In my search for new knowledge, new frontiers to explore, I stumble on interesting ideas, continuously. What would the world be if it didn't renew itself constantly? This rhetorical question, of course, is for mere contemplation. I yearn for and enjoy tasting from new springs, new fountains of knowledge, as I discover them.

PAPERMAKING
is a fascinating process, apparently invented or discovered in China (what hasn't been done in China?). I have experimented with a couple of different methods. The traditional western method and the Japanese method. Being inclined to seeing the world through their eyes, I find the latter the most appealing.
With the small amount of knowledge I have acquired, I have made small books, boxes and other items from the paper I have made, and in combination with commercially produced paper. One project which is very satisfying is making books. I have made books for myself and also, as gifts. There is much to be learned in this field and with time I will experiment more in depth with it.

Related sites:

U. of IOWA

FILM
One of the more powerful art forms, since I am visually persuaded, is film. A good story is more poignant when told with images and sound. This is a list of the most recent films I have enjoyed. The list of the ones I still want to see is endless. Thank goodness. I especially enjoy French and Japanese film; Chinese film can be really good and it can be mediocre at best, so I have to be careful, but it's worth a chance. Of course, Spanish film is strong on my list. I wish I could include links to web sites and trailers. The task is beyond what I want to take on at this poing. Suffice it to mention them by name and if you agree with my taste, you'll find these rewarding.

PHOTOGRAPHY
With the advent of digital cameras, I find photography closer to my reach. Granted, a purist might admonish me for considering digital in the same breath as photography. Still, the changes that come with new technology and inevitable changes for life as we know it, I have come to accept some things more easily than others. I, too, am a purist of sorts. I still have a hard time with the widely accepted use of screws for certain applications where I feel it compromises craftsmanship in woodwork or furniture.

VIDEO PRODUCTION
Another art form that has come to my level is film making or video production. As an amateur, I have the freedom to experiment with this medium to my heart's content. For the moment I am learning the process and technical aspects. Though it is within reach of my pocket book, it can easily become an expensive hobby. With the computer, we can do things we could not even dream of just five years ago (the 20th century). So, on I go exploring this fun medium.

FOOTBALL (Soccer, in the U.S.)
What would the world be without Football (the true football)? The most popular sport in the world is so much fun to play, that it seems pertinent to tell of my latest adventure. Regardless of age and size, the sport lends itself easily to any ability level, as long the individual is willing to run and kick a leather ball.

Recently, I got together with some friends to celebrate a wedding anniversary and there was a young man from austria who was itching to play an informal match. I was wearing clogs, so I decided to play barefoot. It was a little risky since the weather was still a little cold and the ground rough with wild grass, pinecones and various other challenges. Still, I cannot resist the sight of a ball being kicked around without getting all excited myself.
To make a story short, I ended the one-hour game with sore feet. I assumed it had to do with the cold and the pine cones making a few cuts on the soles of my feet. When I got home I discovered I had totally destroyed the outer skin under my big toes and that was the reason for the sore feet. To make things worse, since I am a wooze, I did not wash them very well and three days later I was facing going to see a doctor for major infection if I didn't do something right then and there. Well, it turned out OK, but three weeks later I was still feeling the effects of the wounds and the skin was finally starting to grow over them. Anyway, that's how fun football (soccer) is. At least for me.

It is a growing sport in this country, so check out the World Cup when it comes around every four years. Just watching the Brazilians makes my heart pump and the butterflies start in my stomach.

ENGLISH FOOTBALL • FRENCH FOOTBALL • FIFA • FUTBOL PERUANO • others will be added later.

HUMAN RIGHTS
All around the world, people interact with each other in many different ways. One which is not acceptable to me is when those in power inflict oppression and fear on others. This trend seems to have intensified in the recent past. These sites are a reference pointt about what is going on in different parts of the world. It is interesting to note that differences of opinion and how we justify our own actions will be always a part of our interaction. I wonder whether we will ever achieve not only peace but a way to agree to disagree without resorting to killing each other for the sake of ridding ourselves of the unpleasant and what we don't agree with. Ultimateley, I believe that we try to force our will or our opinion on others because there is something within us we don't accept or we fear in our own self. If we are at peace we are OK with the world. If we are at war with ourselves, we take it outside to involve others. The most ludicrous assertion of all time, in my eyes, is that we can make peace with war. We actually believe we can create harmony through cohersion and violence.

OTHER ARTISTS

• JOSÉ APAZA
• SMOOSHED SPIDER
• LAURA TARNOFF
• CANDACE FORRETTE
• MIKE FORRETTE
• TERI POWELL - suspended
• ERNIE GRAFE
• MICHAEL BERRY - suspended
• HANK AND MARIANNE FRIDELL
• STRING TIED
• SHIRLEY HOBBS

I will add others as they emerge. I do have friends, they just don't all have websites, at least, that I know of.