Playing nice

Ah, back to my usual bitching. The reason I write about the world's problems, instead of my own, is because:

1) I can't prove most incidents are purposely being done, much less explain their significance.

2) Many events seem interconnected, and tend to play off each other, so it takes time to pull everything together.

3) Things are constantly happening, yet much of it seems trivial.

4) The predicament has gotten so extreme that the threats, or 'bizarre coincidences,' are far-reaching. (Yet another of my vague comments.)

5) I'm stressed and weary, does that count?

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My adventure notes for January 2005:

Week 1

(finding notes)

Week 2

Jan 10 - Been at mom's since Dec 17/04. Head to my apartment: chilly, as usual (65F/18C). While there, I get a strange call from a new 'friend'/acquaintance (will post); while writing a note, neighbour beneath me does her usual loud cough threats, then starts blaring music; I see the landlord and maintenance man, and ask about my blown fuse (from Dec 22/04). One is willing to come fix it, but the other answers his cellphone, then says, 'No - I already had a certified electrician come. You're overloading the circuits. It's that toaster oven.' Toaster oven? Yeah, right. I leave, after being home only two hours: low heat, landlord won't fix fuse, noise harassment, strange phone call.

Back at my mother's that night, I start blogging. Phone rings - a blocked number, caller is silent. Mother nervously asks how calls are blocked. I have problems accessing Yahoo.com (my various emails) and Blogger.com (this blog). No news alerts on either site, yet I've had difficulties with both sites - at the same time - on three separate occasions. It's happened at both my place and my mother's, since late December. This can only mean: a) internet hacking, or b) problems with the Internet Service Provider. (More info to come.)

Feeling nervous about my blog writing. Both my mother and I have stomach upsets for next two days. She throws up; I have acid reflux, plus diarrhea. (Note: My mother exercises four times a week, two hours each time, and also takes vitamins.)

Jan 12 - I start blogging, and my mom gets another wrong number call.

Week 3

Finally, go back to my apartment. It's 64F, and drops to 60F (roughly 15C). Since it's an old building, and bitterly cold outside, I'm really feeling it.

Jan 19 - An outspoken volunteer, I email over a hundred organizations about an upcoming community meeting. As I do so, a young man named, Blessed, calls me to poll 'people from across Canada about local video stores.' Odd thing to emphasize, plus: 'Blessed,' polls, across Canada, videos (media)? I ask for the company's name and address; he has to consult with his supervisor - twice. Check out Pollara.ca. Very professional and corporate-friendly research company. (Hear my other calls.)

I notice the toilet is flushing even worse than before. (One of the first ways I felt harassed in my place was through constant plumbing problems. Fixed one day, plugged the next. Repeat, repeat, repeat...) Next evening, my mother tells me her toilet is blocked and has overflowed. Coincidence? This, on top of a costly car tune-up and financial stress, causes her to cry. (Not to me; I heard about it later.)

I huddle in my room with an area heater for four days, then go back to mom's for the weekend. Not exactly a safe haven, as implied in Week 2.

Week 4

Jan 25 - Community meeting today, but I probably won't attend. Mother drops me at my place, and my gawd, it's...warm! I enjoy my first week of steady heat in three winters.

But, surprise: the landlord has received another package on my behalf. He's quick to say, 'We received a package for you, during our regular office hours.' I hadn't questioned this fact, but he's worded it so nicely (see 'Making ties: home front').

Surprise No. 2: my package has already been opened and searched by customs. It's two books - a Christmas gift from a friend in Ireland. (Note: Since the September 11th attacks in 2001, I've been claiming that my mail to and from others is being searched, and is often delayed, but I had no proof.)

Strange, I still haven't received the Zippy recorder; this simple purchase has turned into a two-month rigmarole.

Jan 27 - Been up all night writing previous post. Get a call from Field to Table at 10:00am. (Have been suggesting this organization has government moles, since 2002.) Person doesn't say their name, and coldly asks if I've ordered 3 Good Food Boxes. She says this three times ('That's 3 good food boxes?' Yes.)

Many strange calls or incidents happen during or after my blogging. Scenario above, and others, could suggest my family of three people is in danger. (When numbers are required, my mother often uses the number three, to represent our family.) Numbers and numerology have been subtly used in my harassment, but it's hard to prove. The number four (4, 44, 444) comes up the most: it symbolizes 'death' in Chinese culture. (Not that my parents follow this, or other cultural notions. I learned about this while living in Asia.) Names are also significant (see Kabalarians.com).*

Internet connection problems for several days. Odd. Called Sympatico tech support six times. Just like Field to Table's staff person, several reps did not provide their names, either at the beginning or end of the call. Strange. This is common practice - especially among large companies. (notes to come)

No internet. I pass time playing cards by myself. Yet, after counselling today, the deck seems short. I'm ticked: these are my favourite cards. I keep playing, but finally count them: 6 cards are missing. Oh...I guess I'm not playing with a full deck (haha). Next day, I find the missing cards behind my nightstand. I couldn't possibly have knocked them there, but I'm glad I found them.

Jan 28 - Three helicopter flyovers.

Jan 29 - Finally receive the Zippy recorder, but still odd circumstances (eg, package took 18 days from date stamped).

Jan 30 (today) - Test out Zippy recorder. Receive three wrong number calls. One is for someone named 'Louie.' Caller's number is 416-392-7801. I try recording the 25 saved messages from my voicemail.

Mother phones, her call display says I called at 3:00pm. Bizarre. She was home, yet the phone didn't ring. My number appears, yet I hadn't called her or anyone else all day. Miracles of technology? (See September 2004 posts.)


Most people don't believe I'm being harassed: too many parties seem to be involved, including large or respected organizations. Yet, strange things are happening, and my landlords, or even the mafia, couldn't possibly have so many connections and so much influence. Logically speaking, my surveillance has to be sanctioned by an official body to be so all-encompassing.

The events and circumstances are real. One could call these 'coincidences,' if they happened occasionally. Yet, I experience CONSTANT, PERVASIVE, WELL-TIMED, and often THREATENING ANOMALIES.

If I'm delusional and paranoid, why is everything I talk about readily found in the news? My most recent detractors tell me so. See comments here and here.

Any help circulating this weblog would be appreciated. Thank you.

Staging a demo: York U

People often disbelieve me 'cause I come out with outrageous ideas like this one:

I suspect the recent anti-U.S. imperialism protest at York University is partly being engineered from both sides (administration and seeming 'protestors'). This would be an excellent opportunity to test and study people's responses, any student organizing, and the after effects. (More about the protest.)

Check out OISE's new plight ('Militarizing OISE').

Brad and Jen: Moving millions

Celebrity gossip ain't my thing, but...

I vaguely heard Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston were splitting up. Didn't believe it, and tuned out. Yet, standing in a grocery check-out line on Sunday, I was surrounded by Hollywood's latest scandal: Brad and Jen and Angelina Jolie.

My prediction: Brad and Jen will get back together, and they'll have kids, soon after.

As for Brad and Angelina? Here are some interesting facts:

a) Two days ago, TV preview mentions that Brad and Jen suddenly want to divorce, yet 'never made the first important call - to call a divorce lawyer.'

b) No real signs of marital trouble.

c) Extremely amicable break-up. Yet they have decided to live apart immediately. Odd.

d) Angelina Jolie's persona has been cast as a homewrecker type and femme fatale in the animated movie, Shark Tale.*

e) Ah, 'the baby question,' to borrow People's byline. (Angelina's adopted children, Maddox and Gleb.)

(Here's a line from Meet the Fockers: 'How do we keep chinks out of the chain?' Robert DeNiro's character also refers to a 'gene pool,' and says something like, 'Security has made America the last remaining superpower in the world today.' Film clearly foregrounds surveillance technology, though it pokes fun at the CIA (or 'CLIA - Central Lack of Intelligence Agency').

f) Phone use is emphasized in several articles above (1, 2, 3), plus in People and FemaleFirst. I've said before how the popularity of cellphones serves both corporate and political agendas (see 'Showtime!').

g) Let's say, Brad, Jen, and Angelina are actors in some kind of political media strategy. It's not as shocking as one may think. Many folks - whom I believe are co-operating with the government, or are being recruited as moles (my landlords, countless others) - find it exciting, fun, and kind of an ego boost to be pseudo-007s - even if murder or corruption may be involved.

h) This *glamour crisis* conveniently distracts people from Iraq war issues, just as President George W. Bush is being inaugurated (January 18-21), and citizens are protesting.


MY GUESS: Well-planned publicity stunt, plus a great way to reinforce traditional American values by having people grieve about (then, cheer on) 'Hollywood's Hottest Couple.'

If I'm right, I hope somebody buys me a beer. Yet, making predictions about Hollywood love triangles isn't my interest. What concerns me is that fake news events are becoming increasingly common.

*More discussion on Shark Tale, Sideways, and other films, to come.

[Edit: See February 15 post, 'Notes on Kinsey.']


Not Smart Enough?

Frankly, I found the Elizabeth Smart case weird and untimely. This guileless girl was abducted by an Osama-look-alike preacher from her well-to-do neighbourhood, then, was discovered wandering freely with her captors right near her home, on the eve of the Iraq war.

Glancing at a Metro News article in March 2003 (widely distributed throughout the subway), I recall the pictures and buzz words looked and sounded remarkably like the September 11th attacks (affluent neighbourhood, right nearby, working inside, circling in, plus the actual clothing (much attention paid to the loose, white, flowing gowns - like good ol' Osama), etc...I know, this sounds flimsy now - I don't have the actual article). Read '5 questions about Elizabeth's return,' and see photos.

Almost in direct contrast to the terrorist attacks in New York City, Salt Lake City, Utah, happens to be where the Mormon central church is. Like, this highly publicized abduction couldn't have happened any old place, but transpired right in the crux of fundamentalist, Christian bedrock. This probably knocked people's socks off, and ramped up military support. Not to get onto a religion kick here, but I believe many moles do pose as 'religious' types. I've been approached by several, who read me a little too well (examples to come). Just more eyes for the state.

Note: I do have real doubts about this news story. But I'm not against Mormonism, or any other religion, barring any types of abuse, brutality, bigotry, corruption, etc. I truly believe all religions share the same essential messages of love, respect, forgiveness, and wisdom.


News or Entertainment?

Is phony news a popular new trend? Given how American politics and the Hollywood system often work - both separately and together - this idea isn't as unlikely or fantastical as it may sound. Heck, look at Ronald Reagan, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and others. Read 'Entertainer-in-Chief?'

So much more to say...but for now, author H.P. Lovecraft captures my feelings best:

“The most merciful thing in the world ... is the inability of the human mind to correlate all its contents... The sciences, each straining in its own direction, have hitherto harmed us little; but someday the piecing together of dissociated knowledge will open up such terrifying vistas of reality... That we shall either go mad from the revelation or flee from the deadly light into the peace and safety of a new dark age.” - H. P. Lovecraft [Source.]

I feel that day is coming. Yet everyone's partying like it's 1999. (Wake up, CKLN FM 88.1.)


Conspiracy theory definition.

[Edit: See February 15 post, 'Notes on Kinsey,' and February 14 post, 'Broadcasting consent: Housewives and judges.']

New tipping point: TRUST

I need to focus on my own concerns, but current political soap operas are closely mirroring things I've been talking about, on and offline, for several years - even words I constantly use.

In this article, the word 'flip-flop' is quoted (see below), and President George Bush also pokes fun at Arnold Schwarzenegger's English.

Meanwhile, New Conservative leader Stephen Harper criticizes Prime Minister Paul Martin for 'flip-flopping' on same-sex marriage, while his own party angles for anti-gay support among ethnic communities. (Before, Harper's tack was to tighten up immigration.)

Plus, some citizenship stuff: Judy Sgro and Arnie in the same month.

Kind of oblique comparisons, I know. Yet I believe politics and media timing between Canada and the U.S. are becoming more closely co-ordinated. Watch for this.

I suspect my nearly five years of psychotherapy have been recorded by security bodies. Based on what they may have learned, I predict the New Conservatives will try to gain an advantage over the Liberals - who have long held the coveted middle ground, particularly among recent immigrants - by appearing more reliable and trustworthy in a turbulent world. This strategy began during the 2004 federal election (searching for article...).

My predictions for 2005 and beyond: Conservatives on both sides of the border will market trust and reliability, while using a good dose of humour and upbeat smiles. (War? What war?) Prime Minister Martin and the Liberals will put up a limp fight, much like Democratic leader John Kerry has against President Bush and the U.S. Republicans. (Two parties, one goal?)

Like I said, I'm not anti-conservative. Conservative policies and viewpoints are necessary, helpful, and useful. What freaks me is how 'Divide-and-Conquer' elites deliberately create trouble, or even harm people and environments, in order to maintain power and serve their own greed.

"The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power. Not wealth or luxury or long life or happiness; only power, pure power....Power is not a means; it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship.... If you want a picture of the future, imagine a boot stamping on a human face - forever." O'Brien to Winston [in the novel, 1984].

George Orwell 1984 1949 (Source.)

Ah, human nature - you gotta love it. We bicker amongst ourselves, yet never hold those in power accountable.

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More thoughts on 'two parties, one goal' idea:

Howard Dean, former U.S. Democratic leader candidate, seemed real. His platform was apparently almost as conservative as George W. Bush's in most areas, but at least he wasn't a puppet, and he was anti-war. Democratic leader John Kerry seems more like a foil to Bush's lead. Kerry didn't bother to learn from Howard Dean's campaign, nor did he build any alliances. One almost wonders if the Republicans didn't help Kerry beat Dean to minimize any threats to the military complex President Bush is, and has been, developing.

Tsunami counter-spin

One more for the Tsunami oddities list:

8. Most survivors are apparently children, now orphaned. (Children and elderly are usually the first to perish in a major disaster.)

I'm not the only one rethinking the Tsunami's media hype. Here's a letter from NOW Magazine (January 13-20, 2005):

Media's tsunami sell job

More than 140,000 people have died as a result of the tsunami, and thousands more are suffering from lack of shelter, disease and dehydration. It's hard to comprehend that amount of suffering. Everywhere I look, everyone is pitching in, raising money, organizing benefits.

All of these efforts make me feel incredibly inspired, but also concerned. The sudden death of more than 100,000 people is not a new or unique phenomenon. More than 30,000 children die from preventable diseases every single day. No headlines, no photos of bodies, no public pleas for money, no speeches by Paul Martin.

It seems that images of horrible death are only allowed onto our front pages if they are caused by natural disaster rather than economic starvation.

It has to look like a Hollywood disaster blockbuster, and it has to have a feel-good happy ending with lots of big announcements about relief.

Don't get me wrong, I think the fundraising efforts are great. But do we as a community only respond to mass death when the mass media decides it's a sellable story?

Dave Meslin
Toronto

Now Magazine, 'Letters to the Editor,' January 13-20, 2005.

Bush's activism and other wonders

Interesting headlines from the past few days:

'Martin, China trade deals' - (see next post, and December 6, 2004)

'Bush portrays self as defender of America' - CTV.ca

'Bush promises activist agenda' - azcentral.com (Associated Press)

'Bush begins second term that promises activist agenda on domestic, international fronts' - ABC 15 News


Have the words 'activist' and U.S. Republicans ever been used together before?' Seriously. Last week's Presidential Inauguration was probably a first.

Somehow, this reminds me of the supposed suicide pact by a disablity activist and her parents that happened days after my post about activists and suicide.

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It Goes Both Ways

Given my comments about the Tsunami disaster, plus pointing out Martin's sudden trade deals with China, and the New Conservatives' new strategy to attract recent immigrants (see next post), I'd like to clarify that I'm equally critical of politics, people, and culture in Asia. Yet certain mindsets and strong prejudices do exist. I deal with these everyday - even from people I know.

I'm also less willing to have my views be co-opted a second time. Conservative elites have learned oodles by studying me and my experiences.

For the record, I'm not anti-conservative. I'm open to all points of view. I've sometimes been in the position of defending those who work in the private sector (majority of people), including corporate execs or politicians. We live on an interdependent planet, and each of us has our own unique skills and talents.

What I don't like is oppression, injustice, corruption, and underhanded tactics.

Intelligence agencies have found me useful because I'm open-minded, yet I also look realistically at my relationship to the world. My 'devil's advocate' reasoning has occasionally shut-down activist fervour on some listservs. Boo to me. Now, I'm seeing this trend happening widely on progressive Toronto listservs and among social groups (examples to come).

(Me, egotistical? Never. *wink* )

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Random Thoughts On Making Change Possible

Ethics isn't a one-time deal, and integrity isn't an inborn trait. Creating a just and decent society requires constant efforts; community processes and check systems are needed.

(Note: I've been circulating studycircles.org's link since 2000, but hyped it big in 2004. Suddenly, the pictures changed. Citizens as leaders became passive subordinates, as authority figures came in. But that's just my perception.)

I recently saw The Money and The Power on A&E; it's a fascinating one-hour documentary about casinos, U.S. politics, and how John F. Kennedy came to power.

Despite everything, JFK was serious about making changes for liberation and justice. He also had a great speechwriter in Theodore Sorensen. Gotta love these quotes: 'Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country.' And, 'If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.' Also, 'Our problems are man-made, therefore they may be solved by man.' (Source.)

I used to believe co-operatives and progressive non-profits had great potential. Yet I believe this 'Third Way,' between capitalism and socialism, is now being taken up by the secret puppetmasters with vigour. They have the huge advantage of using global surveillance and government powers to co-opt and control this important avenue for self-empowerment and change.

Why do I think this? I once interned with an international co-operative association, several years ago. I was working in their Asia-Pacific regional office. I believe my surveillance began in 1998, yet the harassment didn't start until just before the September 11th attacks in 2001. In 2002, I worked briefly at a health food store owned by a man who happens to be Muslim. One day, a professional photographer in a khaki vest was taking pictures of me from outside the store. When I approached him, he feigned a foreign accent. Then, I suddenly received odd emails from the co-operative association, and had other strange interactions that same week (too long to explain). Given how pervasive the control has been over here, I can only imagine what's going on elsewhere.

When I worked and travelled abroad, I wasn't thinking east vs. west, north vs. south; I was thinking: I want to learn more about this amazing world, and let's save this planet* Foolish me.

*Not that I was in Asia or India to save anybody or anything. I went there, first, to find myself and see the world; then, I wanted to learn about, understand, and hopefully, participate in socio-environmental action. Many friends I met abroad are spiritualist vegetarians, eat organically (when they can), and so on. It's been hard finding kindred spirits in this big city. I don't mean the 'lifestyle,' but simple things like respect and openness. To not be categorized solely by skin colour is almost impossible. Through my anger, pain, and surveillance, my ideals have seriously backfired. Unfortunately or fortunately, no one, except security bodies and their growing legion of moles, will ever know how much I've negatively impacted world events.

Definition of co-operative. More about co-ops.

Here's a goodsocio-environmental consultancy site. One of the few organizations I trust anymore, besides real grassroot activist orgs, like: PlanetFriendly.net and Greenspiration.org.

The 'powers that be' now emulate progressive innovation so well, people can't even tell. It's just like 'moles' - you can't tell.

Hello, Mr. Carrot and Mr. Stick

Remember my theory about gay rights as political leverage? This hot new trend is quickly becoming a bargaining tool, as well. Check these out...

CTV.ca News: 'PM threatens election over same sex marriage'

(...searching for second article)

Six days ago, I suggested 'carrot-and-stick' manoeuvres are often used at an international level. Found this on the same Sympatico/MSN news page: 'Norwegians confused by Bush family's 'Satanic salute' during inauguration'

So, who's the carrot, and who's the stick? Martin, Bush?

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More on gay rights:

Here's a sign of how rapidly things are developing: 'Canadian military approves gay marriage.'

Article's closing paragraph:

Meanwhile, the Conservative Party, normally supportive of military policy and interests, is...[launching] an anti-gay advertising campaign to promote discrimination. The Conservatives hope to lure recent immigrants coming from countries that devalue human rights, away from their traditional home in the Liberal party, by appealing to their old-world prejudices and superstitions. [emphasis added]

Wow, the Church and the military, all in one. Pretty speedy, don't you think?

Political strategies described above exemplify the carrot-stick phenomena I previously suggested are being played out between Prime Minister Paul Martin / Liberals vs. Stephen Harper / New Conservatives (will post last June's email). This leaves the NDP and Greens nowhere (almost).

Strange how many of these odd turns of events I've written about (predicted, anticipated) in advance. Am I so brilliant and up-to-date on current events? Hardly. I have generally avoided TV, newspapers, magazines, etc, for years, and only skim when necessary. (I've only been paying more attention lately, because it's important to my situation.)

Is it that I'm 'psychic' and have my finger on the pulse of world trends?

OR...

Are my claims of illegal surveillance possible? Could the government's close study of me and others - plus life-threatening harassment - be fruitful for the powers that be? (Pun intended.)


(More info to come.)

Human rights vs. national security

Just came across this press release from York University. Conference continues today until 1:00pm.

Here's a quote: '”The best protection against mass atrocity lies in the prevention of abuse,” [Honourable Irwin] Cotler said. Democracy, an independent judiciary, and free press were cited as preconditions to a culture of prevention.' Irwin Cotler is Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada.

No rest for the wicked

I'll be posting the latest oddities and seeming harassment, soon. Thanks for reading.

Blowing a Tsunami

More nutty thoughts about the Tsunami to add to my list of doubts and questions.

I said to someone, 'Catastrophes like this [Tsunami] could be created.' You can imagine the response I got: 'You're crazy,' 'Nobody would do something like that,' 'How could they,' and so on (!!!).

I dropped science in Grade 10, so I know I'm on shaky ground here. But with all the news one hears about ocean research, oil drilling, government marine projects, military outposts, and so on, I believe it may be possible to create a tidal wave, like the Tsunami, at will. It'd be far more subversive and effective than an A-bomb.

Wait! Before you laugh, read Assessment of Technologies for Political Control. Here's an excerpt:

Indeed since the Interim Report was published, journalists have alleged that ECHELON [US National Security Agency's global surveillance project] has benefited US companies involved in arms deals, strengthened Washington's position in crucial World Trade organisation talks with Europe during a 1995 dispute with Japan over car part exports. According to the Financial Mail On Sunday, "key words identified by US experts include the names of inter-governmental trade organisations and business consortia bidding against US companies. The word 'block' is on the list to identify communications about offshore oil in area where the seabed has yet to be divided up into exploration blocks"..."It has also been suggested that in 1990 the US broke into secret negotiations and persuaded Indonesia that US giant AT & T be included in a multi-billion dollar telecoms deal that at one point was going entirely to Japan's NEC. [emphasis added]

('An Appraisal of the Technologies of Political Control,' subsection 7.4.1 NSA Interception of All EU Telecommunications. An Omega Foundation Summary & Options Report For The European Parliament, September 1998.)

...Did you check out the Bibliography??

We've had detailed explanations about how the Tsunami/tidal wave happened: a push down on the seabed drove the water up. Yet, one wonders why satellites and ocean monitors didn't detect any irregularities in advance? Nowadays, electronic monitoring of the earth's changes is so widespread.

The excerpt above fits neatly with my concerns that the Tsunami has seemed contrived and biased, right from the start. Look at what's mentioned: ocean seabeds, oil exploration, U.S.-Japan trade competition over a Southeast Asian country (Indonesia), global surveillance technology being used to aid corporate development.

Technically, the Tsunami could have been engineered. I'm not saying the disaster, itself, and the suffering aren't real. But, hello? Dastardly, twisted plots don't only happen in the movies. Would the U.S. seriously invade Iraq without, first, considering other major regions, like Asia, Africa, and Europe?

Disaster relief, conflict resolution, and structural rebuilding are extremely effective ways to establish closer ties with other nations, while boosting one's own economy. These are the 'carrots,' while military invasion and war profiteering are the 'sticks.' Together, they create a formula for success.

And why did the U.S. invade Iraq? Was Iraq spoiling for a fight? Us, car-crazy folks in North America readily accept denials by U.S. authorities that oil has been a factor in the wars against both Afghanistan and Iraq -- yet, oil is vitally important.

My crazy questions about the Tsunami require far more research to hold any weight. I don't have the time or inclination to explore these angles further, but maybe someone else could.

I merely sense, but cannot prove, that global politics and strategies for control are shifting into high gear. However, as long as our material needs and desires are being met, people aren't likely to question anything or see past superficial phenomena.

The quote above deals with U.S. monitoring of all Europe's telecommunications. I'll say it, again: the cellphone craze and spread of digital communications (including internet access) serve both corporate and governmental agendas for control. An unstoppable trend, obviously. Just be aware of the implications. (See other posts about phone wiretapping.)

Stay informed, and please help ensure personal privacy and free thought are PROTECTED.


[Edit: This is my most controversial blog entry. Strangely, there are a bunch of numbers in the URL or address link - like it's earmarked for trouble.

http://oneadventure.blogspot.com/2005/01/blowing-tsunami_110583790453320854.html

All my other the blog entries look like this (site address/ date/ title):

http://oneadventure.blogspot.com/2005/01/no-rest-for-wicked.html

See January 25 for more Tsunami thoughts.]

Freedom of Press: U.S. ranks 22nd

Nothing earth-shattering here. U.S. is ranked 22nd for journalistic freedom and free speech among news-producing countries worldwide.

United States Scores Surprisingly Low on
Press Freedom Index

12/6/04

The United States has a reputation for freedom of speech. It's one of the Bill of Rights, after all. US citizens may be surprised, then, that their government's Press Freedom Index rank falls below that of countries like Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Latvia, Estonia, and - horror of horrors - France!

Reporters without Borders, an international press freedom association, publishes every year a list of world governments, ranked by their treatment of press freedom. They compile the list by consulting with partner organizations, correspondents, journalists, researchers, jurists and human rights activists, who answer 52 questions to indicate the the state of press freedom in 167 countries.

This year's list places the United States at position 22 (tied with Belgium). The reason for the US' low position?

"Violations of the privacy of sources, persistent problems in granting press visas and the arrest of several journalists during anti-Bush demonstrations kept the United States (22nd) away from the top of the list." - from the Americas Evaluation

(Story link at MPBlog, an internet privacy news blog by service provider, Metropipe.)

I'm surprised the U.S. ranked as high as it did. But apparently, in Reporters Without Borders / Reporters sans frontieres' first press freedom index in 2002, the U.S. ranked 44th and climbed to 31st position in 2003, and 22nd in 2004.

But then again, there's no need for nasty media oppression, when entire events can be staged 'for the camera,' and nicely glorified.

Canada has dropped from 10th position in 2002 and 2003, to 18th in 2004. Funny how this shift corresponds with my 'conspiracy warnings' of Canadian media's deteriorating commitment to journalistic integrity, and concerns about the U.S.'s growing influence. My earnest emails on this topic began in early 2004. Also see 'Fox news and free speech' post.

Militarizing OISE

My seemingly 'paranoid' concerns about Canada-U.S. relations, global politics, and the environment, are often confirmed by new developments, such as this one:

Protest Against Militarization of OISE (Ontario Institute for Studies in Education)

OISE/IKIT/UT intends to partner for the first time with the military and a corporate military contractor in a project that includes public schools. We have won a moratorium on this partnership right now, but it won’t last. We must make this partnership issue public. OISE/UT Administration have no intentions to stop its partnership with the military-industrial complex.

STOP WAR AT ITS ROOTS – KEEP THE MILITARY OUT OF OISE AND OUR PUBLIC SCHOOLS.


January 11, 2004 at 12 p.m.

In front of OISE – 252 Bloor Street West

Followed by the screening of the documentary
“The Space Program and the Military-Industrial Complex”
Organized by: People Against Militarization of OISE (PAMO)
Co-sponsors : Homes Not Bombs; Coalition Against War and Racism (CAWR); Students for Peace in Iraq, (S4PIRAQ) and Ontario Public Interest Research Group (OPIRG)


For more information, visit HomesNotBombs.ca.

Yes, folks, this is OISE, Ontario's and Canada's foremost school for research in education and teacher development.

Powers that be

Seeking God's Wrath

I think the media's treatment of the Tsunami disaster is a sham. The whole 'God and the Tsunami' hype and other Tower of Babel politics are so obvious. This is also being coupled with a strong 'help the poor' drive. But funny, how relatively little attention or support the massive earthquake in Iran received in 2003. Why?

It ain't just fringe groups. Larry King Live has been focusing endlessly on the Tsunami. Last night, the show hosted a talk with spiritual leaders from various faiths to discuss the divine implications of our world's increasing natural calamities. Yet the emphasis seemed to be on grouping people by race and religion: your people, my people. (See transcript.) This sounds a lot like the U.S. election.

Larry King - whom I respect as a hard-headed talk-show host - leaned away from those expressing holistic views of spirituality and nature, or even thoughts on preventative global management strategies (eg, education, resource allocation, etc). Instead, he seemed to favour a punishing God slant on the whole tragedy, and emphasized an east-west divide. Many other media programs were doing the same thing, initially. Now, the focus is on the aftermath and charitable support. Yes, the portents have begun...

So here are some of my own wacky, connect-the-dots wonderings about The Tsunami:


1. Since war on Iraq began, there have been increasing references and comparisons being made to World War II (WWII).

(I myself often refer to WWII as an example of how vulnerable we all are to group-think and intolerance. Fascism and hatred can be carried to epic proportions by average people. I suspect today's plots for power will be well-disguised by a friendly, feel-good, rainbow face. Fascism and capitalism have definitely evolved, and possibly have merged.)


2. In spite of increasing U.S. military action and homeland security, most North Americans unquestioningly accept media spins, without a second thought. News, advertising, and entertainment are rapidly moulding people's minds into an apathetic jello pattern: 'War Against Terrorism'.

(I'm not pro-terrorism - I'm pro-peace (though I've become emotionally combative).)


3. Globalization, multiculturalism, increasing socio-economic polarizations, and general distrust are all creating an ideal climate for pushing through 'security' measures that undermine democracy and silence dissenters.


4. The U.S. administration openly admits they're undergoing the most significant revamp in military and security measures since WWII. This is a country that has been spending BILLIONS and TRILLIONS of dollars every year on military defense, nuclear arms, and space exploration.


5. U.S. government recently centralized management of their 15 different intelligence agencies (CIA, FBI, etc), and wants Canada to share its security information (CSIS, RCMP) within the same database - unilaterally, of course. (See November 1 post and Maclean's article - to come.)


6. Suddenly, here comes the Tsunami (the day after Christmas, no less). Why use a Japanese term for 'tidal wave' to label a catastrophe that took place in Southeast Asia?

- Word choice: the 'Tsunami' and its impacts could easily symbolize Japan's past military invasions and ongoing economic conquests in that region; negative associations through simple linguistics may subtly underscore long-standing resentments among the affected nations towards the Japanese.*

[Edit: Saw this in a Slate article: '...he told how the giant wave of the tsunami — a word Sulaiman had never even heard a few days earlier — had reached out and swallowed his family whole...'. Added February 1, 2005.]

- This also comes at a time when Pearl Harbour has been resurfacing in the public imagination, due to U.S. homeland security measures and military offensives in Iraq. (See The New Pearl Harbour.)

*(Note: My being threatened with government investigation stems from an incident in which I was claiming safety concerns, as a Chinese-Canadian woman backpacking alone in Southeast Asia. I'm probably one of the only people to ever have written a macro-micro analysis about these complicated socio-cultural politics in a letter sent to the Security Department in Ottawa, which then got passed to the Department of Foreign Affairs.)


7. Strong media emphasis on sex trade and child abductions during the Tsunami's aftermath seemed rather quick, and almost unlikely, in my opinion. I think this news angle deserves questioning:

a) Is it happening, and is it as prevalent as news reports indicate?

b) If so, who's to say this horrible phenomena isn't being abetted by foreign interests for propaganda purposes?

(See U.S. Contra drug dealings - December 18, 2004; see Gay Abbate - November 19, 2004; and see Asian troops in Iraq - November 13, 2003.)


8. Most survivors are apparently children, now orphaned. (Children and elderly are usually the first to perish in a major disaster.) [Added January 25, 2005.]

[Edit: See January 15 and January 25 posts for more thoughts on Tsunami.]

Separating Fantasy and Reality

​​​​I've seen more TV over the past month, than I have for the past seven years. No joke. I've been watching everything but the news, and am seeing certain patterns emerge: eg, strong emphasis on supernatural occurrences, and references to spirituality and divine forces in many popular programs.

Since January 1, movies like Serendipity, Ghost, The Mummy, and Resurrection are getting prime-time viewing, and new movies like White Noise, and Medium are being hyped and released.

References to 'the all-seeing eye' alongside mentions of global politics are popping up: National Treasure, Seinfeld, Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, etc. Even if some films or programs were made earlier (eg, Lara Croft is from 2001), they're all being shown now (see below).

Suddenly, it dawned on me: encouraging people's beliefs in 'unexplained realms' would be an excellent way to mask increasing public surveillance and privacy invasion.

People frequently dismiss my claims of surveillance as being mere 'coincidence.' My family tends to explain away odd or negative events in this way - despite my telling them that such strange and repeated incidents, knowing behaviours from people, and 'TV-sitcom' perfect timing can only be made possible through electronic surveillance.

(Note: Most of my relatives have no idea how political my writings are, so they find it hard to imagine I could be under government scrutiny. Yet Big Brother isn't just studying little ol' me - they're watching EVERYBODY, more and more...)

I believe close study of my family's responses - like the way they shoot down my frantic allegations of harassment - has made the government bolder and more creative in disguising their activities. Make something seem accidental or coincidental, and folks will chalk it up to serendipity - be it a computer glitch, power outages, misplaced or damaged items, runs of good or bad luck, a new love interest, you name it. It's like being in a Candid Camera scenario, except there's not much to laugh about.

Another argument people have is, 'intelligence agencies don't have the human resources to carry out so many activities.' (24-hour surveillance? Forget it!) I've discussed before how TV and movie extras, models, paid research candidates, hospitality staff, taxi drivers, youth, unemployed folks, etc, provide a wide range of willing actors and enablers. Never mind the brilliant, talented, and fully-trained plants they already use. You only have to watch a few TV shows to see how commonplace hidden cameras and body doubles are these days (eg, Sell This House, Life's Little Miracles), and how make-up, prosthetics, and masks can completely alter people's appearances. (Did you see the mug on Holly Jones' supposed killer? I have to wonder.)

To add to my conspiracy theories, here's a Center for Democracy & Technology article: 'ICANN: the Secret Government of the Internet?' Yes, governments and corporations can collude in controlling the internet.

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Sidenote:

National Treasure and Lara Croft share many similar elements - eg, all-seeing eye in a triangle of light, exotic world mysteries, secret treasure trail - and both refer directly or indirectly to the Illuminati, a secret group believed to be controlling the world's currencies. Both films portray what some believe is an ongoing quest for power, money, and global domination in an almost spiritual light, then, render it fantastical. Yet startling historical artifacts do exist, and current events reflect increasingly large-scale agendas - be it 9-11, various wars, Monsanto, Echelon, what-have-you.

Canada-U.S.: Marriage at last

I'm not the only one talking about liberal Americans fleeing to Canada (see 'Map of Jesus Land explained').

But perhaps I'm the only one who's suggesting this likely population trend is being encouraged by conservatives on both sides of the border.

Canada embracing gay equality and visibility would be one way to draw Americans north. Popular sex columnist Dan Savage thinks so. Unfortunately, his positive, coming-to-terms-with-Bush, 'island theory' resembles exactly the Divide and Conquer trends I see taking place.

I've given reasons why I think queer acceptance is advantageous to the powerful elite. Not an incisive analysis, I admit: personal experience and intuition count for far less, and are harder to extrapolate into broader arguments. Yet gay rights and queer visibility are clearly being ramped up in both political and economic spheres.

I have reason to believe the queer community is being infiltrated, and that people are being solicited as moles. (The strangulation of transsexual Cassandra Do and my own weird encounters are things I question, but there are many more strategic, and seemingly queer-positive developments. Info to come.)

What could this potentially mean? Well, manipulation of activist groups and progressive communities - and their offshoot economies - from the ground up.

Social tolerance carries a lot of cachet. The annual Pride Parade is a multi-million dollar tourist draw. Non-acceptance of queers can also have distinct cultural and racial overtones. African-Caribbean communities and countries, for example, are known to be extremely homophobic.

(Funny how this issue is getting front-page international coverage recently, just as Prime Minister Martin is suddenly advocating same-sex marriage, following President Bush's visit to Ottawa.)

Settlement patterns do influence culture. Americans moving north is as relevant to Canadian sovereignty, as are existing concerns about ethno-racial balances.

Last year, I saw an Israeli-produced documentary about Protestant-Catholic conflicts in Northern Ireland. Didn't catch the title, but it was an insightful film. Among other things, I learned that Britain actively encouraged Protestants to settle in Northern Ireland to help maintain a political presence from the 1960s onward.

I was also struck by how much the fighting, suffering, and entrenched hostility in Northern Ireland resonated with my own experiences of harassment - yes, right here in Toronto. Attempts to suppress me have been like a war of sorts. One side wants relief, the other side wants total domination, with lots of enmity all around. In a word: ugly.

You may not believe me today, but widespread electronic surveillance is well underway. I and my family (and many others) are a test-case scenario. I think the information is being used to:

1. Study people and groups to help get a grassroots hold within ALL areas of society (rural/urban, academia, corporations, charities, sports, health institutions, support groups, you name it) and across cultures;

2. Create media that will shape public attitudes, and help reinforce social pecking orders - particularly in a dualistic 'good vs. evil' fashion;

3. Ensure even closer ties between governments and corporations;

4. Support hidden agendas for global domination and economic control.


The documentary film on Northern Ireland helped me understand what the struggles and seemingly perpetual violence were all about. I don't usually watch TV or read newspapers, etc. All I knew was it involved religious conflict (actually cultural and economic), the IRA (Irish Republican Army), bombs, and the killings of many civilians.

Am I a product of my generation? My parents seem to know all about these things, both currently and historically (sigh).

Read more about how Britain maintained 'colonial rule in Ireland with a cover of "democracy,"' from the 19th century until Partition in 1921.

It closely mirrors today's ongoing battles between the 'little people' and major powers (corporations, government) - particularly in key areas like agriculture, and other ecological mainstays. Too bad that typical clashes between community-based peoples and capitalistic resource-controllers always favour the exploiters.

My surveillance theories may be off-the-wall, but the point remains: Toronto is Canada's largest city and economic heartland, and so, a likely target for establishing U.S. political influence and control.

Other hot spots? Vancouver, Montreal, Hamilton, Windsor, the Maritimes, and...?

Good tidings?

Not to put a damper on anyone's festive mood, but here are some belated whinings and updates.

While writing the post below ('Raising the alarms'), the fuse in my apartment blew YET AGAIN - fourth time in six weeks. I was home all of 3 hours. (Been staying at my mother's, but had gone to my place to check mail, etc.)

It felt like a dire warning. I headed back to my mother's place, where the 'weird' incidents have continued...

Next day - Thursday, December 23
CTV News byline announces 'Activist and parents commit suicide pact.' The woman was a firm disability rights proponent. Why would both she and her parents suddenly kill themselves together in a back room? They left a note instructing people to 'Call 9-1-1.' Just because there's a note doesn't necessarily prove a suicide. Interesting how the headlines emphasized 'activist' and 'suicide.' Why not, 'disabled woman and parents commit suicide'? Will this help seed public belief in other deaths? (See December 18 and November 15 posts about activists and presumed suicide.)

Monday, December 27
Helped shovel the snow. Closing the garage door, I pressed the button twice and stared at the garage light for a moment. Then I thought, shit, now there's going to be garage door problems.* Following day, presto: the garage door only opens halfway. My mother is forced to call a technician.

*If I look at or mention anything in particular at my mother's place, it will suddenly develop problems or malfunction.

What preceded my garage door prediction?

While I was shovelling, my neighbour steps out for a smoke. I hardly know him - we met once before, briefly. Yet he starts speaking to me in a familiar tone; not quite sarcastic or intimidating, but almost.

'So you're helping your mother shovel the snow?' he says. I was doing the sidewalks, so he tells me, 'I used to help your mother with the sidewalks last winter, but now I'm working on a...rotational shift.' He makes a circular motion with his finger, kinda like the 'you're crazy' gesture.

He then asks about my employment situation. (Funny, I happen to be chronically unemployed.) With slow, deliberate emphasis, he says quite loudly, 'That's what Christmas is all about: money and food.' Interesting choice of words. (More on this later re: harassment, financial means, food security, surveillance in food industry, etc.)

This guy is a contractor for a major media company. I've had prior suspicions about him and his wife. Although they act neighbourly towards my mother, their comments and actions are sometimes strange, and indirectly cause her to worry. Contact with her invariably coincides with harassing periods in my own life.

Example: One week I had lots of stress going on (checking date...). The wife, who is half my mother's age, comes to the door at 10pm, saying how scared she is. Having just driven back from the cottage all by herself - an odd time for one so easily spooked - she somehow notices a white pigeon egg in her hanging porch planter (?!). I was on the phone with my mother, so I could hear the melodramatic pleas to help remove this 'white egg' (oh my god, look at it - oh my god!). Like, who cares if there's an egg in your plants? How did you even see it (10pm, hanging planter)? If you're frightened, get in the house and lock the door. Why disturb an older neighbour who's probably heading for bed soon? Ahh, exactly. My mother often has nightmares and is slightly superstitious. Subtle stress events like this, and various other weird incidents, worry her.)

How am I able to *anticipate* so many events? (It isn't just limited to my own activities. I've been somewhat accurate in predicting anomalies for others, too.)

The Zippy recorder I just got and had to return is a good example:

1. HOW did my landlord get hold of this precious package?

2. HOW did I know it wouldn't work properly when I opened it?

3. WHY did I suspect the person I bought it from might be made complicit with the government's wishes, before I even got the recorder?

(Almost cancelled the order because I expected tampering, but it arrived very quickly. The seller's attitude towards me changed soon after our initial and uneventful phone conversation. He also switched email addresses to 'chrisonemillion;' his previous email was more surveillance oriented. Have I mentioned how the government plays on ethnicity and ramps up suspicions about my being either wealthy or corrupt, or both?)

4. WHY did I predict the seller would behave strangely and give me the runaround, even though he has an extremely high customer satisfaction rating?

5. HOW did I know when I mailed the package back to B.C., something was bound to go wrong?

(The Zippy recorder has mysteriously disappeared, though I handed it directly to staff at a main postal office downtown. Surprise! The person I bought it from says he hasn't seen it; it's been four weeks. Despite two phone calls and several emails, he's been quick to brush me off, telling me three times he's busy meeting with his 'accountant.' Sure, I understand.)

[Edit: There are new developments. Info to come.]

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Unrelated babble:

You probably think I'm a self-involved twat. My petty problems are so minor compared to, say, the Tsunami disaster. But what a totally hyped event, and an excellent opportunity to emphasize population concerns, cultural differences, and compare economics. The tack being taken by media, the visuals, and the wording are very...interesting.

Yes, my gripes may seem trivial; yet they may prove to be a guidepost to current and future trends - both locally and globally.