Monday, April 14, 2008, 11:47pm

Perps resume attacks on me

Well, I'm sorry to say that the perpetrators have resumed the regular intensity and frequency of attacks. That's a shame. I guess the Dalai Lama's message of peace didn't really make an impact on them. Well, perhaps one day they will see things a different way. We can always hope.

A mockingbird

Last night there was a mockingbird in the backyard. These are the most amazing--albeit annoying-- birds. This bird must know well over a hundred different birdsongs. I eventually just stopped counting. If you don't know what I'm talking about, a mockingbird mocks or imitates other birds' birdsongs. It's like a living car alarm that never stops. Well, eventually it got tired and stopped, but it was going for hours. Still, it's amazing.

I got to wondering: Why the does the mockingbird mock? And the answer seems to be: Because it can, dammit. (Apologies to Maya Angelou.)

Monday, April 14, 2008, 3:51am

Been sick

I've been sick for several days and lost some weight and expect to lose more. I am eating only irregularly. I'm feeling a bit better today but still have a ways to go yet.

I feel compelled to mention that during the time that I was very sick--one night in particular-- the perpetrators did not do their normal attacks--at least not in the usual intensity. I am grateful for this, even though as I write these words there is the fear that my writing about such magnaminity may make them feel they need to do extra violence now to keep up appearances. I hope that is not the path they choose.

I feel compelled to report their easing up because I do not want to be one-sided in my reporting of the facts and circumstances of my life and what has been going on. If violence is done, I definitely report it; therefore, I should be as equal-handed when violence is not done or those involved refrain from doing violence.

News in the media

There has been good news and bad news in the media lately. There's been a lot of positive news and that is inspiring. The Dalai Lama spoke at a conference in Seattle called "Seeds of Compassion":

Videos of the event: http://www.king5.com/video/seeds-index.html
The event's website: http://www.seedsofcompassion.net

The Dalai Lama's positive message of non-violence and resolution of difficulties through dialogue is refreshing. My opinion after watching several of the videos is that it seemed like an amazing event that I wish I could have attended.

Some other very uplifting videos: Words of wisdom by Randy Pausch, an inspiring professor at Carnegie Mellon who has been diagnosed with cancer. His attitude is so positive, his words so inspiring, I think everyone should see the videos of his message. I think we could all learn something from him and I wish him the best and hope for a speedy recovery.

Randy Pausch's website: http://www.randypausch.com

Randy Pausch on Good Morning America: http://abcnews.go.com/gma/lastlecture

China and Taiwan are meeting for talks, and I think I read that the Dalai Lama's representatives are meeting or are going to meet with China, all good news.

So maybe things are starting to change for the better. I like to remain hopeful.

Of course there's been bad news, but you know, for today--for right now--I don't really feel like being depressed. It's out there--if you stay up-to-date on current events, you know the bad news. I just want to end this particular blog entry on a positive note for a change.