Symbols Of Pain: Does The Confederate Flag Need To Be Removed From The South?

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in the debate below are of the authors’ and are not views expressed by The Thrill Society and its management.

On June 17, 2015, a scruffy barely-adult with a floppy mop of blonde hair entered the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church, near the banks of North Charleston, South Carolina.

In his hands was a .45 calibre that he aimed at 10 attendees. Nine were murdered. Only one survived.

The man behind the mop is one Dylan Roof, a self-proclaimed “Last Rhodesian” and defender of white supremacy.

On his site, The Last Rhodesian, Roof published a manifesto which outlined the reasons for his stance against Blacks, Jews, Hispanics and East Asians.

According to his manifesto, African Americans are the “biggest problem for the United States”. “They” are “stupid and violent” and “view everything through a racial lens.”

His wishes were to have a history in which “every white person had an ancestor who owned slaves,” that every “n****** (was) treated terribly throughout history by whites” because the white population of America, as claimed by Roof, are “superior.”

 Pictured: Dylan Roof

His reason for taking arms, as written in his manifesto, was borne out of an obligation to maintain the “good of society.” That is, the ratio of “whites to blacks.”

Along with the manifesto, the 21 year-old also published a series of photographs that depicted an abhorrence towards the flag of the United States, a love for guns and an even bigger love for the old Confederate flag – or rather its battle issue.

Due to all this, the massacre was no longer a crime but a hate crime and, as a symbol adored by the perpetrator, the Confederate flag came under fire.

Since then, civic leaders have urged for the removal of the flag in front of South Carolina’s state capitol. Alabama held a flag removal ceremony. A procession of retailers, from Walmart to eBay, have discontinued any items associated with the Stars and Bars. Even the infamous Dodge Charger from the TV favorite, The Dukes of Hazard, is set to get a makeover that will remove the Confederate flag from its roof.

Image Credit: gadgetshowprizes.com

However, is the flag itself a “symbol of hate” as depicted by those who wish to see its extinction?

In A Thrill Society first, two bloggers will be pitted against each other to defend or dismiss the Confederate flag.

In the red corner, we have Stumbling Otis, TTS’s resident drunk philosopher, teller of tummy-tickling tales, content advisor, talent scout, and conduit to powers grander than most would know—which is a fancy way of saying that he’s a sarcastic smart ass that is equipped for the challenge presented to him today.

In the blue corner, meet Wild Child Of Style, also known as The General. With an extensive history of activism, the Wild Child believes that, while the flag did not insight the crime, its history and appearance at many race issues, should be reason enough to be removed from institutional/governmental buildings.

The first issue on the agenda will be claims that the flag in not a symbol of hate but a symbol of the history and heritage of the southern states….

ROUND ONE: HERITAGE OR HATE?

STUMBLING OTIS:

First I’d like to state that I’m drunk, thank you! Second, I’m not a bigot, you’re welcome. Third, hang on, I need to top up my glass before I wax philosophical.

Symbols have power, this I will not deny, but a symbol is only a symbol and not an act. Symbols and icons, totems, talismans, idols, zemis, amulets, images and charms. Each is only a brand name representing those of a legion of followers and each is only as powerful as the wearer.

For example, the Wan and the Swastika.

Tell me, if symbols rule the mind of the wearer then why is an ancient symbol of good luck and auspiciousness derived of Sanskrit and well documented before European pre-history, is most notably associated with the Holocaust and the Nazi horrific fuckery of the Jews???

Read more at: http://thethrillsociety.com/symbols-of-pain-does-the-confederate-flag-need-to-be-removed-from-the-south/

Benghazi – The Political Anarchy Caused By Terrorism

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About the Benghazi Attack

The Benghazi attack is one of the most consequential attacks led by Islamic militants. It happened on the evening of September 11, 2012 at the American diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya. U.S. Ambassador, J. Christopher Stevens and U.S. Foreign Service Information management Officer, Sean Smith were killed in the vehement attack which resulted in immediate increase in security at diplomatic and military facilities throughout the world by the United States.

The attack was followed by a second attack several hours later at a different compound which is located a mile away from the first. The second attack killed CIA contractors Tyrone S. Woods and Glen Doherty. The assault also injured 10 others.

Most of the Libyan population condemned the attacks and held demonstrations to protest against the militias who were suspected of the attacks. As the secretary of State, Hillary Clinton took responsibility for the security lapses which were a reason behind the attack. The state department officials were criticized because requests for increasing the security at the consulate before the attacks were denied.

The attacks were suspected to be triggered by an anti-Muslim video – Innocence of Muslims – which has led to spontaneous protests. However, investigations determined that there was no evidence of any protest of the kind, and the attacks were planned.

Aftermath

Libyan Response

Mustafa Abushagur’s (Libyan Prime Minister) office condemned the outrageous attacks and offered condolences. Demonstrations on Benghazi and Tripoli on September 12 showed that people were against such assaults. The overall Libyan response was that they were against terrorism and Libyans were positively inclined towards their relationship with the United States.

Libyan President, Mohammed Magariaf stated that the attack was pre-calculated and was carried out specifically to attack the U.S. consulate.

Anti-militia demonstrations and subsequent actions taken by the government

On September 21, approximately thirty thousands (30,000) Libyans marched all the way through Benghazi asking for the government to bring a conclusion to the armed militias that were formed during the Libyan Civil War in order to oppose Colonel Gaddafi. The war ended but the armed militias continued to survive.

Many militia members were forced to leave the militia headquarters when the demonstrators stormed into a number of militia headquarters.

The government took advantage of the rising anger of the Libyans and on September 23, the Libyan President announced that the militias had 48 hours to disband. The success of the protests showed on September 29, when hundreds of Libyans handed over their arms in the city centers of Benghazi and Tripoli. The campaigns were less successful in other regions of Libya.

U.S. Government Response

On September 12, President Barack Obama condemned the attacks and claimed these attacks to be outrageous. He claimed that acts of terror could not shake the nation and justice will be done. He ensured that security was increased at all such facilities worldwide. The FBI set to investigate the possibility of the attack being a planned one. On September 14 the remains of those who lost their lives were returned to the United States.

How the United States messed up?

Top U.S. commanders testified that the military were not prepared for attacks in Africa and the Middle East. The U.S. did not place any attack aircrafts of high alert, especially because September 11 commemorated the 9/11 attacks. The closest fighter planes to handle trouble in North Africa were located in Aviano, Italy.

President Obama and Hillary Clinton were suspected to have lied about the attacks in order to use the attack to gain political advantage. The attacks were claimed to be spontaneous protests caused because of the video. However, investigations show that the attacks were pre-meditated and increased security at the sites could have averted the attacks.

Read more at: http://thethrillsociety.com/benghazi-the-political-anarchy-caused-by-terrorism/

RR

The Thrilling Sport Of Ice Climbing

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Ice can be dangerous. If danger puts you in your element, then ice climbing is a sport that you would love. The risks are many but the rush of adrenaline as you scale ice and the joy of reaching the top make the risks worth it. Ice climbing branched out from mountaineering when people started taking bigger risks. Ice climbing wasn’t looked at as a sport before, it was mainly a discipline that was a part of mountaineering. If scaling ice sounds easy to you, I must warn you the devil is in the detail.

Image credit: “Eisklettern kl engstligenfall” by Bernhard – Own work.

History

Ice climbing traces its roots in the history of 19^th century European mountaineering. Ice climbing evolved when Laurent Grivel created a pair of crampons which had two protruding front points to it. With the help of these front points, you could carve yourself steps in the ice. This eliminated the need for chopping the steps by using other means. This made ascent quicker and easier. When ease combined the risks of ice climbing, it resulted in the desire to attempt more challenging routes.

The modern tools utilized in ice climbing came into existence during the 1960s. Yvon Chouinard and Charlet Moser are usually credited for the creation of the first short-shaft ice tool. The ice axes made ice climbing even easier and armed with shorter axes, and lighter tools, climbers began exploring world of frozen waters. This gave birth to the thrilling sport of ice-climbing.

Where To Ice Climb?

From frozen waterfalls to steep ribbons of ice and everything in between, ice-climbing can be done at any place where there is vertical ice. Your ice-climbing pursuits will vary depending on the type of ice you will be climbing. Ice is not the same everywhere.

The types of ice will vary and it will change the way you climb it. There is ice that is soft, rotten, serac, glacier rime, hoarfrost and firnspiegel. Additionally, ice can also be brittle, blue, black or plastic. You then have the type of ice which breaks like plates and those that fall off like a chandelier.

With so many options to consider, ice-climbing has garnered the interest of many people who have an eye for thrill. The extent of its popularity has introduced routes with artificial indoor ice in North America.

The best ice is found in the coldest corners of the world. Canada has some of the best ice-climbing routes hidden in the Rockies and in Quebec.

Route Ratings

The North American ice routes are currently graded between WI1 to WI8. WI is short for Water Ice. Beginners should consider WI3 to start their ice climbing journeys. WI4 makes things difficult as it approaches vertical and WI5 ups the difficulty level with extended sections of vertical ice.

As routes get tougher, you will find fewer chances to rest as you scale the ice. The routes become steeper and more technical. Tough routes also minimize your protection and you are more prone to accidents as the routes get difficult.

Gear you need

The two crucial equipments of ice climbing are ice tools and crampons. A helmet and warm clothing are also considered to be essential for the climber. A lot of other equipment like climbing harness, rope, belay device and slings are also utilized. You will find climbing gloves to be very helpful as well. Make sure you choose gloves that allow you to grip your tools with ease so that climbing does not get difficult for you. The tools you will be using for climbing are much shorter than the traditional ice axes. It is important that you set out with all the equipment to ensure safety while you climb. The equipment must also be checked for faults to ensure that you do not meet with any problems when you are halfway through.

Dangers of ice climbing

The sport of ice climbing requires a clear head and sound decision making. There are a lot of dangers when it comes to ice climbing. Some unpredictable ones are falling ice and avalanches. Another thing to worry about is the fact that a fall is not as simple as you hitting the ground, but with all the tools falling down with you, there is a possibility of greater injury which may be fatal.

Read more: http://thethrillsociety.com/the-thrilling-sport-of-ice-climbing/

Poetry of Pain – Hello Pain!

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The Journey—Step 1- Hello PAIN

Hauled in by my friends from the court, still sweaty, still in my uniform hair still tussled in a player’s ponytail; time really meant nothing. I guess I was admitted, I think maybe I signed forms, people talked to me…. I didn’t hear.

Eventually into a room.

Doctors and nurses moved all around me like little worker bees at a nest in summer. Coming and going from my hospital bed. Coming and going. Coming and going.
Some came in and looked at my legs, some came in with charts and x-rays, some came in and spoke… still I heard nothing. Some just came in and smiled like they knew something I didn’t, pity not quite well enough masked.

It was just a motion of blur.
I sat in the bed – staring at my foot.
Willing it to stop looking so hideous. Willing the pain to stop.

I had this thumping pain bounding around my ankle like the beat of some fast paced song.
Throb. Throb. Throb. Throb. Lightning bolt electronica, an endless  needle to bone.
I felt that if I stared hard enough I could stop it. I could will it to end.
In reality. I was kidding myself.
This was just the start.

Eventually I was discharged with several instructions on what to do and what not to do.
I was interacting at this point, not much, mostly nods and murmuring grunts, just so they would think I was listening. I didn’t say much.

Just stared at my foot as I teetered around on crutches.
Bandages upon dressing upon bandages adorned not only my ankle but half way up my leg.
Like a little marshmallow on a stick.

I can’t begin to describe the enormous amount of questions kicking around in my mind but I just couldn’t formulate a sentence. Reaching for a light switch in a black room. Pawing in the dark.

Off I went.

It was 2 a.m. by the time I eventually reached home.
I was a little dopey from exhaustion and the pain killers so I flopped myself into bed.
I lay there for a while, thump thump, thump, thump went the pain. The glitterball disco on full tilt.
Maybe it was the pills, maybe just exhaustion, probably just plain surrender but afterawhile it sorta became soothing, a mute tide out a coastal window far off, a felt drone. I eventually fell asleep.

read more: http://thethrillsociety.com/poetry-of-pain-hello-painl/

Ramblings Of A Traveler – SE Asia #2

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RAMBLINGS OF A SOUTHEAST (SE) ASIA TRAVELER: Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam

#2    ONCE THERE

1) Dos (Acceptable Behaviors of a USA Tourist in SE Asia)

BIG DO: You’ll want to spend some quality time in a hammock. If you happen to stay for an extended amount of time, and happen to have a deck on poles out over the water like say in Koh Lanta Old Town, Thailand, and you happen to have two hammocks strung between poles holding the roof of your deck up, you would be totally off yourrocker to not curl up and read the paperback book serial killer thriller, “Tiger Lily of Bangkok” by Owen Jones or “Siam Storm: A Thailand Adventure” by Robert A. Webster. Neither are great literary works, but both are entertaining, thrilling, page-turners, and easy to read. Point is: you don’t want heavy reading here. Another hammock experience you must have, and I only saw this in Vietnam along major highways is to go to a coffee shop. The coffee shops are open-air tent roofs or massive shade trees with little stations consisting of 1 of 2 plastic chairs, a small plastic table and a hammock. I was told by several good sources (tour guides) that you could order 1 Vietnam coffee and stay in the hammock all day. I noticed a lot of business/office types sleeping in the hammocks during working hours – I guess it’s all very therapeutic and productive.

HUGE BIG DO: Take some time to learn how to operate the “Butt Sprayer.” You should be pretty familiar with it as it is the very same as the dish/sink sprayer on your kitchen sink. It just works better on the butt. WOW! What an invention. Forget all the cooking classes and language classes they offer. Butt Sprayers are in most all bathrooms in all 3 countries I visited. The most valuable thing you can learn is the physiology, the functioning, and operation of this essential appliance. Not only is it fun, but also it will make you very comfortable, tingly and a little hygienic. You might want to carry it a little further and spray your entire body from the head to foot and everything in between several times aday. Reason: well you are already wet with sweat, so a good cool soaking with water feels really good for a couple minutes. Do not dry off – the heat will do that for you. While on the bathroom subject, it’s to your advantage to learn from a local person how to take a Thai shower. Okay, I’ll share: get a big, clay jug (at least 50 gallons or more). Set it outside during the rainy season. When it’s full of fresh, clean rainwater put a small lightweight bowl in the jug. Just let the bowl bob around. When you need to get clean or to cool off, you just grasp the small bowl filled with rainwater and dump on your head several times. Again, don’t dry off – drip dry saves on towels.

MAJOR HUGE DO: Visit Angkor Wat ruins in Seim Reap, Cambodia. Any tour book will go on and on about Angkor Wat, and I obviously can also, but I won’t. Just a word or two. Here’s how awesome it is – the days I went there it was 103F. in the shade not to mention the drenching humidity, but I didn’t even notice it. Some say Angkor Wat is the 7^th wonder of the world, but I will let you read or tour to determine that yourself. What I really want to warn you about (other than do not climb on the ruins) is DO NOT stay in the jungle too long. If you stay past closing time, a tree root might begin to grow around you. If that happens, you will not be able to escape, your loved ones will never hear from you again, and the Angkor Wat monkeys might eat something precious to you.

1) Don’ts (Dumb Ass Behaviors of a USA Tourist in SE Asia)

DO NOT mess with the water buffalo in Vietnam that includes climbing on them or telling them to get out of your way. Why Vietnam? Because, I really didn’t see any water buffalo in Thailand or Cambodia. Water buffalo are a major necessity in Vietnam, but mainly in the hill/mountain country of Sapa (northern most Vietnam and hugs the Chinese boarder).

Most farming in the rice paddies are done with water buffalo, but I did see a few rotor tillers out there. I asked some local folks about this, and they told me water buffalo was much more reliable and better equipped to till the mud. A water buffalo costs as much as a new scooter in Vietnam, which is 2, 3, or even 4 years salary, so basically water buffalo are treated with respect. They go in and out of people’s huts, have total run of the town and countryside, and eat before anybody else does. To get my point across, I saw several junked rotor tillers in garbage piles, but I did not see one dead water buffalo anywhere.

DO NOT buy souvenirs made in China. You are not in China on this travel blog.

It’s important that you have a handle on where you are at all times. If you are in Thailand – you buy, eat, wear, and point (you can always communicate by pointing). For instance, in all 3 countries, every menu I saw was written in a couple languages plus each dish had a picture that you could point to and never have to utter a word. It made for very large menus, but hey, you are on vacation – relax. Getting back to the subject: I can’t tell you how many times I have come home from some exotic place, opened my stinky travel bag to find a bunch of heavy, bulky, broken souvenirs made in countries I’ve never been to nor would I ever go. Buy local, like from this lady selling Indigo Scarves made from indigo plant & hemp she grows with her water buffalo.

DO NOT get your eyebrows or lips tattooed in Vietnam. Eyeliner is a great permanent makeup thing to do there, however. Okay, here’s the deal. I don’t speak the language. I don’t look like an SE Asian person. I don’t have jet-black hair. I don’t have a nice oval face or SE Asian-type bod for that matter. I barely wear makeup, and I definitely, do not have the adventurous mindset to do something like tattoos. So Why? I don’t know, but I realized immediately (while on the table under the little tattoo pen), I had made a tremendous mistake. Once you’re on the table, there is no turning back. Scary, Scary, Scary. So fast-forward to having the procedure complete, it doesn’t hurt at all (they use a lot of topical numbing stuff), and eyebrows, eyeliner, and lips take a total of 1.5hr. Got out of there looking like a cheap call girl they made retire with the blackest, thickest, most swollen eyebrows which were taking up half my forehead, not to mention the most disgusting hot pink huge lips you have ever seen. Eyeliner looked great, however. It was just a small, thin line that was barely noticeable. The worst was I had to face people, locals as well as tourists. You might ask how it all came out? Well, I am not inserting any pictures am I?

Read more at: http://thethrillsociety.com/ramblings-of-a-traveler-2/