Neighbors helping neighbors makes for strong communities :)

That was the text included on the bottom of the quarter-page flyer distributed to houses in the neighborhood ten days ago inviting people to attend and contribute items to a yardsale held yesterday. And it’s what motivated me to be involved in the event.

Why not get items no longer utilized into the hands of those who’d put them to better use? Seems like a win-win.

Since I’ve spent much of the past few years in a RV I already live pretty lean but I was still able to contribute some clothes. Friends rounded-out the yardsale offerings with books, CDs, DVDs, shoes, furniture, electronics, and other items.

In addition to informing those in the neighborhood about the event, it was posted to Craigslist. Passerbys also accounted for a sizable percentage of those who visited.

Though some of the items present had stickers affixed indication a price, many items had stickers that read “1 hug.” Instead of just being “free” – which might result in a “thank you” when parting, why not share the love? Underscore that personal connection? Break-down the silos that many erect?

One lady, who happened to be driving by with her husband picked up a couple of items and asked how much she owed. “You can take them for a hug!” I told her. That seemed to catch her off-guard, and though she initially told me “I can’t do that – I’m married!” Her husband, in the car idling feet away told her, “Give him a hug.” She did so and left with a smile. And she called me “dear.” :)

After the yardsale concluded clothes, blankets, pillows and shoes that weren’t claimed or bought were donated to the Hundred Nights Shelter (here’s their wish-list of items if you’re so-inclined). Tomorrow some other items will be brought to the Salvation Army.

Thanks to everyone who helped with the event – both in contributing items and time!

A couple of take-aways, should such an event be held in the future:

• hold the event in the AM (8am-noon)
• posts informational signs with arrows on a couple of nearby corners that incur higher vehicle traffic (i.e. Court St. & School St. as well as West St & School St.)

Thanks for reading. Yardsale Take-Aways is a post from Pete Eyre

While there I cut my teeth on video capturing and editing, as I recognized the potential that medium has to share ideas. I focused on issues that outlined the harms caused by big, invasive government, and pointed to next-steps of action or provided a thought-provoking take-away. Some of those videos were ripped onto DVDs and distributed to those in the Bureaucrash network.

I recently ran into a friend here in Keene, NH who still had a copy of the DVD, which was my impetus for creating the “Bureaucrash DVD” playlist:

I then decided to rip all videos I created when at Bureaucrash and create a second, longer playlist:

Thanks for reading. Playlists from my time at Bureaucrash is a post from Pete Eyre

I’ve never sought to be kidnapped and caged. Yet that’s happened five times not because I harmed person or property, but because I asked questions of those who operate as if they have extra rights.

The surest way to curtail such rampant unaccountability is not to hide or remain silent when you or a friend is harassed but to be vocal – to stand-up for your rights and point-out the claimed double-standards. Failure to do so for even the most trivial of transgressions only bestows upon such actions tacit consent and sets the stage for even more egregious actions.

Transparency is key.

The purpose of this post, which houses all information related to these less-than-ideal situations is three-fold: first, to help hold accountable those who initiated force; second, to serve as an example to others who too have been forced to engage in damage control when targeted by aggressors who purport to “serve and protect” in the hopes that lessons can be imparted; and third, to encourage critical thinking about the nature of “law enforcement” in the hope that a better alternative can not just be imagined but implemented.

Jones County, Mississippi – May 14th, 2009

meta-post “Jones County, MS“
documents “Jones County, MS“
playlist “Jones Co, Mississippi Arrest”

Greenfield, Massachusetts – July 1st, 2010

meta-post “The “State of MA” aka Todd M Dodge vs. Ademo & Pete Eyre”
documents “Greenfield, MA”
playlist “Greenfield, MA – Wiretapping”

Denver, Colorado – August 29th, 2010

meta-post “Arrested at Denver’s Invesco Field for Asking Questions”
documents “Denver, CO”
playlist “Arrest by Denver PD at Invesco Field”

Keene, New Hampshire – January 24th, 2011

meta-post “FREE PETE – Wearing a Hat is NOT a Crime”
documents “Keene, NH”
playlist “Keene NH Arrested for Wearing a Hat”

Manchester, New Hampshire – June 4th, 2011

meta-post “Manchester’s Chalking 8”
documents “Manchester, NH”
playlist: “Manchester Chalking 8“

Thanks for reading. Criminal Injustice System-related Content is a post from Pete Eyre

Artist: Bolt Thrower / Track: No Guts, No Glory

http://youtube.com/thecopblock
http://youtube.com/freekeene
http://youtube.com/rp4409
http://youtube.com/georgedonnelly
http://youtube.com/larkenrose
http://youtube.com/stormcloudsgathering

Thanks for reading. DIY: Fix a Leaky Hose-Washer Connection is a post from Pete Eyre

On Tuesday, April 24th I stopped by Keene State University to speak with Henry King, director of the Holocaust and Genocide Studies department. My visit was unannounced – motivated by my interest to share ideas that I thought overlooked by the program curriculum.

Despite the impromptu nature of my drop-in, King invited me to sit and for about ten minutes, we had a conversation. His colleague, department chair C. Paul Vincent, joined us about halfway through. It was a civil discussion but it was clear that we weren’t on the same page about some things – for example while I proffered that individuals have the same rights no matter where they’re born (and pointed-out that with that freedom comes personal responsibility – for more on this, check out the excellent 2-min video Chain of Obedience) King made mention of a “social covenant” that imparted rights as well as obligations.

Such an idea denotes that the individual is subservient to the majority. That doesn’t sync with me. After all groups don’t have rights, individuals have rights. A group of individuals doesn’t generate extra rights nor mitigate the rights of one individual.

Before we parted ways (King and Vincent were heading to lunch) I shared my contact information, we shook hands and said I’d be in touch via email.

For full disclosure, here’s the Holocaust and Genocide Studies overview:

The program in Holocaust and Genocide Studies is rooted in the conviction that the Holocaust was a cataclysmic episode in the course of Western history impacting culture, society, politics, ethics, science, and religion, and that there is no discipline in the academy un-touched by its shadow. In a world still tormented by mass murder and genocide, the program also rests on the moral imperative that learning from both the past and present may serve as a basis of hope for the future. The program combines historical background with an interdisciplinary exploration of both the Holocaust and other genocidal events through film, literature, philosophy, psychology, sociology, religious studies, women’s studies, and other offerings. With an understanding of such issues as prejudice, discrimination, and racism, students are equipped to analyze contemporary political situations, think critically about ethical responsibility, and respond actively to injustice.

While I have no doubt that those who major in Genocide Studies are more aware of Holocaust details than the average person on the street (mandatory classes review related literature and film and look at the incident from a sociological and philosophical angle), after my conversation with King and Vincent I still question whether students are ever exposed to the idea that government is at its core, based on violence.

To put it clearly: government is an association of individuals who claim the right to steal wealth from others within an arbitrary political boundary and who purport to have a “legitimate” right to use force to maintain their claimed monopoly of the provision of certain goods and services (which vary between governments – only underscoring its arbitrariness).

Let’s assume Genocide Studies departmental personnel and students all would vocally object to genocide. What then, is the best way to mitigate such events from occurring in the future? By continuing to look to self-proclaimed “leaders” for another one-size-fits-all “solution” or by being open-minded about other potential solutions and when necessary, shedding previously-held ideas for those that mesh with ones logic/conscience.

That’s why I stopped into Knight’s office – to have a conversation. I truly believe that were the idea of self-government broached in class, it would have positive, far-reaching, and sustaining implications aligned with the program’s mission.

One class, Comparative Genocide, lists as its purpose to “find essential similarities as well as differences, and to derive explanations for specific cases of genocide.” If those constructing the Genocide Studies program curriculum truly sought to impart on their students critical thinking why not introduce to them to a variety of ways to potentially mitigate such widespread, “legalized” slaughter? Why not start the argument where it begins?

Without the ready-made vehicle vehicle of government truly evil people (or good people responding to perverse incentives) wouldn’t have the ability to cause widespread destruction simply because they’d lack the financial resources and the blind allegiance. If theft or the initiation of force isn’t right for me or you to do then how can it become alright for someone else based on their place of employment? And why would any, totally uninvolved third party act as if they have the right to interject between the consensual actions others reach?

When the bad idea of double-standards isn’t questioned things like the Holocaust can happen. Also, by primarily focusing a single incident – the Holocaust – (admittedly horrific as it was) it may lead one to view it as an anomaly that couldn’t possibly happen again.

As already eluded to, on Wednesday April 25th I sent an email to King, Vincent, and Jim Waller (a colleague I was told touched-on some topics somewhat related to the points I brought-up):

Mr. Knight and Vincent,

I hope you’re doing well. I was the guy who stopped by your department yesterday before you two left for lunch.

I wanted to follow-up both to thank you two for your time and to inquire if either of of you, or perhaps Mr. Waller (whom I Cced on this email, per comments made yesterday) have the interest to meet to continue our conversation? Perhaps over coffee or a bite at the union or at somewhere on Main St.?

Again, the rationale for me reaching-out and having interest in sitting-down as proposed is to share ideas.

I’m not currently a KSC student, just someone from the community who has an interest in living in a more peaceful, prosperous world. Assuming we all agree that genocide is not a good thing, the question then becomes how it can best be mitigated. I’d advocate that it’s not through a top-down solution but by focusing on individual actions.

My review of Holocaust and Genocide Studies course listings has led me to conclude that such a perspective is not given adequate attention. I realize that such a statement is subjective so I welcome your feedback and ideally, an opportunity to continue our dialogue. Ideally individuals allow themselves to be presented with a lot of different views, so they can think critically and decide what resonates for themselves.

My schedule is pretty flexible so if you do have the time and interest to chat further let me know when you have time.

Take care,

-Pete

P.S. Here’s the Wiki link to “demoide,” which I mentioned yesterday: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democide

I personally prefer not to use such terms as “government” or “state” as it only reinforces the legitimacy of that institution (which, since it is an artificial monopoly, is rife with perverse incentives) and reinforces the double standards some claim exist based on place of employment (which then allow phrases like “under color of law” or “color of law” or justifications like “I’m just doing my job” to act as excuses for the initiation of violence). In reality, “government” is just an association of individuals, who, like me or you, are responsible for their actions. A piece of paper or uniform doesn’t make an unjust action just. The more that idea is internalized the less acceptable institutionalized violence becomes and thus the less-likely it will occur.

Later that night I received a reply from Knight, and though I won’t share it here out of respect for his privacy, he essentially noted that the program curriculum listed online wasn’t exhaustive to everything communicated in classes and that one of his goals is to equip students with tools they need to assist their own learning and life journey. He also noted that my contact information had been added to their announcements and encouraged me to join them at future functions.

I’ll definitely try to do that. It’ll be interesting to see how this on-going conversation unfolds.

Thanks for reading. Genocide Studies – Striking the Root is a post from Pete Eyre

If you don’t have the time or coin to join a gym you can still maintain or better your health by using items around – even just your own bodyweight. It’s nice too, to mix up your routine and to incorporate a variety of activities. Not only will it help strengthen stabilizer muscles (which sometimes aren’t recruited as much when in the gym since most lifts are done along a linear plane) but it’ll help ensure you don’t become bored with your workouts.

In this video I do some basic exercises using bodyweight and a couple of rocks. Start with whatever you’re comfortable. Focus first on form. It’ll establish a good foundation and be much safer. Results will soon become visible, acting as a sort of a built-in encouragement mechanism that’ll impart good qualities on other aspects of your life.

You own yourself. Be sure you make yourself a priority:)

For related posts, check out the content tagged with “exercise.”

Thanks for reading. Backyard Workout is a post from Pete Eyre

Click the picture to learn more about MARV and how you can bring him home through a raffle!

Thanks for reading. You think I’m sexy, huh? is a post from Pete Eyre

• 1/2 can of coconut milk (350-calories, 41-grams fat, 30-grams sat-fat, 8-grams carbs, 3-grams protein)
• scoop of whey protein (120-calories, 3-grams fat, 2-grams sat-fat, 4-grams carbs, 21-grams protein)
• 2TB hemp protein (60-calories, 14-grams fat, 12-grams sat-fat, 3-grams carbs, 1-gram protein)
  
• one egg (70-calories, 7-grams fat, 2-grams sat-fat, 0-grams carbs, 6-grams protein)
• chia seeds (60-calories, 5-grams fat, .5-grams sat-fat, 5-grams carbs, 3-grams protein)
  
• 2TB of natural peanut butter (190-calories, 16-grams fat, 2-grams sat-fat, 7-grams carbs, 8-grams protein)
  
• fistfull of kale (30-calories, .5-grams fat, 0-grams sat-fat, 6-grams carbs, 2-grams protein)-
• delicious & healthy shake = 880-calories, 77-grams fat, 49-grams sat.fat, 39-grams carbs, 44-grams protein

Note that the breakdown above doesn’t include vitamins, minerals or micro-nutrients. Also, that I sometimes exclude ingredients in lieu of others. And yes, there’s a lot of fat, but especially more-recently, I’ve come to conclude that I shouldn’t be as closed-minded when it comes to my diet.

Though I noted in a previous post the importance of carbs I’m more open-minded now to diets that vary from what’s purported to be the most-healthy. After discussions with friends who allocate more time to understanding food and how it interacts with our bodies at a cellular level and some research on my own, I’ve recently cut a lot of cereals from my diet, made a few other tweaks and am feeling pretty fit.

If I continually point-out the failure of a centralized monopoly providing other goods and services, why act as if the sheltered-from-competition and rent-seeking-influenced input is any different for diet?

It’s important to take care of yourself because when you feel better it positively impacts all other areas of your life. You are a good investment! Always question and seek to evolve.

If you have food/exercise feedback or suggestions for me I’m always looking to learn:)

Pete Eyre - March 30, 2012 - a few months after implementing diet changes

Thanks for reading. The State of My Shakes is a post from Pete Eyre

I sometimes ask people if they had an unlimited budget and a time machine what five bands they’d hire to play a show for them. Such a question helps me learn more about that person and responses gotten have caused me to check out bands that I may have overlooked. If one were to ask me the same question but constrain it to bands that play today, the first two I mentioned above would likely make the list.

Like a kid excited about a birthday months away, I’d long been eager to attend this show and I wasn’t disappointed.

View of stage from floor with my obviously subpar camera on my phone

“Now that is metal!” was the statement a random dude expressed to me when in the pit yesterday when Fleshgod was playing. Hell yeah. I had hoped to see them last August when in DC as part of the Summer Slaughter Tour, but I showed up a bit late and missed them. On a video interview I saw with the band recorded in their native Italy, vocalist Tommaso Riccardi noted that they write tracks as a classical composition and view each instrument – guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, vocals – as just another component (especially with their most-recent album). They’re all damn talented musicians and bring a good message. I encourage any metal fan, or anyone interested in classical music, to check them out.

The Black Dahlia was damn solid both musically and in their stage presence. In my opinion, they haven’t put out one bad track in their five albums. It was my second time seeing them and like before, their energy was infectious and had everyone moving. At one point a few in the band – all using wireless feeds – ran around the stage in their own circle pit. And, in clear contrast to Vincent Bennett of The Acacia Strain who between songs said things like he “hates and distrusts the whole human race,” singer Trevor Strnad communicated to the crowd that he appreciated them and their support.

Yes, metal is seen by some as angry but that’s not what it means for me. Why add to the negativism that some people allow to guide them? For full transparency though, a friend who’s a fellow metal fan told me that Bennett is chill in person. Who knows. I’d guess Bennett wouldn’t care about my opinion and that’s fine as he should act as he feels led and I do still appreciate his contribution to the deathcore scene from a musical perspective.

Molotov Solution was another band I was excited to see due to the heaviness of their music and to the message they proffer. For example, yesterday between songs lead singer Nick Arthur told the crowd “You are no one’s slave!” Back in 2008 I exchanged a couple of emails with their booking manager to see if they’d have interested in collaborating with the then-principled and now-defunct project I was at the time involved with (Bureaucrash). Though there was interest nothing at that time panned out. Still, I’m glad they’re out there adding to the library of good tunes and using music as a medium through which to share ideas.

All Shall Perish’s tight set and distinct sound proved why they played on the main stage near the end of the night. Still, like the other couple of times I’ve seen them, I took issue with some of their lyrics, such as the song Wage Slaves, which to me overlooks some core economic insight offered from the Austrian School. I plan to write the band a message sharing this perspective this and will post about it here on this blog when that happens.

Oceano was good, though the dude running the mixer didn’t realize how low were the vocals until halfway through their second song. Usually that wouldn’t be too big of a deal but because it was a festival most of the bands (save for the headliners) had 20-30min sets. Once that was corrected things were good. Also worth mention was Obey The Brave – a Montreal/Ottowa-based band founded by former Despised Icon vocalist Alex Erian that I look forward to giving more listen-time, and The Contortionist, a creative Indy-based band that combined heavy riffs with keyboards. I’d also hoped to see First Blood, which may be of interest to Hatebreed fans, but I was listening to another band on the main stage when they were playing the second stage. Another time!

The only negative of the show overall was the sound quality. It wasn’t terrible or even bad, but ok. True, it’s hard to replicate the crystal clear distinctness offered by a mastered recording played through a good system, but it seemed that some of the song intricacies and nuances of songs wasn’t as readily apparent. Perhaps some of that too was due to the rapid set changes (moving equipment, plugging-in, etc.), which, as the picture below shows, sometimes included over 15 people. That said, it was my first show to the Palladium so maybe that’s the norm due to the layout of the facility itself. Either way, much props to those behind the scenes who helped make the show happen.

Metal has long been a mainstay in my life and that will probably always be the case. I’ve not a stretch to say that it’s helped me be confident in my actions and comfortable being who I am even if that differs from everyone around me. For more, check out other posts tagged with “metal” from this blog.

View of stage from balcony

Thanks for reading. New England Metal Fest Delivers! is a post from Pete Eyre

On May 14th, 2009 Pete Eyre, Jason Talley & Ademo Freeman were unjustly arrested while passing through Jones County, Mississippi by James Atkins of the Jones County Sheriff’s Department. Their vehicle – a 30′ RV dubbed MARV – was searched without a warrant, Talley was maced, and Freeman’s camera was taken and footage of the incident deleted.

Eyre was charged with possession of a beer in a dry county (one unopened beer was found in the refrigerator), Talley was charged with resisting (since he choose not to produce ID on command, which, since he wasn’t driving, wasn’t required per a Supreme Court decision), and Freeman was charged with disorderly (for filming).

The vehicle stop was nothing but a fishing expedition due to individuals acting according to the perverse incentives and unaccountability inherent in the current law enforcement and larger criminal justice structure.

But it wasn’t all negative. The incident also showcased the supportive community of individuals willing to step-up and work for transparency. After being stopped on the side of the I-59, Talley snapped a picture of the scene via his phone, which he pushed to Twitter. While the MHD3 sat in the jail, hundreds called the jail and Allison Gibbs spearheaded a donation campaign for bail. That night the MHD3 were free(r).

In September 2009, despite flawless arguments proffered by their pro bono legal team, judge David Lyons found the MHD3 guilty. In late 2010 Eyre’s charge was thrown out, Talley chose to stay in New Hampshire rather than appear for more courtroom antics, and Freeman argued his innocence and got a hung jury. In early 2012 Eyre and Talley received checks from the Jones County Justice Court in the amount of their bail. And though a civil suit was filed, it petered out.

It’s said the wheels of justice turn slowly, especially for those who are innocent. That’s why it’s so important that each of us seeks accountability when we’re wronged and that we support others doing so.

• May 14th, 2009 – MHD3 arrested
• May 15, 2009 – Jones Country Sheriff’s Department Falsely Arrests MHD Crew
• May 17, 2009 – Thanks for springing the MHD3 from Jones County Jail (with Allison Gibbs)
• May 18, 2009 – The Grumbling Old Fart Addresses Jones County Sheriff Alex Hodge’s Statements
• May 18, 2009 – MHD on Freedom Watch
• May 21, 2009 – Thank-you Thursday: Special Jones County, Mississippi Edition
• June 08, 2009 – MARV Ransacked by Jones County Sheriff’s Department
• June 24th, 2009 – MHD3 plead NOT GUILTY (through legal team)
  
• July 09, 2009 – Jones County Here We Come!
• August 17, 2009 – Return to Jones County
• August 18, 2009 – Radley Balko on Mississippi Justice
• September 5, 2009 – MHD is Back in Jones County, MS
• September 6, 2009 – Our Second Day in Jones County
• September 7, 2009 – Day Three in Jones County
• September 8, 2009 – Day Four in Jones County with MHD
• September 9, 2009 – Day Five in Jones County
• September 10, 2009 – court for the MHD3
• September 10, 2009 – Thank You Thursday Jones County Edition
• September 10th, 2009 – MHD’s Legal Team
  
• September 10, 2009 – The MHD3 in Jones County Justice Court
• September 11, 2009 – Day 7, Our Last Day in Jones County
• September 12, 2009 – Jones County Resident Seeks Justice for his Son
• September 14, 2009 – MHD Lawyer, Tom Schornhorst, on our “very interesting day” in Jones County Court
• September 15, 2009 – Jil Wright on how she helped get the MHD 3 out of jail
• September 25, 2009 – Report: MHD3 Found Guilty by Jones County Judge David Lyons
• February 24, 2010 – MHD3 Files Intent-to-Sue For Jones County, MS Incident
• March 12th, 2010 – evidence supporting Eyre’s charged declared inadmissible
• March 12th, 2010 Charges Against Pete Eyre Dismissed
• October 8th, 2010 – Wrongly Arrested in 2009, LOT Set to Return to Jones County, MS
• October 11th, 2010 – Filmmakers Wrongly Arrested in 2009 to Return to Jones County
  
• October 13, 2010 To The Good People of Jones County, MS
• October 15th, 2010 Jones County meetup at Laruel BWW’s
• October 21, 2010 Our Week in Jones County
• November 25, 2010 – Motion to Dismiss Filed (via the N. MS Commentor)
• December 2nd, 2010 – Freeman goes pro se in court
• December 9th, 2010 - Hung Jury in Jones Co, MS for Filming Police Officers
• December 9th, 2010 – Charges Still Pending Against Adam Mueller After Hung Jury
• December 16, 2010 Freedom Watch (& Guest) Comment About CB.org Blogger’s Wrongful Arrests (starts at 5:20)
• January 9th, 2012 – Final Order for Eyre
• April 6th, 2012 – Ransom Money from MHD3 Incident Returned

Thanks for reading. Jones County, MS is a post from Pete Eyre