1.15.2009
True Hero's: Israeli Soldiers Object To Slaughtering Innocent Civilians
This is the way we end wars that serve no one but fascist empires. Soldiers who can still think for themselves refusing to participate in genocide, refusing to fight the battles of their leaders. Bravo to these young men!
Bill To Abolish The 22nd Amendment
President For Life To Become A Possibility?
"Representative Jose Serrano (D) has introduced a bill in the House to abolish the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which limits presidents to two consecutive terms or ten years in office."
The obvious: If we had a true democracy and a government of and for the people, we wouldn't need such an amendment. And yet of course even with such an amendment, that doesn't protect us from the criminal element that's taken its stranglehold on our government these past 40 plus years. That being said, given the current climate, abolishing this would open the door to further corruption. Does the term Dictatorship ring those bells of caution in anyone's mind?
Interesting it is to me that earlier today on CNN, a couple of media pundits were comparing Obama to FDR. It isn't the first time I've heard such a comparison. And lookie what little bit of history is mentioned in the article:
"Until 1951, there was nothing preventing a president from seeing election for more than two terms. But all presidents prior to Franklin Delano Roosevelt honored a tradition begun by George Washington and served only two consecutive terms. Roosevelt stood for election for an unprecedented third term at the dawn of World War II and was elected to a fourth, only to die in office within months of his inauguration. He is the only American president to serve more than two terms."
Were these media folks referring to the potential reality of Obama become a 3 term and beyond President? Who knows. Given the national Obama mania, it wouldn't surprise me in the least to discover a herd of Obama supporters, both in the public and private sector, to applaud the abolishment of this particular amendment.
"Representative Jose Serrano (D) has introduced a bill in the House to abolish the 22nd Amendment to the Constitution, which limits presidents to two consecutive terms or ten years in office."
The obvious: If we had a true democracy and a government of and for the people, we wouldn't need such an amendment. And yet of course even with such an amendment, that doesn't protect us from the criminal element that's taken its stranglehold on our government these past 40 plus years. That being said, given the current climate, abolishing this would open the door to further corruption. Does the term Dictatorship ring those bells of caution in anyone's mind?
Interesting it is to me that earlier today on CNN, a couple of media pundits were comparing Obama to FDR. It isn't the first time I've heard such a comparison. And lookie what little bit of history is mentioned in the article:
"Until 1951, there was nothing preventing a president from seeing election for more than two terms. But all presidents prior to Franklin Delano Roosevelt honored a tradition begun by George Washington and served only two consecutive terms. Roosevelt stood for election for an unprecedented third term at the dawn of World War II and was elected to a fourth, only to die in office within months of his inauguration. He is the only American president to serve more than two terms."
Were these media folks referring to the potential reality of Obama become a 3 term and beyond President? Who knows. Given the national Obama mania, it wouldn't surprise me in the least to discover a herd of Obama supporters, both in the public and private sector, to applaud the abolishment of this particular amendment.
Ovestimulation! Is Society Becoming Louder?
I've noticed this trend when visiting stores that the music, which used to be (and is supposed to be) for background purposes only, has become louder. Certainly stereo systems are designed to be louder than ever. Commercials have become louder. And those ridiculous ipod's and other mini-stereo gadgets that have addicted the masses to tuning out their surrounding environment whilst ensuring they damage their precious gift of hearing are only adding to the masses becoming used to unhealthy levels of noise.
Need I even talk about the lighting in stores, too? Those god-awful fluorescent lights that blind the eyes, numb the brain and overwhelm the senses. Add in the loud music and you have created an environment that is simply too stimulating for the brain to process all of that external noise and sight pollution.
I took my little pooch to the park today. The sun was shining, there were no other visitors at the park. The birds were singing their tunes. All was well. That is until the street sweeper decided to pass by. I've never stood near one of those things. Loud doesn't describe the noise. Overwhelming strikes of obnoxious buzzing at frequencies not designed to be taken in by the brain without some sort of negative effect. I ended up plugging my ears. It that wasn't enough, the guy decided to back up, which added in that annoying "beep beep beep", ringing at decibels again that are not healthy or conducive to normal hearing.
Once the street sweeper exited, someone drove past with their stereo playing very loudly. After that, the lovely sounds of low frequency thumping pass was heard coming out of another vehicle.
The overstimulation instinct kicked in and I simply had to cover my ears and scream "ENOUGH!!!!"
By this time, pooch was getting tired and wanted to go home. However, a couple of children had arrived with an adult and were playing on the swings, their joyous squeals and laughter a much welcome sound to the senses. I realized for the moment, all was well again. I could hear the birds squawking and whistling again. Natural sounds.
We stayed for awhile longer, just to take it all in.
Need I even talk about the lighting in stores, too? Those god-awful fluorescent lights that blind the eyes, numb the brain and overwhelm the senses. Add in the loud music and you have created an environment that is simply too stimulating for the brain to process all of that external noise and sight pollution.
I took my little pooch to the park today. The sun was shining, there were no other visitors at the park. The birds were singing their tunes. All was well. That is until the street sweeper decided to pass by. I've never stood near one of those things. Loud doesn't describe the noise. Overwhelming strikes of obnoxious buzzing at frequencies not designed to be taken in by the brain without some sort of negative effect. I ended up plugging my ears. It that wasn't enough, the guy decided to back up, which added in that annoying "beep beep beep", ringing at decibels again that are not healthy or conducive to normal hearing.
Once the street sweeper exited, someone drove past with their stereo playing very loudly. After that, the lovely sounds of low frequency thumping pass was heard coming out of another vehicle.
The overstimulation instinct kicked in and I simply had to cover my ears and scream "ENOUGH!!!!"
By this time, pooch was getting tired and wanted to go home. However, a couple of children had arrived with an adult and were playing on the swings, their joyous squeals and laughter a much welcome sound to the senses. I realized for the moment, all was well again. I could hear the birds squawking and whistling again. Natural sounds.
We stayed for awhile longer, just to take it all in.
1.13.2009
Christian Movement Creates Another Stranglehold On The Nation And Our Constitution.
That's it. Insanity has officially wiped out what's left of sanity...
Taken from "Reader's Digest":
"Texas legislators have cleared the way for schools to teach-not preach-the bible, especially how it has influenced art, literature and history. By fall of 2009, all Texas high schools must [you read that correctly peeps- must] teach a Bible-based curriculum in English or social studies courses or in a separate elective. Since that state holds sway over many textbook publishers, look for the trend to spread nationwide."
Obvious points:
1) This is blatantly, glaringly unconstitutional. Separation of church and state. P E R I O D
2) Interesting choice of words: "teach" rather than "not preach". Like hell. This opens the box wide open for teachers TO preach. And I want to know who is going to be in those classrooms to ensure there is no preaching. ?? Who determines what is teaching and what is preaching? Too damn fuzzy of an area to even be considered an acceptable part of a curriculum. (Of course the obvious states this has been a planned agenda to further create tensions between Muslims and Christians. Keep the brainwashing going to help serve the Agenda.)
3) Another interesting choice of words. "Must". Fucking draconian bullshit.
4) "Look for the trend to spread nationwide." Sigh. Just one more reason to get the farm fuck out of this country. It isn't America, land of opportunity anymore. It's the land of opportunists who have used and abused the laws, the constitution and the people, most particularly at the bottom, laughing their way to the banks, both on and off-shore.
Look for protests, most particularly out west and on the eastern seaboard, if this does indeed become a nationwide trend. And of course look for court challenges as well. I'm sure Bushie boy is tickled pink and thanking the twisted "gods" who speak to his brain and told him to nominate right leaning conservative justices.
Taken from "Reader's Digest":
"Texas legislators have cleared the way for schools to teach-not preach-the bible, especially how it has influenced art, literature and history. By fall of 2009, all Texas high schools must [you read that correctly peeps- must] teach a Bible-based curriculum in English or social studies courses or in a separate elective. Since that state holds sway over many textbook publishers, look for the trend to spread nationwide."
Obvious points:
1) This is blatantly, glaringly unconstitutional. Separation of church and state. P E R I O D
2) Interesting choice of words: "teach" rather than "not preach". Like hell. This opens the box wide open for teachers TO preach. And I want to know who is going to be in those classrooms to ensure there is no preaching. ?? Who determines what is teaching and what is preaching? Too damn fuzzy of an area to even be considered an acceptable part of a curriculum. (Of course the obvious states this has been a planned agenda to further create tensions between Muslims and Christians. Keep the brainwashing going to help serve the Agenda.)
3) Another interesting choice of words. "Must". Fucking draconian bullshit.
4) "Look for the trend to spread nationwide." Sigh. Just one more reason to get the farm fuck out of this country. It isn't America, land of opportunity anymore. It's the land of opportunists who have used and abused the laws, the constitution and the people, most particularly at the bottom, laughing their way to the banks, both on and off-shore.
Look for protests, most particularly out west and on the eastern seaboard, if this does indeed become a nationwide trend. And of course look for court challenges as well. I'm sure Bushie boy is tickled pink and thanking the twisted "gods" who speak to his brain and told him to nominate right leaning conservative justices.
1.12.2009
In The Words of John Lennon
While reading another blog post about the System of Control (my words) and breaking free from it, "Instant Karma" came on my walkman. Yes, I said my walkman. I don't own an IPOD. Nor do I own a Blackberry (it was weeks before I even ventured to determine just what that was--and I'm still not actually sure just what it is and what it does but that's ok I don't wish to know). And as some of my more long-term readers know, I also do not own a cell phone. About the only new high-techie stuff we own is my digital keyboard and our high def television. If Mr. N would let me, I'd trade that in for the older versions of the 1960's and 70's that weren't made from cheap plastic.
So I digress.
John was singing and suddenly I felt my entire body begin to "pop". When I feel I am in tune with that other dimension and when I am in tune with my truest form, I "pop". I feel tingly all over, sort of like having that sensation we had as kids when we would eat pop rocks. Only this doesn't make your jaw ache. I know when I experience this, I am to just stop whatever I am doing and beeeeeeee.
I have a feeling the energy that was/is John is going a bit nuts. Get the message! Get the message! I felt. You're all connected. We're all connected. We go on forever. We're amazing beings with equally amazing potential. Wake up to that knowing. This change can happen now. This knowing can happen in an instant. The struggle is in remembering.
I believe the desire to love is stronger than the desire to fear and hate. I believe there are oh so many more of us who authentically desire love.
Let the crazymakers do as they will.
Give love. Ask for love. Receive it. Look for it. It will find you.
I think that's my "get it" message for today. Love will find it's way to you. To me.
So I digress.
John was singing and suddenly I felt my entire body begin to "pop". When I feel I am in tune with that other dimension and when I am in tune with my truest form, I "pop". I feel tingly all over, sort of like having that sensation we had as kids when we would eat pop rocks. Only this doesn't make your jaw ache. I know when I experience this, I am to just stop whatever I am doing and beeeeeeee.
I have a feeling the energy that was/is John is going a bit nuts. Get the message! Get the message! I felt. You're all connected. We're all connected. We go on forever. We're amazing beings with equally amazing potential. Wake up to that knowing. This change can happen now. This knowing can happen in an instant. The struggle is in remembering.
I believe the desire to love is stronger than the desire to fear and hate. I believe there are oh so many more of us who authentically desire love.
Let the crazymakers do as they will.
Give love. Ask for love. Receive it. Look for it. It will find you.
I think that's my "get it" message for today. Love will find it's way to you. To me.
1.10.2009
Joe The Plumber Becomes Joe The War Correspondent
Well folks, just when we thought life on this planet couldn't get any more insane, it has. Samuel Wurzelbacher (aka Joe The Plumber) has been hired by a website media outlet (conservative outlet pjtv.com) as a War Correspondent over in Israel.
So let me get this straight. Let me understand what is required for this job.
Journalism experience?
Nope.
Knowledge of Foreign Policy?
Nope.
Knowledge of the history of the region you will be covering?
Nope.
Know how to fix a leaky toilet?
Yep.
I first heard about this last night on The Daily Show. When asked if he fears for his safety, Joe had a brilliant answer (paraphrased):
"As a Christian, I know God will be on my side."
As Jon Stewart (jokingly) said (paraphrased): "Hey Joe, make sure you say that a LOT when you're over in the area."
What's next?
Joe Six-Pack to become White House Press Secretary?
Jane Soccer Mom, wife of Joe Six-Pack, to become UN Ambassador to Pakistan?
Susie and Johnnie, daughter and son of Jane and Joe, to become House Minority Leaders?
Somebody
please
stop
this
insanity!!!!!!!
So let me get this straight. Let me understand what is required for this job.
Journalism experience?
Nope.
Knowledge of Foreign Policy?
Nope.
Knowledge of the history of the region you will be covering?
Nope.
Know how to fix a leaky toilet?
Yep.
I first heard about this last night on The Daily Show. When asked if he fears for his safety, Joe had a brilliant answer (paraphrased):
"As a Christian, I know God will be on my side."
As Jon Stewart (jokingly) said (paraphrased): "Hey Joe, make sure you say that a LOT when you're over in the area."
What's next?
Joe Six-Pack to become White House Press Secretary?
Jane Soccer Mom, wife of Joe Six-Pack, to become UN Ambassador to Pakistan?
Susie and Johnnie, daughter and son of Jane and Joe, to become House Minority Leaders?
Somebody
please
stop
this
insanity!!!!!!!
1.09.2009
Help Write Obama's Inaugural Speech
If you've ever wanted to be a presidential speechwriter, now's your chance:
Go to the address below to collaborate with Washington, Lincoln, JFK—as well as other Slate readers—to write this year’s Inaugural Address.
http://www.mixedink.com/Slate/InauguralAddress/
I received this in my e-mail box a few days back. Honest and for truly the website above is giving people the chance to help write the inaugural speech. Really and for true! Write something beautiful and brilliant and maybe, just maybe, Obama will be inspired to use it. Afterall, he is the "CHANGE" we've all been seeking, right? Oh, ok, so he's appointing Washington Insider Puppetheads. But who cares? All of that "Change" mantra sunk in our psyche's to such a level that we still believe, right?
Of course it's all tongue and cheek given these speeches are written well in advance and any deviation away can get an individual in trouble with the PTB. But hey, it could be a fun activity to compose your own speech. Hmmm now that I think of it, I'm inspired to do just that. But what would I want the man to say? What little scene is playing out in my mind as I type this....
I wonder......
Hmmmm.........
January 20, 2009
Our New President's Speech
(inspired by the movie Tootsie, starring Dustin Hoffman and Jessica Lange)
"My fellow Americans:
"I stand before you today, proud and humbled. Proud to accept your nomination as Commander In Chief, President of the United States of America."
pause for applause
"Proud to be a Citizen of the Greatest Country On Planet Earth."
pause for more applause
"And proud to know I step into the shoes of the Greatest Leaders this world has ever known."
pause for applause and yet also prepare for some hissing and thrown fruit
"And yet, I am also humbled. Deeply, deeply, deeply humbled to have this opportunity to serve this Great Nation as the Highest Leader. Deeply humbled to be standing before all of you who have been so supportive of me and my family these past two years. And perhaps most importantly, even more deeply humbled to know you have put your trust in me to step into this position at this most historic time in history."
assuming people are still paying attention, pause for some applause
"And yet my Fellow Americans, this day is not about fanfare and celebration. This day is about taking this country in a new direction. It is about tearing down the walls that we have erected, walls that divide us, young and old, male and female, republican, democrat and independent, rich and poor. It is about restoring this government to a place where the virtues of honesty and integrity are again echoed in the halls of Congress and the Oval Office, exercised in the behaviors of our political and business leaders, and embraced by each and every American, embraced because they know their leaders extole once again such virtues."
this will wake up the crowd again. pause for more applause
"And as such, I would like to take this opportunity to be honest with you. For you see"
unbotton jacket
"I am not just an african-american."
loosen tie
"I am not just a man."
unbotton shirt, revealing bra
"I am a man-in-becoming."
remove shirt
"For you see, I wasn't born Barrack Hussein Obama."
remove bra
"I was born..."
fling bra into the crowd
"Barbara Emira Obama!!"
smile brilliantly
"And with another surgery and continuining hormone treatments, by months end I WILL BE a fully fledged man!"
look over at Hillary and wink. This prompts her to run to the stage screaming
"I'm A Lesbian! I'm A Lesbian! Great God Almighty, let the truth be known I AM A LESBIAN!"
This act of courage prompts Dick Cheney to run to the stage with his own little revelation
"I'm The Dark Lord! I'm The Dark Lord! Great Satan Almighty I have no soul. Let the truth be known I AM THE DARK LORD!"
As if a chain reaction is taking place, Nanci Pelosi feels inspired to get in on the action
"I'm a fake! I'm a fake! I don't give a shit about any of you! I take your money and I spend it on ME like, take for example, this ridiculous haircut and on my housecleaners who, by the way, I DO NOT TIP AND I DO NOT CARE!"
This inspires 95% of Congress to run up on stage, chanting
"Ditto! US TOO! We're all fakes! We're all fakes! We don't like you! Don't care about you! Hell we don't really even WANT to represent you! But we do because the perks are UNBELIEVABLE!"
By this time a massive hysteria has enveloped the crowd (and in some places, orgies, which catch the eye of Bill Clinton). And yet meanwhile, back at home on a little ranch in Crawford, Texas, a bumpkin watches the scene unfold and has the following words to say:
"Well I'll be damn. Them weather forecasters called for light drizzle and there ain't a cloud in the sky. But that Obama, he sure does have a pretty smile don't he?"
Grumbles: "Lucky SOB got to walk. I had to be escorted in a damn limo by the Secret Service." (uses a mocking tone when saying "secret service")
Looks over his shoulder and calls:
"Hey Laura, bring me a Coors from the box and a Grilled Cheese Sandwich will ya?"
Go to the address below to collaborate with Washington, Lincoln, JFK—as well as other Slate readers—to write this year’s Inaugural Address.
http://www.mixedink.com/Slate/InauguralAddress/
I received this in my e-mail box a few days back. Honest and for truly the website above is giving people the chance to help write the inaugural speech. Really and for true! Write something beautiful and brilliant and maybe, just maybe, Obama will be inspired to use it. Afterall, he is the "CHANGE" we've all been seeking, right? Oh, ok, so he's appointing Washington Insider Puppetheads. But who cares? All of that "Change" mantra sunk in our psyche's to such a level that we still believe, right?
Of course it's all tongue and cheek given these speeches are written well in advance and any deviation away can get an individual in trouble with the PTB. But hey, it could be a fun activity to compose your own speech. Hmmm now that I think of it, I'm inspired to do just that. But what would I want the man to say? What little scene is playing out in my mind as I type this....
I wonder......
Hmmmm.........
January 20, 2009
Our New President's Speech
(inspired by the movie Tootsie, starring Dustin Hoffman and Jessica Lange)
"My fellow Americans:
"I stand before you today, proud and humbled. Proud to accept your nomination as Commander In Chief, President of the United States of America."
"Proud to be a Citizen of the Greatest Country On Planet Earth."
"And proud to know I step into the shoes of the Greatest Leaders this world has ever known."
"And yet, I am also humbled. Deeply, deeply, deeply humbled to have this opportunity to serve this Great Nation as the Highest Leader. Deeply humbled to be standing before all of you who have been so supportive of me and my family these past two years. And perhaps most importantly, even more deeply humbled to know you have put your trust in me to step into this position at this most historic time in history."
"And yet my Fellow Americans, this day is not about fanfare and celebration. This day is about taking this country in a new direction. It is about tearing down the walls that we have erected, walls that divide us, young and old, male and female, republican, democrat and independent, rich and poor. It is about restoring this government to a place where the virtues of honesty and integrity are again echoed in the halls of Congress and the Oval Office, exercised in the behaviors of our political and business leaders, and embraced by each and every American, embraced because they know their leaders extole once again such virtues."
"And as such, I would like to take this opportunity to be honest with you. For you see"
"I am not just an african-american."
"I am not just a man."
"I am a man-in-becoming."
"For you see, I wasn't born Barrack Hussein Obama."
"I was born..."
"Barbara Emira Obama!!"
"And with another surgery and continuining hormone treatments, by months end I WILL BE a fully fledged man!"
"I'm The Dark Lord! I'm The Dark Lord! Great Satan Almighty I have no soul. Let the truth be known I AM THE DARK LORD!"
"I'm a fake! I'm a fake! I don't give a shit about any of you! I take your money and I spend it on ME like, take for example, this ridiculous haircut and on my housecleaners who, by the way, I DO NOT TIP AND I DO NOT CARE!"
"Ditto! US TOO! We're all fakes! We're all fakes! We don't like you! Don't care about you! Hell we don't really even WANT to represent you! But we do because the perks are UNBELIEVABLE!"
By this time a massive hysteria has enveloped the crowd (and in some places, orgies, which catch the eye of Bill Clinton). And yet meanwhile, back at home on a little ranch in Crawford, Texas, a bumpkin watches the scene unfold and has the following words to say:
"Well I'll be damn. Them weather forecasters called for light drizzle and there ain't a cloud in the sky. But that Obama, he sure does have a pretty smile don't he?"
Grumbles: "Lucky SOB got to walk. I had to be escorted in a damn limo by the Secret Service." (uses a mocking tone when saying "secret service")
Looks over his shoulder and calls:
"Hey Laura, bring me a Coors from the box and a Grilled Cheese Sandwich will ya?"
"Stripping" Takes On New Meaning In Today's Economy
Owners faced with foreclosure strip the house of everything but the kitchen sink.
And even sometimes the kitchen sink is included.
"Jack O’Leary has seen foreclosed homes where ex-owners put paint on the carpets, anti-bank graffiti on the walls or took everything but the kitchen sink - then stole that, too.
“I’ve gone into houses where the light fixtures are gone, the toilets are gone, the kitchen is gone. And when I say ‘gone,’ we’re talking stripped down to the bare walls,” said O’Leary, a Brockton Re/Max real estate agent who specializes in foreclosed homes."
Can't say as though I blame these folks. If some greedy bank came after my home because I was unable to pay the mortgage dollars (dollars that only exist on some damn computer screen), I'd take everything from the house I could.
Want to solve this mess? Get the banks out of the housing business and return to the days when people would homestead. Eliminate the scam 15-30 year interest bearing mortgage program. Government allocates folks a plot of land and said people, with the help of others in their particular communities, develop the land as they see fit. But this is obviously a pipe dream. Too bad as this "stripping" business seems to be on the rise.
Florida.
Arizona.
Woodbridge, VA.
And even sometimes the kitchen sink is included.
"Jack O’Leary has seen foreclosed homes where ex-owners put paint on the carpets, anti-bank graffiti on the walls or took everything but the kitchen sink - then stole that, too.
“I’ve gone into houses where the light fixtures are gone, the toilets are gone, the kitchen is gone. And when I say ‘gone,’ we’re talking stripped down to the bare walls,” said O’Leary, a Brockton Re/Max real estate agent who specializes in foreclosed homes."
Can't say as though I blame these folks. If some greedy bank came after my home because I was unable to pay the mortgage dollars (dollars that only exist on some damn computer screen), I'd take everything from the house I could.
Want to solve this mess? Get the banks out of the housing business and return to the days when people would homestead. Eliminate the scam 15-30 year interest bearing mortgage program. Government allocates folks a plot of land and said people, with the help of others in their particular communities, develop the land as they see fit. But this is obviously a pipe dream. Too bad as this "stripping" business seems to be on the rise.
Florida.
Arizona.
Woodbridge, VA.
1.08.2009
Sometimes I wonder...
I saw a little baby in the store today. Male. Probably 3-4 months old. Beautiful. Precious. Inquisitive.
Adorable.
Everything in me wanted to hold it. Give me something.........SOMETHING innocent and not yet corrupt to hold. Let me drink in that pure energy. Let me bask in it. My heart, my soul, needs it oh so desperately.
Then something made me ask: Why did this soul come here?
Then I also had the follow up thought: Why on earth would anyone bring another child into this world?
Probably because of that little quirk within us all called "hope". Hope that little baby will remember his true nature and will help continue the trend to wake up the masses. Hope that maybe by bringing into this world a bit of light that will put yet another dent in some of that darkness.
I don't know. I can only hope that child doesn't have to experience that slap-in-the-face "sorry idealism and new ideas are out tow the line or else" bullshit so many of us have experienced far too often. Or if he does, I hope he has a solid support system around him to offer a safe place during such times.
Or maybe his parents have their heads in the sand and think the system is just grand because they've found a way to make it and they own that little home in the subarbs and have good paying jobs and have health insurance and all of that crap and as such maybe they'll just spit out another puppet.
I hope not.
But sometimes I wonder...
Adorable.
Everything in me wanted to hold it. Give me something.........SOMETHING innocent and not yet corrupt to hold. Let me drink in that pure energy. Let me bask in it. My heart, my soul, needs it oh so desperately.
Then something made me ask: Why did this soul come here?
Then I also had the follow up thought: Why on earth would anyone bring another child into this world?
Probably because of that little quirk within us all called "hope". Hope that little baby will remember his true nature and will help continue the trend to wake up the masses. Hope that maybe by bringing into this world a bit of light that will put yet another dent in some of that darkness.
I don't know. I can only hope that child doesn't have to experience that slap-in-the-face "sorry idealism and new ideas are out tow the line or else" bullshit so many of us have experienced far too often. Or if he does, I hope he has a solid support system around him to offer a safe place during such times.
Or maybe his parents have their heads in the sand and think the system is just grand because they've found a way to make it and they own that little home in the subarbs and have good paying jobs and have health insurance and all of that crap and as such maybe they'll just spit out another puppet.
I hope not.
But sometimes I wonder...
Madness.
"All this madness, around me.
Makes me question, my own sanity."
(c) 2007, Arching Rainbows
I remember when I was into the new age crap years ago...being told to take a detached p.o.v. when looking at the chaos of the world. "Everything is happening for a reason," I was told. "There's a divine plan at work." And my favorite, "You don't know what the person's soul contracts/personal plan is" spoken when I felt the need to help, to do something. All of this was a way of saying: "I can't handle what's going on so I am going to make up a bunch of flowery bullshit to avoid speaking out for those who can't speak for themselves."
Instead I'm going to write a book about this flowery crap, make a lot of money after going on Oprah, then sitting on my fat ass for the rest of my life as I detach myself from the injustice all around me.
While I know it's important to watch what I take in, I also know I am unable to take a detached position on anything I deem to be injust. I believe within us all is the need to "DO SOMETHING" when we see such acts. That instinct is there for a reason, only we allow religious bullshit, apathy, depression, fear and other emotional states to silence us.
There's so much of this madness going on right now, in particular with the genocide taking place on the Palestine people by the Israeli's. Now granted Hamas has seemed to lost its way and has become just another terrorist group in that it has no regard for human life, that does not justify the actions of Israel any way shape or form. You don't take by force ANYTHING from another individual or group of individuals.
This has nothing to do with the Jewish people, but rather a movement spawned by Zionism whose followers believe Israel to be God's Chosen Land and the citizens of Israel, God's Chosen People. The particular plot of resides in Palestine. One needn't be Jewish to be a Zionist. Just corrupt, greedy, power hungry, utterly blinded by religious falsehoods and most of all, with no concern for human life. Although I realize this is one such explanation, I have an inner confidence that, at its core, religious belief has nothing to do with this theft of land and way of life.
The wisespread level of support by folks creates that level of madness within. Makes me question my own sanity, like the long lyrics mention. You know the concept. Such support receives the most accolades while the words of myself and those like-minded are considered crazy and conspiratorial.
WTF?
On the flip side, there are those who support the Palestine people. Most are well meaning but some are as equally fucked up as the Zionists.
I mean come on now. How is peace ever going to be created when Zionists scream "death to the arabs" and Arabs scream "death to the jews"? Personally I'd like to see both sides engaging in the violence, doing the actual fighting, take their shit away from the people. Let the people live in peace. You have an issue with your neighbor? Take up the cause yourself. Quit drawing in other's to further the violence.
Let's create a vacuum in space to send such folks. Can't work out your conflicts peacefully? Can't work them out so that you don't infringe on the freedoms of others? Off to the vacuum of conflict resolution. Won't resolve it without using violent means? Well guess what my little friend. You've suddenly become food for the Universe.
Let's recreate the military. Let's train and use these folks to help out those who are suffering, who are in need of help. Natural disasters. Poverty. Hunger. Let's put them to work cleaning up the environment we've polluted (and tossing the corporations like Walmart, et al who have gotten away with on-going polluting practices into that space vacuum). No more need to fight. For if one government decides to invade another nation, it's an automatic toss into the space vacuum to work it out. A Universal time-out.
Yeah, a crazy idea for sure. But only crazy to those too ignorant to think for themselves and too lazy to care. All of which only serves to fuel the madness.
Yep.
Madness all around me. Madness all around you.
Makes me long for more of those beautiful Arching Rainbows.
Makes me question, my own sanity."
(c) 2007, Arching Rainbows
I remember when I was into the new age crap years ago...being told to take a detached p.o.v. when looking at the chaos of the world. "Everything is happening for a reason," I was told. "There's a divine plan at work." And my favorite, "You don't know what the person's soul contracts/personal plan is" spoken when I felt the need to help, to do something. All of this was a way of saying: "I can't handle what's going on so I am going to make up a bunch of flowery bullshit to avoid speaking out for those who can't speak for themselves."
Instead I'm going to write a book about this flowery crap, make a lot of money after going on Oprah, then sitting on my fat ass for the rest of my life as I detach myself from the injustice all around me.
While I know it's important to watch what I take in, I also know I am unable to take a detached position on anything I deem to be injust. I believe within us all is the need to "DO SOMETHING" when we see such acts. That instinct is there for a reason, only we allow religious bullshit, apathy, depression, fear and other emotional states to silence us.
There's so much of this madness going on right now, in particular with the genocide taking place on the Palestine people by the Israeli's. Now granted Hamas has seemed to lost its way and has become just another terrorist group in that it has no regard for human life, that does not justify the actions of Israel any way shape or form. You don't take by force ANYTHING from another individual or group of individuals.
This has nothing to do with the Jewish people, but rather a movement spawned by Zionism whose followers believe Israel to be God's Chosen Land and the citizens of Israel, God's Chosen People. The particular plot of resides in Palestine. One needn't be Jewish to be a Zionist. Just corrupt, greedy, power hungry, utterly blinded by religious falsehoods and most of all, with no concern for human life. Although I realize this is one such explanation, I have an inner confidence that, at its core, religious belief has nothing to do with this theft of land and way of life.
The wisespread level of support by folks creates that level of madness within. Makes me question my own sanity, like the long lyrics mention. You know the concept. Such support receives the most accolades while the words of myself and those like-minded are considered crazy and conspiratorial.
WTF?
On the flip side, there are those who support the Palestine people. Most are well meaning but some are as equally fucked up as the Zionists.
I mean come on now. How is peace ever going to be created when Zionists scream "death to the arabs" and Arabs scream "death to the jews"? Personally I'd like to see both sides engaging in the violence, doing the actual fighting, take their shit away from the people. Let the people live in peace. You have an issue with your neighbor? Take up the cause yourself. Quit drawing in other's to further the violence.
Let's create a vacuum in space to send such folks. Can't work out your conflicts peacefully? Can't work them out so that you don't infringe on the freedoms of others? Off to the vacuum of conflict resolution. Won't resolve it without using violent means? Well guess what my little friend. You've suddenly become food for the Universe.
Let's recreate the military. Let's train and use these folks to help out those who are suffering, who are in need of help. Natural disasters. Poverty. Hunger. Let's put them to work cleaning up the environment we've polluted (and tossing the corporations like Walmart, et al who have gotten away with on-going polluting practices into that space vacuum). No more need to fight. For if one government decides to invade another nation, it's an automatic toss into the space vacuum to work it out. A Universal time-out.
Yeah, a crazy idea for sure. But only crazy to those too ignorant to think for themselves and too lazy to care. All of which only serves to fuel the madness.
Yep.
Madness all around me. Madness all around you.
Makes me long for more of those beautiful Arching Rainbows.
1.03.2009
Prophesy. Intuitive Knowings. And Yellowstone.
I've been known to have intuitive knowings on things, either while awake or asleep. For example, the day before 9/11, while sending out a fax at work, I looked at a calendar to confirm the date. I saw where the next day was 9/11 and immediately had the thought "something awful is going to happen tomorrow and there's nothing you can do to stop it". When Laci Peterson went missing, I had a dream where I saw how she was murdered and where her body was. Both turned out to be true. When the space shuttle crashed in Texas, I had a dream that morning where something crashed in an open field and there were people running around everywhere, debris and fresh smoke all over the place. My spouse woke me up just as I was having this dream, saying "honey something's happened! wake up there's been a crash!" Most recently a friend of ours invited us to a local spaghetti feed. Something told me "no, stomachache". Our friend went without us and he ended up having terrible stomach pains for days afterwards.
Today I am recalling a dream I had back in 2004. It was powerful and something within has encouraged me to remember it. I was in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, driving northward to pick up my brother and his family in the Portland area. At the time they were living in Seattle so I thought it odd I would be getting them in Portland. I also remembering worrying about my mom and knew she was living in the Portland area, too. At the time, she was living in eastern Oregon. Something told me she was ok, though and not to worry about having to get her too. So again, my mind thought all of this was rather odd. As we got closer to Portland, near Oregon City to be precise, I could see the Willamette River was filling with lava and mud. There were large tree's swirling around as well. Suddenly I knew: somewhere there had been a massive volcano. At the time I thought it may have been Mt. Rainier. I had the urge to get out of the area ASAP. After picking up my brother and his family, we barely made it over a bridge to safety before it was to be wiped out by the lava and mud flow.
Since that time, my brother and his family have moved to Portland. And so has my mom. Currently my mom is in another state on vacation for the next couple of months.
If this was a prophetic dream of some sort about Yellowstone, then I know she's safe given her location. Which would explain why, in the dream, I knew she would be ok. However, my brother and his family could be in danger.
Given Yellowstone has had over 400 eruptions since late December, making for very unusual circumstances, as described by seismologists and geologists, I have to wonder about the accuracy of my dream. Coincidence? I don't know. I wish I did though. It is something I will be paying very close attention to.
To see the projected territorial impact (with a 600 mile radius) if such an event were to occur, please visit http://www.piglipstick.blogspot.com/ fmi.
Today I am recalling a dream I had back in 2004. It was powerful and something within has encouraged me to remember it. I was in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, driving northward to pick up my brother and his family in the Portland area. At the time they were living in Seattle so I thought it odd I would be getting them in Portland. I also remembering worrying about my mom and knew she was living in the Portland area, too. At the time, she was living in eastern Oregon. Something told me she was ok, though and not to worry about having to get her too. So again, my mind thought all of this was rather odd. As we got closer to Portland, near Oregon City to be precise, I could see the Willamette River was filling with lava and mud. There were large tree's swirling around as well. Suddenly I knew: somewhere there had been a massive volcano. At the time I thought it may have been Mt. Rainier. I had the urge to get out of the area ASAP. After picking up my brother and his family, we barely made it over a bridge to safety before it was to be wiped out by the lava and mud flow.
Since that time, my brother and his family have moved to Portland. And so has my mom. Currently my mom is in another state on vacation for the next couple of months.
If this was a prophetic dream of some sort about Yellowstone, then I know she's safe given her location. Which would explain why, in the dream, I knew she would be ok. However, my brother and his family could be in danger.
Given Yellowstone has had over 400 eruptions since late December, making for very unusual circumstances, as described by seismologists and geologists, I have to wonder about the accuracy of my dream. Coincidence? I don't know. I wish I did though. It is something I will be paying very close attention to.
To see the projected territorial impact (with a 600 mile radius) if such an event were to occur, please visit http://www.piglipstick.blogspot.com/ fmi.
1.02.2009
Blog Visitors
Time once again to acknowledge a sampling of the folks who pass through this blog, this time over the past few days. As I typically do, I list the location and search engine keyword(s) that brought them here. Today's search proved to be very humorous on a couple of occasions. Without further ado....
1) Someone from Australia stopped by in search of a "new year's message".
2) A blogger from Asia found me by searching for one to "write us for pay". (I hope you found a paid writing gig. If you did, could you hook me up too?)
3) Along those lines, an individual from an unknown location wanted information on "pay nothing". Maybe it was the nemesis of the person from Asia.
4) Someone out of the UK typed in "aaawww" and found me. How cute is that?
5) A Brazil blogger was in search of "matrix phrases wake up Neo". (Keep up that matrix explorin'.)
6) Someone out of Illinois was in search of "chantix misleadings".
7) I've had several hits from people all over the country who are in search of information on "national collector's mint scam/fraud".
8) Along those lines, I continue to receive daily hits, again from all over the country, from folks googling "Kip Schoning." Perhaps he should go to work for the National Collector's Mint.
And now for the finale, the final two, the searches that had me laughing out loud:
9) Someone from the UK was seemingly quite desperate in their need for information on a "dribbling wheezy sleepy baby".
10) And last but not least, a Kentucky blogger found me by typing the following mouthful: "what does it mean when a kitty meows when you pick it up and it also wont (sic) move."
While I am not a Veterinarian or an Animal Psychic, I do have a suggestion. Perhaps kitty has been partyin' it up with the baby from the UK.
1) Someone from Australia stopped by in search of a "new year's message".
2) A blogger from Asia found me by searching for one to "write us for pay". (I hope you found a paid writing gig. If you did, could you hook me up too?)
3) Along those lines, an individual from an unknown location wanted information on "pay nothing". Maybe it was the nemesis of the person from Asia.
4) Someone out of the UK typed in "aaawww" and found me. How cute is that?
5) A Brazil blogger was in search of "matrix phrases wake up Neo". (Keep up that matrix explorin'.)
6) Someone out of Illinois was in search of "chantix misleadings".
7) I've had several hits from people all over the country who are in search of information on "national collector's mint scam/fraud".
8) Along those lines, I continue to receive daily hits, again from all over the country, from folks googling "Kip Schoning." Perhaps he should go to work for the National Collector's Mint.
And now for the finale, the final two, the searches that had me laughing out loud:
9) Someone from the UK was seemingly quite desperate in their need for information on a "dribbling wheezy sleepy baby".
10) And last but not least, a Kentucky blogger found me by typing the following mouthful: "what does it mean when a kitty meows when you pick it up and it also wont (sic) move."
While I am not a Veterinarian or an Animal Psychic, I do have a suggestion. Perhaps kitty has been partyin' it up with the baby from the UK.
12.31.2008
A New Year's Message
How to sum up 2008: Up and down, courageous and fearful, belief and disbelief, hope and apathy.
As 2009 approaches, I think "it's just another day, really". I also think "it signals something new". This is the ONE DAY when every one of us marks the end of one year and welcomes in a new one in our own way. It is the one day where most of us are thinking about this past year and our hopes for something better, regardless of how we celebrate, if at all. Some have intentions for good, some have darker intentions. While I want to remain aware of those with less-than intentions, I also want to spit on them and their agenda. It's my life, my planet, too.
My focus is on answering the following question: What now? For myself and Mr. N, that means where do we live? How will we make a living? The old is simply that--old. The tried, no longer true. My other focus is on honing those skills that I already have while exploring new creative means of producing an income.
It is my wish for 2009 that we begin to work (and play) together to form ways of living that take the best of the System (technologically speaking primarily) and form small communities off the grid. Communities where everyone contributes what comes to them naturally, joyfully, easily.
For it is long past time to turn this nation of "Pottersville" back into "Bedford Falls".
A solid, peaceful, creative new year to all.
As 2009 approaches, I think "it's just another day, really". I also think "it signals something new". This is the ONE DAY when every one of us marks the end of one year and welcomes in a new one in our own way. It is the one day where most of us are thinking about this past year and our hopes for something better, regardless of how we celebrate, if at all. Some have intentions for good, some have darker intentions. While I want to remain aware of those with less-than intentions, I also want to spit on them and their agenda. It's my life, my planet, too.
My focus is on answering the following question: What now? For myself and Mr. N, that means where do we live? How will we make a living? The old is simply that--old. The tried, no longer true. My other focus is on honing those skills that I already have while exploring new creative means of producing an income.
It is my wish for 2009 that we begin to work (and play) together to form ways of living that take the best of the System (technologically speaking primarily) and form small communities off the grid. Communities where everyone contributes what comes to them naturally, joyfully, easily.
For it is long past time to turn this nation of "Pottersville" back into "Bedford Falls".
A solid, peaceful, creative new year to all.
12.29.2008
Movie Reviews
Okie kiddies, it's movie review time again. Here's a run-down of just some of the movies we've watched in recent weeks along with my comments and recommendations.
1) Forgetting Sarah Marshall. This is a quirky film about Peter, a songwriter/composer who lives with film and tv star Sarah Marshall. Sarah breaks up with Peter after a 5 year relationship and so he decides to take a vacation to Hawaii to help mend his broken heart. Unfortunately Peter chooses the same island and resort that Sarah has also decided to visit. Putting the obviously ridiculous coincidence aside, this is a funny little film. It drags a bit in the middle (as many films do) and the ending is predictable. However, there are both funny and odd moments in the film that kept our interest, like the surfing instructor who lays out the same line to all who visit his stand, and some of the moments with customer service employees at the hotel who take pity on Peter. Then there's the very comedic crying scenes of Peter and his lonely cereal bowl moments. And then there's Sarah's new love interest, british rocker Aldous, whose huge ego and blatant self-centeredness coupled with his "love and peace my dear friend" complexity make him quite funny. His ability to stay calm in all situations only adds to his character. And one last little addition: there's nudity in the film, only it isn't female nudity. It's the male this time. Front and back (or as Mr. N pointed out "they showed his penis THREE TIMES"). Quite refreshing when we're so bombarded with female butts and boobs in most films.
2) Definitely, Maybe. This stars Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) as Maya, a young girl whose parents are going through a divorce. While visiting her father, she wants to know how her parents met and how many other girls he dated. (In one scene, she asks her dad, who has just told her about 3 women he slept with prior to marriage, "Dad, what's the male word for slut?" Dad comes back with "They haven't come up with a name yet.") Much of the film dives into dad's past, where Maya has decided to turn it into a game whereby she tries to guess which of the women he is talking about turns out to be her mother. A decent film to rent. Kind of smarmy in a disney sort of way in a few scenes, but overall it's a storyline that kept us wanting to know who the mother is. And the obvious question: Will mom and dad's love for Maya be enough for them to stay together or is divorce inevitable?
3) A Streetcar Named Desire. Ok, so I probably don't need to write about this one or say whether I recommend it or not. If you haven't seen it, see it. If you have, see it again. It's a dark and disturbing look at love and obsession. With the acting brilliant, the black and white film providing the perfect mood (wish more films would opt for that) it's no wonder it's a classic. And for those who haven't seen it and are a Seinfeld fan AND you have wondered why Elaine yelled "Stellllllllaaaaaa" during the episode where she and Jerry went to Florida and she was looped up on pain pills, watch the movie and you will understand. And who cannot resist the young Marlon Brando and that amazing body. Those biceps. Y U M M Y. Although by the end you hate his character so much, he ain't so hot to look at.
4) Burn After Reading. Classified as a "dark comedy", this Coen brother's film (Fargo was another of their films) stars Brad Pitt as a bumbling/sweet gym dude, Frances McDermond as his co-worker and partner-in-crime and obsessed with getting plastic surgery, George Clooney as some married Department of Treasury employee obsessed with sex and discreet affairs and John Malcovich as recently ousted CIA operative whose wife is having an affair with Clooney. Upon his termination/quitting (depending on how you look at it), Malcovich's character decides to pen his memoirs. His wife, thinking that filing for divorce will land her a permanent relationship with Clooney, secretly gathers her husband's financial records and somehow his memoirs end up on the CD. Thereafter, the CD ends up being accidentally left in the locker room of the gym where Pitt and McDermond work. Pitt thinks they're on to something top secret upon finding out the author of the records is Malcovich. He and McDermond cook up a plot to hold the CD for ransom and will return the information to Malcovich in exchange for $50,000. A series of mishaps soon follows. Part of their attempt at the big money includes going to the Russian Embassy, thinking the Russians would be interested in the top secret U.S. Intelligence information they assume is on the disc. This film really held my interest from the get-go. Brilliant comedy. And Pitt and McDermond are excellent together. I hadn't seen Pitt pull off a comedic role like this and I have to say, he was very very good at it. However, the dark really took over near the end with a gruesome murder scene and at that point, the humor dissipated and was replaced by violence. So I guess I am saying watch and enjoy 3/4 of the film but be prepared to watch the comedic element abruptly end and (possibly) prepare yourself to be turned off by the violence in the remaining scenes. Of course I realize some enjoy such films, so it may be to some people's liking. It just seemed to put on the brakes and go off in a whole new direction that didn't follow the energy of the film up until that point.
5) Tripping The Rift: The Movie. This is some CGI/animated flick that Mr. N chose. I watched maybe 10 minutes of it and was not entertained. I found the material stereotypically offensive in its juvenile-like references to sex and the world at large. Mr. N fast-forwarded through most of it and was equally as unimpressed. I would think this would suffice to the male/under 25 crowd. Likely with a lot of beer drinking going on to boot. Not impressed.
6) Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day. Another Frances Mcdermond film (she now tops my list of favorite actors). Set in 1930's (or so) London, Guinevere Pettigrew (Mcdermond) has once again lost another job as a governess. She seems to have difficulty in keeping her opinion to herself. In order to avoid homelessness, she plots her way into taking the job as a social secretary for an American actress, Delysia Lafosse, who despite being a bit flighty and holding a rather high opinion of herself, is nonetheless innocently good hearted, well-intentioned and likable. Never having worked as a social secretary before, Miss Pettigrew must deal with the competing love interests of Ms. Lafosse, help her keep her social and professional life in order and ensure Ms. Lafosse selects the best man. She pulls it all off beautifully, despite some real comedic mishaps and near-misses. She also finds herself faced with the possibility of finding love herself. A wonderful, refreshing, charming, comedic film with wonderful costumes and even more wonderful music (jazz and big band).
1) Forgetting Sarah Marshall. This is a quirky film about Peter, a songwriter/composer who lives with film and tv star Sarah Marshall. Sarah breaks up with Peter after a 5 year relationship and so he decides to take a vacation to Hawaii to help mend his broken heart. Unfortunately Peter chooses the same island and resort that Sarah has also decided to visit. Putting the obviously ridiculous coincidence aside, this is a funny little film. It drags a bit in the middle (as many films do) and the ending is predictable. However, there are both funny and odd moments in the film that kept our interest, like the surfing instructor who lays out the same line to all who visit his stand, and some of the moments with customer service employees at the hotel who take pity on Peter. Then there's the very comedic crying scenes of Peter and his lonely cereal bowl moments. And then there's Sarah's new love interest, british rocker Aldous, whose huge ego and blatant self-centeredness coupled with his "love and peace my dear friend" complexity make him quite funny. His ability to stay calm in all situations only adds to his character. And one last little addition: there's nudity in the film, only it isn't female nudity. It's the male this time. Front and back (or as Mr. N pointed out "they showed his penis THREE TIMES"). Quite refreshing when we're so bombarded with female butts and boobs in most films.
2) Definitely, Maybe. This stars Abigail Breslin (Little Miss Sunshine) as Maya, a young girl whose parents are going through a divorce. While visiting her father, she wants to know how her parents met and how many other girls he dated. (In one scene, she asks her dad, who has just told her about 3 women he slept with prior to marriage, "Dad, what's the male word for slut?" Dad comes back with "They haven't come up with a name yet.") Much of the film dives into dad's past, where Maya has decided to turn it into a game whereby she tries to guess which of the women he is talking about turns out to be her mother. A decent film to rent. Kind of smarmy in a disney sort of way in a few scenes, but overall it's a storyline that kept us wanting to know who the mother is. And the obvious question: Will mom and dad's love for Maya be enough for them to stay together or is divorce inevitable?
3) A Streetcar Named Desire. Ok, so I probably don't need to write about this one or say whether I recommend it or not. If you haven't seen it, see it. If you have, see it again. It's a dark and disturbing look at love and obsession. With the acting brilliant, the black and white film providing the perfect mood (wish more films would opt for that) it's no wonder it's a classic. And for those who haven't seen it and are a Seinfeld fan AND you have wondered why Elaine yelled "Stellllllllaaaaaa" during the episode where she and Jerry went to Florida and she was looped up on pain pills, watch the movie and you will understand. And who cannot resist the young Marlon Brando and that amazing body. Those biceps. Y U M M Y. Although by the end you hate his character so much, he ain't so hot to look at.
4) Burn After Reading. Classified as a "dark comedy", this Coen brother's film (Fargo was another of their films) stars Brad Pitt as a bumbling/sweet gym dude, Frances McDermond as his co-worker and partner-in-crime and obsessed with getting plastic surgery, George Clooney as some married Department of Treasury employee obsessed with sex and discreet affairs and John Malcovich as recently ousted CIA operative whose wife is having an affair with Clooney. Upon his termination/quitting (depending on how you look at it), Malcovich's character decides to pen his memoirs. His wife, thinking that filing for divorce will land her a permanent relationship with Clooney, secretly gathers her husband's financial records and somehow his memoirs end up on the CD. Thereafter, the CD ends up being accidentally left in the locker room of the gym where Pitt and McDermond work. Pitt thinks they're on to something top secret upon finding out the author of the records is Malcovich. He and McDermond cook up a plot to hold the CD for ransom and will return the information to Malcovich in exchange for $50,000. A series of mishaps soon follows. Part of their attempt at the big money includes going to the Russian Embassy, thinking the Russians would be interested in the top secret U.S. Intelligence information they assume is on the disc. This film really held my interest from the get-go. Brilliant comedy. And Pitt and McDermond are excellent together. I hadn't seen Pitt pull off a comedic role like this and I have to say, he was very very good at it. However, the dark really took over near the end with a gruesome murder scene and at that point, the humor dissipated and was replaced by violence. So I guess I am saying watch and enjoy 3/4 of the film but be prepared to watch the comedic element abruptly end and (possibly) prepare yourself to be turned off by the violence in the remaining scenes. Of course I realize some enjoy such films, so it may be to some people's liking. It just seemed to put on the brakes and go off in a whole new direction that didn't follow the energy of the film up until that point.
5) Tripping The Rift: The Movie. This is some CGI/animated flick that Mr. N chose. I watched maybe 10 minutes of it and was not entertained. I found the material stereotypically offensive in its juvenile-like references to sex and the world at large. Mr. N fast-forwarded through most of it and was equally as unimpressed. I would think this would suffice to the male/under 25 crowd. Likely with a lot of beer drinking going on to boot. Not impressed.
6) Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day. Another Frances Mcdermond film (she now tops my list of favorite actors). Set in 1930's (or so) London, Guinevere Pettigrew (Mcdermond) has once again lost another job as a governess. She seems to have difficulty in keeping her opinion to herself. In order to avoid homelessness, she plots her way into taking the job as a social secretary for an American actress, Delysia Lafosse, who despite being a bit flighty and holding a rather high opinion of herself, is nonetheless innocently good hearted, well-intentioned and likable. Never having worked as a social secretary before, Miss Pettigrew must deal with the competing love interests of Ms. Lafosse, help her keep her social and professional life in order and ensure Ms. Lafosse selects the best man. She pulls it all off beautifully, despite some real comedic mishaps and near-misses. She also finds herself faced with the possibility of finding love herself. A wonderful, refreshing, charming, comedic film with wonderful costumes and even more wonderful music (jazz and big band).
12.27.2008
CFL Bulbs: Much Ado About Nothing
We had our first CFL bulb burn out. While it lasted for 3 years, I am not impressed with these things. I'm not falling for this game anymore. I'll give them away or sell the rest. Here's why I am doing so:
1) We replaced all but 2 lights in our house with these bulbs and we did not see our electric bill reduce in any way shape or form.
2) They take several minutes to fully turn themselves on.
3) The lighting is not that good. Fluorescent lighting is something I'm sensitive to to begin with. And that yellowish tint. Ugh.
4) How did we know it burned out? We smelled a strong burning stench and at first thought something was on fire. When Mr. N went to unscrew it, he about burned his hand. The base of the bulb was VERY HOT. 15 minutes later and it is still quite warm. It also had a yellowing mark around the base as though it had overheated.
Think we've ever had that experience with a good 'ole Thomas Edison bulb?
Nope.
Now that it's burned out, what do we do with it? I haven't a clue. I'm certainly not throwing it away. I want to recycle it. However, upon doing some digging, I discovered that only approximately 25% of cities are equipped to deal with recycling these bulbs. Insane considering this massive movement to get them in every home. Hopefully our local waste removal company is equipped to do just that.
We've replaced the bulb with the good old fashioned incadescent bulb. We will be stocking up on those and buying them on the black market once they are phased out.
These things are nothing but a scam, something I intuitively knew from the get-go, but I decided to try them out anyways. We bought 30 of them.
Break one and you expose yourself to toxic mercury vapors.
Fluorescent bulbs have been associated with health issues in sensitive individuals.
It was one thing when these were presented as an option. However, Uncle Sam wants to phase out the incadescent bulb, where our only choice will be the CFL.
Uncle Sam telling us what kind of light bulb to use goes against the principles of freedom in so many ways, I am astounded so many applaud this agenda. For it is a joke to me that Al Gore and his posse tout responsible carbon footprints while living lavish lives that knock their carbon numbers off the charts. Once I saw Walmart pushing these bulbs, I knew something dark was behind this movement.
The claim about saving the environment is a joke. Want to save the environment? How about we get these buildings in cities and towns all across America to turn out their damn lights when not in use. It's grossly wasteful to have this 24/7 lighting. REQUIRE the Big 3 Automakers to produce high efficiency, reliable vehicles like their European counterparts (maybe then we american's will start buying them again). Grow hemp and use that to power our vehicles and our lives. Stop the worldwide destructive, deplorably irresponsible and reprehensible deforestation practice. Yank the rug out from under Montsanto and their deplorable, big brother controlling and toxic farming "practices". Stop Big Business from polluting our waterways. Yeah that's right: S T O P. End the use of toxic chemical sprays on our crops. No reason not to when viable, organic, environmentally friendly products ALREADY EXIST.
And yet, Joe and Jane America. Use CFC bulbs. Save the environment. Save the planet.
Wake up folks.
This is not about saving the environment or the planet.
It is about placing further restrictions on our lives, our personal choices and about making a lot of money taking advantage of our naivete'.
Nothing more, nothing less.
*this message is the opinion of yours truly, nina and nina only and does not reflect the opinion of blogger, its affiliates and the typical american. nina receives no money from republicans or big oil or right-wing special interest groups, contrary to what some may think when reading some of her posts. no animals were harmed in the creating of this post. however the feelings of certain elitist pond scum were disturbed as hidden truths were exposed.
1) We replaced all but 2 lights in our house with these bulbs and we did not see our electric bill reduce in any way shape or form.
2) They take several minutes to fully turn themselves on.
3) The lighting is not that good. Fluorescent lighting is something I'm sensitive to to begin with. And that yellowish tint. Ugh.
4) How did we know it burned out? We smelled a strong burning stench and at first thought something was on fire. When Mr. N went to unscrew it, he about burned his hand. The base of the bulb was VERY HOT. 15 minutes later and it is still quite warm. It also had a yellowing mark around the base as though it had overheated.
Think we've ever had that experience with a good 'ole Thomas Edison bulb?
Nope.
Now that it's burned out, what do we do with it? I haven't a clue. I'm certainly not throwing it away. I want to recycle it. However, upon doing some digging, I discovered that only approximately 25% of cities are equipped to deal with recycling these bulbs. Insane considering this massive movement to get them in every home. Hopefully our local waste removal company is equipped to do just that.
We've replaced the bulb with the good old fashioned incadescent bulb. We will be stocking up on those and buying them on the black market once they are phased out.
These things are nothing but a scam, something I intuitively knew from the get-go, but I decided to try them out anyways. We bought 30 of them.
Break one and you expose yourself to toxic mercury vapors.
Fluorescent bulbs have been associated with health issues in sensitive individuals.
It was one thing when these were presented as an option. However, Uncle Sam wants to phase out the incadescent bulb, where our only choice will be the CFL.
Uncle Sam telling us what kind of light bulb to use goes against the principles of freedom in so many ways, I am astounded so many applaud this agenda. For it is a joke to me that Al Gore and his posse tout responsible carbon footprints while living lavish lives that knock their carbon numbers off the charts. Once I saw Walmart pushing these bulbs, I knew something dark was behind this movement.
The claim about saving the environment is a joke. Want to save the environment? How about we get these buildings in cities and towns all across America to turn out their damn lights when not in use. It's grossly wasteful to have this 24/7 lighting. REQUIRE the Big 3 Automakers to produce high efficiency, reliable vehicles like their European counterparts (maybe then we american's will start buying them again). Grow hemp and use that to power our vehicles and our lives. Stop the worldwide destructive, deplorably irresponsible and reprehensible deforestation practice. Yank the rug out from under Montsanto and their deplorable, big brother controlling and toxic farming "practices". Stop Big Business from polluting our waterways. Yeah that's right: S T O P. End the use of toxic chemical sprays on our crops. No reason not to when viable, organic, environmentally friendly products ALREADY EXIST.
And yet, Joe and Jane America. Use CFC bulbs. Save the environment. Save the planet.
Wake up folks.
This is not about saving the environment or the planet.
It is about placing further restrictions on our lives, our personal choices and about making a lot of money taking advantage of our naivete'.
Nothing more, nothing less.
*this message is the opinion of yours truly, nina and nina only and does not reflect the opinion of blogger, its affiliates and the typical american. nina receives no money from republicans or big oil or right-wing special interest groups, contrary to what some may think when reading some of her posts. no animals were harmed in the creating of this post. however the feelings of certain elitist pond scum were disturbed as hidden truths were exposed.
12.26.2008
How About Some Respect For The New Year
Flipping through the television channels and scanning online message boards and blogs, one notices something is sorely missing: Respect.
Disappearing are the days when people used tact and consideration when discussing a topic. Today whoever casts the juciest zinger or the most crass insult will claim victory of some sort. Sarcasm has replaced thoughtful dialogue. Name calling and curse words are tossed around as often as words such as "if", "and" or "but". It's like a disease--a disease that seems to be contagious. I myself have been working on watching the words I say, especially those flippant curse words. I can really fling them when I want to. And yet, in those moments when I actually hear myself, when I hear what others are likely hearing from me, I am disturbed. I sound horrible. This is not something to be proud of or to embrace. So now and then I ask myself the following: Do I wish to create something helpful or something destructive?
Our often out-of-control ego's think we/they know it all. And yet, in reality, who defines what is truth? Who really knows it all--about ANY topic? I have personally come to embrace those who say "this is what I/we believe/think" and raise a sceptical eye towards those who say "this is truth." I have opinions, many of which are still a work-in-progress. On many subjects, what I believe today is different than what I believed 5 years ago. Toss out a thought, any thought and you can come up with an opposite thought. Toss out a "well studied" idea and you can come up with another "well studied" idea with opposite conclusions.
I have a hunch that a lot of these hot topics that are so hotly debated are generated to keep us fighting and arguing with one another. I have an equally strong hunch that this is to keep us from uniting together on things that matter, where we discuss the things that matter to EVERY ONE OF US (well, those of us with souls and a conscience). Where we break down the emotional and mental walls we have built, with plenty of help from the system itself, and discuss what it is we truly need. Not just what we think but what we need.
You want peace? Be peaceful.
You want love? Be loving.
You want respect? Be respectful.
This isn't a perfect formula by any means. But it is a good recipe in which to live life.
Maybe the doctor's oath of "first do no harm" should be on our minds, in our hearts and played out in our actions. Maybe we need to take a breath and think about those words before share our thoughts--both written and spoken.
Disappearing are the days when people used tact and consideration when discussing a topic. Today whoever casts the juciest zinger or the most crass insult will claim victory of some sort. Sarcasm has replaced thoughtful dialogue. Name calling and curse words are tossed around as often as words such as "if", "and" or "but". It's like a disease--a disease that seems to be contagious. I myself have been working on watching the words I say, especially those flippant curse words. I can really fling them when I want to. And yet, in those moments when I actually hear myself, when I hear what others are likely hearing from me, I am disturbed. I sound horrible. This is not something to be proud of or to embrace. So now and then I ask myself the following: Do I wish to create something helpful or something destructive?
Our often out-of-control ego's think we/they know it all. And yet, in reality, who defines what is truth? Who really knows it all--about ANY topic? I have personally come to embrace those who say "this is what I/we believe/think" and raise a sceptical eye towards those who say "this is truth." I have opinions, many of which are still a work-in-progress. On many subjects, what I believe today is different than what I believed 5 years ago. Toss out a thought, any thought and you can come up with an opposite thought. Toss out a "well studied" idea and you can come up with another "well studied" idea with opposite conclusions.
I have a hunch that a lot of these hot topics that are so hotly debated are generated to keep us fighting and arguing with one another. I have an equally strong hunch that this is to keep us from uniting together on things that matter, where we discuss the things that matter to EVERY ONE OF US (well, those of us with souls and a conscience). Where we break down the emotional and mental walls we have built, with plenty of help from the system itself, and discuss what it is we truly need. Not just what we think but what we need.
You want peace? Be peaceful.
You want love? Be loving.
You want respect? Be respectful.
This isn't a perfect formula by any means. But it is a good recipe in which to live life.
Maybe the doctor's oath of "first do no harm" should be on our minds, in our hearts and played out in our actions. Maybe we need to take a breath and think about those words before share our thoughts--both written and spoken.
12.23.2008
Happy Holidays
Happy Holidays, one and all.
A peaceful new year to you and yours.
My wish is for the awakening to continue.
May it touch your heart, ignite your light
and inspire you to do all you can to be all that you are.
Always Remember Who You Are.
Love and peace,
Nina
A peaceful new year to you and yours.
My wish is for the awakening to continue.
May it touch your heart, ignite your light
and inspire you to do all you can to be all that you are.
Always Remember Who You Are.
Love and peace,
Nina
I Try
Lyrics to one of my songs...
I Try
I try...
to understand life
and all that surrounds it.
I try...
to carry on
with the burdens in my heart.
And even though I smile...
Inside I'm crying.
'Til you came along
and offered a place to fall.
'Til you came along
and shined your light
on my darkened soul.
I try...
To find the meaning
in my life.
And I try...
To see in me
what I see in you.
And even though I smile
inside I'm still searching.
Cause you came along
and showed me a different way.
'Til you came along
I was unaware
of the beauty within.
I Try
I try...
to understand life
and all that surrounds it.
I try...
to carry on
with the burdens in my heart.
And even though I smile...
Inside I'm crying.
'Til you came along
and offered a place to fall.
'Til you came along
and shined your light
on my darkened soul.
I try...
To find the meaning
in my life.
And I try...
To see in me
what I see in you.
And even though I smile
inside I'm still searching.
Cause you came along
and showed me a different way.
'Til you came along
I was unaware
of the beauty within.
12.22.2008
Scam Alert: National Collector's Mint, Inc.
For the coin collector's out there, may I offer a suggestion: Do not do business with "National Collector's Mint, Inc." Mr. Nina ordered some Morgan Silver Dollars after seeing an ad on television (ah, the great deceiver--television advertisements). Guaranteed to arrive as Fine to Brilliant, with the price guaranteed for ONE WEEK ONLY at $19.90 per coin plus shipping and handling (in our case, $9.50), what we received was not what was advertised. While we are not coin graders, looking at these coins, one could hardly define them as "Fine". Two have chips. Two are heavily tarnished. Two have fairly big dents on the side. Most I soon found out were heavily circulated.
It was then that I decided to do some research on this company. Well, come to find out, National Collector's Mint has been in some hot water with the New York Attorney General's Office. They also have a string of online customer complaints and rip-off/scam alerts. Google "national collector's mint rip-off?" FMI.
And their little "ONE WEEK ONLY" has been playing--ALL YEAR LONG.
Oh yes, people will say "buyer beware" and "why didn't you blah blah blah before buying from these folks?" Yeah, may your piss land on a sparkplug with that b.s. Blame the victim. Enough already. How about we ban together and shut down companies like this instead?
I'm doing my part by alerting the public.
DO NOT BUY FROM NATIONAL COLLECTOR'S MINT, INC.
It was then that I decided to do some research on this company. Well, come to find out, National Collector's Mint has been in some hot water with the New York Attorney General's Office. They also have a string of online customer complaints and rip-off/scam alerts. Google "national collector's mint rip-off?" FMI.
And their little "ONE WEEK ONLY" has been playing--ALL YEAR LONG.
Oh yes, people will say "buyer beware" and "why didn't you blah blah blah before buying from these folks?" Yeah, may your piss land on a sparkplug with that b.s. Blame the victim. Enough already. How about we ban together and shut down companies like this instead?
I'm doing my part by alerting the public.
DO NOT BUY FROM NATIONAL COLLECTOR'S MINT, INC.
12.19.2008
Winter Wonderland
It has been quite beautiful here this week. We've had an unusual weather occurrence: snow lasting for more than a day. No longer do the trees look lonely and barren. They have been kissed with sparkling whiteness. The sounds of kids squealing is once again to be heard, replacing the silent streets that are the norm this time of year. And the dogs, well the dogs, what can I say, they love the snow. Well, most of them do. Upon seeing it was snowing quite heavily last night, this little pooch begged me to venture outdoors, well past the time most people are sleeping. I agreed. Grabbing my camera, we headed outside. She soon grew displeased with me taking pictures of the scenery and decided to come plant herself right next to me where she gave me her best "mama you PROMISED you would play snowball with me!" look. I complied. For who can resist such a face?
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