If you have some good news to share, be it your own or something exceptional published elsewhere, this is the place to do it.

This post will be "time shifted" forward each week, making the storehouse of good news comments part of our blog's Saturday spirit as well.

N.B. We try to avoid political news today - we have the other 6 days for that, and don't want this thread to become a back-and-forth argument. That isn't what it's here for.

If you do include a politics-related item, it had better be (1) something you're 100% sure that even the people it pokes fun at would find extremely funny, i.e. jib-jab's 'This Land' spoof ; (2) something praising a political persona you normally dislike for exceptionally decent conduct; or (3) something whose "good news" value is so unambiguous that even your political opponents would want to celebrate it. If it doesn't meet one of these 3 criteria, it will be deleted. Matching my own views will provide no defence - in 2004, I deleted several comments from our "Good News Saturdays" thread whose political positions I happened to agree with.

With that noted, step up and step in to our Good News Saturdays 2005 thread. We look forward to your contributions!

I'm glad Joe is finally moving to Hosting Matters. :)

OK then, I'm glad Joe is not moving to Hosting Matters. They're sure down a lot lately! :)

[JK: First example this year of a post I found agreeable and interesting, but didn't conform to the good news guidelines and had to be removed. Sent to the author with suggestion that it be posted to Monday's Winds of War.]

[JK: Joe_A, that's twice now. If there's a third time, you're not going to like the consequences.]

I can't believe someone hasn't said this, but, of course, the Iraqi vote is Good News.
I'll cite my favorite quote from a dissident Egyptian professor recently released from prison--
"You cannot force a Democracy, but they are highly contagious."

Good news Iraq is having it first free election since Ike was President! Mazel tov Bush!

Now this is good news:

"When Judge Hamoud al-Hitar announced that he and four other Islamic scholars would challenge Yemen's Al Qaeda prisoners to a theological contest, Western antiterrorism experts warned that this high-stakes gamble would end in disaster.

Nervous as he faced five captured, yet defiant, Al Qaeda members in a Sanaa prison, Judge Hitar was inclined to agree. But banishing his doubts, the youthful cleric threw down the gauntlet, in the hope of bringing peace to his troubled homeland.

"If you can convince us that your ideas are justified by the Koran, then we will join you in your struggle," Hitar told the militants. "But if we succeed in convincing you of our ideas, then you must agree to renounce violence."

The prisoners eagerly agreed.

Now, two years later, not only have those prisoners been released, but a relative peace reigns in Yemen. And the same Western experts who doubted this experiment are courting Hitar, eager to hear how his "theological dialogues" with captured Islamic militants have helped pacify this wild and mountainous country, previously seen by the US as a failed state, like Iraq and Afghanistan."

RTWT.

Please read this last interview of a Sufi (Mevlevi) sheikh who just passed away in Turkey.

http://www.zaman.com/?bl=interviews&alt=&hn=16130

What do you think?

Nothing out of the ordinary. Sufiism is not the denial of Islam, but its practice at a higher level that emphasizes spirit over literalism and has a vastly more tolerant spirit. Like any mystical branch, there are a number of guru types and many aren't always what they seem. Hence Idries Shah's discussions of how to tell the difference, a matter of education no different than the media literacy taught as an important subject to children who grow up bombarded by secular commercials.

Hence also the importance in Sufiism and some other mystic traditions of the "chain" from which one descends. By which they mean a chain of acknowledged masters. This helps to ensure that individuals representing such a tradition are the real deal, instead of the equivalent of a Nowheresville Mail-In University Degree graduate.

As often happens in these situations, however, the whole succession/official tradition thing can get complicated.

On the one hand, the interview you cite refers to "The last of the Mevlevi sheikh tradition, Sefik Can Hodja". But head to Sufiism.org, and we see this:

"In 1990 Kabir Helminski, was honored with the title and responsibility of Mevlevi Shaikh by the late Dr. Celaleddin Celebi of Istanbul, Turkey, head of the Mevlevi Tariqa (Order) and direct descendant of Mevlâna Jalâluddîn Rumi."

These folks now live and practice in Aptos, California, not far from Santa Cruz. They're trying to bring Mevlana Sufiism to the West in an appropriate form, which matches Sufi beliefs that religious practices are created for the edification and improvement of specific times, places, and cultures, and can't simply be templated. I agree with that.

These sorts of efforts can get flaky in a hurry, especially in California. With that said, I've seen some stuff that shows the Sufi Threshold Society (N.B. there's a sado-masochism organization with a similar name, so beware of Google search results) to be involved with serious online efforts to translate Rumi, and other worthwhile projects. Reading this sermon on What Is A Truly Universal Spirituality by Sheikh Helminski also added a point in the 'credible column' for me.

Thanks.

I have a good friend who is Iraqi. His elderly parents live in Baghdad and as retired teachers recently received a substantial increase in their retirement check.

They no longer need their children to send extra money-- they have enough now for their needs. The only problem is they don't have extra to pay taxi fare to attend the numerous religious events they would like to attend and they are not Moslem.

Good news? My 11 month old daughter began walking today.

Step-step-step... step-step... step... BONK! (On her rear, smiling).

Me too.

Your,,usewis awek bawwin, usewis awek bawwin
My stock in you has fawwin, your garbage needs some hawwin
your usewis awek bawwin your usewis awek bawwin
I had to bwow you head off now your chiwin are aww bawwin

Raymond didn't explain it in his post, but the above gibberish is taken from a song during the end credits in "Team America: World Police." It is certainly a very funny movie, which happens to beat a couple of the Academy Award contenders for quality as well (not hard this year).

And now you'll know what they're singing, if you stay for the final credits.

Speaking of the Jewish Sabbath, did you see the furor in Iraq because the Cabinet decided to add Saturday to Friday to make a 2-day weekend? I suggested the blogger who mentioned it start a rumour that the Cabinet had also passed a regulation requiring Iraqis to have nose jobs because large noses were Jewish.

;)

...for the uninitiated, anyone who even remembers Klinger from M*A*S*H* understands that its a fairly common trait in the region. But, no conspiracy theory too silly is another common trait of the region. Might as well have fun with it, I suppose.

It looks as if the Lazer Beam may be back!

Day of rest or not I could not ignore the great news out of Syria.

While an atheist, and welcoming as one could be to the "wisdom from groups like the Islamic Sufis, Jewish Hasidim and eastern Zen Masters", the staggering fact is that most good news for humanity has been done by Christians (well, dead white european men, and our American cousins).

ADE

Here, I'll share my favorite Sufi, Hazrat Inayat Khan. (I searched your site for him and got no results, so forgive me if I'm replicating something.) This link is to a chapter on 'The Inner Life and Self-Realization' from his book, The Alchemy of Happiness. His entire work is on line and very much worth reading.

"Ahem," great reference. I'll pass it on to T.L. James, who has taken the Sufi Wisdom baton from my hands.

ADE, Christianity has been an incredible force in the world, and very often for good (trends also tell us its global influence will grow). We have space and interest here re: Christian stories. Point us at a few...

Mike, you were right about Rabbi Brody. Hence our link this weekend.

Hapy 91st birthday, Norman Borlaug.

OK, I've oredered Jacob Bronowski's Science and Human Values-Thank you. BUT we, in the US, as a Judeo-Christian culture, do not require the alien philosophy ( whether it be Zen, Budda, Mohammed, or Dr. Spock's Vulcanisms ).

Happiness-good news? Try Dennis Prager-http://www.dennisprager.com/

With his rabbinical training, he works prodigiously to assist the confused and ill-informed. He pleads for clarity rather than agreement and treats all with great kindness. One hour a day of his radio show is "the Hapiness Hour" ( he has a sucessful text, "The Problem of Happiness". Thanks .

Becket - Western Civilization is a twin culture - and Judeo-Christian spiritual origins are only half of it. The culture of science is the other half, and the productive reconciliation and fusion of the two is our ongoing task. To allow EITHER to wither and decay is ultimately to doom our civilization and the liberty it values.

It is possible to reinforce the spiritual and scientific sides at once, and that is what we will work to do here. In the process, we will also bring wisdom as we find it in other traditions and cultures, per the demands of the Habit of Truth. It is a club that possesses no membership requirements save full and voluntary participation, and this is true with respect to wisdom and spiritual truth just as it is with respect to the scientific variety. The Habit of Truth demands liberty as its corollary - and more, it demands not only tolerance but honour for ones fellows who uphold it truly in both its private manifestation and its public corollaries.

You are kind to entertain my note-I regard truth, liberty, and the process we know as 'science', as impossible without the Judeo-Christian culture. This culture is seriously threatened-as we pass through the decay of an age of materialism, into a time of spiritualism or return to a God centered system. And I view 'outside' systems as more dangerous than positive. I am not closed minded-merely sceptical that we may find our way with alien advice. I would first that we secure our native philosophy-it having served so very well. Rather than quible-I should only say-caution.

A bum steer on the affable Prager-his book is, "Happiness is a Serious Problem"! His mind is nice to observe-he being serious about this issue ( of happiness ). Thank you.

Great idea! Here are some Saturday good news that you'll enjoy, about An MS patient who is working to improve MS research

Good news? My son graduated from MCRD Marine Corps Boot Camp 4/1/2005.

Congrats, USMC! Semper Fi!

Perhaps you can tell me why Palestine does not invite Jews in Gaza to stay and live in peace among them the way Arabs live in peace in Israel?

[JK: I could and I do, but that wouldn't be a fit subject for this thread or this day. I'm going to leave this up as an example of what NOT to post here - and if anyone takes up this discussion, their comments will be deleted.]

[deleted]

Mails and advisories should be sent directly to joe, at windsofchange dot net.

#28

Congratulations to you and your son. Officially being called "Marine" at Parris Island, was one of the proudest moments of my life and it happened 50 years ago.

Semper Fi to you and yours!

jk; Still waiting for an answer and I suppose you posted it while I was away about what is the rational side.

Joe:

Thanks again. It was great to meet you and your lovely fiancée. I did a quick search and found this. As you might guess, that's not me. I'm hoping that you can remove it.

Thanks and next time drinks (even non-alcoholic beer) are on me.

Ivor Manuel prophet declaration:
“And HE said unto me, you must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.” Revelation 10:11.
Baptized with Water and Light by HIS SPIRIT: “To bring forth Judgment to the gentiles.” Isaiah 42.
“For the LORD himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout; thus says the LORD: “Hear ME you now CHOSEN and FAITHFUL!” With the voice of the Archangel; GOD’ SPIRIT. And with the trumpet of GOD; HIS written WORD; and the dead Spiritually in CHRIST shall rise first…” Thessalonians 4:16.
To open the blind eyes of the Chosen and Faithful; and bring those that are prisoners out from the dungeon or churches with flags in their pulpits which support WAR; and those that sit in darkness out of the prison house, or those living outside of Spiritual guidance. Isaiah 42.
“FOR IT IS WRITTEN,” writes Ivor Manuel to remind you of HIS WORDS:
“But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the FATHER in SPIRIT and in TRUTH; for the FATHER seeks those to worship HIM.” John 4:23.
“Howbeit when he, the SPIRIT of Truth is come he will guide you unto all TRUTH; for he shall not speak of himself; for whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak; and he will show you things to come.” “He shall glorify ME: for he shall receive of MINE, and shall renew it unto you.” “All things that the FATHER has are MINE; therefore said I that he shall take of MINE, and shall renew it unto you.” John 16: 13-15.
“I AM the LORD that is My Name; and My Glory will I not give to another, neither My Praise to graven images or memorial monuments to praise WAR.” Isaiah 42.
“FOR IT IS WRITTEN:”
“For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little and there a little.” “For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.” Isaiah 28.
ALELUYA! AMEN! ALEUZENEV!
“BENDITOS LOS QUE CREEN EN EL NOMBRE DEL SENOR.”
I am here to publish and declare the TRUE FREEDOM for PEACE; which is Righteousness through MERCY and LOVE and the DOCTRINE of OUR LORD; and the NEW NAME of the CHRIST, which Is JESUS ALEUZENEV, LORD and SERVANT of all PEOPLE. Revelation 3:12. Thus says Ivor Manuel, prophet branch of the LORD; praying for you and PEACE for the World.
www.aleuzenev.com

Jheka,

Couldn't be you... it lacked that trademark New York wit. Fixed now.

Nice to meet you too at the LGFer shindig - and good luck with your client's refugee case.

My daughter is thirteen months old tomorrow. I don't know if she's ahead of her age group, but boy, is she getting verbal. Or perhaps I should say 'pre-verbal.' Proverbial?

I've noticed her baby babble has gone from nonsense to English-sounding, though jumbled. And there's one babble word that stands out, used frequently and with great exclamation: "Shem."

Shem this, shem that. Shem-shem-shem... And of course her mama and papa proudly utter this word vigorously too. "Liebchen, this meal is very shem," I say. Mama smiles; Daughter bangs her cup on the table.

If I could needle point, I would stitch together one that says 'Shem' instead of 'Home Sweet Home.'

Sundown coming, it is Passover, here's wishing all the healthiest reflections.

Muslims against terrorism march scheduled in D.C. on May 14:

Freedom Plaza Neighborhood: Downtown Address: Pennsylvania Ave. between 13th & 14th Street, NW Metro: Federal Triangle Date & Time: Saturday, May 14th 2005 1-5 pm

Free Muslims Against Terrorism www.freemuslims.org 202-776-7190

[JK: Who obviously wasn't enough of a prophet to realize what would happen when he started posting this stuff in the Good News Saturdays thread. Illudium Q-36 Space Modulator powering up....]

I trackbacked with a piece about a book that combines most of the things that make my brain work hard, "Godel, Escher, Bach" and my look at all the things it brings up. I think because I lack on the mathematics I took it more philosophically.

Cordially,

Uncle J

"We share wisdom from groups like the Islamic Sufis, Jewish Hasidim and eastern Zen Masters, highlight the acts of good and decent people, laugh at humourous events, and point to amazing discoveries that could benefit humanity."

According to this review of Ridley Scott’s Kingdom of Heaven by Meryl Wyn-Davies at The Scotsman { http://news.scotsman.com/features.cfm?id=490372005 }:

"The liberal humanism that modernised Europe, and to which Ridley Scott is perhaps making diffuse reference, was learned and acquired from Muslim philosophy."

Here’s a bit more info on former BBC journalist and Muslim convert Meryl Wyn-Davies, at salaam.co.uk { http://www.salaam.co.uk/themeofthemonth/september03_index.php?l=10#merryl }.

All compliments of Little Green Footballs. I must again say 'No thanks' to your imported 'wisdom'. Already have more than I required.

Always

It seems to me that I have been remiss in several things in my life and am finally coming to realize that as there are some things that should and ought be done as well as those that should not.

When reviewing my life of 28 years wedded to a woman I dearly love I can certainly say my track record as a husband is not without faults.

Surely there are many things in my life that I can look back on with admiration, apprehension, disgust and complacency. It certainly seems that the sunny afternoon of May 13, 1977 in small chapel with friends and family warrants more attention than I have given in the past. That day has forever changed me for better for worse, in sickness in health, for richer for poorer as long as we both shall live till death do us part. I meant the words I said then and they still ring as clear and unfaltering as the day they were spoken.

February 12 1978, November 1 1982, September 11 1986 and June 3 1992 are certainly days that I look back on with awe, admiration, wonder and apprehension. The former dates of our daughters birthdays and the later dates of those of our sons. From the first to the last I could argue I love our children as much if not more than you. Somehow though in the piercing light of objective reason I ask myself how could this be so? After all it is not I who carried the burden, made the sacrifices, and suffered the pain without question to achieve such awe inspiring moments. The fact that I was witness to it all, each and everyone, and as awe inspiring for me as it was does not compare with the gift of you allowing me to be a part of it all. Truth be known it should be I that would be jealous of such a love and devotion that only a mother can experience. When they are happy we are joyous, when they are pained we hurt all the more. Yet in truth when confronting these matters I could never feel to same degree as you within the confines of the deepest corners of your soul. In the light of awe I am but a bystander allowed only to partake in the gifts of wonder that you so willing share.

Let there be no doubt that I can only imagine the depth of a love required concerning such gifts and the depth of the devotion to man who should be all the more considerate and grateful for things such as precious as these. In that sense there is no doubt on my part about the magnificence of the love you bestow on me.

Realizing all these things what then could possibly be remiss of a man who at the most partially understands that most precious within a woman's heart? Over the years it has occurred to me that I have never put my most intimate of thoughts toward you in writing. Such a simple task that words alone should suffice to convey to a wife most cherished. In light of all of this the realization that the spoken word is not and could never be enough in exchange for the gifts you have bestowed upon me. The written word through time has proven to be immortal. In such a small manner one can contribute to all of humanity and in such a large manner one can express a never ending love to the world for a wife of such wonder.

Yes May 13 1977 is truly a day that needs recognition beyond any other and truly a day that this man in particular should be ever so grateful. When I said I do it was with all my heart and soul yet how could I have possibly imagined that I would be all the better for it. It is with this thought in mind that I put pen to paper and convey to you and the world there is no other.

For my dearest Deb
Always JR

Breaking News

Instead, according to Pool, rival bands of insurgents are now fighting among themselves, trading mortar, gun and rocket-propelled grenade fire almost nightly.

Residents acknowledge fighting in Qaim began even before the U.S. offensive, and characterized it as tribal clashes. The cause of the clashes was not immediately clear.

http://apnews.myway.com//article/20050513/D8A2IBKG0.html

If true this confirms the split among the Sunnis. The baathists and ordinary folks have separated from the Islamists and the terrorists.

Really good news for the ten percent of Americans over 65 with Alzheimers--
mouse feeder cell contamination in ESC lines solved!
More good news-- moderate republicans seek to expand number of ESC lines

The best way to gain the hearts and minds of the Iraqis is to make sure they can survive from day to day.

Majority of Iraqis are in abject survival mode trying to scrounge the evening's meal.

Iraq has 200 billion barrels of oil (probably more). This means each household of 8 person in Iraq, with oil at $55 a barrel, owns a wealth of 3.3 million dollars !!!

If you are surprised, just do the calculation. Cost of oil production in Iraq is $2 a barrel.

The US should extract Iraqi oil in large amounts, e.g. 5 mbpd, and distribute the income to each and every person or household in Iraq. All the accounting should naturally be open in published.

This would be a steady monthly income of $ 2,500 per household per month. The amount of hearts and minds bought off would be simply astounding.

http://www.secularhumanism.org/fi/index.htm

Some of this week's good news, Isaac Newton's alchemy notes found.

I found out last week that I'm getting promoted, from SSgt (E-5) to TSgt (E-6). A little more responsibility at work, and around $360/month before taxes.

jp

Good news this Saturday? I've actually started blogging on my own two legs, the blog is about thinking and morale skills, and I instantly find that I'm a blogkid on the Winds sidebar. Thanks, Joe!

Nort

It good step to joining people posting information related to all religious groups.