaviour, development and academic performance in the years that followed led Hanan to try to help others who, having grown up in similar circumstances, require special handling at school.

With so many troubled children in the region, Palestinian classrooms can be tense environments. Hanan embraces the slogan ‘No to Violence’ and uses a specialist approach she developed herself, detailed in her book, ‘We Play and Learn’. She focuses on developing trusting, respectful, honest and affectionate relationships with her students and emphasises the importance of literacy. She encourages her students to work together, pays close attention to individual needs and rewards positive behaviour. Her approach has led to a decline in violent behaviour in schools where this is usually a frequent occurrence; she has inspired her colleagues to review the way they teach, their classroom management strategies and the sanctions they use.

Picture
I have always said, when a people love their children more than they hate their enemy, they shall have peace. Of course this was said in one way or another by many before me. We often may not have all the answers in life, but teaching children to love, to smile, to be non violent, this is indeed a noble cause. More so because when one is within a deep and difficult conflict, the easy road is always to hate and teach hate.
One must also realize than to go against the popular thinking, and leaderships, who are often infested with hate, one who does such good deeds, well is not always an easy thing to do! I have always believed in embracing goodness, and every now and then you see or hear of people, and you know, you just know, they are the angels, the good ones. They often cross barriers, of religions and cultures and race. If we all thought for the children, then, I can say this. Instead of being right, we would be doing the right thing, two completely different ways of thinking.

Picture
1 Comment

CANADA DAY JULY 1, 2016

6/28/2016

11 Comments

 
Happy Birthday Canada!!!
Picture
Well, to celebrate here are two videos, I will let you the readers comment! :)

Picture
A Canada day poem by the beautiful Vienna Bombardieri a fellow Canadian Poet!
(Acroustic)

HAPPY CANADA DAY


Happy Canada Day Happy Canada Day my fellow Canadians, come watch the  
Ambient fireworks that burst forth from a smokey sky. The
Parks are peppered with red/white flags of valor, citizens eat
Piping hot dogs, french fries, and fluffy cotton candy treats. 
You need to see it to believe it, so come watch the festivities and rock with 

Canadian artists that take center stage with popular songs on demand.
Another year of celebration is at hand, freedom diversity unity as one.  It's
National pride day, we are happy to live in this beautiful land
Adjourn with us plop down your lawn chair and sit for a while,
Dance, sing, raise your hands, celebrate and join the party.
At the end of day, by 1st of July, Canada makes it happen!

Dare to wear your most flamboyant clothes and goofy hats today
Amalgamate with your fellow citizens and celebrate the old fashioned way
You can hold hands, sing Oh Canada, or ask God to bless your land




Picture
11 Comments

BREXIT

6/25/2016

5 Comments

 
Oh my, seems the leave side will win. It shows that the the appeasement to the lowest common denominator of humanity is not an American phenomenon is a western one. All over the west, people are clamoring for closed borders and protectionism, something that clearly doesn’t work.
 
Let’s see the UK told Scotland, better of to be inclusive and now the UK says but wait! That applies to you, not us! The thinking that leaving the European Union will solve all the problems of migration and economy is ludicrous.
 
True, there are many flaws in the Union, as quite frankly there are in the UK, the USA and I would hazard a guess right down to everyone’s city or town. Maybe then, applying the same logic all cities and towns should leave the countries they are in.
 
Oh wait if the cities and towns have problems, maybe that won’t work, but what will work, is if they blame all their problems on external forces! Then is simple, leave and problems solved.

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
How ironic that Boris Johnson mocked Donald Trump only to take up his very same views on most matters.
 
Now I do admit, ISIS, Daesh also have the same mindset, if you are not one of us you are the enemy, and all our problems are caused by people who do not agree or think like us. That no one has seen this common denominator is almost shocking.
 
As the world becomes a smaller place, as cultures are intermixed among nations, as technology has brought humans from around the world together, you would think we would be looking for greater means of interacting and co-operating and assisting each other. The age old analogy, build bridges not walls.
 
With technology and globalization, we have advanced the human cause in so many ways, and of course there have also had adverse side effects. This has been true since the beginning of mankind. We do not stop evolving or advancing, we fix the issues, many unintended. The very success of mankind over all other animals on this planet has been intellect and collaboration. Both go hand in hand, and one without the other would not bring about the same result.
 
And yet, we still carry the burden of tribalism, when we perceive times are difficult we all look for an us verses them ideology to explain are woes away. I say, perceive because quite frankly for many in the west, we have overall never been better off. I would invite some to visit other places around the world, to see how some people have to cope day to day.
 
Whenever ones forms a “Union” be it a marriage, a business, a partnership, a trade agreement, it does not mean there is not a short term cost to one side or another. The concept of any partnership is usually longer term goals.
 
Should BREXIT win, it opens the doors to many separatist causes worldwide, ironically even the Scottish one. The instability this shall bring will affect a much wider area than the UK.
 
Had there been some huge misuse, or corruption, or truly unfair business practices, one could maybe see a justifications for the “exception to the rule” however this is no different than the forces of Donald Trump in the USA stirring up racism and protectionism.
 
I shiver to think that without the Syrian crisis and migration crisis the vote would have been different, and that is for sure a scary thought.
 
In conclusion, one last thought. It is easier to destroy than to build, what can take years to build can take but minutes to destroy.
 
Here in Canada, if a Company or a Union wishes to make a major change in their charter, they are required to get 2/3’s of shareholders or members votes. A mere 50% plus 1 does not suffice. The logic is simple , 50% plus or minus 1 is really civil war, so to garnish 2/3’s vote for major changes insures you are truly respecting the majority wishes, and in fact makes sure that the minority interests are also protected.


Picture
He is one step ahead of Trump, London is GREAT, I mean he did lose the election, so thats true!
I do not say all is perfect, and in any free society it will always be hard to arrive at a total consensus, however, over all, I know this. The methodology and thinking of Donald Trump is wrong, and building bridges is always right. Even I have knee jerk reactions that on contemplation and reflection I realize are based on emotion and not logic and are also wrong.
 
Remember, there is a difference between being right, and doing the right thing! Not a bad final thought to ponder.

5 Comments

Robert Lindley Guest Poet

6/24/2016

8 Comments

 
Please join me in welcoming Robert Lindley as the new Guest poet of the week! As you can not comment on the guest section, please leave your comments here! thank you!

ROBERT LINDLEY




Picture
8 Comments

Shocked and Kinder Surprised!!!

6/16/2016

7 Comments

 

GUNS YES………….   KINDER SURPRISE CHOCOLATES   NO……

Picture
First, I will understand if you think this a joke, I swear is not, and that’s the scary part. Have you heard of Kinder Surprise? Well who hasn’t? Unless of course you live in the USA!
 
Kinder Surprise is banned in the USA but Guns are just fine. I mean really doesn’t that kinda make my point for me?

Picture
Now anyone who has some antidotal evidence, I concede, you win, for every example I give you, you can toss one right back. However, if you have an education and wish to debate on empirical evidence, guess what? I win!  I know I know the government has no right to control you, and yet you register your car, your kids, your pets your bikes, your 401k’s, you have no fly lists, and I could go on and on. (And all of that seems just fine with you) I mean come on, you ban Chocolates and toys on the odd chance it may harm a child, get real. (More on that later)
And where are the amendment protectors with this no fly list? The attacker in Orlando was on a No Fly list, and yet, a machine gun? Ah no problems, he has rights. LOL Ok I can’t stop myself here, someone once told me, you can’t change the second amendment!! I asked him, do you have any idea what “amendment” means?

Picture
Don’t believe me? Wanna have a laugh? YouTube Jim Jeffries comedic performance on Gun Control.

Picture
Now, I said to myself, being evil and all, what if Kinder Surprise is the true danger the USA claims it to be? Could terrorists use this as weapon to kill all our children? So I went out and bought a dozen Kinder Surprise Eggs and dropped them off at a daycare, then ran like hell. I was sure I would become notorious, and the most wanted evil killer in all of mankind. No such luck, I passed by an hour later and 12 happy infants had chocolate smeared all over their faces with huge smiles and were playing with toys. Damn!

Picture
Unlike the Texan mother who is for the right to bear arms and was recently shot in the back by her child while driving, yes she sure protected herself.
 
Now if there was a Kinder Surprise Egg in the backseat……. Ummmmmmmmmmmm

7 Comments

In Memory of CHERYL ANNA DUNN

6/7/2016

3 Comments

 
Cheryl Anna Dunn as a favorite on Poetry Soup. She will be missed by all, and we all offer condolences  to her family.

The following poem is dedicated to Cheryl.

Our Lost Angel of Devotion

Cherls Poems on Poetry Soup

Cherls Bio

Lets see fellow Souprs, I guess in this Bio, I’m suppose to  talk about myself,
To allow you to get to know me better as a writer and a person. So lets see
I grew up next to the Lake Erie basin, near large farms, and wild wooded area’s.
My mother could barely read or write, but my father was well educated. My father
Always said I had a hunger to learn, and it was never satisfied. I agree with him
I started to read at an early age, started to write poetry in forth grade it’s always
Been my passion.  As a child I’d either be exploring nature, or swimming, pretty
Much a tomboy, but when I was home I’d be curled up with a book or two. My 
Grandmother was a painter, and artist, my father before he got frost bite was
A consort pianist, so I give these two credit for where I get any talent from.
I love history, and love to learn about everything and anything! I have five 
Children two girls and three boys. Also by the way I have eight grandchildren.
I started raising children when I was 11 years old, my brother's son Billy, who
Is handycable. I am really proud of him also, I adopted one child named Jaried
Who is quite a writer in his own write, my street poet. Patrick my youngest
Whom just turned 18, is a butting artist. My daughters Ashley and Amanda,
Who keep me young and active. I love to be by the water, but have never
Seen the ocean, this is on my bucket list. But even though I have been published.
In small forums, my goal for this year is to get my first real book published.
Edger Allen Poe, Frost and Browning , are some of my favorite writers. I’ve been
Married for 25 years, and am a still on my honeymoon. I work in the human relations
Field, and security.
Well I think that does it I hope you find this interesting, I'm not for writing about myself. But I'm glad that I joined the soup, and enjoy meeting people whom share
My interest in poetry.Take care and enjoy every moment in life to it's fullest.


3 Comments

A plug-in (shockwave flash) isn't responding

6/5/2016

1 Comment

 
Not all problems are SO bad. This issue has been around for a few years, and I have seen it on both Chrome and Firefox. We have not encountered the problem recently, but think the fix should still work. Hope this helps.

Picture
This applies to Google Chrome, on a windows system. Please not this problem has existed for a few years now, I have not seen the issue recently, but in most cases this should work. The issue also happens in Firefox, and even the menus are a bit different the process is the same.


Go to settings
Goggle chrome will now be in settings however look at your browser bar
         It should look like this   CHROME://SETTINGS
         Where is says setting, type over it PLUGINS
         Disable the flash plug in

         Go back to SETTINGS, and select ADVANCED SETTINGS
         The choose Privacy >> Content Settings
         Scroll down and select the option RUN ALL PLUGINS

The go to Google, type Shockwave flash, and Adobe should be your first option and re-install the plug-in.
 
This should do it, if not you can try setting Google Chrome to all default settings, and if that doesn’t work, completely de-install Chrome and start over. Remember this has only been tested on Windows systems and does not apply to Android systems.
 
Also if this works or does not work, it always helps ro report the following
 
Systems:                                      example HP Laptop 7700  I5 processor
Operating system:                      Windows 8.1 professional English
Browser                                        Chrome Version 49.0.2623.112
                                                      Or say Firefox Ver 42.1
 
Also the moment you have a browser issue, you should try the same sites on a different browser, we recommend have Firefox/Chrome/Explorer on all systems.
 
In  many cases once we have our favorite browser working, we will stop automatic updates of only that browser, if it ain’t broke why fix it? This is not recommended of course, but then we update the browser when we want, not when the vendor wants.
 
 
A similar issue
 
BROWSER BECOMES SLOW
           
This happens often with Firefox
 
Sometimes the browser will become very slow to the point you think the computer is frozen
 
Simply press Ctl Atl Del to bring up the task manager
 
Go to the tab PROCESSES
 
Click on Firefox, then select close
 
This will close Firefox, and then sometimes close another app called “Plug in container”
 
When this is done, simply restart Firefox
 
Remember to do this is the processes Tab not the application tab, as when you re-open Firefox in this way it gives you the option to restore all your tabs.

Picture
1 Comment
<<Previous
Forward>>

    Arthur Vaso

    Hi there, the blog has been running for almost a year, and as you can see I try to keep up a few posts a month. More about poetry and fellow poets, but also about current events, social issues as well as art and music. I look forward to any suggestions from readers and fellow poets!

    Archives

    July 2020
    May 2020
    October 2019
    April 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    October 2017
    September 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    November 2015
    October 2015

    Categories

    All
    AboutMe
    Books
    Canada
    CurrentEvents
    Featured Poets
    HelpTechInfo
    HistoryPolitics
    Humanity
    Montreal
    Music
    People
    Philosophy
    PoetrySoupNews
    #Politics
    WorldNews

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Vaso's Blog
  • Current Poems
  • Introspection
  • Humanity-People
  • France
  • MIddle East
  • Dark
  • Gothic
  • History
    • Woman in History
  • Humor
    • Limericks
  • Love
  • Stories
    • ChildrensPoems
    • StoryTelling
  • Guest Poets
    • GuestBio's
    • Guests2016
    • In Memory
    • Collaborations
    • Dedicated To
    • Music of the Week
  • ARTGallery
  • Music
  • Support
  • Home
  • Vaso's Blog
  • Current Poems
  • Introspection
  • Humanity-People
  • France
  • MIddle East
  • Dark
  • Gothic
  • History
    • Woman in History
  • Humor
    • Limericks
  • Love
  • Stories
    • ChildrensPoems
    • StoryTelling
  • Guest Poets
    • GuestBio's
    • Guests2016
    • In Memory
    • Collaborations
    • Dedicated To
    • Music of the Week
  • ARTGallery
  • Music
  • Support