...along with my comments in brackets...
"We have made it through the Dark Ages and here we are, in one of the most redemptive moments history has ever witnessed. Barack Obama is our best hope to get it right, to heal our national soul, to reach out to the rest of the world with an olive branch instead of shocking brutality. [Actually, Ralph Nader, Cynthia McKinney, Ron Paul or Dennis Kucinich would have been more suitable for this role given they were the only candidates for presidency speaking about such things as the bank cartel, the federal reserve, the stupidity of having a currency not backed by gold, the deeply dire situation much of our nation's infrastructure is under, the crimes committed by the former administration, the damaging effects of NAFTA and the WTO, etc. etc....]
I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who has worked to make this day happen. For many, the madness goes back, not eight years but twenty-eight years, to the tragic day Reagan was sworn in to dismantle our precious "government of the people" and our beloved way of life. [I'd say more like 50 years.]
To all of you who have spoken up and spoken out, who have written letters and marched for peace, for all of you who never gave up, you are the true heroes today. Many of you have suffered great economic losses. Some of you have endured a loved one being shipped overseas to senseless and shameful wars, and thousands of you have seen those loved ones returned home, no longer alive. It has been a heartbreaking time. [Our entire history as a country has been one of heartbreak. Freedom, in it's purest form, has yet to be achieved for We The People.]
But the sun comes out at noon today. The disgraced outgoing president will slide out the side door and head to Crawford to sell the Hollywood set known as the Bush "ranch" before he settles down in an exclusive neighborhood in Dallas. I would encourage Mr. Bush to issue one final pardon before noon today -- his own. He had better issue a blanket pardon for all crimes that may have been committed since 2001 by himself, Cheney, Rumsfeld and the whole gang. Serious laws were broken, a war was concocted on a lie, and now, please, justice must be carried out. [Don't count on the Obama administration do carry out any of that justice. He's already announced he will not be pursuing that agenda, or did you miss that little comment? What do you surmise we do now, Mike?]
So let us move forward and fix the horrible mess we are in. We are fortunate to have a new president who is smart and kind and committed to serving his country. Take a moment today and think about what you can do to join him in helping him do his job. We're all in this together. Our country has been so profoundly wrecked by an administration who decided to mug our constitution and then steal what they can for their Wall Street cronies on the way out the door.
Here is my plea: Let's not leave Barack Obama alone to clean up the mess. As he takes his oath today, please take one yourself -- to work harder than ever to end these wars, create universal health care, save our planet, end poverty, increase knowledge and establish a true government "of, by and for the people" (instead of "of, by and for the lobbyists, the bankers, and the war profiteers"). [Well if you wanted that kind of a government, you wouldn't have voted for Obama. And for the McCain voters, you wouldn't have voted for him either. If you had done your homework and checked out the groups, both government and private, that Obama has been a part of, the people he has been using as advisors, seeking for counsel, you could not in good conscience have voted for him for you would have seen we were going to continue to see a government of the bankers, the lobbyists and the war profiteers. Who do you think $$ backs Obama? You see Mike, I did my homework. I didn't rely on the mainstream media, left or right. I kicked off my leftist liberal boots (while never ever in my LIFE wearing conservative republican books) and got down to business. I voted for Nader. I release any and all responsibility from here on out in terms of what happens to this nation now. That responsibility, I put on you and all others who voted for business as usual, both Republican and Democrat while continuing to dismiss me and folks like me. I sent you quite a few letters, Mike. If they were read, the words obviously went ignored. That being said however, if....when (always the optimist I am) you do further awaken, I will be more than willing to point you in the direction of the research I engaged myself in. Perhaps at that time I would be willing to work together at removing the ongoing, appointed, elitist, dollar/ass kissing business-as-usual folks in D.C. and democratically electing real leaders.]
On a personal note, it's no secret that I have had to suffer an avalanche of hate and attack as I stuck my neck out to simply do my job. Some day I will tell you what the true cost of this has been for me, but not today. Today is a time for celebration and optimism and hope. I'm glad we all lived to see this incredible moment. And I thank each of you for your support of my work and your dedication to our democracy. [I hear ya, although my level of anomosity I received for speaking out against Obama mania or anything challenging the left and right was nothing compared to what you have had to endure. I offer my sincerest empathy and compassion to you and your family for whatever ugliness you have faced simply for speaking your truth. It's deeply saddening that one still cannot speak their truth without risking such attack. Forget the american patriotism diatribe. It is against the deepest fabrics of our beings to throw hate and threats against those with whom we disagree. It's easy to engage in. It's even celebrated. An evening journeying through the internet and television reminds us of this celebration. Respect even in the midst of strong differences. We can do it. It is a lesson for all of us to embrace and vow to do better on.]
12:01pm can't come soon enough! Happy Inauguration Day! [It came. It went. Let's move forward to our tomorrow's with eyes and mind wide open while remembering to carry respect in our hearts, actions and words. Happy day to you.]
1.21.2009
1.19.2009
Bush Exits. Now Who Will We Joke About?
It just hit me. Bush is leaving. Yeah great and all of that, but suddenly, with great shock and sadness, I realized:
Who will I poke fun of now?
I don't do much of that here on this blog, but I do at home, with friends and family.
I've enjoyed doing the laughing shoulder shrug/snort.
I've loved saying "nucular".
I've laughed seeing his verbal mishaps, hooted while watching him walk offstage to a nearby door that was locked only to stand there like the goofball he is waiting for someone to remind him "pssst George, try the other door".
Will any of us ever be able to look at a monkey in the zoo with the same eyes?
I mean people, think about it. This is really a sad moment in history.
Smirking will now be out of fashion...
My Pet Goat won't be known anymore for literary brilliance...
Red neck talk and misspelled words will stop being funny and will now become annoying again...
Hearing a President say "we're kicking ass" will now seem rather strange...
And hey, who will we now have at which to throw our shoes?
I mean Obama is going to end up pissing us all off (some later than others), but you know, he's just too damn smart, too excellent of an orator, so thrown shows simply wouldn't make us laugh.
Sigh...
So this is it, Georgie Boy, ya pompous narcissistic little tyrant. This is farewell. Whatcha thinking tonight? Are you having dreams of new adventures? Or are you having your usual dream scenario of grilled cheese sandwiches? You were a soul-sucking nightmare for so many people, but I gotta say: you will be missed. In some strange, twisted way that I don't wish to even touch much less explore, you will be missed.
Who will I poke fun of now?
I don't do much of that here on this blog, but I do at home, with friends and family.
I've enjoyed doing the laughing shoulder shrug/snort.
I've loved saying "nucular".
I've laughed seeing his verbal mishaps, hooted while watching him walk offstage to a nearby door that was locked only to stand there like the goofball he is waiting for someone to remind him "pssst George, try the other door".
Will any of us ever be able to look at a monkey in the zoo with the same eyes?
I mean people, think about it. This is really a sad moment in history.
Smirking will now be out of fashion...
My Pet Goat won't be known anymore for literary brilliance...
Red neck talk and misspelled words will stop being funny and will now become annoying again...
Hearing a President say "we're kicking ass" will now seem rather strange...
And hey, who will we now have at which to throw our shoes?
I mean Obama is going to end up pissing us all off (some later than others), but you know, he's just too damn smart, too excellent of an orator, so thrown shows simply wouldn't make us laugh.
Sigh...
So this is it, Georgie Boy, ya pompous narcissistic little tyrant. This is farewell. Whatcha thinking tonight? Are you having dreams of new adventures? Or are you having your usual dream scenario of grilled cheese sandwiches? You were a soul-sucking nightmare for so many people, but I gotta say: you will be missed. In some strange, twisted way that I don't wish to even touch much less explore, you will be missed.
1.18.2009
Sometimes A Good Glass Of Wine Is The Answer
Sitting outside today in the sun, I listened to some tunes and enjoyed a good glass of wine. My brain was weary, my mind tired, my heart pained, my soul seeking refuge. It has been a tough week. Oh hell, who am I kidding, it's been a rough month. Year. LIFE. It's a lonely road being the black sheep. Of the family. Of the neighborhood. Of the community. Of the world.
There have been health issues to contend with without so much as a nickel of insurance coverage. The car has once again let us know that it does not like the ethanol we are forced to use (don't you think car insurance should include financial help when cars get sick?) The kitchen light decided to stop working. And the $100 plus shower filtration system we purchased decided to break. 6 weeks past the one year warranty. Which means showers of rusty chlorinated h2o. Small issues compared to what many are facing, but enough to threaten to toss me over the edge. Of course it isn't like we didn't already have a full plate of crap. Two out-of-work individuals seeing the economic crisis unfolding thinking wtf is there to do once unemployment runs out or the state suddenly announces "sorry, we simply don't have the $$ for unemployment".
Oh yeah. It was my birthday week. Happy fucking birthday to me.
North Korea has announced they have enough plutonium to make 4 nuclear weapons. Israel continues its slaughterfest while western politics on both left and right vow to support Israel at all cost. Over half a million jobs have been lost the past month, that number expected to continue throughout the year. While the world goes bankrupt, our political leaders are handing out blank checks in the hundreds of billions to the banking cartels. Small banks continue to have their assets seized while the big bully banks gobble 'em up.
The value system of our society, of our people, is so fucking out of synch with the principles of freedom and love and peace. You know, all that is beautiful, fair and kind. I feel alone and freakish in it.
People are speaking out against Obama, and yet it isn't with any real clarity, originality or intellect. It's the right wing nut jobs doing their McCain/Palin support. Damn, shut the hell up already folks. Where are the Nadar, the McKinney supporters to add real intelligent dialogue, to add the missing pieces? All I can hope is that this mania will continue even once the masses are shown the deep change that is needed is not gonna happen.
We're just getting different icing for the same 'ole cake job.
The banks will continue to rule (albeit there will be less of them, the ones left to stand will continue the powerful rule). Insurance companies will continue their corrupt rule playing doctor and in determining whether you and I are worthy of help if we should need medical care and help paying for it. Schools will continue to feed our children's minds with unnecessary crap, politically-correct/freedom of speech dismantling rhetoric, and distorted information. The vaccination disease will continue to grow in number and cause havoc on our children's health. Our infrastructure will continue to slowly resemble that of 3rd World Nations, despite Obama's financial pledge to help reverse the trend (his pledge being very meager compared to what is truly needed). And wars will continue to be waged to continue the spread of American Dominance and Imperialism. Although I don't know how much longer that will last given our collapsing economy and in truth, the lack of financial means to correct it is going to leave America very vulnerable for a REAL attack/invasion. We're bankrupt. Piss off the wrong nation (China comes to mind) and watch out.
There's my own search for creating an income. I'm thinking my own ideas aren't so practical, even though what the hell, they're only my dreams. I'm quite used to my dreams being crushed, so what's another one, right? What do people need right now (other than a big 'ole hug, a million dollars and a place far away from the fucks who run the global show)? Something tangible. Something they deem worthy investing in. Finding a need and fulfilling it.
I don't know. I just don't fucking know.
But I will tell you what I do know. For certain. I am fucking fed up....FED UP...with trying to come up with innovative means of creating an income. I'm tired of thinking about it. I am burned out thinking about it. My mind can't take much more.
I also know something else as well. For certain. I am burned out looking for work, fed up with seeing the bullshit strings you have to go through all for a low paying, go nowhere lame ass paper pushing desk job, all designed to make bossy rich. Fuck that shit, as my sweet hub loves to say. FUCK THAT SHIT.
And I will also tell you one other thing I know. For certain. The days of being told "no" are also over. Being polite in the face of such "no's" is most certainly over.
And one last thing I know. For certain.
What I experienced today.
Sometimes...a glass of good wine is the answer.
There have been health issues to contend with without so much as a nickel of insurance coverage. The car has once again let us know that it does not like the ethanol we are forced to use (don't you think car insurance should include financial help when cars get sick?) The kitchen light decided to stop working. And the $100 plus shower filtration system we purchased decided to break. 6 weeks past the one year warranty. Which means showers of rusty chlorinated h2o. Small issues compared to what many are facing, but enough to threaten to toss me over the edge. Of course it isn't like we didn't already have a full plate of crap. Two out-of-work individuals seeing the economic crisis unfolding thinking wtf is there to do once unemployment runs out or the state suddenly announces "sorry, we simply don't have the $$ for unemployment".
Oh yeah. It was my birthday week. Happy fucking birthday to me.
North Korea has announced they have enough plutonium to make 4 nuclear weapons. Israel continues its slaughterfest while western politics on both left and right vow to support Israel at all cost. Over half a million jobs have been lost the past month, that number expected to continue throughout the year. While the world goes bankrupt, our political leaders are handing out blank checks in the hundreds of billions to the banking cartels. Small banks continue to have their assets seized while the big bully banks gobble 'em up.
The value system of our society, of our people, is so fucking out of synch with the principles of freedom and love and peace. You know, all that is beautiful, fair and kind. I feel alone and freakish in it.
People are speaking out against Obama, and yet it isn't with any real clarity, originality or intellect. It's the right wing nut jobs doing their McCain/Palin support. Damn, shut the hell up already folks. Where are the Nadar, the McKinney supporters to add real intelligent dialogue, to add the missing pieces? All I can hope is that this mania will continue even once the masses are shown the deep change that is needed is not gonna happen.
We're just getting different icing for the same 'ole cake job.
The banks will continue to rule (albeit there will be less of them, the ones left to stand will continue the powerful rule). Insurance companies will continue their corrupt rule playing doctor and in determining whether you and I are worthy of help if we should need medical care and help paying for it. Schools will continue to feed our children's minds with unnecessary crap, politically-correct/freedom of speech dismantling rhetoric, and distorted information. The vaccination disease will continue to grow in number and cause havoc on our children's health. Our infrastructure will continue to slowly resemble that of 3rd World Nations, despite Obama's financial pledge to help reverse the trend (his pledge being very meager compared to what is truly needed). And wars will continue to be waged to continue the spread of American Dominance and Imperialism. Although I don't know how much longer that will last given our collapsing economy and in truth, the lack of financial means to correct it is going to leave America very vulnerable for a REAL attack/invasion. We're bankrupt. Piss off the wrong nation (China comes to mind) and watch out.
There's my own search for creating an income. I'm thinking my own ideas aren't so practical, even though what the hell, they're only my dreams. I'm quite used to my dreams being crushed, so what's another one, right? What do people need right now (other than a big 'ole hug, a million dollars and a place far away from the fucks who run the global show)? Something tangible. Something they deem worthy investing in. Finding a need and fulfilling it.
I don't know. I just don't fucking know.
But I will tell you what I do know. For certain. I am fucking fed up....FED UP...with trying to come up with innovative means of creating an income. I'm tired of thinking about it. I am burned out thinking about it. My mind can't take much more.
I also know something else as well. For certain. I am burned out looking for work, fed up with seeing the bullshit strings you have to go through all for a low paying, go nowhere lame ass paper pushing desk job, all designed to make bossy rich. Fuck that shit, as my sweet hub loves to say. FUCK THAT SHIT.
And I will also tell you one other thing I know. For certain. The days of being told "no" are also over. Being polite in the face of such "no's" is most certainly over.
And one last thing I know. For certain.
What I experienced today.
Sometimes...a glass of good wine is the answer.
1.17.2009
Not Much To Blog About Lately
Haven't had much of an urge to blog lately. It isn't like there is a shortage of topics. The upcoming prez inauguration, which in the coming months, is going to leave a growing number of people wishing they had voted for Nader or McKinney instead. There's the genocide taking place on the Palestinian people and the unbelievable number of folks, both in and outside of the government, who really believe the Israeli's to be the chosen ones. Snap out of the illusion and USE YOUR OWN MIND! No one is more "chosen" than the next.
And yet, topics based conversation don't seem to be my thing at the moment. I know what's going on at the surface level of society. Most days I say "let 'em have their chaos I want no part of it" while keeping some level of consciousness open to at least understanding how it will effect me.
I've been at a crossroads as far as what to do with my life. I've been exploring a small biz idea. And yet I also have moments where I feel a calling to change at least one aspect of the System. I am the type of person who is an idea person. I have many go through my mind. Sometimes it is overwhelming. I know this: my longing for a mentor has steadily increased. Someone to talk to about all of these ideas of mine. I visualize and think on this daily. Perhaps I need to add this person to my Vision Board.
I had a very visual dream the other night. A being visited me--one who has visited me in the past, on one occasion, visiting me while I was awake as a young girl. She always presents herself looking like my mom, likely to comfort me and ease any fear I may have. In this particular dream, I was wanting to drive a super slick, revved up muscle car out with the masses. She then appeared and began driving the vehicle. Normally in such dreams I would have felt small, or angry, feeling I wasn't in charge of my life. However in this experience, I felt ok. I didn't feel controlled. I resisted a bit at first though, saying "hey don't you wanna see me drive fast down this hill?" She just smiled, remained calm, then pulled the car over, telling me to remain calm and ride out the storm. We sat there in the car. I grew impatient. Why are we just sitting here, I wondered. I wanted to continue on my journey. Suddenly, I looked out the front window and saw these cars begin to spin out of control. It turned into a madhouse of cars not seeing the other cars around them. Some headed towards the nearby river. Most simply crashed into one another. I looked out back and cars were racing down the hill behind us, doing the same thing. I became terrified. And horrified. This being however remained calm and told me if I would remain calm, I would be ok.
In time, the insanity came to a standstill. People were walking around, in a daze. At that point, I got out of the car. I felt the need to help those around me. I had watched the whole scene unfold in front of my eyes. The being then exited the car, removed some of the wreckage around and on the car to pave the way for me. I even helped and found it was quite easy. She smiled and then rose above the car. The dream then ended.
A metaphor for what's to come? If anything, I embrace the idea that staying calm in any and all situations is important. But was this my guide? Some "divine" assistance? I don't know.
I'm not sure what to believe these days. My spiritual beliefs have been deeply challenged the past year. I don't know what's "out there", both in this dimension and in others. How many dimensions are there? Obviously there is other intelligent life. Who are benevolent, who are malevolent? Is there a separate God? Or are we simply just one consciousness "divided up" in these bodies spread out throughout the Cosmos? Is there an alien race attempting to control us? What thoughts are mine? I am already aware about the brainwashing/control dogma's found in our churches, in our schools, the media, entertainment, etc.... However, what about technology such as sonar, microwaves and the like. Secret dark groups sending out "thought bubbles". I recall reading some warning for folks not to mass organize and send out positive thoughts (which now I've come to believe as ridiculous). There is a massive amount of information about all of this and as always, varying opinions, and as always again, each organization or site claiming THEY are right. Frankly, I've come to believe anyone claiming to hold the truth, especially about such elusive topics where facts or any information other than opinion are missing, while dismissing all others is half awake and likely still a prisoner of the "matrix".
And yet, really, what is Truth?
I haven't been able to answer that one.
I've read up on Universal Laws. Somewhere, something tells me nothing is ever so rigid and unwavering as a law. Take karma. What you put out you get back. I see truth and flaws in this, which makes me wonder about the idea of free will and other conscious beings either helping or hindering. This brings up the question "how powerful are we?" As an individual, how powerful am I?
All of this makes my head spin. At least I do know this: I no longer take ANYTHING at face value. I no longer blindly embrace things. I take it for how I have perceive it and mull it over, chew on it like I would gum, seeing how it feels to me. And when I am honest, lately, the answer I receive is "I really don't know".
Maybe there's nothing to nail down, nothing to know. Maybe all there is to do is be who I am now. For maybe the idea of nailing down some truth is an impossibility given we're all really energy and energy is always on the move, always changing in some way shape or form.
I just know the search for truth has become a frustrating experience for me. Like holding water in my hand. Just when I think I have it, it changes into something else.
And I thought I had nothing much to say. :)
And yet, topics based conversation don't seem to be my thing at the moment. I know what's going on at the surface level of society. Most days I say "let 'em have their chaos I want no part of it" while keeping some level of consciousness open to at least understanding how it will effect me.
I've been at a crossroads as far as what to do with my life. I've been exploring a small biz idea. And yet I also have moments where I feel a calling to change at least one aspect of the System. I am the type of person who is an idea person. I have many go through my mind. Sometimes it is overwhelming. I know this: my longing for a mentor has steadily increased. Someone to talk to about all of these ideas of mine. I visualize and think on this daily. Perhaps I need to add this person to my Vision Board.
I had a very visual dream the other night. A being visited me--one who has visited me in the past, on one occasion, visiting me while I was awake as a young girl. She always presents herself looking like my mom, likely to comfort me and ease any fear I may have. In this particular dream, I was wanting to drive a super slick, revved up muscle car out with the masses. She then appeared and began driving the vehicle. Normally in such dreams I would have felt small, or angry, feeling I wasn't in charge of my life. However in this experience, I felt ok. I didn't feel controlled. I resisted a bit at first though, saying "hey don't you wanna see me drive fast down this hill?" She just smiled, remained calm, then pulled the car over, telling me to remain calm and ride out the storm. We sat there in the car. I grew impatient. Why are we just sitting here, I wondered. I wanted to continue on my journey. Suddenly, I looked out the front window and saw these cars begin to spin out of control. It turned into a madhouse of cars not seeing the other cars around them. Some headed towards the nearby river. Most simply crashed into one another. I looked out back and cars were racing down the hill behind us, doing the same thing. I became terrified. And horrified. This being however remained calm and told me if I would remain calm, I would be ok.
In time, the insanity came to a standstill. People were walking around, in a daze. At that point, I got out of the car. I felt the need to help those around me. I had watched the whole scene unfold in front of my eyes. The being then exited the car, removed some of the wreckage around and on the car to pave the way for me. I even helped and found it was quite easy. She smiled and then rose above the car. The dream then ended.
A metaphor for what's to come? If anything, I embrace the idea that staying calm in any and all situations is important. But was this my guide? Some "divine" assistance? I don't know.
I'm not sure what to believe these days. My spiritual beliefs have been deeply challenged the past year. I don't know what's "out there", both in this dimension and in others. How many dimensions are there? Obviously there is other intelligent life. Who are benevolent, who are malevolent? Is there a separate God? Or are we simply just one consciousness "divided up" in these bodies spread out throughout the Cosmos? Is there an alien race attempting to control us? What thoughts are mine? I am already aware about the brainwashing/control dogma's found in our churches, in our schools, the media, entertainment, etc.... However, what about technology such as sonar, microwaves and the like. Secret dark groups sending out "thought bubbles". I recall reading some warning for folks not to mass organize and send out positive thoughts (which now I've come to believe as ridiculous). There is a massive amount of information about all of this and as always, varying opinions, and as always again, each organization or site claiming THEY are right. Frankly, I've come to believe anyone claiming to hold the truth, especially about such elusive topics where facts or any information other than opinion are missing, while dismissing all others is half awake and likely still a prisoner of the "matrix".
And yet, really, what is Truth?
I haven't been able to answer that one.
I've read up on Universal Laws. Somewhere, something tells me nothing is ever so rigid and unwavering as a law. Take karma. What you put out you get back. I see truth and flaws in this, which makes me wonder about the idea of free will and other conscious beings either helping or hindering. This brings up the question "how powerful are we?" As an individual, how powerful am I?
All of this makes my head spin. At least I do know this: I no longer take ANYTHING at face value. I no longer blindly embrace things. I take it for how I have perceive it and mull it over, chew on it like I would gum, seeing how it feels to me. And when I am honest, lately, the answer I receive is "I really don't know".
Maybe there's nothing to nail down, nothing to know. Maybe all there is to do is be who I am now. For maybe the idea of nailing down some truth is an impossibility given we're all really energy and energy is always on the move, always changing in some way shape or form.
I just know the search for truth has become a frustrating experience for me. Like holding water in my hand. Just when I think I have it, it changes into something else.
And I thought I had nothing much to say. :)
1.15.2009
School Days and Childhood: Reminiscing
I was bored earlier, so I decided to browse around my former high school's website. I don't know why. I don't know what I was looking for. For some crazy reason, I registered as an alumni several years ago. I say "crazy" because high school was hell for me. I went to a school that was full of kids who came from wealthy families. The parking lot was often filled with newer BMW's and VW's. My family wasn't rich. At all. My dad was just good at pretending we were.
There was a group of prissy little cheerleaders who, for some reason, liked to pick on me. They first began to pick on a friend of mine, then suddenly found me more interesting. I hid the pain and embarassment by writing nasty things about them on the bathroom walls, stuffing used kleenex into their lockers, that sort of thing. One evening, I got up the courage to ask the leader of the pack to "take it outside" after a confrontation inside of a pizza parlor. At 5'5" and 115 lbs, I obviously wasn't a giant, but at 4' 11", I towered over her. I looked tough but inside I was shaking. Apparently I fooled (and frightened) her for she shrugged me off. However, she pretty much left me alone after that episode. Her friends though picked up where she left off. Where young girls get this urge to bully and belittle I haven't a clue. Gossipy pretentious little attitudes--I find it all sickening. But I was at the receiving end of such treatment from grades 5 to, believe it or not, college graduation. No joke. The other strange factor: each of the girls were blonde. To this day if I meet some petite blonde, young or old, alarms go off inside and I have the urge to punch her lights out. Thank goodness for adult onset wisdom and discernment. :)
Lately I wonder how life would have been for me had I been allowed to go to school where I wanted. Had my dad hadn't packed us up and moved us across the river to the "elite" subarbs where he could erase his memories of his poverty-stricken childhood, where he could then show to the world "See, I am somebody!". Thanks to dad's decision, my life completely changed after that. Before that move, I had many friends, male and female. I was well liked. I loved our neighbors. I loved the school I attended. After that move though, my school years slowly turned into a never-ending nightmare, each year becoming more challenging.
Reading some of the alumni's discussions of the "wonderful" high school with the "awesome" teaching staff we attended makes me shake my head, much in the same way I shake my head towards those who don't see the political movement afoot. What on earth was there to brag about at this particular school? Overall, the teaching staff was terrible. We had the pervert who would watch the girl's asses as they walked out of the room and look down their shirts when they would bend over at his desk to speak with him. We had the teacher who dated (openly) a student. We had the algebra teacher who obviously hated teenagers and teaching. Then there was the alcoholic biology teacher who, when he wasn't having one of his rage attacks or slurring his words, would hide in the closet and drink while we watched 1960's black and white films on the wonderful world of amoeba's. There was his best friend and drinking buddy, our Vice Principal, who, for some reason took a liking to me, which came in handy when I would get busted for skipping class (which I did a lot after my sophomore year). He'd take one look at me and say "this sweet young thing skip class? Never! Let her go!" Our principle was an ignorant twit who overlooked all of the problems and lived in a bubble whereby he sent us regular messages on the loudspeaker about how we were to have "PRIDE" for our school.
I tried, unsuccessfully, for all 4 years of my high school "career", to convince my parents to pleasssseee send me to another school. I relayed my concerns, but they blew them off as just a case of teen angst and a bad attitude. That coupled with the teasing I received left me with a chip on my shoulder and lead me to a world of drinkin' and smokin' herb, which I did both whenever I could. Despite the fun I was having during these partying ventures, inside I was crying out for help, but no one noticed. I desperately wanted someone to notice me, someone to care enough to ask if I was ok, to ask what I needed, to ask what I wanted for my life. Someone to say "you are an amazing, talented young girl. You deserve better than this what can I do to help?" I wouldn't be lying to say that I still don't have that same longing. Eventually I got so bold, I put alcohol pictures all over my walls, left bottles in my closet with the door open, came home drunk, high. Nothing. Again, all likely just chalked up as normal teenage angst.
Oh well, my concerns were validated when 3 years after I graduated, there was a big shake-up with the school and the school board. The result? Over 25% of the teaching staff was fired (including the pervert, the drunk, the algebra teacher, the vice principal and principal). I remember rushing home to tell my folks and was deeply disappointed in their response of "mmm hmmm." Mmm hmmm? My 3.5 gradepoint which slowly slipped to a 2.00 by the time I was a senior wasn't just about me. They were also about the quality of the teachers I had had. Didn't they see that? Didn't they care?
Painful it also was to me to see people from my class talk about the wonderful bonds they had with one another. I tried fitting in, but after two years of attempts to "be somebody", I stopped trying. I accepted my role as the wallflower, the invisible one. I had a few friends, acquaintances really, when I look back on it. I remember this one girl who used to dress all in black. She was so mysterious to me. She both frightened and intrigued me. She dressed the way I felt. Despite being open with the substance use, I was fairly conservative in my dress. It was the early 80's. Preppy was in.
Ugh...
As I said at the beginning, sometimes I wonder what my life had been like had my dad stayed put in our wonderful little house. Would I have continued to fit in? I remember once going to a party hosted by some of kids from the high school I would have attended had we not moved. I had an awesome time. I, well, I fit right in. I wasn't ignored. I wasn't teased. That was one of the nights I came home, begging my parents again, pleassssssse let me transfer schools.
The idea of a life "do-over" may not be possible, but if it is, in some cosmic way, I would sure like the chance. While I obviously have no desire to repeat my childhood as it was, I would like the chance to do it over, my way, in a way that suits my needs, with the knowledge I have today coupled with that childlike innocence.
If that were possible, would you do it? How do you think your life would look? What would you do differently? I'll post my thoughts on that at a later time.
There was a group of prissy little cheerleaders who, for some reason, liked to pick on me. They first began to pick on a friend of mine, then suddenly found me more interesting. I hid the pain and embarassment by writing nasty things about them on the bathroom walls, stuffing used kleenex into their lockers, that sort of thing. One evening, I got up the courage to ask the leader of the pack to "take it outside" after a confrontation inside of a pizza parlor. At 5'5" and 115 lbs, I obviously wasn't a giant, but at 4' 11", I towered over her. I looked tough but inside I was shaking. Apparently I fooled (and frightened) her for she shrugged me off. However, she pretty much left me alone after that episode. Her friends though picked up where she left off. Where young girls get this urge to bully and belittle I haven't a clue. Gossipy pretentious little attitudes--I find it all sickening. But I was at the receiving end of such treatment from grades 5 to, believe it or not, college graduation. No joke. The other strange factor: each of the girls were blonde. To this day if I meet some petite blonde, young or old, alarms go off inside and I have the urge to punch her lights out. Thank goodness for adult onset wisdom and discernment. :)
Lately I wonder how life would have been for me had I been allowed to go to school where I wanted. Had my dad hadn't packed us up and moved us across the river to the "elite" subarbs where he could erase his memories of his poverty-stricken childhood, where he could then show to the world "See, I am somebody!". Thanks to dad's decision, my life completely changed after that. Before that move, I had many friends, male and female. I was well liked. I loved our neighbors. I loved the school I attended. After that move though, my school years slowly turned into a never-ending nightmare, each year becoming more challenging.
Reading some of the alumni's discussions of the "wonderful" high school with the "awesome" teaching staff we attended makes me shake my head, much in the same way I shake my head towards those who don't see the political movement afoot. What on earth was there to brag about at this particular school? Overall, the teaching staff was terrible. We had the pervert who would watch the girl's asses as they walked out of the room and look down their shirts when they would bend over at his desk to speak with him. We had the teacher who dated (openly) a student. We had the algebra teacher who obviously hated teenagers and teaching. Then there was the alcoholic biology teacher who, when he wasn't having one of his rage attacks or slurring his words, would hide in the closet and drink while we watched 1960's black and white films on the wonderful world of amoeba's. There was his best friend and drinking buddy, our Vice Principal, who, for some reason took a liking to me, which came in handy when I would get busted for skipping class (which I did a lot after my sophomore year). He'd take one look at me and say "this sweet young thing skip class? Never! Let her go!" Our principle was an ignorant twit who overlooked all of the problems and lived in a bubble whereby he sent us regular messages on the loudspeaker about how we were to have "PRIDE" for our school.
I tried, unsuccessfully, for all 4 years of my high school "career", to convince my parents to pleasssseee send me to another school. I relayed my concerns, but they blew them off as just a case of teen angst and a bad attitude. That coupled with the teasing I received left me with a chip on my shoulder and lead me to a world of drinkin' and smokin' herb, which I did both whenever I could. Despite the fun I was having during these partying ventures, inside I was crying out for help, but no one noticed. I desperately wanted someone to notice me, someone to care enough to ask if I was ok, to ask what I needed, to ask what I wanted for my life. Someone to say "you are an amazing, talented young girl. You deserve better than this what can I do to help?" I wouldn't be lying to say that I still don't have that same longing. Eventually I got so bold, I put alcohol pictures all over my walls, left bottles in my closet with the door open, came home drunk, high. Nothing. Again, all likely just chalked up as normal teenage angst.
Oh well, my concerns were validated when 3 years after I graduated, there was a big shake-up with the school and the school board. The result? Over 25% of the teaching staff was fired (including the pervert, the drunk, the algebra teacher, the vice principal and principal). I remember rushing home to tell my folks and was deeply disappointed in their response of "mmm hmmm." Mmm hmmm? My 3.5 gradepoint which slowly slipped to a 2.00 by the time I was a senior wasn't just about me. They were also about the quality of the teachers I had had. Didn't they see that? Didn't they care?
Painful it also was to me to see people from my class talk about the wonderful bonds they had with one another. I tried fitting in, but after two years of attempts to "be somebody", I stopped trying. I accepted my role as the wallflower, the invisible one. I had a few friends, acquaintances really, when I look back on it. I remember this one girl who used to dress all in black. She was so mysterious to me. She both frightened and intrigued me. She dressed the way I felt. Despite being open with the substance use, I was fairly conservative in my dress. It was the early 80's. Preppy was in.
Ugh...
As I said at the beginning, sometimes I wonder what my life had been like had my dad stayed put in our wonderful little house. Would I have continued to fit in? I remember once going to a party hosted by some of kids from the high school I would have attended had we not moved. I had an awesome time. I, well, I fit right in. I wasn't ignored. I wasn't teased. That was one of the nights I came home, begging my parents again, pleassssssse let me transfer schools.
The idea of a life "do-over" may not be possible, but if it is, in some cosmic way, I would sure like the chance. While I obviously have no desire to repeat my childhood as it was, I would like the chance to do it over, my way, in a way that suits my needs, with the knowledge I have today coupled with that childlike innocence.
If that were possible, would you do it? How do you think your life would look? What would you do differently? I'll post my thoughts on that at a later time.
True Hero's: Israeli Soldiers Object To Slaughtering Innocent Civilians
This is the way we end wars that serve no one but fascist empires. Soldiers who can still think for themselves refusing to participate in genocide, refusing to fight the battles of their leaders. Bravo to these young men!
Bill To Abolish The 22nd Amendment
President For Life To Become A Possibility?
"Representative Jose Serrano (D) has introduced a bill in the House to abolish the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which limits presidents to two consecutive terms or ten years in office."
The obvious: If we had a true democracy and a government of and for the people, we wouldn't need such an amendment. And yet of course even with such an amendment, that doesn't protect us from the criminal element that's taken its stranglehold on our government these past 40 plus years. That being said, given the current climate, abolishing this would open the door to further corruption. Does the term Dictatorship ring those bells of caution in anyone's mind?
Interesting it is to me that earlier today on CNN, a couple of media pundits were comparing Obama to FDR. It isn't the first time I've heard such a comparison. And lookie what little bit of history is mentioned in the article:
"Until 1951, there was nothing preventing a president from seeing election for more than two terms. But all presidents prior to Franklin Delano Roosevelt honored a tradition begun by George Washington and served only two consecutive terms. Roosevelt stood for election for an unprecedented third term at the dawn of World War II and was elected to a fourth, only to die in office within months of his inauguration. He is the only American president to serve more than two terms."
Were these media folks referring to the potential reality of Obama become a 3 term and beyond President? Who knows. Given the national Obama mania, it wouldn't surprise me in the least to discover a herd of Obama supporters, both in the public and private sector, to applaud the abolishment of this particular amendment.
"Representative Jose Serrano (D) has introduced a bill in the House to abolish the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which limits presidents to two consecutive terms or ten years in office."
The obvious: If we had a true democracy and a government of and for the people, we wouldn't need such an amendment. And yet of course even with such an amendment, that doesn't protect us from the criminal element that's taken its stranglehold on our government these past 40 plus years. That being said, given the current climate, abolishing this would open the door to further corruption. Does the term Dictatorship ring those bells of caution in anyone's mind?
Interesting it is to me that earlier today on CNN, a couple of media pundits were comparing Obama to FDR. It isn't the first time I've heard such a comparison. And lookie what little bit of history is mentioned in the article:
"Until 1951, there was nothing preventing a president from seeing election for more than two terms. But all presidents prior to Franklin Delano Roosevelt honored a tradition begun by George Washington and served only two consecutive terms. Roosevelt stood for election for an unprecedented third term at the dawn of World War II and was elected to a fourth, only to die in office within months of his inauguration. He is the only American president to serve more than two terms."
Were these media folks referring to the potential reality of Obama become a 3 term and beyond President? Who knows. Given the national Obama mania, it wouldn't surprise me in the least to discover a herd of Obama supporters, both in the public and private sector, to applaud the abolishment of this particular amendment.
Ovestimulation! Is Society Becoming Louder?
I've noticed this trend when visiting stores that the music, which used to be (and is supposed to be) for background purposes only, has become louder. Certainly stereo systems are designed to be louder than ever. Commercials have become louder. And those ridiculous ipod's and other mini-stereo gadgets that have addicted the masses to tuning out their surrounding environment whilst ensuring they damage their precious gift of hearing are only adding to the masses becoming used to unhealthy levels of noise.
Need I even talk about the lighting in stores, too? Those god-awful fluorescent lights that blind the eyes, numb the brain and overwhelm the senses. Add in the loud music and you have created an environment that is simply too stimulating for the brain to process all of that external noise and sight pollution.
I took my little pooch to the park today. The sun was shining, there were no other visitors at the park. The birds were singing their tunes. All was well. That is until the street sweeper decided to pass by. I've never stood near one of those things. Loud doesn't describe the noise. Overwhelming strikes of obnoxious buzzing at frequencies not designed to be taken in by the brain without some sort of negative effect. I ended up plugging my ears. It that wasn't enough, the guy decided to back up, which added in that annoying "beep beep beep", ringing at decibels again that are not healthy or conducive to normal hearing.
Once the street sweeper exited, someone drove past with their stereo playing very loudly. After that, the lovely sounds of low frequency thumping pass was heard coming out of another vehicle.
The overstimulation instinct kicked in and I simply had to cover my ears and scream "ENOUGH!!!!"
By this time, pooch was getting tired and wanted to go home. However, a couple of children had arrived with an adult and were playing on the swings, their joyous squeals and laughter a much welcome sound to the senses. I realized for the moment, all was well again. I could hear the birds squawking and whistling again. Natural sounds.
We stayed for awhile longer, just to take it all in.
Need I even talk about the lighting in stores, too? Those god-awful fluorescent lights that blind the eyes, numb the brain and overwhelm the senses. Add in the loud music and you have created an environment that is simply too stimulating for the brain to process all of that external noise and sight pollution.
I took my little pooch to the park today. The sun was shining, there were no other visitors at the park. The birds were singing their tunes. All was well. That is until the street sweeper decided to pass by. I've never stood near one of those things. Loud doesn't describe the noise. Overwhelming strikes of obnoxious buzzing at frequencies not designed to be taken in by the brain without some sort of negative effect. I ended up plugging my ears. It that wasn't enough, the guy decided to back up, which added in that annoying "beep beep beep", ringing at decibels again that are not healthy or conducive to normal hearing.
Once the street sweeper exited, someone drove past with their stereo playing very loudly. After that, the lovely sounds of low frequency thumping pass was heard coming out of another vehicle.
The overstimulation instinct kicked in and I simply had to cover my ears and scream "ENOUGH!!!!"
By this time, pooch was getting tired and wanted to go home. However, a couple of children had arrived with an adult and were playing on the swings, their joyous squeals and laughter a much welcome sound to the senses. I realized for the moment, all was well again. I could hear the birds squawking and whistling again. Natural sounds.
We stayed for awhile longer, just to take it all in.
1.13.2009
Christian Movement Creates Another Stranglehold On The Nation And Our Constitution.
That's it. Insanity has officially wiped out what's left of sanity...
Taken from "Reader's Digest":
"Texas legislators have cleared the way for schools to teach-not preach-the bible, especially how it has influenced art, literature and history. By fall of 2009, all Texas high schools must [you read that correctly peeps- must] teach a Bible-based curriculum in English or social studies courses or in a separate elective. Since that state holds sway over many textbook publishers, look for the trend to spread nationwide."
Obvious points:
1) This is blatantly, glaringly unconstitutional. Separation of church and state. P E R I O D
2) Interesting choice of words: "teach" rather than "not preach". Like hell. This opens the box wide open for teachers TO preach. And I want to know who is going to be in those classrooms to ensure there is no preaching. ?? Who determines what is teaching and what is preaching? Too damn fuzzy of an area to even be considered an acceptable part of a curriculum. (Of course the obvious states this has been a planned agenda to further create tensions between Muslims and Christians. Keep the brainwashing going to help serve the Agenda.)
3) Another interesting choice of words. "Must". Fucking draconian bullshit.
4) "Look for the trend to spread nationwide." Sigh. Just one more reason to get the farm fuck out of this country. It isn't America, land of opportunity anymore. It's the land of opportunists who have used and abused the laws, the constitution and the people, most particularly at the bottom, laughing their way to the banks, both on and off-shore.
Look for protests, most particularly out west and on the eastern seaboard, if this does indeed become a nationwide trend. And of course look for court challenges as well. I'm sure Bushie boy is tickled pink and thanking the twisted "gods" who speak to his brain and told him to nominate right leaning conservative justices.
Taken from "Reader's Digest":
"Texas legislators have cleared the way for schools to teach-not preach-the bible, especially how it has influenced art, literature and history. By fall of 2009, all Texas high schools must [you read that correctly peeps- must] teach a Bible-based curriculum in English or social studies courses or in a separate elective. Since that state holds sway over many textbook publishers, look for the trend to spread nationwide."
Obvious points:
1) This is blatantly, glaringly unconstitutional. Separation of church and state. P E R I O D
2) Interesting choice of words: "teach" rather than "not preach". Like hell. This opens the box wide open for teachers TO preach. And I want to know who is going to be in those classrooms to ensure there is no preaching. ?? Who determines what is teaching and what is preaching? Too damn fuzzy of an area to even be considered an acceptable part of a curriculum. (Of course the obvious states this has been a planned agenda to further create tensions between Muslims and Christians. Keep the brainwashing going to help serve the Agenda.)
3) Another interesting choice of words. "Must". Fucking draconian bullshit.
4) "Look for the trend to spread nationwide." Sigh. Just one more reason to get the farm fuck out of this country. It isn't America, land of opportunity anymore. It's the land of opportunists who have used and abused the laws, the constitution and the people, most particularly at the bottom, laughing their way to the banks, both on and off-shore.
Look for protests, most particularly out west and on the eastern seaboard, if this does indeed become a nationwide trend. And of course look for court challenges as well. I'm sure Bushie boy is tickled pink and thanking the twisted "gods" who speak to his brain and told him to nominate right leaning conservative justices.
1.12.2009
In The Words of John Lennon
While reading another blog post about the System of Control (my words) and breaking free from it, "Instant Karma" came on my walkman. Yes, I said my walkman. I don't own an IPOD. Nor do I own a Blackberry (it was weeks before I even ventured to determine just what that was--and I'm still not actually sure just what it is and what it does but that's ok I don't wish to know). And as some of my more long-term readers know, I also do not own a cell phone. About the only new high-techie stuff we own is my digital keyboard and our high def television. If Mr. N would let me, I'd trade that in for the older versions of the 1960's and 70's that weren't made from cheap plastic.
So I digress.
John was singing and suddenly I felt my entire body begin to "pop". When I feel I am in tune with that other dimension and when I am in tune with my truest form, I "pop". I feel tingly all over, sort of like having that sensation we had as kids when we would eat pop rocks. Only this doesn't make your jaw ache. I know when I experience this, I am to just stop whatever I am doing and beeeeeeee.
I have a feeling the energy that was/is John is going a bit nuts. Get the message! Get the message! I felt. You're all connected. We're all connected. We go on forever. We're amazing beings with equally amazing potential. Wake up to that knowing. This change can happen now. This knowing can happen in an instant. The struggle is in remembering.
I believe the desire to love is stronger than the desire to fear and hate. I believe there are oh so many more of us who authentically desire love.
Let the crazymakers do as they will.
Give love. Ask for love. Receive it. Look for it. It will find you.
I think that's my "get it" message for today. Love will find it's way to you. To me.
So I digress.
John was singing and suddenly I felt my entire body begin to "pop". When I feel I am in tune with that other dimension and when I am in tune with my truest form, I "pop". I feel tingly all over, sort of like having that sensation we had as kids when we would eat pop rocks. Only this doesn't make your jaw ache. I know when I experience this, I am to just stop whatever I am doing and beeeeeeee.
I have a feeling the energy that was/is John is going a bit nuts. Get the message! Get the message! I felt. You're all connected. We're all connected. We go on forever. We're amazing beings with equally amazing potential. Wake up to that knowing. This change can happen now. This knowing can happen in an instant. The struggle is in remembering.
I believe the desire to love is stronger than the desire to fear and hate. I believe there are oh so many more of us who authentically desire love.
Let the crazymakers do as they will.
Give love. Ask for love. Receive it. Look for it. It will find you.
I think that's my "get it" message for today. Love will find it's way to you. To me.
1.10.2009
Joe The Plumber Becomes Joe The War Correspondent
Well folks, just when we thought life on this planet couldn't get any more insane, it has. Samuel Wurzelbacher (aka Joe The Plumber) has been hired by a website media outlet (conservative outlet pjtv.com) as a War Correspondent over in Israel.
So let me get this straight. Let me understand what is required for this job.
Journalism experience?
Nope.
Knowledge of Foreign Policy?
Nope.
Knowledge of the history of the region you will be covering?
Nope.
Know how to fix a leaky toilet?
Yep.
I first heard about this last night on The Daily Show. When asked if he fears for his safety, Joe had a brilliant answer (paraphrased):
"As a Christian, I know God will be on my side."
As Jon Stewart (jokingly) said (paraphrased): "Hey Joe, make sure you say that a LOT when you're over in the area."
What's next?
Joe Six-Pack to become White House Press Secretary?
Jane Soccer Mom, wife of Joe Six-Pack, to become UN Ambassador to Pakistan?
Susie and Johnnie, daughter and son of Jane and Joe, to become House Minority Leaders?
Somebody
please
stop
this
insanity!!!!!!!
So let me get this straight. Let me understand what is required for this job.
Journalism experience?
Nope.
Knowledge of Foreign Policy?
Nope.
Knowledge of the history of the region you will be covering?
Nope.
Know how to fix a leaky toilet?
Yep.
I first heard about this last night on The Daily Show. When asked if he fears for his safety, Joe had a brilliant answer (paraphrased):
"As a Christian, I know God will be on my side."
As Jon Stewart (jokingly) said (paraphrased): "Hey Joe, make sure you say that a LOT when you're over in the area."
What's next?
Joe Six-Pack to become White House Press Secretary?
Jane Soccer Mom, wife of Joe Six-Pack, to become UN Ambassador to Pakistan?
Susie and Johnnie, daughter and son of Jane and Joe, to become House Minority Leaders?
Somebody
please
stop
this
insanity!!!!!!!
1.09.2009
Help Write Obama's Inaugural Speech
If you've ever wanted to be a presidential speechwriter, now's your chance:
Go to the address below to collaborate with Washington, Lincoln, JFK—as well as other Slate readers—to write this year’s Inaugural Address.
http://www.mixedink.com/Slate/InauguralAddress/
I received this in my e-mail box a few days back. Honest and for truly the website above is giving people the chance to help write the inaugural speech. Really and for true! Write something beautiful and brilliant and maybe, just maybe, Obama will be inspired to use it. Afterall, he is the "CHANGE" we've all been seeking, right? Oh, ok, so he's appointing Washington Insider Puppetheads. But who cares? All of that "Change" mantra sunk in our psyche's to such a level that we still believe, right?
Of course it's all tongue and cheek given these speeches are written well in advance and any deviation away can get an individual in trouble with the PTB. But hey, it could be a fun activity to compose your own speech. Hmmm now that I think of it, I'm inspired to do just that. But what would I want the man to say? What little scene is playing out in my mind as I type this....
I wonder......
Hmmmm.........
January 20, 2009
Our New President's Speech
(inspired by the movie Tootsie, starring Dustin Hoffman and Jessica Lange)
"My fellow Americans:
"I stand before you today, proud and humbled. Proud to accept your nomination as Commander In Chief, President of the United States of America."
pause for applause
"Proud to be a Citizen of the Greatest Country On Planet Earth."
pause for more applause
"And proud to know I step into the shoes of the Greatest Leaders this world has ever known."
pause for applause and yet also prepare for some hissing and thrown fruit
"And yet, I am also humbled. Deeply, deeply, deeply humbled to have this opportunity to serve this Great Nation as the Highest Leader. Deeply humbled to be standing before all of you who have been so supportive of me and my family these past two years. And perhaps most importantly, even more deeply humbled to know you have put your trust in me to step into this position at this most historic time in history."
assuming people are still paying attention, pause for some applause
"And yet my Fellow Americans, this day is not about fanfare and celebration. This day is about taking this country in a new direction. It is about tearing down the walls that we have erected, walls that divide us, young and old, male and female, republican, democrat and independent, rich and poor. It is about restoring this government to a place where the virtues of honesty and integrity are again echoed in the halls of Congress and the Oval Office, exercised in the behaviors of our political and business leaders, and embraced by each and every American, embraced because they know their leaders extole once again such virtues."
this will wake up the crowd again. pause for more applause
"And as such, I would like to take this opportunity to be honest with you. For you see"
unbotton jacket
"I am not just an african-american."
loosen tie
"I am not just a man."
unbotton shirt, revealing bra
"I am a man-in-becoming."
remove shirt
"For you see, I wasn't born Barrack Hussein Obama."
remove bra
"I was born..."
fling bra into the crowd
"Barbara Emira Obama!!"
smile brilliantly
"And with another surgery and continuining hormone treatments, by months end I WILL BE a fully fledged man!"
look over at Hillary and wink. This prompts her to run to the stage screaming
"I'm A Lesbian! I'm A Lesbian! Great God Almighty, let the truth be known I AM A LESBIAN!"
This act of courage prompts Dick Cheney to run to the stage with his own little revelation
"I'm The Dark Lord! I'm The Dark Lord! Great Satan Almighty I have no soul. Let the truth be known I AM THE DARK LORD!"
As if a chain reaction is taking place, Nanci Pelosi feels inspired to get in on the action
"I'm a fake! I'm a fake! I don't give a shit about any of you! I take your money and I spend it on ME like, take for example, this ridiculous haircut and on my housecleaners who, by the way, I DO NOT TIP AND I DO NOT CARE!"
This inspires 95% of Congress to run up on stage, chanting
"Ditto! US TOO! We're all fakes! We're all fakes! We don't like you! Don't care about you! Hell we don't really even WANT to represent you! But we do because the perks are UNBELIEVABLE!"
By this time a massive hysteria has enveloped the crowd (and in some places, orgies, which catch the eye of Bill Clinton). And yet meanwhile, back at home on a little ranch in Crawford, Texas, a bumpkin watches the scene unfold and has the following words to say:
"Well I'll be damn. Them weather forecasters called for light drizzle and there ain't a cloud in the sky. But that Obama, he sure does have a pretty smile don't he?"
Grumbles: "Lucky SOB got to walk. I had to be escorted in a damn limo by the Secret Service." (uses a mocking tone when saying "secret service")
Looks over his shoulder and calls:
"Hey Laura, bring me a Coors from the box and a Grilled Cheese Sandwich will ya?"
Go to the address below to collaborate with Washington, Lincoln, JFK—as well as other Slate readers—to write this year’s Inaugural Address.
http://www.mixedink.com/Slate/InauguralAddress/
I received this in my e-mail box a few days back. Honest and for truly the website above is giving people the chance to help write the inaugural speech. Really and for true! Write something beautiful and brilliant and maybe, just maybe, Obama will be inspired to use it. Afterall, he is the "CHANGE" we've all been seeking, right? Oh, ok, so he's appointing Washington Insider Puppetheads. But who cares? All of that "Change" mantra sunk in our psyche's to such a level that we still believe, right?
Of course it's all tongue and cheek given these speeches are written well in advance and any deviation away can get an individual in trouble with the PTB. But hey, it could be a fun activity to compose your own speech. Hmmm now that I think of it, I'm inspired to do just that. But what would I want the man to say? What little scene is playing out in my mind as I type this....
I wonder......
Hmmmm.........
January 20, 2009
Our New President's Speech
(inspired by the movie Tootsie, starring Dustin Hoffman and Jessica Lange)
"My fellow Americans:
"I stand before you today, proud and humbled. Proud to accept your nomination as Commander In Chief, President of the United States of America."
"Proud to be a Citizen of the Greatest Country On Planet Earth."
"And proud to know I step into the shoes of the Greatest Leaders this world has ever known."
"And yet, I am also humbled. Deeply, deeply, deeply humbled to have this opportunity to serve this Great Nation as the Highest Leader. Deeply humbled to be standing before all of you who have been so supportive of me and my family these past two years. And perhaps most importantly, even more deeply humbled to know you have put your trust in me to step into this position at this most historic time in history."
"And yet my Fellow Americans, this day is not about fanfare and celebration. This day is about taking this country in a new direction. It is about tearing down the walls that we have erected, walls that divide us, young and old, male and female, republican, democrat and independent, rich and poor. It is about restoring this government to a place where the virtues of honesty and integrity are again echoed in the halls of Congress and the Oval Office, exercised in the behaviors of our political and business leaders, and embraced by each and every American, embraced because they know their leaders extole once again such virtues."
"And as such, I would like to take this opportunity to be honest with you. For you see"
"I am not just an african-american."
"I am not just a man."
"I am a man-in-becoming."
"For you see, I wasn't born Barrack Hussein Obama."
"I was born..."
"Barbara Emira Obama!!"
"And with another surgery and continuining hormone treatments, by months end I WILL BE a fully fledged man!"
"I'm The Dark Lord! I'm The Dark Lord! Great Satan Almighty I have no soul. Let the truth be known I AM THE DARK LORD!"
"I'm a fake! I'm a fake! I don't give a shit about any of you! I take your money and I spend it on ME like, take for example, this ridiculous haircut and on my housecleaners who, by the way, I DO NOT TIP AND I DO NOT CARE!"
"Ditto! US TOO! We're all fakes! We're all fakes! We don't like you! Don't care about you! Hell we don't really even WANT to represent you! But we do because the perks are UNBELIEVABLE!"
By this time a massive hysteria has enveloped the crowd (and in some places, orgies, which catch the eye of Bill Clinton). And yet meanwhile, back at home on a little ranch in Crawford, Texas, a bumpkin watches the scene unfold and has the following words to say:
"Well I'll be damn. Them weather forecasters called for light drizzle and there ain't a cloud in the sky. But that Obama, he sure does have a pretty smile don't he?"
Grumbles: "Lucky SOB got to walk. I had to be escorted in a damn limo by the Secret Service." (uses a mocking tone when saying "secret service")
Looks over his shoulder and calls:
"Hey Laura, bring me a Coors from the box and a Grilled Cheese Sandwich will ya?"
"Stripping" Takes On New Meaning In Today's Economy
Owners faced with foreclosure strip the house of everything but the kitchen sink.
And even sometimes the kitchen sink is included.
"Jack O’Leary has seen foreclosed homes where ex-owners put paint on the carpets, anti-bank graffiti on the walls or took everything but the kitchen sink - then stole that, too.
“I’ve gone into houses where the light fixtures are gone, the toilets are gone, the kitchen is gone. And when I say ‘gone,’ we’re talking stripped down to the bare walls,” said O’Leary, a Brockton Re/Max real estate agent who specializes in foreclosed homes."
Can't say as though I blame these folks. If some greedy bank came after my home because I was unable to pay the mortgage dollars (dollars that only exist on some damn computer screen), I'd take everything from the house I could.
Want to solve this mess? Get the banks out of the housing business and return to the days when people would homestead. Eliminate the scam 15-30 year interest bearing mortgage program. Government allocates folks a plot of land and said people, with the help of others in their particular communities, develop the land as they see fit. But this is obviously a pipe dream. Too bad as this "stripping" business seems to be on the rise.
Florida.
Arizona.
Woodbridge, VA.
And even sometimes the kitchen sink is included.
"Jack O’Leary has seen foreclosed homes where ex-owners put paint on the carpets, anti-bank graffiti on the walls or took everything but the kitchen sink - then stole that, too.
“I’ve gone into houses where the light fixtures are gone, the toilets are gone, the kitchen is gone. And when I say ‘gone,’ we’re talking stripped down to the bare walls,” said O’Leary, a Brockton Re/Max real estate agent who specializes in foreclosed homes."
Can't say as though I blame these folks. If some greedy bank came after my home because I was unable to pay the mortgage dollars (dollars that only exist on some damn computer screen), I'd take everything from the house I could.
Want to solve this mess? Get the banks out of the housing business and return to the days when people would homestead. Eliminate the scam 15-30 year interest bearing mortgage program. Government allocates folks a plot of land and said people, with the help of others in their particular communities, develop the land as they see fit. But this is obviously a pipe dream. Too bad as this "stripping" business seems to be on the rise.
Florida.
Arizona.
Woodbridge, VA.
1.08.2009
Sometimes I wonder...
I saw a little baby in the store today. Male. Probably 3-4 months old. Beautiful. Precious. Inquisitive.
Adorable.
Everything in me wanted to hold it. Give me something.........SOMETHING innocent and not yet corrupt to hold. Let me drink in that pure energy. Let me bask in it. My heart, my soul, needs it oh so desperately.
Then something made me ask: Why did this soul come here?
Then I also had the follow up thought: Why on earth would anyone bring another child into this world?
Probably because of that little quirk within us all called "hope". Hope that little baby will remember his true nature and will help continue the trend to wake up the masses. Hope that maybe by bringing into this world a bit of light that will put yet another dent in some of that darkness.
I don't know. I can only hope that child doesn't have to experience that slap-in-the-face "sorry idealism and new ideas are out tow the line or else" bullshit so many of us have experienced far too often. Or if he does, I hope he has a solid support system around him to offer a safe place during such times.
Or maybe his parents have their heads in the sand and think the system is just grand because they've found a way to make it and they own that little home in the subarbs and have good paying jobs and have health insurance and all of that crap and as such maybe they'll just spit out another puppet.
I hope not.
But sometimes I wonder...
Adorable.
Everything in me wanted to hold it. Give me something.........SOMETHING innocent and not yet corrupt to hold. Let me drink in that pure energy. Let me bask in it. My heart, my soul, needs it oh so desperately.
Then something made me ask: Why did this soul come here?
Then I also had the follow up thought: Why on earth would anyone bring another child into this world?
Probably because of that little quirk within us all called "hope". Hope that little baby will remember his true nature and will help continue the trend to wake up the masses. Hope that maybe by bringing into this world a bit of light that will put yet another dent in some of that darkness.
I don't know. I can only hope that child doesn't have to experience that slap-in-the-face "sorry idealism and new ideas are out tow the line or else" bullshit so many of us have experienced far too often. Or if he does, I hope he has a solid support system around him to offer a safe place during such times.
Or maybe his parents have their heads in the sand and think the system is just grand because they've found a way to make it and they own that little home in the subarbs and have good paying jobs and have health insurance and all of that crap and as such maybe they'll just spit out another puppet.
I hope not.
But sometimes I wonder...
Madness.
"All this madness, around me.
Makes me question, my own sanity."
(c) 2007, Arching Rainbows
I remember when I was into the new age crap years ago...being told to take a detached p.o.v. when looking at the chaos of the world. "Everything is happening for a reason," I was told. "There's a divine plan at work." And my favorite, "You don't know what the person's soul contracts/personal plan is" spoken when I felt the need to help, to do something. All of this was a way of saying: "I can't handle what's going on so I am going to make up a bunch of flowery bullshit to avoid speaking out for those who can't speak for themselves."
Instead I'm going to write a book about this flowery crap, make a lot of money after going on Oprah, then sitting on my fat ass for the rest of my life as I detach myself from the injustice all around me.
While I know it's important to watch what I take in, I also know I am unable to take a detached position on anything I deem to be injust. I believe within us all is the need to "DO SOMETHING" when we see such acts. That instinct is there for a reason, only we allow religious bullshit, apathy, depression, fear and other emotional states to silence us.
There's so much of this madness going on right now, in particular with the genocide taking place on the Palestine people by the Israeli's. Now granted Hamas has seemed to lost its way and has become just another terrorist group in that it has no regard for human life, that does not justify the actions of Israel any way shape or form. You don't take by force ANYTHING from another individual or group of individuals.
This has nothing to do with the Jewish people, but rather a movement spawned by Zionism whose followers believe Israel to be God's Chosen Land and the citizens of Israel, God's Chosen People. The particular plot of resides in Palestine. One needn't be Jewish to be a Zionist. Just corrupt, greedy, power hungry, utterly blinded by religious falsehoods and most of all, with no concern for human life. Although I realize this is one such explanation, I have an inner confidence that, at its core, religious belief has nothing to do with this theft of land and way of life.
The wisespread level of support by folks creates that level of madness within. Makes me question my own sanity, like the long lyrics mention. You know the concept. Such support receives the most accolades while the words of myself and those like-minded are considered crazy and conspiratorial.
WTF?
On the flip side, there are those who support the Palestine people. Most are well meaning but some are as equally fucked up as the Zionists.
I mean come on now. How is peace ever going to be created when Zionists scream "death to the arabs" and Arabs scream "death to the jews"? Personally I'd like to see both sides engaging in the violence, doing the actual fighting, take their shit away from the people. Let the people live in peace. You have an issue with your neighbor? Take up the cause yourself. Quit drawing in other's to further the violence.
Let's create a vacuum in space to send such folks. Can't work out your conflicts peacefully? Can't work them out so that you don't infringe on the freedoms of others? Off to the vacuum of conflict resolution. Won't resolve it without using violent means? Well guess what my little friend. You've suddenly become food for the Universe.
Let's recreate the military. Let's train and use these folks to help out those who are suffering, who are in need of help. Natural disasters. Poverty. Hunger. Let's put them to work cleaning up the environment we've polluted (and tossing the corporations like Walmart, et al who have gotten away with on-going polluting practices into that space vacuum). No more need to fight. For if one government decides to invade another nation, it's an automatic toss into the space vacuum to work it out. A Universal time-out.
Yeah, a crazy idea for sure. But only crazy to those too ignorant to think for themselves and too lazy to care. All of which only serves to fuel the madness.
Yep.
Madness all around me. Madness all around you.
Makes me long for more of those beautiful Arching Rainbows.
Makes me question, my own sanity."
(c) 2007, Arching Rainbows
I remember when I was into the new age crap years ago...being told to take a detached p.o.v. when looking at the chaos of the world. "Everything is happening for a reason," I was told. "There's a divine plan at work." And my favorite, "You don't know what the person's soul contracts/personal plan is" spoken when I felt the need to help, to do something. All of this was a way of saying: "I can't handle what's going on so I am going to make up a bunch of flowery bullshit to avoid speaking out for those who can't speak for themselves."
Instead I'm going to write a book about this flowery crap, make a lot of money after going on Oprah, then sitting on my fat ass for the rest of my life as I detach myself from the injustice all around me.
While I know it's important to watch what I take in, I also know I am unable to take a detached position on anything I deem to be injust. I believe within us all is the need to "DO SOMETHING" when we see such acts. That instinct is there for a reason, only we allow religious bullshit, apathy, depression, fear and other emotional states to silence us.
There's so much of this madness going on right now, in particular with the genocide taking place on the Palestine people by the Israeli's. Now granted Hamas has seemed to lost its way and has become just another terrorist group in that it has no regard for human life, that does not justify the actions of Israel any way shape or form. You don't take by force ANYTHING from another individual or group of individuals.
This has nothing to do with the Jewish people, but rather a movement spawned by Zionism whose followers believe Israel to be God's Chosen Land and the citizens of Israel, God's Chosen People. The particular plot of resides in Palestine. One needn't be Jewish to be a Zionist. Just corrupt, greedy, power hungry, utterly blinded by religious falsehoods and most of all, with no concern for human life. Although I realize this is one such explanation, I have an inner confidence that, at its core, religious belief has nothing to do with this theft of land and way of life.
The wisespread level of support by folks creates that level of madness within. Makes me question my own sanity, like the long lyrics mention. You know the concept. Such support receives the most accolades while the words of myself and those like-minded are considered crazy and conspiratorial.
WTF?
On the flip side, there are those who support the Palestine people. Most are well meaning but some are as equally fucked up as the Zionists.
I mean come on now. How is peace ever going to be created when Zionists scream "death to the arabs" and Arabs scream "death to the jews"? Personally I'd like to see both sides engaging in the violence, doing the actual fighting, take their shit away from the people. Let the people live in peace. You have an issue with your neighbor? Take up the cause yourself. Quit drawing in other's to further the violence.
Let's create a vacuum in space to send such folks. Can't work out your conflicts peacefully? Can't work them out so that you don't infringe on the freedoms of others? Off to the vacuum of conflict resolution. Won't resolve it without using violent means? Well guess what my little friend. You've suddenly become food for the Universe.
Let's recreate the military. Let's train and use these folks to help out those who are suffering, who are in need of help. Natural disasters. Poverty. Hunger. Let's put them to work cleaning up the environment we've polluted (and tossing the corporations like Walmart, et al who have gotten away with on-going polluting practices into that space vacuum). No more need to fight. For if one government decides to invade another nation, it's an automatic toss into the space vacuum to work it out. A Universal time-out.
Yeah, a crazy idea for sure. But only crazy to those too ignorant to think for themselves and too lazy to care. All of which only serves to fuel the madness.
Yep.
Madness all around me. Madness all around you.
Makes me long for more of those beautiful Arching Rainbows.
1.03.2009
Prophesy. Intuitive Knowings. And Yellowstone.
I've been known to have intuitive knowings on things, either while awake or asleep. For example, the day before 9/11, while sending out a fax at work, I looked at a calendar to confirm the date. I saw where the next day was 9/11 and immediately had the thought "something awful is going to happen tomorrow and there's nothing you can do to stop it". When Laci Peterson went missing, I had a dream where I saw how she was murdered and where her body was. Both turned out to be true. When the space shuttle crashed in Texas, I had a dream that morning where something crashed in an open field and there were people running around everywhere, debris and fresh smoke all over the place. My spouse woke me up just as I was having this dream, saying "honey something's happened! wake up there's been a crash!" Most recently a friend of ours invited us to a local spaghetti feed. Something told me "no, stomachache". Our friend went without us and he ended up having terrible stomach pains for days afterwards.
Today I am recalling a dream I had back in 2004. It was powerful and something within has encouraged me to remember it. I was in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, driving northward to pick up my brother and his family in the Portland area. At the time they were living in Seattle so I thought it odd I would be getting them in Portland. I also remembering worrying about my mom and knew she was living in the Portland area, too. At the time, she was living in eastern Oregon. Something told me she was ok, though and not to worry about having to get her too. So again, my mind thought all of this was rather odd. As we got closer to Portland, near Oregon City to be precise, I could see the Willamette River was filling with lava and mud. There were large tree's swirling around as well. Suddenly I knew: somewhere there had been a massive volcano. At the time I thought it may have been Mt. Rainier. I had the urge to get out of the area ASAP. After picking up my brother and his family, we barely made it over a bridge to safety before it was to be wiped out by the lava and mud flow.
Since that time, my brother and his family have moved to Portland. And so has my mom. Currently my mom is in another state on vacation for the next couple of months.
If this was a prophetic dream of some sort about Yellowstone, then I know she's safe given her location. Which would explain why, in the dream, I knew she would be ok. However, my brother and his family could be in danger.
Given Yellowstone has had over 400 eruptions since late December, making for very unusual circumstances, as described by seismologists and geologists, I have to wonder about the accuracy of my dream. Coincidence? I don't know. I wish I did though. It is something I will be paying very close attention to.
To see the projected territorial impact (with a 600 mile radius) if such an event were to occur, please visit http://www.piglipstick.blogspot.com/ fmi.
Today I am recalling a dream I had back in 2004. It was powerful and something within has encouraged me to remember it. I was in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, driving northward to pick up my brother and his family in the Portland area. At the time they were living in Seattle so I thought it odd I would be getting them in Portland. I also remembering worrying about my mom and knew she was living in the Portland area, too. At the time, she was living in eastern Oregon. Something told me she was ok, though and not to worry about having to get her too. So again, my mind thought all of this was rather odd. As we got closer to Portland, near Oregon City to be precise, I could see the Willamette River was filling with lava and mud. There were large tree's swirling around as well. Suddenly I knew: somewhere there had been a massive volcano. At the time I thought it may have been Mt. Rainier. I had the urge to get out of the area ASAP. After picking up my brother and his family, we barely made it over a bridge to safety before it was to be wiped out by the lava and mud flow.
Since that time, my brother and his family have moved to Portland. And so has my mom. Currently my mom is in another state on vacation for the next couple of months.
If this was a prophetic dream of some sort about Yellowstone, then I know she's safe given her location. Which would explain why, in the dream, I knew she would be ok. However, my brother and his family could be in danger.
Given Yellowstone has had over 400 eruptions since late December, making for very unusual circumstances, as described by seismologists and geologists, I have to wonder about the accuracy of my dream. Coincidence? I don't know. I wish I did though. It is something I will be paying very close attention to.
To see the projected territorial impact (with a 600 mile radius) if such an event were to occur, please visit http://www.piglipstick.blogspot.com/ fmi.
1.02.2009
Blog Visitors
Time once again to acknowledge a sampling of the folks who pass through this blog, this time over the past few days. As I typically do, I list the location and search engine keyword(s) that brought them here. Today's search proved to be very humorous on a couple of occasions. Without further ado....
1) Someone from Australia stopped by in search of a "new year's message".
2) A blogger from Asia found me by searching for one to "write us for pay". (I hope you found a paid writing gig. If you did, could you hook me up too?)
3) Along those lines, an individual from an unknown location wanted information on "pay nothing". Maybe it was the nemesis of the person from Asia.
4) Someone out of the UK typed in "aaawww" and found me. How cute is that?
5) A Brazil blogger was in search of "matrix phrases wake up Neo". (Keep up that matrix explorin'.)
6) Someone out of Illinois was in search of "chantix misleadings".
7) I've had several hits from people all over the country who are in search of information on "national collector's mint scam/fraud".
8) Along those lines, I continue to receive daily hits, again from all over the country, from folks googling "Kip Schoning." Perhaps he should go to work for the National Collector's Mint.
And now for the finale, the final two, the searches that had me laughing out loud:
9) Someone from the UK was seemingly quite desperate in their need for information on a "dribbling wheezy sleepy baby".
10) And last but not least, a Kentucky blogger found me by typing the following mouthful: "what does it mean when a kitty meows when you pick it up and it also wont (sic) move."
While I am not a Veterinarian or an Animal Psychic, I do have a suggestion. Perhaps kitty has been partyin' it up with the baby from the UK.
1) Someone from Australia stopped by in search of a "new year's message".
2) A blogger from Asia found me by searching for one to "write us for pay". (I hope you found a paid writing gig. If you did, could you hook me up too?)
3) Along those lines, an individual from an unknown location wanted information on "pay nothing". Maybe it was the nemesis of the person from Asia.
4) Someone out of the UK typed in "aaawww" and found me. How cute is that?
5) A Brazil blogger was in search of "matrix phrases wake up Neo". (Keep up that matrix explorin'.)
6) Someone out of Illinois was in search of "chantix misleadings".
7) I've had several hits from people all over the country who are in search of information on "national collector's mint scam/fraud".
8) Along those lines, I continue to receive daily hits, again from all over the country, from folks googling "Kip Schoning." Perhaps he should go to work for the National Collector's Mint.
And now for the finale, the final two, the searches that had me laughing out loud:
9) Someone from the UK was seemingly quite desperate in their need for information on a "dribbling wheezy sleepy baby".
10) And last but not least, a Kentucky blogger found me by typing the following mouthful: "what does it mean when a kitty meows when you pick it up and it also wont (sic) move."
While I am not a Veterinarian or an Animal Psychic, I do have a suggestion. Perhaps kitty has been partyin' it up with the baby from the UK.
12.31.2008
A New Year's Message
How to sum up 2008: Up and down, courageous and fearful, belief and disbelief, hope and apathy.
As 2009 approaches, I think "it's just another day, really". I also think "it signals something new". This is the ONE DAY when every one of us marks the end of one year and welcomes in a new one in our own way. It is the one day where most of us are thinking about this past year and our hopes for something better, regardless of how we celebrate, if at all. Some have intentions for good, some have darker intentions. While I want to remain aware of those with less-than intentions, I also want to spit on them and their agenda. It's my life, my planet, too.
My focus is on answering the following question: What now? For myself and Mr. N, that means where do we live? How will we make a living? The old is simply that--old. The tried, no longer true. My other focus is on honing those skills that I already have while exploring new creative means of producing an income.
It is my wish for 2009 that we begin to work (and play) together to form ways of living that take the best of the System (technologically speaking primarily) and form small communities off the grid. Communities where everyone contributes what comes to them naturally, joyfully, easily.
For it is long past time to turn this nation of "Pottersville" back into "Bedford Falls".
A solid, peaceful, creative new year to all.
As 2009 approaches, I think "it's just another day, really". I also think "it signals something new". This is the ONE DAY when every one of us marks the end of one year and welcomes in a new one in our own way. It is the one day where most of us are thinking about this past year and our hopes for something better, regardless of how we celebrate, if at all. Some have intentions for good, some have darker intentions. While I want to remain aware of those with less-than intentions, I also want to spit on them and their agenda. It's my life, my planet, too.
My focus is on answering the following question: What now? For myself and Mr. N, that means where do we live? How will we make a living? The old is simply that--old. The tried, no longer true. My other focus is on honing those skills that I already have while exploring new creative means of producing an income.
It is my wish for 2009 that we begin to work (and play) together to form ways of living that take the best of the System (technologically speaking primarily) and form small communities off the grid. Communities where everyone contributes what comes to them naturally, joyfully, easily.
For it is long past time to turn this nation of "Pottersville" back into "Bedford Falls".
A solid, peaceful, creative new year to all.
12.29.2008
Movie Reviews
Okie kiddies, it's movie review time again. Here's a run-down of just some of the movies we've watched in recent weeks along with my comments and recommendations.
1) Forgetting Sarah Marshall. This is a quirky film about Peter, a songwriter/composer who lives with film and tv star Sarah Marshall. Sarah breaks up with Peter after a 5 year relationship and so he decides to take a vacation to Hawaii to help mend his broken heart. Unfortunately Peter chooses the same island and resort that Sarah has also decided to visit. Putting the obviously ridiculous coincidence aside, this is a funny little film. It drags a bit in the middle (as many films do) and the ending is predictable. However, there are both funny and odd moments in the film that kept our interest, like the surfing instructor who lays out the same line to all who visit his stand, and some of the moments with customer service employees at the hotel who take pity on Peter. Then there's the very comedic crying scenes of Peter and his lonely cereal bowl moments. And then there's Sarah's new love interest, british rocker Aldous, whose huge ego and blatant self-centeredness coupled with his "love and peace my dear friend" complexity make him quite funny. His ability to stay calm in all situations only adds to his character. And one last little addition: there's nudity in the film, only it isn't female nudity. It's the male this time. Front and back (or as Mr. N pointed out "they showed his penis THREE TIMES"). Quite refreshing when we're so bombarded with female butts and boobs in most films.
2) Definitely, Maybe. This stars Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) as Maya, a young girl whose parents are going through a divorce. While visiting her father, she wants to know how her parents met and how many other girls he dated. (In one scene, she asks her dad, who has just told her about 3 women he slept with prior to marriage, "Dad, what's the male word for slut?" Dad comes back with "They haven't come up with a name yet.") Much of the film dives into dad's past, where Maya has decided to turn it into a game whereby she tries to guess which of the women he is talking about turns out to be her mother. A decent film to rent. Kind of smarmy in a disney sort of way in a few scenes, but overall it's a storyline that kept us wanting to know who the mother is. And the obvious question: Will mom and dad's love for Maya be enough for them to stay together or is divorce inevitable?
3) A Streetcar Named Desire. Ok, so I probably don't need to write about this one or say whether I recommend it or not. If you haven't seen it, see it. If you have, see it again. It's a dark and disturbing look at love and obsession. With the acting brilliant, the black and white film providing the perfect mood (wish more films would opt for that) it's no wonder it's a classic. And for those who haven't seen it and are a Seinfeld fan AND you have wondered why Elaine yelled "Stellllllllaaaaaa" during the episode where she and Jerry went to Florida and she was looped up on pain pills, watch the movie and you will understand. And who cannot resist the young Marlon Brando and that amazing body. Those biceps. Y U M M Y. Although by the end you hate his character so much, he ain't so hot to look at.
4) Burn After Reading. Classified as a "dark comedy", this Coen brother's film (Fargo was another of their films) stars Brad Pitt as a bumbling/sweet gym dude, Frances McDermond as his co-worker and partner-in-crime and obsessed with getting plastic surgery, George Clooney as some married Department of Treasury employee obsessed with sex and discreet affairs and John Malcovich as recently ousted CIA operative whose wife is having an affair with Clooney. Upon his termination/quitting (depending on how you look at it), Malcovich's character decides to pen his memoirs. His wife, thinking that filing for divorce will land her a permanent relationship with Clooney, secretly gathers her husband's financial records and somehow his memoirs end up on the CD. Thereafter, the CD ends up being accidentally left in the locker room of the gym where Pitt and McDermond work. Pitt thinks they're on to something top secret upon finding out the author of the records is Malcovich. He and McDermond cook up a plot to hold the CD for ransom and will return the information to Malcovich in exchange for $50,000. A series of mishaps soon follows. Part of their attempt at the big money includes going to the Russian Embassy, thinking the Russians would be interested in the top secret U.S. Intelligence information they assume is on the disc. This film really held my interest from the get-go. Brilliant comedy. And Pitt and McDermond are excellent together. I hadn't seen Pitt pull off a comedic role like this and I have to say, he was very very good at it. However, the dark really took over near the end with a gruesome murder scene and at that point, the humor dissipated and was replaced by violence. So I guess I am saying watch and enjoy 3/4 of the film but be prepared to watch the comedic element abruptly end and (possibly) prepare yourself to be turned off by the violence in the remaining scenes. Of course I realize some enjoy such films, so it may be to some people's liking. It just seemed to put on the brakes and go off in a whole new direction that didn't follow the energy of the film up until that point.
5) Tripping The Rift: The Movie. This is some CGI/animated flick that Mr. N chose. I watched maybe 10 minutes of it and was not entertained. I found the material stereotypically offensive in its juvenile-like references to sex and the world at large. Mr. N fast-forwarded through most of it and was equally as unimpressed. I would think this would suffice to the male/under 25 crowd. Likely with a lot of beer drinking going on to boot. Not impressed.
6) Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day. Another Frances Mcdermond film (she now tops my list of favorite actors). Set in 1930's (or so) London, Guinevere Pettigrew (Mcdermond) has once again lost another job as a governess. She seems to have difficulty in keeping her opinion to herself. In order to avoid homelessness, she plots her way into taking the job as a social secretary for an American actress, Delysia Lafosse, who despite being a bit flighty and holding a rather high opinion of herself, is nonetheless innocently good hearted, well-intentioned and likable. Never having worked as a social secretary before, Miss Pettigrew must deal with the competing love interests of Ms. Lafosse, help her keep her social and professional life in order and ensure Ms. Lafosse selects the best man. She pulls it all off beautifully, despite some real comedic mishaps and near-misses. She also finds herself faced with the possibility of finding love herself. A wonderful, refreshing, charming, comedic film with wonderful costumes and even more wonderful music (jazz and big band).
1) Forgetting Sarah Marshall. This is a quirky film about Peter, a songwriter/composer who lives with film and tv star Sarah Marshall. Sarah breaks up with Peter after a 5 year relationship and so he decides to take a vacation to Hawaii to help mend his broken heart. Unfortunately Peter chooses the same island and resort that Sarah has also decided to visit. Putting the obviously ridiculous coincidence aside, this is a funny little film. It drags a bit in the middle (as many films do) and the ending is predictable. However, there are both funny and odd moments in the film that kept our interest, like the surfing instructor who lays out the same line to all who visit his stand, and some of the moments with customer service employees at the hotel who take pity on Peter. Then there's the very comedic crying scenes of Peter and his lonely cereal bowl moments. And then there's Sarah's new love interest, british rocker Aldous, whose huge ego and blatant self-centeredness coupled with his "love and peace my dear friend" complexity make him quite funny. His ability to stay calm in all situations only adds to his character. And one last little addition: there's nudity in the film, only it isn't female nudity. It's the male this time. Front and back (or as Mr. N pointed out "they showed his penis THREE TIMES"). Quite refreshing when we're so bombarded with female butts and boobs in most films.
2) Definitely, Maybe. This stars Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) as Maya, a young girl whose parents are going through a divorce. While visiting her father, she wants to know how her parents met and how many other girls he dated. (In one scene, she asks her dad, who has just told her about 3 women he slept with prior to marriage, "Dad, what's the male word for slut?" Dad comes back with "They haven't come up with a name yet.") Much of the film dives into dad's past, where Maya has decided to turn it into a game whereby she tries to guess which of the women he is talking about turns out to be her mother. A decent film to rent. Kind of smarmy in a disney sort of way in a few scenes, but overall it's a storyline that kept us wanting to know who the mother is. And the obvious question: Will mom and dad's love for Maya be enough for them to stay together or is divorce inevitable?
3) A Streetcar Named Desire. Ok, so I probably don't need to write about this one or say whether I recommend it or not. If you haven't seen it, see it. If you have, see it again. It's a dark and disturbing look at love and obsession. With the acting brilliant, the black and white film providing the perfect mood (wish more films would opt for that) it's no wonder it's a classic. And for those who haven't seen it and are a Seinfeld fan AND you have wondered why Elaine yelled "Stellllllllaaaaaa" during the episode where she and Jerry went to Florida and she was looped up on pain pills, watch the movie and you will understand. And who cannot resist the young Marlon Brando and that amazing body. Those biceps. Y U M M Y. Although by the end you hate his character so much, he ain't so hot to look at.
4) Burn After Reading. Classified as a "dark comedy", this Coen brother's film (Fargo was another of their films) stars Brad Pitt as a bumbling/sweet gym dude, Frances McDermond as his co-worker and partner-in-crime and obsessed with getting plastic surgery, George Clooney as some married Department of Treasury employee obsessed with sex and discreet affairs and John Malcovich as recently ousted CIA operative whose wife is having an affair with Clooney. Upon his termination/quitting (depending on how you look at it), Malcovich's character decides to pen his memoirs. His wife, thinking that filing for divorce will land her a permanent relationship with Clooney, secretly gathers her husband's financial records and somehow his memoirs end up on the CD. Thereafter, the CD ends up being accidentally left in the locker room of the gym where Pitt and McDermond work. Pitt thinks they're on to something top secret upon finding out the author of the records is Malcovich. He and McDermond cook up a plot to hold the CD for ransom and will return the information to Malcovich in exchange for $50,000. A series of mishaps soon follows. Part of their attempt at the big money includes going to the Russian Embassy, thinking the Russians would be interested in the top secret U.S. Intelligence information they assume is on the disc. This film really held my interest from the get-go. Brilliant comedy. And Pitt and McDermond are excellent together. I hadn't seen Pitt pull off a comedic role like this and I have to say, he was very very good at it. However, the dark really took over near the end with a gruesome murder scene and at that point, the humor dissipated and was replaced by violence. So I guess I am saying watch and enjoy 3/4 of the film but be prepared to watch the comedic element abruptly end and (possibly) prepare yourself to be turned off by the violence in the remaining scenes. Of course I realize some enjoy such films, so it may be to some people's liking. It just seemed to put on the brakes and go off in a whole new direction that didn't follow the energy of the film up until that point.
5) Tripping The Rift: The Movie. This is some CGI/animated flick that Mr. N chose. I watched maybe 10 minutes of it and was not entertained. I found the material stereotypically offensive in its juvenile-like references to sex and the world at large. Mr. N fast-forwarded through most of it and was equally as unimpressed. I would think this would suffice to the male/under 25 crowd. Likely with a lot of beer drinking going on to boot. Not impressed.
6) Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day. Another Frances Mcdermond film (she now tops my list of favorite actors). Set in 1930's (or so) London, Guinevere Pettigrew (Mcdermond) has once again lost another job as a governess. She seems to have difficulty in keeping her opinion to herself. In order to avoid homelessness, she plots her way into taking the job as a social secretary for an American actress, Delysia Lafosse, who despite being a bit flighty and holding a rather high opinion of herself, is nonetheless innocently good hearted, well-intentioned and likable. Never having worked as a social secretary before, Miss Pettigrew must deal with the competing love interests of Ms. Lafosse, help her keep her social and professional life in order and ensure Ms. Lafosse selects the best man. She pulls it all off beautifully, despite some real comedic mishaps and near-misses. She also finds herself faced with the possibility of finding love herself. A wonderful, refreshing, charming, comedic film with wonderful costumes and even more wonderful music (jazz and big band).
12.27.2008
CFL Bulbs: Much Ado About Nothing
We had our first CFL bulb burn out. While it lasted for 3 years, I am not impressed with these things. I'm not falling for this game anymore. I'll give them away or sell the rest. Here's why I am doing so:
1) We replaced all but 2 lights in our house with these bulbs and we did not see our electric bill reduce in any way shape or form.
2) They take several minutes to fully turn themselves on.
3) The lighting is not that good. Fluorescent lighting is something I'm sensitive to to begin with. And that yellowish tint. Ugh.
4) How did we know it burned out? We smelled a strong burning stench and at first thought something was on fire. When Mr. N went to unscrew it, he about burned his hand. The base of the bulb was VERY HOT. 15 minutes later and it is still quite warm. It also had a yellowing mark around the base as though it had overheated.
Think we've ever had that experience with a good 'ole Thomas Edison bulb?
Nope.
Now that it's burned out, what do we do with it? I haven't a clue. I'm certainly not throwing it away. I want to recycle it. However, upon doing some digging, I discovered that only approximately 25% of cities are equipped to deal with recycling these bulbs. Insane considering this massive movement to get them in every home. Hopefully our local waste removal company is equipped to do just that.
We've replaced the bulb with the good old fashioned incadescent bulb. We will be stocking up on those and buying them on the black market once they are phased out.
These things are nothing but a scam, something I intuitively knew from the get-go, but I decided to try them out anyways. We bought 30 of them.
Break one and you expose yourself to toxic mercury vapors.
Fluorescent bulbs have been associated with health issues in sensitive individuals.
It was one thing when these were presented as an option. However, Uncle Sam wants to phase out the incadescent bulb, where our only choice will be the CFL.
Uncle Sam telling us what kind of light bulb to use goes against the principles of freedom in so many ways, I am astounded so many applaud this agenda. For it is a joke to me that Al Gore and his posse tout responsible carbon footprints while living lavish lives that knock their carbon numbers off the charts. Once I saw Walmart pushing these bulbs, I knew something dark was behind this movement.
The claim about saving the environment is a joke. Want to save the environment? How about we get these buildings in cities and towns all across America to turn out their damn lights when not in use. It's grossly wasteful to have this 24/7 lighting. REQUIRE the Big 3 Automakers to produce high efficiency, reliable vehicles like their European counterparts (maybe then we american's will start buying them again). Grow hemp and use that to power our vehicles and our lives. Stop the worldwide destructive, deplorably irresponsible and reprehensible deforestation practice. Yank the rug out from under Montsanto and their deplorable, big brother controlling and toxic farming "practices". Stop Big Business from polluting our waterways. Yeah that's right: S T O P. End the use of toxic chemical sprays on our crops. No reason not to when viable, organic, environmentally friendly products ALREADY EXIST.
And yet, Joe and Jane America. Use CFC bulbs. Save the environment. Save the planet.
Wake up folks.
This is not about saving the environment or the planet.
It is about placing further restrictions on our lives, our personal choices and about making a lot of money taking advantage of our naivete'.
Nothing more, nothing less.
*this message is the opinion of yours truly, nina and nina only and does not reflect the opinion of blogger, its affiliates and the typical american. nina receives no money from republicans or big oil or right-wing special interest groups, contrary to what some may think when reading some of her posts. no animals were harmed in the creating of this post. however the feelings of certain elitist pond scum were disturbed as hidden truths were exposed.
1) We replaced all but 2 lights in our house with these bulbs and we did not see our electric bill reduce in any way shape or form.
2) They take several minutes to fully turn themselves on.
3) The lighting is not that good. Fluorescent lighting is something I'm sensitive to to begin with. And that yellowish tint. Ugh.
4) How did we know it burned out? We smelled a strong burning stench and at first thought something was on fire. When Mr. N went to unscrew it, he about burned his hand. The base of the bulb was VERY HOT. 15 minutes later and it is still quite warm. It also had a yellowing mark around the base as though it had overheated.
Think we've ever had that experience with a good 'ole Thomas Edison bulb?
Nope.
Now that it's burned out, what do we do with it? I haven't a clue. I'm certainly not throwing it away. I want to recycle it. However, upon doing some digging, I discovered that only approximately 25% of cities are equipped to deal with recycling these bulbs. Insane considering this massive movement to get them in every home. Hopefully our local waste removal company is equipped to do just that.
We've replaced the bulb with the good old fashioned incadescent bulb. We will be stocking up on those and buying them on the black market once they are phased out.
These things are nothing but a scam, something I intuitively knew from the get-go, but I decided to try them out anyways. We bought 30 of them.
Break one and you expose yourself to toxic mercury vapors.
Fluorescent bulbs have been associated with health issues in sensitive individuals.
It was one thing when these were presented as an option. However, Uncle Sam wants to phase out the incadescent bulb, where our only choice will be the CFL.
Uncle Sam telling us what kind of light bulb to use goes against the principles of freedom in so many ways, I am astounded so many applaud this agenda. For it is a joke to me that Al Gore and his posse tout responsible carbon footprints while living lavish lives that knock their carbon numbers off the charts. Once I saw Walmart pushing these bulbs, I knew something dark was behind this movement.
The claim about saving the environment is a joke. Want to save the environment? How about we get these buildings in cities and towns all across America to turn out their damn lights when not in use. It's grossly wasteful to have this 24/7 lighting. REQUIRE the Big 3 Automakers to produce high efficiency, reliable vehicles like their European counterparts (maybe then we american's will start buying them again). Grow hemp and use that to power our vehicles and our lives. Stop the worldwide destructive, deplorably irresponsible and reprehensible deforestation practice. Yank the rug out from under Montsanto and their deplorable, big brother controlling and toxic farming "practices". Stop Big Business from polluting our waterways. Yeah that's right: S T O P. End the use of toxic chemical sprays on our crops. No reason not to when viable, organic, environmentally friendly products ALREADY EXIST.
And yet, Joe and Jane America. Use CFC bulbs. Save the environment. Save the planet.
Wake up folks.
This is not about saving the environment or the planet.
It is about placing further restrictions on our lives, our personal choices and about making a lot of money taking advantage of our naivete'.
Nothing more, nothing less.
*this message is the opinion of yours truly, nina and nina only and does not reflect the opinion of blogger, its affiliates and the typical american. nina receives no money from republicans or big oil or right-wing special interest groups, contrary to what some may think when reading some of her posts. no animals were harmed in the creating of this post. however the feelings of certain elitist pond scum were disturbed as hidden truths were exposed.
12.26.2008
How About Some Respect For The New Year
Flipping through the television channels and scanning online message boards and blogs, one notices something is sorely missing: Respect.
Disappearing are the days when people used tact and consideration when discussing a topic. Today whoever casts the juciest zinger or the most crass insult will claim victory of some sort. Sarcasm has replaced thoughtful dialogue. Name calling and curse words are tossed around as often as words such as "if", "and" or "but". It's like a disease--a disease that seems to be contagious. I myself have been working on watching the words I say, especially those flippant curse words. I can really fling them when I want to. And yet, in those moments when I actually hear myself, when I hear what others are likely hearing from me, I am disturbed. I sound horrible. This is not something to be proud of or to embrace. So now and then I ask myself the following: Do I wish to create something helpful or something destructive?
Our often out-of-control ego's think we/they know it all. And yet, in reality, who defines what is truth? Who really knows it all--about ANY topic? I have personally come to embrace those who say "this is what I/we believe/think" and raise a sceptical eye towards those who say "this is truth." I have opinions, many of which are still a work-in-progress. On many subjects, what I believe today is different than what I believed 5 years ago. Toss out a thought, any thought and you can come up with an opposite thought. Toss out a "well studied" idea and you can come up with another "well studied" idea with opposite conclusions.
I have a hunch that a lot of these hot topics that are so hotly debated are generated to keep us fighting and arguing with one another. I have an equally strong hunch that this is to keep us from uniting together on things that matter, where we discuss the things that matter to EVERY ONE OF US (well, those of us with souls and a conscience). Where we break down the emotional and mental walls we have built, with plenty of help from the system itself, and discuss what it is we truly need. Not just what we think but what we need.
You want peace? Be peaceful.
You want love? Be loving.
You want respect? Be respectful.
This isn't a perfect formula by any means. But it is a good recipe in which to live life.
Maybe the doctor's oath of "first do no harm" should be on our minds, in our hearts and played out in our actions. Maybe we need to take a breath and think about those words before share our thoughts--both written and spoken.
Disappearing are the days when people used tact and consideration when discussing a topic. Today whoever casts the juciest zinger or the most crass insult will claim victory of some sort. Sarcasm has replaced thoughtful dialogue. Name calling and curse words are tossed around as often as words such as "if", "and" or "but". It's like a disease--a disease that seems to be contagious. I myself have been working on watching the words I say, especially those flippant curse words. I can really fling them when I want to. And yet, in those moments when I actually hear myself, when I hear what others are likely hearing from me, I am disturbed. I sound horrible. This is not something to be proud of or to embrace. So now and then I ask myself the following: Do I wish to create something helpful or something destructive?
Our often out-of-control ego's think we/they know it all. And yet, in reality, who defines what is truth? Who really knows it all--about ANY topic? I have personally come to embrace those who say "this is what I/we believe/think" and raise a sceptical eye towards those who say "this is truth." I have opinions, many of which are still a work-in-progress. On many subjects, what I believe today is different than what I believed 5 years ago. Toss out a thought, any thought and you can come up with an opposite thought. Toss out a "well studied" idea and you can come up with another "well studied" idea with opposite conclusions.
I have a hunch that a lot of these hot topics that are so hotly debated are generated to keep us fighting and arguing with one another. I have an equally strong hunch that this is to keep us from uniting together on things that matter, where we discuss the things that matter to EVERY ONE OF US (well, those of us with souls and a conscience). Where we break down the emotional and mental walls we have built, with plenty of help from the system itself, and discuss what it is we truly need. Not just what we think but what we need.
You want peace? Be peaceful.
You want love? Be loving.
You want respect? Be respectful.
This isn't a perfect formula by any means. But it is a good recipe in which to live life.
Maybe the doctor's oath of "first do no harm" should be on our minds, in our hearts and played out in our actions. Maybe we need to take a breath and think about those words before share our thoughts--both written and spoken.
12.23.2008
Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays, one and all.
A peaceful new year to you and yours.
My wish is for the awakening to continue.
May it touch your heart, ignite your light
and inspire you to do all you can to be all that you are.
Always Remember Who You Are.
Love and peace,
Nina
A peaceful new year to you and yours.
My wish is for the awakening to continue.
May it touch your heart, ignite your light
and inspire you to do all you can to be all that you are.
Always Remember Who You Are.
Love and peace,
Nina
I Try
Lyrics to one of my songs...
I Try
I try...
to understand life
and all that surrounds it.
I try...
to carry on
with the burdens in my heart.
And even though I smile...
Inside I'm crying.
'Til you came along
and offered a place to fall.
'Til you came along
and shined your light
on my darkened soul.
I try...
To find the meaning
in my life.
And I try...
To see in me
what I see in you.
And even though I smile
inside I'm still searching.
Cause you came along
and showed me a different way.
'Til you came along
I was unaware
of the beauty within.
I Try
I try...
to understand life
and all that surrounds it.
I try...
to carry on
with the burdens in my heart.
And even though I smile...
Inside I'm crying.
'Til you came along
and offered a place to fall.
'Til you came along
and shined your light
on my darkened soul.
I try...
To find the meaning
in my life.
And I try...
To see in me
what I see in you.
And even though I smile
inside I'm still searching.
Cause you came along
and showed me a different way.
'Til you came along
I was unaware
of the beauty within.
12.22.2008
Scam Alert: National Collector's Mint, Inc.
For the coin collector's out there, may I offer a suggestion: Do not do business with "National Collector's Mint, Inc." Mr. Nina ordered some Morgan Silver Dollars after seeing an ad on television (ah, the great deceiver--television advertisements). Guaranteed to arrive as Fine to Brilliant, with the price guaranteed for ONE WEEK ONLY at $19.90 per coin plus shipping and handling (in our case, $9.50), what we received was not what was advertised. While we are not coin graders, looking at these coins, one could hardly define them as "Fine". Two have chips. Two are heavily tarnished. Two have fairly big dents on the side. Most I soon found out were heavily circulated.
It was then that I decided to do some research on this company. Well, come to find out, National Collector's Mint has been in some hot water with the New York Attorney General's Office. They also have a string of online customer complaints and rip-off/scam alerts. Google "national collector's mint rip-off?" FMI.
And their little "ONE WEEK ONLY" has been playing--ALL YEAR LONG.
Oh yes, people will say "buyer beware" and "why didn't you blah blah blah before buying from these folks?" Yeah, may your piss land on a sparkplug with that b.s. Blame the victim. Enough already. How about we ban together and shut down companies like this instead?
I'm doing my part by alerting the public.
DO NOT BUY FROM NATIONAL COLLECTOR'S MINT, INC.
It was then that I decided to do some research on this company. Well, come to find out, National Collector's Mint has been in some hot water with the New York Attorney General's Office. They also have a string of online customer complaints and rip-off/scam alerts. Google "national collector's mint rip-off?" FMI.
And their little "ONE WEEK ONLY" has been playing--ALL YEAR LONG.
Oh yes, people will say "buyer beware" and "why didn't you blah blah blah before buying from these folks?" Yeah, may your piss land on a sparkplug with that b.s. Blame the victim. Enough already. How about we ban together and shut down companies like this instead?
I'm doing my part by alerting the public.
DO NOT BUY FROM NATIONAL COLLECTOR'S MINT, INC.
12.19.2008
Winter Wonderland
It has been quite beautiful here this week. We've had an unusual weather occurrence: snow lasting for more than a day. No longer do the trees look lonely and barren. They have been kissed with sparkling whiteness. The sounds of kids squealing is once again to be heard, replacing the silent streets that are the norm this time of year. And the dogs, well the dogs, what can I say, they love the snow. Well, most of them do. Upon seeing it was snowing quite heavily last night, this little pooch begged me to venture outdoors, well past the time most people are sleeping. I agreed. Grabbing my camera, we headed outside. She soon grew displeased with me taking pictures of the scenery and decided to come plant herself right next to me where she gave me her best "mama you PROMISED you would play snowball with me!" look. I complied. For who can resist such a face?
12.16.2008
Massacre At The Puppy Dog Corral
As you can see, there were no survivors. It was indeed a polyester batting bloodbath. But it left behind one satisfied dog and a nice mess for Mama Nina to clean.
12.15.2008
Snow Day
The thrill of victory...
And the agony of defeat. Or shall I say the agony of de snow up de pants.
Today Mr. N and I headed out to the hills to go sledding. Not having been sledding since I was in my early 20's, I was hesitant to strap my ass to a piece of plastic and allow my body to be hurled out of control down a hill. Hesitancy was soon replaced by absolute joy, squeals and thrills.
When I was in my teens, I had the need for speed, be it on my bike, on a skateboard, in my car or on a sled. I was known for taking chances sledding down steep, icy roads that were otherwise not in use by motor vehicles. One such incident had me in front and a girlfriend in back, clinging on to me for dear life.
"You're sure you know how to steer this thing?" she asked.
"Of course," I replied.
And off we went. Things were going fine for the first few moments, but suddenly the sled began to veer towards a parked car.
"Oh my god LOOK OUT FOR THAT CAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRR" came my friends scream.
For whatever reason I remained calm. At the very worst I figured we'd bounce off the tire and spin out.
Which is exactly what happened.
My friend was not pleased. I couldn't understand that. I'd had a GREAT time. And we were fine. No injuries.
Ah but that was then and this is now. Things like bodily injury and money and insurance (and lack of) go through your mind when you get on in your adult years. However, that didn't stop Mr. N and I from attempting to capture some of those child-like feelings of youth. Mr. N even made his first attempt head-first. I said a quick prayer when I realized the position on the sled he had taken.
And yet, just as in my youth, we came away from the day with no injuries. Just cold and wet. Tired from the snow tackles and snowball fights. But invigorated and gleeful. And looking forward to the next time out.
12.12.2008
Another Corvallis Employer Pandering To The Spanish-Speaking
There aren't many available jobs in Corvallis as those of us looking are well aware of. And as such, it's an employer's wet dream. Unfortunately, some of these employers take advantage of such situations, many of them over the years pandering to the Spanish-Speaking community.
Before I continue I want to make clear (again) that I have nothing against anyone moving to the states. I have nothing against Hispanic people. They are some of the most open-hearted people I have met. Very truly deeply family oriented. My issue is this trend of businesses and government mandating that we become a dual language society. In our private lives, this is of course fine. And doable. However, out in the working world this is unfair and ridiculous. Practicality screams we must have one recognized language in such situations. This trend has put aside a large percentage of our population that does not speak Spanish (or Spanish AND English both)--aside and out of the competitive job market.
Move here and you can receive assistance learning the language. Already live here and want assistance learning Spanish? Don't think so.
Helicopter Transport Services, Inc. located out at the Corvallis Municipal Airport is hiring for a position I would otherwise be qualified for it it weren't for one caveat: Spanish speaking is a must.
I wish to give my thanks to HTSI for continuing this trend of pandering to those who chose to move here and opt not to learn the language. I wish to thank them for making it more difficult for folks like myself to find employment. May a hemmorhoid gigante se conecta a su asno hasta que usted llegue a ser conocedor de lo que sus acciones hacen a este paÃs.
For those who think I am exagerrating, here's another little scoop on this issue. I recently purchased some asparagus at Fred Meyer. Attached to the label was a word I had never seen. A new country, a new state, a new city perhaps. It was a combination of "Mexico" and "California". I was stunned. I forgot to save it so I can't recall the exact word. But it was eye-opening for certain.
Breaking News: Mr. N reminded me that I bought two bundles of asparagus, kept one in the refrig and put the other in the freezer. The one in the freezer still had the rubber band and attached labels. The name of the city in California? "CALEXICO." There you have it.
Before I continue I want to make clear (again) that I have nothing against anyone moving to the states. I have nothing against Hispanic people. They are some of the most open-hearted people I have met. Very truly deeply family oriented. My issue is this trend of businesses and government mandating that we become a dual language society. In our private lives, this is of course fine. And doable. However, out in the working world this is unfair and ridiculous. Practicality screams we must have one recognized language in such situations. This trend has put aside a large percentage of our population that does not speak Spanish (or Spanish AND English both)--aside and out of the competitive job market.
Move here and you can receive assistance learning the language. Already live here and want assistance learning Spanish? Don't think so.
Helicopter Transport Services, Inc. located out at the Corvallis Municipal Airport is hiring for a position I would otherwise be qualified for it it weren't for one caveat: Spanish speaking is a must.
I wish to give my thanks to HTSI for continuing this trend of pandering to those who chose to move here and opt not to learn the language. I wish to thank them for making it more difficult for folks like myself to find employment. May a hemmorhoid gigante se conecta a su asno hasta que usted llegue a ser conocedor de lo que sus acciones hacen a este paÃs.
For those who think I am exagerrating, here's another little scoop on this issue. I recently purchased some asparagus at Fred Meyer. Attached to the label was a word I had never seen. A new country, a new state, a new city perhaps. It was a combination of "Mexico" and "California". I was stunned. I forgot to save it so I can't recall the exact word. But it was eye-opening for certain.
Breaking News: Mr. N reminded me that I bought two bundles of asparagus, kept one in the refrig and put the other in the freezer. The one in the freezer still had the rubber band and attached labels. The name of the city in California? "CALEXICO." There you have it.
12.10.2008
One Of The Youngest Iraqi Victims
This is maddening to me. Maddening not only because of the genocide that's being committed in Iraq (karma cannot come soon enough for every fucker who supported and supports this war) and the families being torn apart, destroyed, and the overwhelming number of children being injured, including this precious little child, but maddening because the father is a gutless fuck who allowed a new wife to enter the family home--a new wife who refused to care for his little girl, his daughter, his baby. That isn't a woman. That is a heartless bitch.
The loving thing to do would be to allow this child to be put up for adoption. The other loving thing to do would be for the Rosie O'Donnell's and Brad/Angelina's of the world--the multi- millionaires who are very much in favor of adoption--to create a fund enabling those who would like to adopt but cannot simply due to money the chance to do just that. If such things existed, I would be first in line to adopt this little girl.
The loving thing to do would be to allow this child to be put up for adoption. The other loving thing to do would be for the Rosie O'Donnell's and Brad/Angelina's of the world--the multi- millionaires who are very much in favor of adoption--to create a fund enabling those who would like to adopt but cannot simply due to money the chance to do just that. If such things existed, I would be first in line to adopt this little girl.
Today
I don't normally do this. But today, I am.
Today was a fucking lousy day. Frustrating as hell. And a reminder that hey, when it comes to me trying to record some fucking music for some fucking god damn holiday gifts, I am alone in trying to fucking learn how to do this.
So I read. And re-read. Then went to record. Hours I spent. First I hook up the USB cable from the piano to the computer. I go back to my keyboard manual and try to find SOMETHING that tells me what to do once I've done this. Nothing. Not a god damn thing. Just essentially says "hook it up". Uh yeah and NEXT I do WHAT????
Nothing shows up on my computer that says "houston we've got a keyboard hooked up". "Houston we are ready to upload some files." Just that little "kachung" noise it makes when hooking up external hardware equipment.
One word of note: I am not tech saavy. AT ALL. You either are or are not. I don't learn these things well on my own, IF at all. And yet finding someone who IS tech saavy who can just be kind and generous and offer to help you out for no cost is, well you know. People don't do a thing for free anymore. If I am told ONE MORE TIME to "RTFM" (read the fucking manual) I am going to intentionally cause myself to vomit on the person's face.
So here I am thinking "wtf"?
So I decide to call Yamaha (keyboard dealer).
They're closed for the day.
Great.
So I think about it and decide "screw this". I'll just load up the recorded material onto my jump drive.
Which I do.
All goes well.
I then upload it all onto the computer and dump it on a blank CD.
All still going well.
That is until I actually played it. The piano only pieces sound wonderful. However, the pieces with piano AND drum sound awful. The drum sounds like someone is scratching nails on a chalkboard. WTF?? It doesn't sound this way when played on my Yamaha at all.
I've spent 2 hours online researching this and have come up empty handed. I try looking up things on recording and faulty jump drives. NADA.
Apparently I am the only damn person on this hell hole who has ever had this problem.
Also up my ass today is a friend who is, for the millionth time, suicidal. Suicidal people are the most selfish you will find. So focused on their own lives and suffering, they can't--they won't--find it in their hearts to let you know how they are. Silence is what you get. What I'm getting. She has reasons to dismiss all of my suggestions. So what do I say? Fine. Go ahead. Do it.
Hearing someone say "I hate my life I want to die" over and over again wears on you. Don't these people GET that? I've dealt with the desire of wanting to just go to sleep and not wake up. I battle with it some days. But I do not spread this little information to those around me over and over and over again. Why? Uh, because, my selfishness doesn't bypass into the category of insanity and I happen to THINK about the feelings of others and about what I say even when I am at my most low.
Calling one of those suicide hotlines or shelters is a waste of time. My friend's in a horrible relationship, has health problems that interfere with her ability to work, certainly full time, no car and no family support. In a nutshell, she's on her own, no place to go, no place to live. Hotlines just gives you someone to talk to and talk isn't usually what these people need. Shelter's offer temporary housing. So while I have anger and frustration and pain aimed at her, I have even more for this fucked up system of ours.
In a loving system, such folks would have a place to go stay and HEAL and recooperate before they're told "Get your ass out into the world and support yourself. We'll let you stay here for a few weeks." In a loving system, money wouldn't ever ever be an issue for such folks.
It breaks my heart. And it enrages me.
Our local shelter/agency, CARDV, SUCKS. I know one of their former counselor's and she said it was the most unhealthy, dysfunctional agency she had ever worked for. A friend of mine went there a few years ago seeking advice and help. Her experience was deplorable. She became so disgusted she walked out. They have a very high staff turnover. That speaks volumes right there about an agency. Community Outreach also has a very high staff turnover. A former friend once worked there and had similar things to say about the place.
Also on my mind is my DESIRE to help people in need by landing employment at one of these god damn agencies. Something I've sought to do off and on for close to 15 years. And with each god damn attempt, I'm told "no". Why? Experience. I don't have it. Education, yep. Experience IN such an agency? Nope.
Well excuse me you fucking pious assholes, but how in the FUCK am I supposed to GET experience if no one will hire me? And.......perhaps the fact that your agencies have a HIGH TURNOVER and the fact that you ONLY higher people with experience, doesn't that mean perhaps you should open yourselves up to those like me who HAVE the education AND the desire and passion and REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE?
A social worker once told me I was too idealistic and passionate to work in the field. WTF? Slap me in the face, why don'tcha. She was serious. She herself was idealistic and passionate but she said these qualities got her into more trouble with co-workers and management. The "help the people" system, private and public, is broken. It is (by and large) run by burned out, broken people who follow too many god damn rules instead of listening to the needs of the clients and fighting within to change the system. And hell, here in this town, to work at such an agency, if you are female, you often have to be fat, over 50 and have some sort of strange body odor.
I have had a couple of interviews though. On one such occasion, after such an interview with Community Outreach, I was told I came in 1st for personality match and 2nd for skills.
That's right. C.O. went for the one with the skills over personality.
Apparently these dumb fucks don't realize SKILLS can be taught and thus learned but PERSONALITY fits cannot.
So there you have it. A multi-faceted insight to my inner dialogue, which on the one hand feels way too stupid to be a part of this system and on the other hand, feels way too wise brilliant and wonderful to be a part of this same system.
Today was a fucking lousy day. Frustrating as hell. And a reminder that hey, when it comes to me trying to record some fucking music for some fucking god damn holiday gifts, I am alone in trying to fucking learn how to do this.
So I read. And re-read. Then went to record. Hours I spent. First I hook up the USB cable from the piano to the computer. I go back to my keyboard manual and try to find SOMETHING that tells me what to do once I've done this. Nothing. Not a god damn thing. Just essentially says "hook it up". Uh yeah and NEXT I do WHAT????
Nothing shows up on my computer that says "houston we've got a keyboard hooked up". "Houston we are ready to upload some files." Just that little "kachung" noise it makes when hooking up external hardware equipment.
One word of note: I am not tech saavy. AT ALL. You either are or are not. I don't learn these things well on my own, IF at all. And yet finding someone who IS tech saavy who can just be kind and generous and offer to help you out for no cost is, well you know. People don't do a thing for free anymore. If I am told ONE MORE TIME to "RTFM" (read the fucking manual) I am going to intentionally cause myself to vomit on the person's face.
So here I am thinking "wtf"?
So I decide to call Yamaha (keyboard dealer).
They're closed for the day.
Great.
So I think about it and decide "screw this". I'll just load up the recorded material onto my jump drive.
Which I do.
All goes well.
I then upload it all onto the computer and dump it on a blank CD.
All still going well.
That is until I actually played it. The piano only pieces sound wonderful. However, the pieces with piano AND drum sound awful. The drum sounds like someone is scratching nails on a chalkboard. WTF?? It doesn't sound this way when played on my Yamaha at all.
I've spent 2 hours online researching this and have come up empty handed. I try looking up things on recording and faulty jump drives. NADA.
Apparently I am the only damn person on this hell hole who has ever had this problem.
Also up my ass today is a friend who is, for the millionth time, suicidal. Suicidal people are the most selfish you will find. So focused on their own lives and suffering, they can't--they won't--find it in their hearts to let you know how they are. Silence is what you get. What I'm getting. She has reasons to dismiss all of my suggestions. So what do I say? Fine. Go ahead. Do it.
Hearing someone say "I hate my life I want to die" over and over again wears on you. Don't these people GET that? I've dealt with the desire of wanting to just go to sleep and not wake up. I battle with it some days. But I do not spread this little information to those around me over and over and over again. Why? Uh, because, my selfishness doesn't bypass into the category of insanity and I happen to THINK about the feelings of others and about what I say even when I am at my most low.
Calling one of those suicide hotlines or shelters is a waste of time. My friend's in a horrible relationship, has health problems that interfere with her ability to work, certainly full time, no car and no family support. In a nutshell, she's on her own, no place to go, no place to live. Hotlines just gives you someone to talk to and talk isn't usually what these people need. Shelter's offer temporary housing. So while I have anger and frustration and pain aimed at her, I have even more for this fucked up system of ours.
In a loving system, such folks would have a place to go stay and HEAL and recooperate before they're told "Get your ass out into the world and support yourself. We'll let you stay here for a few weeks." In a loving system, money wouldn't ever ever be an issue for such folks.
It breaks my heart. And it enrages me.
Our local shelter/agency, CARDV, SUCKS. I know one of their former counselor's and she said it was the most unhealthy, dysfunctional agency she had ever worked for. A friend of mine went there a few years ago seeking advice and help. Her experience was deplorable. She became so disgusted she walked out. They have a very high staff turnover. That speaks volumes right there about an agency. Community Outreach also has a very high staff turnover. A former friend once worked there and had similar things to say about the place.
Also on my mind is my DESIRE to help people in need by landing employment at one of these god damn agencies. Something I've sought to do off and on for close to 15 years. And with each god damn attempt, I'm told "no". Why? Experience. I don't have it. Education, yep. Experience IN such an agency? Nope.
Well excuse me you fucking pious assholes, but how in the FUCK am I supposed to GET experience if no one will hire me? And.......perhaps the fact that your agencies have a HIGH TURNOVER and the fact that you ONLY higher people with experience, doesn't that mean perhaps you should open yourselves up to those like me who HAVE the education AND the desire and passion and REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE?
A social worker once told me I was too idealistic and passionate to work in the field. WTF? Slap me in the face, why don'tcha. She was serious. She herself was idealistic and passionate but she said these qualities got her into more trouble with co-workers and management. The "help the people" system, private and public, is broken. It is (by and large) run by burned out, broken people who follow too many god damn rules instead of listening to the needs of the clients and fighting within to change the system. And hell, here in this town, to work at such an agency, if you are female, you often have to be fat, over 50 and have some sort of strange body odor.
I have had a couple of interviews though. On one such occasion, after such an interview with Community Outreach, I was told I came in 1st for personality match and 2nd for skills.
That's right. C.O. went for the one with the skills over personality.
Apparently these dumb fucks don't realize SKILLS can be taught and thus learned but PERSONALITY fits cannot.
So there you have it. A multi-faceted insight to my inner dialogue, which on the one hand feels way too stupid to be a part of this system and on the other hand, feels way too wise brilliant and wonderful to be a part of this same system.
12.07.2008
Craigslist Top 5 Secrets
I've been following a thread on the Corvallis Craiglist rants and rave section called "My Top 5 Secrets". While I no longer post in this particular space due to my refusal to hand my phone number over to Craigslist management, I check in now and then to see if there's anything worth reading. Usually there isn't. This topic, however, is eye-opening. It is sad. It is comforting.
We all have secrets, stories, that tell of our lives. We all hide them. And yet it's really no big surprise because in truth, we are so much more alike than we are different.
People spoke of wanting to die, of being unhappy, of cheating on their spouse, of wanting their ex dead, of being broke, of working long hours with little to show for it. Ex-meth addicts and current porn addicts share their dirty laundry.
Why do we keep such things to ourselves? Why do we find it easier to post such things, anonymously, online? It's simple: We fear the reaction/potential reaction and judgment from others. We all want people to like us. We all want to be accepted, embraced, wanted. If I tell you this dirty little secret about myself, you may not want me in your life anymore. Or, you may just encourage me to open up even more, which can be equally as uncomfortable as rejection.
As a species, I would conclude most of us are tired of the world around us. Our stuff, while in and of itself is not a "bad" thing, doesn't satisfy us. Neither do our addictions. And neither does isolation. All such things merely keep us feeling safe due to the familiarity and in comfort zones we feel we and we alone control. Some go out to clubs and bars or to parties where alcohol and other mind-numbing/altering drugs are the norm. Such environments don't allow for us to truly relax and open up.
Nope. The only way to do that is to just take a risk and start opening up with those around you. Wouldn't it be refreshing when in getting to know another we would share our life stories, what we most fear, what we most desire and things like that. Real conversations. Not just topic/subject-based. Real relating from the heart rather than the mind only.
If we were to do that, we would see how alike we are. We would help in creating a new world, one we want to be a part of instead of one we do what we can to run from in our own ways. As the line in the movie "Contact" states: "The only thing we have found that makes the loneliness bearable is each other." I would add that it isn't just being with another/others that reduces or eliminates the loneliness (for we've all likely been in situations where we've been with another/other's and felt very lonely), but it is the relating and connecting we do with one another.
We all have secrets, stories, that tell of our lives. We all hide them. And yet it's really no big surprise because in truth, we are so much more alike than we are different.
People spoke of wanting to die, of being unhappy, of cheating on their spouse, of wanting their ex dead, of being broke, of working long hours with little to show for it. Ex-meth addicts and current porn addicts share their dirty laundry.
Why do we keep such things to ourselves? Why do we find it easier to post such things, anonymously, online? It's simple: We fear the reaction/potential reaction and judgment from others. We all want people to like us. We all want to be accepted, embraced, wanted. If I tell you this dirty little secret about myself, you may not want me in your life anymore. Or, you may just encourage me to open up even more, which can be equally as uncomfortable as rejection.
As a species, I would conclude most of us are tired of the world around us. Our stuff, while in and of itself is not a "bad" thing, doesn't satisfy us. Neither do our addictions. And neither does isolation. All such things merely keep us feeling safe due to the familiarity and in comfort zones we feel we and we alone control. Some go out to clubs and bars or to parties where alcohol and other mind-numbing/altering drugs are the norm. Such environments don't allow for us to truly relax and open up.
Nope. The only way to do that is to just take a risk and start opening up with those around you. Wouldn't it be refreshing when in getting to know another we would share our life stories, what we most fear, what we most desire and things like that. Real conversations. Not just topic/subject-based. Real relating from the heart rather than the mind only.
If we were to do that, we would see how alike we are. We would help in creating a new world, one we want to be a part of instead of one we do what we can to run from in our own ways. As the line in the movie "Contact" states: "The only thing we have found that makes the loneliness bearable is each other." I would add that it isn't just being with another/others that reduces or eliminates the loneliness (for we've all likely been in situations where we've been with another/other's and felt very lonely), but it is the relating and connecting we do with one another.
12.06.2008
Things That Make Me Go "Aaawww"
To balance out the post below, even out my energy output.
1) Anything my dog does. She is perfect.
2) Children playing outside on a sunny day, squealing with delight.
3) Seeing couples out in public holding hands, kissing.
4) Mr. Nina's smile first thing in the morning. Adorably little boy innocent.
5) Hearing of any story where someone has unexpectedly helped another in need.
6) A sleeping baby.
7) When someone says to me: "Thank you so much. That was so kind of you." Or along those lines.
8) Being told "you are important to me."
9) Puppies and kitties playing.
10) Receiving an unexpected letter from a friend or family member in the mail.
1) Anything my dog does. She is perfect.
2) Children playing outside on a sunny day, squealing with delight.
3) Seeing couples out in public holding hands, kissing.
4) Mr. Nina's smile first thing in the morning. Adorably little boy innocent.
5) Hearing of any story where someone has unexpectedly helped another in need.
6) A sleeping baby.
7) When someone says to me: "Thank you so much. That was so kind of you." Or along those lines.
8) Being told "you are important to me."
9) Puppies and kitties playing.
10) Receiving an unexpected letter from a friend or family member in the mail.
Things That Make Me Go "Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!"
1) Stubbing my toe on the door jam. Especially distressing when it's 3am and I don't want to awaken anybody.
2) All of these Hollywood Gala Benefits and World Government Gatherings addressing hunger whilst participants enjoy 18 course meals.
3) Listening to Mr. Billionaire himself, Bill Gates, proclaim the U.S. needs to double it's Foreign Aid whilst neglecting to campaign for a double or tripling of Aid here for the poor, homeless and hungry here at home.
4) Listening to these helmet head, zero facial lines, pimples or flaws due to the 20 pounds of pan make-up spew from the teleprompter some of the same lines I write about (only I do so much more eloquently) whilst getting paid $500,000 a year. Me? Zero.
5) The continuation of the two-party system and those who still see differences between the two parties.
6) All of this talk about 2012.
7) Being woken up by drunk, obnoxiously loud, inconsiderate college children.
8) Gas prices up 50%. Food prices up over 30%. Gas prices drop over 50%. Food prices, still remain the same.
9) This movement afoot calling for people to grow their own food thinking we can all survive on potatoes and carrots, beans and tomato's, not to mention the space needed for such a thing is not doable for many if not most American's.
10) This movement afoot calling for people to reduce spending, cut back and live simply. This movement is basically being aimed at the middle income folks and lower when it is the upper middle class and beyond who needs to be cutting the fuck back. For many of us, we are living as simply as we can and frankly, many of us are tired of it and would like to be living a bit more abundantly.
2) All of these Hollywood Gala Benefits and World Government Gatherings addressing hunger whilst participants enjoy 18 course meals.
3) Listening to Mr. Billionaire himself, Bill Gates, proclaim the U.S. needs to double it's Foreign Aid whilst neglecting to campaign for a double or tripling of Aid here for the poor, homeless and hungry here at home.
4) Listening to these helmet head, zero facial lines, pimples or flaws due to the 20 pounds of pan make-up spew from the teleprompter some of the same lines I write about (only I do so much more eloquently) whilst getting paid $500,000 a year. Me? Zero.
5) The continuation of the two-party system and those who still see differences between the two parties.
6) All of this talk about 2012.
7) Being woken up by drunk, obnoxiously loud, inconsiderate college children.
8) Gas prices up 50%. Food prices up over 30%. Gas prices drop over 50%. Food prices, still remain the same.
9) This movement afoot calling for people to grow their own food thinking we can all survive on potatoes and carrots, beans and tomato's, not to mention the space needed for such a thing is not doable for many if not most American's.
10) This movement afoot calling for people to reduce spending, cut back and live simply. This movement is basically being aimed at the middle income folks and lower when it is the upper middle class and beyond who needs to be cutting the fuck back. For many of us, we are living as simply as we can and frankly, many of us are tired of it and would like to be living a bit more abundantly.
War On Christmas: The Flip Side.
There is a flip side to this issue and it is one that is going on at the moment.
Up in Olympia, Washington, at the State Capitol, a battle between Christianity and Aethiesm is ensuing. A Nativity Scene was first put in place. Recently, a sign stating things such as "There is no god. There is no devil. There is no heaven. There is no hell. There is only the natural world" was erected. As you may already have heard, this story spread like wildfire. Even Bill O'Reilly jumped on the band wagon with his usual over-reactionary commentary.
As a result, the Governor's office reportedly began receiving upwards of 200 calls per hour, most wanting the sign removed.
This is no different than those wanting to see the quieting of the religious aspects of Christmas.
However, what I have not yet seen discussed is the obvious: I thought we had a Separation of Church and State in this country. Therefore, a Nativity Scene does not belong in a State building. And as such, neither does this sign.
That being said, if we were truly enlightened, if we were truly able to stand side by side as Jews, Christian's, Muslims, Hindu's, Buddhist, Athiest's, Wiccan, Agnostics and the thousands of other religious philosophies and labels we embrace while ceasing to impose our belief and our will on those wearing different labels, we wouldn't NEED the Separation of Church and State to begin with. We would truly honor the diversity and be open to seeing and celebrating the likeness. We would be able to see symbols and statues and signs and statements all over the planet, each proclaiming "This is what I believe" and not take offense.
But we are not yet there. Therefore, we are not as enlightened as we could be. And we are not yet free.
So what say you. Could you allow yourself to become comfortable with the side-by-side display of different religious philosophies? Maybe that question could be worked into our focus and explored, thoughtfully, this time of year.
Up in Olympia, Washington, at the State Capitol, a battle between Christianity and Aethiesm is ensuing. A Nativity Scene was first put in place. Recently, a sign stating things such as "There is no god. There is no devil. There is no heaven. There is no hell. There is only the natural world" was erected. As you may already have heard, this story spread like wildfire. Even Bill O'Reilly jumped on the band wagon with his usual over-reactionary commentary.
As a result, the Governor's office reportedly began receiving upwards of 200 calls per hour, most wanting the sign removed.
This is no different than those wanting to see the quieting of the religious aspects of Christmas.
However, what I have not yet seen discussed is the obvious: I thought we had a Separation of Church and State in this country. Therefore, a Nativity Scene does not belong in a State building. And as such, neither does this sign.
That being said, if we were truly enlightened, if we were truly able to stand side by side as Jews, Christian's, Muslims, Hindu's, Buddhist, Athiest's, Wiccan, Agnostics and the thousands of other religious philosophies and labels we embrace while ceasing to impose our belief and our will on those wearing different labels, we wouldn't NEED the Separation of Church and State to begin with. We would truly honor the diversity and be open to seeing and celebrating the likeness. We would be able to see symbols and statues and signs and statements all over the planet, each proclaiming "This is what I believe" and not take offense.
But we are not yet there. Therefore, we are not as enlightened as we could be. And we are not yet free.
So what say you. Could you allow yourself to become comfortable with the side-by-side display of different religious philosophies? Maybe that question could be worked into our focus and explored, thoughtfully, this time of year.
War On Christmas?
That term comes up this time of year. I used to think it was nonsense. Now I see there is some truth in it. And if you understand the agenda behind the political-correctness movement, you'll come to agree with me. (And for the record, I celebrate Christmas, but not as a Christian.)
In this era of "political-correctness", we have seen a growing extremism take place where freedom's are being squashed. Can't say this, can't say that. Certain words and phrases are now labeled "hate speech".
As I often say: Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from being offended.
What we see happening with Christmas is quite similar. Those who celebrate the religious aspect of it sometimes find themselves fearful to acknowledge this, fearful due to the "we must say Happy Holidays" politically correct crowd. Fearful due to the societal brainwashing that says we have to keep certain things to ourselves lest we MAY offend another.
Ridiculous hogwash.
Not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving, Halloween, Easter, Summer and Winter Solstice, 4th of July, etc. However, I think the choice to wish another "Happy___ Day" should NEVER be imposed upon. Let us take the wish as it is--a wish. We all make assumptions about one another, therefore we will all assume, at one point or another, that those around us are celebrating the same recognized holiday as we are. It isn't a crime to do so. The crime only comes in when the greeting triggers an emotional response and a verbal argument ensues, which then leads to threats, physical attack and/or other imposition's of one's will.
And doesn't that sort of defeat the purpose of the celebration?
In this era of "political-correctness", we have seen a growing extremism take place where freedom's are being squashed. Can't say this, can't say that. Certain words and phrases are now labeled "hate speech".
As I often say: Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from being offended.
What we see happening with Christmas is quite similar. Those who celebrate the religious aspect of it sometimes find themselves fearful to acknowledge this, fearful due to the "we must say Happy Holidays" politically correct crowd. Fearful due to the societal brainwashing that says we have to keep certain things to ourselves lest we MAY offend another.
Ridiculous hogwash.
Not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving, Halloween, Easter, Summer and Winter Solstice, 4th of July, etc. However, I think the choice to wish another "Happy___ Day" should NEVER be imposed upon. Let us take the wish as it is--a wish. We all make assumptions about one another, therefore we will all assume, at one point or another, that those around us are celebrating the same recognized holiday as we are. It isn't a crime to do so. The crime only comes in when the greeting triggers an emotional response and a verbal argument ensues, which then leads to threats, physical attack and/or other imposition's of one's will.
And doesn't that sort of defeat the purpose of the celebration?
12.04.2008
Tidbits of (Obvious) Absurd Bullshit
There's so much absurd bullshit these days, it's difficult to decide which tidbits to toss out there at ya'all....
Well, it seems that since GM owns half of GMAC Financial Services (who just happen to give out loans to buyers seeking GM autos), they (GM) are not only asking for money for themselves, but they want to see the Federal Reserve classify GMAC as a bank holding company so that GMAC can also dip into some of that bank money bailout. I heard the term "double dipping" being used. Anyone else have a Seinfeld moment with that one?
***
Britney Spears was the most searched name on Google for 2008. Can it get anymore pathetic than that, folks?
***
I've been watching some clips here and there of the Bush "Exit Interviews". Charlie Gibson, Katie Couric and Brian Williams drew straws to determine who got the first shot. Charlie won. And boy, did he toss some tough journalist questions. However, they weren't quite tough enough for yours truly. Therefore, I decided to put myself in that "let's draw straws" ring. And wouldn't you know it? I won. I get to interview him next. Here's just some of the questions I'll be asking. Feel free to offer your comments.
1) Your approval rating has been around 20% for quite some time. Why do you think that is? How does that make you feeeeeeeeeeeel? And have you also noticed that the media folks keep saying "Approval ratings are at an all time low" and yet that figure really doesn't change? Are you in on that one?
2) There are a lot of Americans, oh hell who am I kidding, there are a lot of earthlings who are afraid of Dick Cheney. I mean you gotta admit, there's just something off about the guy. You can confide in me, Mr. President. Do you have nightmares about Dick? And do you ever go hunting with him?
3) Tony Blair. Is he gonna come out of the closet or do you think he'll stay put?
4) Can you say "weapons of mass destruction" 5 times really fast?
5) Watch my mouth move as I form the following word. I'll say it slowly a few times to help you out. Then repeat it after me. "nu-clee-er". (This one's a trick. It's not actually a question but rather a statement of request. We'll see if he notices.)
6) I gotta ask you, how on earth did you manage to pull off two presidential election wins when you failed at every single business venture in your previous years?
***
Anyone notice Obama seems to be the President and Bush has taken on the new role of that annoying relative who has long past worn out his welcome?
***
There's talk about turning wastewater into drinking water. Uh huh. Ok, so let me get this straight. Folks want to see whether it is humanly possible to turn poop and pee and other things we normally want OUT of our body into drinking water.
...giving the reader time to process that...
Yikes. Or as my cousin used to say when she was a child "Grody to the max!" We can't even turn river water into healthy drinking water. Shouldn't we try and master that one first? The obvious question is: Who will be the guinea pigs for that little experiment? Feel free to offer your suggestions.
Well, it seems that since GM owns half of GMAC Financial Services (who just happen to give out loans to buyers seeking GM autos), they (GM) are not only asking for money for themselves, but they want to see the Federal Reserve classify GMAC as a bank holding company so that GMAC can also dip into some of that bank money bailout. I heard the term "double dipping" being used. Anyone else have a Seinfeld moment with that one?
***
Britney Spears was the most searched name on Google for 2008. Can it get anymore pathetic than that, folks?
***
I've been watching some clips here and there of the Bush "Exit Interviews". Charlie Gibson, Katie Couric and Brian Williams drew straws to determine who got the first shot. Charlie won. And boy, did he toss some tough journalist questions. However, they weren't quite tough enough for yours truly. Therefore, I decided to put myself in that "let's draw straws" ring. And wouldn't you know it? I won. I get to interview him next. Here's just some of the questions I'll be asking. Feel free to offer your comments.
1) Your approval rating has been around 20% for quite some time. Why do you think that is? How does that make you feeeeeeeeeeeel? And have you also noticed that the media folks keep saying "Approval ratings are at an all time low" and yet that figure really doesn't change? Are you in on that one?
2) There are a lot of Americans, oh hell who am I kidding, there are a lot of earthlings who are afraid of Dick Cheney. I mean you gotta admit, there's just something off about the guy. You can confide in me, Mr. President. Do you have nightmares about Dick? And do you ever go hunting with him?
3) Tony Blair. Is he gonna come out of the closet or do you think he'll stay put?
4) Can you say "weapons of mass destruction" 5 times really fast?
5) Watch my mouth move as I form the following word. I'll say it slowly a few times to help you out. Then repeat it after me. "nu-clee-er". (This one's a trick. It's not actually a question but rather a statement of request. We'll see if he notices.)
6) I gotta ask you, how on earth did you manage to pull off two presidential election wins when you failed at every single business venture in your previous years?
***
Anyone notice Obama seems to be the President and Bush has taken on the new role of that annoying relative who has long past worn out his welcome?
***
There's talk about turning wastewater into drinking water. Uh huh. Ok, so let me get this straight. Folks want to see whether it is humanly possible to turn poop and pee and other things we normally want OUT of our body into drinking water.
...giving the reader time to process that...
Yikes. Or as my cousin used to say when she was a child "Grody to the max!" We can't even turn river water into healthy drinking water. Shouldn't we try and master that one first? The obvious question is: Who will be the guinea pigs for that little experiment? Feel free to offer your suggestions.
12.01.2008
Craigslist's Hassle And Thoughts on Civility
To post on Craigslist, you are now required to have an account, which includes providing them your phone number.
So much for privacy.
My support for Craigslist just went into the toilet, which is likely a good thing for me given there is very little in the way of intelligent, respectful communication (most consisting of juvenile insults and other such nonsense). That and their help wanted section is full of misleading ads. I followed up on one recently, which said hey we'll pay you $42,000 a year for data entry in our offices in Corvallis/Albany. I had already determined these ads were bogus, but decided to follow up, with one question. Where are you located? Corvallis or Albany? I received no response. Of course I didn't. But my spam folder did increase.
Something has happened to our society since the birth of online communications and other technology. People are free to mislead others with false ads. Proper spelling and grammar has gone out the window, so much that some college professors are calling for an inclusion and recognition of such words and tossing out their formerly spelled and pronounced counterparts. And need I speak about the behavior of disagreeing folks interacting with one another? Then there's the bully mentality that has permeated the internet like an out-of-control virus. Two extreme recent cases include the young girl who thought she was corresponding with a boy who was interested in her, when in fact it was a neighbor girl down the street who had nothing better to do with her time than to mislead and abuse someone. When the neighbor girl told the young girl that he/she was no longer interested and began telling the young girl how worthless she was, the young girl killed herself. And we all know of the teenage male who killed himself live on the internet while people cheered him on. As someone who was the victim of repeated childhood bullying all the way through, believe it or not, my junior year of college, I know the lasting, deep scars these experiences leave. It paints a world that is unsafe and unkind in the deep recesses of the mind.
Is this the legacy we wish to leave as a species? Have we become so aloof and apathetic as we go about our daily lives, addicted to our little gadgets? Do we really believe it's ok to lie to others, take advantage of desperate folks, all to make a dollar? And good lord, where did the behavior of cheering on a deeply pained suicidal person originate? Mom and Dad America, are you paying any attention at all to what your kids are doing?
The original post I was going to speak of on Craigslist was about karma. Life has taught me there is indeed something to this concept, although it isn't a perfect system. We all know of way too many examples to know some people just seem to escape karma (usually those with the most money and power). So while the Universe may respond in its nonjudmental way, it is also up to us, you and me, to see to it that people are held accountable for harmful behaviors. Doing so in a firm, grounded, unwaivering and civilized manner is the way to do so.
Yes, some civility would be a nice thing these days. And perhaps less glorified/sensationalized attention given to those who are in need of such behavior. I believe partly what has happened is that some have it in their minds that freedom means the right to do whatever one wants, without consequence or consideration for others. That is certainly not what freedom is about.
In so far as young kids bullying one another through technological means: Perhaps we need to monitor our children's technology activity to ensure they are being treated with respect and to ensure they are treating others with the same respect. We wouldn't let a child operate a vehicle without knowing how to drive responsibly. As such, we shouldn't let kids operate a computer, cell phone, etc. without knowing how to operate them responsibly.
A Return of Civility. By Earthmama Nina.
So much for privacy.
My support for Craigslist just went into the toilet, which is likely a good thing for me given there is very little in the way of intelligent, respectful communication (most consisting of juvenile insults and other such nonsense). That and their help wanted section is full of misleading ads. I followed up on one recently, which said hey we'll pay you $42,000 a year for data entry in our offices in Corvallis/Albany. I had already determined these ads were bogus, but decided to follow up, with one question. Where are you located? Corvallis or Albany? I received no response. Of course I didn't. But my spam folder did increase.
Something has happened to our society since the birth of online communications and other technology. People are free to mislead others with false ads. Proper spelling and grammar has gone out the window, so much that some college professors are calling for an inclusion and recognition of such words and tossing out their formerly spelled and pronounced counterparts. And need I speak about the behavior of disagreeing folks interacting with one another? Then there's the bully mentality that has permeated the internet like an out-of-control virus. Two extreme recent cases include the young girl who thought she was corresponding with a boy who was interested in her, when in fact it was a neighbor girl down the street who had nothing better to do with her time than to mislead and abuse someone. When the neighbor girl told the young girl that he/she was no longer interested and began telling the young girl how worthless she was, the young girl killed herself. And we all know of the teenage male who killed himself live on the internet while people cheered him on. As someone who was the victim of repeated childhood bullying all the way through, believe it or not, my junior year of college, I know the lasting, deep scars these experiences leave. It paints a world that is unsafe and unkind in the deep recesses of the mind.
Is this the legacy we wish to leave as a species? Have we become so aloof and apathetic as we go about our daily lives, addicted to our little gadgets? Do we really believe it's ok to lie to others, take advantage of desperate folks, all to make a dollar? And good lord, where did the behavior of cheering on a deeply pained suicidal person originate? Mom and Dad America, are you paying any attention at all to what your kids are doing?
The original post I was going to speak of on Craigslist was about karma. Life has taught me there is indeed something to this concept, although it isn't a perfect system. We all know of way too many examples to know some people just seem to escape karma (usually those with the most money and power). So while the Universe may respond in its nonjudmental way, it is also up to us, you and me, to see to it that people are held accountable for harmful behaviors. Doing so in a firm, grounded, unwaivering and civilized manner is the way to do so.
Yes, some civility would be a nice thing these days. And perhaps less glorified/sensationalized attention given to those who are in need of such behavior. I believe partly what has happened is that some have it in their minds that freedom means the right to do whatever one wants, without consequence or consideration for others. That is certainly not what freedom is about.
In so far as young kids bullying one another through technological means: Perhaps we need to monitor our children's technology activity to ensure they are being treated with respect and to ensure they are treating others with the same respect. We wouldn't let a child operate a vehicle without knowing how to drive responsibly. As such, we shouldn't let kids operate a computer, cell phone, etc. without knowing how to operate them responsibly.
A Return of Civility. By Earthmama Nina.
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