As taken from our local craigslist, author did not identify him/herself.
Quite humorous despite the sad truths, although I am glad we, as a whole, no longer think it's ok to whip our kids with belts and paddle them at school, although there are some adults I wouldn't mind seeing subjected to such objects...
SCHOOL 1957 vs. 2007
Scenario: Jack goes quail hunting before school, pulls into school parking lot with shotgun in gun rack.
1957 - Vice Principal comes over, looks at Jack's shotgun, goes to his car and gets his shotgun to show Jack.
2007 - School goes into lock down, FBI called, Jack hauled off to jail and never sees his truck or gun again. Counselors called in for traumatized students and teachers.
Scenario: Johnny and Mark get into a fistfight after school.
1957 - Crowd gathers. Mark wins. Johnny and Mark shake hands and end up buddies.
2007 - Police called, SWAT team arrives, arrests Johnny and Mark. Charge them with assault, both expelled even though Johnny started it.
Scenario: Jeffrey won't be still in class, disrupts other students.
1957 - Jeffrey sent to office and given a good paddling by the Principal. Returns to class, sits still and does not disrupt class again.
2007 - Jeffrey given huge doses of Ritalin. Becomes a zombie. Tested for ADD. School gets extra money from state because Jeffrey has a disability.
Scenario: Billy breaks a window in his neighbor's car and his Dad gives him a whipping with his belt.
1957 - Billy is more careful next time, grows up normal, goes to college, and becomes a successful businessman.
2007 - Billy's dad is arrested for child abuse. Billy removed to foster care and joins a gang. State psychologist tells Billy's sister that she remembers being abused herself and their dad goes to prison. Billy's mom has affair with psychologist.
Scenario: Mark gets a headache and takes some aspirin to school .
1957 - Mark shares aspirin with Principal out on the smoking dock.
2007 - Police called, Mark expelled from school for drug violations. Car searched for drugs and weapons.
Scenario: Pedro fails high school English.
1957 - Pedro goes to summer school, passes English, goes to college.
2007 - Pedro's cause is taken up by state. Newspaper articles appear nationally explaining that teaching English as a requirement for graduation is racist. ACLU files class action lawsuit against state school system and Pedro's English teacher. English banned from core curriculum. Pedro given diploma anyway but ends up mowing lawns for a living because he cannot speak English.
Scenario: Johnny takes apart leftover firecrackers from 4th of July, puts them in a model airplane paint bottle, blows up a red ant bed.
1957 - Ants die.
2007 - BATF, Homeland Security, FBI called. Johnny charged with domestic terrorism, FBI investigates parents, siblings removed from home, computers confiscated, Johnny's Dad goes on a terror watch list and is never allowed to fly again.
Scenario: Johnny falls while running during recess and scrapes his knee. He is found crying by his teacher, Mary. Mary hugs him to comfort him.
1957 - In a short time, Johnny feels better and goes on playing.
2007 - Mary is accused of being a sexual predator and loses her job. She faces 3 years in State Prison. Johnny undergoes 5 years of therapy.
11.23.2007
While 1/3 Of The Masses Are Participating In Black Friday...
This is what's going on around them.
Three trails full of toxic wonders, two of which you can see have spread out, shifting east. There is another one off to the west.
Too bad considering it is (was) an otherwise beautiful day with a spectacular clear-blue sky.
11.21.2007
The "Real" Thanksgiving ?
I had to post something after watching the local news last night and all of their "everything is just swell in mayberry, usa, here in our little community" sugar coating. Aired was a clip of local school children portraying the first thanksgiving. It's one thing when children believe this not- quite-accurate portrayal of history. It's another when this makes the local news and is broadcast without any historical corrections.
I admit to being a bit uneducated over the years as to the real history of the time. Or perhaps the truth is I was educated in the public education system and have just failed to find out the truth for myself. I've since learned a bit here and there, although like all history, things are open to interpretation given it is afterall human perception. The only people who really know the truth of what happened are the natives and the puritans. And yet even at that, the absolute Truth is (largely) a blend of both accounts.
Anyway, I googled "the real thanksgiving" and came up with a bunch of links, some with conflicting accounts. I thought I'd post a few and let you either form or alter your own opinion. Or perhaps it will stay the same.
http://www.danielnpaul.com/TheRealThanksgiving.html
http://www.manataka.org/page269.html
http://www.nativeweb.org/pages/legal/thanksgiving_nelte.html (this offers up the most detailed and referenced account, imho)
That being said, Happy Thanksgiving. Happy Holiday. Or Happy Thursday/regular day. Even though I find it sadly deplorable how we have treated the natives throughout history, I rarely pass up the opportunity to eat good food with others in celebration, fun and love and to offer gratitude. Regardless of how I am feeling on that day, I always sense the energy of peace of the day as the masses put aside the daily grind and gather together to enjoy. As a child, and even today, I often asked/ask myself and others, "why don't we do this every day?"
And then again there's the sadness I feel from those who are alone without wanting to be. That's a story for another day....
I admit to being a bit uneducated over the years as to the real history of the time. Or perhaps the truth is I was educated in the public education system and have just failed to find out the truth for myself. I've since learned a bit here and there, although like all history, things are open to interpretation given it is afterall human perception. The only people who really know the truth of what happened are the natives and the puritans. And yet even at that, the absolute Truth is (largely) a blend of both accounts.
Anyway, I googled "the real thanksgiving" and came up with a bunch of links, some with conflicting accounts. I thought I'd post a few and let you either form or alter your own opinion. Or perhaps it will stay the same.
http://www.danielnpaul.com/TheRealThanksgiving.html
http://www.manataka.org/page269.html
http://www.nativeweb.org/pages/legal/thanksgiving_nelte.html (this offers up the most detailed and referenced account, imho)
That being said, Happy Thanksgiving. Happy Holiday. Or Happy Thursday/regular day. Even though I find it sadly deplorable how we have treated the natives throughout history, I rarely pass up the opportunity to eat good food with others in celebration, fun and love and to offer gratitude. Regardless of how I am feeling on that day, I always sense the energy of peace of the day as the masses put aside the daily grind and gather together to enjoy. As a child, and even today, I often asked/ask myself and others, "why don't we do this every day?"
And then again there's the sadness I feel from those who are alone without wanting to be. That's a story for another day....
PBS Says Low Wage Jobs Are Growing And Are Here To Stay
You know PBS has sold its soul to Corporate AmeriKa when it airs a piece about low wage jobs growing in numbers (more than any other sector) and not discuss why this goes against everything AmeriCa (is supposed to) stands for: justice, fairness, compassion, cooperation, freedom. Yep, even PBS has the opinion that this is just "business as usual." In a nutshell, PBS is saying "poverty is simply part of american culture."
Of course they try and sell us this crap with a pretty little package of smiling workers who are given the benefit of a flexible schedule. Apparently some of these low-wage job providing employers are now giving workers more flexibility in their work schedule. The smiling workers were the ones working from home, however. When they gave us a glimpse of a garment making factory, I didn't see one smile. I just saw a lot of slaves making minimum wage sewing dresses that will turn around and net several hundred if not thousands of dollars and end up in some elitists closet whilst making large corporate retailers even wealthier.
Sorry, PBS. You've finally lost me. For good this time.
Of course they try and sell us this crap with a pretty little package of smiling workers who are given the benefit of a flexible schedule. Apparently some of these low-wage job providing employers are now giving workers more flexibility in their work schedule. The smiling workers were the ones working from home, however. When they gave us a glimpse of a garment making factory, I didn't see one smile. I just saw a lot of slaves making minimum wage sewing dresses that will turn around and net several hundred if not thousands of dollars and end up in some elitists closet whilst making large corporate retailers even wealthier.
Sorry, PBS. You've finally lost me. For good this time.
11.20.2007
Funny Moment
Seinfeld fans will appreciate this...
I recently bought a balm. Excellent balm, I might add. Mr. Nina decided to try it out, without my permission. The following is the conversation that took place:
"Oh, uh, I thought I'd try it out, honey," sayeth Mr. N.
Sayeth I, talking very quickly and accusingly: "Why did you use the balm?? Did I tell you to use the balm? I didn't tell you to use the balm."
This will be one of those conversations we revisit over and over again, laughing more each time...
I recently bought a balm. Excellent balm, I might add. Mr. Nina decided to try it out, without my permission. The following is the conversation that took place:
"Oh, uh, I thought I'd try it out, honey," sayeth Mr. N.
Sayeth I, talking very quickly and accusingly: "Why did you use the balm?? Did I tell you to use the balm? I didn't tell you to use the balm."
This will be one of those conversations we revisit over and over again, laughing more each time...
U.S. Intelligence Official To The American People: You Need To Change Your Views on Privacy To Match The Government's
If privacy doesn't mean anonymity, what indeed does it then mean? Guess it's time to notify websters that we have a new definition.
What the fuck ever, I say... What the fuck ever... It's set to collapse anyway, our society. Like Rome. The day's coming. Who knows when. Even that is in all probability controlled. I don't really care all that much anymore either. I'm tired of being afraid. Tired of feeling weary. Cover your own ass and then be ready to help out those who weren't capable or willing to cover their own. That is what will indicate our survival as a species. That and a sense of adventure and a willingness to create something new that works for us all.
We had another power outage on our street yesterday. This time it came from one of the poles instead of the substation. Big explosion knocked out power to only a couple of homes. Ours was spared. That makes for about 7 non-weather-related outages in the past 3 years. Time to make a decision on a generator because we can't count on the power company or government to do the necessary repairs to keep these things going indefinitely.
What the fuck ever, I say... What the fuck ever... It's set to collapse anyway, our society. Like Rome. The day's coming. Who knows when. Even that is in all probability controlled. I don't really care all that much anymore either. I'm tired of being afraid. Tired of feeling weary. Cover your own ass and then be ready to help out those who weren't capable or willing to cover their own. That is what will indicate our survival as a species. That and a sense of adventure and a willingness to create something new that works for us all.
We had another power outage on our street yesterday. This time it came from one of the poles instead of the substation. Big explosion knocked out power to only a couple of homes. Ours was spared. That makes for about 7 non-weather-related outages in the past 3 years. Time to make a decision on a generator because we can't count on the power company or government to do the necessary repairs to keep these things going indefinitely.
11.19.2007
Employees: Think You're Safe From Being Monitored In The Bathroom? Think Again.
Yes, in today's world of employer rule and employee slavery, The Boss can set up video cameras in office bathrooms (yes, even in the stalls) and locker rooms, all without telling you, and in most states, this sort of practive isn't legislated, meaning for now it's legal. Many employees know from the moment you walk into your little workplace station (i.e. prison) and go about performing all of your workplace (and at times personal) duties while on the premises, The Boss can videotape you, listen in on your phone conversations, read your e-mail, even monitor your keystroke usage and other often bullshit means of invading your privacy. Most insanely legal. However, how many employees know they may be being monitored in such places where one naturally assumes he/she is in a private place, concerning themselves with private business of the most literal kind?
Employees who set out to legally challenge some of these privacy, er, "situations", are usually unsuccessful. Hell, most employees really have no workplace rights anymore. The Boss is pretty much free to do as he/she pleases. As Mr. Nina was told by a local employment lawyer years ago, after he and another co-worker from a previous employment situation were verbally and mentally abused for months by The Boss, "Unless it's a big class action lawsuit, we don't go after employers. And even then, the employees usually lose."
Think about this article the next time you decide to take a pee. The Boss may be watching.
I think it's time for We The Employees to say "Enough is Enough." Don't you?
Employees who set out to legally challenge some of these privacy, er, "situations", are usually unsuccessful. Hell, most employees really have no workplace rights anymore. The Boss is pretty much free to do as he/she pleases. As Mr. Nina was told by a local employment lawyer years ago, after he and another co-worker from a previous employment situation were verbally and mentally abused for months by The Boss, "Unless it's a big class action lawsuit, we don't go after employers. And even then, the employees usually lose."
Think about this article the next time you decide to take a pee. The Boss may be watching.
I think it's time for We The Employees to say "Enough is Enough." Don't you?
11.18.2007
Judge To Parents: "Vaccinate Your Kid Or You Go To Jail"
Cheeze its fucking crisp. We saw this on the news last night and I could only watch in horror as I listened to a judge order a group of approximately 1600 parents to vaccinate their kids or else face jail time. The parents who opted to comply stood in line with their children as nurses waited with their needles, reading to poke the children with such vaccines as hepatitis b and chicken pox.
Read here for more.
Read here for more.
11.17.2007
Tasers Are Safe. Not Overused. Necessary. Safe. So Sayeth The Police...
The following links were lifted from my buddy piglipstick's blog.
Police taser woman in wheelchair. She dies after being zapped 10 times.
Police taser man while he's having a diabetic seizure. If that isn't bad enough, police claim they smelled alcohol on his breath. Test later reveals he had no trace of alcohol in his system. And if that isn't horrifically bad enough, instead of taking the man in for medical care, he was hauled off to jail.
Police taser 82 year old woman.
Police taser autistic boy. Note how the LA Times uses the word "subdue".
Police taser man sleeping on his couch, in his own home. Guy gets zapped while sleeping, then zapped again after he woke up.
Police taser each other during a volunteer taser demonstration. Officer seriously injured. Months later, still feeling the effects.
After reading these articles, I decided to google "police" and "taser" to see what else I could come up with. Such stories are, sadly and unfortunately, not lacking. Here are just a few of what I found.
Police taser 8 month pregnant woman.
Police taser man while tied to a hospital bed. This article has a large number of similar taser stories.
Police taser woman in wheelchair. She dies after being zapped 10 times.
Police taser man while he's having a diabetic seizure. If that isn't bad enough, police claim they smelled alcohol on his breath. Test later reveals he had no trace of alcohol in his system. And if that isn't horrifically bad enough, instead of taking the man in for medical care, he was hauled off to jail.
Police taser 82 year old woman.
Police taser autistic boy. Note how the LA Times uses the word "subdue".
Police taser man sleeping on his couch, in his own home. Guy gets zapped while sleeping, then zapped again after he woke up.
Police taser each other during a volunteer taser demonstration. Officer seriously injured. Months later, still feeling the effects.
After reading these articles, I decided to google "police" and "taser" to see what else I could come up with. Such stories are, sadly and unfortunately, not lacking. Here are just a few of what I found.
Police taser 8 month pregnant woman.
Police taser man while tied to a hospital bed. This article has a large number of similar taser stories.
105 Americans Killed By Tasers in First Quarter of 2005.
11.16.2007
Job Titles I'm Well-Suited For
I'm tired of reading the usual, run-of-the-mill job titles. I want to pick my own along with their corresponding job description. So, closing my eyes, gathering up all of the magic in the Universe around me, I wave my hands, open my eyes and suddenly see the following job descriptions in the paper:
1) Professional cheese eater. Must love cheese. Must be able to eat up to one pound of cheese per week without gaining weight or getting a tummy ache. Must love to sit on a comfy chair and sample bits of cheese. Must know how to write descriptive details of both the cheese and ones personal experience eating it. Pays $185/hour with full benefits. Flexible schedule. 27 hours a week.
2) Professional rant and raver. Must have a passion for those things that make us angry and those things that make us estatic. Must have a flair for and appreciation of drama. Excellent writing skills. Pays $200/hour with full benefits. Flexible schedule. 22 hours a week.
3) Sky Observer. Employee will spend up to 25 hours a week staring at the sky during the day and evening. A written follow-up description will follow. Pays $377/hour with full benefits, including alien abduction insurance. Employer not responsible for bird dropping stains on employees clothing.
4) Piano Player. Employee plays the piano, songs of his/her choosing, at select locations. Pays $1.5 million/month. No benefits, but we figure hey, at 1.5 million cool ones per month, the employee can provide that for her/himself.
5) Professional Blogger. Individual will write daily blogs about a variety of subjects. No subject is off limits. Blogger will use a code name to protect her/his privacy. Any name is fine except Nina. That one, we hear, is already taken. Pays $500/blog. Benefits include experiencing days of no hits, plus vision to deal with the computer bug-eye syndrome.
6) Certified Hugger. Employee will approach select individuals and offer them a hug. While the job doesn't pay, the rewards are priceless.
7) Practical Jokester. Individual will pull a variety of tricks on unsuspecting individuals. Pays $99/hour. A protective cup is provided for male employees.
8) Bullshit Detector. Employee will visit local private and public entities, schools, etc. and call people on their shit. Corporate CEO's and government offices are our speciality. Must have a strong stomach cause we gotta level with ya, you're gonna find a lot of shit as you travel down those rabbit holes. Payment is on a sliding scale, depending upon the bull, and varies between $185/hour on up to 200,000.
9) Professional Smiler. Individual stands on the street corner and smiles. That's it. Pays $100/hour. Must be willing to withstand a lot of inquisitive stares...
10) Puppy player. Employee plays with puppies, anywhere from 2-15 at a time. Payment depends upon the number of puppies and their size (and uh, sharpness of their teeth and claws too). $75-100/hour. Individual must have a lot of energy for this position and know how to speak dog.
1) Professional cheese eater. Must love cheese. Must be able to eat up to one pound of cheese per week without gaining weight or getting a tummy ache. Must love to sit on a comfy chair and sample bits of cheese. Must know how to write descriptive details of both the cheese and ones personal experience eating it. Pays $185/hour with full benefits. Flexible schedule. 27 hours a week.
2) Professional rant and raver. Must have a passion for those things that make us angry and those things that make us estatic. Must have a flair for and appreciation of drama. Excellent writing skills. Pays $200/hour with full benefits. Flexible schedule. 22 hours a week.
3) Sky Observer. Employee will spend up to 25 hours a week staring at the sky during the day and evening. A written follow-up description will follow. Pays $377/hour with full benefits, including alien abduction insurance. Employer not responsible for bird dropping stains on employees clothing.
4) Piano Player. Employee plays the piano, songs of his/her choosing, at select locations. Pays $1.5 million/month. No benefits, but we figure hey, at 1.5 million cool ones per month, the employee can provide that for her/himself.
5) Professional Blogger. Individual will write daily blogs about a variety of subjects. No subject is off limits. Blogger will use a code name to protect her/his privacy. Any name is fine except Nina. That one, we hear, is already taken. Pays $500/blog. Benefits include experiencing days of no hits, plus vision to deal with the computer bug-eye syndrome.
6) Certified Hugger. Employee will approach select individuals and offer them a hug. While the job doesn't pay, the rewards are priceless.
7) Practical Jokester. Individual will pull a variety of tricks on unsuspecting individuals. Pays $99/hour. A protective cup is provided for male employees.
8) Bullshit Detector. Employee will visit local private and public entities, schools, etc. and call people on their shit. Corporate CEO's and government offices are our speciality. Must have a strong stomach cause we gotta level with ya, you're gonna find a lot of shit as you travel down those rabbit holes. Payment is on a sliding scale, depending upon the bull, and varies between $185/hour on up to 200,000.
9) Professional Smiler. Individual stands on the street corner and smiles. That's it. Pays $100/hour. Must be willing to withstand a lot of inquisitive stares...
10) Puppy player. Employee plays with puppies, anywhere from 2-15 at a time. Payment depends upon the number of puppies and their size (and uh, sharpness of their teeth and claws too). $75-100/hour. Individual must have a lot of energy for this position and know how to speak dog.
Some Good News...And Some Good Eats
Well it seems all is not lost, in terms of my musical connection with What If Productions. I've been having numerous e-mail exchanges between the two partners and it turns out the audio director, the man who recorded me and has my material, bailed, leaving the cast and crew and co-owner/creative director of What If in a real bind. The Audio Director is refusing to honor our contract and has become, quite honestly, a flake in diapers. The Creative Director however is willing to help me in any way he can. He's doing what he can to get my material to me and he passed along the name of a mediator he knows to try and "encourage" the Audio Director to fulfill the contract by providing me with a song of my choice. I promptly called the mediator, who it turns out is actually a lobbyist. Egads. I said "so you're no more trained at mediation than I am" and he laughed and said "not really." However, he worked with the two guys during the dissolution of What If, and he offered to speak with the Audio Director. I took him up on his offer so we shall see...
In the interim, the Creative Director is still interested in collaborating with me, musically speaking, so all is not lost afterall.
In other news, I read in a publication out of the UK that we (the planet) are experiencing a "peak gold" situation. It seems as though the gold is running out. Miners are having to dig deeper to find the stash and are starting to come up empty-handed. Gold is now around $785 an ounce, down from around $825/oz last week. We may just invest in it afterall. For if indeed we are going to experience a peak gold situation, that will only drive up the price.
And now for some good eats. I'm one of those peanut butter, mac/cheese, beanie/weanie type of comfort-food eaters, not all together, mind you. I never outgrew those childhood favorites. I make a killer homemade mac and cheese. And I've found an awesome peanut butter at the local co-op store. I don't know the brand name, just the bulk bin item number: 3036. It comes in a huge plastic jug. It's the chunky variety and has no sugar or other crap to interfere with the peanut taste. Oh god, I love it!! In fact, as I type, it's sitting next to me. Today it's being slathered on apples, also purchased at the co-op.
In my search for mediation training, I came across a program, back in Vermont. Sounds like a very good program, the only drawback being the cost. $29,000. Yikes!! Don't know about that idea yet... I haven't found anyone here locally interested in studying mediation through an online course, work the program together. I'll keep trying...
Don't wanna talk about the job search. I should probably do some more when I sign off, but I'll probably go play video poker on our xbox. I did receive my first rejection letter today. Shit. Where's the kahlua...
On a side note, Mr. Nina saw Kip Schoning today, live and in person. He (Mr. S) visited Mr. Nina's place of employment. I became all animated, saying "wait, wait, don't tell me what he looks like. LET ME GUESS!" I love doing that--sometimes I'm right on. Other times, I'm way off. Today, I was as off as it comes. I have pictured Mr. Schoning as having very short hair, always wearing a white shirt, stiffened with a bunch of starch, dress slacks, tie, gold wrist watch, no rings other than perhaps a thin wedding band. Ha! The REAL Mr. S looks like, as Mr. Nina put it, a blast from the past grateful dead following hippie. He had long hair, held back in a ponytail, casual clothes, gold chains and gold rings (ring plural being the emphasis). Not suprising was his air of arrogance Mr. Nina said he had as well as the brand new 2008 Red BMW in which he drove. He was also really sweaty. Probably from having to haul around all of that cash...or run from angry tenants.
I wonder how many tenants he fucked over to pay for his car... Ya knows we's gots corruption right here in mayberry when the likes of a landlord such as him is allowed to continue doing business. Don't know why former tenants haven't pulled together and filed a class action suit. God knows I've had enough comments and e-mails from former tenants on my posts here and elsewhere about him. Mr. City Housing Authority guy summed it up when he said, about Mr. S, "The stories I could tell you..." Couldn't pump him for any further information.
Maybe next time I'll invite him over for mac and cheese and peanut butter on apples.
In the interim, the Creative Director is still interested in collaborating with me, musically speaking, so all is not lost afterall.
In other news, I read in a publication out of the UK that we (the planet) are experiencing a "peak gold" situation. It seems as though the gold is running out. Miners are having to dig deeper to find the stash and are starting to come up empty-handed. Gold is now around $785 an ounce, down from around $825/oz last week. We may just invest in it afterall. For if indeed we are going to experience a peak gold situation, that will only drive up the price.
And now for some good eats. I'm one of those peanut butter, mac/cheese, beanie/weanie type of comfort-food eaters, not all together, mind you. I never outgrew those childhood favorites. I make a killer homemade mac and cheese. And I've found an awesome peanut butter at the local co-op store. I don't know the brand name, just the bulk bin item number: 3036. It comes in a huge plastic jug. It's the chunky variety and has no sugar or other crap to interfere with the peanut taste. Oh god, I love it!! In fact, as I type, it's sitting next to me. Today it's being slathered on apples, also purchased at the co-op.
In my search for mediation training, I came across a program, back in Vermont. Sounds like a very good program, the only drawback being the cost. $29,000. Yikes!! Don't know about that idea yet... I haven't found anyone here locally interested in studying mediation through an online course, work the program together. I'll keep trying...
Don't wanna talk about the job search. I should probably do some more when I sign off, but I'll probably go play video poker on our xbox. I did receive my first rejection letter today. Shit. Where's the kahlua...
On a side note, Mr. Nina saw Kip Schoning today, live and in person. He (Mr. S) visited Mr. Nina's place of employment. I became all animated, saying "wait, wait, don't tell me what he looks like. LET ME GUESS!" I love doing that--sometimes I'm right on. Other times, I'm way off. Today, I was as off as it comes. I have pictured Mr. Schoning as having very short hair, always wearing a white shirt, stiffened with a bunch of starch, dress slacks, tie, gold wrist watch, no rings other than perhaps a thin wedding band. Ha! The REAL Mr. S looks like, as Mr. Nina put it, a blast from the past grateful dead following hippie. He had long hair, held back in a ponytail, casual clothes, gold chains and gold rings (ring plural being the emphasis). Not suprising was his air of arrogance Mr. Nina said he had as well as the brand new 2008 Red BMW in which he drove. He was also really sweaty. Probably from having to haul around all of that cash...or run from angry tenants.
I wonder how many tenants he fucked over to pay for his car... Ya knows we's gots corruption right here in mayberry when the likes of a landlord such as him is allowed to continue doing business. Don't know why former tenants haven't pulled together and filed a class action suit. God knows I've had enough comments and e-mails from former tenants on my posts here and elsewhere about him. Mr. City Housing Authority guy summed it up when he said, about Mr. S, "The stories I could tell you..." Couldn't pump him for any further information.
Maybe next time I'll invite him over for mac and cheese and peanut butter on apples.
11.14.2007
Singin' The UnEmployment Blues...
Ok, so I'm not really singing. More like spitting-mad, hand-wringing while thinking "what in the fuck am i gonna do?!" Available jobs in this area are really fucking slim-to-none. There are a lot of older folks, which means an abundance of CNA and Nurse positions. I'd love to work with these people in so long as I didn't have to see their body fluids. I quickly found out that this was a requirement for all positions, even those "residential aide" positions. I tried to convince some of these places to pay me just to sit with some of these folks, talk with them, take them to the dining room, etc. You know, provide company. Those positions, however, are unpaid. And until money stops being the tool used in transactions, I'm kind of forced to take a position that pays.
I've applied for a few positions at the University. Given I'm still technically an employee, I figured it may give me an edge, or at least put me ahead of non-employees.
Other than that, I can drive long-haul truck. Or weld. Or wash dishes, although nope, wait, I see where commercial dishwashing experience is required. Or I could always ring the santa bell for the next few weeks out in the cold.
Perhaps the time has come for the have-nots to start taking from the have's, because those of us in the have-not space are tired of the struggle of trying to get what is left of the pie known as the american dream. At least this person is.
Ooh, speaking of the Have's, anyone see the story about the gluttonous prick down in Atlanta, with that huge 12,000 square foot house, which he inhabits by himself I might add. Hear of the enormous amount of water he uses on a daily basis and how he is refusing to cut back, even though the entire City is just a few months away from running out of water. ?? This drought doesn't even come close to the last serious drought of the 1980's. The city is putting pressure on him, the residents are speaking out, but he's hiding in his mcmansion, refusing to cooperate, speaking only through his attorney.
If this isn't the epitomy of the sickening disease that is gluttony and greed in this culture, I don't know what is. This idea that "what I do doesn't effect you, and well, if it does, I don't care. This is MY home, MY land, MY life and I'll do as I please." Kind of like the opponents to our current Measure 49. Freedom is only freedom when what it is you are doing isn't interfering with the freedom of another (and of the environment). Freedom doesn't mean you get to do as you please without consequence. Well, unless you're a member of the government or corporate elite.
If our planet could sustain these lifestyles, sure, have at it. But obviously we are having serious resource depletion and shortage, right here in the states (something many people have been refusing to see for some time now) which means we ALL must conserve and scale down. Your money is only going to protect you for so long. When food and water are in short supply, survival instincts will kick in. When/if that time does come to pass, that wealth won't mean a damn thing. Hiding in your huge estate won't mean a thing either. Cooperation, compassion and respect will be what will save your ass.
Good advice for us all.
I've applied for a few positions at the University. Given I'm still technically an employee, I figured it may give me an edge, or at least put me ahead of non-employees.
Other than that, I can drive long-haul truck. Or weld. Or wash dishes, although nope, wait, I see where commercial dishwashing experience is required. Or I could always ring the santa bell for the next few weeks out in the cold.
Perhaps the time has come for the have-nots to start taking from the have's, because those of us in the have-not space are tired of the struggle of trying to get what is left of the pie known as the american dream. At least this person is.
Ooh, speaking of the Have's, anyone see the story about the gluttonous prick down in Atlanta, with that huge 12,000 square foot house, which he inhabits by himself I might add. Hear of the enormous amount of water he uses on a daily basis and how he is refusing to cut back, even though the entire City is just a few months away from running out of water. ?? This drought doesn't even come close to the last serious drought of the 1980's. The city is putting pressure on him, the residents are speaking out, but he's hiding in his mcmansion, refusing to cooperate, speaking only through his attorney.
If this isn't the epitomy of the sickening disease that is gluttony and greed in this culture, I don't know what is. This idea that "what I do doesn't effect you, and well, if it does, I don't care. This is MY home, MY land, MY life and I'll do as I please." Kind of like the opponents to our current Measure 49. Freedom is only freedom when what it is you are doing isn't interfering with the freedom of another (and of the environment). Freedom doesn't mean you get to do as you please without consequence. Well, unless you're a member of the government or corporate elite.
If our planet could sustain these lifestyles, sure, have at it. But obviously we are having serious resource depletion and shortage, right here in the states (something many people have been refusing to see for some time now) which means we ALL must conserve and scale down. Your money is only going to protect you for so long. When food and water are in short supply, survival instincts will kick in. When/if that time does come to pass, that wealth won't mean a damn thing. Hiding in your huge estate won't mean a thing either. Cooperation, compassion and respect will be what will save your ass.
Good advice for us all.
11.13.2007
An Exercise In Frustration...And In Knowledge
Mr. Nina and I are the market for a new bed. I began the search a few weeks ago and to date, have probably logged close to 40 hours of online research and phone calls. The last 3 days, I've probably put in 1/3 of that time. My neck is really hurting me and I NEED A MASSAGE! Or at the very least, a truly comfortable bed.
We're on our third bed in 7 years, are desperately ready for a keeper, and are equally hesitant to make another purchase. Call it bed-buying-phobia disorder.
I've already posted about my experience with The Sleep Center here in Corvallis. Nightmare experience with them (two mattress sets), so we most definitely ruled out shopping with them right away. We ruled out the usual coil-spring mattresses. Never had a good experience with any of them. Not a real fan of air beds. I've had two waterbeds in my life (one bladder, one tube) and they're not supportive enough. This has left us with latex or foam/memory foam bed sets. I soon learned Latex is too expensive for our budget. I kind of stumbled onto an online site (by "accident") that sells a bed that has memory foam on top and latex foam for support. Or to be precise, 4" of 5.3 lb. density of visco elastic foam, 4" of high quality latex foam from Belgium plus 2.5" of orthopaedic foam, all enclosed in a bamboo pillow top. As of today, that is our choice. We will be testing out a tempur-pedic or sealy (or one of those "s" brands, I get them confused) memory foam mattress tomorrow to determine whether memory foam will be to our liking.
Research, research, research... Tempur-pedic is very expensive. After much research, I found out (obviously) there are comparable companies out there, selling top-of-the-line memory foam mattress sets. The company we finally narrowed it down to, Bragada, only sells direct to the customer, which means we will not find their products in any of the local retail stores. I'm ok with that, but it also means buying sight-unseen.
One thing I learned, opinions are like tongues. Everyone has one. I've spoken with people in the foam industry and have received a variety of opinions, many of them conflicting. I've read countless opinions and reviews. With memory foam, people seem to either love it or hate it. There is very little middle ground, which is frustrating for a shopper.
I've learned about things such as density, the types of foam, IDL, or Indentation Load Deflection and it's corresponding 10-16 rating, the higher the number the higher the foam density, the types of latex, and how memory foam was developed. (Yes, NASA engineers were the first to design this product, however, unlike what Tempur-Pedic wants you to believe, NASA does not endorse any memory foam product. And Tempur-Pedic doesn't have the patent on 5.3 lb. visco elastic memory foam either. I found out the reason why their products are more expensive is because they import their foam from Sweden and they pay a ton in advertising/marketing. And hey, let's face it, many people will pay more for a recognizable label, too.) And it's important to make sure you stay away from ANY company that imports foam from China. This isn't meant to be taken as a joke meaning, no, there is no lead in their foam. But their foams often have very noxious chemicals that are banned in the states.
I've also learned a lot about warranties. There is a lot of "lifetime" warranties out there, all of them pro-rated. One company won't honor the warranty if there isn't proper support for the mattress. What's proper? Who defines that?
Let me tell you, when I contacted Bragada customer service, I had a ton of questions. The young man I spoke with was very patient, very informative. It was actually he who advised us to go lie on a tempur-pedic or similar memory foam bed for at least 15 minutes and see how we liked it before ordering. How is that for honesty? I appreciated that, given the fact that there's a chance we may just love the bed we lay on and buy it.
So as of this moment, my head is spinning and I must say, put a fork in me. I am (oh so hopefully) done shopping for a mattress. I'm putting faith into the idea that we'll both enjoy the experience of lying on a memory foam mattress and will thus rush home (or stay at the store), place the order, and await delivery.
We're on our third bed in 7 years, are desperately ready for a keeper, and are equally hesitant to make another purchase. Call it bed-buying-phobia disorder.
I've already posted about my experience with The Sleep Center here in Corvallis. Nightmare experience with them (two mattress sets), so we most definitely ruled out shopping with them right away. We ruled out the usual coil-spring mattresses. Never had a good experience with any of them. Not a real fan of air beds. I've had two waterbeds in my life (one bladder, one tube) and they're not supportive enough. This has left us with latex or foam/memory foam bed sets. I soon learned Latex is too expensive for our budget. I kind of stumbled onto an online site (by "accident") that sells a bed that has memory foam on top and latex foam for support. Or to be precise, 4" of 5.3 lb. density of visco elastic foam, 4" of high quality latex foam from Belgium plus 2.5" of orthopaedic foam, all enclosed in a bamboo pillow top. As of today, that is our choice. We will be testing out a tempur-pedic or sealy (or one of those "s" brands, I get them confused) memory foam mattress tomorrow to determine whether memory foam will be to our liking.
Research, research, research... Tempur-pedic is very expensive. After much research, I found out (obviously) there are comparable companies out there, selling top-of-the-line memory foam mattress sets. The company we finally narrowed it down to, Bragada, only sells direct to the customer, which means we will not find their products in any of the local retail stores. I'm ok with that, but it also means buying sight-unseen.
One thing I learned, opinions are like tongues. Everyone has one. I've spoken with people in the foam industry and have received a variety of opinions, many of them conflicting. I've read countless opinions and reviews. With memory foam, people seem to either love it or hate it. There is very little middle ground, which is frustrating for a shopper.
I've learned about things such as density, the types of foam, IDL, or Indentation Load Deflection and it's corresponding 10-16 rating, the higher the number the higher the foam density, the types of latex, and how memory foam was developed. (Yes, NASA engineers were the first to design this product, however, unlike what Tempur-Pedic wants you to believe, NASA does not endorse any memory foam product. And Tempur-Pedic doesn't have the patent on 5.3 lb. visco elastic memory foam either. I found out the reason why their products are more expensive is because they import their foam from Sweden and they pay a ton in advertising/marketing. And hey, let's face it, many people will pay more for a recognizable label, too.) And it's important to make sure you stay away from ANY company that imports foam from China. This isn't meant to be taken as a joke meaning, no, there is no lead in their foam. But their foams often have very noxious chemicals that are banned in the states.
I've also learned a lot about warranties. There is a lot of "lifetime" warranties out there, all of them pro-rated. One company won't honor the warranty if there isn't proper support for the mattress. What's proper? Who defines that?
Let me tell you, when I contacted Bragada customer service, I had a ton of questions. The young man I spoke with was very patient, very informative. It was actually he who advised us to go lie on a tempur-pedic or similar memory foam bed for at least 15 minutes and see how we liked it before ordering. How is that for honesty? I appreciated that, given the fact that there's a chance we may just love the bed we lay on and buy it.
So as of this moment, my head is spinning and I must say, put a fork in me. I am (oh so hopefully) done shopping for a mattress. I'm putting faith into the idea that we'll both enjoy the experience of lying on a memory foam mattress and will thus rush home (or stay at the store), place the order, and await delivery.
11.11.2007
MSM: Ron Paul MUST Be A Terrorist Supporter Nina: Maybe Not A Terrorist, But One Of Those Scary Pro-Life Types
Oh what funny spins the MSM puts on things. All of that spinning makes me dizzy. Let me the fuck off of this rollercoaster...
Ron Paul has been gaining in both campaign contributions, online hits and support. But being he's a (supposed) threat to the "how things are" supporters, well, the MSM has to come up with something quickly. Afterall, those Big Wig types don't want someone like Paul in office. Supposedly... Afterall, they may just have to, shock, pay more in taxes and, shock, support the ideals of freedom, liberty and justice, and shock, let the PEOPLE choose for themselves. Supposedly...
Ok, all of that being said, I cannot give my support to Ron Paul. Assuming I will vote that is... Overall, I like what he stands for, on paper that is. However, it is his Pro-Life stand that, well, I cannot stand. Ok, it isn't his belief system that bothers me. It is his desire and intention to create a Pro-Life America, whereby he wants to create legislation that states Life Begins At Conception. He also has helped create legislation that means an end to Roe V. Wade. An end of Federal Government's interference with the will of the States on this issue. States will be free to choose what is best for them. It's all right there on his website. This black-and-white thinking of his is frightening. He believes that a nation of liberty must value all life, including the life of the unborn. Must be Pr0-Life.
Need I mention how many ways the term Pro-Life can be construed?? And need I ask just exactly how he wishes to see this life-begins-at conception manifest?? And need I remind him we have way too many red necks in this nation who would use that, er, manifesto, to invoke violence?? Anyone else but me see the big danger red flags all over this one??
States being free to choose what is best for them. How dangerous is that? Sorry pro-life folks, until our culture evolves into a place where life is truly valued on the OUTSIDE of the womb, we need federal protection for women wishing to end their pregnancies. And besides that, no one has the right to tell or force a woman to carry a pregnancy to its end. None of us will EVER have that right. We can opine on this all we wish, but no one has the right to use such force against another human being, male or female. (And let's be honest here, if men could get pregnant today, abortion wouldn't be an issue. It would be safe and legal.)
Maybe the best thing is to leave government, state and federal, and the law out of it and leave it up to the doctors and patients. Could we have this as a nation? Not if Ron Paul were president and were to create and pass his desired pieces of legislation.
Funny it is to me, how he values freedom and privacy and choice and getting the government out of our personal lives, and yet he has plans to create LEGISLATION that could essentially see an elimination to safe, legal abortion (which he implies he wishes to see when he says in all of his years of practicing medicine, he NEVER once saw the need to medically terminate a pregnancy. Well good for him. There are indeed situations where medical abortions are necessary. And what about instances of rape or molestation?)
WTF?? Oh sure, we will just let the states decide as the Feds have no right to make this choice. Nice on paper, something perhaps I could be open to at least looking into, in so long as he leaves out the "Life Begins At Conception" federal piece of legislation, and all that could be implied from that. Makes no sense.
The precedent that something like this can set is dangerous. And I cannot begin to express the outrage I have towards folks such as him who will never know what it is like to be pregnant with an unwanted pregnancy. To be alone without support in such a situation. Or as worse or even worse, to be raped or molested and faced with the same situation. It is indeed a very dangerous, ugly and violent thing to do to force a woman to carry a pregnancy to term. Dangerous for the woman and for the growing life inside her. He wishes to see an end to abortion and yet offers up NOTHING to deal with those very real issues surrounding an unwanted pregnancy as I have described. His answer--make it more difficult to have an abortion. Remove the federal government and let the states decide. But meanwhile we'll have, as a nation, this banner that says "Life Begins At Conception". Sorry, but I see deception written all over this one...
And on a practical side, what does he plan on doing with those unwanted babies? Leave that up to the States as well? There aren't enough families to house them. Certainly, the State wouldn't have the funds. We already have a national problem of homeless youth and children in need of homes. What in the hell is he thinking? And Mr. Paul must know that the vast majority of these staunch pro-life folks only feign to care for the life inside, but once it's a full-fledged human being with real needs, that support goes out the window and focuses back onto the next pregnant woman and her "condition".
I listened to him on PBS one evening as he described his pro-life view. He's an OB/GYN and after delivering thousands of babies, he knew he could never, under any circumstance, support abortion.
Never? Not even if the woman was raped? Not even if it was a young teenage girl who had been molested? Not even if the pregnancy was threatening the woman's life?
Fine. If he ever returns to medicine, he doesn't have to perform abortions. That is his choice. Leave it as such. Leave the Feds out of it if he so desires. But then LEAVE IT AT THAT. Don't create legislation that supports his OPINION. The States could easily say "Federal Legislation states America is a Pro-Life nation and that Life Begins At Conception and we construe that to mean murder is murder. Taking of a life is murder. Abortion is therefore murder."
This nation would have a hay-day with something like this. A hay-day that would turn into violence and chaos.
In an ideal world, yes, birth control would be 100% effective. In an ideal world, yes, communities and families would always rally around a woman who finds herself pregnant and alone or otherwise feeling unsupported and frightened. In an ideal world, yes, there would be no rape, no molestation. And need I mention the fact that cultures have always practiced their own forms of abortion using medicinal herbs? Abortion is simply part of the human existance.
To help reduce the number of abortions, which I believe certainly can be achieved....until that ideal world has been realized, Mr. Paul and others like him need to keep their noses out of the personal lives and wombs of the American Female and instead, use that energy to help create an environment where life outside the womb is valued. For if life outside the womb were valued, we would indeed see the need for abortion drop dramatically.
As Mr. Nina and I were discussing, it wouldn't surprise us if Ron Paul is simply another front man for the PTB. Given how controlled things are, the one who is the most ignored is likely to be the one who is the biggest threat to the establishment. Kucinich fits that mold rather nicely now, doesn't he?
Ron Paul has been gaining in both campaign contributions, online hits and support. But being he's a (supposed) threat to the "how things are" supporters, well, the MSM has to come up with something quickly. Afterall, those Big Wig types don't want someone like Paul in office. Supposedly... Afterall, they may just have to, shock, pay more in taxes and, shock, support the ideals of freedom, liberty and justice, and shock, let the PEOPLE choose for themselves. Supposedly...
Ok, all of that being said, I cannot give my support to Ron Paul. Assuming I will vote that is... Overall, I like what he stands for, on paper that is. However, it is his Pro-Life stand that, well, I cannot stand. Ok, it isn't his belief system that bothers me. It is his desire and intention to create a Pro-Life America, whereby he wants to create legislation that states Life Begins At Conception. He also has helped create legislation that means an end to Roe V. Wade. An end of Federal Government's interference with the will of the States on this issue. States will be free to choose what is best for them. It's all right there on his website. This black-and-white thinking of his is frightening. He believes that a nation of liberty must value all life, including the life of the unborn. Must be Pr0-Life.
Need I mention how many ways the term Pro-Life can be construed?? And need I ask just exactly how he wishes to see this life-begins-at conception manifest?? And need I remind him we have way too many red necks in this nation who would use that, er, manifesto, to invoke violence?? Anyone else but me see the big danger red flags all over this one??
States being free to choose what is best for them. How dangerous is that? Sorry pro-life folks, until our culture evolves into a place where life is truly valued on the OUTSIDE of the womb, we need federal protection for women wishing to end their pregnancies. And besides that, no one has the right to tell or force a woman to carry a pregnancy to its end. None of us will EVER have that right. We can opine on this all we wish, but no one has the right to use such force against another human being, male or female. (And let's be honest here, if men could get pregnant today, abortion wouldn't be an issue. It would be safe and legal.)
Maybe the best thing is to leave government, state and federal, and the law out of it and leave it up to the doctors and patients. Could we have this as a nation? Not if Ron Paul were president and were to create and pass his desired pieces of legislation.
Funny it is to me, how he values freedom and privacy and choice and getting the government out of our personal lives, and yet he has plans to create LEGISLATION that could essentially see an elimination to safe, legal abortion (which he implies he wishes to see when he says in all of his years of practicing medicine, he NEVER once saw the need to medically terminate a pregnancy. Well good for him. There are indeed situations where medical abortions are necessary. And what about instances of rape or molestation?)
WTF?? Oh sure, we will just let the states decide as the Feds have no right to make this choice. Nice on paper, something perhaps I could be open to at least looking into, in so long as he leaves out the "Life Begins At Conception" federal piece of legislation, and all that could be implied from that. Makes no sense.
The precedent that something like this can set is dangerous. And I cannot begin to express the outrage I have towards folks such as him who will never know what it is like to be pregnant with an unwanted pregnancy. To be alone without support in such a situation. Or as worse or even worse, to be raped or molested and faced with the same situation. It is indeed a very dangerous, ugly and violent thing to do to force a woman to carry a pregnancy to term. Dangerous for the woman and for the growing life inside her. He wishes to see an end to abortion and yet offers up NOTHING to deal with those very real issues surrounding an unwanted pregnancy as I have described. His answer--make it more difficult to have an abortion. Remove the federal government and let the states decide. But meanwhile we'll have, as a nation, this banner that says "Life Begins At Conception". Sorry, but I see deception written all over this one...
And on a practical side, what does he plan on doing with those unwanted babies? Leave that up to the States as well? There aren't enough families to house them. Certainly, the State wouldn't have the funds. We already have a national problem of homeless youth and children in need of homes. What in the hell is he thinking? And Mr. Paul must know that the vast majority of these staunch pro-life folks only feign to care for the life inside, but once it's a full-fledged human being with real needs, that support goes out the window and focuses back onto the next pregnant woman and her "condition".
I listened to him on PBS one evening as he described his pro-life view. He's an OB/GYN and after delivering thousands of babies, he knew he could never, under any circumstance, support abortion.
Never? Not even if the woman was raped? Not even if it was a young teenage girl who had been molested? Not even if the pregnancy was threatening the woman's life?
Fine. If he ever returns to medicine, he doesn't have to perform abortions. That is his choice. Leave it as such. Leave the Feds out of it if he so desires. But then LEAVE IT AT THAT. Don't create legislation that supports his OPINION. The States could easily say "Federal Legislation states America is a Pro-Life nation and that Life Begins At Conception and we construe that to mean murder is murder. Taking of a life is murder. Abortion is therefore murder."
This nation would have a hay-day with something like this. A hay-day that would turn into violence and chaos.
In an ideal world, yes, birth control would be 100% effective. In an ideal world, yes, communities and families would always rally around a woman who finds herself pregnant and alone or otherwise feeling unsupported and frightened. In an ideal world, yes, there would be no rape, no molestation. And need I mention the fact that cultures have always practiced their own forms of abortion using medicinal herbs? Abortion is simply part of the human existance.
To help reduce the number of abortions, which I believe certainly can be achieved....until that ideal world has been realized, Mr. Paul and others like him need to keep their noses out of the personal lives and wombs of the American Female and instead, use that energy to help create an environment where life outside the womb is valued. For if life outside the womb were valued, we would indeed see the need for abortion drop dramatically.
As Mr. Nina and I were discussing, it wouldn't surprise us if Ron Paul is simply another front man for the PTB. Given how controlled things are, the one who is the most ignored is likely to be the one who is the biggest threat to the establishment. Kucinich fits that mold rather nicely now, doesn't he?
11.10.2007
It's The Economy, Stupid
We all remember that phrase. It's easy to blame the economy, a rather elusive concept, instead of focusing on the real criminals: the government and the elitists who tell the government what to do, who dictate the policies that create and control the economy.
There is a lot of hysteria going around these days about the economy. The sub-prime mortgage crisis, bankruptcy, debt. All very real issues indeed. And yet, how many of us stop and wonder how controlled our economy really is and, most importantly, whose needs is it serving?
Clue: It isn't the typical, work-for-a-living American. We've been taught (brainwashed) into believing and thinking the economy is serving our needs. If this were the case, living-wage jobs that actually stay in the states, affordable housing and health care and all of our other basic needs would be provided. We all know these basic needs are diminishing for us as a whole. And lest we not forget a big part of our economy--our nations infrastructure, which as I posted a few months ago, was given a "D" grade across the board by the nations top Civil Engineer Organization. Can't really have much of an economy when our roads, highways, bridges, water supply and energy sources are in dire and I mean dire need of repairs and upgrading. And yet, interestingly enough, Congress routinely fails to create and pass the necessary legislation (meaning MONEY) to take care of said repairs.
The economy works for the people, belongs to the people... Uh huh...
It may just be one of the biggest lies told to a populace.
There is a lot of hysteria going around these days about the economy. The sub-prime mortgage crisis, bankruptcy, debt. All very real issues indeed. And yet, how many of us stop and wonder how controlled our economy really is and, most importantly, whose needs is it serving?
Clue: It isn't the typical, work-for-a-living American. We've been taught (brainwashed) into believing and thinking the economy is serving our needs. If this were the case, living-wage jobs that actually stay in the states, affordable housing and health care and all of our other basic needs would be provided. We all know these basic needs are diminishing for us as a whole. And lest we not forget a big part of our economy--our nations infrastructure, which as I posted a few months ago, was given a "D" grade across the board by the nations top Civil Engineer Organization. Can't really have much of an economy when our roads, highways, bridges, water supply and energy sources are in dire and I mean dire need of repairs and upgrading. And yet, interestingly enough, Congress routinely fails to create and pass the necessary legislation (meaning MONEY) to take care of said repairs.
The economy works for the people, belongs to the people... Uh huh...
It may just be one of the biggest lies told to a populace.
11.09.2007
Expectations
I can't recall where I read this thing on expectations. One of the local blogs. The blogger was commenting on their state of depression and distress over world events and personal life issues. Maybe, they pondered, they were expecting too much.
My gut reaction was "no, no no no nooooooo", as in "no, don't go there. Don't do that to yourself! Don't deny what you want and need!"
All too often, since I was a young girl, I have been told or it has been implied that I expect too much. I've come to the conclusion that when people say that, it's because they simply do not wish to hear ones truth. They are happy living in their own world of denial (or maybe they're just really fatigued) and do not wish to be disturbed out of their current state of mind. Those who are in denial though are easy to spot--they NEVER want to hear what you have to say.
Those who have high expectations are typically the idealists. They can see the injustices around them. They can smell the corruption, the abuse, the lies. They know to the core of who they are that how things are is not ok. And yet even if how things are is being presented as ok, they know it's bullshit.
Those who have high expectations are usually highly sensitive. They are sensitive to the pain and suffering of others. It's as though they cannot be still or feel ok for any length of time until they feel change is in the midst, until they know fairness has won out over injustice, love has won out over fear.
So to whomever's blog I read about your concern that perhaps you expect too much, I say to you to embrace your expectations. Behind them are your personal truths. The voice of your Soul. Wear them proudly. Shout them to the world. Whisper them in your prayers. And when someone implies that maybe your expectations are "too much" or "too high", don't let that silence you. Don't let that stir up doubt. Let the individual know you disagree or quietly walk away. And remember that without expectation, things usually stay the same. Change happens when someone sees something needs to be different. It is out of this need that expectation arises. I say embrace it!
My gut reaction was "no, no no no nooooooo", as in "no, don't go there. Don't do that to yourself! Don't deny what you want and need!"
All too often, since I was a young girl, I have been told or it has been implied that I expect too much. I've come to the conclusion that when people say that, it's because they simply do not wish to hear ones truth. They are happy living in their own world of denial (or maybe they're just really fatigued) and do not wish to be disturbed out of their current state of mind. Those who are in denial though are easy to spot--they NEVER want to hear what you have to say.
Those who have high expectations are typically the idealists. They can see the injustices around them. They can smell the corruption, the abuse, the lies. They know to the core of who they are that how things are is not ok. And yet even if how things are is being presented as ok, they know it's bullshit.
Those who have high expectations are usually highly sensitive. They are sensitive to the pain and suffering of others. It's as though they cannot be still or feel ok for any length of time until they feel change is in the midst, until they know fairness has won out over injustice, love has won out over fear.
So to whomever's blog I read about your concern that perhaps you expect too much, I say to you to embrace your expectations. Behind them are your personal truths. The voice of your Soul. Wear them proudly. Shout them to the world. Whisper them in your prayers. And when someone implies that maybe your expectations are "too much" or "too high", don't let that silence you. Don't let that stir up doubt. Let the individual know you disagree or quietly walk away. And remember that without expectation, things usually stay the same. Change happens when someone sees something needs to be different. It is out of this need that expectation arises. I say embrace it!
Friday Thoughts
First of all, a warning to anyone anticipating going on Unemployment. Big Government, in it's wisdom to share their bedroom space with Corporate America, has decided to join forces with U.S. Bank and Visa and create the Reliacard (with the Visa logo). When you are approved for unemployment, you are automatically signed up. That's right, there is no choice. All of your personal information, including Social Security Number, is passed along to U.S. Bank. Instead of your unemployment checks being deposited into your checking account, instead of the standard issuance of a check-by-mail, your funds are deposited into your Reliacard account.
Now call me strange, call me over-reactive if you wish, but according to my ideas of privacy, if I want a Financial Institution knowing my private information, if I wish to do business with said Financial Institution, I get to choose whether or not this relationship takes place.
And oh yes, did I mention there are fees issued by U.S. Bank after you complete more than 2 cash transactions per month? $3.00 fee to be exact. So let me get this straight. I receive 4 checks per month. And U.S. Bank gets some of that state-issued unemployment money if you engage in more than 2 cash transactions per month.
Now call me a conspiracy nut, but doesn't this smell really fucking fishy? Profiting off of people's UNEMPLOYMENT FUNDS? Do these people have no soul, no conscience? Oh that's right, that answer would be no...
Of course, you can always do what I did--sign up for automatic deposit, whereby your funds cease being deposited into the Reliacard, the card thereby, supposedly, becoming invalid to use. Closed account? That's a different story. A fuzzy story. According to U.S. Bank Customer Service, they can only open up the card. They are not authorized to close it. The State Employment Office must do that. However, when I called my local Employment Dept. Offices, I was told to call the 800 number on the back of the card to close it. When I informed the woman that U.S. Bank says they cannot close the account, only the employment dept. can do that, I was told (paraphrased):
"Well, the card will become inactive now that you've signed up for automatic deposit into your checking account."
"Well yes, but an inactive account is not the same thing as a closed account," so sayeth I.
"No transactions will be taking place, ma'am. The account will be as good as closed," sayeth government worker.
'As good as' closed. Yes, that is about what I would expect from The System.
***
Speaking of the system, along the lines of a soul and a conscience, I've been doing some thinking. Or perhaps the real phrase is, I've been doing some listening. Listening to my inner voice. And it's been telling me some things that are hard to grasp, hard for my idealistic heart to wrap around. For a long while now I have been trying to come to terms with "how things are" and how to make a change. I want to believe Love in Action is what will do the trick, and yet there's a real darkness to this picture. Those who dictate, run, control the system don't understand the concepts of Love. Not that I'm a master at Love, but I know what's kind and respectful and fair. My conscience speaks to me. And I listen to it, even if it takes me some time. These people? They have no conscience. Some talk about these people being Reptilian, some alien species crossed with human DNA. That has sounded so far-out to me, but I'm starting to see the truth in their thinking. While they may not be Reptilian, they certainly exhibit the traits of the type of species that behaves without any feeling of remorse, without feeling love and all that love entails.
If that's the case, how in the world do you respond and work with these folks?
I don't think you can. I don't believe they will respond to anything of the soul and human heart. They are either lacking in these traits or they are so "far gone" in their beliefs and actions, away from anything resembling love and fair and kindness and respect, they are simply unreachable, at least while they reside on this planet.
I was thinking this morning that I am an abnormal person living in a normal world. And I rethought that. Perhaps I am more "normal" than I think and I'm simply fully awake. Add to that a high sensitivity level, and there you go. I feel abnormal given the System in which I reside. Maybe it's simply easier for many to live out amongst the masses and feel normal. I am not one of them. I never have been. And yet, some part of me feels if people would truly listen to their inner voices, truly truly listen, they would start to feel abnormal as well. Something would feel "off". They would know "things don't have to be this way..." In time, they would think "no, things are definitely fucked up. Love is what matters more than anything."
And yet here we have today a world where money rules, and in certain ways, can indeed buy you love. Or at least provide a necessary bridge. How so? Say you require regular massage or other forms of self-healing. Money is needed for such transactions. Say you don't have the funds to do this in the way you need. Say your insurance company doesn't pay for the services you truly need.
You're screwed, backed into a corner. You know what you need. Out of love for yourself, you wish to give yourself such things, but because of a lack of money, you are unable to. Or say, out of love for someone you care about who also lacks the necessary funds to do those things for him or herself, again out of self-love. Out of this love you have for this person, you wish to help but you yourself also lack the necessary funds.
Bottom line, if the money were there, these services, this love-in-action, could be provided.
The Beatles, it turns out, didn't exactly think this through. But how could they? When they wrote that song, they were swimming in wealth. And when you're in that position, when you're in ANY position where overall, you are able to afford basic expenses plus those little extras, you cannot understand what it is like to live differently. I saw this two times this week. The first time when I had my hair cut and my stylist and I were talking about money and work. Her jaw about dropped when I told her what my spouse makes and what I make, or made I should say. She really had no clue as to what today's wages are for so many of us. Just because you don't work in fast food does not mean you aren't making a poverty wage. The second occasion happened at the doctor's office. She was telling us all these things to do, to buy, to improve our health, assuming we had the luxury of an income along the lines as she did. When I told her what we could not afford, she looked confused. When I then cleared up her confusion by telling her what our income is, the confusion turned to a look of extreme discomfort. Almost embarassment.
Good. It's time for those who "have" to get a clue and stop assuming this is the 1950's.
Living is just painful. Really painful. And beautiful at the same time, but the pain, it's always there behind the smiles I give. For many reasons. And yet, I still (naively) believe Love Can Save The Day.
Now call me strange, call me over-reactive if you wish, but according to my ideas of privacy, if I want a Financial Institution knowing my private information, if I wish to do business with said Financial Institution, I get to choose whether or not this relationship takes place.
And oh yes, did I mention there are fees issued by U.S. Bank after you complete more than 2 cash transactions per month? $3.00 fee to be exact. So let me get this straight. I receive 4 checks per month. And U.S. Bank gets some of that state-issued unemployment money if you engage in more than 2 cash transactions per month.
Now call me a conspiracy nut, but doesn't this smell really fucking fishy? Profiting off of people's UNEMPLOYMENT FUNDS? Do these people have no soul, no conscience? Oh that's right, that answer would be no...
Of course, you can always do what I did--sign up for automatic deposit, whereby your funds cease being deposited into the Reliacard, the card thereby, supposedly, becoming invalid to use. Closed account? That's a different story. A fuzzy story. According to U.S. Bank Customer Service, they can only open up the card. They are not authorized to close it. The State Employment Office must do that. However, when I called my local Employment Dept. Offices, I was told to call the 800 number on the back of the card to close it. When I informed the woman that U.S. Bank says they cannot close the account, only the employment dept. can do that, I was told (paraphrased):
"Well, the card will become inactive now that you've signed up for automatic deposit into your checking account."
"Well yes, but an inactive account is not the same thing as a closed account," so sayeth I.
"No transactions will be taking place, ma'am. The account will be as good as closed," sayeth government worker.
'As good as' closed. Yes, that is about what I would expect from The System.
***
Speaking of the system, along the lines of a soul and a conscience, I've been doing some thinking. Or perhaps the real phrase is, I've been doing some listening. Listening to my inner voice. And it's been telling me some things that are hard to grasp, hard for my idealistic heart to wrap around. For a long while now I have been trying to come to terms with "how things are" and how to make a change. I want to believe Love in Action is what will do the trick, and yet there's a real darkness to this picture. Those who dictate, run, control the system don't understand the concepts of Love. Not that I'm a master at Love, but I know what's kind and respectful and fair. My conscience speaks to me. And I listen to it, even if it takes me some time. These people? They have no conscience. Some talk about these people being Reptilian, some alien species crossed with human DNA. That has sounded so far-out to me, but I'm starting to see the truth in their thinking. While they may not be Reptilian, they certainly exhibit the traits of the type of species that behaves without any feeling of remorse, without feeling love and all that love entails.
If that's the case, how in the world do you respond and work with these folks?
I don't think you can. I don't believe they will respond to anything of the soul and human heart. They are either lacking in these traits or they are so "far gone" in their beliefs and actions, away from anything resembling love and fair and kindness and respect, they are simply unreachable, at least while they reside on this planet.
I was thinking this morning that I am an abnormal person living in a normal world. And I rethought that. Perhaps I am more "normal" than I think and I'm simply fully awake. Add to that a high sensitivity level, and there you go. I feel abnormal given the System in which I reside. Maybe it's simply easier for many to live out amongst the masses and feel normal. I am not one of them. I never have been. And yet, some part of me feels if people would truly listen to their inner voices, truly truly listen, they would start to feel abnormal as well. Something would feel "off". They would know "things don't have to be this way..." In time, they would think "no, things are definitely fucked up. Love is what matters more than anything."
And yet here we have today a world where money rules, and in certain ways, can indeed buy you love. Or at least provide a necessary bridge. How so? Say you require regular massage or other forms of self-healing. Money is needed for such transactions. Say you don't have the funds to do this in the way you need. Say your insurance company doesn't pay for the services you truly need.
You're screwed, backed into a corner. You know what you need. Out of love for yourself, you wish to give yourself such things, but because of a lack of money, you are unable to. Or say, out of love for someone you care about who also lacks the necessary funds to do those things for him or herself, again out of self-love. Out of this love you have for this person, you wish to help but you yourself also lack the necessary funds.
Bottom line, if the money were there, these services, this love-in-action, could be provided.
The Beatles, it turns out, didn't exactly think this through. But how could they? When they wrote that song, they were swimming in wealth. And when you're in that position, when you're in ANY position where overall, you are able to afford basic expenses plus those little extras, you cannot understand what it is like to live differently. I saw this two times this week. The first time when I had my hair cut and my stylist and I were talking about money and work. Her jaw about dropped when I told her what my spouse makes and what I make, or made I should say. She really had no clue as to what today's wages are for so many of us. Just because you don't work in fast food does not mean you aren't making a poverty wage. The second occasion happened at the doctor's office. She was telling us all these things to do, to buy, to improve our health, assuming we had the luxury of an income along the lines as she did. When I told her what we could not afford, she looked confused. When I then cleared up her confusion by telling her what our income is, the confusion turned to a look of extreme discomfort. Almost embarassment.
Good. It's time for those who "have" to get a clue and stop assuming this is the 1950's.
Living is just painful. Really painful. And beautiful at the same time, but the pain, it's always there behind the smiles I give. For many reasons. And yet, I still (naively) believe Love Can Save The Day.
11.07.2007
Deep Thoughts
Any of you remember that spoof Al Franken used to do on Saturday Night Live, Deep Thoughts? That's the subject line that came to me as I thought about what to title this blog. Title's are difficult at times for me. They tend to interfere with the ramblings running through my mind. Maybe I just need to put in a capital X.
Anyway, the subject was sparked as I posted on tim's blog, about an experience I had last night. Instead of writing about the experience, I want to pass along some of the lyrics to the music I was listening to. Then you can post what they mean to you. Deep thoughts. Let's get those juices going and talk about something else other than poverty and corruption and war and economic demise.
Lenny Kravitz. I love his music. I especially love his lyrics. Psychadelic funk and rock infused with love. Here are some of the lyrics I have an affinity for. Tell me what comes to mind for you on one or two or all....
"I am you, and you are me. Why is that such a mystery."
"Cause being free's a state of mind. One day leave this all behind."
"I was born, long ago. I am the chosen I am the one."
"We must engage and rearrange, and turn this planet back to one."
Anyway, the subject was sparked as I posted on tim's blog, about an experience I had last night. Instead of writing about the experience, I want to pass along some of the lyrics to the music I was listening to. Then you can post what they mean to you. Deep thoughts. Let's get those juices going and talk about something else other than poverty and corruption and war and economic demise.
Lenny Kravitz. I love his music. I especially love his lyrics. Psychadelic funk and rock infused with love. Here are some of the lyrics I have an affinity for. Tell me what comes to mind for you on one or two or all....
"I am you, and you are me. Why is that such a mystery."
"Cause being free's a state of mind. One day leave this all behind."
"I was born, long ago. I am the chosen I am the one."
"We must engage and rearrange, and turn this planet back to one."
11.06.2007
Need A Contract Attorney
I'm looking for a contract attorney. I know I could look one up in the yellow pages myself, but I figured I'd come here first and see if anyone knows of such a person in Corvallis. Being I created a contract with the What If folks and being that contract has not been fulfilled (on their end) and being not one word has been said to me about it thus far and being I have lost my faith and trust in them, I've decided I should probably seek some legal council for my own protection.
Other news, got my hair cut. I have a kabillion pounds of hair on my head and this woman does an amazing job of thinning it out. When she was done sweeping up, I commented how the hair in the dust pan could supply another person with a head full of hair (yes, I have donated my hair in the past to organizations that help people with hair loss due to chemotherapy). I feel about 10 pounds lighter. Maybe it will allow me more freedom to calm my mind. I also applied for a couple of positions. Blah. Maybe if I close my eyes and think hard enough, I will open my eyes and rejoin the planet and will be able to pick up the paper and find a variety of "Composer Wanted" or "Creative Writer Wanted" ads. I swear on chocolate I have on-going moments where I believe I was born on either the wrong planet or the wrong time period.
I could sure use (another) vacation...
Other news, got my hair cut. I have a kabillion pounds of hair on my head and this woman does an amazing job of thinning it out. When she was done sweeping up, I commented how the hair in the dust pan could supply another person with a head full of hair (yes, I have donated my hair in the past to organizations that help people with hair loss due to chemotherapy). I feel about 10 pounds lighter. Maybe it will allow me more freedom to calm my mind. I also applied for a couple of positions. Blah. Maybe if I close my eyes and think hard enough, I will open my eyes and rejoin the planet and will be able to pick up the paper and find a variety of "Composer Wanted" or "Creative Writer Wanted" ads. I swear on chocolate I have on-going moments where I believe I was born on either the wrong planet or the wrong time period.
I could sure use (another) vacation...
11.05.2007
Dollar Continues To Spiral South
Gold is at $806/ounce, up $66 in two weeks. Meanwhile, the dollar continues on its slow, painful nosedive. Some advice I recently heard in terms of where to invest: "Read Cheney's portfolio." I wonder if that would be considered "public record."
I'm still kicking myself for not investing in Microsoft when they first went public...
I'm still kicking myself for not investing in Microsoft when they first went public...
How To Create A Mini Refrig.
Doing some research as of late on basic survival stuff, I came across this interesting site that details how to make a small refrigerator-like container. Called the Pot-in-Pot refrigerator, you simply need a couple of clay pots (one large, one small), sand, water, some cloth, a thermometer and something to plug the hole of the pot (if there is one). I'm curious to know what temperature was achieved.
Tennessee Town Has Run Out Of Water
The small town of Orme, TN has run out of water. For only 3 hours a day, residents are allowed to bathe, wash clothes and dishes and perform other activities dependent upon water consumption. The town has received a $377,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Utility crews are laying down a 2.5 mile pipe that will connect Orme to the Bridgeport, Alabama water supply. That's good news for Orme residents. However, as one Orme resident stated:
"I feel for the folks in Atlanta," he says, his gravelly voice barely rising above the sound of rushing water from the town's tank. "We can survive. We're 145 people. You've got 4.5 million people down there. What are they going to do? It's a scary thought."
"I feel for the folks in Atlanta," he says, his gravelly voice barely rising above the sound of rushing water from the town's tank. "We can survive. We're 145 people. You've got 4.5 million people down there. What are they going to do? It's a scary thought."
Given the extreme drought that has hit this part of the Southeast, it is indeed a scary thought.
11.02.2007
Employment Terms: The Real Definitions
Now that I'm back in the job market (something every ounce of my being is resisting, btw), I'm reading those lame-ass employment ads. When I think about it, they're really sales ads. Employers are trying to sell these job positions to potential applicants. Don't apply over there, apply with us! In the end, these positions are nothing more than lousy paying, boring positions, many of them so tedious and uninspiring, you can train a monkey to perform them. But nonetheless, these employers still do their best to sell themselves with an endless list of terms. Below is some of the terms they use and what they really mean.
1) Applicant must be energetic.
Truth: Must be under 30. Or live off of caffeine and no-doze.
2) Competitive wages.
Truth: $10/hour and under.
3) Professional office.
Truth: Uptight, always smiling folks who, well, all look and act alike but deep inside are yearning to rip off the pantyhose and white starchy shirts and ties and dive into yoga pants and birkenstocks and, well, see the following...
4) Drug and Alcohol testing.
Truth: It sucks so much to work here, most of our applicants need to be high or drunk much of the time, either here at work or after hours.
5) Benefits and Wages: Open to discussion.
Truth: If you want benefits, you will pay for most if not all of them. Willing to discuss wages up to $10-$12/hour. After that, forget it.
6) Must have Excellent Customer Service skills.
Truth: Must be willing to kiss ass and put up with a lot of demanding idiots for crappy pay.
7) Must be willing to work any and all shifts.
Truth: Must be willing to work any and all shifts. (No stretching of the truth with this one.)
8) Must know how to multi-task.
Truth: We know no one can multi-task on an on-going basis with great efficiency. But we still expect our workers to do that and we will ride your ass if you fail to perform like a robot.
9) Must be a team-player.
Truth: Gotta know when to suck it up and shut up, ignore your own truth, sell your soul perhaps, and go with whatever is expected from The Boss.
and lastly, my favorite...
10) Must have excellent communication skills.
Truth: Ok, this one is pretty silly since every one of us communicates in our own way and who can really determine what is excellent. It's all perception. We just include this, because, well, everyone else does. Not sure who started it. We're still looking into that... hint: If you can write and speak with understandable words at the fifth grade level, that's all that is really necessary to work here.
1) Applicant must be energetic.
Truth: Must be under 30. Or live off of caffeine and no-doze.
2) Competitive wages.
Truth: $10/hour and under.
3) Professional office.
Truth: Uptight, always smiling folks who, well, all look and act alike but deep inside are yearning to rip off the pantyhose and white starchy shirts and ties and dive into yoga pants and birkenstocks and, well, see the following...
4) Drug and Alcohol testing.
Truth: It sucks so much to work here, most of our applicants need to be high or drunk much of the time, either here at work or after hours.
5) Benefits and Wages: Open to discussion.
Truth: If you want benefits, you will pay for most if not all of them. Willing to discuss wages up to $10-$12/hour. After that, forget it.
6) Must have Excellent Customer Service skills.
Truth: Must be willing to kiss ass and put up with a lot of demanding idiots for crappy pay.
7) Must be willing to work any and all shifts.
Truth: Must be willing to work any and all shifts. (No stretching of the truth with this one.)
8) Must know how to multi-task.
Truth: We know no one can multi-task on an on-going basis with great efficiency. But we still expect our workers to do that and we will ride your ass if you fail to perform like a robot.
9) Must be a team-player.
Truth: Gotta know when to suck it up and shut up, ignore your own truth, sell your soul perhaps, and go with whatever is expected from The Boss.
and lastly, my favorite...
10) Must have excellent communication skills.
Truth: Ok, this one is pretty silly since every one of us communicates in our own way and who can really determine what is excellent. It's all perception. We just include this, because, well, everyone else does. Not sure who started it. We're still looking into that... hint: If you can write and speak with understandable words at the fifth grade level, that's all that is really necessary to work here.
10.31.2007
Very Upsetting, Very Disappointing News
What If Productions, the production company I have raved about, the company I hooked up with earlier in the year and made several recordings of my music, has dissolved. Very sad, disappointing news in and of itself. However, what has me pissed the farm fuck off and I mean P S S E D is the fact that these two men failed to inform me of this news. I had to e-mail the audio engineer to find out. His reason for not telling me himself at the onset? He had ASSUMED my spouse had heard, for you see, the other partner is a customer of my spouses, so he assumped Mr. Nina had been told of the news and had then passed it along to me.
WRONG. First of all, Mr. Nina is under no obligation to be the one to inform me of such news. That is THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. And even if Mr. Nina had been told of this news, good lord, don't they see that to make themselves LOOK GOOD this news should still be coming DIRECTLY FROM THEM?! Without any prodding from me as well??!!
I would say the business didn't fail--THEY failed. They failed because they are flakes. They failed because this didn't mean as much as them as it should have. Hell, honestly, a couple of times I felt I had more enthusiasm than did they. Certainly more enthusiasm than the audio engineer.
I don't know what to make of any of this, or for my (professional) life for that matter at this point. Having recently lost my job, my intention was to work with them musically speaking, perhaps even doing other odd jobs for them as well when their pilot was launched and when they were up and running as a successful company. Now I realize that not every business succeeds, but jesus h. fucking christ, where is the consideration here?! I gotta say I feel backed into a corner, directionless, hurt, disappointed (extremely disappointed).
I have had too many similar situations in regards to my music in this area. Too many promises broken when it comes to my music and I have truly had it. Words are cheap and too many use them as pieces of toilet paper.
Anyway, a very disappointing situation. I am so fucking sad. My music, well, it's hard to put into words, but my music is probably my most special part of my life and who I am. It's such a part of my heart, of my being. In a sense, it's Me. I feel as though the guiding forces of the Universe have said, once again (this is certainly not the first disappointing news I've received when it comes to getting my material published), "No". And I don't get it. I really do not get it. At all. Maybe some day I will. Although as I have come to understand, the magic of the universe does work through us all, bringing us opportunities. After that, it's up to the people involved to continue that magical process. So ok... That's been my beef--it has been the PEOPLE fucking things up for me. ENOUGH!!!!!
I am fucking finished with the flakes. I want people to come into my life who will 1) keep their word, 2) believe in me and in what they do and 3) be respectful and considerate.
WRONG. First of all, Mr. Nina is under no obligation to be the one to inform me of such news. That is THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. And even if Mr. Nina had been told of this news, good lord, don't they see that to make themselves LOOK GOOD this news should still be coming DIRECTLY FROM THEM?! Without any prodding from me as well??!!
I would say the business didn't fail--THEY failed. They failed because they are flakes. They failed because this didn't mean as much as them as it should have. Hell, honestly, a couple of times I felt I had more enthusiasm than did they. Certainly more enthusiasm than the audio engineer.
I don't know what to make of any of this, or for my (professional) life for that matter at this point. Having recently lost my job, my intention was to work with them musically speaking, perhaps even doing other odd jobs for them as well when their pilot was launched and when they were up and running as a successful company. Now I realize that not every business succeeds, but jesus h. fucking christ, where is the consideration here?! I gotta say I feel backed into a corner, directionless, hurt, disappointed (extremely disappointed).
I have had too many similar situations in regards to my music in this area. Too many promises broken when it comes to my music and I have truly had it. Words are cheap and too many use them as pieces of toilet paper.
Anyway, a very disappointing situation. I am so fucking sad. My music, well, it's hard to put into words, but my music is probably my most special part of my life and who I am. It's such a part of my heart, of my being. In a sense, it's Me. I feel as though the guiding forces of the Universe have said, once again (this is certainly not the first disappointing news I've received when it comes to getting my material published), "No". And I don't get it. I really do not get it. At all. Maybe some day I will. Although as I have come to understand, the magic of the universe does work through us all, bringing us opportunities. After that, it's up to the people involved to continue that magical process. So ok... That's been my beef--it has been the PEOPLE fucking things up for me. ENOUGH!!!!!
I am fucking finished with the flakes. I want people to come into my life who will 1) keep their word, 2) believe in me and in what they do and 3) be respectful and considerate.
10.27.2007
A Ramble Here...A Ramble There...
As I pull myself out of this snot-induced mental haze, here are some of the rambling thoughts seen and heard running through my brain...
Measure 50. Here in Oregon, we have on the ballot a measure that will increase the tax on cigarettes something like $.65. Not sure of the exact amount at this moment--just know it's slightly under a dollar. The dollars are to go towards paying for children's health insurance for approximately 100,000 uninsured little ones. In theory, of course, I am all for this idea. However, it's bad policy if you ask me. Number one, the revenue is not sustainable. How can the government hope to use this money to insure children and also use some of the revenue to reduce the number of smokers? Doesn't this mean a decline in tobacco revenue? I have yet to see this question answered. Number two, it's a regressive tax. The average smoker is middle to lower income. No need to go into further detail about how ridiculously unfair this is. Number three, it's simply unfair to tax a small percentage of the population to pay for universal health care. This needs to be something we as a whole help to ensure with a progressive tax, regulating the hell out of the insurance industry and/or making big business pair their fair share of taxes. I'm voting No.
Bush and Co's recent sanctions against Tehran. Insane. Inept. Psychotic. And yet, exactly what I've come to expect.
My employer. Sigh. Or shall I say my co-workers. I'm on temporary lay-off status, which is one part relief and one part discomfort. The discomfort is obvious. The relief, well, this means a reprieve from having to rely on any sort of normal communication with these folks. Talk about a frustrating experience. Things change there (for example: policies, location, department name, staff) and I am not informed until well after-the-fact. I've spoken up about this numerous times to no avail. E-mails go unanswered. Phone calls, not returned. I have grown tired of the crap. I asked the head of the department some tough questions a few days ago. For example, I wanted to know why if there was indeed no additional work, why does the staff website show there is abundant material available. The answer? The student worker has not updated the website due to being away for a summer internship. Sounds good in theory except for the fact that much of it has yet to be updated since March of this year. And student has been back for almost 2 months. What has the student been doing? Certainly not responding to my e-mails when I ask questions about work (and this is the person in which I am to be communicating). I also was able to check on the amount of work being done by some of the other workers (who are mostly students) and compared them to my own work. Turns out, overall, I am doing about twice the amount of work in the same amount of time. Upsetting to say the least, especially since I was told what was expected for this particular kind of work and I've been meeting and exceeding their expectations. Apparently if you're a student worker, you get cut some major slack?? While I have absolutely zero desire to look for work again in this town (considering I've applied to just about every employer who, when hiring, advertises), I have about the same amount of desire to continue working for this employer. It's time for a change.
There's supposed to be something going on today called a football game. All I know is that thousands of loud, obnoxious, inconsiderate, drunken fools permeate this fine little city on days like today. I think we should charge them a fee.
Speaking of fees, I have an idea that Mr. Nina thinks is great in theory but may get me in trouble. Whatever. Like I've always been one to follow the trail as already laid out? Hell no. I'm a trail blazer at heart. This goes along with my ever-growing desire to give the finger to the federal and perhaps even the state governments and focus on creating a local community that meets the needs of the people--where the most vulnerable are taken care of first and foremost. Yes, that means housing the homeless and feeding the hungry take precedence over lining the streets with flower baskets and putting sculptures all over downtown. Any sort of government is strictly run and monitored by the citizens. Nothing and I mean NOTHING is created or passed without voter approval. That being said, if I were on such a governmental committee, I would impose the idea that any business wishing to do business here in the city or county would be required to follow the values as laid out by the people. For starters, every employee would be paid a living wage (as defined by the cost of living in our city). I would also look into the antics of one Mr. Kip Schoning and if he is found guilty of, in short, being a slumlord, he would be given the option of cleaning up his ways or leaving town. I have had so many hits on this website by viewers who have googled "kip schoning". As the local housing authority gentleman told me during a phone call a few months ago, in discussing Mr. S, "the stories I could tell you..." and he left it at that. There's a reason Mr. S. is allowed to do business in this town and it's about money. And that, in fact, drives the system, even down to our little community, where corruption still resides. But it doesn't have to be that way. Change the world by changing your community. That's my motto of the day.
Tissue sure does come in handy, even if it does mean trees are destroyed. I cannot imagine having to rely on cloth rags to do the job when faced with the revenge of the snot kingdom. Sometimes, when sick and nasally incapacitated, it's easiest to use something disposable and toss it away before the germs have the chance to multiply in the laundry basket into something even more disgusting.
Achoo to you and yours...
Measure 50. Here in Oregon, we have on the ballot a measure that will increase the tax on cigarettes something like $.65. Not sure of the exact amount at this moment--just know it's slightly under a dollar. The dollars are to go towards paying for children's health insurance for approximately 100,000 uninsured little ones. In theory, of course, I am all for this idea. However, it's bad policy if you ask me. Number one, the revenue is not sustainable. How can the government hope to use this money to insure children and also use some of the revenue to reduce the number of smokers? Doesn't this mean a decline in tobacco revenue? I have yet to see this question answered. Number two, it's a regressive tax. The average smoker is middle to lower income. No need to go into further detail about how ridiculously unfair this is. Number three, it's simply unfair to tax a small percentage of the population to pay for universal health care. This needs to be something we as a whole help to ensure with a progressive tax, regulating the hell out of the insurance industry and/or making big business pair their fair share of taxes. I'm voting No.
Bush and Co's recent sanctions against Tehran. Insane. Inept. Psychotic. And yet, exactly what I've come to expect.
My employer. Sigh. Or shall I say my co-workers. I'm on temporary lay-off status, which is one part relief and one part discomfort. The discomfort is obvious. The relief, well, this means a reprieve from having to rely on any sort of normal communication with these folks. Talk about a frustrating experience. Things change there (for example: policies, location, department name, staff) and I am not informed until well after-the-fact. I've spoken up about this numerous times to no avail. E-mails go unanswered. Phone calls, not returned. I have grown tired of the crap. I asked the head of the department some tough questions a few days ago. For example, I wanted to know why if there was indeed no additional work, why does the staff website show there is abundant material available. The answer? The student worker has not updated the website due to being away for a summer internship. Sounds good in theory except for the fact that much of it has yet to be updated since March of this year. And student has been back for almost 2 months. What has the student been doing? Certainly not responding to my e-mails when I ask questions about work (and this is the person in which I am to be communicating). I also was able to check on the amount of work being done by some of the other workers (who are mostly students) and compared them to my own work. Turns out, overall, I am doing about twice the amount of work in the same amount of time. Upsetting to say the least, especially since I was told what was expected for this particular kind of work and I've been meeting and exceeding their expectations. Apparently if you're a student worker, you get cut some major slack?? While I have absolutely zero desire to look for work again in this town (considering I've applied to just about every employer who, when hiring, advertises), I have about the same amount of desire to continue working for this employer. It's time for a change.
There's supposed to be something going on today called a football game. All I know is that thousands of loud, obnoxious, inconsiderate, drunken fools permeate this fine little city on days like today. I think we should charge them a fee.
Speaking of fees, I have an idea that Mr. Nina thinks is great in theory but may get me in trouble. Whatever. Like I've always been one to follow the trail as already laid out? Hell no. I'm a trail blazer at heart. This goes along with my ever-growing desire to give the finger to the federal and perhaps even the state governments and focus on creating a local community that meets the needs of the people--where the most vulnerable are taken care of first and foremost. Yes, that means housing the homeless and feeding the hungry take precedence over lining the streets with flower baskets and putting sculptures all over downtown. Any sort of government is strictly run and monitored by the citizens. Nothing and I mean NOTHING is created or passed without voter approval. That being said, if I were on such a governmental committee, I would impose the idea that any business wishing to do business here in the city or county would be required to follow the values as laid out by the people. For starters, every employee would be paid a living wage (as defined by the cost of living in our city). I would also look into the antics of one Mr. Kip Schoning and if he is found guilty of, in short, being a slumlord, he would be given the option of cleaning up his ways or leaving town. I have had so many hits on this website by viewers who have googled "kip schoning". As the local housing authority gentleman told me during a phone call a few months ago, in discussing Mr. S, "the stories I could tell you..." and he left it at that. There's a reason Mr. S. is allowed to do business in this town and it's about money. And that, in fact, drives the system, even down to our little community, where corruption still resides. But it doesn't have to be that way. Change the world by changing your community. That's my motto of the day.
Tissue sure does come in handy, even if it does mean trees are destroyed. I cannot imagine having to rely on cloth rags to do the job when faced with the revenge of the snot kingdom. Sometimes, when sick and nasally incapacitated, it's easiest to use something disposable and toss it away before the germs have the chance to multiply in the laundry basket into something even more disgusting.
Achoo to you and yours...
10.24.2007
F U AOL (amongst others)
Rather pissy today. Yesterday was the first day in weeks I finally felt purely healthy, back on my feet, you know the deal. This morning? Woke up with a cold virus Mr. Nina brought home. That's what happens when you're married or partnered up--you tend to share everything.
When I'm (again!!) mended and feeling well, I'm getting the hell away from AOL and going to a local ISP. I had 3 phone calls yesterday from their "tech support" department. These supposed "technical experts" had me doing things to my computer that only fucked it up even more. Instead of one issue, I suddenly had 3. Their brilliant suggestion? Uninstall and reinstall, which is the techno geeks real way of saying "haven't a clue what to do or what's wrong". No fucking way, I said, was I going to do that. And besides, I don't have the software. That's ok, I was told, just go to Walmart. Uh, don't have one of those (thank god) in my town, says I. Well then call around until you find one, I was told.
Uh, no. How about you send me a disc in the mail, says I (knowing full well though that I wasn't about to use it, knowing full well I was done with their controlling virus-infested software). Nope, we don't do that any longer.
You've got to be kidding, I said. What if I can't find a local store that carries your disc?
I don't know what to tell you, I was told by the brilliant techie.
Fuck you, AOL. You've lost (another) customer.
Another "fuck you"? Blockbuster. I blogged about these folks a month or two ago, about how they're raising their prices and eliminating some of their "perks" on their monthly internet rental plans. Their service is deplorable. Their selection, dismal. I've been waiting for Whose Afraid of Virginia Wolf for 4 months now, even though in my queue it shows it being available. I've had 3 different customer services reps tell me they will locate it at another warehouse and ship it. Never happened. We're switching back to Netflix at weeks end.
Ordered some items yesterday from a fairly large company. First time doing so, and it will be my last. Customer service rep was surprisingly rude and snide and only raised the bar on her attitude when I said I didn't want to hear about their sales promotions, just wanted the items I had ordered. She gave a rude "thank you" and hung up on me. Fuck you. Won't be returning to your company.
Also had more religious visitors, Mormons. I am always polite and respectful to them. They're only kids afterall who have been brainwashed since birth. I feel for them. Anyway, I've decided to type up a list of my beliefs and hand it off to them (and to other such visitors). They come onto my property and ignore the "No Solicitors" signs. I don't ask for such visits. It's time I let them know of my beliefs, since that's what they are doing to me. I'll also include a list of questions for them to ask their Church Leaders, all in the hopes it will spark something within these youngsters to think for themselves, to see how manipulated, unintentionally or not, they have been. I give a blessing to these kids--but I give an F U to the church leaders, at least until they own up to their real intentions.
And lastly, an F U to people who are sick but go out in the world anyway, sneezing all over the place, spreading their germs and viruses for all. If you are sick and IF you can afford it or have sick pay, STAY HOME. Please.
When I'm (again!!) mended and feeling well, I'm getting the hell away from AOL and going to a local ISP. I had 3 phone calls yesterday from their "tech support" department. These supposed "technical experts" had me doing things to my computer that only fucked it up even more. Instead of one issue, I suddenly had 3. Their brilliant suggestion? Uninstall and reinstall, which is the techno geeks real way of saying "haven't a clue what to do or what's wrong". No fucking way, I said, was I going to do that. And besides, I don't have the software. That's ok, I was told, just go to Walmart. Uh, don't have one of those (thank god) in my town, says I. Well then call around until you find one, I was told.
Uh, no. How about you send me a disc in the mail, says I (knowing full well though that I wasn't about to use it, knowing full well I was done with their controlling virus-infested software). Nope, we don't do that any longer.
You've got to be kidding, I said. What if I can't find a local store that carries your disc?
I don't know what to tell you, I was told by the brilliant techie.
Fuck you, AOL. You've lost (another) customer.
Another "fuck you"? Blockbuster. I blogged about these folks a month or two ago, about how they're raising their prices and eliminating some of their "perks" on their monthly internet rental plans. Their service is deplorable. Their selection, dismal. I've been waiting for Whose Afraid of Virginia Wolf for 4 months now, even though in my queue it shows it being available. I've had 3 different customer services reps tell me they will locate it at another warehouse and ship it. Never happened. We're switching back to Netflix at weeks end.
Ordered some items yesterday from a fairly large company. First time doing so, and it will be my last. Customer service rep was surprisingly rude and snide and only raised the bar on her attitude when I said I didn't want to hear about their sales promotions, just wanted the items I had ordered. She gave a rude "thank you" and hung up on me. Fuck you. Won't be returning to your company.
Also had more religious visitors, Mormons. I am always polite and respectful to them. They're only kids afterall who have been brainwashed since birth. I feel for them. Anyway, I've decided to type up a list of my beliefs and hand it off to them (and to other such visitors). They come onto my property and ignore the "No Solicitors" signs. I don't ask for such visits. It's time I let them know of my beliefs, since that's what they are doing to me. I'll also include a list of questions for them to ask their Church Leaders, all in the hopes it will spark something within these youngsters to think for themselves, to see how manipulated, unintentionally or not, they have been. I give a blessing to these kids--but I give an F U to the church leaders, at least until they own up to their real intentions.
And lastly, an F U to people who are sick but go out in the world anyway, sneezing all over the place, spreading their germs and viruses for all. If you are sick and IF you can afford it or have sick pay, STAY HOME. Please.
10.15.2007
Today...
I am finding fun, relaxation and joy by:
~Listening to one of my gospel cd's.
~Playing a video game. Mr. N bought a gaming system and he's been bugging me to "play it, try it out, play it!" Now I admit I was a video game addict when I was in high school, back in the days when there were no video game ratings, back in the days, as I like to say, when "video games didn't make you want to invoke violence on others." YOu know what I mean, the good ole days. Ms. Pac Man, Centipede, Frogger, Tempestt, Asteroids, Donkey Kong, Pull Position...........sigh But that was 20 years ago and I haven't done any "gaming" since... Until today, when I finally decided to try one of these modern games. Non-violent one, I might add. Harry Potter game. These games that show blood, these games that are disgustingly, offensively violent, no thank you. Besides the violence, there's too much stimulation for my fairly simple, sweet brain. Anyway, WOW! What a fun time I had! Apparently I got too animated, for Mr. N asked me to "please keep it down" and "ouch, that's my ear you're yelling into". Woops. Next move: Buy one of those collection of old-time video arcade games.
~Watching the leaves fall by the bucket. I gave up sweeping and decided to just let mother nature do the job herself with the wind, and after realizing I was wasting my effort. With the fairly mild breeze we had today and the dry conditions, feeling leaves fall on my head and face was very enjoyably relaxing.
~Sleeping. Been doing a lot of that the past month. I should rephrase that to "sleeping like a baby".
~
~Listening to one of my gospel cd's.
~Playing a video game. Mr. N bought a gaming system and he's been bugging me to "play it, try it out, play it!" Now I admit I was a video game addict when I was in high school, back in the days when there were no video game ratings, back in the days, as I like to say, when "video games didn't make you want to invoke violence on others." YOu know what I mean, the good ole days. Ms. Pac Man, Centipede, Frogger, Tempestt, Asteroids, Donkey Kong, Pull Position...........sigh But that was 20 years ago and I haven't done any "gaming" since... Until today, when I finally decided to try one of these modern games. Non-violent one, I might add. Harry Potter game. These games that show blood, these games that are disgustingly, offensively violent, no thank you. Besides the violence, there's too much stimulation for my fairly simple, sweet brain. Anyway, WOW! What a fun time I had! Apparently I got too animated, for Mr. N asked me to "please keep it down" and "ouch, that's my ear you're yelling into". Woops. Next move: Buy one of those collection of old-time video arcade games.
~Watching the leaves fall by the bucket. I gave up sweeping and decided to just let mother nature do the job herself with the wind, and after realizing I was wasting my effort. With the fairly mild breeze we had today and the dry conditions, feeling leaves fall on my head and face was very enjoyably relaxing.
~Sleeping. Been doing a lot of that the past month. I should rephrase that to "sleeping like a baby".
~
10.11.2007
Perspective
When life throws you a curve ball, it can force you to focus on what really matters. When you're faced with a health-related situation, even a temporary, fairly mild one, it can make you retreat from the world at large and remember what really matters.
For the past several weeks, I have been, by and large, completely and utterly uninterested in all things political, social, economic. And by and large, I haven't missed being "out of the loop".
The health and happiness of myself, of Mr. Nina, matter to me more than anything. I can find true gratitude in moments of simply being. Certainly moments of feeling well and healthy. God, how easy it is to take feeling well for granted! We only have the one body. Take care of it every day--mind, body and soul.
I've been thinking about the powers-that-be, those who have essentially created the current System by which we all work in, live by. And yeah, it's (mostly) run by criminals, thugs, people without souls (or likely forgotten they have one). It's lead by people who think money and power are more important than kindness and love. But I've been having this growing feeling of "ok, and?" These folks, through advertisers, through our schools and on into our communities and even our families, have convinced us of some things: "Live like THIS to be happy!"
Oh really?
Yeah, I don't make the kind of money I'd like, I have yet to find what kind of life work I am to create, and I have yet to own my own home (all things "associated" with "the american dream")....and while I have every intention of changing all of the aforementioned, I'm tired of thinking along the lines of "I'll finally be happy, feel good, when I achieve X Y and Z." Maybe the American Dream need be about simply being H A P P Y.
This is a small example, but I think about the cell phone. I saw something on PBS tonight where the journalist mentioned something about the people she spoke with claimed to never be without their phones, how much they believe they need them. I know of a few people, young and old, who, if you took away their cell phone, would go through a mini-breakdown. When I have seen this happen on some of the talk shows, I can't help but laugh and think, "You'll be just fine."
It's all perspective. What we think we need. What we think we must have to feel good, to be happy. Today, to me, that is good health, the company of people I enjoy--love of self and others. Appreciating the so-called little things which are in truth the BIG things.
Yes, I am beginning to finally see, to finally believe, I can be happy NOW. Today. And not just one of those moments of happiness, but truly happy with who I am right now. Even in spite of what's going on out in the world at large. I recall once reading the following: Fall in love with everything in your life and you will not want or need for anything.
Maybe that's what is finally going on inside of this little heart and soul of mine. Maybe it's expanding. Or maybe she's just remembering who she really is again. Maybe I'll finally really know and live this thing called love before I leave this earthly plane. It's probably the "best" goal I could ever accomplish.
For the past several weeks, I have been, by and large, completely and utterly uninterested in all things political, social, economic. And by and large, I haven't missed being "out of the loop".
The health and happiness of myself, of Mr. Nina, matter to me more than anything. I can find true gratitude in moments of simply being. Certainly moments of feeling well and healthy. God, how easy it is to take feeling well for granted! We only have the one body. Take care of it every day--mind, body and soul.
I've been thinking about the powers-that-be, those who have essentially created the current System by which we all work in, live by. And yeah, it's (mostly) run by criminals, thugs, people without souls (or likely forgotten they have one). It's lead by people who think money and power are more important than kindness and love. But I've been having this growing feeling of "ok, and?" These folks, through advertisers, through our schools and on into our communities and even our families, have convinced us of some things: "Live like THIS to be happy!"
Oh really?
Yeah, I don't make the kind of money I'd like, I have yet to find what kind of life work I am to create, and I have yet to own my own home (all things "associated" with "the american dream")....and while I have every intention of changing all of the aforementioned, I'm tired of thinking along the lines of "I'll finally be happy, feel good, when I achieve X Y and Z." Maybe the American Dream need be about simply being H A P P Y.
This is a small example, but I think about the cell phone. I saw something on PBS tonight where the journalist mentioned something about the people she spoke with claimed to never be without their phones, how much they believe they need them. I know of a few people, young and old, who, if you took away their cell phone, would go through a mini-breakdown. When I have seen this happen on some of the talk shows, I can't help but laugh and think, "You'll be just fine."
It's all perspective. What we think we need. What we think we must have to feel good, to be happy. Today, to me, that is good health, the company of people I enjoy--love of self and others. Appreciating the so-called little things which are in truth the BIG things.
Yes, I am beginning to finally see, to finally believe, I can be happy NOW. Today. And not just one of those moments of happiness, but truly happy with who I am right now. Even in spite of what's going on out in the world at large. I recall once reading the following: Fall in love with everything in your life and you will not want or need for anything.
Maybe that's what is finally going on inside of this little heart and soul of mine. Maybe it's expanding. Or maybe she's just remembering who she really is again. Maybe I'll finally really know and live this thing called love before I leave this earthly plane. It's probably the "best" goal I could ever accomplish.
10.06.2007
"No one who works for a living should live in poverty."
...As quoted in one of the following articles/discussion pieces I found on wages whilst doing some net surfing. According to what I read, the federal minimum wage should be closer to $9.50/hour. Sounds about right. If government had done it's job (worked for the people), they would have been working to ensure the minimum wage continued to keep pace with inflation. 1968 was the last time the minimum wage was just above the poverty level. History shows us raising the minimum wage doesn't hurt business. In fact, job creation typically increases upon such increases. I did note something of interest on a PDF chart: during the (disasterous) years of Bush Sr. and Reagan, the minimum wage remained stagnate. No surprise there, eh?
Uncle Sam continually gives itself pay raises. Uncle Sam gladly receives the best health care plan in town. All at our expense.
And there are still private citizens who vocally resist the concepts of government-funded health care for all and raising the minimum wage so that it once again becomes a true living wage and yet don't say a damn thing about the privileges Uncle Sam bestows upon itself, at our expense?
Unbelieve. They gotta be in bed with Uncle Sam as well. Or else utterly asleep at the wheel. Zzzzz...
Happy reading.
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20041220/dreier
http://www.manilasites.com/citizenjoe/business-economy/minimumwage
http://www.racewire.org/archives/2007/07/minimum_wage_goes_up_today_jul.html
http://democrats.senate.gov/dpc/dpc-new.cfm?doc_name=fs-108-2-122
Uncle Sam continually gives itself pay raises. Uncle Sam gladly receives the best health care plan in town. All at our expense.
And there are still private citizens who vocally resist the concepts of government-funded health care for all and raising the minimum wage so that it once again becomes a true living wage and yet don't say a damn thing about the privileges Uncle Sam bestows upon itself, at our expense?
Unbelieve. They gotta be in bed with Uncle Sam as well. Or else utterly asleep at the wheel. Zzzzz...
Happy reading.
http://www.thenation.com/doc/20041220/dreier
http://www.manilasites.com/citizenjoe/business-economy/minimumwage
http://www.racewire.org/archives/2007/07/minimum_wage_goes_up_today_jul.html
http://democrats.senate.gov/dpc/dpc-new.cfm?doc_name=fs-108-2-122
Drinking Juice Is Bad. Taking Pharmaceutical Drugs Is Good.
This is a rather lengthy piece. And it contains, in my opinion, a little too much wackiness (one must consider the site), but overall it shows the growing move by Government to downplay (which is putting it mildly) the benefits of alternative health care means. The fear is growing. These methods can be very beneficial and are only becoming more popular here in the states and Big Government/Big Pharmaceutical folks know it. And they are determined to take away our right to choose while they force their overly-priced, addictive, toxic drugs down our throats.
While in this particular story the patient (sadly) ended up dying of cancer anyway, despite using a juice therapy method, the point is this therapy WAS HIS CHOICE and now his wife, understandably distressed, experiencing deep levels of grief and sadness, wants to press charges against the pharmacist who recommended this therapy, not as a means of REPLACING chemotherapy, but as a supplemental method. And now there are folks who are jumping on this bandwagon to downplay alternative means of health and healing.
I've been researching alternative means of health and healing for over 10 years. I've read countless books and tried a host of things ranging from herbal supplements, massage (my personal favorite--if you can afford a weekly one, I highly recommend it!), chiropractice care, homeopathy to name a few. I've learned that just because it's something you can buy OTC does not mean it will work for you or that it is even safe for your particular body chemistry. You have to do your research and then, in the end, it's a trial and error process.
Some methods have worked, others have not. So be it. I have experienced the same thing with more traditional methods. For example, OTC anti-histamines and decongestants don't do a thing for my nasal symptoms. One type knock me flat on my ass. Another make me feel looped up. Neither a fun experience.
I had an experience earlier in the year where I needed to undergo a medical procedure. My doctor wanted to pump me full of narcotics and anti-anxiety medications. All very toxic. I took the prescriptions and said nothing. Instead, I used focused concentration, deep-breathing, ibuprofen and kava. I did just fine. Both she and her nurse were surprised when I told them I didn't take their prescriptions and instead, what I opted to do. I even gave them a mini-education on the benefits of certain herbal products, which of course are still "drugs" in their own right, but the side effects are often much less toxic and certainly, they are not addictive. Many even have health benefits.
There have been measures taken by our representatives (on both sides of the political fence) to take away our right to buy such supplements. It's of course ridiculous that there is outcry over herbal remedies and vitamin supplements that have been used for hundreds, at times thousands of years, in other countries and amongst the native populations, and yet the FDA continually approves medications that have been linked to serious health consequences, even death. And as in the above referenced story, this outrage is over JUICE. Yes, juice! Quick! I better throw away my cranberry juice collection. And woops, that orange juice carton looks like it can be a real threat to my health. Good lord...
I recently watched a couple of recently-approved medications advertise on tv. One medication is used to treat nasal allergy symptoms. One of the possible side effects? Eh, just glaucoma. No biggie. Yep, our product will clear up your nose, but it may cause you to go blind. Another medication (its use I cannot recall) said something along the lines of "leading to a potential fatal result". Oh come on, call a spade a spade people. Use this and you may die.
I recall 10, 20 years ago, the side effects from medications was pretty short. Today? They could fill a novella. Aside from car commericals, pharmaceutical drug ads take up more time and space on television and in most magazines. I recently ripped out all of the drug ads from a particular magazine and mailed them to the publisher. If we began doing this, you'd see these ads decline dramatically.
I believe in the right to choose. If people want to take pharmaceutical medications, go right ahead. They certainly have their place. If people want to choose more "alternative" means such as herbal remedies, homeopathy, food diets, massage, chiropractic care, etc., then by all means go ahead. Bottom line, it should be a choice. And as Uncle Sam continues to take away other rights, they are now wanting to take away this right to choose our health care choices as well. It's insane. Rediculous. Without merit. And yet that's how certain people respond when faced with the possibility that the dollars in their pockets face the idea of shrinkage because of competition.
Wow. And here I thought these Big Business types whole-heartedly supported a free market.
While in this particular story the patient (sadly) ended up dying of cancer anyway, despite using a juice therapy method, the point is this therapy WAS HIS CHOICE and now his wife, understandably distressed, experiencing deep levels of grief and sadness, wants to press charges against the pharmacist who recommended this therapy, not as a means of REPLACING chemotherapy, but as a supplemental method. And now there are folks who are jumping on this bandwagon to downplay alternative means of health and healing.
I've been researching alternative means of health and healing for over 10 years. I've read countless books and tried a host of things ranging from herbal supplements, massage (my personal favorite--if you can afford a weekly one, I highly recommend it!), chiropractice care, homeopathy to name a few. I've learned that just because it's something you can buy OTC does not mean it will work for you or that it is even safe for your particular body chemistry. You have to do your research and then, in the end, it's a trial and error process.
Some methods have worked, others have not. So be it. I have experienced the same thing with more traditional methods. For example, OTC anti-histamines and decongestants don't do a thing for my nasal symptoms. One type knock me flat on my ass. Another make me feel looped up. Neither a fun experience.
I had an experience earlier in the year where I needed to undergo a medical procedure. My doctor wanted to pump me full of narcotics and anti-anxiety medications. All very toxic. I took the prescriptions and said nothing. Instead, I used focused concentration, deep-breathing, ibuprofen and kava. I did just fine. Both she and her nurse were surprised when I told them I didn't take their prescriptions and instead, what I opted to do. I even gave them a mini-education on the benefits of certain herbal products, which of course are still "drugs" in their own right, but the side effects are often much less toxic and certainly, they are not addictive. Many even have health benefits.
There have been measures taken by our representatives (on both sides of the political fence) to take away our right to buy such supplements. It's of course ridiculous that there is outcry over herbal remedies and vitamin supplements that have been used for hundreds, at times thousands of years, in other countries and amongst the native populations, and yet the FDA continually approves medications that have been linked to serious health consequences, even death. And as in the above referenced story, this outrage is over JUICE. Yes, juice! Quick! I better throw away my cranberry juice collection. And woops, that orange juice carton looks like it can be a real threat to my health. Good lord...
I recently watched a couple of recently-approved medications advertise on tv. One medication is used to treat nasal allergy symptoms. One of the possible side effects? Eh, just glaucoma. No biggie. Yep, our product will clear up your nose, but it may cause you to go blind. Another medication (its use I cannot recall) said something along the lines of "leading to a potential fatal result". Oh come on, call a spade a spade people. Use this and you may die.
I recall 10, 20 years ago, the side effects from medications was pretty short. Today? They could fill a novella. Aside from car commericals, pharmaceutical drug ads take up more time and space on television and in most magazines. I recently ripped out all of the drug ads from a particular magazine and mailed them to the publisher. If we began doing this, you'd see these ads decline dramatically.
I believe in the right to choose. If people want to take pharmaceutical medications, go right ahead. They certainly have their place. If people want to choose more "alternative" means such as herbal remedies, homeopathy, food diets, massage, chiropractic care, etc., then by all means go ahead. Bottom line, it should be a choice. And as Uncle Sam continues to take away other rights, they are now wanting to take away this right to choose our health care choices as well. It's insane. Rediculous. Without merit. And yet that's how certain people respond when faced with the possibility that the dollars in their pockets face the idea of shrinkage because of competition.
Wow. And here I thought these Big Business types whole-heartedly supported a free market.
Saturday Ramblings on Love
I've been thinking about love, how it plays out in our human connections, in the System, as I call it. Also been thinking about the presidential elections. I'll likely not vote next year. I don't think fixing our federal government is the solution to our nations issues. At this point, they all sound so much the same. Even Kucinich has lost me. Something very false to me these days about the way he smiles when he talks. Something in his eyes says "deceipt" (perhaps it's fatigue from repeating the same things over and over and over...).
I think the answer lies in creating local communities that reflect the values and needs of the community and working with the local government to set forth policies that reflect those values, those needs. It's like the saying--think globally, act locally. I look to my own community in particular. Certainly we need more affordable housing. More help for the homeless, the hungry, the mentally ill. We need a business community that embraces paying its employees living wages and benefits.
Love. What is it? I don't think anyone really knows for sure, but I'm positive we each have some inkling of what it is. Certainly we know what it isn't. We come into this world trusting, open (or as we in western civilization would refer to as "naive"). I remember hearing in a movie once, 25 years ago, that when you become an adult, your heart dies. That's always stayed with me. While it's a rather dramatic, pessimistic description, it has a lot of truth in it. Love is all our souls know, is all our human self needs. And yet being Love is in short supply in our modern world, being we're taught to live in fear, to believe it's better to be tough than it is soft, to believe we're, by and large, powerless and at the mercy of others decisions, that removes us from that state of love. There is nothing more frightening to me than having the thought: "I am powerless." Love is powerful. Fear is what's powerless.
Damn. I should have written down my thoughts on this subject when I figure had them at 6am this morning, lying in bed. Much more eloquent and descript then.
I guess the best thing to do is Know Thyself. Ask "what would the love that is Me do?" Love in action. It's courageous. Bold. Accepting. Respectful. Compassionate. Understanding. Flexible when it need be, unwavering when it need be.
We keep that love to ourselves, out of pain and fear. Pain because of those times we've been disappointed and betrayed by others and yet, instead of being taught to speak up for ourselves, instead of being taught how to work through those complex emotions, how to express them and remain strong in who we are at the same time, we're told to suck it up. That's life, we're told. This leads to fear. Fear because we somehow believe love is in short supply. Fear because we don't believe we can deal with another hurt, another betrayal. All of these mindsets, places of powerlessness. So this leads to a society of extremes: the rugged, tough, no-tears cowboy-type of behavior/mindset and the timid victim. NEITHER of these mindsets embraces the true concepts of personal power.
Love tells you exactly how it feels, thinks and believes without apology. Love tells you exactly what it believes, feels and thinks without thinking its mindset is better than yours.
Imagine if this were played out in our daily interactions with others, known and unknown. I can. Can you?
I think the answer lies in creating local communities that reflect the values and needs of the community and working with the local government to set forth policies that reflect those values, those needs. It's like the saying--think globally, act locally. I look to my own community in particular. Certainly we need more affordable housing. More help for the homeless, the hungry, the mentally ill. We need a business community that embraces paying its employees living wages and benefits.
Love. What is it? I don't think anyone really knows for sure, but I'm positive we each have some inkling of what it is. Certainly we know what it isn't. We come into this world trusting, open (or as we in western civilization would refer to as "naive"). I remember hearing in a movie once, 25 years ago, that when you become an adult, your heart dies. That's always stayed with me. While it's a rather dramatic, pessimistic description, it has a lot of truth in it. Love is all our souls know, is all our human self needs. And yet being Love is in short supply in our modern world, being we're taught to live in fear, to believe it's better to be tough than it is soft, to believe we're, by and large, powerless and at the mercy of others decisions, that removes us from that state of love. There is nothing more frightening to me than having the thought: "I am powerless." Love is powerful. Fear is what's powerless.
Damn. I should have written down my thoughts on this subject when I figure had them at 6am this morning, lying in bed. Much more eloquent and descript then.
I guess the best thing to do is Know Thyself. Ask "what would the love that is Me do?" Love in action. It's courageous. Bold. Accepting. Respectful. Compassionate. Understanding. Flexible when it need be, unwavering when it need be.
We keep that love to ourselves, out of pain and fear. Pain because of those times we've been disappointed and betrayed by others and yet, instead of being taught to speak up for ourselves, instead of being taught how to work through those complex emotions, how to express them and remain strong in who we are at the same time, we're told to suck it up. That's life, we're told. This leads to fear. Fear because we somehow believe love is in short supply. Fear because we don't believe we can deal with another hurt, another betrayal. All of these mindsets, places of powerlessness. So this leads to a society of extremes: the rugged, tough, no-tears cowboy-type of behavior/mindset and the timid victim. NEITHER of these mindsets embraces the true concepts of personal power.
Love tells you exactly how it feels, thinks and believes without apology. Love tells you exactly what it believes, feels and thinks without thinking its mindset is better than yours.
Imagine if this were played out in our daily interactions with others, known and unknown. I can. Can you?
9.29.2007
Still Here....
Been going through a bit of a personal situation, requiring my attention. I haven't been much in tune with the outside world the past week as a result, but I thought I'd add my two cents on some of the things I've witnessed here and there.
The event at Columbia University. What an ass the president of CU made of himself. Sure, the prez. of Iran is no prince, but he was invited as a guest to speak. And to be insulted that way right off the bat shows the ugly side of America. A side in most definite need of examination and healing. It's unfortunate that we're so pumped full of ego and pride and self-righteousness, this side likely won't be examined anytime soon.
***
Saw Michael Moore on Oprah speaking further about the health care crap. They had on the president of the insurance industry's biggest lobbying group, which meant she spewed a lot of crap and found herself speechless several times by points put towards her by a medical doctor, Mike and Oprah. I don't know where she studied mathematics, but her numbers were interesting. For instance, she claimed the insurance industry processed 5 billion (yes, billion with a "B") last year. How interesting is that? There are 300 million of us, only approximately 250 million of us have insurance. The average american has, what, 3-4 visits per year to a health care professional, which adds up to a number hugely lower than 5 billion. When Mike pointed this out to her, she stammered and gave that glazed "uh uh uh" look. She also stammered when, after saying The American People need to speak up and demand some sort of a universal health care plan, and to start with, support the latest legislation to reestablish the children's health care bill. Mike said, "actually, you people who work in the insurance industry need to make those first calls." Again, she stammered. He then added "afterall, you own the politicians."
ZING! And again, she was speechless. Honest to god, whoever prepped her didn't do his/her job.
Mike lost me though when he began to pander to the audience and to the american public, saying we need to stop calling this socialized medicine and instead call it christianized medicine. "NOOOO Mike, don't go there!" His reason? What would Jesus do. You know what? I, myself, don't give a shit what Jesus would do. I care about what YOU AND I SHOULD BE DOING. I care about what our GOVERNMENT should be doing, which is taking care of the private citizen first and foremost, above the special interest groups, above the corporations. And way to alienate the Jews, the Hindu's, the Muslims, etc. etc.
Oprah nailed this skank when she said, her voice raised, clearly frustrated, "if i've been diagnosed with cancer, WHY SHOULD I SHOP AROUND AND COMPARE RATES FOR BONE MARROW TREATMENTS? WHY DOESN'T THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY JUST DO ITS JOB AND PAY FOR WHOMEVER I PICK, WHOMEVER IS CLOSEST TO MY HOME?!" Ohh, because it's important for people to pick the best and that means going to the biggest treatment center around (which, btw, the insurance industry pumps huge sums of money into--said huge medical facilities). Yeah, and what about the millions who live in rural america and for whom, driving 8 plus hours to such a facility is not only practical but simply not possible?
I think what disgusted me most was the testimony by a medical doctor. She testified in front of congress in the mid-1990's, her testimony which the oprah show aired in part. She had denied treatment to a patient for a procedure that would have saved his life. The reason? The insurance company said if she did so, they would pay her a large sum of cash. She said no one ever called her on it. She said it went on all the time and finally her conscience got the better of her and she stepped down from that position. Well, the skank insurance industry lobbyist said that rarely happens anymore. The doctor looked at her and said "that is a lie. It still goes on today and in fact, it's only increased. I see it all the time in my profession."
If that doesn't paint the picture for what the insurance industry is all about, I don't know what does.
***
Listened to a bit of talk radio. We're in trouble in this country. Our holier than thou, we are better than the rest, is going to get us destroyed. And guess what? Government doesn't care one bit. Your elected official doesn't give a squat about you (unless they are one of a very small handful of people who do actually care, but those types are kept out of media spotlight or when they are in front of the media, are ridiculed).
***
For those of you who still believe in the voting system, who will be voting, I would encourage you to only vote for candidates who talk about the stagnating wages, how wages have simply failed to keep up with the cost of living/inflation, going on about 25 years now. For a vote for anyone else will simply mean the incomes at the top will continue to increase while the rest see stagnation and decline. As for myself, I've failed to see any politician address this, therefore, I probably won't be voting in the PE. Maybe it's simply best to make change from where you are, locally, instead of trying (meaning beating your head against the wall with futility) to change things at the national level.
Peace out.
The event at Columbia University. What an ass the president of CU made of himself. Sure, the prez. of Iran is no prince, but he was invited as a guest to speak. And to be insulted that way right off the bat shows the ugly side of America. A side in most definite need of examination and healing. It's unfortunate that we're so pumped full of ego and pride and self-righteousness, this side likely won't be examined anytime soon.
***
Saw Michael Moore on Oprah speaking further about the health care crap. They had on the president of the insurance industry's biggest lobbying group, which meant she spewed a lot of crap and found herself speechless several times by points put towards her by a medical doctor, Mike and Oprah. I don't know where she studied mathematics, but her numbers were interesting. For instance, she claimed the insurance industry processed 5 billion (yes, billion with a "B") last year. How interesting is that? There are 300 million of us, only approximately 250 million of us have insurance. The average american has, what, 3-4 visits per year to a health care professional, which adds up to a number hugely lower than 5 billion. When Mike pointed this out to her, she stammered and gave that glazed "uh uh uh" look. She also stammered when, after saying The American People need to speak up and demand some sort of a universal health care plan, and to start with, support the latest legislation to reestablish the children's health care bill. Mike said, "actually, you people who work in the insurance industry need to make those first calls." Again, she stammered. He then added "afterall, you own the politicians."
ZING! And again, she was speechless. Honest to god, whoever prepped her didn't do his/her job.
Mike lost me though when he began to pander to the audience and to the american public, saying we need to stop calling this socialized medicine and instead call it christianized medicine. "NOOOO Mike, don't go there!" His reason? What would Jesus do. You know what? I, myself, don't give a shit what Jesus would do. I care about what YOU AND I SHOULD BE DOING. I care about what our GOVERNMENT should be doing, which is taking care of the private citizen first and foremost, above the special interest groups, above the corporations. And way to alienate the Jews, the Hindu's, the Muslims, etc. etc.
Oprah nailed this skank when she said, her voice raised, clearly frustrated, "if i've been diagnosed with cancer, WHY SHOULD I SHOP AROUND AND COMPARE RATES FOR BONE MARROW TREATMENTS? WHY DOESN'T THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY JUST DO ITS JOB AND PAY FOR WHOMEVER I PICK, WHOMEVER IS CLOSEST TO MY HOME?!" Ohh, because it's important for people to pick the best and that means going to the biggest treatment center around (which, btw, the insurance industry pumps huge sums of money into--said huge medical facilities). Yeah, and what about the millions who live in rural america and for whom, driving 8 plus hours to such a facility is not only practical but simply not possible?
I think what disgusted me most was the testimony by a medical doctor. She testified in front of congress in the mid-1990's, her testimony which the oprah show aired in part. She had denied treatment to a patient for a procedure that would have saved his life. The reason? The insurance company said if she did so, they would pay her a large sum of cash. She said no one ever called her on it. She said it went on all the time and finally her conscience got the better of her and she stepped down from that position. Well, the skank insurance industry lobbyist said that rarely happens anymore. The doctor looked at her and said "that is a lie. It still goes on today and in fact, it's only increased. I see it all the time in my profession."
If that doesn't paint the picture for what the insurance industry is all about, I don't know what does.
***
Listened to a bit of talk radio. We're in trouble in this country. Our holier than thou, we are better than the rest, is going to get us destroyed. And guess what? Government doesn't care one bit. Your elected official doesn't give a squat about you (unless they are one of a very small handful of people who do actually care, but those types are kept out of media spotlight or when they are in front of the media, are ridiculed).
***
For those of you who still believe in the voting system, who will be voting, I would encourage you to only vote for candidates who talk about the stagnating wages, how wages have simply failed to keep up with the cost of living/inflation, going on about 25 years now. For a vote for anyone else will simply mean the incomes at the top will continue to increase while the rest see stagnation and decline. As for myself, I've failed to see any politician address this, therefore, I probably won't be voting in the PE. Maybe it's simply best to make change from where you are, locally, instead of trying (meaning beating your head against the wall with futility) to change things at the national level.
Peace out.
9.19.2007
Mandated Health Insurance: Bye-Bye to More of our Freedoms
I read an article about Hillary's plan for "universal" health coverage. It's every bit as frightening as is Edward's plan. MANDATED health insurance. Gotta buy into it. Gotta use it. And guess what? Under Hillary's plan, she is not ruling out the possibility of FINING those who elect not to have health insurance. The state of Mass is going to begin doing that next month. You can be fined if asked to provide proof of health insurance and you fail to do so.
What the fuck? What country are we living in? Honest to god...
And democrats are applauding these plans? People are still continuing to support these nut cases?
There are of course a lot of conservatives saying this is what happens under Socialism. Well either I'm not a Socialist or I have a different definition of Socialism, because according to my belief system, the government should be using OUR TAX DOLLARS to help ensure each of us are able to afford housing, health care, energy, water, food. The basics. That's what a government OF and FOR the people does. Other than that, sorry--they don't get to say HOW or WHERE or even IF we choose to obtain such things. Help foot the bill then stay the hell out.
Hmm. I wonder if there's even a "label" to attach to that mindset? Maybe there isn't...
We're already MANDATED to provide automobile insurance, which is really ridiculous, and homeowners insurance, again, ridiculous. Now Uncle Sam is talking about MANDATING us to buy into health insurance.
There's gotta be another way. My mind is still processing all of this, still trying to figure out an answer. Or perhaps, answers.
What needs to be included in this discussion is the wage gap. We need to be discussing how wages have grossly failed to keep up with the cost of basic living expenses. NEED to be discussing this. You cannot have a discussion about the health care/health insurance crisis without addressing wages. And yet, these dimwit, clueless candidates think they can. Or at least think they can skirt the issue.
Well, this American knows better. And I am utterly disgusted, thoroughly disappointed and at this point, have no plans to cast a vote in the presidential election. These people aren't listening to the people. They're listening to the people around them day to day. And they're then feeding us a line of bull. I'm finished with writing my representatives, requesting, even demanding they listen to their employees. Sick of the excuses. The system is broken and I am DONE WITH IT.
So go on, progressive democrat. Rally around these people. Continue to live the illusion that the democrats are for the "little people". As I've been saying for a couple of years now, there really is no difference between the two party system. After the recent election, I would hope most of us would have understood this by now. The big clue was when Pelosi said "Impeachment is off the table."
And hear me when I say this: I will insure myself IF I can afford it and IF I choose to. Hear me on that one Uncle Sam? You can have my taxes but you CANNOT have my freedom of choice.
What the fuck? What country are we living in? Honest to god...
And democrats are applauding these plans? People are still continuing to support these nut cases?
There are of course a lot of conservatives saying this is what happens under Socialism. Well either I'm not a Socialist or I have a different definition of Socialism, because according to my belief system, the government should be using OUR TAX DOLLARS to help ensure each of us are able to afford housing, health care, energy, water, food. The basics. That's what a government OF and FOR the people does. Other than that, sorry--they don't get to say HOW or WHERE or even IF we choose to obtain such things. Help foot the bill then stay the hell out.
Hmm. I wonder if there's even a "label" to attach to that mindset? Maybe there isn't...
We're already MANDATED to provide automobile insurance, which is really ridiculous, and homeowners insurance, again, ridiculous. Now Uncle Sam is talking about MANDATING us to buy into health insurance.
There's gotta be another way. My mind is still processing all of this, still trying to figure out an answer. Or perhaps, answers.
What needs to be included in this discussion is the wage gap. We need to be discussing how wages have grossly failed to keep up with the cost of basic living expenses. NEED to be discussing this. You cannot have a discussion about the health care/health insurance crisis without addressing wages. And yet, these dimwit, clueless candidates think they can. Or at least think they can skirt the issue.
Well, this American knows better. And I am utterly disgusted, thoroughly disappointed and at this point, have no plans to cast a vote in the presidential election. These people aren't listening to the people. They're listening to the people around them day to day. And they're then feeding us a line of bull. I'm finished with writing my representatives, requesting, even demanding they listen to their employees. Sick of the excuses. The system is broken and I am DONE WITH IT.
So go on, progressive democrat. Rally around these people. Continue to live the illusion that the democrats are for the "little people". As I've been saying for a couple of years now, there really is no difference between the two party system. After the recent election, I would hope most of us would have understood this by now. The big clue was when Pelosi said "Impeachment is off the table."
And hear me when I say this: I will insure myself IF I can afford it and IF I choose to. Hear me on that one Uncle Sam? You can have my taxes but you CANNOT have my freedom of choice.
9.18.2007
Couple of Jokes
I'm not one of those "bash the lawyer" types, but I did hear a couple of lawyer jokes I thought were pretty funny.
What do you call a lawyer who is up to his neck in sand?
Not enough sand.
What's the difference between a lawyer and a vulture?
A lawyer gets frequent flier miles.
What do you call a lawyer who is up to his neck in sand?
Not enough sand.
What's the difference between a lawyer and a vulture?
A lawyer gets frequent flier miles.
9.17.2007
The Camera Adds 10 Lbs, Right??
Got the vacation photos back this afternoon. Yikes! Shoulders and up, I'm pleased. Hips on down, yep, doing well. Hair--looked fantastic, long, wavy from all that ocean area humidity. However, that middle area........good lord.
I handed the photo to Mr. Nina.
"Do I really look like that??!!" I asked.
He's a good husband. He's well-trained. He knows NEVER EVER to imply in any way, shape or form that I could stand to lose a few pounds.
"No, of course not" he said.
Thank god...
Wait. Why would he say of COURSE not? Does that mean he also thinks I look fat in that certain area on my body?? If he thinks I look fat in the picture, maybe I am fat. Maybe he does think I am fat in real life! Oh god...
He came to my rescue by pulling out a picture of him, which was less than flattering around his mid-section as well. And I know for sure that Mr. Nina is a lot of things, but one thing he most definitely is not is fat--anywhere.
"There. Lookit that," he said, pointing at the picture. "THAT is fat! And I know I don't see that when I look in the mirror." And with that, he let it go. Of course he did. He's a guy.
However, 7 hours later, I'm still obsessing over my photo. At the time, I was posing, thinking how beautiful and sexy I looked. And I distinctly remember sucking in my stomach too, only in the photo it looks as though I am pushing O U T not I N.
It's the camera, I tell myself, trying to comfort myself. It adds 10 pounds. Remember, that's what they always say about people on tv! (If that is indeed true, there are a lot of ghastly skinny people in the entertainment industry.) It ain't you. Blame it on the camera! Yeah. There, I feel better now.
Of course, it could always be some conspiracy at the photo development place. Maybe they use photoshop, airbrush fat in. Hell, they're always taking it out, surely they can add it in.
Oh well, fall's here, winters around the corner. That means long t-shirts and sweaters. No more little tank tops. I can hide my fat until next year.
Of course I could always do stomach crunches. I dance now and then for exercise, but I've really never been a regular at doing anything consistently that I know is good for me. I could get one of those yoga balls and do those exercises that focus on the core of the body, those exercises that produce awesome results, but look like you have to be a gymnast to perform. Or at least limber. And under 30.
Nah. I'll just toss on a sweatshirt and tell myself the camera adds 10 pounds. The camera adds 10 pounds. The camera adds 10 pounds................................
I handed the photo to Mr. Nina.
"Do I really look like that??!!" I asked.
He's a good husband. He's well-trained. He knows NEVER EVER to imply in any way, shape or form that I could stand to lose a few pounds.
"No, of course not" he said.
Thank god...
Wait. Why would he say of COURSE not? Does that mean he also thinks I look fat in that certain area on my body?? If he thinks I look fat in the picture, maybe I am fat. Maybe he does think I am fat in real life! Oh god...
He came to my rescue by pulling out a picture of him, which was less than flattering around his mid-section as well. And I know for sure that Mr. Nina is a lot of things, but one thing he most definitely is not is fat--anywhere.
"There. Lookit that," he said, pointing at the picture. "THAT is fat! And I know I don't see that when I look in the mirror." And with that, he let it go. Of course he did. He's a guy.
However, 7 hours later, I'm still obsessing over my photo. At the time, I was posing, thinking how beautiful and sexy I looked. And I distinctly remember sucking in my stomach too, only in the photo it looks as though I am pushing O U T not I N.
It's the camera, I tell myself, trying to comfort myself. It adds 10 pounds. Remember, that's what they always say about people on tv! (If that is indeed true, there are a lot of ghastly skinny people in the entertainment industry.) It ain't you. Blame it on the camera! Yeah. There, I feel better now.
Of course, it could always be some conspiracy at the photo development place. Maybe they use photoshop, airbrush fat in. Hell, they're always taking it out, surely they can add it in.
Oh well, fall's here, winters around the corner. That means long t-shirts and sweaters. No more little tank tops. I can hide my fat until next year.
Of course I could always do stomach crunches. I dance now and then for exercise, but I've really never been a regular at doing anything consistently that I know is good for me. I could get one of those yoga balls and do those exercises that focus on the core of the body, those exercises that produce awesome results, but look like you have to be a gymnast to perform. Or at least limber. And under 30.
Nah. I'll just toss on a sweatshirt and tell myself the camera adds 10 pounds. The camera adds 10 pounds. The camera adds 10 pounds................................
Must See Documentary
If you can find it, you will want to see "Maxed Out". A very powerful documentary about the reality of our credit/debt problem here in the states. The personal stories are very moving and include the suicides of 3 people who felt that was the only way out of their debt. The excuses from the credit card companies were chalked full of lies. The enthusiasm of debt collectors was repulsive.
Some other little tidbits:
The Bankruptcy Law that passed in 2005 now makes it near impossible for middle income Americans to declare bankruptcy.
During the Senate Hearings on the Credit Card Industry in 2005 (I believe that was the year), the representatives from the Credit Card Companies were not required to speak.
Jerry Falwell's answer to debt? Tithe 10% to "God" (or in his case, his church and his pocketbook).
Suze Ormann, who I used to have great respect for, is always pushing the importance of the FICO score. Little did I know that she has a business partnership with the FICO people (Fair Isaac Corporation). The FICO folks, first and foremost, make their money by selling information about you and I. There's also not just one FICO score--there are dozens of them. Banks. Insurers. Your phone company. And the FICO scores don't consider your income--only your payment history. Hmmm. Considering Suze tells people not to cancel credit cards and to never ask for your limit to be lowered, makes you wonder just whose side she's really on.
Elizabeth Warren, Harvard Law Professor, spoke of the creation of a Two-Class Society. It's already under way and unless things change on many fronts, the middle class will continue to fall into the poverty class. She speaks at length about how two incomes today simply aren't cutting it as it once did, given the rise in housing, health care and other basic life expenses and how wages simply have not risen to the levels needed to keep up with said rising costs. (Yep--been talking about that on this blog since day one.)
Check out this article for some additional information, information as was covered in the film.
I'd have to say one of the stories that touched me the most came from a radio show caller on a talk show out of Tennessee. The Talk Show Host had gone through his own credit debt hell--he lost everything--had to declare bankruptcy. Now he counsels people on the phone, trying to help them avoid bankruptcy. One woman called in, said she and her husband were drowning in debt and were considering bankruptcy. In fact, she felt it was their only option. The talk show host started to explain to her there were other ways, perhaps, but she interrupted, in tears, saying "My husband is suicidal over this. He keeps saying unless this debt is removed, he cannot go on. He really wants to kill himself. He can't take the pressure anymore. Do you get that? He is suicidal!!" This very distressful, real, moving statement silenced the talk show host--he wiped his eyes, shook his head and had no answer.
Some other little tidbits:
The Bankruptcy Law that passed in 2005 now makes it near impossible for middle income Americans to declare bankruptcy.
During the Senate Hearings on the Credit Card Industry in 2005 (I believe that was the year), the representatives from the Credit Card Companies were not required to speak.
Jerry Falwell's answer to debt? Tithe 10% to "God" (or in his case, his church and his pocketbook).
Suze Ormann, who I used to have great respect for, is always pushing the importance of the FICO score. Little did I know that she has a business partnership with the FICO people (Fair Isaac Corporation). The FICO folks, first and foremost, make their money by selling information about you and I. There's also not just one FICO score--there are dozens of them. Banks. Insurers. Your phone company. And the FICO scores don't consider your income--only your payment history. Hmmm. Considering Suze tells people not to cancel credit cards and to never ask for your limit to be lowered, makes you wonder just whose side she's really on.
Elizabeth Warren, Harvard Law Professor, spoke of the creation of a Two-Class Society. It's already under way and unless things change on many fronts, the middle class will continue to fall into the poverty class. She speaks at length about how two incomes today simply aren't cutting it as it once did, given the rise in housing, health care and other basic life expenses and how wages simply have not risen to the levels needed to keep up with said rising costs. (Yep--been talking about that on this blog since day one.)
Check out this article for some additional information, information as was covered in the film.
I'd have to say one of the stories that touched me the most came from a radio show caller on a talk show out of Tennessee. The Talk Show Host had gone through his own credit debt hell--he lost everything--had to declare bankruptcy. Now he counsels people on the phone, trying to help them avoid bankruptcy. One woman called in, said she and her husband were drowning in debt and were considering bankruptcy. In fact, she felt it was their only option. The talk show host started to explain to her there were other ways, perhaps, but she interrupted, in tears, saying "My husband is suicidal over this. He keeps saying unless this debt is removed, he cannot go on. He really wants to kill himself. He can't take the pressure anymore. Do you get that? He is suicidal!!" This very distressful, real, moving statement silenced the talk show host--he wiped his eyes, shook his head and had no answer.
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