You did a perfect job matching the greetings with the signs, Twilight! Happy VD to you and anyjazz! I hope you have some (fair-trade, organic) chocolate in your stars today! The Leo full Moon should help set the stage for everyone's day...it's full just prior to 6 PM CST and I can't wait to view it rise. We are cloud-free and warmer, so the viewing will be comfortable for a change. I was awake early this morning and Venus is rising about two hours before the Sun, so she shined with a magnificent brightness...very inspiring to witness.
Very cute, Twilight - thanks! And Happy Valentine's Day.
You too, mike. Your morning sounds wonderful. Thanks also, for the mention of fairly traded, organic (ethically produced and slave-free) chocolate. I included a few small pieces of some "Righteously Raw Cacao" in my husband's lunch today that fit the bill.
Since it's Valentine's Day, here's a list to help anyone wanting to choose ethically produced, slave-free chocolate: http://www.foodispower.org/chocolate-list/
Enjoy today's Full Moon.:) In Leo opposite Sun in Aquarius, it seems the perfect opportunity to examine the role of children (and their need to play, go to school, be children, be FREE) and how we as a society can stand up for them by making more ethical and humane choices. It's time to question the mainstream thinking that's allowed the enslavement and exploitation of others to go on for so long. Square Saturn in Scorpio - the truth hurts but is its own reward.
mike ~ Thanks, and a happy day to you too! It's a bit warmer here today also, and clear. Noticed how bright the Moon was last night - it'll be even brighter tonight.
No chocs - I'm still getting through some that anyjazz's brother sent at Christmas -one wee piece per day! I can't help it if it wasn't organic or Fair Trade (Godiva) - couldn't throw it away, now could I! :-)
Intend going out for a late lunch in honor of V-Day, then to the rental store for a few videos for the weekend.
LB ~ Thanks, and a happy day to you and Mr LB too :-)
Thanks for the link and for your wise observations.
I think that if corporatism and consumerism in general were to be severely reined in, it could go a long way towards helping the issues you mention, not only regarding chocolate products but in all areas: clothing, techno stuff (phones, games, i-pads etc) small appliances....everything in fact. It's not easy to see how such a reining in could come about without a complete overhaul of our western systems - but maybe Pluto in Capricorn, in its later stages will initiate it, make it inevitable.
LB - ditto to you, too...yes, I put "fair-trade, organic" to appease your discrimination. But, luckily for Twilight, she has an alibi for her Godiva indulgence...I have no chocolate burden here to concern me, except that I'd sure like some!
Twilight, et al - did you see that Tom Perkins is becoming the "Ted Cruz" of the rich?
"The Tom Perkins system is: You don't get to vote unless you pay a dollar of taxes," Perkins said during an event hosted by Fortune's Adam Lashinsky. "But what I really think is, it should be like a corporation. You pay a million dollars in taxes, you get a million votes. How's that?"
Every time I think of eating a piece of slave chocolate, I remember the words of a former child slave who said, “When people eat chocolate, they are eating my flesh.”
If that doesn't ruin your appetite, nothing will.
I agree with you, Twilight, about the benefits and necessity of severely reigning in our consumption. The corporations will stop *if* and when we stop rewarding them with our business. Unfortunately, it's very difficult to change people's minds and habits. It might be different if it was happening in our own backyards where we could see the effects of our choices (and the suffering they cause) up close. Then again, here in the US slavery existed in people's backyards (literally) for hundreds of years. I'm sure many of those people downplayed or rationalized slavery's brutality and considered themselves ethical.
I just read something today about how truth-tellers often feel like jerks or "the asshole in the room". I get it. Especially on a day like Valentine's Day when we want to be loving, kind and *pleasant*.:)
It was a post written in memory of a filmmaker and advocate who helped to bring us the documentary, "The Dark Side of Chocolate" exposing slavery in the chocolate industry: http://appetiteforjustice.blogspot.com/2014/01/in-memoriam-robin-romano.html#comment-form
LB ~ I shall not buy any more of the wrong kind of chocolate - promise! But what does one do with gifts of such choc? I could have passed it on to someone else, but they'd eat it, so I may as well eat it myself, and absorb the guilt. My brother-in-law could be asked not to send us choc in future. He has done so for several Christmas times - it is sent directly from Godiva. I've never met him, so I can't really do it with any grace, husband might if I nag....will try, next Fall.
Yes, Twilight, I saw the article about the restaurant several days ago...I even looked at the map to see where it was located. Kansas just passed a weird law, too: businesses and public servants aren't legally required to service the gays, if it's counter to their religious beliefs. I suppose TX will announce something outlandish soon to compete with KS and OK.
I thought you had mastered Madame Defarge's hook one, pearl two technique. So many names to weave and so little time.
I totally agree with your statements, LB. Twilight, send those Godiva presents to me...in confidence, of course...I'll ensure their proper disposition. LOL
Twilight ~ I believe you.:) I also understand and know what you mean about the inlaws.
Mine sent a similar type of gift this Christmas, which we thanked them for and then threw out (without telling them, of course), since the gift was void of both nutritional and ethical value.
Like I said, reading what the former child slave had to say ruined it for me. Rationalizing is a slippery slope. Now that I know there's no turning back. It's not as if slaves have choices, or freedom, or are paid for their labor. These children are literally *SLAVES* who work long hours, have no rights, and get beaten if they try to escape.
It's hard to understand how so many people can take it so lightly.
Next year, my husband will remind his family *not* to send us gifts of any kind, food because we're on very strict diets and anything else because with our very small living space, we've committed to *not* acquiring anything we don't absolutely need.
He's tried to explain it to them before, so there's no point in talking over their heads when they don't share our values or aren't interested.
On the other hand, my friends and family know better.
mike ~ Oh ye gods and little fishes!!!! Any one of those things would put people in court in the UK, and it has been that way for decades. It's really, really unbelievable and so dreadful for those it would affect. To think I used to be under the impression the the USA was ahead of the UK in everything. :-(
I'll be ready with my knit one- pearl one- slip one, pass the slipped stitch over routine, right on time. We just need the tumbrils and the rest of the equipment in place. The treatment will not be for the elites only this time either! ;-)
LB ~ Mentioned this choc problem to husband earlier. He told me that his brother's wife has a Facebook page where she is currently supporting the Keystone XL Pipeline proposals, saying how wonderful it'll be. Apparently a strong Republican, so we shall need to tread carefully. (Husband ventures into Facebook from time to time for family reasons - I do not and will not!)
Twilight ~ Sometimes there isn't much point in going there, although when it comes to child slavery, I've found the more politically conservative folks often surprise me, especially the religious ones.
Ubermouth ~ Hi there! Hmm. That'd be hard to find in our neck of the woods. Even fair trade stuff isn't often seen in the stores here. Best and most ethical thing, for me, personally, would be simply not to eat chocolate at all, ever. :-(
You did a perfect job matching the greetings with the signs, Twilight! Happy VD to you and anyjazz! I hope you have some (fair-trade, organic) chocolate in your stars today! The Leo full Moon should help set the stage for everyone's day...it's full just prior to 6 PM CST and I can't wait to view it rise. We are cloud-free and warmer, so the viewing will be comfortable for a change. I was awake early this morning and Venus is rising about two hours before the Sun, so she shined with a magnificent brightness...very inspiring to witness.
ReplyDeleteVery cute, Twilight - thanks! And Happy Valentine's Day.
ReplyDeleteYou too, mike. Your morning sounds wonderful. Thanks also, for the mention of fairly traded, organic (ethically produced and slave-free) chocolate. I included a few small pieces of some "Righteously Raw Cacao" in my husband's lunch today that fit the bill.
Since it's Valentine's Day, here's a list to help anyone wanting to choose ethically produced, slave-free chocolate: http://www.foodispower.org/chocolate-list/
Enjoy today's Full Moon.:) In Leo opposite Sun in Aquarius, it seems the perfect opportunity to examine the role of children (and their need to play, go to school, be children, be FREE) and how we as a society can stand up for them by making more ethical and humane choices. It's time to question the mainstream thinking that's allowed the enslavement and exploitation of others to go on for so long. Square Saturn in Scorpio - the truth hurts but is its own reward.
mike ~ Thanks, and a happy day to you too! It's a bit warmer here today also, and clear. Noticed how bright the Moon was last night - it'll be even brighter tonight.
ReplyDeleteNo chocs - I'm still getting through some that anyjazz's brother sent at Christmas -one wee piece per day! I can't help it if it wasn't organic or Fair Trade (Godiva) - couldn't throw it away, now could I! :-)
Intend going out for a late lunch in honor of V-Day, then to the rental store for a few videos for the weekend.
LB ~ Thanks, and a happy day to you and Mr LB too :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link and for your wise observations.
I think that if corporatism and consumerism in general were to be severely reined in, it could go a long way towards helping the issues you mention, not only regarding chocolate products but in all areas: clothing, techno stuff (phones, games, i-pads etc)
small appliances....everything in fact. It's not easy to see how such a reining in could come about without a complete overhaul of our western systems - but maybe Pluto in Capricorn, in its later stages will initiate it, make it inevitable.
LB - ditto to you, too...yes, I put "fair-trade, organic" to appease your discrimination. But, luckily for Twilight, she has an alibi for her Godiva indulgence...I have no chocolate burden here to concern me, except that I'd sure like some!
ReplyDeleteTwilight, et al - did you see that Tom Perkins is becoming the "Ted Cruz" of the rich?
"The Tom Perkins system is: You don't get to vote unless you pay a dollar of taxes," Perkins said during an event hosted by Fortune's Adam Lashinsky. "But what I really think is, it should be like a corporation. You pay a million dollars in taxes, you get a million votes. How's that?"
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/02/14/tom-perkins-votes_n_4788086.html
Every time I think of eating a piece of slave chocolate, I remember the words of a former child slave who said, “When people eat chocolate, they are eating my flesh.”
ReplyDeleteIf that doesn't ruin your appetite, nothing will.
I agree with you, Twilight, about the benefits and necessity of severely reigning in our consumption. The corporations will stop *if* and when we stop rewarding them with our business. Unfortunately, it's very difficult to change people's minds and habits. It might be different if it was happening in our own backyards where we could see the effects of our choices (and the suffering they cause) up close. Then again, here in the US slavery existed in people's backyards (literally) for hundreds of years. I'm sure many of those people downplayed or rationalized slavery's brutality and considered themselves ethical.
I just read something today about how truth-tellers often feel like jerks or "the asshole in the room". I get it. Especially on a day like Valentine's Day when we want to be loving, kind and *pleasant*.:)
It was a post written in memory of a filmmaker and advocate who helped to bring us the documentary, "The Dark Side of Chocolate" exposing slavery in the chocolate industry: http://appetiteforjustice.blogspot.com/2014/01/in-memoriam-robin-romano.html#comment-form
LB ~ I shall not buy any more of the wrong kind of chocolate - promise!
ReplyDeleteBut what does one do with gifts of such choc? I could have passed it on to someone else, but they'd eat it, so I may as well eat it myself, and absorb the guilt. My brother-in-law could be asked not to send us choc in future. He has done so for several Christmas times - it is sent directly from Godiva.
I've never met him, so I can't really do it with any grace, husband might if I nag....will try, next Fall.
Yes, Twilight, I saw the article about the restaurant several days ago...I even looked at the map to see where it was located. Kansas just passed a weird law, too: businesses and public servants aren't legally required to service the gays, if it's counter to their religious beliefs. I suppose TX will announce something outlandish soon to compete with KS and OK.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/02/13/kansas_anti_gay_segregation_bill_is_an_abomination.html
I thought you had mastered Madame Defarge's hook one, pearl two technique. So many names to weave and so little time.
I totally agree with your statements, LB. Twilight, send those Godiva presents to me...in confidence, of course...I'll ensure their proper disposition. LOL
Twilight ~ I believe you.:) I also understand and know what you mean about the inlaws.
ReplyDeleteMine sent a similar type of gift this Christmas, which we thanked them for and then threw out (without telling them, of course), since the gift was void of both nutritional and ethical value.
Like I said, reading what the former child slave had to say ruined it for me. Rationalizing is a slippery slope. Now that I know there's no turning back. It's not as if slaves have choices, or freedom, or are paid for their labor. These children are literally *SLAVES* who work long hours, have no rights, and get beaten if they try to escape.
It's hard to understand how so many people can take it so lightly.
Next year, my husband will remind his family *not* to send us gifts of any kind, food because we're on very strict diets and anything else because with our very small living space, we've committed to *not* acquiring anything we don't absolutely need.
He's tried to explain it to them before, so there's no point in talking over their heads when they don't share our values or aren't interested.
On the other hand, my friends and family know better.
mike ~ Oh ye gods and little fishes!!!! Any one of those things would put people in court in the UK, and it has been that way for decades. It's really, really unbelievable and so dreadful for those it would affect. To think I used to be under the impression the the USA was ahead of the UK in everything. :-(
ReplyDeleteI'll be ready with my knit one- pearl one- slip one, pass the slipped stitch over routine, right on time. We just need the tumbrils and the rest of the equipment in place. The treatment will not be for the elites only this time either! ;-)
Dang - if I didn't laugh I'd cry.
LB ~ Mentioned this choc problem to husband earlier. He told me that his brother's wife has a Facebook page where she is currently supporting the Keystone XL Pipeline proposals, saying how wonderful it'll be. Apparently a strong Republican, so we shall need to tread carefully. (Husband ventures into Facebook from time to time for family reasons - I do not and will not!)
ReplyDeleteTwilight ~ Sometimes there isn't much point in going there, although when it comes to child slavery, I've found the more politically conservative folks often surprise me, especially the religious ones.
ReplyDeleteI'm an astrologer..these are fabulous!! spot on…Thanks
ReplyDeleteJean Alkire ~ Hi there, and
ReplyDeletethank you kindly!! :-)
Jeanne - sorry - I spelled your name wrongly!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post and nice, kind comment section.
ReplyDeleteI am also conscious of fair trade, child-slave free chocolate,but to be truly ethical one must eat vegan chocolate. :)
Just my two cents.
Happy Valentine's Day to everyone here. :)
Ubermouth ~ Hi there! Hmm. That'd be hard to find in our neck of the woods. Even fair trade stuff isn't often seen in the stores here.
ReplyDeleteBest and most ethical thing, for me, personally, would be simply not to eat chocolate at all, ever. :-(