Double jeopardy, anybody?
"Over past few years, some states have adopted what's loosely (and euphemistically) called Driver Responsibility laws, sometimes sold to the public as "bad driver" taxes since they kick in after drivers lose a certain number of points on their licenses. Using these laws, states can come back to you later and legally bill you for amounts that far exceed, usually by multiples, whatever you agreed to pay in court. It doesn't matter if you live in another state. And if you don't pay, that state can make it a crime for you to drive within its borders again. If you do, the case will no longer be civil--it will be criminal."
I'll take "How To Repeatedly Screw The Driver" for $3,000, Alex!
2.11.2009
Go To Food Bank. Eat A Bite of Moldy Food. Spit It Out. Pray You Don't Get Sick.
Really, need I say anything more than this?
I opened up a can of soup (which showed an expire date of 2010), took a bite and about threw up. Molded chicken.
My conspiratorial, distrustful mind observed: if they wish to reduce the population at the bottom, what better way than to poke holes in the canned food items.
Far-fetched?
Who the hell knows.
If this had been my first experience with crappy and/or otherwise inedible food, I would let it go. But it isn't. I've already addressed this with the head of Linn Benton Food Bank. My concerns have shown no evidence of being addressed. Time to write a letter to the head of CSC. And no more visits to these "get crap for free" food banks. I'll grow my own damn food.
I opened up a can of soup (which showed an expire date of 2010), took a bite and about threw up. Molded chicken.
My conspiratorial, distrustful mind observed: if they wish to reduce the population at the bottom, what better way than to poke holes in the canned food items.
Far-fetched?
Who the hell knows.
If this had been my first experience with crappy and/or otherwise inedible food, I would let it go. But it isn't. I've already addressed this with the head of Linn Benton Food Bank. My concerns have shown no evidence of being addressed. Time to write a letter to the head of CSC. And no more visits to these "get crap for free" food banks. I'll grow my own damn food.
Advice For Octuplet's Mother
Get your fucking tubes tied already you narcissistic bitch.
I tried staying away from this story, but something kept nagging me inside. This isn't about her. This is about those children who are going to be raised in neglect. What I see in this woman is someone who is so deeply pained and empty within and rather than deal with her issues, is looking to babies to fix that pain and fulfill those empty needs. That isn't love. That's selfishness of the deepest kind.
She has a baby. Soon it becomes it's own individual, asserting it's own needs. It begins to talk and assert its own independence. As such, mom's feelings of pain and loneliness kick back in and so she has another baby, only to continue the cycle.
I'm angry because there are some of us who would love to have a child but simply cannot afford to do so. I'm angry because there are some of us who have worked on our issues and put off having a child as a result because we did not wish to project our shit onto an innocent baby/child. I'm angry because there are people like her who take advantage of the system (while lying about her/his use of said system). I'm angry because there are sick twisted individuals always looking to make a buck who would be willing to pay this bitch a lot of money to turn her twisted story into a book or movie.
While I'm certainly not a supporter of forced sterilization, when I see people like this I think "go for it docs".
I tried staying away from this story, but something kept nagging me inside. This isn't about her. This is about those children who are going to be raised in neglect. What I see in this woman is someone who is so deeply pained and empty within and rather than deal with her issues, is looking to babies to fix that pain and fulfill those empty needs. That isn't love. That's selfishness of the deepest kind.
She has a baby. Soon it becomes it's own individual, asserting it's own needs. It begins to talk and assert its own independence. As such, mom's feelings of pain and loneliness kick back in and so she has another baby, only to continue the cycle.
I'm angry because there are some of us who would love to have a child but simply cannot afford to do so. I'm angry because there are some of us who have worked on our issues and put off having a child as a result because we did not wish to project our shit onto an innocent baby/child. I'm angry because there are people like her who take advantage of the system (while lying about her/his use of said system). I'm angry because there are sick twisted individuals always looking to make a buck who would be willing to pay this bitch a lot of money to turn her twisted story into a book or movie.
While I'm certainly not a supporter of forced sterilization, when I see people like this I think "go for it docs".
2.10.2009
Messing Around With Song Lyrics
Obviously, given my post below, sometimes I play with song lyrics. At times I try and come up with funny ones. The other day I was singing "Don't Fall In Love With A Dreamer", the Kenny Rogers tune. However, the following came into my head as I began to sing the chorus.
"Don't fall in love with a weiner,
it'll leave you for a bun every time."
"Don't fall in love with a weiner,
it'll leave you for a bun every time."
Pressure!
I love that song by Billy Joel. I listened to it today. I've been feeling overwhelmed with that sense of pressure. Hard not to. Sort of like that story of the Phoenix rising from the ashes of lies and illusion, ready to scream to the world "here i am like me or not but you will see me and respect me".
Today as I listened, I decided to create a few of my own lyrics to the song. While B.J. is an outstanding pianist and songwriter, his lyrics didn't quite hit home for me. These did.
"You have to learn to trust the Man,
Pressure!
We're something you'll never understand,
Pressure!
Sucking it up
was never good enough.
You know that truth
that speaks
to you when you're alone.
Calling you forth
to see
the light behind the truth of
Pressure!
You have to tow our line my child,
Pressure!
Outsiders will only tell you lies,
Pressure!
Ask not
want not
and you'll be satisfied.
Ignore the beast
that resides
on your television screen.
It's just the way
that your life
has always been so
Pressure!
One more push
the merry-go-round.
Worker's milling
up and down.
Candy-coated words
from teachers at school.
Am I a fool.
What's there to do.
I'll tell ya folks.
Pressure!
Today as I listened, I decided to create a few of my own lyrics to the song. While B.J. is an outstanding pianist and songwriter, his lyrics didn't quite hit home for me. These did.
"You have to learn to trust the Man,
Pressure!
We're something you'll never understand,
Pressure!
Sucking it up
was never good enough.
You know that truth
that speaks
to you when you're alone.
Calling you forth
to see
the light behind the truth of
Pressure!
You have to tow our line my child,
Pressure!
Outsiders will only tell you lies,
Pressure!
Ask not
want not
and you'll be satisfied.
Ignore the beast
that resides
on your television screen.
It's just the way
that your life
has always been so
Pressure!
One more push
the merry-go-round.
Worker's milling
up and down.
Candy-coated words
from teachers at school.
Am I a fool.
What's there to do.
I'll tell ya folks.
Pressure!
Relia Card Visa and Customer Service: A Little Story
The following is a true story. Names have not been changed because there are no innocent people in this story that need protecting.
When filing for unemployment in Oregon, one is required (yes, required) to take part in a debit card program whereby your unemployment check is automatically credited to said debit account. This little debit card is called the "Relia Card". The bank the card is connected with U.S. Bank.
One does have the choice of opting out of the Relia Card program, but only after your information has been sent to U.S. Bank and the account and card set up, all awaiting your move to activate it. Many folks, myself included, are not able to opt out of the program prior to the first check being deposited, which is due to a time issue on the part of the employment department. That means you now have the frustrating responsibility of having to remember a new PIN number and draining the account.
Well, that proved to be too much of a hassle for yours truly, so I tried closing out the account when it had a $2.77 balance. I called up U.S. Bank, Relia Card division, and tried to get that done. No can do, I was told. Gotta get the account to a zero balance.
"Fine," I said. "Send me a check for the remaining balance then close it out."
"We don't do that," I was told.
"You're a bank," I said.
"Yes we are."
"Whenever I've had bank accounts in the past, remaining balances are given over as cash or check," I said.
"We don't operate that way. Not with the Relia Card program that is," I was told.
"Sounds very controlling and Big Brother-like," I said before hanging up the phone.
So I set out to get the card to a zero balance. But you know how that goes--right to the bottom of the priority list where it becomes a nagging little annoyance that you don't remember to deal with until after you've left the damn store.
That being said, it turns out zeroing out the account didn't require any action on my part. U.S. Bank decided to charge me that amount for inactivity last month. What the hell? I thought.
So I rang them up again, this time for two things. One to cancel the account now that the balance was zero and second to demand they return that money to me given I had never seen a damn thing in writing that spoke of fees.
I spoke with Melinda.
"Hello Melinda, I wish to cancel my account."
"We cannot do that. You need to contact your unemployment office. Only they can do that," she said.
"That is not what I was told by your organization a few months ago Melinda. I was told once I zero the account out, I could close it up," I said.
"You were not given the correct information," she said. I love it when CSR's say things like that.
She continued. "We cannot do that ma'am. Contact your employment office. If they tell you to contact us, ask to speak to a Supervisor."
"What about this theft you committed by taking money from my account based on inactivity," I asked.
"That is part of our policy. If after a certain time there has been no activity on the card we have the option of issuing a fine," said drone worker.
"I never saw that policy nor did I consent to it," I said.
"It's in the account information we sent you when you signed up for the card," she said.
"I never signed up for that damn card, Melinda. U.S. Bank along with the Employment Department signed me up without my consent. And again, I don't recall reading anything about fees," I said. Now I was pissed. (Note: I decided to go through the information U.S. Bank sent me. Perhaps there was something about fees I missed. Nope. Not a thing. I even had Mr. N go over the information as well.)
I figured I could probably argue with her some more, ask to speak to her Supervisor and perhaps get that money back. But that would put me back at square one. I figured I was halfway home.
So I hung up and contacted the employment office. I spoke with Mark.
"Hello Mark," I said. "I'm calling to close my Relia Card Account."
"Hmm. You need to call U.S. Bank to do that," he said.
(You laughing yet?)
"Well, U.S. Bank said they aren't authorized to do that. That authorization comes from your end. I was told if you tried to pass me back to them I was to ask to speak to your Supervisor," I said, thinking the System couldn't possibly get any stupider.
"Can you hold a moment?" I was asked.
"Sure."
Clock ticks as I wait in silence. Not even music was played to entertain me.
Did I mention I had been on the phone for 23 minutes at this point trying to cancel this damn did-not-want-nor-ask-for-in-the-first-place card?
Mark gets back on the phone. He's never heard of this happening before.
"I spoke with my Supervisor. She said we can't cancel the account. She says just to let it expire out. When does your card expire?"
Shit.
"You're kidding me," I said.
"No," he said.
"The card doesn't expire until the end of the year," I said.
"Oooh, well that is a ways away isn't it," he said, sounding sympathetic.
"You know, I never wanted this stupid card to begin with." What was I looking for? I don't know. Sympathy. Money. And end to the Big Brother and Banking marriage.
"Well, it isn't like anything will happen. On our end, we show the card as dead, inactive," he said, thinking that's how I wish to see the entire Banking industry.
"So can you guarantee me that U.S. Bank won't use my personal information for their gain? They already stole almost three bucks from my account for inactivity," I said.
"That seems unfair," he said.
"More like criminal. But hey, I guess it's rather naive of me to expect anything less of a Bank, right?" I said sarcastically.
Mark laughed an uncomfortable laugh.
"So what you're telling me is that U.S. Bank gets to keep my account open, against my wishes, they won't cancel it because they claim they don't have the authority to do so and you claim the same, and I'm just supposed to wait until the card expires," I said.
"Yep, it looks that way," he said.
"Mark, please don't take this as directed towards you because it's not. But your System you work for really sucks."
I then thanked him and ended the call.
So a little moral for folks about to apply for Unemployment Insurance: STAY AWAY FROM THE RELIA CARD AND U.S. BANK. While you will be given a card, hopefully you'll be one of the lucky ones whose request for direct deposit into your checking/savings account arrives and is processed in a timely manner so that your first check arrives securely in your own already-created and long-used account and as such, you can cut up that damn Relia Card and not have to activate it.
This is nothing more than a way for the Banking Cartel to make money. And think about it. How many folks are there like myself who opted out of the program and requested direct deposit into our checking account. How many of us had to experience the employment department being slow on the uptake which lead to us having had one or two checks deposited into the Relia Card. How many of us had tiny lingering amounts in those accounts for months on end.
And how many of us had those amounts stolen for "account inactivity".
Yeah.
When filing for unemployment in Oregon, one is required (yes, required) to take part in a debit card program whereby your unemployment check is automatically credited to said debit account. This little debit card is called the "Relia Card". The bank the card is connected with U.S. Bank.
One does have the choice of opting out of the Relia Card program, but only after your information has been sent to U.S. Bank and the account and card set up, all awaiting your move to activate it. Many folks, myself included, are not able to opt out of the program prior to the first check being deposited, which is due to a time issue on the part of the employment department. That means you now have the frustrating responsibility of having to remember a new PIN number and draining the account.
Well, that proved to be too much of a hassle for yours truly, so I tried closing out the account when it had a $2.77 balance. I called up U.S. Bank, Relia Card division, and tried to get that done. No can do, I was told. Gotta get the account to a zero balance.
"Fine," I said. "Send me a check for the remaining balance then close it out."
"We don't do that," I was told.
"You're a bank," I said.
"Yes we are."
"Whenever I've had bank accounts in the past, remaining balances are given over as cash or check," I said.
"We don't operate that way. Not with the Relia Card program that is," I was told.
"Sounds very controlling and Big Brother-like," I said before hanging up the phone.
So I set out to get the card to a zero balance. But you know how that goes--right to the bottom of the priority list where it becomes a nagging little annoyance that you don't remember to deal with until after you've left the damn store.
That being said, it turns out zeroing out the account didn't require any action on my part. U.S. Bank decided to charge me that amount for inactivity last month. What the hell? I thought.
So I rang them up again, this time for two things. One to cancel the account now that the balance was zero and second to demand they return that money to me given I had never seen a damn thing in writing that spoke of fees.
I spoke with Melinda.
"Hello Melinda, I wish to cancel my account."
"We cannot do that. You need to contact your unemployment office. Only they can do that," she said.
"That is not what I was told by your organization a few months ago Melinda. I was told once I zero the account out, I could close it up," I said.
"You were not given the correct information," she said. I love it when CSR's say things like that.
She continued. "We cannot do that ma'am. Contact your employment office. If they tell you to contact us, ask to speak to a Supervisor."
"What about this theft you committed by taking money from my account based on inactivity," I asked.
"That is part of our policy. If after a certain time there has been no activity on the card we have the option of issuing a fine," said drone worker.
"I never saw that policy nor did I consent to it," I said.
"It's in the account information we sent you when you signed up for the card," she said.
"I never signed up for that damn card, Melinda. U.S. Bank along with the Employment Department signed me up without my consent. And again, I don't recall reading anything about fees," I said. Now I was pissed. (Note: I decided to go through the information U.S. Bank sent me. Perhaps there was something about fees I missed. Nope. Not a thing. I even had Mr. N go over the information as well.)
I figured I could probably argue with her some more, ask to speak to her Supervisor and perhaps get that money back. But that would put me back at square one. I figured I was halfway home.
So I hung up and contacted the employment office. I spoke with Mark.
"Hello Mark," I said. "I'm calling to close my Relia Card Account."
"Hmm. You need to call U.S. Bank to do that," he said.
(You laughing yet?)
"Well, U.S. Bank said they aren't authorized to do that. That authorization comes from your end. I was told if you tried to pass me back to them I was to ask to speak to your Supervisor," I said, thinking the System couldn't possibly get any stupider.
"Can you hold a moment?" I was asked.
"Sure."
Clock ticks as I wait in silence. Not even music was played to entertain me.
Did I mention I had been on the phone for 23 minutes at this point trying to cancel this damn did-not-want-nor-ask-for-in-the-first-place card?
Mark gets back on the phone. He's never heard of this happening before.
"I spoke with my Supervisor. She said we can't cancel the account. She says just to let it expire out. When does your card expire?"
Shit.
"You're kidding me," I said.
"No," he said.
"The card doesn't expire until the end of the year," I said.
"Oooh, well that is a ways away isn't it," he said, sounding sympathetic.
"You know, I never wanted this stupid card to begin with." What was I looking for? I don't know. Sympathy. Money. And end to the Big Brother and Banking marriage.
"Well, it isn't like anything will happen. On our end, we show the card as dead, inactive," he said, thinking that's how I wish to see the entire Banking industry.
"So can you guarantee me that U.S. Bank won't use my personal information for their gain? They already stole almost three bucks from my account for inactivity," I said.
"That seems unfair," he said.
"More like criminal. But hey, I guess it's rather naive of me to expect anything less of a Bank, right?" I said sarcastically.
Mark laughed an uncomfortable laugh.
"So what you're telling me is that U.S. Bank gets to keep my account open, against my wishes, they won't cancel it because they claim they don't have the authority to do so and you claim the same, and I'm just supposed to wait until the card expires," I said.
"Yep, it looks that way," he said.
"Mark, please don't take this as directed towards you because it's not. But your System you work for really sucks."
I then thanked him and ended the call.
So a little moral for folks about to apply for Unemployment Insurance: STAY AWAY FROM THE RELIA CARD AND U.S. BANK. While you will be given a card, hopefully you'll be one of the lucky ones whose request for direct deposit into your checking/savings account arrives and is processed in a timely manner so that your first check arrives securely in your own already-created and long-used account and as such, you can cut up that damn Relia Card and not have to activate it.
This is nothing more than a way for the Banking Cartel to make money. And think about it. How many folks are there like myself who opted out of the program and requested direct deposit into our checking account. How many of us had to experience the employment department being slow on the uptake which lead to us having had one or two checks deposited into the Relia Card. How many of us had tiny lingering amounts in those accounts for months on end.
And how many of us had those amounts stolen for "account inactivity".
Yeah.
2.09.2009
2.06.2009
Sometimes The Only Thing There Is To Do Is....DANCE!
In a world of uncertainty with the sounds of Rome collapsing slowly but surely, with poverty and greed all around, well, all of that can weigh heavy on one's heart and mind and as such, sometimes the only thing to do (when wine or hard alcohol isn't around) is DANCE.
I've been dancing since I could walk. If there's a beat to be heard and a rhythm felt, there's a dance move within me to be experienced. I don't care if I'm good or not, although being a musician I can keep a beat and being both of my parents danced extensively (and quite well) during my childhood, I'd have to say I do have a dance gene. Dancing is one of my favorite forms of exercise because it's so much fun. Whether the music is hard rock or classical, I will find some means of moving this body of mine.
When I was a young girl, I was tense when I danced. I was much too afraid to let myself go on the dance floor or in front of other people. Today? I have no shame. While I may be a bit hesitant at first, once I get into my zone and out of my head of thinking "I wonder who is watching me/how do I look", I let loose. Arms twirl and swirl, hips shake and girate while the rest of my body follows suit.
I never did understand those videotapes of women teaching specific dance moves for exercise. For free, you can turn on the radio and move to your OWN groove, move in your OWN way. Let your OWN body guide you. Listen to your intuition, that feminine energy (which is in ALL of us).
For women this is especially freeing. It puts us in tune with our sexuality, our inner feminine mystique. It's very primal and tribal. I truly believe it is one way to reconnect us to Source. It helps us release our inhibitations and all of the heaviness put on us by society that says we must be prim and proper and ladylike and all that other shit. A note to advice for the (straight) guys: If your lady is feeling inhibited in the bedroom, or any other room for that matter, turn on the music and dance with her. Encourage her to let go. Trust me--the results will be well worth your effort. It works better than any pill or magical concoction around. And not only is it great exercise, it's a lot of fun. Mr. Nina dances with me now and then. It always ends up in either two ways: the two of us swaying together slowly and softly to the music or me laughing hysterically over Mr. N's wild groovy moves. Just be safe--warm up before diving into any serious hip movements, especially if you're over 40.
In the past 30 minutes, I've taken some breaks from this computer to move and groove and let myself be a silly wild girlie girl woman. All through dancing. Here's some of the songs I've danced to, all provided to me for free on the radio:
I Feel For You (Chaka Khan)
Run Around (Blues Traveler's)
Old Time Rock and Roll (Bob Seger)
Baby Come Back (Little River Band--one of my favs from the 70's)
Respect (if I have to tell you who sings this shame on you lol)
I've been dancing since I could walk. If there's a beat to be heard and a rhythm felt, there's a dance move within me to be experienced. I don't care if I'm good or not, although being a musician I can keep a beat and being both of my parents danced extensively (and quite well) during my childhood, I'd have to say I do have a dance gene. Dancing is one of my favorite forms of exercise because it's so much fun. Whether the music is hard rock or classical, I will find some means of moving this body of mine.
When I was a young girl, I was tense when I danced. I was much too afraid to let myself go on the dance floor or in front of other people. Today? I have no shame. While I may be a bit hesitant at first, once I get into my zone and out of my head of thinking "I wonder who is watching me/how do I look", I let loose. Arms twirl and swirl, hips shake and girate while the rest of my body follows suit.
I never did understand those videotapes of women teaching specific dance moves for exercise. For free, you can turn on the radio and move to your OWN groove, move in your OWN way. Let your OWN body guide you. Listen to your intuition, that feminine energy (which is in ALL of us).
For women this is especially freeing. It puts us in tune with our sexuality, our inner feminine mystique. It's very primal and tribal. I truly believe it is one way to reconnect us to Source. It helps us release our inhibitations and all of the heaviness put on us by society that says we must be prim and proper and ladylike and all that other shit. A note to advice for the (straight) guys: If your lady is feeling inhibited in the bedroom, or any other room for that matter, turn on the music and dance with her. Encourage her to let go. Trust me--the results will be well worth your effort. It works better than any pill or magical concoction around. And not only is it great exercise, it's a lot of fun. Mr. Nina dances with me now and then. It always ends up in either two ways: the two of us swaying together slowly and softly to the music or me laughing hysterically over Mr. N's wild groovy moves. Just be safe--warm up before diving into any serious hip movements, especially if you're over 40.
In the past 30 minutes, I've taken some breaks from this computer to move and groove and let myself be a silly wild girlie girl woman. All through dancing. Here's some of the songs I've danced to, all provided to me for free on the radio:
I Feel For You (Chaka Khan)
Run Around (Blues Traveler's)
Old Time Rock and Roll (Bob Seger)
Baby Come Back (Little River Band--one of my favs from the 70's)
Respect (if I have to tell you who sings this shame on you lol)
2.04.2009
How To Land That Job!
Time to toss aside the politically correct psycho dribble career "experts" tell us we must say when answering those interview questions posed to us by potential employers. Time for some fun!! Here are some answers that, while not likely to land you that next job, will leave the potential employer and staff talking about you for a very very very long time...
Question #1:
Why did you leave your last employer?
Your response:
Well technically I didn't leave of my own volition. I was asked to leave the premises-immediately.
Question #2:
What do you think to be your best talent?
Your response:
I can put both ankles behind the back of my head. Wanna see?
Question #3:
Why should I hire you?
Your response:
Because I'm armed. (Point to your holster carrying your loaded 9mm.)
Question #4:
What can you offer us that no other applicant can?
Your response:
A long history of state-mandated psychiatric evaluations.
Question #5:
What's your worst trait?
Your response:
...shrug... (You don't have any. Remember that at all times.)
Question #6:
We will be conducting a background check, which includes a drug screen. Are you willing to undergo such testing?
Your response:
Um, well, yeah, but can that drug screen thingie wait a week or so?
Question #7:
Would you be willing to take a cut in pay?
Your response:
...laugh hysterically...
Question #8:
For insurance purposes, would you be adding any dependents?
Your response:
Excuse me, but I am way too young to be wearing those adult diapers.
Question #9:
What was your biggest accomplishment with your last employer?
Your response:
Well, I'd have to say it was a pretty big deal that I didn't smack the fucking shit out of my boss.
Question #10:
If I were to contact your previous employer, what would they have to say about you?
Your response:
How the hell should I know. I'm not psychic. Oh. Wait a minute. This isn't a job for one of those psychic hotlines is it? Cause, well, you know, I was told not to call those numbers anymore.
Question #11:
Ok, well thank you for your time. We'll be in touch soon.
Your response:
Ok, but can you make sure you don't call before noon? I don't really get out of bed until then.
Here are some other pointers for guaranteeing you leave an impression unlike no one else:
*pick your nose.
*burp. then giggle.
*for one question, interrupt after every word.
*when invited into the office for the interview, skip while humming a little tune.
*when leaving and offering up the traditional good-bye/thank-you handshake, place your hand firmly in the potential employer's hand, smile big and say "you're the man!" (or woman)
Question #1:
Why did you leave your last employer?
Your response:
Well technically I didn't leave of my own volition. I was asked to leave the premises-immediately.
Question #2:
What do you think to be your best talent?
Your response:
I can put both ankles behind the back of my head. Wanna see?
Question #3:
Why should I hire you?
Your response:
Because I'm armed. (Point to your holster carrying your loaded 9mm.)
Question #4:
What can you offer us that no other applicant can?
Your response:
A long history of state-mandated psychiatric evaluations.
Question #5:
What's your worst trait?
Your response:
...shrug... (You don't have any. Remember that at all times.)
Question #6:
We will be conducting a background check, which includes a drug screen. Are you willing to undergo such testing?
Your response:
Um, well, yeah, but can that drug screen thingie wait a week or so?
Question #7:
Would you be willing to take a cut in pay?
Your response:
Question #8:
For insurance purposes, would you be adding any dependents?
Your response:
Excuse me, but I am way too young to be wearing those adult diapers.
Question #9:
What was your biggest accomplishment with your last employer?
Your response:
Well, I'd have to say it was a pretty big deal that I didn't smack the fucking shit out of my boss.
Question #10:
If I were to contact your previous employer, what would they have to say about you?
Your response:
How the hell should I know. I'm not psychic. Oh. Wait a minute. This isn't a job for one of those psychic hotlines is it? Cause, well, you know, I was told not to call those numbers anymore.
Question #11:
Ok, well thank you for your time. We'll be in touch soon.
Your response:
Ok, but can you make sure you don't call before noon? I don't really get out of bed until then.
Here are some other pointers for guaranteeing you leave an impression unlike no one else:
*pick your nose.
*burp. then giggle.
*for one question, interrupt after every word.
*when invited into the office for the interview, skip while humming a little tune.
*when leaving and offering up the traditional good-bye/thank-you handshake, place your hand firmly in the potential employer's hand, smile big and say "you're the man!" (or woman)
Washington State Declares Sovereignty
"The scope of power defined by the Tenth Amendment means that the federal government was created by the states specifically to be limited in its powers relative to those of the various states; and WHEREAS, Today, in 2009, the states are demonstrably treated as agents of the federal government; and WHEREAS, Many federal mandates are directly in violation of the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States; and WHEREAS, The United States Supreme Court has ruled in New York v. United States, 112 S. Ct.
2408 (1992), that Congress may not simply commandeer the legislative and regulatory processes of the states; and WHEREAS, A number of proposals from previous administrations and some now being considered by the present administration and from Congress may further violate the Constitution of the United States; NOW, THEREFORE, Your Memorialists respectfully resolve:
(1) That the State of Washington hereby claims sovereignty under HJM 4009 p.2 the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States; and (2) That this serve as a Notice and Demand to the federal government to maintain the balance of powers where the Constitution of the United States established it and to cease and desist, effective immediately, any and all mandates that are beyond the scope of its constitutionally delegated powers."
Click here for a link to read the bill in its entirety.
Bravo, sayeth I. Bravo.
2408 (1992), that Congress may not simply commandeer the legislative and regulatory processes of the states; and WHEREAS, A number of proposals from previous administrations and some now being considered by the present administration and from Congress may further violate the Constitution of the United States; NOW, THEREFORE, Your Memorialists respectfully resolve:
(1) That the State of Washington hereby claims sovereignty under HJM 4009 p.2 the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States; and (2) That this serve as a Notice and Demand to the federal government to maintain the balance of powers where the Constitution of the United States established it and to cease and desist, effective immediately, any and all mandates that are beyond the scope of its constitutionally delegated powers."
Click here for a link to read the bill in its entirety.
Bravo, sayeth I. Bravo.
2.02.2009
Breaking News: UFO Just Witnessed In Skies of Corvallis!
At 7:20pm, PST, Mr. Nina was outside having an evening smoke and like he does on such occasions, he watches the night sky. He was looking at a particular star formation in the NE quadrant of the sky when suddenly the outer star of the 3-star formation caught his eye. It was as bright as Venus and he noticed it was moving at a very fast pace. However, it then slowed way down, dimmed and made a 90 degree turn, hovered for a brief amount of time before suddenly winking out. The lapse of time was approximately 1 minute.
Fascinating, isn't it? I unfortunately missed this one as I was back here firing away at the keyboard with a fervor over yet another one of my rants against The System.
Anyone else see this? Certainly it was not a satellite as they do not behave in that manner. An airplane? At that elevation (which he estimates to be at least 100,000 ft.)? Hardly. I know of no commercial airplane that pulls off 90 degree turns, nor do I know of any plane that can enter and leave the atmosphere or appear and disappear at will.
I'm in the process of writing down all of these sightings we've had which go back 13 years. I feel kinda special in that the average person has not seen a UFO and those who have, most see only 1 or 2. We've seen many more than that.
Fascinating, isn't it? I unfortunately missed this one as I was back here firing away at the keyboard with a fervor over yet another one of my rants against The System.
Anyone else see this? Certainly it was not a satellite as they do not behave in that manner. An airplane? At that elevation (which he estimates to be at least 100,000 ft.)? Hardly. I know of no commercial airplane that pulls off 90 degree turns, nor do I know of any plane that can enter and leave the atmosphere or appear and disappear at will.
I'm in the process of writing down all of these sightings we've had which go back 13 years. I feel kinda special in that the average person has not seen a UFO and those who have, most see only 1 or 2. We've seen many more than that.
Swindling America: The Banking "Bailout". A Little Analogy.
You don't need to be a parent to appreciate this analogy.
Parents of little Johnny notice Johnny has gotten into the habit of sticking his hand in the family's piggy bank, taking the families money, and rather than spending it on the family as it is designed to do, spends it on himself. Does mummy and daddy stand in the other room, away from little Johnny and say things like "I am very disturbed by this behavior" or "Maybe we need more oversight into the hand dipping."
Of course not.
If mummy and daddy are responsible parents they take the piggy bank away and make Johnny pay back the money he stole. And they certainly don't give him another piggy bank or more money to put into the piggy bank.
Congress' attempt to convince you and I of their disgust towards how the banks have handled their little taxpayer bonus, er, "bailout", should be prodding each of us awake.
Fully awake.
While the MSM gushes over Obama's supposed show of anger he expressed towards the irresponsibility's of the banks a couple of weeks ago, folks like myself (who saw no anger--just a figurehead with a pretty smile doing a poor acting job of behaving as though he were angry) seethe inside, knowing these puppets are bought and paid for BY the very banks which with they're supposedly so angered. Look in the eyes of people who see the bailout for the scam-of-the-century that it was and is. That is anger. Not this ridiculous crap we're seeing. I heard one woman from the Senate Finance Committee on Rachel Maddow tonight who called the bankers idiots. Oooh, such tough talk. Yep, that's going to impress me.
Please. The bankers are brilliant (although put them out into the real world and they would probably start to resemble an idiot). They knew what they would do with that money all along. They pulled off the greatest financial swindle in U.S. history and our fearless government leaders have continued to give them the green flag while pandering in front of media camera's to the American people in an attempt to sell us of their anger.
They haven't sold this American. And if you're aware and awake, they haven't sold you either.
This country belongs to the people, not the bankers. This land belongs to you and me, not the bankers. Time for the piggy bank to be returned to its rightful owners.
You And Me.
Parents of little Johnny notice Johnny has gotten into the habit of sticking his hand in the family's piggy bank, taking the families money, and rather than spending it on the family as it is designed to do, spends it on himself. Does mummy and daddy stand in the other room, away from little Johnny and say things like "I am very disturbed by this behavior" or "Maybe we need more oversight into the hand dipping."
Of course not.
If mummy and daddy are responsible parents they take the piggy bank away and make Johnny pay back the money he stole. And they certainly don't give him another piggy bank or more money to put into the piggy bank.
Congress' attempt to convince you and I of their disgust towards how the banks have handled their little taxpayer bonus, er, "bailout", should be prodding each of us awake.
Fully awake.
While the MSM gushes over Obama's supposed show of anger he expressed towards the irresponsibility's of the banks a couple of weeks ago, folks like myself (who saw no anger--just a figurehead with a pretty smile doing a poor acting job of behaving as though he were angry) seethe inside, knowing these puppets are bought and paid for BY the very banks which with they're supposedly so angered. Look in the eyes of people who see the bailout for the scam-of-the-century that it was and is. That is anger. Not this ridiculous crap we're seeing. I heard one woman from the Senate Finance Committee on Rachel Maddow tonight who called the bankers idiots. Oooh, such tough talk. Yep, that's going to impress me.
Please. The bankers are brilliant (although put them out into the real world and they would probably start to resemble an idiot). They knew what they would do with that money all along. They pulled off the greatest financial swindle in U.S. history and our fearless government leaders have continued to give them the green flag while pandering in front of media camera's to the American people in an attempt to sell us of their anger.
They haven't sold this American. And if you're aware and awake, they haven't sold you either.
This country belongs to the people, not the bankers. This land belongs to you and me, not the bankers. Time for the piggy bank to be returned to its rightful owners.
You And Me.
2.01.2009
Strega and 7 Stones: Good Riddance
Not that I like to see employees lose their jobs, especially in economic times such as these. However, to see two what I deem "elitist/over-priced" businesses go under, well all I can say is "Good Riddance".
I looked into the prices of these two places. Both were outrageously costly. Both seemingly catered to the higher-end consumer. I wonder if such business owners ever stop to think about the other citizens who are every bit as worthy as visiting their establishment but are unable to due to economic reasons. Of course this piece of the puzzle could easily be rendered with the infusion of the Sliding Scale Fee For Goods And Services. The fact that this has yet to be instituted across the board boggles my mind. If we are to insist on a sliding scale income range, we need to insist on a Sliding Scale Fee For Services. Period.
I also had a real issue with the construction of these Big City gargantuan buildings being erected in the first place, obstructing views of our beautiful river not to mention removing green areas as well as grassy sections that gave the homeless a place to sleep/rest (which wouldn't be necessary if there weren't so many ridiculous codes, restrictions, laws blah blah blah and waste going on such as EMPTY homes and buildings and property that sit month after month but could otherwise be used as shelter, soup kitchens, garden space for food, etc. etc. for those in need).
I used to wonder what their slogans could be:
"Come dine with us in our exclusive dining room where you will be served delicious food at a high cost while enjoying breathtaking views. But hey, at least you can feel better as you watch the homeless people mill around below, thanking your stars you aren't in THEIR shoes."
"Come enjoy a healthful, insanely expensive massage and spa treatment with all sorts of equally ridiculously expensive foo foo natural treatments in an inviting, relaxing atmosphere. We will even provide you dark sunglasses as you leave so you don't have to make eye contact with any of those pesky homeless and drug addicts wondering the streets below. And hey, when you return home, you'll feel great and look great--for about 12 hours."
Or perhaps the sign should read:
We cater to the wealthier clientele. Homeless and low income folks not allowed.
In fact, that's a great sign to put on many business establishments, for this is really the underlying consciousness that is being created out there in the chaos we call The System.
I looked into the prices of these two places. Both were outrageously costly. Both seemingly catered to the higher-end consumer. I wonder if such business owners ever stop to think about the other citizens who are every bit as worthy as visiting their establishment but are unable to due to economic reasons. Of course this piece of the puzzle could easily be rendered with the infusion of the Sliding Scale Fee For Goods And Services. The fact that this has yet to be instituted across the board boggles my mind. If we are to insist on a sliding scale income range, we need to insist on a Sliding Scale Fee For Services. Period.
I also had a real issue with the construction of these Big City gargantuan buildings being erected in the first place, obstructing views of our beautiful river not to mention removing green areas as well as grassy sections that gave the homeless a place to sleep/rest (which wouldn't be necessary if there weren't so many ridiculous codes, restrictions, laws blah blah blah and waste going on such as EMPTY homes and buildings and property that sit month after month but could otherwise be used as shelter, soup kitchens, garden space for food, etc. etc. for those in need).
I used to wonder what their slogans could be:
"Come dine with us in our exclusive dining room where you will be served delicious food at a high cost while enjoying breathtaking views. But hey, at least you can feel better as you watch the homeless people mill around below, thanking your stars you aren't in THEIR shoes."
"Come enjoy a healthful, insanely expensive massage and spa treatment with all sorts of equally ridiculously expensive foo foo natural treatments in an inviting, relaxing atmosphere. We will even provide you dark sunglasses as you leave so you don't have to make eye contact with any of those pesky homeless and drug addicts wondering the streets below. And hey, when you return home, you'll feel great and look great--for about 12 hours."
Or perhaps the sign should read:
We cater to the wealthier clientele. Homeless and low income folks not allowed.
In fact, that's a great sign to put on many business establishments, for this is really the underlying consciousness that is being created out there in the chaos we call The System.
1.29.2009
Ban Bottled Water. Ban Nestle and Coca Cola Products Until Further Notice.
I learned some very disturbing things this evening while watching an awesome documentary, Flow, which details the planet's global water crisis. More on this wonderful film in the following post. This post is about the dirty little secret behind the bottled water industry.
Two big multi-national corporations, Nestle and Coca Cola, are just two of the giants behind the bttled water industry. Here's a breakdown of how they typically operate.
Coca Cola set up a similar plant in India, moving in and taking the water away from local residents, who, like the folks in Michigan, rallied together and fought back. This time, the people won. Coca Cola shut its plant. Score for the people!
Obvious points:
*It is DEPLORABLE for any business to move into a community and not only take a natural resource away from the people, but to not pay a dime for that resource (unlike local residents) and profit off it in the end. It is no less then criminal. A raping of the planet and of the people.
*People buying bottled water are still under the illusion that this water comes from pure sources when most of the time they are simply buying the same water they get out of their tap. RIDICULOUS.
The United Nations estimates it would require an additional $30 billion a year to provide clean drinking water to the entire planet. In 2007 alone, we spend THREE TIMES this amount on bottled water.
So there you have it folks. STOP BUYING BOTTLED WATER. PLEASE. You are helping continue a cycle of corporate abuse upon the people and the planet (not to mention the toxic platic bottles they come in). Plus you are WASTING YOUR MONEY while continuing this illusion that you are somehow drinking something fancy. And stop buying Nestle and Coca Cola products until these folks pull out of the bottled water industry.
Nestle Brands: (note: There may be a repeat or two. It's late. It took me 25 minutes alone to compile this list for Nestle alone. Some are not available in the states or in your neck of the woods.)
baby ruth, bit-o-honey, butterfinger, buitoni, carlos v, chunky, coffee-mate, gobstoppers, goobers, hot pockets, jamba juice, lean cuisine, lean pockets, lik-m-aid fun dip, laffy taffy, libby's pumpkin, nips, nerds, nescafe, anything with the nestle label of course, o henry's, oompas, pixy stix, raisinets, runts, sno-caps, stouffers, spree, sweetarts, taster's choice, wonka, 100 grand. perrier, purina, kit kat, power bar, aqua panna, aero, alpo, arrowhead, beneful, boost, baci, baeren marke, belte, buxton, buitoni, cailler, carnation, cat chow, cerelac, cheerios, chef, chamyto, chef mate, chocapic, ciniminis, coffeemate, clinutren, contrex, dar natury, davigel davifrais, deer park, dibs, dreyers, drumstick, everyday, extreme, fancy feast, felix, fitness, friskies, gerber, gourmet, haagen dazs, herta, ice mountain, impact, juicy juice, jenny craig, la cremeria, la laitiere, levissima, lion, maggi, maxibon, milo, minor's, movenpick, mucilon, naturenes, nero, nestum, nido, nutren, optifast, peptamen, perrior, perugina, poland spring, pure life, resource, stouffer's, smarties, s. pellegrino, tidy cats, taster's choice, thomy, trio, vittel. I also read where they own the Body Shop but that was not on their site.
Coca Cola Brands:
A&W
Acueducto
Ades
Alhambra*
Ali
Alive
Ambasa
Ameyal
Amorino
Andina/Andina light
Andina Fortified
Andina Fresh
Andina Frut
Andina Nectar
Apollinaris
Aqua
Aquabona
Aquactivede Aquarius
Aquana
Aquarius
Aquarius Active Diet
Aquarius Freestyle
Arwa
Ayataka
Aybal-Kin
BACARDI Premium Mixers*
Bajoru Gira
Bankia
Barq's
BEAT
Beautia
Beverly
Bibo
Big Crush
Big Tai
Bimbo
Bimbo Break
Bird's Nest*
Bistra
Bistrone
Bjare
Blackfire
Boco
Bogadera
Bom Bit Maesil
BonAqua/BonAqa
BPM
Brazzi
Bright & Early
Bu
Bubbly
burn
buzz
caffeine-free Barq's
caffeine-free Coca-Cola
caffeine-free Diet Coke/caffeine-free Coca-Cola light
Calypso
Canada Dry
Canning's
Cappy
Caprice
Caribou Coffee*
Carioca
Carver's
Cepita
Chaqwa
Charrua
Chaudfontaine
Cheers
cherry Coke
cherry Coke zero
Chinotto
Ciel
CITRA
Coca-Cola
Cocoteen
Country Club
Cresta
Cristal
Crush
Crystal Blank
caffeine free Coca-Cola
caffeine free Diet Coke/Coca-Cola light
Canada Dry
Cannings
Cappy
Cepita
Cheers
cherry Coke
Ciel
CITRA
Coca-Cola
CAFE ZU
cherry Coke zero
Caribou Coffee*
Chaudfontaine
Cocoteen
Daizu no Susume
Damla
DANNON*
DASANI
Delaware Punch
diet A&W
diet Andina Frut/Andina Frut light diet Andina Nectar/Andina Nectar light diet Barq's diet Canada Dry Diet Coke, Diet Crush diet Dr Pepper/Dr Pepper Zero diet Fanta/Fanta light/Fanta Zero/Fanta Free diet Freskyta diet INCA KOLA diet Kia Ora diet Krest diet Lift/Lift light diet Lilt/Lilt Zero diet Master Pour diet Mello Yello diet Nestea/Nestea light* diet Northern Neck diet Oasis diet Quatro/Quatro light diet Schweppes diet Seagram's* diet Sprite/Sprite light/diet Sprite Zero/Sprite Zero diet Squirt diet Tai/Tai light diet Vanilla Coke Diva Dobriy Dogadan Dorna Dr Pepper E2 Earth & Sky Eight O'Clock Eight O'Clock Funchum El Rayek Enviga* Escuis Eva Water Fanta Fanta Verdia Far Coast Finley Fioravanti Fire Five Alive Flavor Rage Fontana Fresca Fresca 1 Frescolita Freskyta Fresquinha Fress Frestea* Frisco Frugos Frugos Fresh Fruit Solutions Fruitia Fruitopia Fruktime Frutina Frutonic Full Throttle Full Throttle Blue Demon Full Throttle Coffee Full Throttle Sugar Free Furusato Dayori FUZE Healthy Infusions GEORGIA GEORGIA Club GEORGIA Gold GEORGIA Grande Gini Girios Gira glacéau fruitwater glacéau smartwater glacéau vitaminenergy glacéau vitaminwater Gladiator Godiva* Belgian Blends
Gold Peak
Gold Spot
Golden Crush
Goulburn Valley
Grapette
Groovy
Guaraná Kuat light
Guaraná Kuat Zero
Hajime
Haru No Mint Shukan
Hawai
Healthworks
Heppinger
Hero
Hi Spot
Hi-C
Hit
Horizon
Hot Point
Huang
Ice Dew
Illy Café
INCA KOLA
Ipsei
Izvorul Alb
Jaz Cola
Jericho
Jet Tonic
Jolly Juice
Joy
Joya
Just Juice
Kapo
Karada Meguri-Cha
Keloco
Keri
Kia Ora
Kilimanjaro
Kin
Kinley
Kochakaden
Kola Inglesa
Krest
Kropla Beskidu
Kuat
Kuat Guaraná
Kuat light
Kuli
Kyun
La Jolla
Leao Green Tea
Leao Guaraná Power
Leao Iced Tea
Lift
Lift Plus
Lift Plus light
Lilt
Limca
Limelite
Limonade
Linnuse
Lion
Love Body
Maaza
Mad River
Malvern
Manantial
Mare Rosso
Marocha
Master Chill
Master Pour
Matte Leao
Matusov Pramen
Mazoe
Mello
Mello Yello
Mer
Mezzo
Mezzo Mix
Miami
Migoro-Nomigoro
Minaqua
Minute Maid
Minute Maid Active
Minute Maid Antiox
Minute Maid Deli
Minute Maid Duofrutas
Minute Maid Fruit Plus
Minute Maid Heart Wise
Minute Maid Juices To Go
Minute Maid Just 10
Minute Maid Light
Minute Maid Mais
Minute Maid Multi-Vitamin
Minute Maid Nutri+
Minute Maid Premium
Minute Maid Soft Drink
Minute Maid Sojaplus
Minute Maid Splash
Mireille
Mission
Mone
Montefiore
Mori No Mizudayori
Morning Deli
Mother
Mr. Pibb
multiVita
Nada
Nagomi
Nalu
Namthip
Nanairo Acha
Naturaqua
Natures Own*
Nectarin
Nestea COOL*
Nestea Choglit*
Nestea*
Nevada
Neverfail
Next
Nico
Nordic Mist
Northern Neck
Nos Entendemos
Oasis
Odwalla
Olimpija
Onside
Orchy
Paani
Pampa
Parle
Pearona
Peats Ridge
Pibb Xtra
Pibb Zero
Piko
Pilskania
Planet Java*
Play Engery Drink
Pocket Dr
Poiana Negri
Polar Brew
Poms
Ponkana
Pop
Portello
POWERADE
POWERADE Advance
POWERADE alive
POWERADE aqua+
POWERADE Balance
POWERADE light
POWERADE OPTION
POWERADE Zero
Powerplay
Presta
Presta light
Pulp Orange
Pump
Pumped Enhanced Hydration
Qoo
Quatro
Quwat Jabal
Ramblin'
Real Gold
Red Flash
Rehab
Relentless
Rich
Richy
Riwa
Rosalta
Roses
Royal Tru
Royal Tru light
Safety First
Safia
Sahtain
Samantha
Samurai
San Luis
Sarsi
Saryusaisai
Schweppes
Seagram's*
Seltz
Sensation
Sensun Gazoz
SENZAO
ShiZen*
Shock
Signature
Sim
Simba
Simply Apple
Simply Grapefruit
Simply Lemonade
Simply Limeade
Simply Orange
Smart
Sobo
Sokenbicha
Solo
Sonfil
Soonsoo
Southern Sun
Sparkle
Sparletta
Sparletta Iron Brew
Splash
Splice
Sport
Spring!
Sprite
Sprite 3G
Sprite Duo
Sprite Ice
Sprite Remix
Sprite Zero/diet Sprite/Sprite light /diet Sprite Zero
Spur
Squirt
Stoney Ginger Beer
Su Voce
Sucos Mais
Sunfill
SURGE
Svali
Sweecha
Swerve
TaB
TaB energy
TaB X-Tra
TADAS
Tai
Ten Ren
The Wellness From Coca-Cola
Thextons
Thums Up
Tian Yu Di/Heaven and Earth
Tiky
Toka
Top
Toppur
Top's
Tropi
Tropical
Turkuaz
Urge
Urun
Valpre
Valser
Valser Viva
Vanilla Coke
Vanilla Coke Zero
VAULT
VAULT Zero
Vegitabeta
VICA
Vio
Vita
Vital
Vital O
Vitingo
VIVA!
Wilkins
Wink
Winnie the Pooh*
Yangguang
Yangguang Juicy T
Youki
Two big multi-national corporations, Nestle and Coca Cola, are just two of the giants behind the bttled water industry. Here's a breakdown of how they typically operate.
They will locate a water bottling plant into a community, install wells that then pump out water from, check this out: local waterways, lakes, streams, rivers and the like. And guess what? They don't pay one dime for the water. Nestle has these wells located throughout the United States. The effects are what you might imagine. They essentially take the water the local residents use for drinking and farming and in many cases pump waterways dry. They also create sink holes. In a town in Michigan, Nestle set up such a plant. The results were damaging to the water supply and to the people, so the people rallied together and fought to remove the plant. They won their original case in court. Nestle appealed and won the appeal. The people appealed to the Michigan Supreme Court. Nestle argued private citizens cannot sue a corporation unless their personal property were damaged (the arrogance of such a proclamation is beyond my comprehension). Unfortunately, Nestle won.
Coca Cola set up a similar plant in India, moving in and taking the water away from local residents, who, like the folks in Michigan, rallied together and fought back. This time, the people won. Coca Cola shut its plant. Score for the people!
Obvious points:
*It is DEPLORABLE for any business to move into a community and not only take a natural resource away from the people, but to not pay a dime for that resource (unlike local residents) and profit off it in the end. It is no less then criminal. A raping of the planet and of the people.
*People buying bottled water are still under the illusion that this water comes from pure sources when most of the time they are simply buying the same water they get out of their tap. RIDICULOUS.
The United Nations estimates it would require an additional $30 billion a year to provide clean drinking water to the entire planet. In 2007 alone, we spend THREE TIMES this amount on bottled water.
So there you have it folks. STOP BUYING BOTTLED WATER. PLEASE. You are helping continue a cycle of corporate abuse upon the people and the planet (not to mention the toxic platic bottles they come in). Plus you are WASTING YOUR MONEY while continuing this illusion that you are somehow drinking something fancy. And stop buying Nestle and Coca Cola products until these folks pull out of the bottled water industry.
Nestle Brands: (note: There may be a repeat or two. It's late. It took me 25 minutes alone to compile this list for Nestle alone. Some are not available in the states or in your neck of the woods.)
baby ruth, bit-o-honey, butterfinger, buitoni, carlos v, chunky, coffee-mate, gobstoppers, goobers, hot pockets, jamba juice, lean cuisine, lean pockets, lik-m-aid fun dip, laffy taffy, libby's pumpkin, nips, nerds, nescafe, anything with the nestle label of course, o henry's, oompas, pixy stix, raisinets, runts, sno-caps, stouffers, spree, sweetarts, taster's choice, wonka, 100 grand. perrier, purina, kit kat, power bar, aqua panna, aero, alpo, arrowhead, beneful, boost, baci, baeren marke, belte, buxton, buitoni, cailler, carnation, cat chow, cerelac, cheerios, chef, chamyto, chef mate, chocapic, ciniminis, coffeemate, clinutren, contrex, dar natury, davigel davifrais, deer park, dibs, dreyers, drumstick, everyday, extreme, fancy feast, felix, fitness, friskies, gerber, gourmet, haagen dazs, herta, ice mountain, impact, juicy juice, jenny craig, la cremeria, la laitiere, levissima, lion, maggi, maxibon, milo, minor's, movenpick, mucilon, naturenes, nero, nestum, nido, nutren, optifast, peptamen, perrior, perugina, poland spring, pure life, resource, stouffer's, smarties, s. pellegrino, tidy cats, taster's choice, thomy, trio, vittel. I also read where they own the Body Shop but that was not on their site.
Coca Cola Brands:
A&W
Acueducto
Ades
Alhambra*
Ali
Alive
Ambasa
Ameyal
Amorino
Andina/Andina light
Andina Fortified
Andina Fresh
Andina Frut
Andina Nectar
Apollinaris
Aqua
Aquabona
Aquactivede Aquarius
Aquana
Aquarius
Aquarius Active Diet
Aquarius Freestyle
Arwa
Ayataka
Aybal-Kin
BACARDI Premium Mixers*
Bajoru Gira
Bankia
Barq's
BEAT
Beautia
Beverly
Bibo
Big Crush
Big Tai
Bimbo
Bimbo Break
Bird's Nest*
Bistra
Bistrone
Bjare
Blackfire
Boco
Bogadera
Bom Bit Maesil
BonAqua/BonAqa
BPM
Brazzi
Bright & Early
Bu
Bubbly
burn
buzz
caffeine-free Barq's
caffeine-free Coca-Cola
caffeine-free Diet Coke/caffeine-free Coca-Cola light
Calypso
Canada Dry
Canning's
Cappy
Caprice
Caribou Coffee*
Carioca
Carver's
Cepita
Chaqwa
Charrua
Chaudfontaine
Cheers
cherry Coke
cherry Coke zero
Chinotto
Ciel
CITRA
Coca-Cola
Cocoteen
Country Club
Cresta
Cristal
Crush
Crystal Blank
caffeine free Coca-Cola
caffeine free Diet Coke/Coca-Cola light
Canada Dry
Cannings
Cappy
Cepita
Cheers
cherry Coke
Ciel
CITRA
Coca-Cola
CAFE ZU
cherry Coke zero
Caribou Coffee*
Chaudfontaine
Cocoteen
Daizu no Susume
Damla
DANNON*
DASANI
Delaware Punch
diet A&W
diet Andina Frut/Andina Frut light diet Andina Nectar/Andina Nectar light diet Barq's diet Canada Dry Diet Coke, Diet Crush diet Dr Pepper/Dr Pepper Zero diet Fanta/Fanta light/Fanta Zero/Fanta Free diet Freskyta diet INCA KOLA diet Kia Ora diet Krest diet Lift/Lift light diet Lilt/Lilt Zero diet Master Pour diet Mello Yello diet Nestea/Nestea light* diet Northern Neck diet Oasis diet Quatro/Quatro light diet Schweppes diet Seagram's* diet Sprite/Sprite light/diet Sprite Zero/Sprite Zero diet Squirt diet Tai/Tai light diet Vanilla Coke Diva Dobriy Dogadan Dorna Dr Pepper E2 Earth & Sky Eight O'Clock Eight O'Clock Funchum El Rayek Enviga* Escuis Eva Water Fanta Fanta Verdia Far Coast Finley Fioravanti Fire Five Alive Flavor Rage Fontana Fresca Fresca 1 Frescolita Freskyta Fresquinha Fress Frestea* Frisco Frugos Frugos Fresh Fruit Solutions Fruitia Fruitopia Fruktime Frutina Frutonic Full Throttle Full Throttle Blue Demon Full Throttle Coffee Full Throttle Sugar Free Furusato Dayori FUZE Healthy Infusions GEORGIA GEORGIA Club GEORGIA Gold GEORGIA Grande Gini Girios Gira glacéau fruitwater glacéau smartwater glacéau vitaminenergy glacéau vitaminwater Gladiator Godiva* Belgian Blends
Gold Peak
Gold Spot
Golden Crush
Goulburn Valley
Grapette
Groovy
Guaraná Kuat light
Guaraná Kuat Zero
Hajime
Haru No Mint Shukan
Hawai
Healthworks
Heppinger
Hero
Hi Spot
Hi-C
Hit
Horizon
Hot Point
Huang
Ice Dew
Illy Café
INCA KOLA
Ipsei
Izvorul Alb
Jaz Cola
Jericho
Jet Tonic
Jolly Juice
Joy
Joya
Just Juice
Kapo
Karada Meguri-Cha
Keloco
Keri
Kia Ora
Kilimanjaro
Kin
Kinley
Kochakaden
Kola Inglesa
Krest
Kropla Beskidu
Kuat
Kuat Guaraná
Kuat light
Kuli
Kyun
La Jolla
Leao Green Tea
Leao Guaraná Power
Leao Iced Tea
Lift
Lift Plus
Lift Plus light
Lilt
Limca
Limelite
Limonade
Linnuse
Lion
Love Body
Maaza
Mad River
Malvern
Manantial
Mare Rosso
Marocha
Master Chill
Master Pour
Matte Leao
Matusov Pramen
Mazoe
Mello
Mello Yello
Mer
Mezzo
Mezzo Mix
Miami
Migoro-Nomigoro
Minaqua
Minute Maid
Minute Maid Active
Minute Maid Antiox
Minute Maid Deli
Minute Maid Duofrutas
Minute Maid Fruit Plus
Minute Maid Heart Wise
Minute Maid Juices To Go
Minute Maid Just 10
Minute Maid Light
Minute Maid Mais
Minute Maid Multi-Vitamin
Minute Maid Nutri+
Minute Maid Premium
Minute Maid Soft Drink
Minute Maid Sojaplus
Minute Maid Splash
Mireille
Mission
Mone
Montefiore
Mori No Mizudayori
Morning Deli
Mother
Mr. Pibb
multiVita
Nada
Nagomi
Nalu
Namthip
Nanairo Acha
Naturaqua
Natures Own*
Nectarin
Nestea COOL*
Nestea Choglit*
Nestea*
Nevada
Neverfail
Next
Nico
Nordic Mist
Northern Neck
Nos Entendemos
Oasis
Odwalla
Olimpija
Onside
Orchy
Paani
Pampa
Parle
Pearona
Peats Ridge
Pibb Xtra
Pibb Zero
Piko
Pilskania
Planet Java*
Play Engery Drink
Pocket Dr
Poiana Negri
Polar Brew
Poms
Ponkana
Pop
Portello
POWERADE
POWERADE Advance
POWERADE alive
POWERADE aqua+
POWERADE Balance
POWERADE light
POWERADE OPTION
POWERADE Zero
Powerplay
Presta
Presta light
Pulp Orange
Pump
Pumped Enhanced Hydration
Qoo
Quatro
Quwat Jabal
Ramblin'
Real Gold
Red Flash
Rehab
Relentless
Rich
Richy
Riwa
Rosalta
Roses
Royal Tru
Royal Tru light
Safety First
Safia
Sahtain
Samantha
Samurai
San Luis
Sarsi
Saryusaisai
Schweppes
Seagram's*
Seltz
Sensation
Sensun Gazoz
SENZAO
ShiZen*
Shock
Signature
Sim
Simba
Simply Apple
Simply Grapefruit
Simply Lemonade
Simply Limeade
Simply Orange
Smart
Sobo
Sokenbicha
Solo
Sonfil
Soonsoo
Southern Sun
Sparkle
Sparletta
Sparletta Iron Brew
Splash
Splice
Sport
Spring!
Sprite
Sprite 3G
Sprite Duo
Sprite Ice
Sprite Remix
Sprite Zero/diet Sprite/Sprite light /diet Sprite Zero
Spur
Squirt
Stoney Ginger Beer
Su Voce
Sucos Mais
Sunfill
SURGE
Svali
Sweecha
Swerve
TaB
TaB energy
TaB X-Tra
TADAS
Tai
Ten Ren
The Wellness From Coca-Cola
Thextons
Thums Up
Tian Yu Di/Heaven and Earth
Tiky
Toka
Top
Toppur
Top's
Tropi
Tropical
Turkuaz
Urge
Urun
Valpre
Valser
Valser Viva
Vanilla Coke
Vanilla Coke Zero
VAULT
VAULT Zero
Vegitabeta
VICA
Vio
Vita
Vital
Vital O
Vitingo
VIVA!
Wilkins
Wink
Winnie the Pooh*
Yangguang
Yangguang Juicy T
Youki
MUST SEE Documentary: Flow
I'm going to get right to it. You MUST watch Flow. It discusses the water crisis we are facing. And it is a crisis NOW, not something to be concerned about some 100 years from now. Here are some highlights:
*We are running out of fresh drinking water. Much of our drinking water is polluted. In the United States alone, it is estimated that up to 7 million people get sick from tap water. Some 40% of flu/stomach viruses originate from drinking tap water.
*Fish. In Texas alone, every fish sampled had high levels of prozac. In the Seine, fish are changing sex. Today there are no more male fish.
*The number one contaminant in our drinking water here in the states is Atrazine. It is manufactured by Syngenta, a Swiss company, one of the largest agro-chemical businesses on the planet. Altrazine has been shown to reduce sperm count, increase the risk of prostate, ovarian and breast cancers and act as a "chemical castration" on frogs and fish. Interestingly enough, the E.U. (European Union) banned Atrazine, but still sell it to the States. A 2006 EPA report claims that "no harm will result" from Atrazine.
*As many know, water is becoming privatized around the globe. Three of the big companies (European), Thames Water, Vivendi and Suez deliver water for profit mostly to developing/poor countries. The World Bank funds these projects and threatens communities that unless they agree to welcome the privatization of their water supply, they will cut off the supply. The results of this privatization are pretty predictable. The water supply is polluted and costly. Another note of interest: these water companies are created by Bankers. Hmmm haven't I been talking about the BANKING CARTEL and how they own our global economy?
I digress. On with more information.
*Most of us look at dams and think nothing of them. They look benign, right? Wrong. My eyes were certainly opened up when I learned we are messing with nature by stopping the flow of water, which by it's very nature needs to move, needs to flow. This still water begins to rot and creates methane gas, which contributes to the greenhouse gas problem. And quite often dams displace local populations. It is estimated that upwards of 80 MILLION people were displaced during the 20th century. And yet another little tidbit. Guess who is behind most of the dam creation and financing? The World Bank.
*In 1997 an elite club of individuals from the World Water Council, The World Bank (there they are again), the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and big water companies met to discuss privatizing the world's water supply. These people are profit-driven only and have absolutely no regard for human life. Learn about them. Learn which of your political leaders/representatives engage with these private groups. You will be surprised.
*Parts of the United States face total depletion of water supplies, including New Mexico (which is set to run dry in 5-10 years, depending on whether they continue building golf courses and the like), California (who is set to run dry in 20 years), Arizona, Colorado and other states who rely on the Colorado River.
There are solutions though, solutions that can be developed and created at the local level. For that is indeed the answer. Working together locally, small communities creating their own means of sustainability. That is why I look at this current global crumbling of modern age Rome's with some sense of hope and optimism: What must fall offers the change to rebuild.
Please check out this wonderful documentary (we rented it through Netflix) for more information, including what you can do. Here are a couple of websites: flowthefilm.com and freeflo.org
*We are running out of fresh drinking water. Much of our drinking water is polluted. In the United States alone, it is estimated that up to 7 million people get sick from tap water. Some 40% of flu/stomach viruses originate from drinking tap water.
*Fish. In Texas alone, every fish sampled had high levels of prozac. In the Seine, fish are changing sex. Today there are no more male fish.
*The number one contaminant in our drinking water here in the states is Atrazine. It is manufactured by Syngenta, a Swiss company, one of the largest agro-chemical businesses on the planet. Altrazine has been shown to reduce sperm count, increase the risk of prostate, ovarian and breast cancers and act as a "chemical castration" on frogs and fish. Interestingly enough, the E.U. (European Union) banned Atrazine, but still sell it to the States. A 2006 EPA report claims that "no harm will result" from Atrazine.
*As many know, water is becoming privatized around the globe. Three of the big companies (European), Thames Water, Vivendi and Suez deliver water for profit mostly to developing/poor countries. The World Bank funds these projects and threatens communities that unless they agree to welcome the privatization of their water supply, they will cut off the supply. The results of this privatization are pretty predictable. The water supply is polluted and costly. Another note of interest: these water companies are created by Bankers. Hmmm haven't I been talking about the BANKING CARTEL and how they own our global economy?
I digress. On with more information.
*Most of us look at dams and think nothing of them. They look benign, right? Wrong. My eyes were certainly opened up when I learned we are messing with nature by stopping the flow of water, which by it's very nature needs to move, needs to flow. This still water begins to rot and creates methane gas, which contributes to the greenhouse gas problem. And quite often dams displace local populations. It is estimated that upwards of 80 MILLION people were displaced during the 20th century. And yet another little tidbit. Guess who is behind most of the dam creation and financing? The World Bank.
*In 1997 an elite club of individuals from the World Water Council, The World Bank (there they are again), the IMF (International Monetary Fund) and big water companies met to discuss privatizing the world's water supply. These people are profit-driven only and have absolutely no regard for human life. Learn about them. Learn which of your political leaders/representatives engage with these private groups. You will be surprised.
*Parts of the United States face total depletion of water supplies, including New Mexico (which is set to run dry in 5-10 years, depending on whether they continue building golf courses and the like), California (who is set to run dry in 20 years), Arizona, Colorado and other states who rely on the Colorado River.
There are solutions though, solutions that can be developed and created at the local level. For that is indeed the answer. Working together locally, small communities creating their own means of sustainability. That is why I look at this current global crumbling of modern age Rome's with some sense of hope and optimism: What must fall offers the change to rebuild.
Please check out this wonderful documentary (we rented it through Netflix) for more information, including what you can do. Here are a couple of websites: flowthefilm.com and freeflo.org
1.28.2009
Oregon Poverty Statistics By County
Sobering. Heartbreaking. Maddening. And yet ohhhhh so fixable with right thinking, open hearts and expanded consciousness.
Just out today, January 28, 2009.
**
Baker—Nearly half, or 46 percent, of the county's schoolchildren qualified for free and reduced price lunch, an increase of 10 percentage points from 2000.
Benton—The number of people living in poverty increased 41 percent over its 2000 level.
Clackamas—The poverty rate increased from 6.6 to 9.5 percent, a sharp rate of increase that affected 13,498 more people than in 2000.
Clatsop—Forty percent of households headed by single mothers lived in poverty.
Columbia—Three quarters of the people identified as homeless attributed their homelessness to unaffordable rents.
Coos—Fifty-four percent of families headed by single mothers lived in poverty.
Crook—Poverty increased four percentage points between 2000 and 2007.
Curry—Two-thirds of families in poverty had children younger than 18.
Deschutes—Deschutes County families needed incomes of more than twice the federal poverty level just to pay for a basic family budget.
Douglas–Poverty in the county increased from 13.1 percent in 2000 to 14.3 percent in 2007.
Gilliam—The number of people receiving food stamp benefits grew from 11 percent of the county population in 2004 to 14 percent in 2007.
Grant—Nearly half of all public school students qualified for free or reduced-price lunches.
Harney—Fourteen percent of people age 65 and older lived in poverty, significantly higher than the state average of 8 percent for that age group.
Hood River—More than 3,000 Hood River County residents lived below the poverty line in 2007, or 14.5 percent of the population.
Jackson—The number of children receiving free and reduced-price lunches grew eight percentage points between 2000 and 2007 to 42 percent of all students.
Jefferson—Poverty in Jefferson County reached 18 percent of the population in 2007, with one-quarter of the county's children living in poverty.
Josephine—Fifty-seven percent of households with children under 18 and headed by single women lived in poverty.
Klamath— One quarter of all children lived in poverty in Klamath County in 2007.
Lake—Twenty-two percent of the county's population enrolled in the federal food stamp program.
Lane—Half of all low-income households spent more than 30 percent of household income on housing.
Lincoln— Between 2000 and 2007, the population in poverty in Lincoln County increased 30 percent
Linn—A single-parent with a preschool-aged child needed to make more than $15 an hour to afford child care, healthcare, transportation and other necessities.
Malheur—Twenty-three percent of Malheur County's children lived in poverty in 2007.
Marion—Twenty percent of Marion County children lived in poverty in 2007.
Morrow—Sixty-five percent of Morrow County students qualified for free or reduced-priced lunch in 2007, up from 49 percent in 2000.
Multnomah—Nearly 30 percent of Multnomah County residents with disabilities lived in poverty.
Polk—Among the Polk County residents identified as homeless in 2008, 78 percent attributed their homelessness to unaffordable rent.
Sherman—Sherman County had no primary health care providers.
Tillamook—Fifty-two percent of Tillamook County's school children received free and reduced-price lunches in 2007, up from 43 percent in 2000.
Umatilla—A two-parent family with one child needed a combined hourly income of $16.56 to pay for basic expenses. Two adults working full-time at minimum wage did not earn an adequate income.
Union—From 2005 to 2007, poverty averaged 16 percent for the population of Union County. This rate reached 23 percent for people with disabilities.
Wallowa—One in five children in Wallowa County lived in poverty in 2007.
Wasco–An alarming 27 percent of Wasco County residents with disabilities live in poverty.
Washington—Washington County faced some of the highest costs in the state. A single parent of a preschooler needed to earn $16.90 and hour to afford necessities such as housing, food and childcare.
Wheeler—Nearly two-thirds of Wheeler County school children received free or reduced-price lunches.
Yamhill—A single mother with a young child needed to make $31,620 a year to pay for the basics; more than she would make at the county's typical entry-level job.
Just out today, January 28, 2009.
**
Baker—Nearly half, or 46 percent, of the county's schoolchildren qualified for free and reduced price lunch, an increase of 10 percentage points from 2000.
Benton—The number of people living in poverty increased 41 percent over its 2000 level.
Clackamas—The poverty rate increased from 6.6 to 9.5 percent, a sharp rate of increase that affected 13,498 more people than in 2000.
Clatsop—Forty percent of households headed by single mothers lived in poverty.
Columbia—Three quarters of the people identified as homeless attributed their homelessness to unaffordable rents.
Coos—Fifty-four percent of families headed by single mothers lived in poverty.
Crook—Poverty increased four percentage points between 2000 and 2007.
Curry—Two-thirds of families in poverty had children younger than 18.
Deschutes—Deschutes County families needed incomes of more than twice the federal poverty level just to pay for a basic family budget.
Douglas–Poverty in the county increased from 13.1 percent in 2000 to 14.3 percent in 2007.
Gilliam—The number of people receiving food stamp benefits grew from 11 percent of the county population in 2004 to 14 percent in 2007.
Grant—Nearly half of all public school students qualified for free or reduced-price lunches.
Harney—Fourteen percent of people age 65 and older lived in poverty, significantly higher than the state average of 8 percent for that age group.
Hood River—More than 3,000 Hood River County residents lived below the poverty line in 2007, or 14.5 percent of the population.
Jackson—The number of children receiving free and reduced-price lunches grew eight percentage points between 2000 and 2007 to 42 percent of all students.
Jefferson—Poverty in Jefferson County reached 18 percent of the population in 2007, with one-quarter of the county's children living in poverty.
Josephine—Fifty-seven percent of households with children under 18 and headed by single women lived in poverty.
Klamath— One quarter of all children lived in poverty in Klamath County in 2007.
Lake—Twenty-two percent of the county's population enrolled in the federal food stamp program.
Lane—Half of all low-income households spent more than 30 percent of household income on housing.
Lincoln— Between 2000 and 2007, the population in poverty in Lincoln County increased 30 percent
Linn—A single-parent with a preschool-aged child needed to make more than $15 an hour to afford child care, healthcare, transportation and other necessities.
Malheur—Twenty-three percent of Malheur County's children lived in poverty in 2007.
Marion—Twenty percent of Marion County children lived in poverty in 2007.
Morrow—Sixty-five percent of Morrow County students qualified for free or reduced-priced lunch in 2007, up from 49 percent in 2000.
Multnomah—Nearly 30 percent of Multnomah County residents with disabilities lived in poverty.
Polk—Among the Polk County residents identified as homeless in 2008, 78 percent attributed their homelessness to unaffordable rent.
Sherman—Sherman County had no primary health care providers.
Tillamook—Fifty-two percent of Tillamook County's school children received free and reduced-price lunches in 2007, up from 43 percent in 2000.
Umatilla—A two-parent family with one child needed a combined hourly income of $16.56 to pay for basic expenses. Two adults working full-time at minimum wage did not earn an adequate income.
Union—From 2005 to 2007, poverty averaged 16 percent for the population of Union County. This rate reached 23 percent for people with disabilities.
Wallowa—One in five children in Wallowa County lived in poverty in 2007.
Wasco–An alarming 27 percent of Wasco County residents with disabilities live in poverty.
Washington—Washington County faced some of the highest costs in the state. A single parent of a preschooler needed to earn $16.90 and hour to afford necessities such as housing, food and childcare.
Wheeler—Nearly two-thirds of Wheeler County school children received free or reduced-price lunches.
Yamhill—A single mother with a young child needed to make $31,620 a year to pay for the basics; more than she would make at the county's typical entry-level job.
State Of The Economy
Media outlets are coming up with all sorts of little slogans and cutsie phrases to hide from the dismal reality of our current economic "crisis" (put in quotes because hey, it has been manufactured/created to fall apart).
Here's just a few of their little catch-all phrases.
*Deep recession.
*Lingering recession.
*A recession not seen since___ (fill in with the date of your choice--that date changes depending upon who you're watching)
And my personal favorite:
*Our New Economy (meaning this is how it's gonna be for a long time folks so get used to it)
I'd like to include my own little phrases now:
*THIS FUCKING SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*A sewer drain of shit to oblivion.
*Take The Money And Run
*Highway To Hell
*Dazed and Confused
Care to add your own? Please feel free to do so. Work off a little frustration while you're at it. The most creative (as I deem so) will take home a jackpot of $1,000,000 paid for by Bank of America's top Executives.
Here's just a few of their little catch-all phrases.
*Deep recession.
*Lingering recession.
*A recession not seen since___ (fill in with the date of your choice--that date changes depending upon who you're watching)
And my personal favorite:
*Our New Economy (meaning this is how it's gonna be for a long time folks so get used to it)
I'd like to include my own little phrases now:
*THIS FUCKING SUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
*A sewer drain of shit to oblivion.
*Take The Money And Run
*Highway To Hell
*Dazed and Confused
Care to add your own? Please feel free to do so. Work off a little frustration while you're at it. The most creative (as I deem so) will take home a jackpot of $1,000,000 paid for by Bank of America's top Executives.
1.27.2009
Heaven...
...is a Cream Cheese filled Chocolate Eclair made by the awesome kitchen staff at the Co-Op. One bite and you know you have found heaven on earth. A tongue-gasm if you will.
Seriously these things are SO FRIGGING WONDERFUL! The ingredients are pure. Dark organic chocolate. Real organic cream cheese filling. Instead of 58 ingredients (of mostly chemical garbage and unnecessaries) for a simple pastry you have 7 or 8. Mr. N recently picked up a package (they come in packages of 2). It was a rather funny trip. He picked up the eclairs, potato chips and a snack mix he found in bulk. Me? Mango's, bananas, salad greens and organic apple juice. On the way home I said I bring the healthy light of food into his life and he brings the sweet dark temptation of food into mine.
A rather nice balance.
Seriously these things are SO FRIGGING WONDERFUL! The ingredients are pure. Dark organic chocolate. Real organic cream cheese filling. Instead of 58 ingredients (of mostly chemical garbage and unnecessaries) for a simple pastry you have 7 or 8. Mr. N recently picked up a package (they come in packages of 2). It was a rather funny trip. He picked up the eclairs, potato chips and a snack mix he found in bulk. Me? Mango's, bananas, salad greens and organic apple juice. On the way home I said I bring the healthy light of food into his life and he brings the sweet dark temptation of food into mine.
A rather nice balance.
UFO Seen Over Skies On Inauguration Day
Interesting.
Perhaps part of Obama's new administration?
Secret galactic adviser's?
Ensuring GW and Company actually left DC?
Leave your theories in the comment section, whether of the legit or tongue-in-cheek kind.
I did read where this is not the first time a public appearance by Obama has brought forth UFO sitings. I have my own theories which I will keep to myself. However, I will offer this. I do not think it was a coincidence.
Perhaps part of Obama's new administration?
Secret galactic adviser's?
Ensuring GW and Company actually left DC?
Leave your theories in the comment section, whether of the legit or tongue-in-cheek kind.
I did read where this is not the first time a public appearance by Obama has brought forth UFO sitings. I have my own theories which I will keep to myself. However, I will offer this. I do not think it was a coincidence.
Kip Schoning and Bula Enterprises: The Fall Of An Empire
A continuation of justice for so many taken advantage of by these folks.
I haven't posted about these people for many moons. I originally decided to do so after reading numerous person's accounts of deplorable living conditions while renting from the Bula Enterprise couple. I had already spoken with the local City Housing Representative on a whim who could only say "the stories I could tell you" about these people. Having looked at a few of the Red Door properties ourselves and being horrified at what we found, I decided what the hey. Write up a little piece about them. Encourage those speaking to speak louder, those who weren't yet speaking to do so.
The talk continued to increase in loudness and in numbers.
To this day, I still receive regular hits on my blog by people around the globe (you read that right--around the globe) from folks googling "Kip Schoning".
Hats off to Bennett Hall for sharing the stories of the renters and for exposing the community to the business practices (lack thereof) of Bula Enterprises and Kip Schoning.
Sometimes speaking up loudly and continuously does render some justice. YAHOO!!
I haven't posted about these people for many moons. I originally decided to do so after reading numerous person's accounts of deplorable living conditions while renting from the Bula Enterprise couple. I had already spoken with the local City Housing Representative on a whim who could only say "the stories I could tell you" about these people. Having looked at a few of the Red Door properties ourselves and being horrified at what we found, I decided what the hey. Write up a little piece about them. Encourage those speaking to speak louder, those who weren't yet speaking to do so.
The talk continued to increase in loudness and in numbers.
To this day, I still receive regular hits on my blog by people around the globe (you read that right--around the globe) from folks googling "Kip Schoning".
Hats off to Bennett Hall for sharing the stories of the renters and for exposing the community to the business practices (lack thereof) of Bula Enterprises and Kip Schoning.
Sometimes speaking up loudly and continuously does render some justice. YAHOO!!
Mercury Found In High Fructose Corn Syrup
Yet another reason to avoid this stuff as much as you can.
"(Jan. 26) – Almost half of the corn syrup tested in a new study contained mercury, according to HealthDay News. And a third of commercial food products with corn syrup had mercury as well."
"(Jan. 26) – Almost half of the corn syrup tested in a new study contained mercury, according to HealthDay News. And a third of commercial food products with corn syrup had mercury as well."
1.26.2009
Memories
Time to lighten things up a bit.
I was thinking back to the first time I was drunk. I don't know why. Weird random thoughts run through my mind quite often. Some of them kind of pop out and say "Hi!" This one did. Maybe it was that part of me that likes to gently barge into my head and say "Hey, chill out. Relax. Yeaaaahhhh." Remember when...
I was 14 when I first learned what it meant to hug the porcelain god. Until that time I had visions of adults running up to some statue carved out of porcelain in the figure of a male. I didn't know it meant hugging the toilet while thanking it after-the-fact for being so cool to the touch.
My girlfriend and I, who otherwise had a million other things to do such as call some boys, watch a movie on the VCR (beta--wahoo!), walk to the video arcade or talk about our pick of future husbands and how many children we would have, decided instead to learn for ourselves what the big fuss was all about when it came to drinking. We were at her house and her folks were gone for the evening. So we did what any teen that age does. Search mom and dad's house for alcohol.
It wasn't difficult to find. Her parents had bottles of sour smelling liquid in them in a variety of colors. I picked up the bottle with the bright green liquid. Peppermint liquor the bottle read. It looked a bit like listerine, but the color was prettier. It smelled minty.
After a swig I realized color and minty freshness is not a determining factor in the taste department. It was horrible. Time to try another. This time I headed for the brown liquid. Rum. There ya go. I'd heard stories about Rum. I took a swig.
Whew someone get me some H2O fast! Mouth on fire! Throat on fire! I ran to the kitchen sink and by the time I got the glass and filled it up, my mouth and throat were no longer in heat. In fact, I was starting to feel very warm inside. It tickled my tummy, I thought, giggling. Hey, this stuff wasn't so bad. But I being I was curious and had a short attention span (today I would likely have been slapped with the ADD label), I wanted to continue my exploration into the world of alcohol.
I reached for bottle with the clear stuff. Tequila. Oh, yeah. As I unscrewed the lid, my friend yelled "Hey, I watched my sister drink that stuff once. She called them tequila poppers."
Sounded fun to me.
So my girlfriend, who had been chugging a beer while I explored the harder stuff went to the cupboards and took down a couple of shot glasses.
"Oooh, those are so CUTE!" I exclaimed, holding one close to my face. Little cups that looked like they were meant for babies, I thought.
I put it on the table.
"So what do we do with them?" I asked, ready to go.
"Um, well, I think we put the tequila in there," my friend said.
The two cute little baby glasses get filled up with tequila.
My friend looked at me, her cheeks rosy. I could only assume mine looked much the same way considering how warm my face had become. She smiled. I hadn't stopped smiling since the heat of the rum turned into that wonderful warm tummy tickle.
"Now what?" I asked.
"Um, I think you slam the glass onto the counter and yell TEQUILA. Then you drink it fast," she said.
Unbelievable, I thought. How much fun life could be! Adults have it SO good.
So we slammed those cute little cups that looked like they were made for babies onto that counter and chug-a-lugged. The sound it made was wonderful. SOOO adult I felt. That is until the taste buds spoke.
Holy crap. This stuff was AWFUL!
So out it came from my mouth, much to the sudden burst of hysterical giggles from my girlfriend, who had managed to keep the tequila in her mouth.
"Quick, fill mine up with some of that Rum. This stuff is TERRIBLE!" I announced.
So in went the Rum into the glass then down the hatch.
This went on a few more times, in between long stretches of giggles and the occasional belching, before the room began to do strange things. Suddenly I did not like how I was feeling. Standing had become a challenge. And the giggles were quickly gone only to be replaced by a rumbling in my tummy.
"I don't feel so good," I said weakly, running, make that stumbling, to the bathroom.
Oh no, I thought. This can't be happening. Please don't throw up please don't throw up please don't throw up, I pleaded inside my head. I even prayed to God, Jesus, Budda, the President. Anyone in the position of authority who, in those few drunken moments, I thought could possibly stop the growing inevitability.
Well not even the President himself was able to stop the outcome. Into the toilet it all went with me clinging to it, thanking it for being so cool and well, for being there. And it was there I remained for the next couple of hours, sleeping.
When I finally awoke I went back out into the living room. My girlfriend had passed out on the couch. She had escaped the part of throwing up. Lucky her considering she had mixed hard alcohol with beer.
I cleaned up the mess and managed to get the two of us into bed before her parents arrived home, which they finally did at 2am. I began to think how lucky they were to be able to stay out as late as they wanted. Then I thought about the evening, the alcohol, the spinning room and the results at the toilet. I remembered how I had thought how good adults have it. That freedom to drink.
Yeah. Drink then puke.
Maybe they didn't have it as good as I thought.
I was thinking back to the first time I was drunk. I don't know why. Weird random thoughts run through my mind quite often. Some of them kind of pop out and say "Hi!" This one did. Maybe it was that part of me that likes to gently barge into my head and say "Hey, chill out. Relax. Yeaaaahhhh." Remember when...
I was 14 when I first learned what it meant to hug the porcelain god. Until that time I had visions of adults running up to some statue carved out of porcelain in the figure of a male. I didn't know it meant hugging the toilet while thanking it after-the-fact for being so cool to the touch.
My girlfriend and I, who otherwise had a million other things to do such as call some boys, watch a movie on the VCR (beta--wahoo!), walk to the video arcade or talk about our pick of future husbands and how many children we would have, decided instead to learn for ourselves what the big fuss was all about when it came to drinking. We were at her house and her folks were gone for the evening. So we did what any teen that age does. Search mom and dad's house for alcohol.
It wasn't difficult to find. Her parents had bottles of sour smelling liquid in them in a variety of colors. I picked up the bottle with the bright green liquid. Peppermint liquor the bottle read. It looked a bit like listerine, but the color was prettier. It smelled minty.
After a swig I realized color and minty freshness is not a determining factor in the taste department. It was horrible. Time to try another. This time I headed for the brown liquid. Rum. There ya go. I'd heard stories about Rum. I took a swig.
Whew someone get me some H2O fast! Mouth on fire! Throat on fire! I ran to the kitchen sink and by the time I got the glass and filled it up, my mouth and throat were no longer in heat. In fact, I was starting to feel very warm inside. It tickled my tummy, I thought, giggling. Hey, this stuff wasn't so bad. But I being I was curious and had a short attention span (today I would likely have been slapped with the ADD label), I wanted to continue my exploration into the world of alcohol.
I reached for bottle with the clear stuff. Tequila. Oh, yeah. As I unscrewed the lid, my friend yelled "Hey, I watched my sister drink that stuff once. She called them tequila poppers."
Sounded fun to me.
So my girlfriend, who had been chugging a beer while I explored the harder stuff went to the cupboards and took down a couple of shot glasses.
"Oooh, those are so CUTE!" I exclaimed, holding one close to my face. Little cups that looked like they were meant for babies, I thought.
I put it on the table.
"So what do we do with them?" I asked, ready to go.
"Um, well, I think we put the tequila in there," my friend said.
The two cute little baby glasses get filled up with tequila.
My friend looked at me, her cheeks rosy. I could only assume mine looked much the same way considering how warm my face had become. She smiled. I hadn't stopped smiling since the heat of the rum turned into that wonderful warm tummy tickle.
"Now what?" I asked.
"Um, I think you slam the glass onto the counter and yell TEQUILA. Then you drink it fast," she said.
Unbelievable, I thought. How much fun life could be! Adults have it SO good.
So we slammed those cute little cups that looked like they were made for babies onto that counter and chug-a-lugged. The sound it made was wonderful. SOOO adult I felt. That is until the taste buds spoke.
Holy crap. This stuff was AWFUL!
So out it came from my mouth, much to the sudden burst of hysterical giggles from my girlfriend, who had managed to keep the tequila in her mouth.
"Quick, fill mine up with some of that Rum. This stuff is TERRIBLE!" I announced.
So in went the Rum into the glass then down the hatch.
This went on a few more times, in between long stretches of giggles and the occasional belching, before the room began to do strange things. Suddenly I did not like how I was feeling. Standing had become a challenge. And the giggles were quickly gone only to be replaced by a rumbling in my tummy.
"I don't feel so good," I said weakly, running, make that stumbling, to the bathroom.
Oh no, I thought. This can't be happening. Please don't throw up please don't throw up please don't throw up, I pleaded inside my head. I even prayed to God, Jesus, Budda, the President. Anyone in the position of authority who, in those few drunken moments, I thought could possibly stop the growing inevitability.
Well not even the President himself was able to stop the outcome. Into the toilet it all went with me clinging to it, thanking it for being so cool and well, for being there. And it was there I remained for the next couple of hours, sleeping.
When I finally awoke I went back out into the living room. My girlfriend had passed out on the couch. She had escaped the part of throwing up. Lucky her considering she had mixed hard alcohol with beer.
I cleaned up the mess and managed to get the two of us into bed before her parents arrived home, which they finally did at 2am. I began to think how lucky they were to be able to stay out as late as they wanted. Then I thought about the evening, the alcohol, the spinning room and the results at the toilet. I remembered how I had thought how good adults have it. That freedom to drink.
Yeah. Drink then puke.
Maybe they didn't have it as good as I thought.
Technology Has Made It Easy To Behave Inconsiderately
I feel quite annoyed today.
The following scenario's push my annoyance button:
I reply to an advertised job via e-mail as requested. I wait and wait and wait for some response. After a couple of weeks I reply, inquiring as to the status. I receive nothing. Or I reply after a few days to ensure the e-mail went through. I receive nothing. I'm tired of kissing the potential employer's ass while I receive silence in return for my, well, ass-kissing. Give me something, people. A simple: Yes it was received. If we are interested we will inquire with you further. There ya go. Quick and easy.
Next scenario:
I am doing business with an individual at a local agency. I call to speak with the person. I receive their voice mail. I leave a message. 24 hours pass. 48 hours. 72. No reply. So I phone again. And wait. And wait. And wait. Finally two weeks later I receive a response. And yet, no apology. If I point out the obvious--I have had to leave two messages and wait a considerable time for a reply--I am met with some lame defensive answer. "Oh, I've been busy." How about "I apologize for my late response" and leave it at that. Short and simple and to the point. No excuses. They make you sound uncaring.
And yet another:
I read an exchange between people online. What starts off as an offered opinion turns into a game of "who can insult the other the quickest". The basic tenets of the argument get lost in an exchange of insults and assumptions.
And my favorite:
The e-mails sent out with specific questions and the responses that come back to you that do not address the questions. So ok, you think perhaps they didn't read carefully the e-mail. So you re-send. And don't hear back. Or you do hear back and again, all questions aren't addressed.
What does this world need? A new book of manners in the technological age? "Achieving Adult Maturity In This Era of Technological Adolescense". Hey, that's a pretty catchy title, eh?
Technology has made us lazy, folks. Lazy and inconsiderate. The energies of consideration, grace and concern have been replaced by what-the-fuck-ever-i-will-do-whatever-i-want-without-any-self-responsibility-or-careful-thought. I am in e-mail contact with a couple of folks through some professional organizations here locally. Their response times are appalling slow. They often misspell my name. And their punctuation and spelling are outrageous at times. Where did these folks attend school? E-Mail University: where anything goes and the rest, out the window, including spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc.
And I needn't mention the cell phone issue considering I've blogged enough about it in the past, but what the hey. It's a new day. People having their loud conversations next to others out in public places, in line at the stores, in banks, not to mention the very foolish folks who think they can drive effectively and responsibility and talk on their cell phones at the same time. (Newsflash: A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, put out by the University of Utah concluded that "drivers using mobile telephones are as impaired as drivers who are legally drunk." And despite what many folks think, "a hands-free device does not lessen the risk.") Not surprising considering the near-misses I've experienced by such drivers. I shudder when I think of the near-misses I've seen with such drivers and bicyclists. I despise Big Brother, but I support bans on texting and talking whilst driving only because people are often blinded to their own behavior. A common mindest: "Oh, I can do that just fine. It's other people who can't."
Logic flaw 101: Thinking one is superior to others in order to avoid facing the truth.
We all do it, don't we?
Then there are the people who visit your home and during the middle of a conversation, their phone rings. Rather than do the polite thing, which is to turn it off, they instead answer the phone and proceed to have a conversation, leaving you sitting there twiddling your thumbs. The last time this happened, I turned on the television and engaged myself in a program. Upon termination of the call, my guest said they were ready to resume the conversation. Oh, sorry, you will have to wait until I am finished watching this, I announced.
You are in my home. You have come to visit me. Unless you are expecting an emergency or important call, shut the damn phone off. Or let it go to voice mail. Certainly when I have guests over and the phone rings, I let it go to voice mail (it's there for a reason folks--USE IT). If I am expecting a call, I apologize and say as such. If it is not the expected caller, I say I have company and end the phone call. Why do I do this? Specifically: because I have already committed my time to the individual in my home. Generally speaking: I think about how my actions may affect others. A behavior I find to be grossly missing today.
Yes, perhaps my recent behavior was a bit immature. It certainly wasn't one that was as honest as I would normally like to be. But damnit, I should not have to point out this behavior. Sometimes perhaps a dose of their own behavior thrown their way will be the wake-up call they need. I have noticed a trend in this regard: that some folks simply respond more to that kind of behavior than they do with a respectfully given, honest assertion of ones opinion.
As my girlfriend says at times "I should not have to scream to be heard."
Ah, sadly, sometimes we do.
The following scenario's push my annoyance button:
I reply to an advertised job via e-mail as requested. I wait and wait and wait for some response. After a couple of weeks I reply, inquiring as to the status. I receive nothing. Or I reply after a few days to ensure the e-mail went through. I receive nothing. I'm tired of kissing the potential employer's ass while I receive silence in return for my, well, ass-kissing. Give me something, people. A simple: Yes it was received. If we are interested we will inquire with you further. There ya go. Quick and easy.
Next scenario:
I am doing business with an individual at a local agency. I call to speak with the person. I receive their voice mail. I leave a message. 24 hours pass. 48 hours. 72. No reply. So I phone again. And wait. And wait. And wait. Finally two weeks later I receive a response. And yet, no apology. If I point out the obvious--I have had to leave two messages and wait a considerable time for a reply--I am met with some lame defensive answer. "Oh, I've been busy." How about "I apologize for my late response" and leave it at that. Short and simple and to the point. No excuses. They make you sound uncaring.
And yet another:
I read an exchange between people online. What starts off as an offered opinion turns into a game of "who can insult the other the quickest". The basic tenets of the argument get lost in an exchange of insults and assumptions.
And my favorite:
The e-mails sent out with specific questions and the responses that come back to you that do not address the questions. So ok, you think perhaps they didn't read carefully the e-mail. So you re-send. And don't hear back. Or you do hear back and again, all questions aren't addressed.
What does this world need? A new book of manners in the technological age? "Achieving Adult Maturity In This Era of Technological Adolescense". Hey, that's a pretty catchy title, eh?
Technology has made us lazy, folks. Lazy and inconsiderate. The energies of consideration, grace and concern have been replaced by what-the-fuck-ever-i-will-do-whatever-i-want-without-any-self-responsibility-or-careful-thought. I am in e-mail contact with a couple of folks through some professional organizations here locally. Their response times are appalling slow. They often misspell my name. And their punctuation and spelling are outrageous at times. Where did these folks attend school? E-Mail University: where anything goes and the rest, out the window, including spelling, punctuation, grammar, etc.
And I needn't mention the cell phone issue considering I've blogged enough about it in the past, but what the hey. It's a new day. People having their loud conversations next to others out in public places, in line at the stores, in banks, not to mention the very foolish folks who think they can drive effectively and responsibility and talk on their cell phones at the same time. (Newsflash: A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, put out by the University of Utah concluded that "drivers using mobile telephones are as impaired as drivers who are legally drunk." And despite what many folks think, "a hands-free device does not lessen the risk.") Not surprising considering the near-misses I've experienced by such drivers. I shudder when I think of the near-misses I've seen with such drivers and bicyclists. I despise Big Brother, but I support bans on texting and talking whilst driving only because people are often blinded to their own behavior. A common mindest: "Oh, I can do that just fine. It's other people who can't."
Logic flaw 101: Thinking one is superior to others in order to avoid facing the truth.
We all do it, don't we?
Then there are the people who visit your home and during the middle of a conversation, their phone rings. Rather than do the polite thing, which is to turn it off, they instead answer the phone and proceed to have a conversation, leaving you sitting there twiddling your thumbs. The last time this happened, I turned on the television and engaged myself in a program. Upon termination of the call, my guest said they were ready to resume the conversation. Oh, sorry, you will have to wait until I am finished watching this, I announced.
You are in my home. You have come to visit me. Unless you are expecting an emergency or important call, shut the damn phone off. Or let it go to voice mail. Certainly when I have guests over and the phone rings, I let it go to voice mail (it's there for a reason folks--USE IT). If I am expecting a call, I apologize and say as such. If it is not the expected caller, I say I have company and end the phone call. Why do I do this? Specifically: because I have already committed my time to the individual in my home. Generally speaking: I think about how my actions may affect others. A behavior I find to be grossly missing today.
Yes, perhaps my recent behavior was a bit immature. It certainly wasn't one that was as honest as I would normally like to be. But damnit, I should not have to point out this behavior. Sometimes perhaps a dose of their own behavior thrown their way will be the wake-up call they need. I have noticed a trend in this regard: that some folks simply respond more to that kind of behavior than they do with a respectfully given, honest assertion of ones opinion.
As my girlfriend says at times "I should not have to scream to be heard."
Ah, sadly, sometimes we do.
1.23.2009
Portland Mayor Sam Adams Scandal: A Perspective
I don't live in Portland so I don't know much about Sam Adams other than he's the first gay mayor, which is a cool thing in and of itself. It shows progress!
Being we receive the Portland news station affiliates on our television, I've been watching this scandal, and, as I usually do with such things, I mull it around my mind before coming to any conclusion.
For starters, the term "lying politician" is of course an oxymoron. Actually the term "lying human" is an oxymoron. We all lie. It isn't the fact of lying that I like to consider. It's what was lied about and how that effects me. I also want to know if the lying or the events that lead up to the lying caused others to be unnecessarily hurt.
From what I've heard and understood, Adams had sex with a former intern. At the time of their meeting the intern was said to be 17 and Adams is reported to now be claiming he told the intern they needed to wait until he was 18 before engaging in a sexual relationship.
Here's what I'm thinking. If this had been a straight middle aged white man who had been showing interest in a 17 year old girl and saying the same thing: gotta wait until you're 18, there would be a huge backlash. Most on the backlash side seem to be citing the fact that he lied.
So what. There's something more bothersome in this to me.
A young teenager, who, if like the typical teen, is vulnerable, impressionable. I realize the idea of maturity and being an adult can be fuzzy in terms of one's ability to truly watch out for themselves and protect themselves from harm. Maybe this young boy was wise and mature beyond his years in terms of adult sexual/emotional/romantic relationships and all of the ramifications that go along with that.
I have serious doubts about that though. And, most young adults typically engage with other young adults in such relationships.
I know what I was like at that age. I know I would have been easily taken with and flattered by the attention of some well known older adult male with clout and power. As such, I also could have very easily been taken advantage of.
Thinking along the lines of a parent, I also know if I had a 17 year old and knew that a middle age man (or woman) was showing interest in my child, sexually, I would have huge red flags about that. Actually who am I kidding. I would be incensed with rage and would have fantasies of castration.
And comeon. What on earth would someone Adam's age have in common with a 17/18 year old that would lead Adams to desire and explore a sexual relationship?
The likely answer? A beautiful, hard body and a trusting, innocent spirit who obviously was very supportive of Adam's and his political desires given the young man's position as Intern.
Something about this doesn't sit right with me.
So back to what I do when I am lied to. Sam Adams lied to the public about this relationship.
1) How does this effect me? It doesn't, other than raise concerns. But putting a dent in my life? Nope. Even if I lived in Portland, the lie itself wouldn't put a big dent in my life.
and...
2) Did the events leading up to the lie, in this case a sexual relationship with an 18 year old intern, cause unnecessary harm to the young man?
That is the unanswered question. That is what I want to know. That is what I want to see the public and media go after.
That being said, as I keep coming back to, something in me is very uncomfortable with all of this. Middle aged men having sex with 18 year olds, male or female, especially having begun courting them or even discussing a relationship with them at the age of 17 just feels wrong. Creepy and wrong.
Being we receive the Portland news station affiliates on our television, I've been watching this scandal, and, as I usually do with such things, I mull it around my mind before coming to any conclusion.
For starters, the term "lying politician" is of course an oxymoron. Actually the term "lying human" is an oxymoron. We all lie. It isn't the fact of lying that I like to consider. It's what was lied about and how that effects me. I also want to know if the lying or the events that lead up to the lying caused others to be unnecessarily hurt.
From what I've heard and understood, Adams had sex with a former intern. At the time of their meeting the intern was said to be 17 and Adams is reported to now be claiming he told the intern they needed to wait until he was 18 before engaging in a sexual relationship.
Here's what I'm thinking. If this had been a straight middle aged white man who had been showing interest in a 17 year old girl and saying the same thing: gotta wait until you're 18, there would be a huge backlash. Most on the backlash side seem to be citing the fact that he lied.
So what. There's something more bothersome in this to me.
A young teenager, who, if like the typical teen, is vulnerable, impressionable. I realize the idea of maturity and being an adult can be fuzzy in terms of one's ability to truly watch out for themselves and protect themselves from harm. Maybe this young boy was wise and mature beyond his years in terms of adult sexual/emotional/romantic relationships and all of the ramifications that go along with that.
I have serious doubts about that though. And, most young adults typically engage with other young adults in such relationships.
I know what I was like at that age. I know I would have been easily taken with and flattered by the attention of some well known older adult male with clout and power. As such, I also could have very easily been taken advantage of.
Thinking along the lines of a parent, I also know if I had a 17 year old and knew that a middle age man (or woman) was showing interest in my child, sexually, I would have huge red flags about that. Actually who am I kidding. I would be incensed with rage and would have fantasies of castration.
And comeon. What on earth would someone Adam's age have in common with a 17/18 year old that would lead Adams to desire and explore a sexual relationship?
The likely answer? A beautiful, hard body and a trusting, innocent spirit who obviously was very supportive of Adam's and his political desires given the young man's position as Intern.
Something about this doesn't sit right with me.
So back to what I do when I am lied to. Sam Adams lied to the public about this relationship.
1) How does this effect me? It doesn't, other than raise concerns. But putting a dent in my life? Nope. Even if I lived in Portland, the lie itself wouldn't put a big dent in my life.
and...
2) Did the events leading up to the lie, in this case a sexual relationship with an 18 year old intern, cause unnecessary harm to the young man?
That is the unanswered question. That is what I want to know. That is what I want to see the public and media go after.
That being said, as I keep coming back to, something in me is very uncomfortable with all of this. Middle aged men having sex with 18 year olds, male or female, especially having begun courting them or even discussing a relationship with them at the age of 17 just feels wrong. Creepy and wrong.
Obama + Change = Lie
Before I begin, let me add a caveat to the potential new reader: I voted for Nader. I voted for real change, not the same 'ole crap in different packaging. I considered not voting, but I went with my idealistic stubborn side. Now, I'm under no illusion that my vote had an impact. That won't happen until more people look, ask, look, ask and look and ask some more.
Ok folks, here it is. The "Change" we've wanted to see in D.C. Let's take a looksie at some of these Obama Cabinet picks and their years in D.C. and well well now, whattya know! What a coincidence! Why most of these people have been affiliated with the Clintons and/or served under the Clinton Administration. Doing some googling on this subject, I came across several articles by Obama supporters who ain't so pleased.
*Eric Holder. Obama's pick for Attorney General. 32 years in D.C. Former Clinton era Justice Department Official.
*Rahm Emanuel. Obama's pick for Chief of Staff. 10 years in D.C. Former Clinton White House Senior Advisor.
*Timothy Geithner. Treasury. 16 years in D.C. Served as Undersecretary for International Affairs during the Clinton era.
*Gregory Chair. Obama's pick for White House Counsel. 37 years in D.C. Led Clinton's defense during the impeachment hearings. Friends of the Clinton's since their days in law school.
*Larry Summers. National Economic Council. During the Clinton years, held positions in the Treasury Department.
*Janet Napolitano. Homeland Security. Was appointed U.S. Attorney for Arizona by Bill Clinton.
*John Podesta. Transition Team. 32 years in D.C. Clinton's last Chief of Staff.
*Hillary. Secretary of State. Do I really need to talk about her affiliation with Bill?
For more insight and to see the entire list, check out this site.
While Obama has added in some newbies (unknown to you and I that is), overall he's simply installed people who have been part of the D.C. Disease that have bankrupted our nation.
Change? Change from reversing some of the Bush Administration policies, yes.
But real change? Change we need to create a legitimate honest government of and for the people?
As Jerry Seinfeld would say, laughing: I don't think so.
Ok folks, here it is. The "Change" we've wanted to see in D.C. Let's take a looksie at some of these Obama Cabinet picks and their years in D.C. and well well now, whattya know! What a coincidence! Why most of these people have been affiliated with the Clintons and/or served under the Clinton Administration. Doing some googling on this subject, I came across several articles by Obama supporters who ain't so pleased.
*Eric Holder. Obama's pick for Attorney General. 32 years in D.C. Former Clinton era Justice Department Official.
*Rahm Emanuel. Obama's pick for Chief of Staff. 10 years in D.C. Former Clinton White House Senior Advisor.
*Timothy Geithner. Treasury. 16 years in D.C. Served as Undersecretary for International Affairs during the Clinton era.
*Gregory Chair. Obama's pick for White House Counsel. 37 years in D.C. Led Clinton's defense during the impeachment hearings. Friends of the Clinton's since their days in law school.
*Larry Summers. National Economic Council. During the Clinton years, held positions in the Treasury Department.
*Janet Napolitano. Homeland Security. Was appointed U.S. Attorney for Arizona by Bill Clinton.
*John Podesta. Transition Team. 32 years in D.C. Clinton's last Chief of Staff.
*Hillary. Secretary of State. Do I really need to talk about her affiliation with Bill?
For more insight and to see the entire list, check out this site.
While Obama has added in some newbies (unknown to you and I that is), overall he's simply installed people who have been part of the D.C. Disease that have bankrupted our nation.
Change? Change from reversing some of the Bush Administration policies, yes.
But real change? Change we need to create a legitimate honest government of and for the people?
As Jerry Seinfeld would say, laughing: I don't think so.
1.22.2009
Thoughts on Democracy and Cosmic Connection
I know the title's strange, but please read on.
I find I often get those quiet insights when I'm near or in water, whether it be at the beach, near a lake or in the bathroom. I was thinking about the concept of democracy earlier today.
I once read a thought that has stayed with me. "Democracy is really mob rule." At first I was offended by that assertion. And yet, today, I realize there's truth in it. While I may remove the word "mob" and instead use "majority", that really is what Democracy looks like. Majority rule.
And yet, that leaves a group of individuals feeling on the outside, where often times their voice, their wants and their needs go overlooked, neglected, often ridiculed.
Something about this doesn't sit well with me. Even if I happen to feel I am in the majority (which I am under no illusion that I am), how just, how fair is it for those who feel on the outside?
We're all connected. Remove the beliefs, the labels, the earthly "things" and we're all Cosmically connected, for better, for worse, for everything in between. And as such, what I do effects you, what you do effects me. That effect can be much less hindering and harmful if we were to embrace Freedom.
All of this has my creative juices flowing, the wheels in my mind turning. Perhaps we need a new way of "governing" ourselves. Perhaps we need to forgo the notion of a federal government and even of states altogether. Perhaps instead we need to simply create communities of various sizes of like-minded individuals, whose beliefs, needs and wants are similar/alike and create government's around such communities whose purpose is to ensure those needs and wants are provided for. The caveat: The principles of Freedom must be followed.
All of this is idealistic of course. As a species we are nowhere near the level of wisdom and self-awakening to live so freely, to live in such a way as to know neighboring areas are living quite differently and, most importantly, to allow that without interfering. But it is possible if we were to embrace the truth of what Freedom is. Live and let live. No imposing of one's will. Do no harm.
So in the meantime, there will continue to be folks like myself who feel on the fringe of society, who feel left out, who feel neglected, kicked to the curb simply for holding a different vision and higher ideals (while the masses continue to applaud certain folks and political figures who mislead them by claiming to hold a higher ideal when their version of "higher" is half a step at most or what is usually the case, new packaging for the same 'ol crap, er, ways). Folks like myself who wish for something as described above but see that the majority around them either aren't ready, don't believe it's possible while wishing for it in some way, or are completely opposed to such an idea. And as a result, their will is interfering with my needs, my wants. Their support of the "way things are" interferes with my need for "the way things could be."
We are all connected. If you believe you support freedom, you must support it for all. And I don't see this happening. A truly free society isn't about Democracy. A truly free society recognizes the common connection we all share, sees our varying beliefs and says "I respect and support your right to live your life as you see fit in so long as doing so allows me to live the same".
Think about that one for awhile.
I find I often get those quiet insights when I'm near or in water, whether it be at the beach, near a lake or in the bathroom. I was thinking about the concept of democracy earlier today.
I once read a thought that has stayed with me. "Democracy is really mob rule." At first I was offended by that assertion. And yet, today, I realize there's truth in it. While I may remove the word "mob" and instead use "majority", that really is what Democracy looks like. Majority rule.
And yet, that leaves a group of individuals feeling on the outside, where often times their voice, their wants and their needs go overlooked, neglected, often ridiculed.
Something about this doesn't sit well with me. Even if I happen to feel I am in the majority (which I am under no illusion that I am), how just, how fair is it for those who feel on the outside?
We're all connected. Remove the beliefs, the labels, the earthly "things" and we're all Cosmically connected, for better, for worse, for everything in between. And as such, what I do effects you, what you do effects me. That effect can be much less hindering and harmful if we were to embrace Freedom.
All of this has my creative juices flowing, the wheels in my mind turning. Perhaps we need a new way of "governing" ourselves. Perhaps we need to forgo the notion of a federal government and even of states altogether. Perhaps instead we need to simply create communities of various sizes of like-minded individuals, whose beliefs, needs and wants are similar/alike and create government's around such communities whose purpose is to ensure those needs and wants are provided for. The caveat: The principles of Freedom must be followed.
All of this is idealistic of course. As a species we are nowhere near the level of wisdom and self-awakening to live so freely, to live in such a way as to know neighboring areas are living quite differently and, most importantly, to allow that without interfering. But it is possible if we were to embrace the truth of what Freedom is. Live and let live. No imposing of one's will. Do no harm.
So in the meantime, there will continue to be folks like myself who feel on the fringe of society, who feel left out, who feel neglected, kicked to the curb simply for holding a different vision and higher ideals (while the masses continue to applaud certain folks and political figures who mislead them by claiming to hold a higher ideal when their version of "higher" is half a step at most or what is usually the case, new packaging for the same 'ol crap, er, ways). Folks like myself who wish for something as described above but see that the majority around them either aren't ready, don't believe it's possible while wishing for it in some way, or are completely opposed to such an idea. And as a result, their will is interfering with my needs, my wants. Their support of the "way things are" interferes with my need for "the way things could be."
We are all connected. If you believe you support freedom, you must support it for all. And I don't see this happening. A truly free society isn't about Democracy. A truly free society recognizes the common connection we all share, sees our varying beliefs and says "I respect and support your right to live your life as you see fit in so long as doing so allows me to live the same".
Think about that one for awhile.
Keith Olbermann: Obama Must Prosecute Bush Administration
It won't be happening of course given Obama already said this is an issue he won't be pursuing, but at least one journalist is showing signs of riding his ass to do just that. Below is the transcript. Of course he's blinded by the notion of this nation being a :::cough gasp::: people's democracy, but hey, at least he's removed a large portion of his head from the sand. And given the Obama Mania sweeping the nation from those looking upon him like the next Messiah and as such, aggressively defensive towards anyone who may offer the slightest criticism, this took some guts. Rock on Keith!
"Sadly, as commendable as the intention here might seem, this country has never succeeded in moving forward without first cleansing itself of its mistaken past. In point of fact, every effort to merely draw a line in the sand and declare the past dead, has served to only keep the past alive, and often to strengthen it. We compromised with slavery in the Declaration of Independence, and, fourscore and nine years later, we had buried 600,000 of our sons and brothers in a civil war. After that war’s ending, we compromised with the social restructuring and protection of the rights of minorities in the South. And a century later, we had not only had not resolved anything, but black leaders were still being assassinated in the cities of the South. We compromised with Germany in the reconstruction of Europe after the First World War. Nobody even arrested the German kaiser, let alone conducted war crimes trials then. And 19 years later, there was an indescribably more evil Germany and a more heartrending Second World War.
We compromised with the trusts of the early 1900s, and today, we have corporations too big to fail. We compromised with the Palmer Raids and got McCarthyism, and we compromised with McCarthyism and got Watergate. And we compromised with Watergate, and the junior members of the Ford administration realized how little was ultimately at risk. And they grew up to be Paul Wolfowitz and Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney.
But, Mr. President-elect, you are entirely correct. As you say, what we have to focus on is getting things right in the future, as opposed to looking at what we got wrong in the past. And that means prosecuting all those involved in the Bush administration’s torture of prisoners, and starting at the top. You’re also right that you should not want your first term consumed by what was perceived on the part of Republicans as a partisan witch hunt. But your only other option might be to let this sit and fester indefinitely because, Mr. President-elect, some day, there will be another Republican President or even a Democrat just as blind as Mr. Bush to ethics and he will look back to what you did about Mr. Bush or what you did not do, and he will seek precedent or, as Cheney saw, he will see a not to get caught next time. Prosecute, Mr. President-elect, and even if you get not one conviction, you will still have accomplished good for generations unborn because merely by acting, you will deny Mr. Bush what he most wants, right now, without prosecutions, without this nation standing up and saying this was wrong, we will atone, Mr. Bush’s version of what happened goes into the historical record of this nation: Torture was legal. It worked. George Bush saved the country. The end.
We have tortured people. You and I, Mr. President-elect. This is a people’s democracy. We are the people. These were our elected officials. That they did not come to us and ask to act thusly in our names is unfortunate and indeed criminal, but it is almost irrelevant. They worked for us, they tortured people, and so we have tortured people. Thus, beginning tomorrow, it is up to you, not just to discontinue this, but to prevent it. At the end of his first year in office, Mr. Lincoln tried to contextualize the Civil War. For those who still wanted to compromise with the evils of secession and slavery. "The struggle of today," Lincoln wrote, "is not altogether for today. It is for a vast future also." Mr. President-elect, you have been handed the beginning of that future. Use it to protect our children and our distant descendants from anything like this ever happening again. Good night and good luck."
"Sadly, as commendable as the intention here might seem, this country has never succeeded in moving forward without first cleansing itself of its mistaken past. In point of fact, every effort to merely draw a line in the sand and declare the past dead, has served to only keep the past alive, and often to strengthen it. We compromised with slavery in the Declaration of Independence, and, fourscore and nine years later, we had buried 600,000 of our sons and brothers in a civil war. After that war’s ending, we compromised with the social restructuring and protection of the rights of minorities in the South. And a century later, we had not only had not resolved anything, but black leaders were still being assassinated in the cities of the South. We compromised with Germany in the reconstruction of Europe after the First World War. Nobody even arrested the German kaiser, let alone conducted war crimes trials then. And 19 years later, there was an indescribably more evil Germany and a more heartrending Second World War.
We compromised with the trusts of the early 1900s, and today, we have corporations too big to fail. We compromised with the Palmer Raids and got McCarthyism, and we compromised with McCarthyism and got Watergate. And we compromised with Watergate, and the junior members of the Ford administration realized how little was ultimately at risk. And they grew up to be Paul Wolfowitz and Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney.
But, Mr. President-elect, you are entirely correct. As you say, what we have to focus on is getting things right in the future, as opposed to looking at what we got wrong in the past. And that means prosecuting all those involved in the Bush administration’s torture of prisoners, and starting at the top. You’re also right that you should not want your first term consumed by what was perceived on the part of Republicans as a partisan witch hunt. But your only other option might be to let this sit and fester indefinitely because, Mr. President-elect, some day, there will be another Republican President or even a Democrat just as blind as Mr. Bush to ethics and he will look back to what you did about Mr. Bush or what you did not do, and he will seek precedent or, as Cheney saw, he will see a not to get caught next time. Prosecute, Mr. President-elect, and even if you get not one conviction, you will still have accomplished good for generations unborn because merely by acting, you will deny Mr. Bush what he most wants, right now, without prosecutions, without this nation standing up and saying this was wrong, we will atone, Mr. Bush’s version of what happened goes into the historical record of this nation: Torture was legal. It worked. George Bush saved the country. The end.
We have tortured people. You and I, Mr. President-elect. This is a people’s democracy. We are the people. These were our elected officials. That they did not come to us and ask to act thusly in our names is unfortunate and indeed criminal, but it is almost irrelevant. They worked for us, they tortured people, and so we have tortured people. Thus, beginning tomorrow, it is up to you, not just to discontinue this, but to prevent it. At the end of his first year in office, Mr. Lincoln tried to contextualize the Civil War. For those who still wanted to compromise with the evils of secession and slavery. "The struggle of today," Lincoln wrote, "is not altogether for today. It is for a vast future also." Mr. President-elect, you have been handed the beginning of that future. Use it to protect our children and our distant descendants from anything like this ever happening again. Good night and good luck."
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