Well, as I reported several months ago, HP seems intent on closing up shop. They have announced the lay off of 300-400 employees. Speaking with someone at the employment department today, I was told she had spent all day yesterday filing unemployment claims from HP personnel alone.
That is unfortunate in and of itself. However, this isn't what's got me chomping at the bit today. What is disturbing to me is this blatant display of pandering our local chamber of commerce is engaging in. As seen on some local news program earlier in the evening, the chamber is working to help these laid-off HP employees, ensuring they stay in the community, assisting them in any way they can. As the politically-correct speaking chamber employee said (paraphrased): "These aren't minimum wage paying positions. Therefore, we are providing them with as much assistance as we can." What she was really saying was HP employees have more value to the community because their incomes are higher. Therefore, they are more deserving of local agency assistance.
I've never heard of the chamber coming to the aid of folks who get laid off in other industries or other employers. I was officially laid off from the University a couple of months ago as were others in my department. Where was the news story then? Where was the local support?
I'm not saying HP employees aren't deserving of such assistance. They most certainly are. However, this is simply another blaring blemish on the face of our society that proclaims the more income you make and the more prestigious a company in which you work, you are more worthy and valuable to the community at large.
Sorry folks, but until every citizen, whether it's 1 or 100, receives such attention and respect, the dysfunction and division will only continue.
5.07.2008
Challenging The Status Quo: An Open Letter
This is an open letter to one Christopher Cruise, loan officer with amerisave.com. It is in response to a quote I read by him in Reader's Digest, which goes as follows: "Owning a home is not a birthright. ...for some people, the American dream of homeownership is just that-a dream." This open letter to Mr. Cruise is also an open letter to all those who not only believe as he does but also are behind the scenes working to ensure the slavery of the average american citizen continues. Continues so that their profit margin might continue to increase while the bank accounts and thus lives of millions of americans continue to fall apart.
"Dear Mr. Cruise~
You don't know me, at least not personally. But I may seem familiar. I am one of those folks you refer to in the Reader's Digest article. One of those folks who, as you claim, don't have the right to home ownership. For me, it is just to remain a dream. Too damn bad for me and others like me, huh?
To begin with, what universal god died and left you in charge of what one has a right to or not? What makes you think you are speaking some universal truth? Perhaps you're simply spinning an opinion, an opinion as designed by those who wish to see the class system kept in place, who wish to see only select and small numbers of people achieving the dream of america. An opinion forced down the throats and into the ears and minds of persons residing in this "free market" country in order to ensure a working class who does most of the sweating and actual hard work that in turn guarantees the CEO's wealth. An opinion created and crafted, handed down through all facets of the system: government, media, business, school, the church.
I for one don't buy your opinion-disguised-as-truth.
Here in America we love to blow the trumpet of freedom, of liberty, of justice, of equality for all. And yet they're merely words left to scatter to the winds while the exact opposite is what remains solid.
You cannot have a free market economy, at least in the way we have now where it's a free for all/do or die/every man woman and child for him/herself and have freedom, justice and equality. You cannot have freedom, justice and equality when we have a system that defines worth based on ones monetary resources. You cannot have freedom, justice and equality when we have such huge disparities of wealth between company top brass and their workers. And certainly a society set on equality, freedom and justice for all certainly doesn't have issues such as hunger and poverty.
You see Mr. Cruise (and all those who believe as he does), in a free society that embraces equality for all, justice and liberty, we all realize we're all equal. We all have inherent worth that cannot be bought or sold, manipulated or defined. It is something we all have--at our birth. That means we each have the same damn right to own that piece of land, regardless of our financial means. That means that yes indeed, owning a chunk of land, having that american dream, is indeed a birth right. If you are an american who truly embraces the values as previously mentioned, you will hold that belief, too.
You see, freedom is rather misunderstood. In its truest, purest definition, it is the right to live and be and do as one wishes in so long as this said choice does not interfere with the rights of others to enjoy the same freedom. Look around our society and ask yourself if this freedom is being enjoyed by all. You will find that answer to be a resounding 'no'. Then you may rethink your above mentioned quote and come to the conclusion that perhaps, you aren't speaking a truth but rather a very misguided opinion that has been, like the rest of us, pushed on you for a very long time. Too long."
Sincerely,
One Woman who speaks for millions
"Dear Mr. Cruise~
You don't know me, at least not personally. But I may seem familiar. I am one of those folks you refer to in the Reader's Digest article. One of those folks who, as you claim, don't have the right to home ownership. For me, it is just to remain a dream. Too damn bad for me and others like me, huh?
To begin with, what universal god died and left you in charge of what one has a right to or not? What makes you think you are speaking some universal truth? Perhaps you're simply spinning an opinion, an opinion as designed by those who wish to see the class system kept in place, who wish to see only select and small numbers of people achieving the dream of america. An opinion forced down the throats and into the ears and minds of persons residing in this "free market" country in order to ensure a working class who does most of the sweating and actual hard work that in turn guarantees the CEO's wealth. An opinion created and crafted, handed down through all facets of the system: government, media, business, school, the church.
I for one don't buy your opinion-disguised-as-truth.
Here in America we love to blow the trumpet of freedom, of liberty, of justice, of equality for all. And yet they're merely words left to scatter to the winds while the exact opposite is what remains solid.
You cannot have a free market economy, at least in the way we have now where it's a free for all/do or die/every man woman and child for him/herself and have freedom, justice and equality. You cannot have freedom, justice and equality when we have a system that defines worth based on ones monetary resources. You cannot have freedom, justice and equality when we have such huge disparities of wealth between company top brass and their workers. And certainly a society set on equality, freedom and justice for all certainly doesn't have issues such as hunger and poverty.
You see Mr. Cruise (and all those who believe as he does), in a free society that embraces equality for all, justice and liberty, we all realize we're all equal. We all have inherent worth that cannot be bought or sold, manipulated or defined. It is something we all have--at our birth. That means we each have the same damn right to own that piece of land, regardless of our financial means. That means that yes indeed, owning a chunk of land, having that american dream, is indeed a birth right. If you are an american who truly embraces the values as previously mentioned, you will hold that belief, too.
You see, freedom is rather misunderstood. In its truest, purest definition, it is the right to live and be and do as one wishes in so long as this said choice does not interfere with the rights of others to enjoy the same freedom. Look around our society and ask yourself if this freedom is being enjoyed by all. You will find that answer to be a resounding 'no'. Then you may rethink your above mentioned quote and come to the conclusion that perhaps, you aren't speaking a truth but rather a very misguided opinion that has been, like the rest of us, pushed on you for a very long time. Too long."
Sincerely,
One Woman who speaks for millions
5.03.2008
Ron Wyden's Health Care Plan: Mandated Insurance
There's been a lot of talk about the need for universal health insurance. Hillary Clinton has a plan that, if she is elected to the top seat and is able to garner enough congressional support, would require you and I to participate. Another plan that seems to be attracting some attention is Ron Wyden's plan, (D) Oregon. It would, like Hillary's plan, require you and I to participate.
Here's a brief synopsis of it, with the ability to read it in more detail if you so choose.
Frankly, I don't care what the details are. I am utterly opposed to government requiring the American People buy health insurance. I am not interested in any health insurance plan that requires me to be a part of it, regardless of if I have to pay $200 a month or $2. We're losing our rights left and right, year after year. The government was able to slip into our busy lives mandated car insurance, helmet and seatbelt laws.
Are we really ok with losing yet another right? The right not to have health insurance?
There is a lot of Big Brother talk in this article about preventative medicine, rewarding individuals and insurers who focus on wellness, prevention and disease management.
I can just see it now. We will be required to buy insurance. We will be required to pick from a private insurance company plan (which should make us all shudder, the fact that these folks will remain a part of the picture). Then we will be required to make regular preventative doctor visits. These visits will most likely contain required procedures and bonuses for doctors whose patients are following the "government approved" means of living.
Do you and I have that kind of control over what our representatives do with their health? Uh, not when I last checked. So then, why in the world should they have that kind of control over ours?
They shouldn't.
Proponents of the plan state we "will have the power to choose--will be required to choose" a health plan. I don't know about you, but I don't find it empowering to be told I must choose something.
Upon reading this article, it states that you and I would have a very comparable plan to the one enjoyed by our elected officials (which of course is paid for by you and I). This just begs some questions. If this plan for you and I is so wonderful, why no mention of our elected officials also being a part of the same plan? Why no mention of our elected officials being required to be a part of the same plan?
Instead of requiring us to buy into this health insurance plan, perhaps Uncle Sam needs to require these multi-national food companies to remove all of the harmful substances they allow into our food supply. Hormones. Antibiotics. Pesticides. Aspartame. MSG. High Fructose Corn Syrup. How about requiring a real truth in labeling policy, which includes GMO ingredients. How about requiring farmers cease the practice of allowing downed cows into the food supply and the practice of cows eating their own kind. How about Uncle Sam require big business cease altogether the pouring of toxic chemicals into our air, water and ground. (Honestly, is any amount ever ok over time?) Or hey, how about Uncle Sam and the rest of the System stop brainwashing us from birth into thinking working long hours for "the man" while making "the man" rich is something to be proud of. The norm. If that isn't enough, why not return to the days when a long list of side effects, including death, was enough to deny the entry of a pharmaceutical drug into the marketplace.
It's insane policy to require us to buy health insurance, espousing things such as "we want our people to be healthy" while turning a blind eye to those very things that make us, as a populace, unhealthy.
Whatever the plan is, do not require the people to participate. It is not the government's business to do so. And it saddens me to see so many people behind his plan. It saddens me because we have become numb to the concept of government intrusion. We simply accept it as the norm.
That alone is enough to create a health issue in those who believe that government is there to assist, not require.
Here's a brief synopsis of it, with the ability to read it in more detail if you so choose.
Frankly, I don't care what the details are. I am utterly opposed to government requiring the American People buy health insurance. I am not interested in any health insurance plan that requires me to be a part of it, regardless of if I have to pay $200 a month or $2. We're losing our rights left and right, year after year. The government was able to slip into our busy lives mandated car insurance, helmet and seatbelt laws.
Are we really ok with losing yet another right? The right not to have health insurance?
There is a lot of Big Brother talk in this article about preventative medicine, rewarding individuals and insurers who focus on wellness, prevention and disease management.
I can just see it now. We will be required to buy insurance. We will be required to pick from a private insurance company plan (which should make us all shudder, the fact that these folks will remain a part of the picture). Then we will be required to make regular preventative doctor visits. These visits will most likely contain required procedures and bonuses for doctors whose patients are following the "government approved" means of living.
Do you and I have that kind of control over what our representatives do with their health? Uh, not when I last checked. So then, why in the world should they have that kind of control over ours?
They shouldn't.
Proponents of the plan state we "will have the power to choose--will be required to choose" a health plan. I don't know about you, but I don't find it empowering to be told I must choose something.
Upon reading this article, it states that you and I would have a very comparable plan to the one enjoyed by our elected officials (which of course is paid for by you and I). This just begs some questions. If this plan for you and I is so wonderful, why no mention of our elected officials also being a part of the same plan? Why no mention of our elected officials being required to be a part of the same plan?
Instead of requiring us to buy into this health insurance plan, perhaps Uncle Sam needs to require these multi-national food companies to remove all of the harmful substances they allow into our food supply. Hormones. Antibiotics. Pesticides. Aspartame. MSG. High Fructose Corn Syrup. How about requiring a real truth in labeling policy, which includes GMO ingredients. How about requiring farmers cease the practice of allowing downed cows into the food supply and the practice of cows eating their own kind. How about Uncle Sam require big business cease altogether the pouring of toxic chemicals into our air, water and ground. (Honestly, is any amount ever ok over time?) Or hey, how about Uncle Sam and the rest of the System stop brainwashing us from birth into thinking working long hours for "the man" while making "the man" rich is something to be proud of. The norm. If that isn't enough, why not return to the days when a long list of side effects, including death, was enough to deny the entry of a pharmaceutical drug into the marketplace.
It's insane policy to require us to buy health insurance, espousing things such as "we want our people to be healthy" while turning a blind eye to those very things that make us, as a populace, unhealthy.
Whatever the plan is, do not require the people to participate. It is not the government's business to do so. And it saddens me to see so many people behind his plan. It saddens me because we have become numb to the concept of government intrusion. We simply accept it as the norm.
That alone is enough to create a health issue in those who believe that government is there to assist, not require.
Gardening Day
We spruced up the place with a variety of annuals and perennials. Got my favorite flowering plant: the gerbera daisy. I also planted some pansies. I cannot do this anymore without thinking of my friend's mother, who passed away many years ago. The mother never was fond of pansies and had some phrase about batting away at their heads. Now when I plant them, I think of things like "pansy swatting" or "pansyhead bopping".
We also planted some sunflower seeds and a few herbs. Feels very good to grow our own food. We have some space leftover for tomatoes and beans. For now, the pocketbook and back need a break. I wish we had more space, or a landlord who wouldn't balk at the idea of tearing up some of the grass (I pulled up that ridiculous cloth he put down to stop the weeds from sprouting--anyone ever heard of just pulling them??--I used the space to plant the seeds). I would love to put in squash, pumpkins, corn and potatoes.
Equally as important was taking precautions to ensure the slugs would have a real time at reaching some of the edibles as well as making sure the fur animal who resides with us doesn't go tearing through the area with the planted seeds en route to chasing the squirrel who visits. Or shall I say taunts. I've been thinking of buying a video camera for awhile for a variety of reasons (of the legal kind), one being for videotaping the game played out almost daily this time of year with our dog and that adorable yet pesky squirrel. Seeing our sprinter dog tear after the squirrel as it (the squirrel) does an amazingly perfect balancing act on the fence as it races for safety would provide some real entertainment. It certainly does for Mr. N and I.
We also planted some sunflower seeds and a few herbs. Feels very good to grow our own food. We have some space leftover for tomatoes and beans. For now, the pocketbook and back need a break. I wish we had more space, or a landlord who wouldn't balk at the idea of tearing up some of the grass (I pulled up that ridiculous cloth he put down to stop the weeds from sprouting--anyone ever heard of just pulling them??--I used the space to plant the seeds). I would love to put in squash, pumpkins, corn and potatoes.
Equally as important was taking precautions to ensure the slugs would have a real time at reaching some of the edibles as well as making sure the fur animal who resides with us doesn't go tearing through the area with the planted seeds en route to chasing the squirrel who visits. Or shall I say taunts. I've been thinking of buying a video camera for awhile for a variety of reasons (of the legal kind), one being for videotaping the game played out almost daily this time of year with our dog and that adorable yet pesky squirrel. Seeing our sprinter dog tear after the squirrel as it (the squirrel) does an amazingly perfect balancing act on the fence as it races for safety would provide some real entertainment. It certainly does for Mr. N and I.
5.01.2008
How Truthful Is The Oil Shortage Story?
The following came in my e-mail box this morning. Not having cable, we can't watch this. For those of you who do and who would want to watch this, please do so and let me know what you think about it. We used to watch these folks a few years ago, back when we had cable. Their news stories helped shape our views. At least they helped open up our eyes to topics not covered on even some of the more progressive news media outlets. I certainly have come to the conclusion that the economic situation we are in is indeed manipulated, as have all other economic cycles, good and bad.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 30, 2008
In an earth-shattering interview with oil industry insider Lindsey Williams this week, Kate and Richard Mucci reveal on Out There TV what Enron, Chevron, BP and Shell don't want you to know.
There IS NO OIL SHORTAGE. Peak Oil is a Scam!
Lindsey Williams was there thirty years ago when a pool of oil was discovered in the United States that would have made this country energy independent for TWO HUNDRED YEARS. But it was capped and classified, kept secret by the government and the elite in order to manipulate the price of oil and the economy of the world for their own agenda.
According to Williams, the American dollar is also being manipulated and set to crash, not by chance, but by design plan.
Don't miss this explosive episode.
Out There TV
Definitely NOT Your Evening News
Episode #298
On Las Vegas One Thursday, May 1, 2008 10:00 p.m. (Cox Cable 19)
Available Online Friday, May 2, 2008 at http://www.outtheretv.com/
On the America One and AMGTV Networks Saturday, May 3, 2008
See the website for further listings in your area.
For More Information e-mail: outtheretv@aol.com http://www.outtheretv.com/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 30, 2008
In an earth-shattering interview with oil industry insider Lindsey Williams this week, Kate and Richard Mucci reveal on Out There TV what Enron, Chevron, BP and Shell don't want you to know.
There IS NO OIL SHORTAGE. Peak Oil is a Scam!
Lindsey Williams was there thirty years ago when a pool of oil was discovered in the United States that would have made this country energy independent for TWO HUNDRED YEARS. But it was capped and classified, kept secret by the government and the elite in order to manipulate the price of oil and the economy of the world for their own agenda.
According to Williams, the American dollar is also being manipulated and set to crash, not by chance, but by design plan.
Don't miss this explosive episode.
Out There TV
Definitely NOT Your Evening News
Episode #298
On Las Vegas One Thursday, May 1, 2008 10:00 p.m. (Cox Cable 19)
Available Online Friday, May 2, 2008 at http://www.outtheretv.com/
On the America One and AMGTV Networks Saturday, May 3, 2008
See the website for further listings in your area.
For More Information e-mail: outtheretv@aol.com http://www.outtheretv.com/
4.29.2008
Ted Turner Tells All: "We're Consuming Too Much"
This out of the mouth of someone who owns more than 200 million acres and owns massive, lavish homes. However, this article is a bit ridiculous as it questions whether there is any sort of global warming. I still question the exact causes (thinking it's a myriad), however, science has definitely shown the temperature of our earth is rising. On the other hand, it makes some good points though about government and elite controlling population. These hypocrites who condemn you and I for our modern-day consumption habits while they stuff away their millions, rush home in their chauffeured limosines to their huge estates.
What I wish such writers/reporters would do is to address the very obvious: the resources on our planet are finite--when the population isn't conscientious of its choices. Do these folks really think it's doable (for the planet) for all of us to live like the Ted Turner's of the world? Sure, no one wants the government telling us how to live. And I absolutely resent elitists like Ted Turner doing so in such a hypocritical fashion. So then, what are these writer's suggestions to ensure we live in such a way so that resources can indeed be infinite.
I'm starting to think the problem isn't so much about you and I, but much more about Big Business and Government Policy.
Whenever anyone starts saying "there are too many people and we need to do something about it", I get chills up and down my spine. What do we do? Cull off a few million? I read something about the population issue here in the states. There are fewer children being born than in decades past. And more people die each day than are born. In time, that will lead to a population decline. Japan, I read earlier this year, is also experiencing the same thing.
Perhaps the population problem is simply some elite agenda, aimed at controlling us even more. It is something to think about.
What I wish such writers/reporters would do is to address the very obvious: the resources on our planet are finite--when the population isn't conscientious of its choices. Do these folks really think it's doable (for the planet) for all of us to live like the Ted Turner's of the world? Sure, no one wants the government telling us how to live. And I absolutely resent elitists like Ted Turner doing so in such a hypocritical fashion. So then, what are these writer's suggestions to ensure we live in such a way so that resources can indeed be infinite.
I'm starting to think the problem isn't so much about you and I, but much more about Big Business and Government Policy.
Whenever anyone starts saying "there are too many people and we need to do something about it", I get chills up and down my spine. What do we do? Cull off a few million? I read something about the population issue here in the states. There are fewer children being born than in decades past. And more people die each day than are born. In time, that will lead to a population decline. Japan, I read earlier this year, is also experiencing the same thing.
Perhaps the population problem is simply some elite agenda, aimed at controlling us even more. It is something to think about.
4.28.2008
Top 10 List Of Things To Do With That Economic Stimulus Cash
I cannot say that without feeling a bit weird. Stimulating the economy, as though I'm tickling something, intangible at that, for pleasure. A little higher and to the left, please.
With all of this talk about these checks from Uncle Sam soon-to-be-arriving in a mailbox or bank account near you, I've been thinking about what to do with the cash. Worn down from trying to be practical about this "honest to god you won't have to pay this back ever in any way shape or form" cash from our good 'ole government bean counters, I've decided to have a little fun and offer up my suggestions for what to do with the greens.
10) Buy a bunch of spare ribs and beer, invite your friends and neighbors, and eat, drink, sing and be merry for 24 hours. Or however long the beer and food last.
9) Rent some time with the Blue Angels and ask to fly slowly over your neighborhood. That way you will get a good view of your neighbors and get a feel for our our government has access to any time they feel like it.
8) Buy some non-toxic paint (or toxic if you like getting buzzed off of such fumes) and paint a large mural on your rooftop. Suggested themes: the middle finger salute; the constitution with WE THE PEOPLE in large, black bold letters; a picture of certain leaders in a jail cell; or angels and flowers.
7) Buy several cans of tennis balls and drop them off at our home. Our dog will be oh so very enthused with your gesture. Same goes for dog cookies.
6) Get together with your neighbors and lay out all of your cash on a table or two. Laminate each bill and then get creative. Make something out of those laminated pieces square paper, take pictures of your creation and post it on U-Tube, your blog, etc. etc..
5) Along the lines of number 7, send me your cash. I promise to put it to good use. : )
4) Buy ingredients for a pizza and set out to make the world's largest. Submit to Guiness. Obtain world wide fame and recognition.
3) Spend it all on chocolate (fair trade only, please). Then share, offering up each recipient a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
2) Make a tree fort for the kids in your neighborhood to play in. And for those adults who still have that tree fort enthusiasm.
And number one:
1) Set out to disprove the theory: Money Doesn't Grow On Trees. Plant it and watch it fluorish. I figure it's about as profitable as putting it in the stock market.
Ok, my practical side is kicking in wanting a say, so I will be offering up some suggestions on those practical things to do with the greens tomorrow.
With all of this talk about these checks from Uncle Sam soon-to-be-arriving in a mailbox or bank account near you, I've been thinking about what to do with the cash. Worn down from trying to be practical about this "honest to god you won't have to pay this back ever in any way shape or form" cash from our good 'ole government bean counters, I've decided to have a little fun and offer up my suggestions for what to do with the greens.
10) Buy a bunch of spare ribs and beer, invite your friends and neighbors, and eat, drink, sing and be merry for 24 hours. Or however long the beer and food last.
9) Rent some time with the Blue Angels and ask to fly slowly over your neighborhood. That way you will get a good view of your neighbors and get a feel for our our government has access to any time they feel like it.
8) Buy some non-toxic paint (or toxic if you like getting buzzed off of such fumes) and paint a large mural on your rooftop. Suggested themes: the middle finger salute; the constitution with WE THE PEOPLE in large, black bold letters; a picture of certain leaders in a jail cell; or angels and flowers.
7) Buy several cans of tennis balls and drop them off at our home. Our dog will be oh so very enthused with your gesture. Same goes for dog cookies.
6) Get together with your neighbors and lay out all of your cash on a table or two. Laminate each bill and then get creative. Make something out of those laminated pieces square paper, take pictures of your creation and post it on U-Tube, your blog, etc. etc..
5) Along the lines of number 7, send me your cash. I promise to put it to good use. : )
4) Buy ingredients for a pizza and set out to make the world's largest. Submit to Guiness. Obtain world wide fame and recognition.
3) Spend it all on chocolate (fair trade only, please). Then share, offering up each recipient a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
2) Make a tree fort for the kids in your neighborhood to play in. And for those adults who still have that tree fort enthusiasm.
And number one:
1) Set out to disprove the theory: Money Doesn't Grow On Trees. Plant it and watch it fluorish. I figure it's about as profitable as putting it in the stock market.
Ok, my practical side is kicking in wanting a say, so I will be offering up some suggestions on those practical things to do with the greens tomorrow.
Meteorologist Misses, Mishaps and Mistakes
Anyone but me notice the growing number of mistakes meterologists are making lately? In today's global climate change, I'm thinking that perhaps weather patterns are changing, which is putting today's computer models out-of-date. And we all know Meteorologists rely heavily (too heavily in my opinion) on the computer models in forecasting weather. Yesterday all of the local stations and one up in Portland forecasted a high of 58-61 degrees and increasing clouds for our area.
Try 72, sunny and very windy.
We've had snowfall on numerous occasions (elevation of approximately 300') when we were told it would be limited to 1,000' and above. We've had lows stay around much longer than forecasted. Our temperatures have been averaging a good 10 degrees below normal. And yet not one Meterologist has mentioned a thing about this being the new norm or about this resulting from global climate change. It's just a "very unusually cold spring".
Try an unusally early and cool fall and cold winter as well.
Me's be thinkin' it's time for the weather dudes and dudettes to put forth the request to the gods of the American Meterological Association (with whom they must receive that stamp of approval before giving out forecasts) to update the computer models. The times they are a' changin'. Technology, in this case weather forecasting, needs to keep up.
Try 72, sunny and very windy.
We've had snowfall on numerous occasions (elevation of approximately 300') when we were told it would be limited to 1,000' and above. We've had lows stay around much longer than forecasted. Our temperatures have been averaging a good 10 degrees below normal. And yet not one Meterologist has mentioned a thing about this being the new norm or about this resulting from global climate change. It's just a "very unusually cold spring".
Try an unusally early and cool fall and cold winter as well.
Me's be thinkin' it's time for the weather dudes and dudettes to put forth the request to the gods of the American Meterological Association (with whom they must receive that stamp of approval before giving out forecasts) to update the computer models. The times they are a' changin'. Technology, in this case weather forecasting, needs to keep up.
Monday Musings
Haven't had much to say lately. Mood's been a mix of sarcasm, apathy and dismissiveness. Been spending some time watching the Dead Like Me series on DVD. Good entertainment. I like the writing and the biting wit and sarcasm is just what I need at the moment. Oh so much better than engaging my mind in the political process. I'm done with that and it feels good not to numb my mind with rambling sugar-coated dribble. (As a side note to that, received our voter's pamphlet. I noticed DeFazio's up for re-election again. Given his complete dismissal of his constituents on a myriad of issues, I would hope people would not re-elect him again.) Also been watching, in segments, some material by Eustace Mullins. He used to work for the library of congress and was a student of Ezra Pound. He's a wealth of knowledge. Talks about Israel, war, the federal reserve and other dark secrets government and business says we're best not knowing about.
Been thinking more about ditching city life and living out in the country. While I love being around people and having neighbors to talk to, equally so, I love quiet, need quiet, especially when I sleep. Seems we're often being woken up by neighbors coming home after midnight then woken up again by other neighbors leaving at 6am. You would think when people are on the move during these hours they would be quiet. But nope. They are addicted to their cell phones and car stereos. They gotta rev their cars up and let 'em idle. Consideration is unknown to some, most especially college students. They should not be allowed to live on their own until they are in their 20's, or else house them all away from the rest of the population. Before they reach their 20's, that frontal lobe is still developing, which means their choices are often acted out without any thought. I was taught, more likely brainwashed, into thinking of others first and foremost at all costs, no exceptions. In truth though, it's a balance. Thinking of oneself while taking others into consideration, in so long as you aren't sacrificing your own happiness. The other night, we could hear the neighbor's video game system clearly through the walls. It was shaking our floor and wall making it simply impossible to focus on our movie. We refuse to talk with these morons anymore as we have done so repeatedly to no avail. So instead, I took out a can of tennis balls and threw them at the wall, over and over again, until finally the damn volume was turned down.
Honest to god. If it's that loud over there it must be outrageously loud over there. And as such, don't they stop to think about their neighbors? Especially when it's 10:30pm in the evening? That answer would be "no".
I've decided that next time, I'll pull my ass out of bed at 6am and play my piano. Or blast some Led Zepplin, speakers right up against their bedroom wall. Sometimes responding peacefully doesn't work. Sometimes you gotta give a little bit of fire.
Been thinking more about ditching city life and living out in the country. While I love being around people and having neighbors to talk to, equally so, I love quiet, need quiet, especially when I sleep. Seems we're often being woken up by neighbors coming home after midnight then woken up again by other neighbors leaving at 6am. You would think when people are on the move during these hours they would be quiet. But nope. They are addicted to their cell phones and car stereos. They gotta rev their cars up and let 'em idle. Consideration is unknown to some, most especially college students. They should not be allowed to live on their own until they are in their 20's, or else house them all away from the rest of the population. Before they reach their 20's, that frontal lobe is still developing, which means their choices are often acted out without any thought. I was taught, more likely brainwashed, into thinking of others first and foremost at all costs, no exceptions. In truth though, it's a balance. Thinking of oneself while taking others into consideration, in so long as you aren't sacrificing your own happiness. The other night, we could hear the neighbor's video game system clearly through the walls. It was shaking our floor and wall making it simply impossible to focus on our movie. We refuse to talk with these morons anymore as we have done so repeatedly to no avail. So instead, I took out a can of tennis balls and threw them at the wall, over and over again, until finally the damn volume was turned down.
Honest to god. If it's that loud over there it must be outrageously loud over there. And as such, don't they stop to think about their neighbors? Especially when it's 10:30pm in the evening? That answer would be "no".
I've decided that next time, I'll pull my ass out of bed at 6am and play my piano. Or blast some Led Zepplin, speakers right up against their bedroom wall. Sometimes responding peacefully doesn't work. Sometimes you gotta give a little bit of fire.
4.24.2008
Another Attack On The First Amendment
While I understand (as much as I can that is) the indescribable distress this family feels over the death of their son in Iraq, this lawsuit is nothing more than misguided anger and grief. Their son has died and somewhere inside they want someone to pay. Again, a very understandable emotional/mental state. However, there is no law that says we have the right not to be hurt or offended and all of this political-correctedness we've become so obsessed over is, at it's core, censorship. Or perhaps it started with the intention to be considerate of others. However, it's gone beyond that.
I wonder how the family would feel if the slogan were "America's Hero's" or something along those lines. Would there be a lawsuit then?
I wonder how the family would feel if the slogan were "America's Hero's" or something along those lines. Would there be a lawsuit then?
4.23.2008
Is There A Place For Folks Like Me?
I'm really wondering this right now. I used to be a staunch Democrat. Now I have seen the corruption of the entire party, the entire process. I have concluded that left or right, we will continue to have war. War is, afterall, good for business, good for the banks who rely on debt to stay operational. We will continue to have poverty. Big Business will continue to take precedent over the people.
If people really want change, they will talk about a new party and/or a new system. Fixing what's already in place isn't possible. Well, ok it's possible, but it would take nothing short of the most bizarre miracle ever to occur in our history as a species. And a lot of lives would be lost in the process. We've had enough of that.
So where do I belong? When I've talked about the democratic party, I've been accused of being a right-wing neo-con. When I've talked about global climate change and questioned the cause (not the reality of it), I've been accused of the same thing. When I have talked about poverty and hunger, I'm labeled a socialist or a communist or a liberal. When I've talked about things like 9/11 and the lies surrounding it, about this bogus war on terror, about this criminal war on drugs, I've been attacked from both sides as being either unpatriotic or a conspiracy nut.
I was going to write up a synopsis on the Federal Reserve and what I have been learning about this rather mysterious "agency". But I figured what I would present would be largely ignored by the left or ridiculed by the right.
Doesn't anyone keep a mind open enough anymore to embrace ANY new information? Any information that deviates away from their current little mold box they are standing in?
I'm always in search of the truth, always exploring, always looking at various sides to certain issues. Sure, that means at times I'm a fence-sitter. It means I may believe one thing one day and then a week later, I have altered my thoughts somewhat (my views on poverty are even changing!). I believe that's a healthy way to live. Unfortunately, my experience has been those who celebrate being either "left" or "right", "liberal" or "conservative" or whatever label they apply to themselves, fail in some way to live this way.
I'm discovering that the less I cling to something, the less I want to fight. I'm so much more than what I think, so much more than my opinions. If we were all to go to that "place" more often, if the majority of us would, private and public citizen alike, we wouldn't need the labels. We wouldn't need to fight. We'd simply remember those things we learned in kindergarten: Share your toys and cookies. Pick up after yourself. Apologize when you've hurt someone. And hold the hand of the person nearest you when you cross the street.
If people really want change, they will talk about a new party and/or a new system. Fixing what's already in place isn't possible. Well, ok it's possible, but it would take nothing short of the most bizarre miracle ever to occur in our history as a species. And a lot of lives would be lost in the process. We've had enough of that.
So where do I belong? When I've talked about the democratic party, I've been accused of being a right-wing neo-con. When I've talked about global climate change and questioned the cause (not the reality of it), I've been accused of the same thing. When I have talked about poverty and hunger, I'm labeled a socialist or a communist or a liberal. When I've talked about things like 9/11 and the lies surrounding it, about this bogus war on terror, about this criminal war on drugs, I've been attacked from both sides as being either unpatriotic or a conspiracy nut.
I was going to write up a synopsis on the Federal Reserve and what I have been learning about this rather mysterious "agency". But I figured what I would present would be largely ignored by the left or ridiculed by the right.
Doesn't anyone keep a mind open enough anymore to embrace ANY new information? Any information that deviates away from their current little mold box they are standing in?
I'm always in search of the truth, always exploring, always looking at various sides to certain issues. Sure, that means at times I'm a fence-sitter. It means I may believe one thing one day and then a week later, I have altered my thoughts somewhat (my views on poverty are even changing!). I believe that's a healthy way to live. Unfortunately, my experience has been those who celebrate being either "left" or "right", "liberal" or "conservative" or whatever label they apply to themselves, fail in some way to live this way.
I'm discovering that the less I cling to something, the less I want to fight. I'm so much more than what I think, so much more than my opinions. If we were all to go to that "place" more often, if the majority of us would, private and public citizen alike, we wouldn't need the labels. We wouldn't need to fight. We'd simply remember those things we learned in kindergarten: Share your toys and cookies. Pick up after yourself. Apologize when you've hurt someone. And hold the hand of the person nearest you when you cross the street.
Confusion in Pennsylvania
Hillary "took" the state. But in the days leading up to the "vote", there was some confusion as to who was ahead. On April 2nd, one poll said Obama was leading, the other, Hillary. Must have been some post-April fools day energy remaining in the air.
Hillary's ahead!!
TPM Election Central Talking Points Memo
"Poll: Hillary Ahead By Five Points In Pennsylvania Primary. By Eric Kleefeld - April 9, 2008, 8:57AM. A new poll of Pennsylvania from Strategic Vision (R) ..."tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/04/poll_hillary_ahead_by_five_poi.php3.
TPM Election Central Talking Points Memo
"2 Apr 2008 ... This morning's Quinnipiac polls show Hillary Clinton running nine points ahead of Barack Obama in the Pennsylvania primary, ..."tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/04/quinnipiac_hillary_ahead_by_ni.php4.
New PA Poll: Hillary Ahead by 11 Points - TalkLeft: The Politics ...
"4 Apr 2008 ... Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news."www.talkleft.com/story/2008/4/4/124216/58105.
Indiana Poll: Hillary Ahead By 3, Leads in All But One Age Group ...
"3 Apr 2008 ... Indiana Poll: Hillary Ahead By 3, Leads in All But One Age Group .... And as for that "outlier" PPP poll in PA (none / 0) (#39) ..."www.talkleft.com/story/2008/4/3/232444/96116.
Now Obama's ahead!!
Hillary Clinton loses traction over Barack Obama in Pennsylvania ...
"15 Apr 2008 ... Hillary Clinton loses traction over Barack Obama in Pennsylvania, Indiana .... The Times/Bloomberg poll put Obama ahead, 40% to 35%. ..."www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-poll16apr16,0,794499.story
Obama overtakes Clinton in PA
"2 Apr 2008 ... QUESTIONS ABOUT THE POLL: TOM JENSEN 919-744-6312. Obama overtakes Clinton in PA. Raleigh, N.C. – Barack Obama has taken the lead over ..."www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Penn_Release_040208.pdf2.
TPM Election Central Talking Points Memo
"Poll: Obama Ahead In Pennsylvania. By Eric Kleefeld - April 21, 2008, 9:59AM. A new survey of Pennsylvania form Public Policy Polling (D) gives Barack Obama ..."tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/04/poll_obama_ahead_in_pennsylvan.php4.
Trailhead : Keystone Bounce
"2 Apr 2008 ... Something we didn't mention in today's Deathwatch is a new Pennsylvania survey by Public Policy Polling that puts Obama barely ahead of ..."www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/trailhead/archive/2008/04/02/keystone-bounce.aspx5.
New polls show Obama surge in Pa. - David Paul Kuhn - Politico.com
"2 Apr 2008 ... Navigate: Home Politics '08 New polls show Obama surge in Pa. ... was still ahead by 12 points, though Obama had narrowed her lead by 7 ..."www.politico.com/news/stories/0408/9335.html
Hillary's ahead!!
TPM Election Central Talking Points Memo
"Poll: Hillary Ahead By Five Points In Pennsylvania Primary. By Eric Kleefeld - April 9, 2008, 8:57AM. A new poll of Pennsylvania from Strategic Vision (R) ..."tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/04/poll_hillary_ahead_by_five_poi.php3.
TPM Election Central Talking Points Memo
"2 Apr 2008 ... This morning's Quinnipiac polls show Hillary Clinton running nine points ahead of Barack Obama in the Pennsylvania primary, ..."tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/04/quinnipiac_hillary_ahead_by_ni.php4.
New PA Poll: Hillary Ahead by 11 Points - TalkLeft: The Politics ...
"4 Apr 2008 ... Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news."www.talkleft.com/story/2008/4/4/124216/58105.
Indiana Poll: Hillary Ahead By 3, Leads in All But One Age Group ...
"3 Apr 2008 ... Indiana Poll: Hillary Ahead By 3, Leads in All But One Age Group .... And as for that "outlier" PPP poll in PA (none / 0) (#39) ..."www.talkleft.com/story/2008/4/3/232444/96116.
Now Obama's ahead!!
Hillary Clinton loses traction over Barack Obama in Pennsylvania ...
"15 Apr 2008 ... Hillary Clinton loses traction over Barack Obama in Pennsylvania, Indiana .... The Times/Bloomberg poll put Obama ahead, 40% to 35%. ..."www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-na-poll16apr16,0,794499.story
Obama overtakes Clinton in PA
"2 Apr 2008 ... QUESTIONS ABOUT THE POLL: TOM JENSEN 919-744-6312. Obama overtakes Clinton in PA. Raleigh, N.C. – Barack Obama has taken the lead over ..."www.publicpolicypolling.com/pdf/PPP_Penn_Release_040208.pdf2.
TPM Election Central Talking Points Memo
"Poll: Obama Ahead In Pennsylvania. By Eric Kleefeld - April 21, 2008, 9:59AM. A new survey of Pennsylvania form Public Policy Polling (D) gives Barack Obama ..."tpmelectioncentral.talkingpointsmemo.com/2008/04/poll_obama_ahead_in_pennsylvan.php4.
Trailhead : Keystone Bounce
"2 Apr 2008 ... Something we didn't mention in today's Deathwatch is a new Pennsylvania survey by Public Policy Polling that puts Obama barely ahead of ..."www.slate.com/blogs/blogs/trailhead/archive/2008/04/02/keystone-bounce.aspx5.
New polls show Obama surge in Pa. - David Paul Kuhn - Politico.com
"2 Apr 2008 ... Navigate: Home Politics '08 New polls show Obama surge in Pa. ... was still ahead by 12 points, though Obama had narrowed her lead by 7 ..."www.politico.com/news/stories/0408/9335.html
4.22.2008
Blog Hits
Here's some of the search words bloggers have used to find my blog over the past two days.
"job seekers bullshit"
A rather funny search. And a sign of the times. Also a sign of the times was the following:
"food rationing"
This one appeared three separate times in two days, from different parts of the country.
"kip schoning"
This is a very popular search word and often comes out of Oregon State University. Not surprising considering the number of students who rent his properties and end up getting screwed out of deposits and repairs. His wife is advertising for an office position in her real estate firm. Applicant must know how to handle customer complaints. That's the understatement of the year.
"rob boss craigslist"
This person must have put their resume on craigslist, as did myself (anonymously) recently. Someone calling themselves "rob boss" e-mailed me, stating I had 24 hours to reply. I blogged about it and of course, didn't respond. This poster was out of Georgia, so it seems as though this "rob boss" is making his rounds across the country with his unbelievable offers of employment. I wonder if this person stole this name from the painter on PBS, Bob Ross, and decided to have some fun with it. Idiot.
And, saving my favorite for last:
"can too much pot kill you"
Not surprisingly, this came from someone from a University here in the states. I hope after reading my entry, he/she realized that no, too much pot can not kill you. Too much, however, can make you temporarily stupid and paranoid. But then again, so can watching the Evening News.
"job seekers bullshit"
A rather funny search. And a sign of the times. Also a sign of the times was the following:
"food rationing"
This one appeared three separate times in two days, from different parts of the country.
"kip schoning"
This is a very popular search word and often comes out of Oregon State University. Not surprising considering the number of students who rent his properties and end up getting screwed out of deposits and repairs. His wife is advertising for an office position in her real estate firm. Applicant must know how to handle customer complaints. That's the understatement of the year.
"rob boss craigslist"
This person must have put their resume on craigslist, as did myself (anonymously) recently. Someone calling themselves "rob boss" e-mailed me, stating I had 24 hours to reply. I blogged about it and of course, didn't respond. This poster was out of Georgia, so it seems as though this "rob boss" is making his rounds across the country with his unbelievable offers of employment. I wonder if this person stole this name from the painter on PBS, Bob Ross, and decided to have some fun with it. Idiot.
And, saving my favorite for last:
"can too much pot kill you"
Not surprisingly, this came from someone from a University here in the states. I hope after reading my entry, he/she realized that no, too much pot can not kill you. Too much, however, can make you temporarily stupid and paranoid. But then again, so can watching the Evening News.
A Variety of Ramblings on This Earth Day
I need to start a movement. A movement where we stop all of this political bickering and ask ourselves what it is we want and need. I can guarantee most people (outside of the political and big business circle that is) want peace. Most want clean air and water and food. Most want to have the right to speak, say, do, be, and live however they want. Big business and political circles love this bickering we engage in. It keeps us divided. It keeps us detached and addicted to the System and all that the System tells us is right and wrong, good and bad.
We can do better. We must do better.
**
In a moment of frustrating verbal rantings last week, the following came out of my mouth:
"If you don't knock it off, I'm going to stick my hand up your ass. You must have brain matter somewhere and it's obviously not in your head."
I do, afterall, have a rather mischevious dark side. Or as my southern friend says, "You're a born smart-ass, honey child."
**
It's earth day. I don't know how to celebrate it. I think holiday's are a bit silly actually. Each day alive should be enough for us to consider one another and the environment around us. Stores are having sales today, prompting people to drive and spend, feeding the System. That's good for the earth in what way?
**
I'm about ready to post naked pictures or talk about celebrities to get some friggin' interest in this blog again. No one interested in what I have to say anymore??
**
Our world needs some of that feminine energy in a big way. We're completely out of balance. I'm not talking about men and women. I'm talking about energy and the behaviors that follow. Masculine energy is about power. Feminine energy is about nurturing. We all have both energies as part of our make-up. They've been suppressed and as such, over-utilized and under-utilized as a result.
**
It was spoken to me over the weekend that "This planet can be a paradise." This is from someone who is politically awake and disgusted. It was nice to hear. And unless we hold out for that, we may as well give up and bury our heads. Without hope to guide us, we're nothing but physical matter on auto-pilot. A good place to start is by participating in my 10:10 International Hour of Prayer. I already blogged about it so I won't detail it again.
**
We're buying a Def Leppard compilation CD. Both the Mr. and I are huge DL fans. I hear their music, I want it turned up loud. And I admit, it makes me want to crank it up around kids who play that rap music and thumping bass and say "Hear this? THIS is music, sweetheart!" Maybe add in a little Bart Simpson "eat my shorts" obnoxiousness. Of course, I could also say the same about The Beatles, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Clapton, Elvis, Glenn Miller, Bonnie Raitt...
**
A little trivia for ya. Folks up in Alaska put on their flip flops when the temp rises above 50 degrees.
**
Some more trivia. Voting Is Bad For Your Health.
We can do better. We must do better.
**
In a moment of frustrating verbal rantings last week, the following came out of my mouth:
"If you don't knock it off, I'm going to stick my hand up your ass. You must have brain matter somewhere and it's obviously not in your head."
I do, afterall, have a rather mischevious dark side. Or as my southern friend says, "You're a born smart-ass, honey child."
**
It's earth day. I don't know how to celebrate it. I think holiday's are a bit silly actually. Each day alive should be enough for us to consider one another and the environment around us. Stores are having sales today, prompting people to drive and spend, feeding the System. That's good for the earth in what way?
**
I'm about ready to post naked pictures or talk about celebrities to get some friggin' interest in this blog again. No one interested in what I have to say anymore??
**
Our world needs some of that feminine energy in a big way. We're completely out of balance. I'm not talking about men and women. I'm talking about energy and the behaviors that follow. Masculine energy is about power. Feminine energy is about nurturing. We all have both energies as part of our make-up. They've been suppressed and as such, over-utilized and under-utilized as a result.
**
It was spoken to me over the weekend that "This planet can be a paradise." This is from someone who is politically awake and disgusted. It was nice to hear. And unless we hold out for that, we may as well give up and bury our heads. Without hope to guide us, we're nothing but physical matter on auto-pilot. A good place to start is by participating in my 10:10 International Hour of Prayer. I already blogged about it so I won't detail it again.
**
We're buying a Def Leppard compilation CD. Both the Mr. and I are huge DL fans. I hear their music, I want it turned up loud. And I admit, it makes me want to crank it up around kids who play that rap music and thumping bass and say "Hear this? THIS is music, sweetheart!" Maybe add in a little Bart Simpson "eat my shorts" obnoxiousness. Of course, I could also say the same about The Beatles, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Clapton, Elvis, Glenn Miller, Bonnie Raitt...
**
A little trivia for ya. Folks up in Alaska put on their flip flops when the temp rises above 50 degrees.
**
Some more trivia. Voting Is Bad For Your Health.
4.21.2008
So Michael Moore Wants Me To Vote For Obama
Why?
Well, in a nutshell because of Hillary's recent attacks using the "F" word. That would be "Farrakhan". Apparently she said Obama had ties to Farrakhan, indirectly through Obama's minister.
He thinks this is an insult? He's reacting so strongly why?
When I see such political attacks, I think "Business as usual." It no longer upsets me.
What DOES upset me is this on-going pandering to, well, Business As Usual with more support for yet another corporate puppet. Afterall, a vote for a Democrat is better than a vote for a Republican. And having another administration like the Bushes is simply not tolerable.
And understandable POV.
And yet another administration under a Democrat won't be much better. Perhaps some. BUT NOT ENOUGH. And we need a lot of "ENOUGH" yesterday!
Obama thinks Iran's a threat and isn't against bombing them to hell and back. He kisses Isreal's ass while trying to convince (brainwash) us once again that Israel is only trying to protect its "Homeland", even though the truth is that Israel is forcing the Palestinians out of their homeland, just as they have been doing for the past 30 years. You would fight too if another nation invaded your territory and said "Get out. This land is now ours." According to Uncle Sam, if you're a United States supported aggressor, your actions are justified. You're a victim. If you're not supported by the states and you're engaged in military combat, you're a terrorist.
When oh when are we the people going to demand more? No, not more. THE BEST. When? My vote will be for Nadar. He's the only candidate on the ballot (well aside from Ron Paul who I could stand behind if he didn't have such extreme views on certain issues) with the balls to stand up to Corporate America, demand they return the keys to this country, and return said keys to the people. With the courage to call this bullshit war for what it is. With the gumption to reign in this out-of-control federal spending. To demand corporate accountability. To create living wage jobs again.
So it is your choice. You want more Corporate domination? You want more war? You want more nightmares under Nafta (which was a joint venture under both the Dems and Repubs)? You want to see the continuation of the crumbling of the middle class? No corporate accountability? You want to see no real policies that truly work to eliminate poverty and hunger? You want to see Montsanto continue to monopolize the seed market, with it's GMO crap? Fine. Vote for Obama or Clinton.
But if you really want to see some of the above change in the favor of peace and the people, you will for for Nadar. Or Kucinich. Or heck, even Paul.
But I know one thing. Once either of those two puppets are put into office, it will be a frustrating experience for me and those who think as I when supporters begin to cry foul after it is made apparent there isn't really going to be much in the way of real change. But I know, from my own experience, that sometimes you need to be hit on the head more than once with the bat until you realize you're getting hurt.
Well, in a nutshell because of Hillary's recent attacks using the "F" word. That would be "Farrakhan". Apparently she said Obama had ties to Farrakhan, indirectly through Obama's minister.
He thinks this is an insult? He's reacting so strongly why?
When I see such political attacks, I think "Business as usual." It no longer upsets me.
What DOES upset me is this on-going pandering to, well, Business As Usual with more support for yet another corporate puppet. Afterall, a vote for a Democrat is better than a vote for a Republican. And having another administration like the Bushes is simply not tolerable.
And understandable POV.
And yet another administration under a Democrat won't be much better. Perhaps some. BUT NOT ENOUGH. And we need a lot of "ENOUGH" yesterday!
Obama thinks Iran's a threat and isn't against bombing them to hell and back. He kisses Isreal's ass while trying to convince (brainwash) us once again that Israel is only trying to protect its "Homeland", even though the truth is that Israel is forcing the Palestinians out of their homeland, just as they have been doing for the past 30 years. You would fight too if another nation invaded your territory and said "Get out. This land is now ours." According to Uncle Sam, if you're a United States supported aggressor, your actions are justified. You're a victim. If you're not supported by the states and you're engaged in military combat, you're a terrorist.
When oh when are we the people going to demand more? No, not more. THE BEST. When? My vote will be for Nadar. He's the only candidate on the ballot (well aside from Ron Paul who I could stand behind if he didn't have such extreme views on certain issues) with the balls to stand up to Corporate America, demand they return the keys to this country, and return said keys to the people. With the courage to call this bullshit war for what it is. With the gumption to reign in this out-of-control federal spending. To demand corporate accountability. To create living wage jobs again.
So it is your choice. You want more Corporate domination? You want more war? You want more nightmares under Nafta (which was a joint venture under both the Dems and Repubs)? You want to see the continuation of the crumbling of the middle class? No corporate accountability? You want to see no real policies that truly work to eliminate poverty and hunger? You want to see Montsanto continue to monopolize the seed market, with it's GMO crap? Fine. Vote for Obama or Clinton.
But if you really want to see some of the above change in the favor of peace and the people, you will for for Nadar. Or Kucinich. Or heck, even Paul.
But I know one thing. Once either of those two puppets are put into office, it will be a frustrating experience for me and those who think as I when supporters begin to cry foul after it is made apparent there isn't really going to be much in the way of real change. But I know, from my own experience, that sometimes you need to be hit on the head more than once with the bat until you realize you're getting hurt.
4.17.2008
Walking Away From The Status Quo
A website I visit once in awhile had a viewer write in, sharing another experience of yet another American Corporation screw over their employees while the head honchos receive millions. This particular viewer was mad as hell. Understandable.
The owners of the site asked viewers to write in suggestions as to what could be done. The following is what I sent.
***
Hi Kate~
After watching this sort of criminal behavior go on, year after year, I've been thinking the same thing. What can be done?
I've come to the conclusion that this is simply a part of a larger problem: A System built on fear and control. Similar behavior is seen in government, schools, the church. People in charge, dictating policies that are short-sighted, utterly selfish, completely lacking in decency, respect and concern for others. People in charge who are out for their own gain. In short, a System that has completely forgotten the connection we all share, or if they are aware, they simply don't care. A System that also wants us, joe and jane smith, to depend on it, on them, for our survival.
That's where we the people come in. It's time to create a new System. It's time for us to expand our ways of thinking, our ways of living. When it comes to this particular problem, it's time to create new businesses on our own with those who value equality and human worth and dignity. It's time to join together with like-minded folks who are tired of working hard to ensure the wealth of someone else. It's time to look for what is missing in our corners of society, time to determine what is needed for both the survival of our species and our planet, and build businesses around those ideas. I was given some information on Worker Co-Operatives. They're based on some very interesting principles, really based in democracy. I would encourage others to look into this business model.
I once wrote you a couple of years ago about determining, as individuals and as a collective whole, just what it is we want. What kind of a world, a society, a community do we wish to have? What does that look like? These questions are every bit as pertinent today as they were back when I wrote you. We must, we absolutely must address these questions if we truly want something different. We must begin to work on breaking free from our dependence on the System, in this instance the System being corrupt corporations, instead of trying to fix something that is already crumbling...instead of trying to change the mindsets of those dictating how today's corporate culture is run. We don't need to do that. Let them have their millions. If we break free from them and create something anew, on our own, create a way of working and living that is sustainable and independent from them, who will they have left to work for them, to depend on them?
Sometimes, perhaps, the best force for change comes about not by fighting evil, but by assertively resisting the evil, saying "no more", remembering our own power, connecting with others to build something new. Create anew, based on our values, our truth, our way. This change would be messy and scary. It would take a lot of time and energy. But I believe to the depths of who I am that we must build a new System that works for those of us who embrace human worth, dignity, equality and respect. And we can do that, together.
I know my response offers no quick fix solutions. I know it doesn't encourage an attitude of "fight the man". I used to embrace this attitude, but something has been happening to me where I am realizing such fighting is, often, futile. And it also, in a way, violates my own idea of freedom. If people want to run organizations, businesses, etc. on principles of fear and control, have at it. I simply choose not to be a part of that. I choose to focus on what it is I want and need instead and seek out others who want the same or similar things and as such, work to create those very things. And to be honest, I don't hold much faith in the idea that government is going to do what it needs to be doing, what it should have been doing all along and that is protect the workers for corporations such as the one as described by Mr. Morgan, to hold the people running these criminal enterprises accountable. Afterall, the government not only operates under similar principles, it also benefits from such a System.
I know this brings up practical issues such as how do you pay the bills and feed yourself and your family once Corporate America has screwed you over. I don't know. As someone who was let go from the University, my position being replaced by a damn computer, I'm wondering this myself. My spouse has employment, but we're still barely making it. All I can think of is the answer lies in relying on one another. And working to build something anew as I outlined. And hey, if I ran the show, I'd have an unlimited trust fund to hand out to people during such occasions. But I don't so that just remains a pipe dream.
We're all creative individuals. Some are followers, some are leaders. But all are visionaries who have something to contribute to creating new ideas.
***
I would also add if we are to create such a society, we need to drop the labels. We need to stop the attacks, left and right. This only divides us, people! We're all in this same boat together. The question I would pose is this: Do you want change? Or do you simply want to engage in labeling and name calling? You can't have both. Not in an authentic way.
The owners of the site asked viewers to write in suggestions as to what could be done. The following is what I sent.
***
Hi Kate~
After watching this sort of criminal behavior go on, year after year, I've been thinking the same thing. What can be done?
I've come to the conclusion that this is simply a part of a larger problem: A System built on fear and control. Similar behavior is seen in government, schools, the church. People in charge, dictating policies that are short-sighted, utterly selfish, completely lacking in decency, respect and concern for others. People in charge who are out for their own gain. In short, a System that has completely forgotten the connection we all share, or if they are aware, they simply don't care. A System that also wants us, joe and jane smith, to depend on it, on them, for our survival.
That's where we the people come in. It's time to create a new System. It's time for us to expand our ways of thinking, our ways of living. When it comes to this particular problem, it's time to create new businesses on our own with those who value equality and human worth and dignity. It's time to join together with like-minded folks who are tired of working hard to ensure the wealth of someone else. It's time to look for what is missing in our corners of society, time to determine what is needed for both the survival of our species and our planet, and build businesses around those ideas. I was given some information on Worker Co-Operatives. They're based on some very interesting principles, really based in democracy. I would encourage others to look into this business model.
I once wrote you a couple of years ago about determining, as individuals and as a collective whole, just what it is we want. What kind of a world, a society, a community do we wish to have? What does that look like? These questions are every bit as pertinent today as they were back when I wrote you. We must, we absolutely must address these questions if we truly want something different. We must begin to work on breaking free from our dependence on the System, in this instance the System being corrupt corporations, instead of trying to fix something that is already crumbling...instead of trying to change the mindsets of those dictating how today's corporate culture is run. We don't need to do that. Let them have their millions. If we break free from them and create something anew, on our own, create a way of working and living that is sustainable and independent from them, who will they have left to work for them, to depend on them?
Sometimes, perhaps, the best force for change comes about not by fighting evil, but by assertively resisting the evil, saying "no more", remembering our own power, connecting with others to build something new. Create anew, based on our values, our truth, our way. This change would be messy and scary. It would take a lot of time and energy. But I believe to the depths of who I am that we must build a new System that works for those of us who embrace human worth, dignity, equality and respect. And we can do that, together.
I know my response offers no quick fix solutions. I know it doesn't encourage an attitude of "fight the man". I used to embrace this attitude, but something has been happening to me where I am realizing such fighting is, often, futile. And it also, in a way, violates my own idea of freedom. If people want to run organizations, businesses, etc. on principles of fear and control, have at it. I simply choose not to be a part of that. I choose to focus on what it is I want and need instead and seek out others who want the same or similar things and as such, work to create those very things. And to be honest, I don't hold much faith in the idea that government is going to do what it needs to be doing, what it should have been doing all along and that is protect the workers for corporations such as the one as described by Mr. Morgan, to hold the people running these criminal enterprises accountable. Afterall, the government not only operates under similar principles, it also benefits from such a System.
I know this brings up practical issues such as how do you pay the bills and feed yourself and your family once Corporate America has screwed you over. I don't know. As someone who was let go from the University, my position being replaced by a damn computer, I'm wondering this myself. My spouse has employment, but we're still barely making it. All I can think of is the answer lies in relying on one another. And working to build something anew as I outlined. And hey, if I ran the show, I'd have an unlimited trust fund to hand out to people during such occasions. But I don't so that just remains a pipe dream.
We're all creative individuals. Some are followers, some are leaders. But all are visionaries who have something to contribute to creating new ideas.
***
I would also add if we are to create such a society, we need to drop the labels. We need to stop the attacks, left and right. This only divides us, people! We're all in this same boat together. The question I would pose is this: Do you want change? Or do you simply want to engage in labeling and name calling? You can't have both. Not in an authentic way.
4.16.2008
Isolation: John Lennon's Still With Us
Mr. N has been telling me about this Ann Wilson (formerly of the band Heart) John Lennon cover song he's been hearing a lot lately on a local radio station. This morning, while I lay in bed journaling, my intuition told me he would be calling me around 10 minutes after the hour to tell me the song was on and to turn on the radio.
He did. At precisely 12 minutes after the hour, he phoned and said it was on.
So I turned it on.
And listened.
And wept. Deeply.
His message still carries on. It carries on in Ann Wilson's interpretation. It carries on in the millions of like-minded folks who want peace. Who speak about it. Write about it. Sing about it. And after the other evening, as I was listening to some of the Beatles music and asking John to speak to me, send me a message, I know his words carry on through my own as well.
We are one world and yet we remain divided. Speaking of folks here in the states, the left is just as guilty as the right in keeping this division perpetuated. Each and every time we point a finger at somebody and put a label on them, judge them or make assumptions, we divide ourselves. We insulate ourselves. We ISOLATE ourselves. We certainly ensure peace remains a distant dream. A System of insanity has been created by insane individuals, and here we are, you and I, trying to be "normal" in such insanity. How is that even possible? If we were to really be ourselves, remove those masks we wear and just live from our hearts, live from love, the System would not have the support it needs and it would crumble. It's a choice. Difficult to do considering how the System has trained us, but it is still a choice.
Is it any wonder why "illnesses" such as depression, anxiety, physical pain are skyrocketing? Suppress our natural desire to love and that's what results. Illness. A body out of alignment. Sure, what we eat and breathe has importance. But even more important is what we think about ourselves and one another. How we treat ourselves and one another. How we interact.
With so much focus on global warming/climate change, the economy, the dollar, the job market, the war, we wrap ourselves up in fear even more. We insulate and isolate ourselves even more. Maybe, just maybe, we need to start thinking about that song, "Don't Worry, Be Happy". Incorporate that more into our daily lives. Start thinking of John Lennon's message of peace. Hell, start listening to the message of peace from anyone speaking of it.
This isn't to say we need to walk away from the current issues facing us. It's just an idea I wish to present to say, perhaps we're forgetting something important in all of this protesting, chanting and challenging. Maybe we're forgetting we're all connected. What a gift that is. The energy of love creates. The energy of fear destroys. And we'd better start remembering that if we really want the kind of world so many are fighting for to create.
Here are Lennon's words to "Isolation".
People say we got it made.
Don't they know we're so afraid?
Isolation.
We're afraid to be alone.
Everybody got to have a home.
Isolation.
Just a boy and a little girl,
trying to change the whole wide world.
Isolation.
The world is just a little town.
Everybody trying to put us down.
Isolation.
I don't expect you to understand
after you've caused so much pain.
But then again, you're not to blame.
You're just a human, a victim of the insane.
We're afraid of everyone.
Afraid of the sun.
Isolation.
The sun will never disappear.
But the world may not have many years.
Isolation.
He did. At precisely 12 minutes after the hour, he phoned and said it was on.
So I turned it on.
And listened.
And wept. Deeply.
His message still carries on. It carries on in Ann Wilson's interpretation. It carries on in the millions of like-minded folks who want peace. Who speak about it. Write about it. Sing about it. And after the other evening, as I was listening to some of the Beatles music and asking John to speak to me, send me a message, I know his words carry on through my own as well.
We are one world and yet we remain divided. Speaking of folks here in the states, the left is just as guilty as the right in keeping this division perpetuated. Each and every time we point a finger at somebody and put a label on them, judge them or make assumptions, we divide ourselves. We insulate ourselves. We ISOLATE ourselves. We certainly ensure peace remains a distant dream. A System of insanity has been created by insane individuals, and here we are, you and I, trying to be "normal" in such insanity. How is that even possible? If we were to really be ourselves, remove those masks we wear and just live from our hearts, live from love, the System would not have the support it needs and it would crumble. It's a choice. Difficult to do considering how the System has trained us, but it is still a choice.
Is it any wonder why "illnesses" such as depression, anxiety, physical pain are skyrocketing? Suppress our natural desire to love and that's what results. Illness. A body out of alignment. Sure, what we eat and breathe has importance. But even more important is what we think about ourselves and one another. How we treat ourselves and one another. How we interact.
With so much focus on global warming/climate change, the economy, the dollar, the job market, the war, we wrap ourselves up in fear even more. We insulate and isolate ourselves even more. Maybe, just maybe, we need to start thinking about that song, "Don't Worry, Be Happy". Incorporate that more into our daily lives. Start thinking of John Lennon's message of peace. Hell, start listening to the message of peace from anyone speaking of it.
This isn't to say we need to walk away from the current issues facing us. It's just an idea I wish to present to say, perhaps we're forgetting something important in all of this protesting, chanting and challenging. Maybe we're forgetting we're all connected. What a gift that is. The energy of love creates. The energy of fear destroys. And we'd better start remembering that if we really want the kind of world so many are fighting for to create.
Here are Lennon's words to "Isolation".
People say we got it made.
Don't they know we're so afraid?
Isolation.
We're afraid to be alone.
Everybody got to have a home.
Isolation.
Just a boy and a little girl,
trying to change the whole wide world.
Isolation.
The world is just a little town.
Everybody trying to put us down.
Isolation.
I don't expect you to understand
after you've caused so much pain.
But then again, you're not to blame.
You're just a human, a victim of the insane.
We're afraid of everyone.
Afraid of the sun.
Isolation.
The sun will never disappear.
But the world may not have many years.
Isolation.
4.15.2008
Strange Object In Corvallis Night Sky
Did anybody else see a strange object in the NE skies last night around 11:20pm? It looked like a large white glowing door with particles around it as it entered the atmosphere then, oddly, instead of burning completely it exploded before disappearing into a black cloud. The moon was out and this was still clearly visible. I have yet to see anything about it online. Surely, others had to have seen this. If you did, let me know.
This isn't a belated April Fools joke. It's the real deal.
Interestingly enough, we saw a strange white glow a few weeks ago in the same area. It was traveling very fast and was too bright and large to be a satellite. We followed it as it headed due east before suddenly vanishing. This is just one of many "unidentified/bizarre" objects we've seen in the skies of our galaxy.
Look up in the skies now and then, day and night. You never know what you will see.
This isn't a belated April Fools joke. It's the real deal.
Interestingly enough, we saw a strange white glow a few weeks ago in the same area. It was traveling very fast and was too bright and large to be a satellite. We followed it as it headed due east before suddenly vanishing. This is just one of many "unidentified/bizarre" objects we've seen in the skies of our galaxy.
Look up in the skies now and then, day and night. You never know what you will see.
In Honor Of Tax Day
Let me tell you how it will be.
There's one for you, nineteen for me.
'Cause I'm the taxman,
Yeah, I'm the taxman.
Should five per cent appear too small,
Be thankful I don't take it all.
'Cause I'm the taxman,
Yeah, I'm the taxman.
(if you drive a car) - I'll tax the street;
(if you try to sit) - I'll tax your seat;
(if you get too cold) - I'll tax the heat;
(if you take a walk) - I'll tax your feet.
Taxman!
'Cause I'm the taxman,
Yeah, I'm the taxman.
Don't ask me what I want it for, (ah-ah, mister Wilson)
If you don't want to pay some more. (ah-ah, mister heath)
'Cause I'm the taxman,
Yeah, I'm the taxman.
Now my advice for those who die.
Declare the pennies on your eyes.
'Cause I'm the taxman,
Yeah, I'm the taxman.
And you're working for no one but me.
Taxman!
Lyrics and melody by The Beatles.
Although The Beatles created a zippy little tune, Stevie Ray Vaughn did an amazing remake of it that really adds that sense of twisted evil we've all grown to know as the Department of Treasury and the IRS (I Represent Satan).
There's one for you, nineteen for me.
'Cause I'm the taxman,
Yeah, I'm the taxman.
Should five per cent appear too small,
Be thankful I don't take it all.
'Cause I'm the taxman,
Yeah, I'm the taxman.
(if you drive a car) - I'll tax the street;
(if you try to sit) - I'll tax your seat;
(if you get too cold) - I'll tax the heat;
(if you take a walk) - I'll tax your feet.
Taxman!
'Cause I'm the taxman,
Yeah, I'm the taxman.
Don't ask me what I want it for, (ah-ah, mister Wilson)
If you don't want to pay some more. (ah-ah, mister heath)
'Cause I'm the taxman,
Yeah, I'm the taxman.
Now my advice for those who die.
Declare the pennies on your eyes.
'Cause I'm the taxman,
Yeah, I'm the taxman.
And you're working for no one but me.
Taxman!
Lyrics and melody by The Beatles.
Although The Beatles created a zippy little tune, Stevie Ray Vaughn did an amazing remake of it that really adds that sense of twisted evil we've all grown to know as the Department of Treasury and the IRS (I Represent Satan).
4.14.2008
12 Tips For Surviving The Next Depression
The "D" word's being tossed around in a way I have never seen. Plus, this recession isn't just limited to the States. It's global.
Since we didn't have a full economic recovery from our last recession in the early 2000's (full recovery meaning each income bracket sees an increase in real wages), this one's hitting especially hard. Nearly 10% of homeowners dealing with the subprime chaos. We are now seeing an increase in food riots. The dollar's weakening. Credit debt is at an all-time high and consumer confidence is in the toilet. And something I as a job seeker notice: a massive growing trend towards commission-based sales positions and those work-at-home jobs. What I see much fewer of: secure positions that pay a living wage.
Check out this article to get some tips on surviving a (potential) upcoming Depression. At the very least, some of these are applicable under any economic conditions.
I still have faith in human kindness and generosity. I believe we can work together and use this time to create something new. Aren't we all just a wee bit tired of being so dependent on the System?
Since we didn't have a full economic recovery from our last recession in the early 2000's (full recovery meaning each income bracket sees an increase in real wages), this one's hitting especially hard. Nearly 10% of homeowners dealing with the subprime chaos. We are now seeing an increase in food riots. The dollar's weakening. Credit debt is at an all-time high and consumer confidence is in the toilet. And something I as a job seeker notice: a massive growing trend towards commission-based sales positions and those work-at-home jobs. What I see much fewer of: secure positions that pay a living wage.
Check out this article to get some tips on surviving a (potential) upcoming Depression. At the very least, some of these are applicable under any economic conditions.
I still have faith in human kindness and generosity. I believe we can work together and use this time to create something new. Aren't we all just a wee bit tired of being so dependent on the System?
Team Clinton's Income Sees A Net Increase of 5,600% Since 2000
Yes, you read that correctly. Since Billy Bob left office, the Clinton's income has grown by 5,600%.
Just one more reason why I find it deplorable when these gluttonously wealthy politicians ask for handouts during their bid for election/re-election. All Hillary need do is reach into her hubby's pockets for that cash. I'm sure he'd like the proposition anyway. It's likely the most sexual contact he would have received from his wife in a long time.
Just one more reason why I find it deplorable when these gluttonously wealthy politicians ask for handouts during their bid for election/re-election. All Hillary need do is reach into her hubby's pockets for that cash. I'm sure he'd like the proposition anyway. It's likely the most sexual contact he would have received from his wife in a long time.
Myth Busting: Sylvia Brown
I thought that would be a good title to busting wide open some of the misleading and limited thoughts supposed "leaders" and "teachers" tell us are Truth when in reality, they are nothing more than man-made myths, created to keep us feeling small and powerless. Done intentionally or not, they're not of any help. I'm takin' my sledgehammer of truth and busting them wide open. Today's topic, Sylvia Brown.
I'm not here to challenge her psychic ability. When it comes to feeling entities not of this dimension, I believe she has a gift. Perhaps not as amazing as she and others like to think, but I do believe she has credibility. However, having read some of her books, and knowing she has a huge following, I wish to bust wide open some of her myths she espouses as Truth.
The first being:
We Are Here To Serve God.
Like a little child I want to know "Says who?" Think about that one. How do you feel when you believe you are here to serve someone or something? Every fabric of my being knows this is False. We're here to experience. To create. If we want to serve others, fine. If not, fine. If we only want to serve ourselves or nothing or no one at all, fine. The Universe doesn't judge us, therefore there is no need to feel obliged to serve it or some god, man-made or not. Doing out of a sense of obligation isn't an authentic experience. It's one of those "should's" and "ought to's". To truly serve comes from pure desire. It's a natural feeling. But to feel we are here to serve God and do God's work is a myth. A man-made sentiment as forced upon us throughout the religious ages to keep us in a place of smallness and of servitude. To keep us in a mold, locked in a limited box. That isn't humbling. That's humiliating.
The idea also sets up a belief that we are somehow separate from the life force when in reality, we ARE the life force. So perhaps a better way to say the phrase is "We choose to come here to experience our eternal life force in physical form". I have more to say about this topic, mainly from the points of view that reincarnation is a necessity and that we are here to evolve spiritually, both of which I think are also myths. I'll address them at a later time.
The second being:
There can never be heaven on earth.
I believe she meant that as a metaphor, meaning the concept of heaven is one of peace, love, joy. It's unfortunate Sylvia espoused that belief in a recent book. She's obviously (and understandably, given her line of "work") become jaded. I've seen it in her eyes, I've seen it in how she speaks. The woman's burned out. Rather than aknowledge that, she now tells her followers "Forget about it. Heaven on earth is an impossibility".
Whatever happened to the idea that anything is possible? Isn't peace a choice? Just as violence is a choice? We're oh so much more than bodies and brains set on autopilot, although yes, you would not know that if you were a visitor from another dimension visiting us on any given day. But it still comes down to choice. And we have a choice. Every single one of us. Regardless of our backgrounds, our gender, our beliefs. If we can create hell on earth we can certainly create heaven on earth. I'm not saying it would be easy, given how we have learned to think, live, be. But it is possible and each new day gives us that opportunity to do so.
I'm not here to challenge her psychic ability. When it comes to feeling entities not of this dimension, I believe she has a gift. Perhaps not as amazing as she and others like to think, but I do believe she has credibility. However, having read some of her books, and knowing she has a huge following, I wish to bust wide open some of her myths she espouses as Truth.
The first being:
We Are Here To Serve God.
Like a little child I want to know "Says who?" Think about that one. How do you feel when you believe you are here to serve someone or something? Every fabric of my being knows this is False. We're here to experience. To create. If we want to serve others, fine. If not, fine. If we only want to serve ourselves or nothing or no one at all, fine. The Universe doesn't judge us, therefore there is no need to feel obliged to serve it or some god, man-made or not. Doing out of a sense of obligation isn't an authentic experience. It's one of those "should's" and "ought to's". To truly serve comes from pure desire. It's a natural feeling. But to feel we are here to serve God and do God's work is a myth. A man-made sentiment as forced upon us throughout the religious ages to keep us in a place of smallness and of servitude. To keep us in a mold, locked in a limited box. That isn't humbling. That's humiliating.
The idea also sets up a belief that we are somehow separate from the life force when in reality, we ARE the life force. So perhaps a better way to say the phrase is "We choose to come here to experience our eternal life force in physical form". I have more to say about this topic, mainly from the points of view that reincarnation is a necessity and that we are here to evolve spiritually, both of which I think are also myths. I'll address them at a later time.
The second being:
There can never be heaven on earth.
I believe she meant that as a metaphor, meaning the concept of heaven is one of peace, love, joy. It's unfortunate Sylvia espoused that belief in a recent book. She's obviously (and understandably, given her line of "work") become jaded. I've seen it in her eyes, I've seen it in how she speaks. The woman's burned out. Rather than aknowledge that, she now tells her followers "Forget about it. Heaven on earth is an impossibility".
Whatever happened to the idea that anything is possible? Isn't peace a choice? Just as violence is a choice? We're oh so much more than bodies and brains set on autopilot, although yes, you would not know that if you were a visitor from another dimension visiting us on any given day. But it still comes down to choice. And we have a choice. Every single one of us. Regardless of our backgrounds, our gender, our beliefs. If we can create hell on earth we can certainly create heaven on earth. I'm not saying it would be easy, given how we have learned to think, live, be. But it is possible and each new day gives us that opportunity to do so.
4.13.2008
Where Do I Even Begin...
...to address the annoyances I am feeling.
My online resume is only generating crap for responses...so far that is. The latest was from some guy named "Rob Boss" claiming I had 24 hours to get back to him. And if I was indeed serious about making a change in my life, he would e-mail me the pertinent information. Considering he sent it on a Sunday morning at 4am, does he really not stop and think some people may not read their e-mails on Sundays? Nor look for work? Can anyone say S C A M? Ironic it was that at the top of his e-mail was an advisory about not responding to scams and work-at-home spoofs. Please oh please do not waste my time. Give me the details up front or it's a no-go for me.
I wake up many days wanting to be somewhere else. Wanting a different life. Wondering why in the world I would come to this planet now given the ways of the system aren't in line with my value system. Wondering why so many god damn individuals remain asleep at the wheel, living like zombies every day. Wondering why in the world anyone is excited over the upcoming presidential race. Wondering why anyone in their right mind could support any of the top 3 individuals. Waking up from the system of controls is a lonely, painful experience at times. Think the average person wants to talk about chemtrails, mind control, GMO seeds and foods and Montsanto, the microchip agenda, the bogus war on drugs, alien races who have intermixed with our species and are behind the puppets masquerading as our "leaders", creating lives and communities that are off the grid and independent AND know the meaning of the word "freedom". How the System (church, schools, government, media, business) has numbed us with thought control...
I read a story about a woman whose brother was a meth addict. She supported taking pseudoephedrine off the drug store counter. Oh dear, I thought. Another person who is trying to wake up but is still under the controls of the System if she really thinks that was 1) OK to do in a society that is supposed to be about freedom of choice and 2) a plausible solution. Would she support taking away bleach and ammonia, too? Those are, afterall, also used to make meth. You want to treat the problem? Look at the reasons why people use in the first place. Look into the corruption of the government and their bedfellows (the mob, big biz, military, drug lords, etc.) and see how these very folks who blab about drug policy are often the very ones profiting off the problem by ensuring this shit continues to be manufactured and distributed. And lastly, end prohibition. Criminalize unlawful behavior (such as theft and physical violence). Not the substance.
Cell phone issue: one example of why human beings are not meant to multi-task. At least efficiently. Today at the store we see a wallet in an empty shopping cart. We pick it up and head back inside to give it to one of the store employees. We're waved down by an individual on their cell phone, who couldn't even stop the conversation to thank us properly. We just got one of those "oh, that's mine, thanks" and then off they went, continuing their phone call while they drove away. I sent off a quick thought of protection as I often do when I see folks attempt to drive and talk at the same time. Makes me wonder where independent thought is headed. The System makes it harder with the mind-numbing chemicals in our air and food, not to mention if you're a member of organized religion, the public school system or university and the thought control going on in those institutions. As one person said to me, "I had a really hard time embracing the ideas the church presented me." Perhaps, or shall I say very likely this is due to the fact that a part of them knew what they were being told didn't represent their truth.
Makes me wonder. What is truth? On the topic of religion and death, isn't it possible that what happens to us at physical death is largely, mostly, if not purely based on what we believe? I like to think so. And as such, I'd much rather experience that reality, in a way that is peaceful and fun, where there are no controls or thought police or judge and jury. Free to be me.
Isn't that what we are all really after anyway? And wouldn't we all really like to experience that in this reality too?
My online resume is only generating crap for responses...so far that is. The latest was from some guy named "Rob Boss" claiming I had 24 hours to get back to him. And if I was indeed serious about making a change in my life, he would e-mail me the pertinent information. Considering he sent it on a Sunday morning at 4am, does he really not stop and think some people may not read their e-mails on Sundays? Nor look for work? Can anyone say S C A M? Ironic it was that at the top of his e-mail was an advisory about not responding to scams and work-at-home spoofs. Please oh please do not waste my time. Give me the details up front or it's a no-go for me.
I wake up many days wanting to be somewhere else. Wanting a different life. Wondering why in the world I would come to this planet now given the ways of the system aren't in line with my value system. Wondering why so many god damn individuals remain asleep at the wheel, living like zombies every day. Wondering why in the world anyone is excited over the upcoming presidential race. Wondering why anyone in their right mind could support any of the top 3 individuals. Waking up from the system of controls is a lonely, painful experience at times. Think the average person wants to talk about chemtrails, mind control, GMO seeds and foods and Montsanto, the microchip agenda, the bogus war on drugs, alien races who have intermixed with our species and are behind the puppets masquerading as our "leaders", creating lives and communities that are off the grid and independent AND know the meaning of the word "freedom". How the System (church, schools, government, media, business) has numbed us with thought control...
I read a story about a woman whose brother was a meth addict. She supported taking pseudoephedrine off the drug store counter. Oh dear, I thought. Another person who is trying to wake up but is still under the controls of the System if she really thinks that was 1) OK to do in a society that is supposed to be about freedom of choice and 2) a plausible solution. Would she support taking away bleach and ammonia, too? Those are, afterall, also used to make meth. You want to treat the problem? Look at the reasons why people use in the first place. Look into the corruption of the government and their bedfellows (the mob, big biz, military, drug lords, etc.) and see how these very folks who blab about drug policy are often the very ones profiting off the problem by ensuring this shit continues to be manufactured and distributed. And lastly, end prohibition. Criminalize unlawful behavior (such as theft and physical violence). Not the substance.
Cell phone issue: one example of why human beings are not meant to multi-task. At least efficiently. Today at the store we see a wallet in an empty shopping cart. We pick it up and head back inside to give it to one of the store employees. We're waved down by an individual on their cell phone, who couldn't even stop the conversation to thank us properly. We just got one of those "oh, that's mine, thanks" and then off they went, continuing their phone call while they drove away. I sent off a quick thought of protection as I often do when I see folks attempt to drive and talk at the same time. Makes me wonder where independent thought is headed. The System makes it harder with the mind-numbing chemicals in our air and food, not to mention if you're a member of organized religion, the public school system or university and the thought control going on in those institutions. As one person said to me, "I had a really hard time embracing the ideas the church presented me." Perhaps, or shall I say very likely this is due to the fact that a part of them knew what they were being told didn't represent their truth.
Makes me wonder. What is truth? On the topic of religion and death, isn't it possible that what happens to us at physical death is largely, mostly, if not purely based on what we believe? I like to think so. And as such, I'd much rather experience that reality, in a way that is peaceful and fun, where there are no controls or thought police or judge and jury. Free to be me.
Isn't that what we are all really after anyway? And wouldn't we all really like to experience that in this reality too?
4.08.2008
The Insanity of Petraeus
Read here FMI. It's full of way too much blathering bullshit for me to even go into further detail. Although I do want to know what happened to the protestor after he/she was escorted out.
Want to know what makes me weary? The inability or refusal of people to accept that violence creates violence. Like attracts like. Anyone with the ability to think sees this is exactly what has happened in Iraq. Both sides want freedom and peace. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a blind fool. It's a fundamental human desire to live as one desires and be left the hell alone in order to do so. Of course some abuse that by imposing their will onto others. Anyone doing that doesn't understand nor support freedom.
Our politicians like to say buttery-padded phrases like "Troop withdrawal? Well now, that's a complicated issue." It is not. You pull them out. Today. And if I had my say, every single political puppet and figurehead from every nation around the globe who has voted for or supported this war in any way shape or form will find themselves employed over in Iraq rebuilding the communities that have been destroyed.
It's beyond words what has been done in Iraq. I don't blog much about it, mostly because it's one of those things that are so big for my mind to grasp. And my heart. Hundreds of thousands of children are orphans. The environment, damaged and polluted. Decades are needed to heal that. Most of the citizens remaining will never see their country be the same again, never see it fully recover and heal. Birth defects from DU are about the worst crime I can imagine.
What can be done about it? Honest to god, what can really be done to put it all to an end?
1)Refuse to vote for ANY CANDIDATE at ANY LEVEL who has ever shown support for the war or who continues to support it.
2) And any candidate who is currently holding office at ANY LEVEL who supports the war MUST BE REMOVED.
At this point, war with any nation should be something we simply stop supporting as voters. Picking up a gun and shooting someone, dropping a nuclear bomb, tossing a grenade, dropping missles are not the way to deal with problems. Period. The end result is never positive. We want peace? We must start desiring it at every level of our beings. We must INTEND IT TO BE. We must stop focusing on what we don't want and instead put all of that energy into what we do want. Be the change we want to be, at the individual level and at the collective level.
You want to know what insanity truly is? It isn't the woman down the street who talks to herself or the guy who thinks he hears Jesus in his head. Insanity is the course of action as put forth by the governments of this world. It is the military policies. The need for control. The thirst for power. The complete and utter lack of regard for human life.
We are pawns to them. A vote for a different party this primary season isn't going to do a damn thing to remove the insanity. We must remove the system as it is now to do that. The question is and always has been and remains to be: are we up for the challenge?
Want to know what makes me weary? The inability or refusal of people to accept that violence creates violence. Like attracts like. Anyone with the ability to think sees this is exactly what has happened in Iraq. Both sides want freedom and peace. Anyone who thinks otherwise is a blind fool. It's a fundamental human desire to live as one desires and be left the hell alone in order to do so. Of course some abuse that by imposing their will onto others. Anyone doing that doesn't understand nor support freedom.
Our politicians like to say buttery-padded phrases like "Troop withdrawal? Well now, that's a complicated issue." It is not. You pull them out. Today. And if I had my say, every single political puppet and figurehead from every nation around the globe who has voted for or supported this war in any way shape or form will find themselves employed over in Iraq rebuilding the communities that have been destroyed.
It's beyond words what has been done in Iraq. I don't blog much about it, mostly because it's one of those things that are so big for my mind to grasp. And my heart. Hundreds of thousands of children are orphans. The environment, damaged and polluted. Decades are needed to heal that. Most of the citizens remaining will never see their country be the same again, never see it fully recover and heal. Birth defects from DU are about the worst crime I can imagine.
What can be done about it? Honest to god, what can really be done to put it all to an end?
1)Refuse to vote for ANY CANDIDATE at ANY LEVEL who has ever shown support for the war or who continues to support it.
2) And any candidate who is currently holding office at ANY LEVEL who supports the war MUST BE REMOVED.
At this point, war with any nation should be something we simply stop supporting as voters. Picking up a gun and shooting someone, dropping a nuclear bomb, tossing a grenade, dropping missles are not the way to deal with problems. Period. The end result is never positive. We want peace? We must start desiring it at every level of our beings. We must INTEND IT TO BE. We must stop focusing on what we don't want and instead put all of that energy into what we do want. Be the change we want to be, at the individual level and at the collective level.
You want to know what insanity truly is? It isn't the woman down the street who talks to herself or the guy who thinks he hears Jesus in his head. Insanity is the course of action as put forth by the governments of this world. It is the military policies. The need for control. The thirst for power. The complete and utter lack of regard for human life.
We are pawns to them. A vote for a different party this primary season isn't going to do a damn thing to remove the insanity. We must remove the system as it is now to do that. The question is and always has been and remains to be: are we up for the challenge?
4.07.2008
Employment Listing
I see these now and then. Positions requiring applicants be low income seniors. Positions which offer, well, a low income. Another brilliant idea by our brilliant government officials. Oh well, at least it gets people out of the house every day. Although with this position, I would think it would be better suited for someone in their 20's.
Employer needs a senior 55 years of age or older (PL-98-313) to work under the Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program, for the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Corvallis, OR.
REQUIREMENTS: 55 years of age or older. High school graduate. At least three years experience in laboratory, greenhouse, or biological work. Proficient in PC Windows, MS Word and/or WordPerfect, and MS Excel. Some lifting required, work in greenhouses under lights and in warm temperature, and work outside in variable weather conditions, with minimal supervision.
DUTIES: General greenhouse technical support and field support as assigned, for the pesticides project. Appropriately pot, water, fertilize, harvest, and dispose of plants and media. Manage pest control. Accurately measure plant growth and development with scientific and other instruments, enter data into notebooks and spreadsheets. Professionally clean, maintain, and organize greenhouses and work areas.
PAY: $9.80 per hour / 40 hours per week. Temporary year-to-year. Medical benefits, holidays, vacation, sick leave. Annual medical monitoring. EOE.
Employer needs a senior 55 years of age or older (PL-98-313) to work under the Senior Environmental Employment (SEE) Program, for the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Corvallis, OR.
REQUIREMENTS: 55 years of age or older. High school graduate. At least three years experience in laboratory, greenhouse, or biological work. Proficient in PC Windows, MS Word and/or WordPerfect, and MS Excel. Some lifting required, work in greenhouses under lights and in warm temperature, and work outside in variable weather conditions, with minimal supervision.
DUTIES: General greenhouse technical support and field support as assigned, for the pesticides project. Appropriately pot, water, fertilize, harvest, and dispose of plants and media. Manage pest control. Accurately measure plant growth and development with scientific and other instruments, enter data into notebooks and spreadsheets. Professionally clean, maintain, and organize greenhouses and work areas.
PAY: $9.80 per hour / 40 hours per week. Temporary year-to-year. Medical benefits, holidays, vacation, sick leave. Annual medical monitoring. EOE.
4.06.2008
Democrat Mania
After watching news coverage and reading online blurbs about people's enthusiastic support for either Hillary or Obama, I'm left with a feeling of sadness more than anything. People are so desperate for change and these two Status-Quo/Corporate Pawns are using that to their advantage with their often emotionally-charged speeches about how much they care about this country, most particularly how much they deeply and truly care about you and I.
Never mind of their past support of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, The Patriot Act, their support for the official 9/11 story, their support for Nafta and Israel, their support for war with Iran. Forget how they are backed by Big Pharma, HMO's and The Banking Cartels. Nope. None of that really seems to matter today. All these two have to do is say "America Wants Change!!" and people, in their desperate states of mind, will rally around them.
Point this out to people and they insist Hillary and Obama are the real deal. Or they say "Well, they're better than McCain." Both comments still a classic sign of "sweep the real issues under the rug". That mentality doesn't work within families, within the workplace, within any social structure. It sure doesn't work in the political system either. The truth ends up oozing out at some point. It's always the least damaging to deal with it sooner rather than later.
So with this Democrat mania, the truth will continue to be swept away, drowned out in pie-in-the-sky optimism and blind faith. As I said, an understandable phenomenen considering the deplorable mess less behind with the last 20 years of the Reagan/Bush/Clinton Administrations. Or truth be told, since the Johnson Administration. The U.S. (Uncle Sam) will continue to believe in its right to rule the world, to take away our freedoms in the name of "peace through war", to support NAFTA and the global economy while turning blind eyes to deplorable workers rights violations and disappearing jobs, to talk the big talk on poverty and hunger while pocketing millions from their corporate bed partners. In other words, the Status Quo Check will simply be handed down from the previous president's administration, just like it's been done for decades.
Never mind of their past support of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, The Patriot Act, their support for the official 9/11 story, their support for Nafta and Israel, their support for war with Iran. Forget how they are backed by Big Pharma, HMO's and The Banking Cartels. Nope. None of that really seems to matter today. All these two have to do is say "America Wants Change!!" and people, in their desperate states of mind, will rally around them.
Point this out to people and they insist Hillary and Obama are the real deal. Or they say "Well, they're better than McCain." Both comments still a classic sign of "sweep the real issues under the rug". That mentality doesn't work within families, within the workplace, within any social structure. It sure doesn't work in the political system either. The truth ends up oozing out at some point. It's always the least damaging to deal with it sooner rather than later.
So with this Democrat mania, the truth will continue to be swept away, drowned out in pie-in-the-sky optimism and blind faith. As I said, an understandable phenomenen considering the deplorable mess less behind with the last 20 years of the Reagan/Bush/Clinton Administrations. Or truth be told, since the Johnson Administration. The U.S. (Uncle Sam) will continue to believe in its right to rule the world, to take away our freedoms in the name of "peace through war", to support NAFTA and the global economy while turning blind eyes to deplorable workers rights violations and disappearing jobs, to talk the big talk on poverty and hunger while pocketing millions from their corporate bed partners. In other words, the Status Quo Check will simply be handed down from the previous president's administration, just like it's been done for decades.
4.04.2008
Corvallis Food Bank Issues
Well, you know the saying. "The squeaky wheel gets the grease." I've been a squeaky wheel for much of my adult life. Sometimes not enough. Sometimes, perhaps, too much. (Well, too much for some that is.) Reading and commenting on a local blog this morning reminded me to share my experience I recently had when I took to task addressing some issues I've had with the local food bank. It all started when I wrote to the head of the Linn Benton Food Bank (LBFB), housed at Community Services Consortium. My issues were: 1) Expired food items being handed out. 2) Differing amounts of food distributed, meaning the South Food Bank hands out more than the North Food Bank. And 3) Lack of fresh produce and healthy foods being distributed.
After playing phone tag, I finally connected with him earlier this week. I certainly learned some things. I now know, basically, how the system runs. But first, I will share what he had to say about my concerns.
Expired food items being distributed. My concern was about salad dressings, yogurts, mayonnaise and soy milk, which often have expired by the time they are distributed. Sometimes as long as a year. I was told that baby foods are really the only food items that are held in strict compliance in terms of expiration dates. They will not distribute any baby food product that has expired. I was relieved to hear that. As far as the rest of the products, they aren't so strict about those. Canned foods last for years after their expire date. The only thing that really suffers after the expire date is nutritional value. I wasn't aware of that. I asked him about the items mentioned above and he said he would look into that further. Apparently, a few weeks or a month or two beyond the expire date was ok. While I disagreed with this, I conceded that industry standards make this claim. I learned that the Oregon Food Bank relies on "food industry standards" when distributing food and dealing with expiration issues. When I asked him to further explain what he meant by "food industry standards" he couldn't. He was simply not sure. (Which today I think, "You head the Linn Benton Food Bank. I think you may want to know more about this." I certainly would if I were in his position.)
Differing amounts of food being distributed between the North and South Food Banks. This is, mostly, a space issue. The South Food Bank has at least 3 times the amount of space as does the North Food Bank. I was told LBFB is now looking into a grant to either provide more space or more refrigeration for the North Food Bank to allow for more food distribution. I said both would be best, although given they have two refrigerators and limited shelving, I said I believed additional shelving space would be a better use of grant dollars.
Lack of fresh healthy foods and produce. This is when I learned how the food is distributed. It's all delivered from the Oregon Food Bank to a central warehouse out in Tangent. From there, it's delivered to local area food banks. 1-2x per month (can't recall), each food bank is given a 5 page sheet detailing the available foods for distribution. Each food bank then determines which foods are wanted and needed for distribution. I was told that there is always fresh produce to be delivered and therefore, the North Food Bank is simply choosing not to receive it. He said he was addressing this to make sure fresh produce will become the norm rather than the exception. As far as fresh healthy foods instead of the heavily processed canned foods, sugar-laden peanut butters, trans-fat laden margarines and those "beef patties", which are made with all sorts of strange-sounding chemicals, well you know the saying. You get what you get. This issue wasn't really addressed. But read on for what can, possibly, be done about it.
One last thing for those of you who visit food banks. If there is a food item you wish to have, you may request it with the volunteers at the food bank. I wasn't aware of that. It was good to know food bank clientele do have some say in the foods they receive. Speak up! Start asking for healthier foods. Organic foods. Whole grain products.
I also heard the obvious news. Donations are way down as is funding. Empty shelf space has become more frequent, something I've seen on the local news. More people are in need of food help. I think it would be a wonderful idea if we had more garden space here in town instead of retail space that was used for the growing of food for those in need. It could be run by volunteers, including those who need to rely on food banks. A plot of land with greenhouses and usable land to grow food year-round.
While I'm still bothered by the fact that expired items are allowed to be distributed (primarily because of the health and nutritional aspect, but also because I believe it perpetuates this lack of worth mentality towards those with less income/financial means), I feel good that my letter was not only read, but taken seriously and acted upon. Changes are being made, the issues looked into.
For all you squeaky types, keep on squeakin'!
After playing phone tag, I finally connected with him earlier this week. I certainly learned some things. I now know, basically, how the system runs. But first, I will share what he had to say about my concerns.
Expired food items being distributed. My concern was about salad dressings, yogurts, mayonnaise and soy milk, which often have expired by the time they are distributed. Sometimes as long as a year. I was told that baby foods are really the only food items that are held in strict compliance in terms of expiration dates. They will not distribute any baby food product that has expired. I was relieved to hear that. As far as the rest of the products, they aren't so strict about those. Canned foods last for years after their expire date. The only thing that really suffers after the expire date is nutritional value. I wasn't aware of that. I asked him about the items mentioned above and he said he would look into that further. Apparently, a few weeks or a month or two beyond the expire date was ok. While I disagreed with this, I conceded that industry standards make this claim. I learned that the Oregon Food Bank relies on "food industry standards" when distributing food and dealing with expiration issues. When I asked him to further explain what he meant by "food industry standards" he couldn't. He was simply not sure. (Which today I think, "You head the Linn Benton Food Bank. I think you may want to know more about this." I certainly would if I were in his position.)
Differing amounts of food being distributed between the North and South Food Banks. This is, mostly, a space issue. The South Food Bank has at least 3 times the amount of space as does the North Food Bank. I was told LBFB is now looking into a grant to either provide more space or more refrigeration for the North Food Bank to allow for more food distribution. I said both would be best, although given they have two refrigerators and limited shelving, I said I believed additional shelving space would be a better use of grant dollars.
Lack of fresh healthy foods and produce. This is when I learned how the food is distributed. It's all delivered from the Oregon Food Bank to a central warehouse out in Tangent. From there, it's delivered to local area food banks. 1-2x per month (can't recall), each food bank is given a 5 page sheet detailing the available foods for distribution. Each food bank then determines which foods are wanted and needed for distribution. I was told that there is always fresh produce to be delivered and therefore, the North Food Bank is simply choosing not to receive it. He said he was addressing this to make sure fresh produce will become the norm rather than the exception. As far as fresh healthy foods instead of the heavily processed canned foods, sugar-laden peanut butters, trans-fat laden margarines and those "beef patties", which are made with all sorts of strange-sounding chemicals, well you know the saying. You get what you get. This issue wasn't really addressed. But read on for what can, possibly, be done about it.
One last thing for those of you who visit food banks. If there is a food item you wish to have, you may request it with the volunteers at the food bank. I wasn't aware of that. It was good to know food bank clientele do have some say in the foods they receive. Speak up! Start asking for healthier foods. Organic foods. Whole grain products.
I also heard the obvious news. Donations are way down as is funding. Empty shelf space has become more frequent, something I've seen on the local news. More people are in need of food help. I think it would be a wonderful idea if we had more garden space here in town instead of retail space that was used for the growing of food for those in need. It could be run by volunteers, including those who need to rely on food banks. A plot of land with greenhouses and usable land to grow food year-round.
While I'm still bothered by the fact that expired items are allowed to be distributed (primarily because of the health and nutritional aspect, but also because I believe it perpetuates this lack of worth mentality towards those with less income/financial means), I feel good that my letter was not only read, but taken seriously and acted upon. Changes are being made, the issues looked into.
For all you squeaky types, keep on squeakin'!
4.03.2008
On Trying To Be Creative In Today's Job Market
I've just spent the better part of an hour researching the various types of cover letters one sends to a prospective employer who isn't hiring. These letters are given highly technical names: prospective and networking. You are to know about the company. You are to know what you want to do for the company. Examples include things like "I received my MBA from Harvard and have extensive experience in networking solutions" and other such ramblings that are a foreign language to my brain.
Uh, what about example letters for the rest of us? Those of us who have yet to find our passion. Those of us who have passions in the creative fields where competition is overwhelming, where success is in the single digits percentage-wise. Those of us who have kind of drifted along, bouncing along, trying out different jobs, searching for what we enjoy and what we don't enjoy. Those of us who don't have that glaringly impressive, shiny, peachy, ass-kissing, brown-nosing resume.
Hi. I'm out of work and I need a job. But not just any job. A job that will reward me both financially and mentally. A job with a company that is progressive, casual. A company that sees employees as people, people who are more than just an employee. A company that doesn't require its employees to dress like starched-up robots. A company that doesn't micro-manage. That rewards innovative ideas. The creative spirit.
Does this employer even exist?
If so, what do I want to do for them? Ideally, I'd like to write for them in some capacity. Or help out in some counseling-type capacity, where we are providing for the survival, mental and emotional needs of clients. Or both write and help.
How do I put this all in a letter? Every few years I come to this fork in the road. This place where I have to reinvent myself and try something new. What happens? I end up being told "sorry, without experience we aren't interested" and end up resorting to some boring office-type position where I sit at a desk, staring at a computer screen, entering information, filing, invoicing, answering phones, for some company selling widgets for whom I have zero passion in.
I keep reading these articles about passion and how important it is. Sincere interest. Oh yeah? Why is it then not one company in this town has ever cared about my interest, my passion, in what they do?
My experience is that employers simply want a zombie to come in on day one and get to work making the company money. Period.
If anyone knows of a company in which I am seeking, please pass it along. My search, and it has been vast, has yet to uncover this place.
Uh, what about example letters for the rest of us? Those of us who have yet to find our passion. Those of us who have passions in the creative fields where competition is overwhelming, where success is in the single digits percentage-wise. Those of us who have kind of drifted along, bouncing along, trying out different jobs, searching for what we enjoy and what we don't enjoy. Those of us who don't have that glaringly impressive, shiny, peachy, ass-kissing, brown-nosing resume.
Hi. I'm out of work and I need a job. But not just any job. A job that will reward me both financially and mentally. A job with a company that is progressive, casual. A company that sees employees as people, people who are more than just an employee. A company that doesn't require its employees to dress like starched-up robots. A company that doesn't micro-manage. That rewards innovative ideas. The creative spirit.
Does this employer even exist?
If so, what do I want to do for them? Ideally, I'd like to write for them in some capacity. Or help out in some counseling-type capacity, where we are providing for the survival, mental and emotional needs of clients. Or both write and help.
How do I put this all in a letter? Every few years I come to this fork in the road. This place where I have to reinvent myself and try something new. What happens? I end up being told "sorry, without experience we aren't interested" and end up resorting to some boring office-type position where I sit at a desk, staring at a computer screen, entering information, filing, invoicing, answering phones, for some company selling widgets for whom I have zero passion in.
I keep reading these articles about passion and how important it is. Sincere interest. Oh yeah? Why is it then not one company in this town has ever cared about my interest, my passion, in what they do?
My experience is that employers simply want a zombie to come in on day one and get to work making the company money. Period.
If anyone knows of a company in which I am seeking, please pass it along. My search, and it has been vast, has yet to uncover this place.
4.02.2008
Whatever's...
Being it's the first of the month, that means it's bill payment time. Some months I write things in the memo. For example, when writing a check to the phone company I will write "padding the pockets of the telecommunications monopoly". For the electric company, "padding the pockets of the energy and oil cartel". Etc. etc. This month is such a month.
***
That being said, I used to write little smiley faces and "thank you's". That was back in the day before I woke up to the realities of the System.
***
Someone is flagging my post about my International Hour of Prayer idea on one of the craigslist boards. London, to be precise. I thought there may be a bit more sophistication in good 'ole London, England. Looks as though I was mistaken. Mindless stupidity has no boundaries.
***
The sun's out. The air has a chill. But I need and want to move my ass. A bike ride will be forthcoming shortly.
***
Been trying to stay focused on what I want. Focus on love, the "positive". Listening to one of my affirmation tapes earlier today, I demanded it "oh shut the hell up please!" then turned it off. Maybe someone should market some affirmation tapes based on such thinking to help out during those days, those moments when we just want to say "fuck it all" and go back to bed.
***
I used to really get into birthday's, my own included. Now they've just become a thorn in my ass that says "buy me something/spend money/send a card/focus on MEEE". Not even a slice of decadent chocolate cake could turn my thoughts around on this one at this point. At least I don't think it could... (hint: this means I could be persuaded...)
***
Don't know why I blog. I get lots of hits, but few comments and even much fewer in the way of people actually spending more than 5 seconds reading (according to my counter stats). I still know I'd receive more interest if I were male. Or if I had some special interest I was either obsessed with or focused on every day. But I'm just a simple female who is boringly ordinary, who ponders and wanders, who hasn't found her calling. Or if I have, I missed the boat.
***
That being said, I used to write little smiley faces and "thank you's". That was back in the day before I woke up to the realities of the System.
***
Someone is flagging my post about my International Hour of Prayer idea on one of the craigslist boards. London, to be precise. I thought there may be a bit more sophistication in good 'ole London, England. Looks as though I was mistaken. Mindless stupidity has no boundaries.
***
The sun's out. The air has a chill. But I need and want to move my ass. A bike ride will be forthcoming shortly.
***
Been trying to stay focused on what I want. Focus on love, the "positive". Listening to one of my affirmation tapes earlier today, I demanded it "oh shut the hell up please!" then turned it off. Maybe someone should market some affirmation tapes based on such thinking to help out during those days, those moments when we just want to say "fuck it all" and go back to bed.
***
I used to really get into birthday's, my own included. Now they've just become a thorn in my ass that says "buy me something/spend money/send a card/focus on MEEE". Not even a slice of decadent chocolate cake could turn my thoughts around on this one at this point. At least I don't think it could... (hint: this means I could be persuaded...)
***
Don't know why I blog. I get lots of hits, but few comments and even much fewer in the way of people actually spending more than 5 seconds reading (according to my counter stats). I still know I'd receive more interest if I were male. Or if I had some special interest I was either obsessed with or focused on every day. But I'm just a simple female who is boringly ordinary, who ponders and wanders, who hasn't found her calling. Or if I have, I missed the boat.
3.30.2008
Sunday's Thoughts
I'm wondering, are we truly ready to live in peace and freedom? Can we exist with those who live differently than we do, who think and believe and eat and consume and do things differently than we do, without imposing our own will and ways on that individual? Can we embrace our individual needs and wants and still feel and be at peace?
I'm not so sure some days, although I have hope. There's a lot of discussion on the internet about living new ways, doing new things. And yet where is the thought that says "although that doesn't work for me, I accept that is how you wish to live". Lots of will-imposing going on.
I'd like to see more "live and let live". In so long as that living isn't harming another. And by "harm" I'm not talking about insults or annoyances that really aren't harmful.
I'm more interested in new ideas. In expanding our boundaries. In exploring past those things we have been told are "not possible" or "not ok".
***
I've been thinking about world conditions. Who hasn't? Been seeing how afraid and angry I have become. How apathetic, sad, depressed I have become. And yet, aren't the thoughts I hold the primary factor of these emotional and mental states? Feelings follow thoughts.
So I've been wondering, what sort of an influence am I having if, primarily, I am putting out into the world the emotional vibrational states of anger and fear?
Do I wish to see war end? Of course. So rather than thinking "I hate war" or "I am anti-war", instead I am working on thinking thoughts of peace. "I am pro-peace." "I imagine a world of peace."
Do I wish to see the corruption come crashing down? Hell yeah! So rather than thinking "I hate those corrupt SOB's running the System", instead I am focusing on thinking "People are honest and well-intentioned". I imagine a System run on honesty.
Rather than thinking "I hate poverty" or "I am anti-poverty", I am instead working on thinking such thoughts as "I am pro-abundance" or "The world is abundant".
In a sense, since I'm already aware of what's happening now, I'm instead focusing on what I want and believing in the possibility of that.
You get the picture.
Thoughts aren't the answer of course. Action is needed, too. But they are key in turning around this current emotional vibrational state we're in. And we as individuals have the power to do that. I see it as seeing the possibilities. Faith. Hope. Without these, why even continue to discuss the going's on?
***
I'm in search of an inexpensive turn table, one that is self-contained. Growing up, my parents had a big collection of albums. My brother recently made several of our favorite songs into a CD. What an amazing experience to listen to songs I hadn't heard in over 20 years. I remembered each one. Nice memories. I have my own collection of 38's and 45's that simply sit unused, including a nice inheritance of old jazz, big band, polka, c/w from the 30's through the 70's.
***
My employment was officially terminated this past week. What a nice feeling it is to know that some damn machine has replaced me. Technology has its drawbacks. For certain.
***
Milk has dropped by fifty cents. At least the brand we buy. I have asked two of the clerks about this and neither one was aware of the price drop. With everything else going up at ridiculously levels, it is nice to know, for now, the zero hormone milk we drink is under $3/gallon.
***
I'm thinking that instead of growing food outdoors, we grow it inside with lights and purified air. Move to a bigger place and use an entire room for food. Even with organic, healthy soil, the food is still vulnerable to air pollution. Along those lines, I cannot grasp the concept that it is ever ok to spray something we ingest with toxic chemicals. I also learned that when buying carrots, buy the ones that have had the green tops removed. The tops take away energy from the carrot. I'm a carrot freak, so that was important news for me.
I'm not so sure some days, although I have hope. There's a lot of discussion on the internet about living new ways, doing new things. And yet where is the thought that says "although that doesn't work for me, I accept that is how you wish to live". Lots of will-imposing going on.
I'd like to see more "live and let live". In so long as that living isn't harming another. And by "harm" I'm not talking about insults or annoyances that really aren't harmful.
I'm more interested in new ideas. In expanding our boundaries. In exploring past those things we have been told are "not possible" or "not ok".
***
I've been thinking about world conditions. Who hasn't? Been seeing how afraid and angry I have become. How apathetic, sad, depressed I have become. And yet, aren't the thoughts I hold the primary factor of these emotional and mental states? Feelings follow thoughts.
So I've been wondering, what sort of an influence am I having if, primarily, I am putting out into the world the emotional vibrational states of anger and fear?
Do I wish to see war end? Of course. So rather than thinking "I hate war" or "I am anti-war", instead I am working on thinking thoughts of peace. "I am pro-peace." "I imagine a world of peace."
Do I wish to see the corruption come crashing down? Hell yeah! So rather than thinking "I hate those corrupt SOB's running the System", instead I am focusing on thinking "People are honest and well-intentioned". I imagine a System run on honesty.
Rather than thinking "I hate poverty" or "I am anti-poverty", I am instead working on thinking such thoughts as "I am pro-abundance" or "The world is abundant".
In a sense, since I'm already aware of what's happening now, I'm instead focusing on what I want and believing in the possibility of that.
You get the picture.
Thoughts aren't the answer of course. Action is needed, too. But they are key in turning around this current emotional vibrational state we're in. And we as individuals have the power to do that. I see it as seeing the possibilities. Faith. Hope. Without these, why even continue to discuss the going's on?
***
I'm in search of an inexpensive turn table, one that is self-contained. Growing up, my parents had a big collection of albums. My brother recently made several of our favorite songs into a CD. What an amazing experience to listen to songs I hadn't heard in over 20 years. I remembered each one. Nice memories. I have my own collection of 38's and 45's that simply sit unused, including a nice inheritance of old jazz, big band, polka, c/w from the 30's through the 70's.
***
My employment was officially terminated this past week. What a nice feeling it is to know that some damn machine has replaced me. Technology has its drawbacks. For certain.
***
Milk has dropped by fifty cents. At least the brand we buy. I have asked two of the clerks about this and neither one was aware of the price drop. With everything else going up at ridiculously levels, it is nice to know, for now, the zero hormone milk we drink is under $3/gallon.
***
I'm thinking that instead of growing food outdoors, we grow it inside with lights and purified air. Move to a bigger place and use an entire room for food. Even with organic, healthy soil, the food is still vulnerable to air pollution. Along those lines, I cannot grasp the concept that it is ever ok to spray something we ingest with toxic chemicals. I also learned that when buying carrots, buy the ones that have had the green tops removed. The tops take away energy from the carrot. I'm a carrot freak, so that was important news for me.
3.27.2008
How "Green" Is The Prius?
Turns out that green may be more of a brown; brown being the color left behind by environmental damage.
"...it takes more combined energy per Prius to produce than a Hummer."
If that isn't eye-brow raising enough, consider the following:
"...the Prius is partly driven by a battery which contains nickel. The nickel is mined and smelted at a plant in Sudbury, Ontario. This plant has caused so much environmental damage to the surrounding environment that NASA has used the ‘dead zone’ around the plant to test moon rovers. The area around the plant is devoid of any life for miles. The plant is the source of all the nickel found in a Prius’ battery and Toyota purchases 1,000 tons annually. Dubbed the Superstack, the plague-factory has spread sulfur dioxide across northern Ontario, becoming every environmentalist’s nightmare. “The acid rain around Sudbury was so bad it destroyed all the plants and the soil slid down off the hillside,” said Canadian Greenpeace energy-coordinator David Martin during an interview with the Mail, a British-based newspaper. "
To make matters even more disconcerning:
"The nickel produced by this disastrous plant is shipped via massive container ship to the largest nickel refinery in Europe. From there, the nickel hops over to China to produce ‘nickel foam.’ From there, it goes to Japan. Finally, the completed batteries are shipped to the United States, finalizing the around-the-world trip required to produce a single Prius battery. "
That's quite a trip.
Environmentally friendly? Hardly. Corporate America, in cooperation with Uncle Sam no doubt, has once again fooled the public into thinking they're doing something "good" for the environment. Maybe we shouldn't be bashing those Hummer drivers afterall.
"...it takes more combined energy per Prius to produce than a Hummer."
If that isn't eye-brow raising enough, consider the following:
"...the Prius is partly driven by a battery which contains nickel. The nickel is mined and smelted at a plant in Sudbury, Ontario. This plant has caused so much environmental damage to the surrounding environment that NASA has used the ‘dead zone’ around the plant to test moon rovers. The area around the plant is devoid of any life for miles. The plant is the source of all the nickel found in a Prius’ battery and Toyota purchases 1,000 tons annually. Dubbed the Superstack, the plague-factory has spread sulfur dioxide across northern Ontario, becoming every environmentalist’s nightmare. “The acid rain around Sudbury was so bad it destroyed all the plants and the soil slid down off the hillside,” said Canadian Greenpeace energy-coordinator David Martin during an interview with the Mail, a British-based newspaper. "
To make matters even more disconcerning:
"The nickel produced by this disastrous plant is shipped via massive container ship to the largest nickel refinery in Europe. From there, the nickel hops over to China to produce ‘nickel foam.’ From there, it goes to Japan. Finally, the completed batteries are shipped to the United States, finalizing the around-the-world trip required to produce a single Prius battery. "
That's quite a trip.
Environmentally friendly? Hardly. Corporate America, in cooperation with Uncle Sam no doubt, has once again fooled the public into thinking they're doing something "good" for the environment. Maybe we shouldn't be bashing those Hummer drivers afterall.
3.26.2008
Vaccines: Friend or Foe?
This report backs up the opinion I've held for some time: They're unnecessary.
As The Journal of Pediatrics states:
“… the largest historical decrease in morbidity and mortality caused by infectious disease was experienced not with the modern antibiotic and vaccine era, but after the introduction of clean water and effective sewer systems.”
The Department of Community Medicine out of the UK published a report in The Lancet, claimed to be a "premiere medical journal", states:
“There was a continuous decline [whooping cough deaths], equal in each sex, from 1937 onward. Vaccination, beginning on small scale in some places around 1948 and on a national scale in 1957, did not affect the rate of decline if it be assumed that one attack usually confers immunity, as in most major communicable diseases of childhood. … The steady decline of whooping cough between 1930 and 1957 is predictive of a linear exponential decay characteristic of a general and progressive lessening in the volume and spread of infection among the susceptible population. With this pattern well established before 1957, there is no evidence that vaccination played a major role in the decline in incidence and mortality in the trend of events.”
Not included in this report is something I have recently come upon. It's a quote by the Pediatrician Robert Mendelsohn:
"There has never been a single vaccine in this country (The United States) that has ever been submitted to a controlled scientific study...that means if you want to be kind you will call vaccines an unproven remedy. If you want to be accurate, you'll call people who give vaccines 'quacks'."
While I read the above in a book I'm reading, I also found this article written by Dr. Mendelsohn, which gives his further observations into not only the unnecessary use of vaccines, but to their dangers.
If you're still on the fence, consider the following ingredients which are found in the most common of childhood vaccines of Diptheria, Whooping Cough and Tetanus. You certainly wouldn't knowingly feed your child, let alone yourself, a food item that contained any of these agents.
1) sodium hydroxide (which is also found in bath, toilet and oven cleaners)
2) formaldehyde (apparently not just used by funeral homes)
3) hydrochloric acid
4) aluminum
5) thimerosal, which is made of a combination of ethylene glycol, ethanol, thiosalicyclic acid, sodium hydroxide and ethyl mercuric chloride.
6) phosphates (those substances found in laundry and dish detergents that are known to kill sea life)
As The Journal of Pediatrics states:
“… the largest historical decrease in morbidity and mortality caused by infectious disease was experienced not with the modern antibiotic and vaccine era, but after the introduction of clean water and effective sewer systems.”
The Department of Community Medicine out of the UK published a report in The Lancet, claimed to be a "premiere medical journal", states:
“There was a continuous decline [whooping cough deaths], equal in each sex, from 1937 onward. Vaccination, beginning on small scale in some places around 1948 and on a national scale in 1957, did not affect the rate of decline if it be assumed that one attack usually confers immunity, as in most major communicable diseases of childhood. … The steady decline of whooping cough between 1930 and 1957 is predictive of a linear exponential decay characteristic of a general and progressive lessening in the volume and spread of infection among the susceptible population. With this pattern well established before 1957, there is no evidence that vaccination played a major role in the decline in incidence and mortality in the trend of events.”
Not included in this report is something I have recently come upon. It's a quote by the Pediatrician Robert Mendelsohn:
"There has never been a single vaccine in this country (The United States) that has ever been submitted to a controlled scientific study...that means if you want to be kind you will call vaccines an unproven remedy. If you want to be accurate, you'll call people who give vaccines 'quacks'."
While I read the above in a book I'm reading, I also found this article written by Dr. Mendelsohn, which gives his further observations into not only the unnecessary use of vaccines, but to their dangers.
If you're still on the fence, consider the following ingredients which are found in the most common of childhood vaccines of Diptheria, Whooping Cough and Tetanus. You certainly wouldn't knowingly feed your child, let alone yourself, a food item that contained any of these agents.
1) sodium hydroxide (which is also found in bath, toilet and oven cleaners)
2) formaldehyde (apparently not just used by funeral homes)
3) hydrochloric acid
4) aluminum
5) thimerosal, which is made of a combination of ethylene glycol, ethanol, thiosalicyclic acid, sodium hydroxide and ethyl mercuric chloride.
6) phosphates (those substances found in laundry and dish detergents that are known to kill sea life)
3.24.2008
Monday Musings On Health, The System and Those Who Are Different Than Us.
Went to the doctor today. I saw a pamphlet for a stress control system. The opening marketing headline? "Life can be brutal...Why suffer?"
Sigh...
"Life" can be brutal? "Life" is a benign, neutral source. I see such head-in-the-sand marketing slogans on all sorts of health-related products. Western-trained Medical Professional's often promote the detached "life is difficult" mantra. That way we don't have to really look deep within the heart to determine what the patient is really needing. That way we don't have to look within our own consciousness to determine and understand the insanity of a System that uses people for profit and very destructive thirsts for control.
Let's at least be honest.
"Life" isn't brutal. The People who have created our current profit-before-human worth and dignity is what's brutal. The People who have created our cartel-based global business scenario is what's brutal. And all of those well-meaning but still unawake people who work for and/or wholeheartedly support these very Systems are contributing to the continual brutality.
Today, my doctor, who is both Western and Eastern trained, while advising me some more alternative remedies, was still quick to push the pharmaceutical approach first and foremost (drugs which are addictive and toxic). Big Pharma would have been proud of my doctor. My mind-controlled doctor who has been told disease is to be managed. I put a quick stop to my doctor's thought process when I said I am here asking for your assistance to REVERSE. HEAL. CURE. Not just manage symptoms.
I know of so many people and read so many stories of folks who have this or that disease. Whose bodies are out of harmony. And oh so many are on some damn drug, created by Big Pharma whose one and only goal is profit and who count on us being sick, some damn drug promoted by the FDA who refuses to look into alternative therapies and instead only promotes the Big Pharma barrel of toxicity.
Even those who are educated in more alternative therapies still often fail to acknowledge the needs of their patients. Those needs that go beyond "can you please fix my boo boo". Those universal needs of Love. Compassion. Respect. Cherished and cared for.
I believe to the core of Who I Am and All That I Feel and All That I Simply Know that our bodies weren't designed to be ill. Our bodies are designed to be productive, to be healthy, to be in alignment and in harmony with our surroundings. But given our surroundings are oh so out of harmony with our bodies, with our needs, due to the pollutants in our food, water, air, soil, with noise pollution, with our inability to be at peace with those who are different than we are, with the mind-control/brain washing we receive about who we are SUPPOSED to be from the church, schools, media, family, friends....these folks who are only continuing the cycle because THEY were subjected to the same lies....it's an endless cycle of abuse we heap upon one another and ourselves. And yet it's a cycle that can be stopped. Now. If only we would choose to do so.
Breathe. Be with who you are. Get to know yourself. Get to know what you need.
Accept those who don't think as you do. Who look different. Who go to a different church. Who belong to a different political party. Who have different sexual habits. Different eating habits. Who drive different vehicles. Who live in bigger or smaller houses than you do.
True freedom is the right to do whatever one wishes as long as we aren't imposing our will upon another. (An example of this is the family member of mine who tried for close to two years to convert me. Against my will. I finally said they had a choice--a relationship with me or to push their religious agenda on me. Thankfully love was chosen for the conversion attempts ended.)
True peace means we can be in the same space with someone who is utterly different than we are on all of the earthly levels and still be at peace with ourselves and with the other individual. (An example of this is a conversation I had with someone who is of a different political party than I am and who voted for our current president. I could have pushed the conversation until a heated exchange resulted, but instead I decided to just sit with the knowledge of our political differences. I focused instead on peace. On their worth. Their beauty. Our common connection. If all else fails, choose to eat ice cream together. Or even give an unsolicited hug. And mean it. "I disagree with you, but I still honor you and your belief nonetheless." Imagine the result of a movement like that!)
No, life is not brutal. We make it so. And we can break the cycle. Together. One person at a time.
Sigh...
"Life" can be brutal? "Life" is a benign, neutral source. I see such head-in-the-sand marketing slogans on all sorts of health-related products. Western-trained Medical Professional's often promote the detached "life is difficult" mantra. That way we don't have to really look deep within the heart to determine what the patient is really needing. That way we don't have to look within our own consciousness to determine and understand the insanity of a System that uses people for profit and very destructive thirsts for control.
Let's at least be honest.
"Life" isn't brutal. The People who have created our current profit-before-human worth and dignity is what's brutal. The People who have created our cartel-based global business scenario is what's brutal. And all of those well-meaning but still unawake people who work for and/or wholeheartedly support these very Systems are contributing to the continual brutality.
Today, my doctor, who is both Western and Eastern trained, while advising me some more alternative remedies, was still quick to push the pharmaceutical approach first and foremost (drugs which are addictive and toxic). Big Pharma would have been proud of my doctor. My mind-controlled doctor who has been told disease is to be managed. I put a quick stop to my doctor's thought process when I said I am here asking for your assistance to REVERSE. HEAL. CURE. Not just manage symptoms.
I know of so many people and read so many stories of folks who have this or that disease. Whose bodies are out of harmony. And oh so many are on some damn drug, created by Big Pharma whose one and only goal is profit and who count on us being sick, some damn drug promoted by the FDA who refuses to look into alternative therapies and instead only promotes the Big Pharma barrel of toxicity.
Even those who are educated in more alternative therapies still often fail to acknowledge the needs of their patients. Those needs that go beyond "can you please fix my boo boo". Those universal needs of Love. Compassion. Respect. Cherished and cared for.
I believe to the core of Who I Am and All That I Feel and All That I Simply Know that our bodies weren't designed to be ill. Our bodies are designed to be productive, to be healthy, to be in alignment and in harmony with our surroundings. But given our surroundings are oh so out of harmony with our bodies, with our needs, due to the pollutants in our food, water, air, soil, with noise pollution, with our inability to be at peace with those who are different than we are, with the mind-control/brain washing we receive about who we are SUPPOSED to be from the church, schools, media, family, friends....these folks who are only continuing the cycle because THEY were subjected to the same lies....it's an endless cycle of abuse we heap upon one another and ourselves. And yet it's a cycle that can be stopped. Now. If only we would choose to do so.
Breathe. Be with who you are. Get to know yourself. Get to know what you need.
Accept those who don't think as you do. Who look different. Who go to a different church. Who belong to a different political party. Who have different sexual habits. Different eating habits. Who drive different vehicles. Who live in bigger or smaller houses than you do.
True freedom is the right to do whatever one wishes as long as we aren't imposing our will upon another. (An example of this is the family member of mine who tried for close to two years to convert me. Against my will. I finally said they had a choice--a relationship with me or to push their religious agenda on me. Thankfully love was chosen for the conversion attempts ended.)
True peace means we can be in the same space with someone who is utterly different than we are on all of the earthly levels and still be at peace with ourselves and with the other individual. (An example of this is a conversation I had with someone who is of a different political party than I am and who voted for our current president. I could have pushed the conversation until a heated exchange resulted, but instead I decided to just sit with the knowledge of our political differences. I focused instead on peace. On their worth. Their beauty. Our common connection. If all else fails, choose to eat ice cream together. Or even give an unsolicited hug. And mean it. "I disagree with you, but I still honor you and your belief nonetheless." Imagine the result of a movement like that!)
No, life is not brutal. We make it so. And we can break the cycle. Together. One person at a time.
3.22.2008
A Different Way
Responding to a comment left on my previous post, I was inspired to think about the idea of a world without money. A system where money wasn't necessary.
Kinda like the hobbits. Everyone just helps out one another. The community grows its own food. Life revolves around maintaining the garden, the home, communing with one another, communing with nature, eating, relaxing, celebrating. It's a life filled with activity, but gone are the days of rugged individualism, of "working for the man".
A self-contained community driven by bartering. Solar-powered homes for energy. Well water for drinking/bathing. Bikes and Electric scooters for transport. Take some of that old-world living and add in today's technology. Endless possibilities--if you believe anything is possible. Which it is.
I would not dare insist this to be the one and only way for all. But it is indeed a way of life I would oh so very much like to create with others. At least give it a try.
Kinda like the hobbits. Everyone just helps out one another. The community grows its own food. Life revolves around maintaining the garden, the home, communing with one another, communing with nature, eating, relaxing, celebrating. It's a life filled with activity, but gone are the days of rugged individualism, of "working for the man".
A self-contained community driven by bartering. Solar-powered homes for energy. Well water for drinking/bathing. Bikes and Electric scooters for transport. Take some of that old-world living and add in today's technology. Endless possibilities--if you believe anything is possible. Which it is.
I would not dare insist this to be the one and only way for all. But it is indeed a way of life I would oh so very much like to create with others. At least give it a try.
3.20.2008
Doing Something Different For A Change...
I wrote up a long post yesterday, airing my grievances at this and that. Something in me said "wait" before I hit the pause button, and yet rather than listen to that voice, I listened to the "fuck it, post it" voice. I can't help but think of those Looney Tunes Cartoons that had the little devil and angel on opposing sides of the animal's head. "Be good." "No. Be baaaad." Or in my case, spread Love or spread fear.
I ended up choosing Love and a little while later, deleted the post.
I go through these cycles where I discipline myself to think new thoughts. It's really the purest form of Self Empowerment I know. No one but me, controlling how I think and thus how I feel. I'm starting to understand that this is the best tool we each have in resisting the ever-growing Police State, that is if you look at this situation from a perspective of Energy and how all matter is simply focused Energy. An empowered citizen is oh so much more difficult to control than a frightened citizen. Everything is at a vibrational state. I used to think that was bunk until I began to (quite accidentally actually) zone out on the towels in my bathroom. My eyes and mind relaxed, not intentionally focusing on anything, I began to see the towel in these waves. Since that time, I've seen/experienced this in other "solid" objects such as pictures, walls and blankets. 20 years ago or so someone said something that has stuck in my mind ever since. He was looking at a coffee table and saying if he really believed, if he really knew and focused, he could literally put his hand through the table.
My first lesson in Physics. At least maybe the most important one.
Thoughts are energy. Really think about that. Those thoughts we think, they vibrate within and outside of us. They can cause disease and disharmony within and without. And I know the more I focus on the ugly and dismal, the more this shows up in my reality. I've known this for some time, but I still backslide and get lost in the, well, ugly and dismal. A lot of times this happens when I read news stories online. I want to stay informed, and yet, what purpose does it serve me or the world if by becoming informed, I lower my vibrations because I sink into states of fear, anger, apathy? Maybe rather than mindlessly reading these stories, I can use them as information to remind myself how important it is to remain focused on thoughts that create love instead of thoughts that create fear. Thoughts that empower instead of disempower. Call 'em Love waves and fear waves.
It is easy to slide back into that familiar groove. It's challenging to get out of it. But it's all habit--something that changes with repetition. And thankfully, when I allow myself to slide back into that groove, I don't stay as long as I once did. Actually, I have myself to thank for that and those who I attract into my life to remind me of what I already know.
So, rather than post something dismal, I thought I'd post something that came in my e-mail box today. Not to stick my head in the sand, as that's not my intention. Just doing something different today for a change. It's something I've been subscribed to for a few years. "Notes From The Universe". Or call it "Notes From Your Eternal Self." Same thing, IMO. In a nutshell, it reaffirms something we all already know--deep within. Maybe buried for some, but hopefully, it is becoming more known to us all. (The bolding is my doing.)
Help me with the lingo here. Are people just kidding when they refer to the "holy land," "holy words," and "holy people," as if they were somewhere else?
Or do they understand that there's no land holier than that beneath them? That no words are mightier than those they choose? And that no one, ever, has been more divine and revered and deserving of their heart's desires, than they now are?
I do declare,
The Universe
I ended up choosing Love and a little while later, deleted the post.
I go through these cycles where I discipline myself to think new thoughts. It's really the purest form of Self Empowerment I know. No one but me, controlling how I think and thus how I feel. I'm starting to understand that this is the best tool we each have in resisting the ever-growing Police State, that is if you look at this situation from a perspective of Energy and how all matter is simply focused Energy. An empowered citizen is oh so much more difficult to control than a frightened citizen. Everything is at a vibrational state. I used to think that was bunk until I began to (quite accidentally actually) zone out on the towels in my bathroom. My eyes and mind relaxed, not intentionally focusing on anything, I began to see the towel in these waves. Since that time, I've seen/experienced this in other "solid" objects such as pictures, walls and blankets. 20 years ago or so someone said something that has stuck in my mind ever since. He was looking at a coffee table and saying if he really believed, if he really knew and focused, he could literally put his hand through the table.
My first lesson in Physics. At least maybe the most important one.
Thoughts are energy. Really think about that. Those thoughts we think, they vibrate within and outside of us. They can cause disease and disharmony within and without. And I know the more I focus on the ugly and dismal, the more this shows up in my reality. I've known this for some time, but I still backslide and get lost in the, well, ugly and dismal. A lot of times this happens when I read news stories online. I want to stay informed, and yet, what purpose does it serve me or the world if by becoming informed, I lower my vibrations because I sink into states of fear, anger, apathy? Maybe rather than mindlessly reading these stories, I can use them as information to remind myself how important it is to remain focused on thoughts that create love instead of thoughts that create fear. Thoughts that empower instead of disempower. Call 'em Love waves and fear waves.
It is easy to slide back into that familiar groove. It's challenging to get out of it. But it's all habit--something that changes with repetition. And thankfully, when I allow myself to slide back into that groove, I don't stay as long as I once did. Actually, I have myself to thank for that and those who I attract into my life to remind me of what I already know.
So, rather than post something dismal, I thought I'd post something that came in my e-mail box today. Not to stick my head in the sand, as that's not my intention. Just doing something different today for a change. It's something I've been subscribed to for a few years. "Notes From The Universe". Or call it "Notes From Your Eternal Self." Same thing, IMO. In a nutshell, it reaffirms something we all already know--deep within. Maybe buried for some, but hopefully, it is becoming more known to us all. (The bolding is my doing.)
Help me with the lingo here. Are people just kidding when they refer to the "holy land," "holy words," and "holy people," as if they were somewhere else?
Or do they understand that there's no land holier than that beneath them? That no words are mightier than those they choose? And that no one, ever, has been more divine and revered and deserving of their heart's desires, than they now are?
I do declare,
The Universe
3.18.2008
Minimum Wage
This increase in Minimum Wage over the past 5 years or so hasn't done a damn thing to increase those wages slightly above the minimum. I still see the same damn employers advertising for the same damn positions at the same damn wages. Year after year.
And that's a problem.
And as usual, I have some answers.
Do away with the minimum wage altogether and establish a living wage in which the government will determine what the Cost of Living is for a particular city or town and as such, set a living wage that will cover these costs. The more people in the household, the more that wage increases.
Establish something like that and/or else make the first $30,000 in income tax-free, both state and federal. Return to the days where the elite and the big corporations pay their god damn fair share.
Of course these ideas don't address the increases in housing and insurance. I'm pretty sure most people wouldn't support some sort of regulation on the housing market, but then again I may be wrong. For it would be enlightening to see people stop looking at "what the market dictates" and instead focus on what their heart dictates. As an example, we met someone who rented a place from an elderly woman here in town. A house. A nice one. 3 bedroom. All for only $600/month. This woman could obviously charge almost double that, but instead, she isn't into the greed mentality. She isn't out to take advantage of people.
A rarity in today's competitive world. And a breath of fresh air.
And that's a problem.
And as usual, I have some answers.
Do away with the minimum wage altogether and establish a living wage in which the government will determine what the Cost of Living is for a particular city or town and as such, set a living wage that will cover these costs. The more people in the household, the more that wage increases.
Establish something like that and/or else make the first $30,000 in income tax-free, both state and federal. Return to the days where the elite and the big corporations pay their god damn fair share.
Of course these ideas don't address the increases in housing and insurance. I'm pretty sure most people wouldn't support some sort of regulation on the housing market, but then again I may be wrong. For it would be enlightening to see people stop looking at "what the market dictates" and instead focus on what their heart dictates. As an example, we met someone who rented a place from an elderly woman here in town. A house. A nice one. 3 bedroom. All for only $600/month. This woman could obviously charge almost double that, but instead, she isn't into the greed mentality. She isn't out to take advantage of people.
A rarity in today's competitive world. And a breath of fresh air.
Stewpid Shit and Mindless Ramblings
In my e-mail box this morning is advice on taking certain supplements to combat fatigue. I'm taking 4 of the 5. Does this mean I'm destined to battle this fatigue and mental fog for good? Or at least until the fucking insane crooks running the establishment stop poisoning our water, our food, stop pumping out all of these excessive microwave and EMF fields, stop the chem. spraying, stop running the system on profit only, etc. etc
The faces of McCain, Obama and Clinton blare at me as I get online. I want to see this? I am blind enough to actually think a new president is gonna change things? Don't think so.
Another day facing the realities of the job market. Another day knowing I'm under-skilled and too old to compete with a 20 year old. I'm up against a younger generation who has a lot more skills than I do. That and no facial lines.
As I type I can only think "I didn't sign up for any of this".
Why is it toenails and fingernails are benign when attached, but once you trim them, they suddenly become gross and untouchable?
Same thing goes for hair.
Got family stopping by for Easter. I don't celebrate the holiday. Family knows that. But they still insist on assuming I'm doing something special. If by special they mean preaching to the world about the lies associated with the biblical Jesus and the entire religious scam, then sure, I'm doing something special. Maybe I'll paint a few easter eggs, put the faces of those who have lied to us all on them and throw 'em at the fence. It shall be known as the Real Resurrection.
My smart-ass quality isn't making my life any better, so I'll close up for now.
The faces of McCain, Obama and Clinton blare at me as I get online. I want to see this? I am blind enough to actually think a new president is gonna change things? Don't think so.
Another day facing the realities of the job market. Another day knowing I'm under-skilled and too old to compete with a 20 year old. I'm up against a younger generation who has a lot more skills than I do. That and no facial lines.
As I type I can only think "I didn't sign up for any of this".
Why is it toenails and fingernails are benign when attached, but once you trim them, they suddenly become gross and untouchable?
Same thing goes for hair.
Got family stopping by for Easter. I don't celebrate the holiday. Family knows that. But they still insist on assuming I'm doing something special. If by special they mean preaching to the world about the lies associated with the biblical Jesus and the entire religious scam, then sure, I'm doing something special. Maybe I'll paint a few easter eggs, put the faces of those who have lied to us all on them and throw 'em at the fence. It shall be known as the Real Resurrection.
My smart-ass quality isn't making my life any better, so I'll close up for now.
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