This should make some folks breath a sigh of relief, albeit it a temporary one. (Only 6 weeks? That's it? These "representatives" receive hundreds of thousands in perks from special interest scumbags and go on lavish "business" trips at our expense. They don't do a damn thing to petition the feds to end the war on terror and the war on drugs which would MORE THAN adaquately fund the rebuilding of America. They keep throwing money at schools thinking that's going to somehow fix our failed public school system. And yet they look to their constituents who are unemployed and/or underemployed and can say "here's a few more weeks of a tiny bit of relief for you." I mean really, where is the consciousness, the brain matter, the compassion?)
Friggin' frackin' frogs. Whatever... Here's a snippet from the dang article:
"SALEM -- It seemed like deja vu in the Oregon Senate Friday morning, when lawmakers passed a bill extending emergency unemployment benefits to 18,600 Oregonians who have either run out of benefits or soon will. Senate Bill 990 provides benefits to unemployed workers using $19 million from an emergency fund created by the 2009 Legislature. The fund is projected to pay two-to-six weeks of benefits per recipient. The House passed nearly identical legislation Thursday with House Bill 3655. Leadership is expected to pick one that will move forward to Gov. Ted Kulongoski."
This should be easy legislation to push through, although I am bothered (baffled) by the following comment made by a (clueless) Democrat:
"...Sen. Bill Morrisette, D-Springfield, responded that the $19 million would go right back into the economy. "I think these unemployment benefits will create jobs at the grocery stores and gas stations," he said."
Yes, that's just what we need. More jobs in the SERVICE INDUSTRY. More minimum wage, part-time, no benefit positions. Yes, that will TRULY make the economy thrive once more. That will lift people out of poverty. Good lord... I expect such idiocy from Republicans. But from a Democrat? Oh wait. Silly me forgot. They're all the same! Wealthy, self-entitled elitists who don't have a fucking clue how to run an economy and grow business and create jobs much less what it's like to try and LIVE ON SUCH A WAGE at said "grocery stores and gas stations". And nor do the majority of them even care to understand.
2.10.2010
Good-Bye First Alternative Co-Op - I Am Taking My Business To Trader Joe's
Here's a letter I recently sent to the First Alternative Co-Op:
Hello~
I have been shopping at the Co-Op since 1997. However, that time has come to an end now that Trader Joe's is coming to town. Why? I am fed up with having to bag my own groceries.
I have brought up this issue in e-mail and on the customer comment cards. I noticed I was not the only one having this issue in a Thymes edition that ran a couple of years ago. At the time, this particular customer was reassured bagging was part of the customer service/check-out procedure and the issue would be discussed/reviewed with staff.
Nothing has changed. In fact, the problem has only grown worse as you have added new staff (North Store). In fact, the last time I chose to ask a clerk if she would please bag my groceries, she gave me attitude. It was a Sunday evening late last fall. The store was very quiet. Upon finishing up the transaction, she proceeded to get on the phone and made a personal call while my groceries (4 bags worth) sat on the countertop. I waited until she was finished then asked her if she could please bag my groceries. She gave me a dirty look and sighed, then slowly began to bag my groceries. At the end I asked her if I could have some beans for my bags. She told me to help myself.
Today I was waited on by Max. I am very noticably pregnant. He didn't bother to bag my groceries. In fact, there was an elderly woman in front of me - likely near 80 or so - and he failed to bag her groceries as well.
Frankly, I am finished with paying my precious extra dollars in order to shop at and support your store. I (or no other customer) should ever have to ask a clerk to bag my groceries, regardless of how busy the store is. When I lived in Portland, I shopped at Trader Joe's frequently. I never once had to bag my own groceries. So for me and my family the choice is easy. Do we pay more for a place that provides less in customer service or do we pay less for a place that provides more in customer service?
That's an easy one for me to answer. Good-bye, Co-Op. You have had your chance to rectify this situation but have failed.
Before I conclude, I do want to say there are some real gems working there. They include Jonathan, Amy, Roslyn, the young girl with glasses and the nose ring, the store manager (all of whom ALWAYS bag my groceries) and the young girl with the pink dyed hair who stocks the produce. I realize (unlike Michelle Adams statement in the Thymes that the co-op pays their staff a higher wage - the clerks at Trader Joe's start at $9/hour whereas the co-op starts their staff at minimum wage) that many of these people make a wage that falls way below the living wage model (to which the Co-Op needs to seriously reconsider if they are to be taken serious in their sustainability philosophy). And I know, from past experience, what it is like to work with the public in a demanding job, having to stand on your feet and do the same thing repeatedly. However - perhaps if some of these lazy clerks of yours realized there are hundreds of very willing unemployed folks (my husband amongst that crowd) who would take the chance at being employed in their positions, they would rethink how they conduct themselves on the job.
Hello~
I have been shopping at the Co-Op since 1997. However, that time has come to an end now that Trader Joe's is coming to town. Why? I am fed up with having to bag my own groceries.
I have brought up this issue in e-mail and on the customer comment cards. I noticed I was not the only one having this issue in a Thymes edition that ran a couple of years ago. At the time, this particular customer was reassured bagging was part of the customer service/check-out procedure and the issue would be discussed/reviewed with staff.
Nothing has changed. In fact, the problem has only grown worse as you have added new staff (North Store). In fact, the last time I chose to ask a clerk if she would please bag my groceries, she gave me attitude. It was a Sunday evening late last fall. The store was very quiet. Upon finishing up the transaction, she proceeded to get on the phone and made a personal call while my groceries (4 bags worth) sat on the countertop. I waited until she was finished then asked her if she could please bag my groceries. She gave me a dirty look and sighed, then slowly began to bag my groceries. At the end I asked her if I could have some beans for my bags. She told me to help myself.
Today I was waited on by Max. I am very noticably pregnant. He didn't bother to bag my groceries. In fact, there was an elderly woman in front of me - likely near 80 or so - and he failed to bag her groceries as well.
Frankly, I am finished with paying my precious extra dollars in order to shop at and support your store. I (or no other customer) should ever have to ask a clerk to bag my groceries, regardless of how busy the store is. When I lived in Portland, I shopped at Trader Joe's frequently. I never once had to bag my own groceries. So for me and my family the choice is easy. Do we pay more for a place that provides less in customer service or do we pay less for a place that provides more in customer service?
That's an easy one for me to answer. Good-bye, Co-Op. You have had your chance to rectify this situation but have failed.
Before I conclude, I do want to say there are some real gems working there. They include Jonathan, Amy, Roslyn, the young girl with glasses and the nose ring, the store manager (all of whom ALWAYS bag my groceries) and the young girl with the pink dyed hair who stocks the produce. I realize (unlike Michelle Adams statement in the Thymes that the co-op pays their staff a higher wage - the clerks at Trader Joe's start at $9/hour whereas the co-op starts their staff at minimum wage) that many of these people make a wage that falls way below the living wage model (to which the Co-Op needs to seriously reconsider if they are to be taken serious in their sustainability philosophy). And I know, from past experience, what it is like to work with the public in a demanding job, having to stand on your feet and do the same thing repeatedly. However - perhaps if some of these lazy clerks of yours realized there are hundreds of very willing unemployed folks (my husband amongst that crowd) who would take the chance at being employed in their positions, they would rethink how they conduct themselves on the job.
2.09.2010
Bizarro News: Man Wins Settlement After Exploding Cigarette Knocks Out A Few Teeth
Well, this is one way to convince a person to quit smoking.
"An Indonesian tobacco company has agreed to pay the medical expenses of a man who lost six teeth when a cigarette mysteriously exploded in his mouth. Security guard Andi Susanto, 31, told Metro TV in an interview from his hospital bed that cigarette producer PT Nojorono Tobacco Indonesia had offered to pay for his treatment. "The company's officials have talked to my family and we agreed to settle it amicably, as an out-of-court settlement," he said through bandaged lips. "They will pay all the medical expenses." The cause of the explosion remains unknown. Mr Susanto says he was not chewing anything when he lit the Clas Mild cigarette and did not notice anything strange about its odour, colour or taste. He said he would quit smoking after the incident."
Well there ya go!
"An Indonesian tobacco company has agreed to pay the medical expenses of a man who lost six teeth when a cigarette mysteriously exploded in his mouth. Security guard Andi Susanto, 31, told Metro TV in an interview from his hospital bed that cigarette producer PT Nojorono Tobacco Indonesia had offered to pay for his treatment. "The company's officials have talked to my family and we agreed to settle it amicably, as an out-of-court settlement," he said through bandaged lips. "They will pay all the medical expenses." The cause of the explosion remains unknown. Mr Susanto says he was not chewing anything when he lit the Clas Mild cigarette and did not notice anything strange about its odour, colour or taste. He said he would quit smoking after the incident."
Well there ya go!
Bizarro News: Student Sells Virginity For $45K
Well, this is one way to make quick cash...
"A cash-strapped New Zealand student who auctioned off her virginity to help pay for university said she had accepted an offer of $NZ45,000 to sleep with a stranger. The 19-year-old offered her virginity to the highest bidder in an online auction and said there had been more than 1,200 bids. "I have accepted an offer in excess of $45,000, which is way beyond what I dreamed," the student said on her web page when the auction ended. "Thank you to the more than 30,000 people who viewed my ad and to the more than 1,200 offers made." Calling herself "unigirl", the young woman had described herself as attractive, fit and healthy and said she had never been in a sexual relationship. She did not respond to media requests for an interview but the proprietor of the website, Ross MacKenzie, told the Waikato Times newspaper he had been authorised to confirm the transaction. The advertisement drew wide reaction in New Zealand, which has some of the world's most liberal laws on prostitution. A woman is legally entitled to seek payment for sex and Mr MacKenzie said there was no reason for his website not to accept the advertisement."
Oh dear. We naively think we know so much about life at that age. As a mama-to-be myself, I can only imagine how this young woman's mother (and/or father) would react. I would be horrified. Saddened. And doing everything in my power legal or not to stop this, er, "transaction" from taking place. I would also do everything I could to make sure her college was paid for in such a manner that would not degrade herself or, worse yet, put her in potential harms way. Oddly enough, the article doesn't mention the age of the man/woman (article does not state the gender of the "winner"). Likely some 50 plus year old pervert. If he/she were decent, he/she would simply give the young girl the cash without expectation of sex. Whoever has that kind of money to toss around for random sex certainly can afford to do something decent and good with it.
"A cash-strapped New Zealand student who auctioned off her virginity to help pay for university said she had accepted an offer of $NZ45,000 to sleep with a stranger. The 19-year-old offered her virginity to the highest bidder in an online auction and said there had been more than 1,200 bids. "I have accepted an offer in excess of $45,000, which is way beyond what I dreamed," the student said on her web page when the auction ended. "Thank you to the more than 30,000 people who viewed my ad and to the more than 1,200 offers made." Calling herself "unigirl", the young woman had described herself as attractive, fit and healthy and said she had never been in a sexual relationship. She did not respond to media requests for an interview but the proprietor of the website, Ross MacKenzie, told the Waikato Times newspaper he had been authorised to confirm the transaction. The advertisement drew wide reaction in New Zealand, which has some of the world's most liberal laws on prostitution. A woman is legally entitled to seek payment for sex and Mr MacKenzie said there was no reason for his website not to accept the advertisement."
Oh dear. We naively think we know so much about life at that age. As a mama-to-be myself, I can only imagine how this young woman's mother (and/or father) would react. I would be horrified. Saddened. And doing everything in my power legal or not to stop this, er, "transaction" from taking place. I would also do everything I could to make sure her college was paid for in such a manner that would not degrade herself or, worse yet, put her in potential harms way. Oddly enough, the article doesn't mention the age of the man/woman (article does not state the gender of the "winner"). Likely some 50 plus year old pervert. If he/she were decent, he/she would simply give the young girl the cash without expectation of sex. Whoever has that kind of money to toss around for random sex certainly can afford to do something decent and good with it.
New Book Discusses How A Shadow Elite of Power Brokers Have Upended Our Democracy
Author Janine Wedel argues in her new book that a group of shadow elites have corrupted and thus are destroying the free markets and our democracy.
Below is an excerpt. Click on the above link for more.
'We live in a world of flexibility. We have flex time, flex workers, flex spending, flex enrollment, flex cars, flex technology, flex perks, mind flex—even flex identities. “Flex" has become an integral part not only of how we live, but of how power and influence are wielded. While influencers flex their roles and representations, organizations, institutions, and states, too, must be flexible in ways they haven’t been before. The mover and shaker who serves at one and the same time as business consultant, think-tanker, TV pundit, and government adviser glides in and around the organizations that enlist his services. It is not just his time that is divided. His loyalties, too, are often flexible. Even the short-term consultant doing one project at a time cannot afford to owe too much allegiance to the company or government agency. Such individuals are in these organizations (some of the time anyway), but they are seldom of them. Being in, but not of, an organization enables these players to pursue a “coincidence of interests,” that is, to interweave and perform overlapping roles that serve their own goals or those of their associates. Because these “nonstate” actors working for companies, quasi-governmental organizations, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) frequently do work that officials once did, they have privileged access to official information—information that they can deploy to their own ends. And they have more opportunities to use this information for purposes that are neither in the public interest nor easily detected, all the while controlling the message to keep their game going."
Below is an excerpt. Click on the above link for more.
'We live in a world of flexibility. We have flex time, flex workers, flex spending, flex enrollment, flex cars, flex technology, flex perks, mind flex—even flex identities. “Flex" has become an integral part not only of how we live, but of how power and influence are wielded. While influencers flex their roles and representations, organizations, institutions, and states, too, must be flexible in ways they haven’t been before. The mover and shaker who serves at one and the same time as business consultant, think-tanker, TV pundit, and government adviser glides in and around the organizations that enlist his services. It is not just his time that is divided. His loyalties, too, are often flexible. Even the short-term consultant doing one project at a time cannot afford to owe too much allegiance to the company or government agency. Such individuals are in these organizations (some of the time anyway), but they are seldom of them. Being in, but not of, an organization enables these players to pursue a “coincidence of interests,” that is, to interweave and perform overlapping roles that serve their own goals or those of their associates. Because these “nonstate” actors working for companies, quasi-governmental organizations, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) frequently do work that officials once did, they have privileged access to official information—information that they can deploy to their own ends. And they have more opportunities to use this information for purposes that are neither in the public interest nor easily detected, all the while controlling the message to keep their game going."
State Farm To The NHTSA: We Warned You In 2007 Of Acceleration Issues With The Toyota
"WASHINGTON (AP) -- The nation's largest auto insurer said Tuesday it alerted federal safety regulators in late 2007 about a rise in reports of unexpected acceleration in Toyota vehicles, the latest warning sign to emerge about the massive recall. State Farm insurance said it noticed an uptick in reports of unwanted acceleration in Toyotas from its large customer database and warned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in late 2007. NHTSA officials said the report was reviewed and the agency issued a recall later that month. NHTSA received complaints about acceleration problems in Toyota vehicles as early as 2003, and congressional investigators are looking into whether the government missed warning signs of the problems. A congressional hearing into the Toyota recalls planned for Wednesday was postponed because of a snowstorm expected to hit the capital."
More here.
I'm a Honda gal myself.
More here.
I'm a Honda gal myself.
Billboard With Picture Of George W. Bush Asks: Do Ya Miss Me?
Whether this is a photoshop gag or not, I think most of us know the answer to that question.
"Folks in Minnesota on their way to work Tuesday morning looked up to find a familiar face staring down at them: former President George W. Bush. A billboard with the words "Miss Me Yet?" is causing a stir around the blogosphere, with some claiming it's fake and others curious to know who put it up. The buzz started after Minnesota NPR's Bob Collins blogged that he had seen it in person as he drove on Interstate 35 near Wyoming, Minn. Pretty soon news stations were clamoring to get an interview with him (though all he did was see something). After pictures of the billboard were posted, many people are claiming it's just another Photoshop hoax even though Collins says it's real."
I concur with the following words as boldly stated in the article: Do you really want us to answer that, Mr. President?
"Folks in Minnesota on their way to work Tuesday morning looked up to find a familiar face staring down at them: former President George W. Bush. A billboard with the words "Miss Me Yet?" is causing a stir around the blogosphere, with some claiming it's fake and others curious to know who put it up. The buzz started after Minnesota NPR's Bob Collins blogged that he had seen it in person as he drove on Interstate 35 near Wyoming, Minn. Pretty soon news stations were clamoring to get an interview with him (though all he did was see something). After pictures of the billboard were posted, many people are claiming it's just another Photoshop hoax even though Collins says it's real."
I concur with the following words as boldly stated in the article: Do you really want us to answer that, Mr. President?
2.07.2010
Kip Schoning's Crumbling Real Estate Empire Hitting His Own Home
While I haven't posted about this infamous local Landlord (or slumlord as many of his tenants refer to him) in well over a year, I continually receive regular hits on this blog from folks googling him from, quite literally, around the country. I thought I would add the latest article about his financial troubles and crumbling empire which recently appeared in the local paper (as linked through the local craigslist). Here's a good portion of it:
"Kip Schoning, the mid-valley landlord who has evicted hundreds of tenants for falling behind on their rent, could be facing eviction himself after falling more than a year behind on his home loan. Schoning has missed 13 straight monthly payments on his half-million-doKip Schoning, the mid-valley landlord who has evicted hundreds of tenants for falling behind on their rent, could be facing eviction himself after falling more than a year behind on his home loan. Schoning has missed 13 straight monthly payments on his half-million-dollar residence at 4363 N.W. Honeysuckle Drive in the Timberhill district of Corvallis, according to a default notice filed by the lender. Filed in late December, the default notice claims Schoning owes more than $15,000 on the loan, failing to make monthly payments of $1,032.18 starting in December 2008. The arrears also include monthly late fees of $51.61 starting in January 2009. Schoning's own tenants face a $100 charge if the rent is more than four days past due. Schoning's Corvallis-based property management company, Bula Enterprises, once operated more than 200 rental houses around the mid-valley, many with their front doors painted a chipper shade of red. Behind those doors, however, the company has racked up scores of complaints over the years from tenants citing dilapidated properties, foot-dragging on repairs and excessive fees. And court records show that Schoning has filed more than 800 eviction proceedings in his career as a landlord. But his real estate empire has dwindled rapidly over the past two years, with Bula Enterprises rentals now numbering a little more than 100, property records show. Since the start of 2008, Schoning and his wife, Michelle, have lost at least two dozen homes to foreclosure, often resulting in tenants being evicted by the bank. At one time, the couple had as many as 79 properties in default, according to a records search, and at least 33 are currently in arrears and under threat of foreclosure. Schoning did not return calls to his home and office phones seeking comment for this story, and there was no response to a set of written questions sent to his fax machine. The Schonings have until April 29 to bring the loan payments up to date on their Honeysuckle Drive residence. Otherwise, the house where they live with their two children will be auctioned on the steps of the Benton County Courthouse at 10 a.m. May 3."
And in related Schoning news...
"Kip Schoning, the mid-valley landlord who has evicted hundreds of tenants for falling behind on their rent, could be facing eviction himself after falling more than a year behind on his home loan. Schoning has missed 13 straight monthly payments on his half-million-doKip Schoning, the mid-valley landlord who has evicted hundreds of tenants for falling behind on their rent, could be facing eviction himself after falling more than a year behind on his home loan. Schoning has missed 13 straight monthly payments on his half-million-dollar residence at 4363 N.W. Honeysuckle Drive in the Timberhill district of Corvallis, according to a default notice filed by the lender. Filed in late December, the default notice claims Schoning owes more than $15,000 on the loan, failing to make monthly payments of $1,032.18 starting in December 2008. The arrears also include monthly late fees of $51.61 starting in January 2009. Schoning's own tenants face a $100 charge if the rent is more than four days past due. Schoning's Corvallis-based property management company, Bula Enterprises, once operated more than 200 rental houses around the mid-valley, many with their front doors painted a chipper shade of red. Behind those doors, however, the company has racked up scores of complaints over the years from tenants citing dilapidated properties, foot-dragging on repairs and excessive fees. And court records show that Schoning has filed more than 800 eviction proceedings in his career as a landlord. But his real estate empire has dwindled rapidly over the past two years, with Bula Enterprises rentals now numbering a little more than 100, property records show. Since the start of 2008, Schoning and his wife, Michelle, have lost at least two dozen homes to foreclosure, often resulting in tenants being evicted by the bank. At one time, the couple had as many as 79 properties in default, according to a records search, and at least 33 are currently in arrears and under threat of foreclosure. Schoning did not return calls to his home and office phones seeking comment for this story, and there was no response to a set of written questions sent to his fax machine. The Schonings have until April 29 to bring the loan payments up to date on their Honeysuckle Drive residence. Otherwise, the house where they live with their two children will be auctioned on the steps of the Benton County Courthouse at 10 a.m. May 3."
And in related Schoning news...
2.06.2010
The War On The Poor And Homeless Just Keeps Growing
This time, it has found its way to Fresno, CA.
"The Fresno City Council has passed, with a 6-1 vote, an ordinance that will remove homeless people from median islands while allowing established community groups to continue using the space for their fundraisers. Bill Simon, the chairperson of the Greater Fresno American Civil Liberties Union, called the measure discriminatory....Fresno City Council member Larry Westerland defended his ordinance, saying that if "somebody who wanted to, up to one time every six months, they would be able to come in and there would be a form they would fill out, a one page form, it would be like here is my name, here is the median I would like to occupy on this date, whatever that date would be. We talked about a 48 hour notice before going out there." Westerlund's ordinance would require the applicant to pay a filling fee, provide proof of insurance, and require the use of a brightly colored vest."
What an idiot. How many homeless people have the money for a filing fee (or would be willing to pay it instead of using it for food and water)? How many homeless have proof of insurance? Does he really believe a homeless person is going to go through this hassle, not to mention having the opportunity to do this only ONCE EVERY SIX MONTHS and THEN have to PICK A DAMN DATE, in order to simply stand in a medium in the City of Fresno?
Of course not. Which is why he's defending this discriminatory, fascist-leaning ordinance with such mindless dribble. He knows his pathetic, ugly, discriminatory ordinance is going to put an end to the homeless standing in the city's precious mediums.
I would like to see SOB's like him lose it all and then be told: "Sorry. You can't park/stand/pee/eat/talk/request help here unless you give your government some money and proof of insurance." Perhaps then they will pull their heads out of their behinds so that they can look at their Souls once again. And remember...
"The Fresno City Council has passed, with a 6-1 vote, an ordinance that will remove homeless people from median islands while allowing established community groups to continue using the space for their fundraisers. Bill Simon, the chairperson of the Greater Fresno American Civil Liberties Union, called the measure discriminatory....Fresno City Council member Larry Westerland defended his ordinance, saying that if "somebody who wanted to, up to one time every six months, they would be able to come in and there would be a form they would fill out, a one page form, it would be like here is my name, here is the median I would like to occupy on this date, whatever that date would be. We talked about a 48 hour notice before going out there." Westerlund's ordinance would require the applicant to pay a filling fee, provide proof of insurance, and require the use of a brightly colored vest."
What an idiot. How many homeless people have the money for a filing fee (or would be willing to pay it instead of using it for food and water)? How many homeless have proof of insurance? Does he really believe a homeless person is going to go through this hassle, not to mention having the opportunity to do this only ONCE EVERY SIX MONTHS and THEN have to PICK A DAMN DATE, in order to simply stand in a medium in the City of Fresno?
Of course not. Which is why he's defending this discriminatory, fascist-leaning ordinance with such mindless dribble. He knows his pathetic, ugly, discriminatory ordinance is going to put an end to the homeless standing in the city's precious mediums.
I would like to see SOB's like him lose it all and then be told: "Sorry. You can't park/stand/pee/eat/talk/request help here unless you give your government some money and proof of insurance." Perhaps then they will pull their heads out of their behinds so that they can look at their Souls once again. And remember...
Latest Diet Cult: WWJE (What Would Jesus Eat)
Some days you think you've seen it all, then you stumble upon something like this. A new wave of dieting fanatics are cashing in on Christian Guilt by targeting the obese and posing this one question to them: What Would Jesus Eat?
Then they try and sell you their overly-priced health food supplement.
"...Jordan S. Rubin writes that he has "known Jesus as my Lord and Savior since I was eight years old" and that he was cured of Crohn's Disease at age 19 in 1996 after spending 40 days eating only "whole foods consumed in Biblical times," mainly yogurt, whole grains, organic produce and grass-fed meats. From this, he devised his diet plan, dividing edibles into three categories. "Extraordinary" foods include soybeans, quinoa, kefir, mahi-mahi, buffalo hot dogs (without pork casings) and umeboshi paste. Merely "average" foods include amazake, agave nectar and spelt. "Trouble" foods to be avoided at all costs include ostrich, emu, cashews, Egg Beaters and eel. He quickly followed up his original book with The Maker's Diet Daily Reminders, The Maker's Diet Shopper's Guide, The Maker's Diet for Weight Loss and more. It's heartening to see Rubin's emphasis on organic, free-range, fresh and wild, although his enthusiasm for highly saturated coconut oil unnerves some critics. Ah, but he sells the oil -- for $15.95 per 16-ounce jar -- along with honey and supplements, through his Garden of Life brand. A $50 million company "with the goal of becoming a $100 million company," as Rubin puts it, Garden of Life offers dozens of products including the alleged fat-burner fücoThin® and Goatein®, a goat-milk powder that sells for $49.95 per 440-ounce jar. Advising people on what to eat is all well and good, especially if you're advising them to go organic, shun processed foods, and increase their intake of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. But implying that God wants us to finish the job with a bunch of spendy, and to some extent untested, add-ons is entirely another."
And here I thought subterfusion was a mortal sin.
Then they try and sell you their overly-priced health food supplement.
"...Jordan S. Rubin writes that he has "known Jesus as my Lord and Savior since I was eight years old" and that he was cured of Crohn's Disease at age 19 in 1996 after spending 40 days eating only "whole foods consumed in Biblical times," mainly yogurt, whole grains, organic produce and grass-fed meats. From this, he devised his diet plan, dividing edibles into three categories. "Extraordinary" foods include soybeans, quinoa, kefir, mahi-mahi, buffalo hot dogs (without pork casings) and umeboshi paste. Merely "average" foods include amazake, agave nectar and spelt. "Trouble" foods to be avoided at all costs include ostrich, emu, cashews, Egg Beaters and eel. He quickly followed up his original book with The Maker's Diet Daily Reminders, The Maker's Diet Shopper's Guide, The Maker's Diet for Weight Loss and more. It's heartening to see Rubin's emphasis on organic, free-range, fresh and wild, although his enthusiasm for highly saturated coconut oil unnerves some critics. Ah, but he sells the oil -- for $15.95 per 16-ounce jar -- along with honey and supplements, through his Garden of Life brand. A $50 million company "with the goal of becoming a $100 million company," as Rubin puts it, Garden of Life offers dozens of products including the alleged fat-burner fücoThin® and Goatein®, a goat-milk powder that sells for $49.95 per 440-ounce jar. Advising people on what to eat is all well and good, especially if you're advising them to go organic, shun processed foods, and increase their intake of fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. But implying that God wants us to finish the job with a bunch of spendy, and to some extent untested, add-ons is entirely another."
And here I thought subterfusion was a mortal sin.
2.04.2010
Local Craigslist Job Seeker/Poster Nails It!
Quite the truthful piece...
Dear HR/Hiring Manager,
So you're looking for someone with a Bachelor's degree, and you want to pay them $10 an hour. That's nice. Let's do some math...
$10/hr x 40 hrs/week = $400 week
$400/week x 52 weeks = $20,800.
So, gross pay is $20,800...but after taxes, and let's assume a conservative tax rate of 18%....
=net annual salary of $17,056.
Now, the average rent in Corvallis for a one bedroom apartment is around $600, and the minimum income/rent ratio for most landlords is 2 1/2 : 1. So, that means, to rent a one bedroom apartment at $600/month, you must take home a minimum of $1500. So, even if our landlord is generous and lets us rent anyway, here's what we have:
$1421 take home pay
-$600 rent
= $821
Now eating as cheaply as possible...that's probably $50/week, which is $200 a month right off the top...so now we have $621 left.
Gas is probably $75 at a minimum, allowing for no exorbitant travel, so now we have $546 left.
Car insurance is probably at least $70, and if you're a male, $100. So, to compromise, let's say $85. Now we're down to $461.
Medical insurance, now that's a big one...probably $150 at least, with the largest deductibles, if you're in good health and on an individual plan, since it obviously isn't offered with your wonderful establishment. So now we have $311. [this must be a younger individual as a private plan will cost most adults at least 3-4X that amount]
Phone is probably around $50, for a basic nationwide unlimited plan (and no home line). Now we have $261.
Utilities? Let's be conservative and say $75. Now we have $186. [electric would be $75 MINIMUM w/today's rates and h2o for one individual $35-$40.]
Wow, so we have a whopping $186 month contingency. Assuming of course, that we never get sick, never go out to eat, never rent a movie, never buy postage, never need to buy cleaning supplies, do laundry, get an oil change, have car problems, and generally never leave the house unless going to work. And of course, since our original model figures 52 weeks a year of work, that is NO sick days, NO vacation, and NO time off for any reason. And lastly, it assumes that we have NO credit card debt, NO student loans, NO car payment and NO kids.
Seriously, PULL YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS!!!!!!!!!! [Amen.}
Regards,
Potential Job Candidate
Dear HR/Hiring Manager,
So you're looking for someone with a Bachelor's degree, and you want to pay them $10 an hour. That's nice. Let's do some math...
$10/hr x 40 hrs/week = $400 week
$400/week x 52 weeks = $20,800.
So, gross pay is $20,800...but after taxes, and let's assume a conservative tax rate of 18%....
=net annual salary of $17,056.
Now, the average rent in Corvallis for a one bedroom apartment is around $600, and the minimum income/rent ratio for most landlords is 2 1/2 : 1. So, that means, to rent a one bedroom apartment at $600/month, you must take home a minimum of $1500. So, even if our landlord is generous and lets us rent anyway, here's what we have:
$1421 take home pay
-$600 rent
= $821
Now eating as cheaply as possible...that's probably $50/week, which is $200 a month right off the top...so now we have $621 left.
Gas is probably $75 at a minimum, allowing for no exorbitant travel, so now we have $546 left.
Car insurance is probably at least $70, and if you're a male, $100. So, to compromise, let's say $85. Now we're down to $461.
Medical insurance, now that's a big one...probably $150 at least, with the largest deductibles, if you're in good health and on an individual plan, since it obviously isn't offered with your wonderful establishment. So now we have $311. [this must be a younger individual as a private plan will cost most adults at least 3-4X that amount]
Phone is probably around $50, for a basic nationwide unlimited plan (and no home line). Now we have $261.
Utilities? Let's be conservative and say $75. Now we have $186. [electric would be $75 MINIMUM w/today's rates and h2o for one individual $35-$40.]
Wow, so we have a whopping $186 month contingency. Assuming of course, that we never get sick, never go out to eat, never rent a movie, never buy postage, never need to buy cleaning supplies, do laundry, get an oil change, have car problems, and generally never leave the house unless going to work. And of course, since our original model figures 52 weeks a year of work, that is NO sick days, NO vacation, and NO time off for any reason. And lastly, it assumes that we have NO credit card debt, NO student loans, NO car payment and NO kids.
Seriously, PULL YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS!!!!!!!!!! [Amen.}
Regards,
Potential Job Candidate
2.03.2010
Today's Top Oddball News: Uncle Sam Says "If You Wanna Go From Boy To Girl, We'll Give Ya A Little Tax Advantage!"
Thinking of having a sex change? On Tuesday, The U.S. Tax Court ruled that a Massachusetts woman can write-off her hormone replacement therapies along with the accompanying surgery given such things are considered medically necessary.
"Rhiannon O'Donnabhain, who was born a man, had sued the Internal Revenue Service in 2007 after the agency denied her $5,000 deduction after deeming the procedures "cosmetic." In an opinion that could have a far-reaching effect on transgender Americans, the Tax Court said it found the IRS' argument "at best a superficial characterization of the circumstances" and one that was "thoroughly rebutted by the medical evidence," ABC News reported. "(Gender identity disorder) is a well-recognized and serious mental disorder," the majority wrote."
Nina's Commentary: To each his own. To feel you are in the "wrong" body must be a terribly lonely experience. That being said, I wonder if the Tax Court would let me write-off a move to another planet for yours truly and family. I often experience the sensation that, while I am in the right body, I am on the "wrong" planet.
"Rhiannon O'Donnabhain, who was born a man, had sued the Internal Revenue Service in 2007 after the agency denied her $5,000 deduction after deeming the procedures "cosmetic." In an opinion that could have a far-reaching effect on transgender Americans, the Tax Court said it found the IRS' argument "at best a superficial characterization of the circumstances" and one that was "thoroughly rebutted by the medical evidence," ABC News reported. "(Gender identity disorder) is a well-recognized and serious mental disorder," the majority wrote."
Nina's Commentary: To each his own. To feel you are in the "wrong" body must be a terribly lonely experience. That being said, I wonder if the Tax Court would let me write-off a move to another planet for yours truly and family. I often experience the sensation that, while I am in the right body, I am on the "wrong" planet.
2.01.2010
Hey Hollywood: How About A Telethon For The Unemployed/Homeless Here In America?
Nothing disgusts me more than seeing the elite of Hollywood reach out to an economically depressed economy and ask for money.
Nothing digusts me more than seeing these elitists showing so much concern for the suffering in other nations while they completely and utterly ignore the millions of unemployed/underemployed/homeless Americans.
I have an idea. Let's organize a telethon for the millions set to lose their homes, set to lose their unemployment benefits. Over $55 million was raised with the recent telethon for the victims of the Haitian earthquake. Let's put these Hollywood elitists to work and have them amp up the effort with another telethon for the folks here at home. For every dollar that is raised, they combine their capital and add a $20 spot for every dollar. Or a $50 spot. Or $100 spot.
Or better yet, let's have three telethons. One for those set to lose their homes. One for those set to lose their unemployment benefits. And another for the uninsured.
I mean really. Who do these folks think they're impressing? They volunteer to help the suffering in 3rd world nations (while ours slowly turns into one). They adopt babies from other countries (while we continue to see the number of orphans increase). Then they pat themselves on the back (by inviting the paparazzi to document their generosity) and return home, ignoring the growing crumbling and suffering that surrounds them.
I realize human suffering knows no borders or skin color or status. But come on. At least let us see the elite do more work here at home NOW. If I were one of them, that's what I would want to be doing. Given the growing economic distress as faced by millions of americans, the numbers growing with each passing day, I would want to ensure the community around me was financially secure, job secure and shelter secure. That would give me some peace of mind in feeling there wasn't some destitute American living on the streets, looking to take some of what I have.
Nothing digusts me more than seeing these elitists showing so much concern for the suffering in other nations while they completely and utterly ignore the millions of unemployed/underemployed/homeless Americans.
I have an idea. Let's organize a telethon for the millions set to lose their homes, set to lose their unemployment benefits. Over $55 million was raised with the recent telethon for the victims of the Haitian earthquake. Let's put these Hollywood elitists to work and have them amp up the effort with another telethon for the folks here at home. For every dollar that is raised, they combine their capital and add a $20 spot for every dollar. Or a $50 spot. Or $100 spot.
Or better yet, let's have three telethons. One for those set to lose their homes. One for those set to lose their unemployment benefits. And another for the uninsured.
I mean really. Who do these folks think they're impressing? They volunteer to help the suffering in 3rd world nations (while ours slowly turns into one). They adopt babies from other countries (while we continue to see the number of orphans increase). Then they pat themselves on the back (by inviting the paparazzi to document their generosity) and return home, ignoring the growing crumbling and suffering that surrounds them.
I realize human suffering knows no borders or skin color or status. But come on. At least let us see the elite do more work here at home NOW. If I were one of them, that's what I would want to be doing. Given the growing economic distress as faced by millions of americans, the numbers growing with each passing day, I would want to ensure the community around me was financially secure, job secure and shelter secure. That would give me some peace of mind in feeling there wasn't some destitute American living on the streets, looking to take some of what I have.
America's Failing Electrical Grid
Back in 2005, the ASCE (society of civil engineers) issued this report card, outlining the state of America's infrastructure. The overall grade was a "D". Poor. According to the report, $1.6 Trillion was/is needed to bring our infrastructure up to par. Likely that number is much higher as of 2010. As we all know, throwing a few billion here and there, like previous and the current Administration's have done, ain't gonna cut it. Without a workable infrastructure, you can forget about an economy.
We live in an area that has a very high number of power surges. That is, suddenly the power will go out then go back on again, causing computer's to shut down and digital clocks to reset themselves to "00:00" or flashing mode. I've made it a practice to write down whenever we have one of these surges. I also phone up the power company, report it and demand a truthful explanation.
None are ever forthcoming of course. All we receive are corporate speaking puppets who give us the p/c version. Here are some of the doozies we have received:
"A squirrel jumped onto a line."
"A bird touched a line."
"Oh, we were out in the area repairing an underground line and when it was turned back on, it triggered a surge."
"Weather."
I'm waiting for the day when they blame it on spiders. So far that hasn't happened. Yet...
We had power surge number 6 today (going back 10 days) so we decided to phone up the power company once again and inquire. Or shall I say, find out what b.s. excuse they would be offering up today.
Today's answer?
The weather.
Oh yes, it is quite the wild weather we are having today. Hmm, let me look out my window. Ok, I see a bunch of clouds. Some misting rain. Stand back whilst I grab my chair and brace myself for the next bout of weather madness.
Give me a break.
When presented with that answer, I said "Oh come on, it's cloudy with light rain showers."
Well then there must have been a gust of wind, came the p/c reply.
"Nope, no wind. None at all," sayeth the one who knows the truth (that would be me).
Well, that's what this individual was being told, came the, once again, p/c reply.
"Listen," I said, "Why don't you just tell me the truth for once, will you? Admit it with me now. The grid is failing. Period. There's too much demand on the current system and the current system needs a major overhaul nationwide."
Well, they didn't know about that, came the start of a reply to which I interrupted and informed the individual of the 2005 report card as put forth by the ACSE. You know, the folks who know about stuff like this. Not the employees of the power company. I explained in 2001 the group gave the electric grid a D+. In 2005, a D. Such a drop in a grade would cause a parent to stand up and take notice. Why wasn't the power company doing the same?
Silence.
Of course. Sometimes silence is wonderful. Other times, it's an annoyance, like it was today.
Until these corporate fascists (or at least their working minions) embrace the truth, the innocent squirrels, birds, cats, rodents, wild weather concoction of misty rain and clouds and lord knows what else will be given blame for power issues.
I wonder if the spiders are aware of this and are unionizing...
Update: I spoke with a friend today who knows someone who once was affiliated with the power company. He informed me our particular city and its electric grid was designed for a population of 20,000. Considering our current population is a bit above 50,000, I'd say that indeed my assertion to the power company that our grid is over-burdened is correct.
We live in an area that has a very high number of power surges. That is, suddenly the power will go out then go back on again, causing computer's to shut down and digital clocks to reset themselves to "00:00" or flashing mode. I've made it a practice to write down whenever we have one of these surges. I also phone up the power company, report it and demand a truthful explanation.
None are ever forthcoming of course. All we receive are corporate speaking puppets who give us the p/c version. Here are some of the doozies we have received:
"A squirrel jumped onto a line."
"A bird touched a line."
"Oh, we were out in the area repairing an underground line and when it was turned back on, it triggered a surge."
"Weather."
I'm waiting for the day when they blame it on spiders. So far that hasn't happened. Yet...
We had power surge number 6 today (going back 10 days) so we decided to phone up the power company once again and inquire. Or shall I say, find out what b.s. excuse they would be offering up today.
Today's answer?
The weather.
Oh yes, it is quite the wild weather we are having today. Hmm, let me look out my window. Ok, I see a bunch of clouds. Some misting rain. Stand back whilst I grab my chair and brace myself for the next bout of weather madness.
Give me a break.
When presented with that answer, I said "Oh come on, it's cloudy with light rain showers."
Well then there must have been a gust of wind, came the p/c reply.
"Nope, no wind. None at all," sayeth the one who knows the truth (that would be me).
Well, that's what this individual was being told, came the, once again, p/c reply.
"Listen," I said, "Why don't you just tell me the truth for once, will you? Admit it with me now. The grid is failing. Period. There's too much demand on the current system and the current system needs a major overhaul nationwide."
Well, they didn't know about that, came the start of a reply to which I interrupted and informed the individual of the 2005 report card as put forth by the ACSE. You know, the folks who know about stuff like this. Not the employees of the power company. I explained in 2001 the group gave the electric grid a D+. In 2005, a D. Such a drop in a grade would cause a parent to stand up and take notice. Why wasn't the power company doing the same?
Silence.
Of course. Sometimes silence is wonderful. Other times, it's an annoyance, like it was today.
Until these corporate fascists (or at least their working minions) embrace the truth, the innocent squirrels, birds, cats, rodents, wild weather concoction of misty rain and clouds and lord knows what else will be given blame for power issues.
I wonder if the spiders are aware of this and are unionizing...
Update: I spoke with a friend today who knows someone who once was affiliated with the power company. He informed me our particular city and its electric grid was designed for a population of 20,000. Considering our current population is a bit above 50,000, I'd say that indeed my assertion to the power company that our grid is over-burdened is correct.
1.30.2010
Top Weird News Story: Giant Condom Erected Over Paris
Well, if this doesn't increase the condom market, I don't know what will.
"The French have unveiled their latest weapon in the battle against sexually transmitted diseases: a 120-foot condom filled with helium that went on display Tuesday at the Palais de la Decouverte in Paris. The giant inflatable – dubbed "Condomfiere" – will set off on a five-continent tour to promote World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, part of a campaign started by the safe-sex group CondomFly. The dirigible condom carries three passengers plus a pilot. Before starting its international sojourn, the floating behemoth will stop in Vienna for the 18th International AIDS Conference in June, where it will disperse heath information, as it will throughout its travels."
A man's dream. To boldly claim, with truth, I am the owner of a 120 footer.
Actually, this is quite a good idea. Fly it all over the world and perhaps it will make just one person, who is planning on engaging in unprotected sex later in the day with a new partner, decide to use a condom.
"The French have unveiled their latest weapon in the battle against sexually transmitted diseases: a 120-foot condom filled with helium that went on display Tuesday at the Palais de la Decouverte in Paris. The giant inflatable – dubbed "Condomfiere" – will set off on a five-continent tour to promote World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, part of a campaign started by the safe-sex group CondomFly. The dirigible condom carries three passengers plus a pilot. Before starting its international sojourn, the floating behemoth will stop in Vienna for the 18th International AIDS Conference in June, where it will disperse heath information, as it will throughout its travels."
A man's dream. To boldly claim, with truth, I am the owner of a 120 footer.
Actually, this is quite a good idea. Fly it all over the world and perhaps it will make just one person, who is planning on engaging in unprotected sex later in the day with a new partner, decide to use a condom.
Bill and Melinda Gates: "Save The Children. Jab Them With Needles Full Of Toxic Vaccines."
Bill and Melinda Gates have vowed to donate in excess of $10 billion over the next decade in order to ensure 90% of the world's children are protected from such diseases as pneumonia and (no, I am not making this one up), diarrhea.
If this weren't such a serious issue with such huge ramifications, I would be laughing after reading through the above-referenced article. Here are a few of the tidbits:
"Vaccines are a miracle," said Melinda Gates. "With just a few doses, they can prevent deadly diseases for a lifetime." ...
The Gates statement said the foundation would help to dramatically reduce child mortality in the next 10 years and urged others to pitch in with research funding and other financial support for poor children. ...
Vaccines are usually an effective way to spend money to improve public health, because they can even be delivered in poor countries lacking functioning health systems.
Ad nauseum. Can anyone say "System Puppet Speak?"
Really, if the elitists of the world truly wanted to reduce and eliminate childhood infectious disease, all they would have to do is use their capital and invest it in CLEAN SANITATION SYSTEMS AND HEALTHY DRINKING WATER. It is these two things alone, combined WITH using such systems to keep oneself and ones home properly bathed/cleansed, that has been shown unequivocably to reduce and eliminate infectious disease.
If Bill Gates can build an empire, certainly he can do what this humble little woman has done: Research, research and research some more the wealth of information about vaccines.
I will end this by saying to keep an eye out on these third world nations and their children, who will likely be the main targets of this global campaign. Watch the new diseases and conditions that will begin to pop up amongst these beautiful innocent children, all while the system will slowly yet surely convince the masses that these new diseases are now just the norm.
I guarantee it.
If this weren't such a serious issue with such huge ramifications, I would be laughing after reading through the above-referenced article. Here are a few of the tidbits:
"Vaccines are a miracle," said Melinda Gates. "With just a few doses, they can prevent deadly diseases for a lifetime." ...
The Gates statement said the foundation would help to dramatically reduce child mortality in the next 10 years and urged others to pitch in with research funding and other financial support for poor children. ...
Vaccines are usually an effective way to spend money to improve public health, because they can even be delivered in poor countries lacking functioning health systems.
Ad nauseum. Can anyone say "System Puppet Speak?"
Really, if the elitists of the world truly wanted to reduce and eliminate childhood infectious disease, all they would have to do is use their capital and invest it in CLEAN SANITATION SYSTEMS AND HEALTHY DRINKING WATER. It is these two things alone, combined WITH using such systems to keep oneself and ones home properly bathed/cleansed, that has been shown unequivocably to reduce and eliminate infectious disease.
If Bill Gates can build an empire, certainly he can do what this humble little woman has done: Research, research and research some more the wealth of information about vaccines.
I will end this by saying to keep an eye out on these third world nations and their children, who will likely be the main targets of this global campaign. Watch the new diseases and conditions that will begin to pop up amongst these beautiful innocent children, all while the system will slowly yet surely convince the masses that these new diseases are now just the norm.
I guarantee it.
Nina To John Edwards: Be Honest. Own Up.
And while you're at it, here's a quarter to buy yourself some authentic humility.
You elitist little lying piece of scum. Behind that smarmy smile, behind all of that wealth, behind all of that supposed power you (and far too many like you) believe you claim over our beautiful little planet and its inhabitants, I would say you are nothing more than a measly little rat (to quote George Bailey from It's A Wonderful Life).
You really believed you could use this supposed power to stick your mr. good-time inside another woman, over and over again, all while your wife was undergoing cancer treatment (you know, when she needed your unwaivering support more than ever), then father a child, then say the child wasn't yours (while allowing a "friend" to claim paternity instead) while claiming you didn't have sex with the woman (I'll bet Clinton gave you some pointers with that tricky little situation, eh?), then use people you claimed to care about, attempt to buy people, in order to cover up your lie, all the while lying to the people of America about how honest and decent you were (because boo hoo hoo since you grew up poor/working class that means TODAY you could somehow RELATE TO us which is the joke of the day), how you claimed Washington needed to change its image in order to become more respectful not only here at home but around the world.......you really believed all along you were THAT above it all and would get away with your lies?
And now you are wanting to get possession of that sex tape of you and your mistress? (Who, btw, I cannot say I feel badly for really, considering any woman who knowingly sleeps with another man--certainly more than once--who she knows is married--whom she knows said wife is ill with cancer--any woman of that caliber is about as low on the human decency totem pole as are you.)
It's really a bit too late to redeem yourself, isn't it? Next time around, if you are wishing to run for any sort of political office (which, at this point, a rat in a sewer stands a better chance at holding such a title), try something new: HONESTY. Own your behavior. Yeah, you were a scumbag for what you did. Say it with me now John. Say "I was a scumbag and I messed up." That's all you owe the public. Your debt to your family is the one that runs deep and long.
You know what? I believe I feel sorry for you. Pity, even. For likely you don't have a fucking clue what love is. Likely you lost it along the way in your strive to amass a fortune of wealth and power. You know nothing outside of your "ME ME ME ONLY" bubble of corruption, power and greed. You don't know what it's really like to authentically connect with another. You don't know what it means to be honest. And certainly, the world, including your own family and former friends, will likely never fully trust you again with your word. And that means, in the end, lest you somehow undergo a personal metamorphis, you will likely die a much lonelier, poor-in-spirit person than all of the homeless and impoverished people combined, for all of the money, success and power in the world can never ever make up for emotional disconnect and isolation from the people around you.
All I gotta ask you is this: Were those romps in the sack to service your ego-needs worth it?
You elitist little lying piece of scum. Behind that smarmy smile, behind all of that wealth, behind all of that supposed power you (and far too many like you) believe you claim over our beautiful little planet and its inhabitants, I would say you are nothing more than a measly little rat (to quote George Bailey from It's A Wonderful Life).
You really believed you could use this supposed power to stick your mr. good-time inside another woman, over and over again, all while your wife was undergoing cancer treatment (you know, when she needed your unwaivering support more than ever), then father a child, then say the child wasn't yours (while allowing a "friend" to claim paternity instead) while claiming you didn't have sex with the woman (I'll bet Clinton gave you some pointers with that tricky little situation, eh?), then use people you claimed to care about, attempt to buy people, in order to cover up your lie, all the while lying to the people of America about how honest and decent you were (because boo hoo hoo since you grew up poor/working class that means TODAY you could somehow RELATE TO us which is the joke of the day), how you claimed Washington needed to change its image in order to become more respectful not only here at home but around the world.......you really believed all along you were THAT above it all and would get away with your lies?
And now you are wanting to get possession of that sex tape of you and your mistress? (Who, btw, I cannot say I feel badly for really, considering any woman who knowingly sleeps with another man--certainly more than once--who she knows is married--whom she knows said wife is ill with cancer--any woman of that caliber is about as low on the human decency totem pole as are you.)
It's really a bit too late to redeem yourself, isn't it? Next time around, if you are wishing to run for any sort of political office (which, at this point, a rat in a sewer stands a better chance at holding such a title), try something new: HONESTY. Own your behavior. Yeah, you were a scumbag for what you did. Say it with me now John. Say "I was a scumbag and I messed up." That's all you owe the public. Your debt to your family is the one that runs deep and long.
You know what? I believe I feel sorry for you. Pity, even. For likely you don't have a fucking clue what love is. Likely you lost it along the way in your strive to amass a fortune of wealth and power. You know nothing outside of your "ME ME ME ONLY" bubble of corruption, power and greed. You don't know what it's really like to authentically connect with another. You don't know what it means to be honest. And certainly, the world, including your own family and former friends, will likely never fully trust you again with your word. And that means, in the end, lest you somehow undergo a personal metamorphis, you will likely die a much lonelier, poor-in-spirit person than all of the homeless and impoverished people combined, for all of the money, success and power in the world can never ever make up for emotional disconnect and isolation from the people around you.
All I gotta ask you is this: Were those romps in the sack to service your ego-needs worth it?
Corvallis Housing Market: Ninth Most Overvalued In The Nation
Joining our elitist little city on that list, also from Oregon, includes Portland, Salem, Eugene and Bend.
So let us break this down. We have one of the highest unemployment rates. One of the highest rates for poverty and hunger. And yet, real estate continues to be grossly inflated, where a quarter of a million dollars may get you a piece-of-crap little shack.
People want to move and live here again why?
I know someone in real estate in this area and when I asked how, given the high unemployment and utter lack of living wage jobs in this community, who on earth is buying the homes in our area? Her answer: "Investors."
Once again, rich, elitist, greedy, self-focused only folks continue to turn this state, this country, into a 3rd World nation. Caring for absolutely no one but themselves, thinking of no time other than the present, with absolutely no care for their actions and the effects on others, most especially the suffering - the victims of their living/buying/spending habits, I believe a revolution is in order. They've been feeding off the poor and vulnerable long enough. Time for them to return to their psycho mothership from whence they cometh and zap them into the universal cosmos where they can play out eternity (or at least 50 years earth time - that should suffice) experiencing the results of their G R E E D.
So let us break this down. We have one of the highest unemployment rates. One of the highest rates for poverty and hunger. And yet, real estate continues to be grossly inflated, where a quarter of a million dollars may get you a piece-of-crap little shack.
People want to move and live here again why?
I know someone in real estate in this area and when I asked how, given the high unemployment and utter lack of living wage jobs in this community, who on earth is buying the homes in our area? Her answer: "Investors."
Once again, rich, elitist, greedy, self-focused only folks continue to turn this state, this country, into a 3rd World nation. Caring for absolutely no one but themselves, thinking of no time other than the present, with absolutely no care for their actions and the effects on others, most especially the suffering - the victims of their living/buying/spending habits, I believe a revolution is in order. They've been feeding off the poor and vulnerable long enough. Time for them to return to their psycho mothership from whence they cometh and zap them into the universal cosmos where they can play out eternity (or at least 50 years earth time - that should suffice) experiencing the results of their G R E E D.
1.27.2010
Helen Mirren's Tatoo. Benign Mark Or Something Darker?
Yes, I know. Ridiculous isn't it. Controversy over a tatoo one famous actress received in her youth during a drunken moment. Mirren is quoted as saying she is "utterly disgusted" with the small tatoo which appears near her left thumb.
Who hasn't done things we later regret when under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
However, digging deeper, is there perhaps something conspiratorial about the tatoo itself? Some folks on the "Above Top Secret" forum seem to think so. To some, it appears to be a Freemason Symbol.
Nina's Commentary: I almost feel the need to apologize for even posting this, but I cannot pass up the chance to share anything of the conspiratorial realm. My only comment is to question those people who get so blasted as to allow needles to be poked into various parts of their body. Being that completely drunk is uncomfortable and painful in and of itself, so why put yourself through more misery? Sure, go ahead. Put that needle into my body. Over and over again. And why don'tcha inject some toxic ink while you're at it? Make it worth my while. While it has been over 20 years since I was falling down drunk and unable to remember certain portions of my "good" time, I cannot ever imagine being that drunk as to allow someone to poke me with needles. If I were at that level of intoxication, I'd be passed out, unable to consent to a damn thing.
I'll stick to temporary tatoo's, thank you very much. And celebrating life sober. Well, partially sober...
Who hasn't done things we later regret when under the influence of drugs or alcohol?
However, digging deeper, is there perhaps something conspiratorial about the tatoo itself? Some folks on the "Above Top Secret" forum seem to think so. To some, it appears to be a Freemason Symbol.
Nina's Commentary: I almost feel the need to apologize for even posting this, but I cannot pass up the chance to share anything of the conspiratorial realm. My only comment is to question those people who get so blasted as to allow needles to be poked into various parts of their body. Being that completely drunk is uncomfortable and painful in and of itself, so why put yourself through more misery? Sure, go ahead. Put that needle into my body. Over and over again. And why don'tcha inject some toxic ink while you're at it? Make it worth my while. While it has been over 20 years since I was falling down drunk and unable to remember certain portions of my "good" time, I cannot ever imagine being that drunk as to allow someone to poke me with needles. If I were at that level of intoxication, I'd be passed out, unable to consent to a damn thing.
I'll stick to temporary tatoo's, thank you very much. And celebrating life sober. Well, partially sober...
More Controversy for ACORN
James O'Keefe was arrested with three others this past Monday in a phone scheme.
"NEW ORLEANS — A hero of conservatives who bruised the liberal group ACORN by posing as a pimp on hidden camera is now accused in an attempt to tamper with phone lines at Democratic U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu's office inside a federal building. It's not clear what James O'Keefe, 25, and three other young conservatives were trying to accomplish Monday at the New Orleans office of Landrieu, who has been criticized for securing more Medicaid benefits for her state in exchange for her support on health care legislation. State Democrats quickly called the alleged plot a "Louisiana Watergate," but federal officials have not yet said why the men wanted to interfere with Landrieu's phones, whether they were successful, or even if the goal was political espionage."
Nina's Commentary: The act of some young kids looking to be hero's by highlighting corruption? Or simply some big misunderstanding? Who knows...
"NEW ORLEANS — A hero of conservatives who bruised the liberal group ACORN by posing as a pimp on hidden camera is now accused in an attempt to tamper with phone lines at Democratic U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu's office inside a federal building. It's not clear what James O'Keefe, 25, and three other young conservatives were trying to accomplish Monday at the New Orleans office of Landrieu, who has been criticized for securing more Medicaid benefits for her state in exchange for her support on health care legislation. State Democrats quickly called the alleged plot a "Louisiana Watergate," but federal officials have not yet said why the men wanted to interfere with Landrieu's phones, whether they were successful, or even if the goal was political espionage."
Nina's Commentary: The act of some young kids looking to be hero's by highlighting corruption? Or simply some big misunderstanding? Who knows...
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