As you can see, there were no survivors. It was indeed a polyester batting bloodbath. But it left behind one satisfied dog and a nice mess for Mama Nina to clean.
12.16.2008
12.15.2008
Snow Day
The thrill of victory...
And the agony of defeat. Or shall I say the agony of de snow up de pants.
Today Mr. N and I headed out to the hills to go sledding. Not having been sledding since I was in my early 20's, I was hesitant to strap my ass to a piece of plastic and allow my body to be hurled out of control down a hill. Hesitancy was soon replaced by absolute joy, squeals and thrills.
When I was in my teens, I had the need for speed, be it on my bike, on a skateboard, in my car or on a sled. I was known for taking chances sledding down steep, icy roads that were otherwise not in use by motor vehicles. One such incident had me in front and a girlfriend in back, clinging on to me for dear life.
"You're sure you know how to steer this thing?" she asked.
"Of course," I replied.
And off we went. Things were going fine for the first few moments, but suddenly the sled began to veer towards a parked car.
"Oh my god LOOK OUT FOR THAT CAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRR" came my friends scream.
For whatever reason I remained calm. At the very worst I figured we'd bounce off the tire and spin out.
Which is exactly what happened.
My friend was not pleased. I couldn't understand that. I'd had a GREAT time. And we were fine. No injuries.
Ah but that was then and this is now. Things like bodily injury and money and insurance (and lack of) go through your mind when you get on in your adult years. However, that didn't stop Mr. N and I from attempting to capture some of those child-like feelings of youth. Mr. N even made his first attempt head-first. I said a quick prayer when I realized the position on the sled he had taken.
And yet, just as in my youth, we came away from the day with no injuries. Just cold and wet. Tired from the snow tackles and snowball fights. But invigorated and gleeful. And looking forward to the next time out.
12.12.2008
Another Corvallis Employer Pandering To The Spanish-Speaking
There aren't many available jobs in Corvallis as those of us looking are well aware of. And as such, it's an employer's wet dream. Unfortunately, some of these employers take advantage of such situations, many of them over the years pandering to the Spanish-Speaking community.
Before I continue I want to make clear (again) that I have nothing against anyone moving to the states. I have nothing against Hispanic people. They are some of the most open-hearted people I have met. Very truly deeply family oriented. My issue is this trend of businesses and government mandating that we become a dual language society. In our private lives, this is of course fine. And doable. However, out in the working world this is unfair and ridiculous. Practicality screams we must have one recognized language in such situations. This trend has put aside a large percentage of our population that does not speak Spanish (or Spanish AND English both)--aside and out of the competitive job market.
Move here and you can receive assistance learning the language. Already live here and want assistance learning Spanish? Don't think so.
Helicopter Transport Services, Inc. located out at the Corvallis Municipal Airport is hiring for a position I would otherwise be qualified for it it weren't for one caveat: Spanish speaking is a must.
I wish to give my thanks to HTSI for continuing this trend of pandering to those who chose to move here and opt not to learn the language. I wish to thank them for making it more difficult for folks like myself to find employment. May a hemmorhoid gigante se conecta a su asno hasta que usted llegue a ser conocedor de lo que sus acciones hacen a este país.
For those who think I am exagerrating, here's another little scoop on this issue. I recently purchased some asparagus at Fred Meyer. Attached to the label was a word I had never seen. A new country, a new state, a new city perhaps. It was a combination of "Mexico" and "California". I was stunned. I forgot to save it so I can't recall the exact word. But it was eye-opening for certain.
Breaking News: Mr. N reminded me that I bought two bundles of asparagus, kept one in the refrig and put the other in the freezer. The one in the freezer still had the rubber band and attached labels. The name of the city in California? "CALEXICO." There you have it.
Before I continue I want to make clear (again) that I have nothing against anyone moving to the states. I have nothing against Hispanic people. They are some of the most open-hearted people I have met. Very truly deeply family oriented. My issue is this trend of businesses and government mandating that we become a dual language society. In our private lives, this is of course fine. And doable. However, out in the working world this is unfair and ridiculous. Practicality screams we must have one recognized language in such situations. This trend has put aside a large percentage of our population that does not speak Spanish (or Spanish AND English both)--aside and out of the competitive job market.
Move here and you can receive assistance learning the language. Already live here and want assistance learning Spanish? Don't think so.
Helicopter Transport Services, Inc. located out at the Corvallis Municipal Airport is hiring for a position I would otherwise be qualified for it it weren't for one caveat: Spanish speaking is a must.
I wish to give my thanks to HTSI for continuing this trend of pandering to those who chose to move here and opt not to learn the language. I wish to thank them for making it more difficult for folks like myself to find employment. May a hemmorhoid gigante se conecta a su asno hasta que usted llegue a ser conocedor de lo que sus acciones hacen a este país.
For those who think I am exagerrating, here's another little scoop on this issue. I recently purchased some asparagus at Fred Meyer. Attached to the label was a word I had never seen. A new country, a new state, a new city perhaps. It was a combination of "Mexico" and "California". I was stunned. I forgot to save it so I can't recall the exact word. But it was eye-opening for certain.
Breaking News: Mr. N reminded me that I bought two bundles of asparagus, kept one in the refrig and put the other in the freezer. The one in the freezer still had the rubber band and attached labels. The name of the city in California? "CALEXICO." There you have it.
12.10.2008
One Of The Youngest Iraqi Victims
This is maddening to me. Maddening not only because of the genocide that's being committed in Iraq (karma cannot come soon enough for every fucker who supported and supports this war) and the families being torn apart, destroyed, and the overwhelming number of children being injured, including this precious little child, but maddening because the father is a gutless fuck who allowed a new wife to enter the family home--a new wife who refused to care for his little girl, his daughter, his baby. That isn't a woman. That is a heartless bitch.
The loving thing to do would be to allow this child to be put up for adoption. The other loving thing to do would be for the Rosie O'Donnell's and Brad/Angelina's of the world--the multi- millionaires who are very much in favor of adoption--to create a fund enabling those who would like to adopt but cannot simply due to money the chance to do just that. If such things existed, I would be first in line to adopt this little girl.
The loving thing to do would be to allow this child to be put up for adoption. The other loving thing to do would be for the Rosie O'Donnell's and Brad/Angelina's of the world--the multi- millionaires who are very much in favor of adoption--to create a fund enabling those who would like to adopt but cannot simply due to money the chance to do just that. If such things existed, I would be first in line to adopt this little girl.
Today
I don't normally do this. But today, I am.
Today was a fucking lousy day. Frustrating as hell. And a reminder that hey, when it comes to me trying to record some fucking music for some fucking god damn holiday gifts, I am alone in trying to fucking learn how to do this.
So I read. And re-read. Then went to record. Hours I spent. First I hook up the USB cable from the piano to the computer. I go back to my keyboard manual and try to find SOMETHING that tells me what to do once I've done this. Nothing. Not a god damn thing. Just essentially says "hook it up". Uh yeah and NEXT I do WHAT????
Nothing shows up on my computer that says "houston we've got a keyboard hooked up". "Houston we are ready to upload some files." Just that little "kachung" noise it makes when hooking up external hardware equipment.
One word of note: I am not tech saavy. AT ALL. You either are or are not. I don't learn these things well on my own, IF at all. And yet finding someone who IS tech saavy who can just be kind and generous and offer to help you out for no cost is, well you know. People don't do a thing for free anymore. If I am told ONE MORE TIME to "RTFM" (read the fucking manual) I am going to intentionally cause myself to vomit on the person's face.
So here I am thinking "wtf"?
So I decide to call Yamaha (keyboard dealer).
They're closed for the day.
Great.
So I think about it and decide "screw this". I'll just load up the recorded material onto my jump drive.
Which I do.
All goes well.
I then upload it all onto the computer and dump it on a blank CD.
All still going well.
That is until I actually played it. The piano only pieces sound wonderful. However, the pieces with piano AND drum sound awful. The drum sounds like someone is scratching nails on a chalkboard. WTF?? It doesn't sound this way when played on my Yamaha at all.
I've spent 2 hours online researching this and have come up empty handed. I try looking up things on recording and faulty jump drives. NADA.
Apparently I am the only damn person on this hell hole who has ever had this problem.
Also up my ass today is a friend who is, for the millionth time, suicidal. Suicidal people are the most selfish you will find. So focused on their own lives and suffering, they can't--they won't--find it in their hearts to let you know how they are. Silence is what you get. What I'm getting. She has reasons to dismiss all of my suggestions. So what do I say? Fine. Go ahead. Do it.
Hearing someone say "I hate my life I want to die" over and over again wears on you. Don't these people GET that? I've dealt with the desire of wanting to just go to sleep and not wake up. I battle with it some days. But I do not spread this little information to those around me over and over and over again. Why? Uh, because, my selfishness doesn't bypass into the category of insanity and I happen to THINK about the feelings of others and about what I say even when I am at my most low.
Calling one of those suicide hotlines or shelters is a waste of time. My friend's in a horrible relationship, has health problems that interfere with her ability to work, certainly full time, no car and no family support. In a nutshell, she's on her own, no place to go, no place to live. Hotlines just gives you someone to talk to and talk isn't usually what these people need. Shelter's offer temporary housing. So while I have anger and frustration and pain aimed at her, I have even more for this fucked up system of ours.
In a loving system, such folks would have a place to go stay and HEAL and recooperate before they're told "Get your ass out into the world and support yourself. We'll let you stay here for a few weeks." In a loving system, money wouldn't ever ever be an issue for such folks.
It breaks my heart. And it enrages me.
Our local shelter/agency, CARDV, SUCKS. I know one of their former counselor's and she said it was the most unhealthy, dysfunctional agency she had ever worked for. A friend of mine went there a few years ago seeking advice and help. Her experience was deplorable. She became so disgusted she walked out. They have a very high staff turnover. That speaks volumes right there about an agency. Community Outreach also has a very high staff turnover. A former friend once worked there and had similar things to say about the place.
Also on my mind is my DESIRE to help people in need by landing employment at one of these god damn agencies. Something I've sought to do off and on for close to 15 years. And with each god damn attempt, I'm told "no". Why? Experience. I don't have it. Education, yep. Experience IN such an agency? Nope.
Well excuse me you fucking pious assholes, but how in the FUCK am I supposed to GET experience if no one will hire me? And.......perhaps the fact that your agencies have a HIGH TURNOVER and the fact that you ONLY higher people with experience, doesn't that mean perhaps you should open yourselves up to those like me who HAVE the education AND the desire and passion and REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE?
A social worker once told me I was too idealistic and passionate to work in the field. WTF? Slap me in the face, why don'tcha. She was serious. She herself was idealistic and passionate but she said these qualities got her into more trouble with co-workers and management. The "help the people" system, private and public, is broken. It is (by and large) run by burned out, broken people who follow too many god damn rules instead of listening to the needs of the clients and fighting within to change the system. And hell, here in this town, to work at such an agency, if you are female, you often have to be fat, over 50 and have some sort of strange body odor.
I have had a couple of interviews though. On one such occasion, after such an interview with Community Outreach, I was told I came in 1st for personality match and 2nd for skills.
That's right. C.O. went for the one with the skills over personality.
Apparently these dumb fucks don't realize SKILLS can be taught and thus learned but PERSONALITY fits cannot.
So there you have it. A multi-faceted insight to my inner dialogue, which on the one hand feels way too stupid to be a part of this system and on the other hand, feels way too wise brilliant and wonderful to be a part of this same system.
Today was a fucking lousy day. Frustrating as hell. And a reminder that hey, when it comes to me trying to record some fucking music for some fucking god damn holiday gifts, I am alone in trying to fucking learn how to do this.
So I read. And re-read. Then went to record. Hours I spent. First I hook up the USB cable from the piano to the computer. I go back to my keyboard manual and try to find SOMETHING that tells me what to do once I've done this. Nothing. Not a god damn thing. Just essentially says "hook it up". Uh yeah and NEXT I do WHAT????
Nothing shows up on my computer that says "houston we've got a keyboard hooked up". "Houston we are ready to upload some files." Just that little "kachung" noise it makes when hooking up external hardware equipment.
One word of note: I am not tech saavy. AT ALL. You either are or are not. I don't learn these things well on my own, IF at all. And yet finding someone who IS tech saavy who can just be kind and generous and offer to help you out for no cost is, well you know. People don't do a thing for free anymore. If I am told ONE MORE TIME to "RTFM" (read the fucking manual) I am going to intentionally cause myself to vomit on the person's face.
So here I am thinking "wtf"?
So I decide to call Yamaha (keyboard dealer).
They're closed for the day.
Great.
So I think about it and decide "screw this". I'll just load up the recorded material onto my jump drive.
Which I do.
All goes well.
I then upload it all onto the computer and dump it on a blank CD.
All still going well.
That is until I actually played it. The piano only pieces sound wonderful. However, the pieces with piano AND drum sound awful. The drum sounds like someone is scratching nails on a chalkboard. WTF?? It doesn't sound this way when played on my Yamaha at all.
I've spent 2 hours online researching this and have come up empty handed. I try looking up things on recording and faulty jump drives. NADA.
Apparently I am the only damn person on this hell hole who has ever had this problem.
Also up my ass today is a friend who is, for the millionth time, suicidal. Suicidal people are the most selfish you will find. So focused on their own lives and suffering, they can't--they won't--find it in their hearts to let you know how they are. Silence is what you get. What I'm getting. She has reasons to dismiss all of my suggestions. So what do I say? Fine. Go ahead. Do it.
Hearing someone say "I hate my life I want to die" over and over again wears on you. Don't these people GET that? I've dealt with the desire of wanting to just go to sleep and not wake up. I battle with it some days. But I do not spread this little information to those around me over and over and over again. Why? Uh, because, my selfishness doesn't bypass into the category of insanity and I happen to THINK about the feelings of others and about what I say even when I am at my most low.
Calling one of those suicide hotlines or shelters is a waste of time. My friend's in a horrible relationship, has health problems that interfere with her ability to work, certainly full time, no car and no family support. In a nutshell, she's on her own, no place to go, no place to live. Hotlines just gives you someone to talk to and talk isn't usually what these people need. Shelter's offer temporary housing. So while I have anger and frustration and pain aimed at her, I have even more for this fucked up system of ours.
In a loving system, such folks would have a place to go stay and HEAL and recooperate before they're told "Get your ass out into the world and support yourself. We'll let you stay here for a few weeks." In a loving system, money wouldn't ever ever be an issue for such folks.
It breaks my heart. And it enrages me.
Our local shelter/agency, CARDV, SUCKS. I know one of their former counselor's and she said it was the most unhealthy, dysfunctional agency she had ever worked for. A friend of mine went there a few years ago seeking advice and help. Her experience was deplorable. She became so disgusted she walked out. They have a very high staff turnover. That speaks volumes right there about an agency. Community Outreach also has a very high staff turnover. A former friend once worked there and had similar things to say about the place.
Also on my mind is my DESIRE to help people in need by landing employment at one of these god damn agencies. Something I've sought to do off and on for close to 15 years. And with each god damn attempt, I'm told "no". Why? Experience. I don't have it. Education, yep. Experience IN such an agency? Nope.
Well excuse me you fucking pious assholes, but how in the FUCK am I supposed to GET experience if no one will hire me? And.......perhaps the fact that your agencies have a HIGH TURNOVER and the fact that you ONLY higher people with experience, doesn't that mean perhaps you should open yourselves up to those like me who HAVE the education AND the desire and passion and REAL WORLD EXPERIENCE?
A social worker once told me I was too idealistic and passionate to work in the field. WTF? Slap me in the face, why don'tcha. She was serious. She herself was idealistic and passionate but she said these qualities got her into more trouble with co-workers and management. The "help the people" system, private and public, is broken. It is (by and large) run by burned out, broken people who follow too many god damn rules instead of listening to the needs of the clients and fighting within to change the system. And hell, here in this town, to work at such an agency, if you are female, you often have to be fat, over 50 and have some sort of strange body odor.
I have had a couple of interviews though. On one such occasion, after such an interview with Community Outreach, I was told I came in 1st for personality match and 2nd for skills.
That's right. C.O. went for the one with the skills over personality.
Apparently these dumb fucks don't realize SKILLS can be taught and thus learned but PERSONALITY fits cannot.
So there you have it. A multi-faceted insight to my inner dialogue, which on the one hand feels way too stupid to be a part of this system and on the other hand, feels way too wise brilliant and wonderful to be a part of this same system.
12.07.2008
Craigslist Top 5 Secrets
I've been following a thread on the Corvallis Craiglist rants and rave section called "My Top 5 Secrets". While I no longer post in this particular space due to my refusal to hand my phone number over to Craigslist management, I check in now and then to see if there's anything worth reading. Usually there isn't. This topic, however, is eye-opening. It is sad. It is comforting.
We all have secrets, stories, that tell of our lives. We all hide them. And yet it's really no big surprise because in truth, we are so much more alike than we are different.
People spoke of wanting to die, of being unhappy, of cheating on their spouse, of wanting their ex dead, of being broke, of working long hours with little to show for it. Ex-meth addicts and current porn addicts share their dirty laundry.
Why do we keep such things to ourselves? Why do we find it easier to post such things, anonymously, online? It's simple: We fear the reaction/potential reaction and judgment from others. We all want people to like us. We all want to be accepted, embraced, wanted. If I tell you this dirty little secret about myself, you may not want me in your life anymore. Or, you may just encourage me to open up even more, which can be equally as uncomfortable as rejection.
As a species, I would conclude most of us are tired of the world around us. Our stuff, while in and of itself is not a "bad" thing, doesn't satisfy us. Neither do our addictions. And neither does isolation. All such things merely keep us feeling safe due to the familiarity and in comfort zones we feel we and we alone control. Some go out to clubs and bars or to parties where alcohol and other mind-numbing/altering drugs are the norm. Such environments don't allow for us to truly relax and open up.
Nope. The only way to do that is to just take a risk and start opening up with those around you. Wouldn't it be refreshing when in getting to know another we would share our life stories, what we most fear, what we most desire and things like that. Real conversations. Not just topic/subject-based. Real relating from the heart rather than the mind only.
If we were to do that, we would see how alike we are. We would help in creating a new world, one we want to be a part of instead of one we do what we can to run from in our own ways. As the line in the movie "Contact" states: "The only thing we have found that makes the loneliness bearable is each other." I would add that it isn't just being with another/others that reduces or eliminates the loneliness (for we've all likely been in situations where we've been with another/other's and felt very lonely), but it is the relating and connecting we do with one another.
We all have secrets, stories, that tell of our lives. We all hide them. And yet it's really no big surprise because in truth, we are so much more alike than we are different.
People spoke of wanting to die, of being unhappy, of cheating on their spouse, of wanting their ex dead, of being broke, of working long hours with little to show for it. Ex-meth addicts and current porn addicts share their dirty laundry.
Why do we keep such things to ourselves? Why do we find it easier to post such things, anonymously, online? It's simple: We fear the reaction/potential reaction and judgment from others. We all want people to like us. We all want to be accepted, embraced, wanted. If I tell you this dirty little secret about myself, you may not want me in your life anymore. Or, you may just encourage me to open up even more, which can be equally as uncomfortable as rejection.
As a species, I would conclude most of us are tired of the world around us. Our stuff, while in and of itself is not a "bad" thing, doesn't satisfy us. Neither do our addictions. And neither does isolation. All such things merely keep us feeling safe due to the familiarity and in comfort zones we feel we and we alone control. Some go out to clubs and bars or to parties where alcohol and other mind-numbing/altering drugs are the norm. Such environments don't allow for us to truly relax and open up.
Nope. The only way to do that is to just take a risk and start opening up with those around you. Wouldn't it be refreshing when in getting to know another we would share our life stories, what we most fear, what we most desire and things like that. Real conversations. Not just topic/subject-based. Real relating from the heart rather than the mind only.
If we were to do that, we would see how alike we are. We would help in creating a new world, one we want to be a part of instead of one we do what we can to run from in our own ways. As the line in the movie "Contact" states: "The only thing we have found that makes the loneliness bearable is each other." I would add that it isn't just being with another/others that reduces or eliminates the loneliness (for we've all likely been in situations where we've been with another/other's and felt very lonely), but it is the relating and connecting we do with one another.
12.06.2008
Things That Make Me Go "Aaawww"
To balance out the post below, even out my energy output.
1) Anything my dog does. She is perfect.
2) Children playing outside on a sunny day, squealing with delight.
3) Seeing couples out in public holding hands, kissing.
4) Mr. Nina's smile first thing in the morning. Adorably little boy innocent.
5) Hearing of any story where someone has unexpectedly helped another in need.
6) A sleeping baby.
7) When someone says to me: "Thank you so much. That was so kind of you." Or along those lines.
8) Being told "you are important to me."
9) Puppies and kitties playing.
10) Receiving an unexpected letter from a friend or family member in the mail.
1) Anything my dog does. She is perfect.
2) Children playing outside on a sunny day, squealing with delight.
3) Seeing couples out in public holding hands, kissing.
4) Mr. Nina's smile first thing in the morning. Adorably little boy innocent.
5) Hearing of any story where someone has unexpectedly helped another in need.
6) A sleeping baby.
7) When someone says to me: "Thank you so much. That was so kind of you." Or along those lines.
8) Being told "you are important to me."
9) Puppies and kitties playing.
10) Receiving an unexpected letter from a friend or family member in the mail.
Things That Make Me Go "Fuuuuuuuuuuuuuuck!"
1) Stubbing my toe on the door jam. Especially distressing when it's 3am and I don't want to awaken anybody.
2) All of these Hollywood Gala Benefits and World Government Gatherings addressing hunger whilst participants enjoy 18 course meals.
3) Listening to Mr. Billionaire himself, Bill Gates, proclaim the U.S. needs to double it's Foreign Aid whilst neglecting to campaign for a double or tripling of Aid here for the poor, homeless and hungry here at home.
4) Listening to these helmet head, zero facial lines, pimples or flaws due to the 20 pounds of pan make-up spew from the teleprompter some of the same lines I write about (only I do so much more eloquently) whilst getting paid $500,000 a year. Me? Zero.
5) The continuation of the two-party system and those who still see differences between the two parties.
6) All of this talk about 2012.
7) Being woken up by drunk, obnoxiously loud, inconsiderate college children.
8) Gas prices up 50%. Food prices up over 30%. Gas prices drop over 50%. Food prices, still remain the same.
9) This movement afoot calling for people to grow their own food thinking we can all survive on potatoes and carrots, beans and tomato's, not to mention the space needed for such a thing is not doable for many if not most American's.
10) This movement afoot calling for people to reduce spending, cut back and live simply. This movement is basically being aimed at the middle income folks and lower when it is the upper middle class and beyond who needs to be cutting the fuck back. For many of us, we are living as simply as we can and frankly, many of us are tired of it and would like to be living a bit more abundantly.
2) All of these Hollywood Gala Benefits and World Government Gatherings addressing hunger whilst participants enjoy 18 course meals.
3) Listening to Mr. Billionaire himself, Bill Gates, proclaim the U.S. needs to double it's Foreign Aid whilst neglecting to campaign for a double or tripling of Aid here for the poor, homeless and hungry here at home.
4) Listening to these helmet head, zero facial lines, pimples or flaws due to the 20 pounds of pan make-up spew from the teleprompter some of the same lines I write about (only I do so much more eloquently) whilst getting paid $500,000 a year. Me? Zero.
5) The continuation of the two-party system and those who still see differences between the two parties.
6) All of this talk about 2012.
7) Being woken up by drunk, obnoxiously loud, inconsiderate college children.
8) Gas prices up 50%. Food prices up over 30%. Gas prices drop over 50%. Food prices, still remain the same.
9) This movement afoot calling for people to grow their own food thinking we can all survive on potatoes and carrots, beans and tomato's, not to mention the space needed for such a thing is not doable for many if not most American's.
10) This movement afoot calling for people to reduce spending, cut back and live simply. This movement is basically being aimed at the middle income folks and lower when it is the upper middle class and beyond who needs to be cutting the fuck back. For many of us, we are living as simply as we can and frankly, many of us are tired of it and would like to be living a bit more abundantly.
War On Christmas: The Flip Side.
There is a flip side to this issue and it is one that is going on at the moment.
Up in Olympia, Washington, at the State Capitol, a battle between Christianity and Aethiesm is ensuing. A Nativity Scene was first put in place. Recently, a sign stating things such as "There is no god. There is no devil. There is no heaven. There is no hell. There is only the natural world" was erected. As you may already have heard, this story spread like wildfire. Even Bill O'Reilly jumped on the band wagon with his usual over-reactionary commentary.
As a result, the Governor's office reportedly began receiving upwards of 200 calls per hour, most wanting the sign removed.
This is no different than those wanting to see the quieting of the religious aspects of Christmas.
However, what I have not yet seen discussed is the obvious: I thought we had a Separation of Church and State in this country. Therefore, a Nativity Scene does not belong in a State building. And as such, neither does this sign.
That being said, if we were truly enlightened, if we were truly able to stand side by side as Jews, Christian's, Muslims, Hindu's, Buddhist, Athiest's, Wiccan, Agnostics and the thousands of other religious philosophies and labels we embrace while ceasing to impose our belief and our will on those wearing different labels, we wouldn't NEED the Separation of Church and State to begin with. We would truly honor the diversity and be open to seeing and celebrating the likeness. We would be able to see symbols and statues and signs and statements all over the planet, each proclaiming "This is what I believe" and not take offense.
But we are not yet there. Therefore, we are not as enlightened as we could be. And we are not yet free.
So what say you. Could you allow yourself to become comfortable with the side-by-side display of different religious philosophies? Maybe that question could be worked into our focus and explored, thoughtfully, this time of year.
Up in Olympia, Washington, at the State Capitol, a battle between Christianity and Aethiesm is ensuing. A Nativity Scene was first put in place. Recently, a sign stating things such as "There is no god. There is no devil. There is no heaven. There is no hell. There is only the natural world" was erected. As you may already have heard, this story spread like wildfire. Even Bill O'Reilly jumped on the band wagon with his usual over-reactionary commentary.
As a result, the Governor's office reportedly began receiving upwards of 200 calls per hour, most wanting the sign removed.
This is no different than those wanting to see the quieting of the religious aspects of Christmas.
However, what I have not yet seen discussed is the obvious: I thought we had a Separation of Church and State in this country. Therefore, a Nativity Scene does not belong in a State building. And as such, neither does this sign.
That being said, if we were truly enlightened, if we were truly able to stand side by side as Jews, Christian's, Muslims, Hindu's, Buddhist, Athiest's, Wiccan, Agnostics and the thousands of other religious philosophies and labels we embrace while ceasing to impose our belief and our will on those wearing different labels, we wouldn't NEED the Separation of Church and State to begin with. We would truly honor the diversity and be open to seeing and celebrating the likeness. We would be able to see symbols and statues and signs and statements all over the planet, each proclaiming "This is what I believe" and not take offense.
But we are not yet there. Therefore, we are not as enlightened as we could be. And we are not yet free.
So what say you. Could you allow yourself to become comfortable with the side-by-side display of different religious philosophies? Maybe that question could be worked into our focus and explored, thoughtfully, this time of year.
War On Christmas?
That term comes up this time of year. I used to think it was nonsense. Now I see there is some truth in it. And if you understand the agenda behind the political-correctness movement, you'll come to agree with me. (And for the record, I celebrate Christmas, but not as a Christian.)
In this era of "political-correctness", we have seen a growing extremism take place where freedom's are being squashed. Can't say this, can't say that. Certain words and phrases are now labeled "hate speech".
As I often say: Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from being offended.
What we see happening with Christmas is quite similar. Those who celebrate the religious aspect of it sometimes find themselves fearful to acknowledge this, fearful due to the "we must say Happy Holidays" politically correct crowd. Fearful due to the societal brainwashing that says we have to keep certain things to ourselves lest we MAY offend another.
Ridiculous hogwash.
Not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving, Halloween, Easter, Summer and Winter Solstice, 4th of July, etc. However, I think the choice to wish another "Happy___ Day" should NEVER be imposed upon. Let us take the wish as it is--a wish. We all make assumptions about one another, therefore we will all assume, at one point or another, that those around us are celebrating the same recognized holiday as we are. It isn't a crime to do so. The crime only comes in when the greeting triggers an emotional response and a verbal argument ensues, which then leads to threats, physical attack and/or other imposition's of one's will.
And doesn't that sort of defeat the purpose of the celebration?
In this era of "political-correctness", we have seen a growing extremism take place where freedom's are being squashed. Can't say this, can't say that. Certain words and phrases are now labeled "hate speech".
As I often say: Freedom of speech does not mean freedom from being offended.
What we see happening with Christmas is quite similar. Those who celebrate the religious aspect of it sometimes find themselves fearful to acknowledge this, fearful due to the "we must say Happy Holidays" politically correct crowd. Fearful due to the societal brainwashing that says we have to keep certain things to ourselves lest we MAY offend another.
Ridiculous hogwash.
Not everyone celebrates Thanksgiving, Halloween, Easter, Summer and Winter Solstice, 4th of July, etc. However, I think the choice to wish another "Happy___ Day" should NEVER be imposed upon. Let us take the wish as it is--a wish. We all make assumptions about one another, therefore we will all assume, at one point or another, that those around us are celebrating the same recognized holiday as we are. It isn't a crime to do so. The crime only comes in when the greeting triggers an emotional response and a verbal argument ensues, which then leads to threats, physical attack and/or other imposition's of one's will.
And doesn't that sort of defeat the purpose of the celebration?
12.04.2008
Tidbits of (Obvious) Absurd Bullshit
There's so much absurd bullshit these days, it's difficult to decide which tidbits to toss out there at ya'all....
Well, it seems that since GM owns half of GMAC Financial Services (who just happen to give out loans to buyers seeking GM autos), they (GM) are not only asking for money for themselves, but they want to see the Federal Reserve classify GMAC as a bank holding company so that GMAC can also dip into some of that bank money bailout. I heard the term "double dipping" being used. Anyone else have a Seinfeld moment with that one?
***
Britney Spears was the most searched name on Google for 2008. Can it get anymore pathetic than that, folks?
***
I've been watching some clips here and there of the Bush "Exit Interviews". Charlie Gibson, Katie Couric and Brian Williams drew straws to determine who got the first shot. Charlie won. And boy, did he toss some tough journalist questions. However, they weren't quite tough enough for yours truly. Therefore, I decided to put myself in that "let's draw straws" ring. And wouldn't you know it? I won. I get to interview him next. Here's just some of the questions I'll be asking. Feel free to offer your comments.
1) Your approval rating has been around 20% for quite some time. Why do you think that is? How does that make you feeeeeeeeeeeel? And have you also noticed that the media folks keep saying "Approval ratings are at an all time low" and yet that figure really doesn't change? Are you in on that one?
2) There are a lot of Americans, oh hell who am I kidding, there are a lot of earthlings who are afraid of Dick Cheney. I mean you gotta admit, there's just something off about the guy. You can confide in me, Mr. President. Do you have nightmares about Dick? And do you ever go hunting with him?
3) Tony Blair. Is he gonna come out of the closet or do you think he'll stay put?
4) Can you say "weapons of mass destruction" 5 times really fast?
5) Watch my mouth move as I form the following word. I'll say it slowly a few times to help you out. Then repeat it after me. "nu-clee-er". (This one's a trick. It's not actually a question but rather a statement of request. We'll see if he notices.)
6) I gotta ask you, how on earth did you manage to pull off two presidential election wins when you failed at every single business venture in your previous years?
***
Anyone notice Obama seems to be the President and Bush has taken on the new role of that annoying relative who has long past worn out his welcome?
***
There's talk about turning wastewater into drinking water. Uh huh. Ok, so let me get this straight. Folks want to see whether it is humanly possible to turn poop and pee and other things we normally want OUT of our body into drinking water.
...giving the reader time to process that...
Yikes. Or as my cousin used to say when she was a child "Grody to the max!" We can't even turn river water into healthy drinking water. Shouldn't we try and master that one first? The obvious question is: Who will be the guinea pigs for that little experiment? Feel free to offer your suggestions.
Well, it seems that since GM owns half of GMAC Financial Services (who just happen to give out loans to buyers seeking GM autos), they (GM) are not only asking for money for themselves, but they want to see the Federal Reserve classify GMAC as a bank holding company so that GMAC can also dip into some of that bank money bailout. I heard the term "double dipping" being used. Anyone else have a Seinfeld moment with that one?
***
Britney Spears was the most searched name on Google for 2008. Can it get anymore pathetic than that, folks?
***
I've been watching some clips here and there of the Bush "Exit Interviews". Charlie Gibson, Katie Couric and Brian Williams drew straws to determine who got the first shot. Charlie won. And boy, did he toss some tough journalist questions. However, they weren't quite tough enough for yours truly. Therefore, I decided to put myself in that "let's draw straws" ring. And wouldn't you know it? I won. I get to interview him next. Here's just some of the questions I'll be asking. Feel free to offer your comments.
1) Your approval rating has been around 20% for quite some time. Why do you think that is? How does that make you feeeeeeeeeeeel? And have you also noticed that the media folks keep saying "Approval ratings are at an all time low" and yet that figure really doesn't change? Are you in on that one?
2) There are a lot of Americans, oh hell who am I kidding, there are a lot of earthlings who are afraid of Dick Cheney. I mean you gotta admit, there's just something off about the guy. You can confide in me, Mr. President. Do you have nightmares about Dick? And do you ever go hunting with him?
3) Tony Blair. Is he gonna come out of the closet or do you think he'll stay put?
4) Can you say "weapons of mass destruction" 5 times really fast?
5) Watch my mouth move as I form the following word. I'll say it slowly a few times to help you out. Then repeat it after me. "nu-clee-er". (This one's a trick. It's not actually a question but rather a statement of request. We'll see if he notices.)
6) I gotta ask you, how on earth did you manage to pull off two presidential election wins when you failed at every single business venture in your previous years?
***
Anyone notice Obama seems to be the President and Bush has taken on the new role of that annoying relative who has long past worn out his welcome?
***
There's talk about turning wastewater into drinking water. Uh huh. Ok, so let me get this straight. Folks want to see whether it is humanly possible to turn poop and pee and other things we normally want OUT of our body into drinking water.
...giving the reader time to process that...
Yikes. Or as my cousin used to say when she was a child "Grody to the max!" We can't even turn river water into healthy drinking water. Shouldn't we try and master that one first? The obvious question is: Who will be the guinea pigs for that little experiment? Feel free to offer your suggestions.
12.01.2008
Craigslist's Hassle And Thoughts on Civility
To post on Craigslist, you are now required to have an account, which includes providing them your phone number.
So much for privacy.
My support for Craigslist just went into the toilet, which is likely a good thing for me given there is very little in the way of intelligent, respectful communication (most consisting of juvenile insults and other such nonsense). That and their help wanted section is full of misleading ads. I followed up on one recently, which said hey we'll pay you $42,000 a year for data entry in our offices in Corvallis/Albany. I had already determined these ads were bogus, but decided to follow up, with one question. Where are you located? Corvallis or Albany? I received no response. Of course I didn't. But my spam folder did increase.
Something has happened to our society since the birth of online communications and other technology. People are free to mislead others with false ads. Proper spelling and grammar has gone out the window, so much that some college professors are calling for an inclusion and recognition of such words and tossing out their formerly spelled and pronounced counterparts. And need I speak about the behavior of disagreeing folks interacting with one another? Then there's the bully mentality that has permeated the internet like an out-of-control virus. Two extreme recent cases include the young girl who thought she was corresponding with a boy who was interested in her, when in fact it was a neighbor girl down the street who had nothing better to do with her time than to mislead and abuse someone. When the neighbor girl told the young girl that he/she was no longer interested and began telling the young girl how worthless she was, the young girl killed herself. And we all know of the teenage male who killed himself live on the internet while people cheered him on. As someone who was the victim of repeated childhood bullying all the way through, believe it or not, my junior year of college, I know the lasting, deep scars these experiences leave. It paints a world that is unsafe and unkind in the deep recesses of the mind.
Is this the legacy we wish to leave as a species? Have we become so aloof and apathetic as we go about our daily lives, addicted to our little gadgets? Do we really believe it's ok to lie to others, take advantage of desperate folks, all to make a dollar? And good lord, where did the behavior of cheering on a deeply pained suicidal person originate? Mom and Dad America, are you paying any attention at all to what your kids are doing?
The original post I was going to speak of on Craigslist was about karma. Life has taught me there is indeed something to this concept, although it isn't a perfect system. We all know of way too many examples to know some people just seem to escape karma (usually those with the most money and power). So while the Universe may respond in its nonjudmental way, it is also up to us, you and me, to see to it that people are held accountable for harmful behaviors. Doing so in a firm, grounded, unwaivering and civilized manner is the way to do so.
Yes, some civility would be a nice thing these days. And perhaps less glorified/sensationalized attention given to those who are in need of such behavior. I believe partly what has happened is that some have it in their minds that freedom means the right to do whatever one wants, without consequence or consideration for others. That is certainly not what freedom is about.
In so far as young kids bullying one another through technological means: Perhaps we need to monitor our children's technology activity to ensure they are being treated with respect and to ensure they are treating others with the same respect. We wouldn't let a child operate a vehicle without knowing how to drive responsibly. As such, we shouldn't let kids operate a computer, cell phone, etc. without knowing how to operate them responsibly.
A Return of Civility. By Earthmama Nina.
So much for privacy.
My support for Craigslist just went into the toilet, which is likely a good thing for me given there is very little in the way of intelligent, respectful communication (most consisting of juvenile insults and other such nonsense). That and their help wanted section is full of misleading ads. I followed up on one recently, which said hey we'll pay you $42,000 a year for data entry in our offices in Corvallis/Albany. I had already determined these ads were bogus, but decided to follow up, with one question. Where are you located? Corvallis or Albany? I received no response. Of course I didn't. But my spam folder did increase.
Something has happened to our society since the birth of online communications and other technology. People are free to mislead others with false ads. Proper spelling and grammar has gone out the window, so much that some college professors are calling for an inclusion and recognition of such words and tossing out their formerly spelled and pronounced counterparts. And need I speak about the behavior of disagreeing folks interacting with one another? Then there's the bully mentality that has permeated the internet like an out-of-control virus. Two extreme recent cases include the young girl who thought she was corresponding with a boy who was interested in her, when in fact it was a neighbor girl down the street who had nothing better to do with her time than to mislead and abuse someone. When the neighbor girl told the young girl that he/she was no longer interested and began telling the young girl how worthless she was, the young girl killed herself. And we all know of the teenage male who killed himself live on the internet while people cheered him on. As someone who was the victim of repeated childhood bullying all the way through, believe it or not, my junior year of college, I know the lasting, deep scars these experiences leave. It paints a world that is unsafe and unkind in the deep recesses of the mind.
Is this the legacy we wish to leave as a species? Have we become so aloof and apathetic as we go about our daily lives, addicted to our little gadgets? Do we really believe it's ok to lie to others, take advantage of desperate folks, all to make a dollar? And good lord, where did the behavior of cheering on a deeply pained suicidal person originate? Mom and Dad America, are you paying any attention at all to what your kids are doing?
The original post I was going to speak of on Craigslist was about karma. Life has taught me there is indeed something to this concept, although it isn't a perfect system. We all know of way too many examples to know some people just seem to escape karma (usually those with the most money and power). So while the Universe may respond in its nonjudmental way, it is also up to us, you and me, to see to it that people are held accountable for harmful behaviors. Doing so in a firm, grounded, unwaivering and civilized manner is the way to do so.
Yes, some civility would be a nice thing these days. And perhaps less glorified/sensationalized attention given to those who are in need of such behavior. I believe partly what has happened is that some have it in their minds that freedom means the right to do whatever one wants, without consequence or consideration for others. That is certainly not what freedom is about.
In so far as young kids bullying one another through technological means: Perhaps we need to monitor our children's technology activity to ensure they are being treated with respect and to ensure they are treating others with the same respect. We wouldn't let a child operate a vehicle without knowing how to drive responsibly. As such, we shouldn't let kids operate a computer, cell phone, etc. without knowing how to operate them responsibly.
A Return of Civility. By Earthmama Nina.
11.30.2008
No Roses For The Beavs
I watched the Civil War game on television yesterday. The first one all season. I'm not much of a sports fan. While I enjoy watching people with real talent display that talent, I usually get bored after 30 minutes or so and want something new. And I have a prejudice/issue with someone getting paid millions of dollars a year while my reality of job selection is more of the hourly kind of rate, implying clearly and loudly by society that what I contribute has much less value.
It's really quite crazy, if not downright disrespectfully ridiculous. What happened for us to allow "value" to become so extremely variable and categorized?
So back to it. I watched the game simply because I thought it would be kinda cool to see a local sports team go to the Rose Bowl. At first, my enthusiasm was quite high and yet I noticed something about my behavior that troubled me. I would boo the Duck's if they would score a touchdown. And I got caught up a few times in that frantic crowd behavior of jeers and hollers when the Beaver's would score.
I stopped myself and wondered "where is this coming from?" Is this authentic me or is this something more?
I thought back to Black Friday and the deplorable display by certain customer's at that Walmart Store back east, trampling that poor store clerk just to get inside and get a good deal.
Both my behavior and the behavior of the Walmart customer's seem to fall under the category of barbarian/solidly ego behavior where we just act and respond without thoughtful contemplation, focused on such things such as winner's and losers, who is right and who is wrong and me first me first.
It was then that I began to lose interest in the game. I watched it now and then for awhile, but my wild enthusiasm or whatever you want to call it was quieted. I began to look at the players as people. I began to appreciate the skill of the Duck's defense and how they simply played much better ball. When looking at it this way, through eyes of appreciation, while I still would have preferred at the time the Beaver's to win and felt a little sadness when they lost (I always feel empathy for the losing team no matter who it is), I enjoyed the experience more and most importantly, I felt in control of my reactions.
And ok, I gotta admit: I was grateful for the loss if only because we did not have to be subject to the loud obnoxious disrespectful cat calls and screams of drunk college students at all hours of the night and morning. Mayor Tomlinson says college student's don't cause any real problem in this community. He may come live in my neighborhood for a month and/or speak with some of the local officers who have told me calls to 911 increase sharply once the students return to get a clearer perspective. But that's a subject for another post, another day.
Bottom line: Sports is not the issue. It's human behavior that is. While we share some things with our animal friends, we're different in our own way. We were given a frontal cortex for a reason. Let us use it more.
It's really quite crazy, if not downright disrespectfully ridiculous. What happened for us to allow "value" to become so extremely variable and categorized?
So back to it. I watched the game simply because I thought it would be kinda cool to see a local sports team go to the Rose Bowl. At first, my enthusiasm was quite high and yet I noticed something about my behavior that troubled me. I would boo the Duck's if they would score a touchdown. And I got caught up a few times in that frantic crowd behavior of jeers and hollers when the Beaver's would score.
I stopped myself and wondered "where is this coming from?" Is this authentic me or is this something more?
I thought back to Black Friday and the deplorable display by certain customer's at that Walmart Store back east, trampling that poor store clerk just to get inside and get a good deal.
Both my behavior and the behavior of the Walmart customer's seem to fall under the category of barbarian/solidly ego behavior where we just act and respond without thoughtful contemplation, focused on such things such as winner's and losers, who is right and who is wrong and me first me first.
It was then that I began to lose interest in the game. I watched it now and then for awhile, but my wild enthusiasm or whatever you want to call it was quieted. I began to look at the players as people. I began to appreciate the skill of the Duck's defense and how they simply played much better ball. When looking at it this way, through eyes of appreciation, while I still would have preferred at the time the Beaver's to win and felt a little sadness when they lost (I always feel empathy for the losing team no matter who it is), I enjoyed the experience more and most importantly, I felt in control of my reactions.
And ok, I gotta admit: I was grateful for the loss if only because we did not have to be subject to the loud obnoxious disrespectful cat calls and screams of drunk college students at all hours of the night and morning. Mayor Tomlinson says college student's don't cause any real problem in this community. He may come live in my neighborhood for a month and/or speak with some of the local officers who have told me calls to 911 increase sharply once the students return to get a clearer perspective. But that's a subject for another post, another day.
Bottom line: Sports is not the issue. It's human behavior that is. While we share some things with our animal friends, we're different in our own way. We were given a frontal cortex for a reason. Let us use it more.
11.25.2008
Turkey: To Eat Or Not To Eat
I don't celebrate Thanksgiving. Instead, I celebrate eating with others for whose company I enjoy. This year a dear friend whom I haven't seen in years is here to celebrate the eating fest with us.
And yet I ponder, do we eat the proverbial turkey or not?
I'm a meat eater. I've tried tofu as a meat substitute and it just isn't the same thing. I've tried going vegetarian. I've tried even just cutting out red meat. I began to feel weak and under-nourished. No amount of legumes, nuts, beans, etc. was giving me the protein my body kept telling me it needed. My body simply craves the protein meat offers. The last time I tried eating a tofu hot dog, my colon reacted rather violently, first by asking HEY WHAT IN THE HELL IS THAT then by answering itself by saying I AM REMOVING THIS STUFF IMMEDIATELY! DO NOT PUT THAT CRAP THROUGH ME EVER AGAIN YOU HEAR? It was painful, both for my colon and for yours truly.
However, I've gotta admit, ever since I accidentally saw a brief portion of that Sarah Palin clip (will she NEVER go away???) speaking to the news cameras while some farm hand behind her stuffed turkeys head first into this "off with the head" vat, the idea of eating one kinda lost its appeal.
After I regained my composure and stopped crying, I asked Mr. Nina, "Isn't there a more humane way of preparing a turkey to eat?"
And yet, in truth, can we ever really attach the word "humane" to "intentional death"?
Our government loves to use the phrase "collateral damage" to describe the intentional death of civilians when such deaths result from their defined version of justified military intervention. So maybe we could say turkey's are collateral damage resulting from the human need to eat meat.
While that could be defined as an attempt at sick and twisted humor, it isn't too far from the truth. Some of us don't eat meat. Some of us do. As a result, animals must die. And until I can find some protein that satisfies my body in the way meat does, I will remain a meat eater. I will struggle with some guilt now and then as well as wish for different bodily needs. And this year, hopefully find a way to remove those graphic images I saw from my conscience.
And yet I ponder, do we eat the proverbial turkey or not?
I'm a meat eater. I've tried tofu as a meat substitute and it just isn't the same thing. I've tried going vegetarian. I've tried even just cutting out red meat. I began to feel weak and under-nourished. No amount of legumes, nuts, beans, etc. was giving me the protein my body kept telling me it needed. My body simply craves the protein meat offers. The last time I tried eating a tofu hot dog, my colon reacted rather violently, first by asking HEY WHAT IN THE HELL IS THAT then by answering itself by saying I AM REMOVING THIS STUFF IMMEDIATELY! DO NOT PUT THAT CRAP THROUGH ME EVER AGAIN YOU HEAR? It was painful, both for my colon and for yours truly.
However, I've gotta admit, ever since I accidentally saw a brief portion of that Sarah Palin clip (will she NEVER go away???) speaking to the news cameras while some farm hand behind her stuffed turkeys head first into this "off with the head" vat, the idea of eating one kinda lost its appeal.
After I regained my composure and stopped crying, I asked Mr. Nina, "Isn't there a more humane way of preparing a turkey to eat?"
And yet, in truth, can we ever really attach the word "humane" to "intentional death"?
Our government loves to use the phrase "collateral damage" to describe the intentional death of civilians when such deaths result from their defined version of justified military intervention. So maybe we could say turkey's are collateral damage resulting from the human need to eat meat.
While that could be defined as an attempt at sick and twisted humor, it isn't too far from the truth. Some of us don't eat meat. Some of us do. As a result, animals must die. And until I can find some protein that satisfies my body in the way meat does, I will remain a meat eater. I will struggle with some guilt now and then as well as wish for different bodily needs. And this year, hopefully find a way to remove those graphic images I saw from my conscience.
Obama: Hope. Change.
i was inspired to write this piece last week after reading an excellent analysis on Rense about obama. at the time, i wasn't sure whether i should post it, my suspicion factor in particular high mode that day. his overuse of the word "change" was something that was already bothering me. every political figure running for prez thinks he/she has the golden wand for change. obama used it so much during his campaign, often surrounded by elusive promises and flowery words (the man CAN orate, afterall), that i quickly became sceptical. his use of the word "hope" was also bothering me for i had this inner suspicion he was playing on the fears and deep frustrations of the people to garner votes. then when i read in the Rense piece about the term "hope" and how it's a term used that makes reference to the future instead of the here and now, i thought YES. brilliant. wish i had thought of it first. for more reading, check out this piece on pugs in space's blog, a letter written by the man who received my vote, Ralph Nader.
***
Hope. Change.
These two words have been tossed around a lot the past many months. They are the two words that Obama used to get himself voted in as our next President-elect.
It was a brilliant move, really, for it is quite easy to prey upon the desperation of the masses. Feed them the right words, spoken by someone who truly knows how to orate, and the desperate will believe anything.
Sad, disheartening and frustrating it was and is to me that many Obama supporters somehow are convinced they are of the fully awake and aware crowd, pointing out to the McCain supporters how blind and naive they are. And yet they are every bit as unaware as those they are accusing.
Hope. It's something we think about in the future. It has nothing to do with the here and now.
Hope for a better world...tomorrow or the next day or the next month or next year.
Hope for an end to war...tomorrow or the next day or the next month or next year.
Hope for an end to poverty...tomorrow or the next day or the next month or next year. Etc. etc. etc.
While hope is important, the real word we are looking for is N O W. Equality, respect, and justice. N O W. Not tomorrow. Not the next day. Not next month. Not next year. N O W. NOW is doable. NOW is possible.
But Obama never said such words. Instead he infused our minds with "hope" that maybe things will be better in the future. Sort of like attaching a piece of cheese to a string and giving it to a very hungry mouse and telling him "this is yours" and each time he moves to take a bite, the string is moved just a bit more.
Haven't we had enough of these Political Frauds filling our minds with the lies of "hope"? Haven't we had enough of being told hope lies in the distant future just as soon as we bomb this country or bail out this corrupt industry or cover up yet another lie?
Then there's the word change. Oh yes, Obama was a master at convincing the masses he was the candidate to enact change. He was the one to steer our country in a different direction. And yet taking just an hour or two in learning who is behind him, who is advising him and anyone with a modicum of intelligence will soon realize he's only a new front. Only this time he's a brilliant front. Obama mania has swept not only this nation but the globe. And I do not exagerrate when I use the term "mania". The more of these videos I have watched of people's reaction to this man, the more concerned I become. People crying and screaming all over one man as though he's the Messiah.
Most think the past 8 years have come to an end. Truthfully though, they really havn't. We just now have a more educated, brilliant speaker at the forefront instead of a simpleton even the most die-hard conservative of Republicans could no longer stomach. You may install another Oz with different coloring, different intelligence quotient's, different political affiliation. But the real power of Oz was never Oz himself. The real power of Oz was the blind faith put on him by the people. People awoke quickly to the reality of the Oz of the past 8 years. But this time around, a new generation of slumbering folks has been spawned. For we have been presented with some new factors: intelligence, the ability to orate and skin color. All of this means we have a mass of people who will be much easier to fool this time around.
And that's something that should give us all pause.
***
Hope. Change.
These two words have been tossed around a lot the past many months. They are the two words that Obama used to get himself voted in as our next President-elect.
It was a brilliant move, really, for it is quite easy to prey upon the desperation of the masses. Feed them the right words, spoken by someone who truly knows how to orate, and the desperate will believe anything.
Sad, disheartening and frustrating it was and is to me that many Obama supporters somehow are convinced they are of the fully awake and aware crowd, pointing out to the McCain supporters how blind and naive they are. And yet they are every bit as unaware as those they are accusing.
Hope. It's something we think about in the future. It has nothing to do with the here and now.
Hope for a better world...tomorrow or the next day or the next month or next year.
Hope for an end to war...tomorrow or the next day or the next month or next year.
Hope for an end to poverty...tomorrow or the next day or the next month or next year. Etc. etc. etc.
While hope is important, the real word we are looking for is N O W. Equality, respect, and justice. N O W. Not tomorrow. Not the next day. Not next month. Not next year. N O W. NOW is doable. NOW is possible.
But Obama never said such words. Instead he infused our minds with "hope" that maybe things will be better in the future. Sort of like attaching a piece of cheese to a string and giving it to a very hungry mouse and telling him "this is yours" and each time he moves to take a bite, the string is moved just a bit more.
Haven't we had enough of these Political Frauds filling our minds with the lies of "hope"? Haven't we had enough of being told hope lies in the distant future just as soon as we bomb this country or bail out this corrupt industry or cover up yet another lie?
Then there's the word change. Oh yes, Obama was a master at convincing the masses he was the candidate to enact change. He was the one to steer our country in a different direction. And yet taking just an hour or two in learning who is behind him, who is advising him and anyone with a modicum of intelligence will soon realize he's only a new front. Only this time he's a brilliant front. Obama mania has swept not only this nation but the globe. And I do not exagerrate when I use the term "mania". The more of these videos I have watched of people's reaction to this man, the more concerned I become. People crying and screaming all over one man as though he's the Messiah.
Most think the past 8 years have come to an end. Truthfully though, they really havn't. We just now have a more educated, brilliant speaker at the forefront instead of a simpleton even the most die-hard conservative of Republicans could no longer stomach. You may install another Oz with different coloring, different intelligence quotient's, different political affiliation. But the real power of Oz was never Oz himself. The real power of Oz was the blind faith put on him by the people. People awoke quickly to the reality of the Oz of the past 8 years. But this time around, a new generation of slumbering folks has been spawned. For we have been presented with some new factors: intelligence, the ability to orate and skin color. All of this means we have a mass of people who will be much easier to fool this time around.
And that's something that should give us all pause.
11.23.2008
Brenden Foster
For those who are not aware of this young boy's story, 11 year old Brenden Foster, whose wish was to feed the homeless, died on Friday after a three year battle with leukemia. Mr. Nina made me aware of this young boy after seeing his story on CNN earlier this week. Today a portion of the interview was rebroadcast. What I heard was one of the most "get my attention" moments I believe I've ever had.
The interviewer was asking Brenden what made him the saddest.
Now most of us would think he would say something like "leaving behind my family" or "not being able to play baseball anymore". Nope.
What made Brenden the saddest?
When people give up.
Those four little words he spoke put me to my knees.
I mean my god, you know?
Later on, Mr. Nina and I spoke about this beautiful child. Mr. N said he felt insignificant compared to this boy.
I thought about that. I thought about how common it is to find ourselves feeling small when we're in the face of Love in all its power and possibility. And yet really, why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we let ourselves go to that place of smallness? Love is grand, isn't it? It is awesome and amazing. It's what will save us. It's truly all we have.
So please don't let yourself fall into the trap that a sense of humbleness is meant to keep you small and meek. You are Love. You are meant to SHINE and SHINE BRIGHTLY. Be Grand. Be Awesome. Be the Amazing being you are. And maybe, just maybe, we can create a world where children like Brenden Foster will no longer need to hold the wish to see the homeless fed.
The interviewer was asking Brenden what made him the saddest.
Now most of us would think he would say something like "leaving behind my family" or "not being able to play baseball anymore". Nope.
What made Brenden the saddest?
When people give up.
Those four little words he spoke put me to my knees.
I mean my god, you know?
Later on, Mr. Nina and I spoke about this beautiful child. Mr. N said he felt insignificant compared to this boy.
I thought about that. I thought about how common it is to find ourselves feeling small when we're in the face of Love in all its power and possibility. And yet really, why do we do this to ourselves? Why do we let ourselves go to that place of smallness? Love is grand, isn't it? It is awesome and amazing. It's what will save us. It's truly all we have.
So please don't let yourself fall into the trap that a sense of humbleness is meant to keep you small and meek. You are Love. You are meant to SHINE and SHINE BRIGHTLY. Be Grand. Be Awesome. Be the Amazing being you are. And maybe, just maybe, we can create a world where children like Brenden Foster will no longer need to hold the wish to see the homeless fed.
11.19.2008
Uniquely American: Elitist Auto Execs Arrive In Private Jets With A Tin Cup
Ah yes, only in America will you see rich elitist big wigs begging Uncle Sam for money whilst out amongst the people, the poor and neglected and homeless are all too often spit upon for asking for the help from the same folks.
And hey, Obama wants to help bail out these faggots (let it be hereby known that my defintion of a faggot is one who owns a business and becomes obscenely wealthy running it, refusing to share the wealth with the workers, and then finds themselves in a bit of a pickle financially and rather than taking any accountability for their own actions runs crying to the government to be saved). If people had voted for Nader instead, no way in hell would this pussy ass whining and crying be tolerated. Hit the road jack. Nader knows the real role of the Government. Obama only knows business as usual.
Here's some little advice for these whiney faggots: How 'bout making cars that match your asian counterparts in terms of reliability and durability. I'm a Honda girl. You couldn't pay me to buy a car made by GM, Chrysler, et. al. And for the folks of GM: Perhaps ya'll should have cashed in on that electric car of the 90's afterall.
What is truly the most pitiful of this display of elitist begging is how they presented themselves. Arriving in their Armani suits having transported themselves on private jets does not present the picture of someone who knows the first thing about financial OR environmental responsibility. Why not carpool? They all have the same agenda, afterall. It is one thing for an out-of-work/disabled/fallen-on-hard-times individual to request financial help. It's altogether something different, of the obscenely ridiculous variety, for some corporate big wig elitist to request the same.
But again, only in America will you find this elitist sense of pretentious entitlement. And whilst we continue to install the same 'ole same 'ole talking heads, this behavior will only continue.
And hey, Obama wants to help bail out these faggots (let it be hereby known that my defintion of a faggot is one who owns a business and becomes obscenely wealthy running it, refusing to share the wealth with the workers, and then finds themselves in a bit of a pickle financially and rather than taking any accountability for their own actions runs crying to the government to be saved). If people had voted for Nader instead, no way in hell would this pussy ass whining and crying be tolerated. Hit the road jack. Nader knows the real role of the Government. Obama only knows business as usual.
Here's some little advice for these whiney faggots: How 'bout making cars that match your asian counterparts in terms of reliability and durability. I'm a Honda girl. You couldn't pay me to buy a car made by GM, Chrysler, et. al. And for the folks of GM: Perhaps ya'll should have cashed in on that electric car of the 90's afterall.
What is truly the most pitiful of this display of elitist begging is how they presented themselves. Arriving in their Armani suits having transported themselves on private jets does not present the picture of someone who knows the first thing about financial OR environmental responsibility. Why not carpool? They all have the same agenda, afterall. It is one thing for an out-of-work/disabled/fallen-on-hard-times individual to request financial help. It's altogether something different, of the obscenely ridiculous variety, for some corporate big wig elitist to request the same.
But again, only in America will you find this elitist sense of pretentious entitlement. And whilst we continue to install the same 'ole same 'ole talking heads, this behavior will only continue.
11.12.2008
11.09.2008
Proposition 8: The Fearful Have Spoken. Freedom Still Remains A Distant Dream.
Some days I have these moments....who am I kidding....every day I have these moments where I'll hear something that astounds me internally, where upon I will have some thought that goes something like this: "I cannot believe it is 2008 and we're still talking about this issue."
One of those issues for me is homosexuality and the right to marry. And I present myself as a heterosexual, married female who loves men. Well, most of them.
For all of the finger-pointing that goes on from those who oppose gay marriage and homosexuality, what we have is a very frightened person who is not in touch with his/her own sexuality. A person who is more interested in quoting a couple of bible passages (as interpreted through his/her own point of view) than in remembering the real messages of Jesus: Love. Acceptance. Tolerance. Compassion. Freedom. Even some of the New World Order proponents engage in temporary insanity when they say homosexuality is part OF the New World Order to destroy the family.
It's an old argument, but I present it again: Since when did the heterosexual family claim success in the marriage AND family department? Isn't that still a giant work in progress?
And uh, since when does two same-gender individuals who are in love cause harm?
Afterall, isn't Love what we're all striving for? Who says it has to look a certain way? As long as it's Love, it abides by respect. Tolerance. Empathy. Compassion. The "do no harm" mantra surrounds Love.
Two people in love is damaging and harmful again in what way?
Remember when this same fearful mentality said the races should not mix and marry? Some said this would destroy marriage. This would cause all sorts of scary diseases. Well, we finally relaxed as a society and embraced this tradition. Hasn't this allowed for Love to continue along it's fluorishing, albeit it challenging path?
The citizens of California made the fearful choice to ban gay marriage. What a sad day this is for us all.
What a sad day this is for those who believe in Love.
What a sad day this if for those who understand freedom. Who truly deeply understand it. Who know freedom means the right to live and do as one pleases in so long as that choice is not unnecessarily harming another/others and/or imposing his/her will on others.
To live freely does not mean being free from being offended. And we all know that two same-gender people who wish to live in love as spouses are not causing unnecessary harm other than simply offending those who disagree with their lifestyle. To deny these people the right to be recognized as a married couple, that is causing unnecessary harm by announcing that they do not have the right to marry whomever legal aged adult they wish. To tell two adults "you may not marry" falls under the guise of parental authority. This is a classic example of imposing one's will on another.
And that, my friends, is contrary to the principles of freedom.
So what's it going to be? Are we going to be a nation that walks the talk of the principles of love and freedom? Or are we going to continue along shouting the words while carrying with us a suitcase of fearful behaviors that destroy these principles.
One of those issues for me is homosexuality and the right to marry. And I present myself as a heterosexual, married female who loves men. Well, most of them.
For all of the finger-pointing that goes on from those who oppose gay marriage and homosexuality, what we have is a very frightened person who is not in touch with his/her own sexuality. A person who is more interested in quoting a couple of bible passages (as interpreted through his/her own point of view) than in remembering the real messages of Jesus: Love. Acceptance. Tolerance. Compassion. Freedom. Even some of the New World Order proponents engage in temporary insanity when they say homosexuality is part OF the New World Order to destroy the family.
It's an old argument, but I present it again: Since when did the heterosexual family claim success in the marriage AND family department? Isn't that still a giant work in progress?
And uh, since when does two same-gender individuals who are in love cause harm?
Afterall, isn't Love what we're all striving for? Who says it has to look a certain way? As long as it's Love, it abides by respect. Tolerance. Empathy. Compassion. The "do no harm" mantra surrounds Love.
Two people in love is damaging and harmful again in what way?
Remember when this same fearful mentality said the races should not mix and marry? Some said this would destroy marriage. This would cause all sorts of scary diseases. Well, we finally relaxed as a society and embraced this tradition. Hasn't this allowed for Love to continue along it's fluorishing, albeit it challenging path?
The citizens of California made the fearful choice to ban gay marriage. What a sad day this is for us all.
What a sad day this is for those who believe in Love.
What a sad day this if for those who understand freedom. Who truly deeply understand it. Who know freedom means the right to live and do as one pleases in so long as that choice is not unnecessarily harming another/others and/or imposing his/her will on others.
To live freely does not mean being free from being offended. And we all know that two same-gender people who wish to live in love as spouses are not causing unnecessary harm other than simply offending those who disagree with their lifestyle. To deny these people the right to be recognized as a married couple, that is causing unnecessary harm by announcing that they do not have the right to marry whomever legal aged adult they wish. To tell two adults "you may not marry" falls under the guise of parental authority. This is a classic example of imposing one's will on another.
And that, my friends, is contrary to the principles of freedom.
So what's it going to be? Are we going to be a nation that walks the talk of the principles of love and freedom? Or are we going to continue along shouting the words while carrying with us a suitcase of fearful behaviors that destroy these principles.
Settled On Obama. Wishing For Nadar, McKinney, Kucinich, etc...
I haven't really known what to say after last week's election. I temporarily fell into a hopeful state, lasting about 15 minutes. Likely this state was due to the little swoop of energy that spread through the country when it was announced Obama was to be Number 44. Perhaps the momentary lapse of reason was also due to knowing those damn annoying political ads were over and that I wouldn't have to see anymore Palin jokes or references.
For those who have been paying attention for enough time, we all know an Obama presidency, while tweaking things a bit here and there, is not going to offer up the change this country needs.
Not as long as the Banks continue to hold us hostage with credit debt and mortgages.
Not as long as Big Business continues to be on the government corporate welfare payroll.
Not as long as our government continues along it's road to Imperialism.
Not as long as Nafta remains a part of U.S. policy.
Not as long as the gap between rich and poor continues to widen.
etc. etc. etc.
What I don't comprehend is why people voted for either of the two major candidates. What I especially don't understand is why people voted for Obama when many of these same people were shouting at the top of their lungs speaking out against the wall street government bailout. Obama voted for it. Now he's saying he supports bailing out the automotive industry.
What I don't comprehend is why people voted for either of the two major candidates. What I especially don't understand is why people voted for Obama when many of these same people were shouting at the top of their lungs, speaking out against the Iraq war from the beginning, when our new VP Elect has been a staunch supporter of the war since the beginning.
If we want change, then we withdraw from Nafta.
If we want change, then we get the banks out of the housing business.
If we want change, then we get the insurance companies out of the health care business.
If we want change, then we tear to shreads the document titled The Patriot Act.
If we want change, then we stop invading other nations who pose no threat to us and who have made no strike against us first. Although seriously folks, isn't it the classic schoolyard, childhood tale to say "well he hit me FIRST" as reason to harm back. After thousands of years, you would think we (well, we really meaning the unbalanced male energy of arrogance, dominance, control and absolute power) would have "gotten" this by now. We need a strong infusion of the feminine energy to bring back to whole this inbalance. (I am not speaking of gender here--but of energy and behavior patterns).
If we want change, then we recognize our issues, our defensive patterns that keep us blocked and locked into states of judgment.
If we want change, then we not only believe in but we embrace and live out the values of respect.
If we want change, then we look within to determine where, how and why we have chosen to accept certain values that go contrary to respect. Empathy. Love. Kindness.
Perhaps as a good place to begin, if we want change, we break down this archaic, heavily controlled, deeply corrupt Two Party System. For come 2012, I hold a high expectation for those folks who voted for Obama will come to these above realizations and if anything, at the very least, will be diligently, vocally and assertively supporting 3rd and beyond party candidates.
For those who are apathetic (a most understandable state of mind), you help continue business as usual as well. I hold a high expectation for you as well that you will begin to find hope and belief in this country and most importantly, the people, and will begin your support for the dismantling of the two party system and support 3rd and beyond party candidates. I read on David Icke that to vote was to give them permission to continue on business as usual. Therefore, don't vote. Yes, if you vote for one of the major candidates this is true. But if the majority of voters would vote for other candidates, that would send a message that states "we no longer support this business as usual".
My wish is that this wave of hope and enthusiasm continues in a way that is grounded in reality and solid in it's desire for real change. My hope is that it inspires all of us, especially those who voted for Obama, to be that public watchdog, to be vigilant in ensuring he sticks to his plan and puts his listening ear to the attention of the people instead of just his advisors and financial contributors.
While I believe he has some sense of idealism, I'm also aware of the puppet factor. Therefore, my eyes will be less on him and more on his supporters and their actions and what they will do if....or when....he gives indication he's a business as usual political figure.
For those who have been paying attention for enough time, we all know an Obama presidency, while tweaking things a bit here and there, is not going to offer up the change this country needs.
Not as long as the Banks continue to hold us hostage with credit debt and mortgages.
Not as long as Big Business continues to be on the government corporate welfare payroll.
Not as long as our government continues along it's road to Imperialism.
Not as long as Nafta remains a part of U.S. policy.
Not as long as the gap between rich and poor continues to widen.
etc. etc. etc.
What I don't comprehend is why people voted for either of the two major candidates. What I especially don't understand is why people voted for Obama when many of these same people were shouting at the top of their lungs speaking out against the wall street government bailout. Obama voted for it. Now he's saying he supports bailing out the automotive industry.
What I don't comprehend is why people voted for either of the two major candidates. What I especially don't understand is why people voted for Obama when many of these same people were shouting at the top of their lungs, speaking out against the Iraq war from the beginning, when our new VP Elect has been a staunch supporter of the war since the beginning.
If we want change, then we withdraw from Nafta.
If we want change, then we get the banks out of the housing business.
If we want change, then we get the insurance companies out of the health care business.
If we want change, then we tear to shreads the document titled The Patriot Act.
If we want change, then we stop invading other nations who pose no threat to us and who have made no strike against us first. Although seriously folks, isn't it the classic schoolyard, childhood tale to say "well he hit me FIRST" as reason to harm back. After thousands of years, you would think we (well, we really meaning the unbalanced male energy of arrogance, dominance, control and absolute power) would have "gotten" this by now. We need a strong infusion of the feminine energy to bring back to whole this inbalance. (I am not speaking of gender here--but of energy and behavior patterns).
If we want change, then we recognize our issues, our defensive patterns that keep us blocked and locked into states of judgment.
If we want change, then we not only believe in but we embrace and live out the values of respect.
If we want change, then we look within to determine where, how and why we have chosen to accept certain values that go contrary to respect. Empathy. Love. Kindness.
Perhaps as a good place to begin, if we want change, we break down this archaic, heavily controlled, deeply corrupt Two Party System. For come 2012, I hold a high expectation for those folks who voted for Obama will come to these above realizations and if anything, at the very least, will be diligently, vocally and assertively supporting 3rd and beyond party candidates.
For those who are apathetic (a most understandable state of mind), you help continue business as usual as well. I hold a high expectation for you as well that you will begin to find hope and belief in this country and most importantly, the people, and will begin your support for the dismantling of the two party system and support 3rd and beyond party candidates. I read on David Icke that to vote was to give them permission to continue on business as usual. Therefore, don't vote. Yes, if you vote for one of the major candidates this is true. But if the majority of voters would vote for other candidates, that would send a message that states "we no longer support this business as usual".
My wish is that this wave of hope and enthusiasm continues in a way that is grounded in reality and solid in it's desire for real change. My hope is that it inspires all of us, especially those who voted for Obama, to be that public watchdog, to be vigilant in ensuring he sticks to his plan and puts his listening ear to the attention of the people instead of just his advisors and financial contributors.
While I believe he has some sense of idealism, I'm also aware of the puppet factor. Therefore, my eyes will be less on him and more on his supporters and their actions and what they will do if....or when....he gives indication he's a business as usual political figure.
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