Thursday, 4. August 2005

Wenn Unternehmen nicht dazu in der Lage sind...

2005-07-27 after a really short night the start

"Wenn Unternehmen nicht dazu in der Lage sind, dem Menschen als Ganzem ein Stück Glück zu vermitteln, worin soll dann der Sinn allen Wirtschaftens bestehen?"

Kampf der Tyrannei der radikalen, arroganten Neoliberalen, die in Wirtschaftstheorie und -praxis die Herrschaft an sich gerissen haben, die Politik einseitig beeinflussen und die Welt durch größenwahnsinnige Fusionen, übereilt forcierte Globalisierung, folgenschwere Deregulierungen / Privatisierungen, brutal erpresserische „Marktöffnungspolitik“ und primitiven Marktfundamentalismus mit „Alles ist Ware“; „Der Markt regelt alles“ - für immer mehr Menschen zur Hölle machen!

Wie lange würde ein Manager nach meinem Geschmack – einer, der sagt, was er denkt und empfindet, auch wenn dieses Widerspruch gegenüber dem obersten Chef bedeutet, einer, der Schwächen zeigt und eigene Fehler nicht anderen anlastet, einer, der eher auf Intuition und Phantasie setzt als auf technische Rationalität –, wie lange würde ein solcher Manager wohl seine Stellung behalten? – Du hast keine Chance, nutze sie!

You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say will be misquoted then used against you.


A real story from a Sunday in Dar es Salaam, East Africa

020723 beaches 09 footsteps

The Shoes

A real story from a Sunday in Dar es Salaam, East Africa.
(by Desert Star)

My alarm went off -- it was Sunday again; I was so tired after all that work in the night at the Airport -- it was my one-day to sleep in. But the guilt I'd have felt the rest of the day would have been too much, so I'd go; I'd pray. I showered and shaved, adjusted suit and tie, got there and swung into a pew just in time.

Bowing my head in humble prayer before I closed my eyes, I saw that the shoe of the man next to me was touching my own and I sighed. With plenty of room on either side, I thought, "why do our soles have to touch?" It bothered me so; he was glued to my shoe, but it didn't seem to bother him much.

Then the prayer began: "Heavenly Father," someone said - but I thought, "Does this man with the shoes have no pride?" They were dusty, worn, scratched end to end. What's worse, there were holes on the side! "Thank You for Blessings," the prayer went on. The shoe man said a quiet "Amen."

I tried to focus on the prayer, but my thoughts were on his shoes again. Aren't we supposed to look our best when walking through that door? "Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, glancing toward the floor. Then the prayer ended and songs of praise began.

The shoe man was loud, sounding proud as he sang. He lifted the rafters; his hands raised high; the Great Spirit surely heard his voice from the sky.

Then the offering was passed; what I threw in was steep. The shoe man reached into his pockets, so deep, and I tried to see what he pulled out to put in, then I heard a soft "clink," as when silver hits tin.

The sermon bored me to tears - and no lie - it was the same for the shoe man, for tears fell from his Eyes. At the end of the service, as is custom here in East Africa, we must greet the visitors in church and show them good cheer.

But I was moved inside to want to meet this man, so after the closing, I shook his hand. He was old, his skin very black and dark, his hair a mess. I thanked him for coming, for being our guest. He said, "My name's Tom, glad to meet you, my friend," And there were tears in his Eyes - but he had a wide grin.

"Let me explain," he said, wiping his eyes. "I've been coming for months, and you're the first to say, "Hi."

"I know I don't look like all the rest, but I always try to look my best." - "I polish my shoes before my long walk, but by the time I get here they're as dirty as chalk. And the poor place I have to live in, you would never accept."

My heart fell to my knees, but I held back my tears, he continued, "And I must apologise for sitting so near. But I know when I get here I must look a sight. And I thought… if I touched you, our souls might unite."

I was silent for a moment knowing anything I said would pale in comparison, so I spoke from my heart not my head.

"Oh, you've touched me," I said. "And taught me, in part, that the best of a man is what's in his heart." The rest, I thought, this man will never know…

How thankful I am that he touched my soul!

You might be best friends one year, pretty good friends the next year, don't talk that often the next year, don't want to talk at all the year after that.

So, I just wanted to say, even if I never talk to you again in my life, you are special to me and you have made a difference in my life, I respect you, and truly cherish you.
Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them, and tell new friends you never will.

Remember, everyone needs a friend; someday you might feel like you have no friends at all, just remember this e-mail and take comfort in knowing somebody out there cares about you and always will.

Love and Light
Desert Star


Deutschland ein Wintermärchen...

history of heinrich heine 11

Späte Anerkennung in seinem Geburtsland
Die Anerkennung Heinrich Heines in seinem Geburtsland setzte erst sehr spät ein. Der zu Lebzeiten durch die Zensur Verbotene gehörte in der Zeit des Nationalsozialismus zu den »jüdisch entarteten« Dichtern und wurde als »Fremdling in der deutschen Dichtung« diffamiert.

Nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg entwickelte sich seine Aufnahme in den beiden deutschen Staaten recht unterschiedlich. In der DDR fand er Anerkennung als Vorläufer der Sozialisten und Freund von Karl Marx, eine Sichtweise, die sein Werk natürlich sehr verkürzte.

In der Bundesrepublik wurde man in stärkerem Maße erst nach der Studentenrevolte von 1968 auf Heinrich Heine aufmerksam. Es wurde ein Heinrich-Heine-Preis gestiftet (1972 im Westen, bereits 1956 im Osten), in Düsseldorf wurde ein Heine-Institut gegründet und eben dort ein Denkmal Heines aufgestellt (1981, im Jahr darauf dann in Hamburg). Schließlich wurde die Universität seiner Heimatstadt Düsseldorf 1989 in Heinrich-Heine-Universität umbenannt, dies allerdings nach jahrzehntelanger, oft quälender Diskussion. Das alles zeigt das schwierige Verhältnis Deutschlands zu einem seiner größten Dichter, dessen Ausspruch »Denk ich an Deutschland in der Nacht, dann bin ich um den Schlaf gebracht« eigentlich durch die Jahrhunderte seine Aktualität nie verloren hat.

Heinrich Heine hat einst gesagt, wo Bücher verbrannt werden, werde man eines Tages Menschen verbrennen. In Abwandlung dieses Wortes sagen wir heute: „Dort, wo Juden angegriffen werden, werden eines Tages alle Menschen angegriffen“. Es ist dieser universalistische Blick, der uns als Demokraten beschäftigen sollte. Wir erleben in diesen Wochen eine hitzige Diskussion, die sich vor allem dadurch auszeichnet, dass Dinge behauptet werden, die kein Mensch gesagt hat.

Love & Light
Holger Heine as Desert Star


My Family history with the July Revolution and Heinrich Heine

history of heinrich heine 1

The July Revolution and Heinrich Heine

The July Revolution of 1830 in Paris produced startling consequences throughout Europe, and most particularly in Germany. One result of this revolution was the formation of a new group of young authors, known as the Young Germans, who advocated political action in order to achieve republican ideals. Heinrich Heine (1797-1856), although not officially a member of the Young Germany school, was allied with them in many of his beliefs and ideals. As a poet, critic, and satirist of the government in Germany, Heine encountered difficulty in his homeland, and in 1831 he undertook a voluntary exile to Paris, where he lived for the rest of his life. In Paris, he was a correspondent for the German Augsburger Allgemeine Zeitung; he also wrote several books and translated German works into French for the French public.

In so doing, Heine became a kind of middleman between France and Germany, facilitating communication and promoting increased understanding of the two cultures. In spite of the claims of many critics, who say that Heine fled Germany to immerse himself in French affairs, Heine's writings show that he retained an active and vital link with his homeland, and that he was a strong advocate of the ideals of the July Revolution and republicanism, at least until his terminal paralysis in 1848, at which point he ceased to produce many politically motivated writings.


My Family History

history of heinrich heine 8

Heinrich Heine gilt als einer der größten deutschen Dichter. Das Verhältnis zu seinem Geburtsland Deutschland war dabei immer schwierig. Fast die Hälfte seines Lebens verbrachte Heine in Frankreich, wohin er sich, Sohn eines wohlhabenden Textilhändlers aus Düsseldorf, im Jahr 1831 nach immer größerer Bedrängnis durch die politische Zensur in Deutschland begeben hatte.

Schnell fand er in seinem Gastland Anschluss an die politische und kulturelle Szene. Heine, der sich als Mittler zwischen Deutschland und Frankreich verstand, war nach einem Zusammenbruch ab 1848 an seine »Matratzengruft« gefesselt. Er starb am 17.02.1856 in Paris, wo er auf dem Friedhof Montmartre seine letzte Ruhe fand.

Späte Anerkennung in seinem Geburtsland
Die Anerkennung Heinrich Heines in seinem Geburtsland setzte erst sehr spät ein. Der zu Lebzeiten durch die Zensur Verbotene gehörte in der Zeit des Nationalsozialismus zu den »jüdisch entarteten« Dichtern und wurde als »Fremdling in der deutschen Dichtung« diffamiert.

Nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg entwickelte sich seine Aufnahme in den beiden deutschen Staaten recht unterschiedlich. In der DDR fand er Anerkennung als Vorläufer der Sozialisten und Freund von Karl Marx, eine Sichtweise, die sein Werk natürlich sehr verkürzte.

In der Bundesrepublik wurde man in stärkerem Maße erst nach der Studentenrevolte von 1968 auf Heinrich Heine aufmerksam. Es wurde ein Heinrich-Heine-Preis gestiftet (1972 im Westen, bereits 1956 im Osten), in Düsseldorf wurde ein Heine-Institut gegründet und eben dort ein Denkmal Heines aufgestellt (1981, im Jahr darauf dann in Hamburg). Schließlich wurde die Universität seiner Heimatstadt Düsseldorf 1989 in Heinrich-Heine-Universität umbenannt, dies allerdings nach jahrzehntelanger, oft quälender Diskussion. Das alles zeigt das schwierige Verhältnis Deutschlands zu einem seiner größten Dichter, dessen Ausspruch »Denk ich an Deutschland in der Nacht, dann bin ich um den Schlaf gebracht« eigentlich durch die Jahrhunderte seine Aktualität nie verloren hat.

Heinrich Heine hat einst gesagt, wo Bücher verbrannt werden, werde man eines Tages Menschen verbrennen. In Abwandlung dieses Wortes sagen wir heute: „Dort, wo Juden angegriffen werden, werden eines Tages alle Menschen angegriffen“. Es ist dieser universalistische Blick, der uns als Demokraten beschäftigen sollte. Wir erleben in diesen Wochen eine hitzige Diskussion, die sich vor allem dadurch auszeichnet, dass Dinge behauptet werden, die kein Mensch gesagt hat.



Wednesday, 22. December 2004

Who are You?

040618 beauty fulani in black

The dream is alive

My name is Holger, also known on the web as in real life ‘Desert Star’ or ‘Tom’. I also answer to ‘Hey You’.

My Favorites are to be found in traveling around the globe. My family is spread all over the world, but mainly in Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Australia, USA and Canada. My friends are all over this place Earth and some of them… - are already in Heaven too, performing their duty as an angel…

Some of my main interests are in the world of IT, Art, Colors and Design, the Web, digital photographing, Trends and Fashion, (World) Music, African and Native American Red Indian Art and History, Myths and Religion, (White) Golden Retriever, ICQ, IATA - Airlines history and performances, Aircraft’s and Travelling, Literature etc.

Did you know there are two kinds of angels?
One type has made it all the way to the top. – You know, saw ‘You know who’. - Well these angels are there to help each Earthling. Since everyone knows the Cohabitants of earth consist of men from ‘Mars’ and women from ‘Venus’, we won’t need to explain that – Right?

There is also, the other type of angel who has not quite arrived ‘Up there’ yet. But they are still very important, since they tend to assist the other angels. On a dear day you can see both types of angels hovering somewhere in the distance between Heaven and Earth merrily dancing amidst the rainbows.

Angels are scattered around the globe. Even nearby you! While working they are incognito and you can’t tell them apart from an Earthling. Yet, when such an angel is met one senses that there is just a bit of something different in their presence… something almost mystical or ethereal. The sort of stand apart from the rest, not above but just near. Well… those angels… they are my friends and maybe yours too, the very breath of life next to my heart. …Smiles!

My commitment is:
I will be as open to the power of love that is in me as possible. Every act I make, I will try to base it upon love, and steaming from that, compassion, peace, fairness, and more. I will concentrate on the welfare of all living things including the Earth, other in respect to people, animal’s, plants and me.

I will continue to write blogs, poems and books, create computer interactive art, and participate in as much as I can in the growth of the awareness of the beauty and importance of life and the love that brings us life.

We all have love inside our souls, therefore we all have the power of that love to heal and help.

And I will never stop trying, and I will never stop loving, and I will never, ever stop caring. With our love and concern for all life on Earth, we are unconquerable!

Moreover I’m a writer with the fondness for World Music, African Art and Myths, Native American Indian Art and Culture, Poetry and Philosophy. Especially after my many years of study in culture anthropology I get very interested. While my hand may write words, the poetry and stories itself is authored by every soul as it is reflective a central essence called ‘feeling’ that lies within each of us continually ebbing and flowing while we surf upon the unpredictable tides of life.

I love the adventure, the unpredictable…

I’m cultural and sometimes a little bit spiritual, as it would apply to a universal consciousness of humanity within mankind (not to be confused with psychic or religious fanaticism please). I hesitate to mention an astrological curiosity, because most lack true knowledge and understanding of what it was meant to be and tend to pass judgment in this state of mental unawareness. Yet, it was in exploration that I discovered the great shame there is to be found in condemnation without investigation.

Unless one seeks and gains knowledge about a matter, how can one truly and truthfully know what they are or do not believe in? I don’t think it was meant to blindly take another word for something without checking out some facts first.

Isn’t that gossip or here-hey? Even a disciple’s desire for proof was not condemned. There is nothing ‘wrong’ with to be ‘open minded’… it’s an opportunity to gain the knowledge need. This alone offers a measure of control over one’s life and destiny. In my opinion, stupidity is highlighted by a perverse satisfaction in a foolish choice to ‘knowingly’ remain in a blind ignorance.

There is much responsibility for what one knowingly ‘doesn’t know’ as there is for what one ‘does know’. It is sad how much relinquish control over their life in fear of the unknown. Along the same vein, it’s my believe that there is no one person any smarter than another… Even an adult has much to learn from a child. I care deeply about people and the process of living. If I am able to enlighten where darkness one loomed, then I have helped another human being improve the quality of their living existence. We are here to assist each other through what can be a perilous life at times. Thankfully, we aren’t all going through the same things at the same time.

Me… well, I am grateful there is my friends here each day just a click away. They are always here to talk to me when I need someone to talk to. They are always here to send me a joke when I need cheering up. They are always here to send me something special. And they are always here to put a smile on my face and a rainbow in my day! Without my friends, a big piece of my heart would be gone.

In using my PC I made plenty of errors to find out and later it was a software problem and learned that programs were less perfect than people. Many freely offered forgiveness for my shortsightness. There were those that helped me when I could not help myself and to them I am more eternally thankful for their selflessness than I can express without a tear!

Interpersonal relationships and of course real life relationships are about being a best friend in the good and bad times, loving, caring, sharing, even patience, tolerance, compromise and yes… even real friendship, since also this is and can be real love.

They are also being admittedly wrong and still finding forgiveness for our human frailties being extended. It is ‘from’ the act of giving without thought of the self that we truly receive… It’s not in ‘receiving’ that one finds the means of pathway to give, for this would be like someone being a sponge who must be squeezed to return what they had take in – just to be left void and dry once again. We receive in direct proportion to what we actually ‘give’, not the other way around. Please note this don’t mean, ‘trade’, since this is just what it was when one gives something and then expects to receive as a result from where or whom they had given to. This certainly does shed a new light in love in relationships.

When did you last hear I love you as long you always do such as such…’. That is not the nature of love… not true love. Yet, that does not mean one suppose to accept or tolerate bad behaviour or maltreatment either. It is healthy to have self-respect and love of one’s self with the awareness that one deserves the right to be fairly treated with the elements if common courtesy, decency and respect.

I may not walk this road again and I never want to have to think ‘If I had only… then maybe that wouldn’t have happened…’ So, I strive to be all I can in any given moment and sometimes I can try too hard. This Angel falls short of perfection, too… but life is about at least making a sincere effort to do what we know is the right to do and no one has to tell us that. I believe any problem is an opportunity to find the solution and never can a problem to exist with out a solution. Just think about that truth a moment. I find there are two great things that are repeatedly experienced. One is not accurately defining the problem and the other is not like the solution to the existing problem… but a solution is no nonetheless.

I’ve love to go swim, to play beach ball in the warm sand of a wonderful beach or just travel along, but a mishap caused this to cease this for the time being, as I have to much to do at present time. My involvement with computers has increased since it proves to be on an invaluable toll for overcoming the cognitive difficulties and a great link to a wealth of knowledge.

As an international Airliner I have met some incredible people around the globe, of whom I have come to dearly love and I so very proud to call ‘friend’. They are most precious and priceless to me… Therefore I also must embrace the potter who may have unpleasantly assisted in the process of adding a greater definition to the path of life and helping me to mould me into the person who I am today.

Even though I would find it easier to dwell on and esteem those who have given me richest of love and encouragement along the way, I must remember those that blessed me in many ways.

Oh! Must not forget my ‘first real love… the beautiful, mysterious ocean’. I love anything what has to do with the water… sailing, fishing, boating or just watching its movements. I lived once upon a time only some few steps distance from the Indian Ocean in a wonderful Paradise. Therefore I prefer just the eastern coastline of my dear Africa, yes just because of the excitement and mystery… just there!

I may attempt parasailing someday, since skydiving is out of the question. Hmm… maybe gliding through a canyon. I’m open to most life’s activities as new adventures to at least try twice… Who know? If once was not very good, does it mean all other times are to be the same or that the next time would be negative experience? Are all salads and cooking methods the same…? I don’t think so. Fear should not govern our lives either… just prudence.

Among the things already mentioned, I have also loved: Tubing down a river anywhere, where the river became more lucrative falling from the cooler into it and then proceed to quickly float out of reach. Climbing in the Austrian Alps or sitting on top of the Kilimanjaro in Africa, yes enjoying life and sitting in a tree for hours; watching a squirrel watch me while I scampered to and from.

Sitting outside of an Oase, long inside in the desert of Jordan together with my Bedouin brothers and sisters at ‘Wadi al Rum’ on the back of my Camel Khalid on my way to Petra and Aqaba (at the Red Sea) and just enjoying life on the historical track of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’.

A walk in the wonderful Swedish woods, feeling that sense of at-one-meant- with nature. Along rivers and lakes. Making stop for a (naked) bath and met the Love you dreamed about… Sitting at the beach at the frontlets of the Mediterranean Sea nearby Alicante in Southern of Spain, looking just over to my dear Africa, thinking of all my African brothers and beautiful sisters, asking the waitress at a Spanish bar, ‘Por forvour… Sangria and enjoying an ice cool ‘Serveca’ (St. Michel), listen to the non - stop sounds of Govi - flamenco from the ever to be very historical Andalusia, listening to the cooing of a white dove while I hovered between a dream and wakefulness; pondering life while gazing at the stars, then swatting the mosquito’s that interrupted my contemplation’s; sensing the romance and intensity of passion while swimming at the frontlets at the Mediterranean sea (or just in the sweet water pool) under a full moon and palms; hearing nice music for deserted Lovers and remember a time…, a time you know… when … Right!

Giggling while sneaking cold feet against warm skin; pillow fights just cuz; spending hours cooking for someone to discover I had just burnt the garlic bread after the telephone rang; raising the beautiful breed of white Golden Retrievers; impulsively going across the country from Gothenburg just to see the New Year come in out over the north Sea and to drive back home back again the following day… - These are only a few memories and I shall spend the rest of my days cultivating more!

I am the type of person that is flexible and adaptable to my environment, while being definitely open to the spontaneity and experience of new things. Well, maybe not extremely bizarre thing, …smile!

Good company, stimulating conversation and the sharing of laughter add joy to my life. Sharing knowledge and ideas bring fulfillment to my life. The ebbs and tides of my life are most intriguing while being the most perplexing. I sit in wonderment of life, since I’ve gazed upon death’s door several times during my life, lately in a traffic accident in Gothenburg, Sweden early spring days in the year of 2001 and was blessed to learn much about mortality and what is truly important in living. This moment is all one, and has to be and do all what we can…

Yesterday is dead and, as such, must be buried. We are resurrected a new, whenever we awaken to a new day. Tomorrow has yet to be born and life shall forever be a series of decisions that none of us can escape. What we choose to do on this day will come into effect when the tomorrows are born. So we do well to plant seeds in order that our tomorrows may be found sweeter and more fruitful than our yesterdays may have been!

I’ve traveled extensively throughout the whole world during my life. I have not only lived, but also worked successfully for many years in most of the places such in Europe’, all over Africa, in the Middle and Far East, and in the USA, where I learned humbleness from many humans who honored me with there elated enthusiasm in having an ‘European friend’.

I lived in Africa for more then ten years, where I embraced the moments of this alluring paradise deducing my soul while sitting upon the ledge of a tiny inlet feeling the water’s cool spray on my skin as it rushed against the sand and the rocks. I watched the dolphins play upon the horizon of a setting sun in awe of their carefree existence.

There is also my dear Sweden where there were long days of summer to delight in a pop side, captivating scenery and lingering childhood memories of decades past of the crusted snow eating my strapless boots and leaving me perplexed as to what I should with my feet. It was there that I discovered my clothes getting smaller and becoming adamant in my protest that they where shrinking, as only six years old boy can do. Of course, throughout a grandmother’s (as my biological mother died many years ago when I was child and now works as an guarding Angel, up there…) knowledge and patience, I became enlightened that I was ‘growing’ instead… - …sighs. Some thing will never change, I guess, …giggles!

It is my life - long dream to tread upon the land of as many countries as the Great Spirit and time would grant me in the remaining days of my fifty - plus life (ooops, just slipped). I long to meet the people to share the universal smile, experience the cultures and traditions, delight in foods, drink of the wines and as a certain special Angel was entering to my life.

Who knows…even fate has its own infinite timing as it graces our lives with it blessings. Our only task is to avail ourselves to see and open the palms of the heart to receive the treasures that it brings to us. A closed palm cannot receive, but neither gives.

God bless you, each one of you and know our prayers for peace meet yours as the sunrises and sets. May the Great Spirit guide you safely into the path of love, peace, freedom and God on this Earth Mother! May the holy ancestors of love and light keep you safe in your homes! Pray for God to give you something important to do in this great work, which lies ahead of us all to bring peace on earth.

Be well, and think good thoughts of peace, love and togetherness. Peace for all life on earth and peace with one another in our homes, families and countries. We are not so different in the Great Creator's eyes. The same great Father Sun shines his love on each of us daily. We are one after all.

Our prayer is to have a good happy life, plenty of soft gentle rain for abundant crops and good health for every one. We pray for balance on earth to live in peace and leave a beautiful world to the children yet to come.

Remember to have fun, and most importantly enjoy yourself. These are powerful days, and this year will be a turning point for you in terms of your inner commitment to your light. The oaths of creation guardianship and the restoration of the feminine power are needed more than ever on Earth.

I, Desert Star, share my being with you these days. I enfold you in the light of the sun, origin of this solar system, whereby you might begin to take the breath of power, take the breath of light, love, and take the breath of wisdom and divine activity through the light that is your origin. As you do so, immortality will be achieved.

But wherever it takes you, know that you are a brave adventurer, and the tools you have at your disposal are your trusty companions. And that we here on this earth, in spirit are right beside you, catching you if you should tip too much one way or the other, watching your back, and helping you clear the path before you.

So much for now, you take care and my prayers are with you. Be good, cuz life is sweet, treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect and remain close to the Great Spirit! May the Great Spirit watch over you and all your relations!

My blessings to you as we ALL continue forward. I am here and available for you all hours a day, no matter where you are. Wherever you are, walk in Peace and remain in Love, Light and Harmony! You are never alone…

We can never tell our friends to many times just how much they mean to us....
Thank you for your friendship....

Desert (binary and proud of it) Star




Wo wird einst des Wandermüden letzte Ruhestätte sein?

history of heinrich heine 12

Na ja, ich will Dich nicht mit meinen Erinnerungen langweilen...

Trauer Annonce in Paris Februar 1856
Henri Heine, l'illustre poète allemand, a succombé, le 17 de ce mois, à la longue et doloreuse maladie dont il était atteint depuis près de huit ans.

Les obsèques auront lieu demain mercredi, à 10 heures. On se réunira à la maison mortuaire, avenue Matignon, n° 3. Les amis et les nombreuses connaissances de l'illustre défunt qui n'auraient pas reçu de lettre de faire part sont priés de regarder comme telle la présente insertion. -

Übersetzung:
Heinrich Heine, der berühmte deutsche Dichter, ist am 17. dieses Monats (Februar 1856) der langen und schmerzhaften Krankheit erlegen, an der er seit fast acht Jahren litt.

Die Beisetzung wird morgen, Mittwoch, um 10 Uhr stattfinden. Man wird sich im Trauerhaus in der Avenue Matignon 3 treffen. Die Freunde und zahlreichen Bekannten des berühmten Verstorbenen, die keine Familienanzeige erhalten haben sollten, werden gebeten, die vorliegende Annonce als solche zu betrachten.

Memories:

Aber ich bin schon oft in diesem malerischen Friedhof am Monmatre in Paris gewesen,
gegenüber Heinrich Heines Büste gesessen
und habe in der Sonne Heine gern gelesen,
dazu eine gute Flasche Rotwein, Käse, Brot dabei...
und da kamen mir diese Gedanken...

Wo wird einst des Wandermüden
Letzte Ruhestätte sein?
Unter Palmen in dem Süden?
Unter den Birken am schwedischen Götaälv,
oder unter den Linden an dem Rhein?

Werd ich wo in einer Wüste
Eingescharrt von fremder Hand?
Oder ruh ich an der paradiesischen, schwedischen West Küste
Eines Meeres in dem Sand?

Immerhin wird mich umgeben
Gotteshimmel, dort wie hier,
Und als Totenlampen schweben
Nachts die wunderschönen Sterne über mir...

Frei nach meinen geistigen Vater, Heinrich Heines Art...

From
Wind, Sand and Stars
Quote by Desert Star (Holger Heine) and by the Crosswinds droving over the culture Deserts of Europe


How great is Love?

Paradise begins here... 04 - African Turban Girl

"I no longer long wait for what I can't have and keep myself busy with what I do have."
Heinrich Heine in Paris 1830


Time
Once upon a time, there was an Island where all the feelings lived:
Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others include Love.

One day it was announced to the feelings that the island would sink, so all repaired their boats and left. Love wanted to persevere until the last possible moment. When the island was almost sinking, Love decided to ask for help.

Richness was passing by Love in a grand boat. Love said: ”Richness, can you take me with you?" Richness answered: "No, I can't. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you."

Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by in a beautiful vessel "Vanity, please help me"

"I can't help you Love. You are all wet and might damage my boat." Vanity answered.

Sadness was close by so Love asked for help, "Sadness, let me go with you." and Sadness said, "Oh ...Love, I am so sad that I need to be by myself!"

Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not even hear when Love called her!

Suddenly, there was a voice, "Come Love, I will take you." It was an elder. Love felt so blessed and overjoyed that she even forgot to ask the elder's name. When they arrived at dry land, the elder went the other way.

Love, realizing how much she owed the elder, asked Knowledge, another elder, "Who helped me?"

"It was Time" Knowledge answered.
"Time?" asked Love.
"But why did Time help me?"

Knowledge smiled with deep wisdom and answered, "Because, only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is!"


Is it not funny…?

Close up with Elefants in Tanzania


Funny how simple it is for people to trash different ways of living and believing and then wonder why the world is going to hell.

Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what we think of ourselves.

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.

We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less sense; more knowledge but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.

We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor or your friend...

We've conquered outer space, but not inner space; we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul; we've split the atom, but not our prejudice.

We have higher incomes, but lower morals; we've become long on quantity, but short on quality.

These are the times of tall men, and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships.

These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure, but less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition.


Tuesday, 23. November 2004

Why do you prefer Golden-Retrievers some times...

by Desert (African) Star



Golden - Retrievers are happy to snuggle all night long.
Goldens rarely have prickly whiskers.
Goldens always keep your secrets.
Goldens never bore you to death with details of the games.

Goldens can hug for long periods of time.
Goldens usually smell nice and are always soft and cuddly.
Goldens hardly ever smoke and rarely even smell from tobacco.
Goldens are perfectly willing to make long term commitments.

Goldens make excellent traveling companions.
Goldens sleep soundly without wriggling
around, snoring, and hogging all the covers.
Goldens are not often jealous of other humans or dogs.
Goldens never transmit nasty diseases.

Goldens know when you've had a bad day.
Goldens love to vacation at the spot you select.
Goldens don't have to hide when your mother comes to visit.

Most Goldens don’t hog the whole bed.
Goldens never stand up their dates.
Goldens are never on a business trip when you really need them.

Goldens get on perfectly with your pets.
Goldens always like your friends.
Goldens don't have weird eating habits.
Goldens invariably understand when you have a headache.

Goldens almost never complain about your housekeeping.
Goldens don't shock neighbors by their presence.
Goldens are rarely too young or too old.
Goldens don't require home cooked meals.

Goldens never borrow your car.
Goldens get on famously with all your relatives.
Goldens would never make fun of your habits.
Goldens aren't paranoid about catching your cold.

Goldens don't care a bit what you spend your money on.
Goldens are always ready to help you in an emergency.
Goldens never have cold hands or scratchy toenails.
Goldens can't possibly get you in trouble.

Goldens love just as much the morning after.
Goldens never leave your bathroom a wreck.
Goldens don't mess up your apartment,
and they generate only modest amounts of laundry…

Golden - Retrievers
are the safest, cuddliest people in the whole wide world!


Flygplansrättvisa

(by Desert Star) - in swedish Language

041004 gorgeous picture of lh climbing into a cloudy evening sky

En sann historia som jag minns från min Airlineverksamhet, från det verkliga livet här ute i East Africa:

På ett Lufthansaflygplan som lyfte från Dar es Salaam i Tanzania hade vi en medelålders, välbärgad vit kvinna som fått en plats bredvid en färgad man. Omedelbart efter starten påkallade hon flygvärdinnans uppmärksamhet för att klaga på sin plats i flygplanet.

"Vad kan jag hjälpa till med?" frågade värdinnan den vita kvinnan. "Kan du inte se det?" svarade hon. "Ni har satt mig bredvid en svarting! Jag kan inte sitta bredvid den här vämjeliga människan. Ni får minsann hitta en ny plats till mig!"

"Var snäll och lugna ner er" sa värdinnan och fortsatte: "Planet är väldigt fullt, men jag ska se om det inte finns någon ledig stol i ekonomi eller första klass."

Kvinnan tittade nedlåtande på den ursinniga mannen bredvid henne, och även på många av de omkringsittande passagerarna. Några minuter senare kom flygvärdinnan tillbaka med goda nyheter.

"Som jag misstänkte är ekonomiklassen fullbokad, men jag har upptäckt att vi faktiskt har en ledig plats i första klass."

Innan damen fick en chans att svara fortsatte flygvärdinnan:
"Det är dock väldigt ovanligt att vi gör sådana här byten då planet har lyft och jag var tvungen att få ett specialtillstånd från vår flygkapten. Men under dessa förhållanden så var det inga problem. Han tyckte att det var upprörande att någon skulle behöva sitta bredvid en sådan avskyvärd person."

Då flygvärdinnan sagt detta vände hon sig sålunda mot den färgade mannen och sa: "Så om ni plockar ihop era saker och följer med mig så har vi en plats i första klass åt er."

Vid denna tidpunkt ställde sig de övriga passagerarna upp och gav en stående ovation för vår flygvärdinna medan mannen plockade ihop sina tillhörigheter och följde flygvärdinnan in i första klass!


Thursday, 18. November 2004

I think that this is the first time...

(by His Holiness, the XIV. Dalai Lama)

My east african window to the indian Ocean


I think that this is the first time I am meeting most of you. But to me whether it is an old friend or a new friend, there is not much deference anyway, because I always believe we are the same; we are all human beings. Of course, there may be differences in our faith, or we may be of a different colour, but we are human beings, consisting of the human body and the human mind. Our physical structure is the same, and our mind and our emotional nature are also the same.

Wherever I meet people, I always have the feeling that I am encountering another human being, just like myself. I find it much easier to communicate with others on that level. If we emphasize specific characteristics, like I am Tibetan, Buddhist or Muslim, Christian etc. then there are differences. But those things are secondary. If we can leave these differences aside, I think we can easily communicate, exchange ideas, and share experiences!


Memories…

On duty again...

Memories…
Lufthansa German Airlines and the Airport where my office…

Once upon a time it was a place where I experienced many emotions and learned many lessons. It was a place of work, but also a keeper of dreams. I've just had perhaps more of an opportunity, more of an exposure and been fortunate to survive a lot of situations that many others weren't so lucky to make it. In some cases it was a place of deadly serious encounters, yet there I discovered much about life and diversity. I learned about spirit, joy and sorrow, pride and humility, fear and overcoming fear.

I saw much from that office that most people would never see. It was my place, at my time on ground and in the air, and the world was mine for those moments.

At times it terrified me, yet I could always feel at home there. Though it was a place during war times in Asia and Africa where I could quickly die, the airport was a place where I truly lived…

Management ist, wenn man Dinge richtig macht; Führung ist, wenn man die richtigen Dinge macht. Management ist Effizienz beim Klettern auf der Erfolgsleiter; Führung bestimmt, ob die Leiter an der richtigen Wand steht.
Desert Star

040722 los angeles traffic

Marktfähige Produktentwicklung
Im Leben muß man eben oft, wie beim Tango, auch mal zwei Schritte nach Hinten machen, um dann einen nach vorne zu tun.
Daniel Goeudevert

Erfahrung
Erfahrung ist nicht das, was einem zustößt.
Erfahrung ist das, was man aus dem macht, was einem zustößt.
unbekannt

Mit Träumen beginnt die Realität.
Daniel Goeudevert

Eine der wichtigsten Fortbewegungsarten des Menschen ist,
dem anderen auf halbem Wege entgegenzugehen.
Unbekannt

Manchmal kann man aus Steinen,
die in den Weg gelegt werden,
eine Treppe bauen.
Unbekannt

Man sieht nur mit dem Herzen gut.
Das Wesentliche ist für die Augen unsichtbar.
Antoine de Saint-Exupèry

Wer Menschen führen will, muss hinter ihnen stehen.
Laotse

Leute, die meinen, dass sie alles wissen, sind sehr ärgerlich über die, die wirklich alles wissen.
Desert Star

Next time you feel being perfect; just try to walk on water!
Unknown

Der beste Manager lehrt seine Mitarbeiter nicht, wie sie denken sollen, sondern dass sie denken sollen.
Daniel Goeudevert

Die größte Schwierigkeit der Welt besteht nicht darin, Leute zu bewegen, neue Ideen anzunehmen, sondern alte zu vergessen!

Das Gesicht des Menschen erkennst du bei Licht, seinen Charakter im Dunkeln.
Unknown



Is Your Hut Burning?

(by Desert Star)

040614 in paradise 04

The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small, uninhabited island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming.

Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the element, and to store his few possessions. But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky.

The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stunned with grief and anger. "God, how could you do this to me!" he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. "How did you know I was here?" asked the weary man of his rescuers. "We saw your smoke signal," they replied. It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering.

Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground ---- it just may be a smoke signal that summons grace of God, the great Spirit, the Creator of all of us, incl. you my dear friend!


“The Truth is outside there…
…but the conspiracy of silence and misinformation
and distraction is keeping it from most people.”



Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight... or Der Trend zu weniger Tempo

Der Trend zu weniger Tempo

040621 midsummer in africa - one last beautiful sunset

Auf die wachsende Komplexität des mit Computern und Handys aufgepeppten Lebens reagieren immer mehr Menschen mit einer Rückkehr zur Langsamkeit: 'Entschleunigung (Deacceleration)' ist angesagt.

Wer nicht genießt, wird ungenießbar! - Nur wer sich selbst gegenüber süß sein kann, ist auch zu anderen weniger sauer!

Wenn einmal zuviel Müll den Tag zugeschüttet hat, dann schenke Dir zumindest ein paar positive Gedanken vor dem Einschlafen. Denke den Tag positiv um - und nimm möglichst kein Geröll mit in den Schlaf!

Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round or listened to the rain lapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last

Do you run through each day on the fly?
When you ask "How are you?"
Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done,
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?

You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow
And in your haste, not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say "Hi"?

You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast
Time is short
The music won't last

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away...

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.


Pissing...

(by Desert Star)

Pissing…

In the bathroom, an accountant, a lawyer and a cowboy were standing side-by-side using the urinal.

The accountant finished, zipped up and started washing and literally scrubbing his hands... clear up to his elbows... he used about 20 paper towels before he finished. He turned to the other two men and commented, "I graduated from the University of Iowa and they taught us to be sanitary."

The lawyer finished, zipped up and quickly wet the tips of his fingers, grabbed one paper towel and commented, "I graduated from the University of California and they taught us to be environmentally conscious."

The cowboy zipped up and as he was walking out the door said, "I graduated from the University of Oklahoma and they taught us not to piss on our hands.”


Good thoughts...

(by Desert Star)

Good thoughts...
Let us never forget to be thankful for what we have today and what joy can be received by giving.

Blessings,
Desert Star

040623 paradise begins here 0049

Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. Every afternoon when the man in the bed by the Window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live, for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside. The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene. One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by.

Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.

Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away.

As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.

It faced a blank wall.

The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall. She said, "Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you."

Epilogue:
There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy.


I loved the story, and I hope you like it too.
Please keep it moving.


My Beliefs...

(by Desert Star)

031028 close up for wild elefants 3

I believe - that we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.

I believe - that no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.

I believe - that true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. It goes sometimes for true love.

I believe - that you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.

I believe - that it's taken me a long time to become the person I want to be.

I believe - that you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.

I believe - that you can keep going long after you can't.

I believe - that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.

I believe - that either you control your attitude or it controls you.

I believe - that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, the passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place.

I believe - that heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.

I believe - that money is a lousy way of keeping score.

I believe - that my best friend and I can do anything or nothing and have the best time.

I believe - that sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.

I believe - that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to do mean they don't love you with all they have.

I believe - that maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them, and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.

I believe - that it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.

I believe - that no matter how bad your heart is broken the world doesn't stop for your grief.

I believe - that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.

I believe - that just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.

I believe - that you shouldn't be so eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.

I believe - that two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different.

I believe - that people who don’t even know you can change your life in a matter of hours.

I believe - that even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you, you will find the strength to help.

I believe - that credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being. I believe that the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.

You are welcome to send my lines of thoughts to all the people YOU BELIEVE IN!!

I just did!

Love and Light
Desert Star


Seek wisdom, not knowledge.
Knowledge is of the past,
Wisdom is of the future!

- Native American Proverb -


Grandfather I ask you to bless the white man...

(by Sandy, Hopi)

"Grandfather,
I ask you to bless the white man.
He needs your wisdom, your guidance.

He has tried for so long to destroy my people
and only feels comfortable when given power.
Bless them with wisdom.

Show them the peace we understand.
Teach them humility
for I feel they will destroy themselves and all our children
as they have done for so long with Mother Earth.
I plead, I cry.

After all
they are my brothers and sisters."
Sandy, Hopi

From - THE WHITE DEER -
Quote by my Native American Indian Teacher and Instructor of Love, Light and Harmony, including Faith, Tasha and Morning Star, Snowfeather, Sundance, White Eagle, Yellow Hawk, Turtle Eye, White Buffalo, Morning Dove, Big Bear, Sun Bear, Strong Bear, Cross Bear, Little Bear, Waking Dove, Sundance, Black Elk, Spirit Eagle, Blue Eagle, Eagle Spirit, Many Feather, White Eagle, Spring Moon, Rolling Thunder, Zula, Mother Selu, Beaver, Silver Wind, and Blue Star, Silver Hawk, Moon Goose, Little Flute, Little Tree, White Wolf, Night Hawk, Wolf Friend, Standing Elk, Little Bird, Dream Star, Rainbow That Shines In the Night, Windflower, Dancing Moon, Deer Lays Down, Morning Rain Song, Sun Heart, Raven Hair, Laughing Coyote, Desert Star, Singing Fire Hair and my Little Shy Wolf and by my yet unborn children of Art, and the Crosswinds over the deserts at the mountains, the prairies and plains of Southern Arizona and New Mexico.


I love the Earth

(by Desert Star)

Some more east african Islands in front of Tanzania

"Only after the last tree has been cut down,
Only after the last river has been poisoned,
Only after the last fish has been caught,
Only then will mankind find that money cannot be eaten.

The words of our grandmothers and grandfathers have taught us
Respect for the Web of Life
and the interdependence of all things in the Universe.
The stories passed down through oral traditions remind us
that we are all connected."


The Earth is my home, which needs me to live as much as I need it to live. All the living things on Earth are precious and play a very important role in the delicate balance of life.

For some reason, some people do not realize that by killing the Earth, they are killing themselves. And that brings pain to my heart. I believe that the energy of love is the energy of life. Because when you are filled with fear, which I believe is the basis of all other problems, such as anger, greed, jealousy, and so on, then you are held down, and are not bursting with energy to jump, laugh, run, and help others.

As far as all living things on Earth are precious goes, that goes for humans as well. We are all the same, and fueled by the energy that lies within us, and we are all unique individuals, with our own forms of expression, too. If we can all see this in ourselves, than we will see that it runs through everything else in a great bursting string of love-energy that flows and breathes all throughout this Earth. When you look deep enough into someone else's eyes, or see the green in the peaceful trees which give us air to breathe, you will see that we all have a spirit within us that is beautiful with a center that holds...love!

My commitment is this: I will be as open to the power of love that is in me as possible. Every act I make, I will try to base it upon love, and steaming from that, compassion, peace, fairness, and more. I will concentrate on the welfare of all living things including the Earth, other in respect to people, animal’s, plants and me.

I love write letters, make interactive designs and art, and participate in as much as I can in the growth of the awareness of the beauty and importance of life and the love that brings us life.

We all have love inside our souls, therefore, we all have the power of that love to heal and help.

And I will never stop trying, and I will never stop loving, and I will never, ever stop caring. With our love and concern for all life on Earth, we are unconquerable!

Sending many blessings, love and light to everyone!

Desert Star


Being Indian is...

(By J.C. High Eagle – Quote by Desert Star)

Being Indian is... having a large family of over a million brothers and sisters!
Being Indian is... feeling that Little Bear, Sundance, Desert Star, Big Heart are more beautiful names than Jones, Smith or Brown.
Being Indian is... watching cowboys shoot to kill 40 of your kind with a six-shot revolver on the TV late show without getting a scratch.
Being Indian is... observing your children watching a cowboy and Indian TV western movie and cheer for the cowboys.
Being Indian is... joining the U.S. Army to save your country from the perils of aggression, and against the U.S. Army on your reservation to keep the Army Corp of Engineers from stealing your sacred land.
Being Indian is... graduating from a government Bureau of Indian Affairs school and not being able to read a 6th grade English book from your white friend's urban school.
Being Indian is... having your child come home from school and ask you about the "strange beliefs" of the Indians that his/her teacher mentioned in school today.
Being Indian is... never making quick evaluations of people, but reserving judgment until their actions show what kind of people they really are.
Being Indian is... feeding anyone and everyone who comes to your door with whatever you have.
Being Indian is... knowing the Great Spirit.
Being Indian is... having a Christian missionary tell you it is wrong to believe in more than one Divine Being, then listening to him tell you about God, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. Patrick, St. Christopher, St. Francis, your spirit, your soul, etc.
Being Indian is... never giving up the struggle for survival.
Being Indian is... standing up for life principles and truths unashamed without having compromised your values.
Being Indian is... not only being proud of who you were born from, but mindful of how you conduct yourself in the world.
Being Indian is... to have your liberal white friends urge you to follow the same path as your Black brothers to gain some advantage.
Being Indian is... having your friends and relatives accuse you of being a traitor if you seek an education, earn more than $7,000 a year, wear a white shirt and tie, drive a car less than three years old, and live in a three bedroom home.
Being Indian is... having heard your grandparents and yourself say, "When they honor the treaties and we get our land claim payments"...then suddenly realize your children are saying the same words also.
Being Indian is... having your non-Indian friends go on a Vision Quest led by a white man to the mountains, but leaving you home because you can't make the $30 registration fee to attend.
Being Indian is... listening to your well-intentioned white brother try to tell you about your native spirituality.
Being Indian is... hearing from non-Indians how rotten the government has treated Indians, but still voting them back into office.
Being Indian is... listening to people tell you about their grandmother or great grandmother that was a Cherokee Indian Princess.
Being Indian is... seeing other Indians in search for an red Indian identity.
Being Indian is... having to prove with documentation that you are one, when other races and people in the country don't have to.
Being Indian is... knowing that your ancestors were slaughtered like animals in the name of Christianity, and then being told that Christianity is out to save us.
Being Indian is... buying "authentic" Indian jewelry made in Taiwan or Japan
Being Indian is... learning of people becoming Indian without having an Indian mother or father.
Being Indian is... finding out that people think all Indians lived in tipis.
Being Indian is... being told that Columbus discovered America from his ship, when we were watching him from the shore.
Being Indian is... trying to relate to people who say they are mathematically 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, etc. degree of blood.
Being Indian is... wearing braids and being called a "hippie" by those who object to long hair.
Being Indian is... being whipped for speaking your own tribal language when on the school ground premises.
Being Indian is... watching your elders boast of Indian pride and leadership, between swigs of liquor from a half-empty bottle.
Being Indian is... having your brothers and sisters that are enrolled in the tribe treat you as second class citizen because you and/or your family chose not to walk the government's path.
Being Indian is... trying to search for tradition and truths of life when alcoholism and drugs poison the path to the answers.
Being Indian is... trying to talk to elders about the "old ways" and having them want to talk more about the rising price of cigarettes.
Being Indian is... going to school when you're young and having the teacher skip over the Indian chapter in the history book.
Being Indian is... seeing others forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
Being Indian is... having others make jokes about your heritage and culture.
Being Indian is... living in two worlds.
Being Indian is... knowing the word, "Indian", is not your true name.
Being Indian is... being called "Chief" by patronizing non-Indians.
Being Indian is... being human, with human thoughts and feelings like your non-Indian brothers and sisters.
Being Indian is... being constantly on the alert for the government's tactics that will annihilate you and your tribe.
Being Indian is... holding onto a piece of paper treaty that was signed, but never honored.
Being Indian is... being told of the ten commandments, but see the white man subscribe to them only when convenient and in his favor.
Being Indian is... having non-Indians look at a barefoot Indian child that laughs, thinking he or she is poor.
Being Indian is... knowing alcohol doesn't make you Indian, just drunk.
Being Indian is... seeing elders die and the language & customs with them.
Being Indian is... seeing Mother Earth destroyed by those who don't know Her.
Being Indian is... seeing history books tell you Columbus discovered America.
Being Indian is... hearing others think all Indians wear war bonnets.
Being Indian is... having the government treat you like a prisoner of war.
Being Indian is... seeing the government spend billions of dollars abroad, but fail to honor the Indian treaties.
Being Indian is... sad,
Being Indian is... hard,
Being Indian is... crying,
Being Indian is... laughing,
Being Indian is... forever!


Travel tips for idiots (not you, of course)

After a hard landing, a little old lady asked the captain:
'Did you land the plane or were we shot down'?
The captain feeling insulted by her question and noticing the old lady’s frowning face asked her.
‘Is that your face or your ass'?

040608 int. departurehall - check - in at frankfurt am main1

Travel tips for idiots (not you, of course)

We're entering the busy air travel season, which means the airports will be swarming with millions of vacation travellers, all of them ahead of you in the security line, many of them with the intelligence of an avocado.

No, that's unfair to avocados. I say this because of the passenger behaviour I often observed at my airport of earlier Duty, the Los Angeles International Airport. Every security checkpoint there is festooned with signs informing you, in several languages, that you must produce two things: (1) Your boarding pass. (2) A photo ID. There are people announcing in loud voices, "Have your boarding pass and photo ID ready!" Also, as you near the checkpoint, you can see that all the passengers in front of you are being required to produce a boarding pass and a photo ID.

If there were an avocado in the line, at some point it would grasp that it needed to produce a boarding pass and ID. But many human air travellers cannot manage this feat. Dozens of times, I have stood behind people who are taken totally by surprise. A boarding pass! AND an ID! Of all the things to need at the airport! So they start rooting through their belongings, while those of us in the line roll our eyes and the avocado rolls its pit.

To help prevent unnecessary airport delays and strangling this year, I've prepared the following --->

BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO TRAVELLING BY AIR

WHEN TO ARRIVE AT THE AIRPORT:
You should be at the airport already.

HOW MUCH LUGGAGE YOU CAN CARRY ON:
You can carry on one small bag and one medium bag, for a total of two bags. You may not carry on three bags by insisting to airline personnel - as I have seen many travellers do - that one of your bags is not really a bag, as if it were some kind of magical invisible fairy bag that the airline personnel cannot see. You also may not carry on a suitcase the size of a sleeper sofa apparently containing the entire wardrobe of "The Producers." The fact that your suitcase has wheels does NOT automatically mean that you may carry it onto the airplane. A piano also has wheels, but you wouldn't try to take a piano onto a plane, would you? No, wait, some of you would.

PROHIBITED OBJECTS:
You may not take knives, guns, spears, spear guns, flamethrowers, catapults, missiles, armored personnel carriers, objects or cheeses, scary animals such as squid, pointy Madonna-style brassieres or anything else that could be used to inflict harm." You may carry nail clippers, provided that you padlock them shut and give the key to the pilot upon boarding.

HOW TO GO THROUGH THE SECURITY CHECKPOINT:
Have your boarding pass and photo ID ready. Remove all your possessions from your pockets and put them in a plastic tray. Have your boarding pass and photo ID ready. Remove your belt, shoes, pacemakers and any large dental fillings and put them in another plastic tray. Have your boarding pass and photo ID ready. Remove your laptop computer and put it in another plastic tray.

FOR GOD'S SAKE HAVE YOUR BOARDING PASS AND PHOTO ID READY:
Put everything - trays, bags, children younger than 2 - on the moving belt, then stand in a non terrorist manner until the security person signals to you, at which time, while holding your boarding pass and photo ID up non threateningly, you should shuffle meekly forward until your pants fall to the floor.

JOKING AROUND WITH THE SECURITY PERSONNEL:
Airport security personnel are a wacky and fun-loving group who are bored to death from spending eight hours a day reminding morons to have their boarding passes and photo IDs ready. There is nothing they enjoy more than a good joke or prank, such as the one where you give the victim a can that says "peanut brittle" and when he opens it, giant spring-loaded worms come shooting out. Ha-ha! That always sets off a round of hearty knee slapping at the checkpoint.

Yes, if you just use your common sense this vacation season, instead of wasting your fall- and winter waiting in long, hectic lines at the airport, you can spend your time relaxing in the quiet privacy of your federal detention cell.

Which is just as well, because your flight was cancelled.

Published in 2005

040608 natural frames

ONE MINUT VACATION
Take a one-minute vacation from the life you are living.


By the way... if you want to have some pleasure - please click you kindly into:
http://beta.plazes.com. Welcome after free registration - to look after me as - Desert Star!

This is Plazes:
Plazes is the first global location-aware interaction and geo-information system, connecting you with the people and Plazes in your area and all over the world. It is the navigation system for your social life. Plazes is the first global location-aware interaction and geo-information system, connecting you with the people and Plazes in your area and all over the world. It is the navigation system for your social life.

One-minute vacation
Surely you can spare a minute to clean your ears? Take a one-minute vacation from the life you are living.

One-minute vacations are unedited recordings of somewhere, somewhen. Sixty seconds of something else. Sixty seconds to be someone else.
http://www.quietamerican.org/vacation.html


Or listen to nice warm Music... with R.A.D.I.O. 4 2 or Phonostar!

May the groove be with you!
http://www.radio42.com
http://www.phonostar.de/services/download/playerdownload.php

Welcome!

And finally...

During a Delta Airlines flight, one of the passengers was giving a flight attendant a hard time, since the pax wanted to sit somewhere else in the plane. The flight attendant said 'Miss, please just sit down, we'll take care of it after take-off.' The pax, still not satisfied, mumbled 'Whatever, - next time I'll fly KLM!'. The flight attendant turned around and said 'Yeah right, as if you could afford that!'

May the Great Spirit always guide a path to your hopes and dreams! Stay in tune with your feelings and be strong in your search.

Trace your walk, feel satisfaction in knowing the end of the rainbow you have looked for,he can be found at the toe of your moccasin after realizing whom we are and what we have.

Love and Light
Desert Star

'Das Licht dieser Welt kommt von denen, die einen Knall haben!'
'It´s the cracked ones that let the light into the world!'
--> Bumper sticker, Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California, USA <--


Paradise begins here...

“To be a star, you must shine your own light, follow your own path
and don't worry about the darkness for that is when stars shine the brightest.”


Tuesday, 16. November 2004

Nicknames...

040618 beauty fulani in black

I remember some situation I was aware of when I stayed, studied and worked at last time in Los Angeles, California...

During these month and years I noted down a lot of novels of my own experience and living situation of real life over there...

Some of these novels I will start to share with you, if you don’t mind of course?! Many of these novels I use to write under a nickname I received from different kind of cultures:

1. My Name Desert Star, was giving me throughout my Native American Indian Teacher and Instructor of Love, Light and Harmony ‘The Star Flame’ of tribe Apache during my earlier studies in Native American Indian - Culture anthropology. Her sober wisdom, perfect fairness and stern protective ways never stopped me from seeing the love that moves in all her spirit.

2. The Name Tom, I received once upon a time by Black Afro Natives for being their friend, when I studied all over my Paradise in Africa and finally at the West Coast/USA in California, the roots of Slavery, of Black Afro American religion and Culture anthropology. You remember Stowe, Harriet Beecher (1811-1896) and the story of Uncle Tom’s Cabin? The year after the compromise Measures of 1850 a literary event shook the country. Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote an antislavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which was published serially in a newspaper in 1851 and in book form the year after. It was widely read in the United States and abroad and moved many to join the cause of abolition. The South indignantly denied this indictment of slavery. Stowe’s book increased partisan feeling over slavery and intensified sectional differences.


Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain… - would you…?

(by Desert Star)

000327-air-france-inflight-

One night, at 11:30 PM, an older African American woman was standing on the side of a Californian highway in Los Angeles, nearby where I’m where living and trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car. I saw a young white man (my neighbor and just a good friend of mine too) stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled years in the USA. My friend took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him.

Seven days went by and a knock came on my neighbours door. To my friends surprise, a giant console colour TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached.

It read: "Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along.

Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away on Christmas Eve... God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."

Sincerely,

Mrs. Nat King Cole


Most Important Lesson – About care and how are you…?

(by Desert Star)

Where are you?

Once upon a time, during my second month of Lufthansa German Airlines Ground and Passenger Handling Management division’s school in Hamburg (at the Fabrizius Strasse, once upon a time ago…), our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions, until I read the last one: "What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"

Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times. She was tall, dark-haired, black in her skin, and in her 50s, but how would I know her name? I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank.

Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

"Absolutely," said the professor. "In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say 'Hello'."

I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy...


Footprints in the tropical sand...

020723 beaches 09 footsteps

One night I had a dream. I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and the other to my Lord.

When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only on set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times in my life.

This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma. "Lord, you told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I'm aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why, when I needed You most, you leave me."

He whispered, "My precious, precious child, I love you and will never leave you never, ever during your times of trial and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints It was then that I carried you."


Desiderata

Tropical Beach for deserted Lovers...

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons; they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vein and bitter; for there will always be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment, it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden
misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be; and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.

"Desiderata" was written in 1927 by Max Ehrmann
(1872-1945)


Why an Airplane is Better Than a Woman (or a Man).

Welcome on Board!
  • Airplane skin doesn't wrinkle as badly.
    Airplanes don't take forever to warm up.
    Airplanes like to do it inverted.
    It's easier to get 'trim' in an airplane.
    You can keep an airplane from stalling.
    Airplanes can be turned on by a flick of a switch.
    An airplane won't slap you for being a 'bush pilot.'
    You don't always have to be on top to ride an airplane.
    An airplane doesn't ask you to put on a raincoat before entry.
    An airplane's thrust to weight ratio is higher.
    You can easily leave an airplane before sunrise.
    Airplane exhaust fumes smell better.
    Airplanes lose weight faster.
    An airplane does not get mad if you 'touch and go.'
    An airplane's performance is seldom hindered by weather.
    An airplane will not get mad if you ride someone else's airplane.
    An airplane's cockpit is cleaner.
    You can calculate the peak performance of an airplane.
    An Airplane is easy to roll over.
    You can still activate a fifty-year-old airplane.
    Up to five people can ride in the cockpit of an airplane.
    Airplane's last longer.
    Airplanes don't droop after many years.
    You can always tell when an airplane is going to give out.
    An airplane moves when you tell it to.
    An airplane will kill you quick . . . a woman takes her time.
    An airplane does not object to a preflight inspection.
    An airplane will let you use your dipstick anytime you want.
    Airplanes don't make you 'pull-out' to eject.
    You can change the looks of an airplane.
    Airplanes come with manuals.
    A 747 can keep you up for 14 hours.
    Airplanes have strict weight and balance limits.
    When you put fuel into an airplane, it does not spit it out.
    Airplane curves never sag.
    Airplanes last longer.
    Airplanes don't get pregnant.
    You can fly a airplane any time of the month.
    Airplanes don't have parents.
    Airplanes don't whine unless something is really wrong.
    You can share your airplanes with your friends.
    If your airplane makes too much noise, you can buy a muffler.
    If your airplane smokes, you can do something about it.
    Airplanes don't care about how many other airplanes you have flown.
    When flying, you and your airplane both arrive at the same time.
    Airplanes don't care about how many other airplanes’ you have.
    Airplanes don't mind if you look at other airplanes, or if you buy airplane magazines.
    If your airplane is too loose, you can tighten it.
    You don't have to be jealous of the guy that works on your airplane.
    You don't have to deal with priests or blood tests to register your airplane.
    You don't have to convince your airplane that you're a pilot and that you think that all airplanes are equals.
    If you say bad things to your airplane, you don't have to say you’re sorry before you can fly it again.
    You can fly an airplane as long as you want and it won't get sore.
    Your parents don't remain in touch with your old airplane after you dump it.
    Airplanes always feel like going for a ride.
    Airplanes don't insult you if you are a bad pilot.
    It's always OK to use tie downs on your airplane.
    Your airplane never wants a night out alone with the other airplanes.
    Airplanes don't care if you are late.
    You don't have to take a shower before flying your airplane.

This is a very wonderful story...

040621 my view at the victoria fall 02

(by Desert Star)

He was driving home one evening, on a two - lane country road. Work in this small community outside of Los Angeles, was almost as slow as his beat - up old Mercedes. But he never quit looking. Ever since he left the restaurang jobb, he'd been unemployed, and with autum raging on, the chill had finally hit home.

It was a lonely road. Not very many people had a reason to be on it, unless they were leaving. Most of his friends had already left. They had families to feed and dreams to fulfill. But he stayed on. After all, this was where he buried his mother and father. He was born here and he knew the country. He could go down this road blind, and tell you what was on either side, and with his headlights not working, which came in handy.

It was starting to get dark and light snow flurries were coming down. He'd better get a move on. You know, he almost didn't see the old lady, stranded on the side of the road. But even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help. So he pulled up in front of her Pontiac and got out. His old Mercedes was still sputtering when he approached her.

Even with the smile on his face, she was worried. No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so. Was he going to hurt her? He didn't look safe, he looked poor and hungry.

He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold. He knew how she felt. It was that chill which only fear can put in you. He said, "I'm here to help you ma'am. Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm? By the way, my name is Tom".

Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough. Tom crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two. Soon he was able to change the tire. But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt. As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down the window and began to talk to him.

She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid. Tom just smiled as he closed her trunk. She asked him how much she owed him. Any amount would have been all right with her. She had already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped.

Tom never thought twice about the money. This was not a job to him. This was helping someone in need, and God know there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past... He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way. He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance that they needed, and Tom added "...and think of me".

He waited until she started her car and drove off. It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home, disappearing into the twilight.

A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe. She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home. It was a dingy looking restaurant. Outside were two old gas pumps. The whole scene was unfamiliar to her. The cash register was like the telephone of an out of work actor; it didn't ring much.

Her waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair. She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase. The lady noticed that the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude.

The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger. Then she remembered Tom. After the lady finished her meal, and the waitress went to get change for her hundred dollar bill, the lady slipped right out the door. She was gone by the time the waitress came back.

She wondered where the lady could be, then she noticed something written on the napkin under which was 4 $100 bills. There were tears in her eyes when she read what the lady wrote. It said: "You don't owe me anything, I have been there too. Somebody once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. If you really want to pay me back, here is what you do: Do not let this chain of love end with you".

Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day. That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written. How could the lady have known how much she and her husband needed it? With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard. She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, "Everything's gonna be all right; I love you, Tom."

Today, I sent you this (my) story, now I am asking you to pass it on... Let the Light Shine. Don't put it under a basket. Please pass this on to a friend.

No matter how big the problem is, after a great laugh, it will all be forgotten. As when the twig is bent, if it does not break, so grows the tree.


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