In politics it is said, that when not fueled by hope there is a vacuum for fear to fill. Since artists turn to the muses, Clio, Euterpe, Thalia, Melpomene, Terpsichore, Erato, Polymnia, Ourania and Calliope we are exploring what they can offer us for inspiration to have the hope fueling politics. This time you get to choose which muse would claim the story-enjoy! [Reminder of who claims what is at the end].
“Little progress can be made by merely attempting to repress what is evil. Our great hope lies in developing what is good.”
– Calvin Coolidge 
“Beware how you take away hope from another human being.“
-Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
Pope Francis might jettison idea of a ‘just war’
http://www.cruxnow.com/ap/2016/05/26/pope-francis-might-jettison-idea-of-a-just-war/
There's a chance Haiti might join the African Union. Do you know why?
http://www.upworthy.com/theres-a-chance-haiti-might-join-the-african-union-do-you-know-why?c=upw1
Atallah hadn't been able to talk to his daughter for 2 years. Then NetHope came along.
The power of engaging young people in community organizing
After getting sick, this 15-year-old missed her favorite band — until they surprised her.
The most beautiful voice in the world! This girl started CRYING.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHJRBpIZm1o
The Amazing Kid Guitar Player
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfDgI0gVAW8
Ever wish you could live inside your favorite book? You can at this incredible new place.
What does it take to rebuild a coral reef?
Sean & Luke: Teen Duo Tap Dance to "Classic" by MKTO – America's Got Talent 2014
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHfiPc7QPj8
I spent a few minutes digging in my yard all in the name of cancer research.
The Twist – Chubby Checker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=im9XuJJXylw
Judges stopped her because they couldn't believe it's her real voice!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8etPN7Or8ZE
Thank you dear reader for joining me on this journey of discovery and quest for hope–I found some, how about you?
Nine Muses are:
1. Clio: The Muse Clio discovered history and guitar. History was named Clio in the ancient years, because it refers to “kleos” the Greek word for the heroic acts. Clio was always represented with a clarion in the right arm and a book in the left hand.
2. Euterpe: Muse Euterpe discovered several musical instruments, courses and dialectic. She was always depicted holding a flute, while many instruments were always around her.
3. Thalia: Muse Thalia was the protector of comedy; she discovered comedy, geometry, architectural science and agriculture. She was also protector of Symposiums. She was always depicted holding a theatrical – comedy mask.
4. Melpomene: Opposite from Thalia, Muse Melpomene was the protector of Tragedy; she invented tragedy, rhetoric speech and Melos. She was depicted holding a tragedy mask and usually bearing a bat.
5. Terpsichore: Terpsichore was the protector of dance; she invented dances, the harp and education. She was called Terpsichore because she was enjoying and having fun with dancing ( “Terpo” in Greek refers to be amused). She was depicted wearing laurels on her head, holding a harp and dancing.
6. Erato: Muse Erato was the protector of Love and Love Poetry – as well as wedding. Her name comes from the Greek word “Eros” that refers to the feeling of falling in love. She was depicted holding a lyre and love arrows and bows.
7. Polymnia: Muse Polymnia was the protector of the divine hymns and mimic art; she invented geometry and grammar. She was depicted looking up to the Sky, holding a lyre.
8. Ourania: Muse Ourania was the protector of the celestial objects and stars; she invented astronomy. She was always depicted bearing stars, a celestial sphere and a bow compass.
9. Calliope: Muse Calliope was the superior Muse. She was accompanying kings and princes in order to impose justice and serenity. She was the protector of heroic poems and rhetoric art. According to the myth, Homer asks from Calliope to inspire him while writing Iliad and Odyssey, and, thus, Calliope is depicted holding laurels in one hand and the two Homeric poems in the other hand.”
6 Responses to “Musings in Preparation for Memorial Day Weekend 2016”
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.
Cross posted to Care2 at:
http://www.care2.com/news/member/663679641/3987238
Pope – Heck, at least since 1950, no war could have qualified that I'm aware of, to the stringent standards of a "just war" by that definition. So maybe it is time to say that war is always unjust – starting it = though I would say there has to be some kind of an out for self defense, but that too can be abused, as we have seen.
Good luck to Haiti. They are certainly overdue for a break.
I would hope that no one wants refugees to stay refugees forever.But there sure are a lot of people who haven't thought it out. Kuds to NetHope.
The band story needs a hanky alert. And that's good.
I lived inside my favorite book for a few days once – when I had a high fever. Yeah, I know, not the safest way, but it may have helped me heal.
I hope the coral reef techniques will also prove successful if the earth lives long enough to try to rebuild from human destruction.
BTW, PBS is broadcasting the Memorial Day concert it does every year on Sunday. Check your local listings – where I am it comes on at 7:00 pm and is repeated at 8:30 pm, but I am in the mountain time zone and sometimes we are different. The high point of the concert is always the presentations of true experiences of veterands and their families, and if that doesn't give you hope, you should maybe check your pulse. I don't expect it is available outside the US, sorry, though you can check at http://www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/home/ where they do have some videos. I didn't look because no time this morning, I am ruching to get on the road.
Pope: War begets nothing, but pain, heartbreak and misery for those left behind. I think that Papa Francisco is really trying with reconciliation/mediatations, imho. "If the Church joined forces with other Christian denominations, along with Muslim and Jewish leaders and institutions, to prioritize areas of collaboration focused on Abrahamic peacemaking, the effect would be even more powerful."
Upworthy: I hope the many can connect physically w/their families, Kudos to NetHope for connecting families on the Net.
Upworthy: Awww….so very, very sweet! Austin may be Weird, but we sure show Love/Compassion for others!!
YouTube: Beautiful voice!!! I wish her well.
Kudos to the Rabbit hOle! I got lost in all the GOT books, waiting for "The Winds of Winter" to come out…
Sean & Luke: Good moves!!
Cancer Research: I'm going to look into this, and also passing this on to teachers I know…this would be a great project for them, and the students! Fabulous idea!!
Remember the Twist like it was yesterday, and the straight line stockings too. 😉
Thank you for the list of Muses, appreciate that entry.
Joanne, I always go to the Cemetery, as they have services there, to Honor & Respect our Fallen. Towards the end of the ceremony, they have a fly-over, with Taps, I still cry over that gesture. Have watched the PBS Memorial Day concert, for several years now, and that also moves me to tears. It's a sad day for me.
Thank you, JL for your great post!
Here's a vid Tribute to our Fallen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlQyAts-FM4
A lot of hope there, especially feom Pope Frances.
Thanks, JL, a lot of hard work here. I am not sure there is ever a just war, at least not now. Most of them are fought for profit for someone.