Informed Fire

21 Days

2012-02-01T21:12:00.001-08:00

21 days since I laid eyes on you
Three weeks of cleansing your love from my thighs
Heartless waves crash me deep into blue
Still I hope the sunrise delivers a piece of you

The emptiness in my bed twists your words into lies
Leaving me wondering if you even miss being here

Closing off this heart of mine
To begin the recovery one last time

Yes, this really is my last tear
At least I'll try.

Love Thyself = Happiness

2011-11-17T20:10:00.001-08:00

No one and nothing can take your joy in life once you realize that your happiness lives within you and only you. The happiness you receive from other people and possessions is only temporary & lasting happiness lives in having a healthy, unconditional love of self.

Withdrawals from Anti-Depressants: Celexa

2011-09-19T19:33:00.000-07:00

I had to share this very informative post with you on withdrawal symptoms from the drug Celexa. I was on it for 4 months due to "situational" depression stemming from my knee surgery complications. I weaned myself off the drug as I did not like the side effects. This article helped me understand my withdrawal symptoms. Celexa Withdrawal Article

Ric Elias: 3 things I learned while my plane crashed | Video on TED.com

2011-06-06T21:31:00.000-07:00

Ric Elias: 3 things I learned while my plane crashed | Video on TED.com

Great message - short video.

Don't Be Naive about the Death of Bin Laden

2011-05-02T12:45:00.001-07:00

I find it hard to rejoice that Bin Laden is dead, not because I mourn his death, but because I mourn the innocent people who died on 9/11 and all the soldiers that have lost their lives since then. I do believe he is NOT with virgins being a celebrated martyr, but he is burning in the lowest pits of hell for all the innocent's he has harmed. Don't be naive, our troops will not be coming home now that Bin Laden is dead. Statistics prove that when the head of a terrorist organization (including drug cartels) is "assassinated", the violence typically increases after his death. We need to remain vigilant and continue to protect our Freedom from this insidious twisted way of thinking that wants to do away with the world's human rights. We have to work on changing people's hearts but we also must protect our way of life with a vengeance. I also want to address Obama's speech: It was well done. I am no Obama fan, but I don't agree with those of you that think he was taking "all the credit" for finally pulling the trigger on Bin Laden. I believe it was a calculated message to the leaders and terrorists of the world that if you want to blame someone for Bin Laden's death, blame Obama.... He had to approve the decision and he made the final decision. I think it was a smart move and established that he has the guts to make the hard decisions. I'm still no fan of his, but give credit where credit is due.

Carrie Underwood & Vince Gill - How Great Thou Art

2011-04-30T22:23:00.000-07:00

Beautiful rendition of this song.

It's not how big your share is, it's how much you share.

2011-01-04T20:30:00.000-08:00

Moving song.

It's time to set my scale on fire!

2011-01-04T20:13:00.000-08:00

I'm serious. Something must be wrong with my pesky scale. I have fantasies about setting it on fire because it's a liar! I don't know how I did it (actually I do), but I managed to gain the weight back that I worked so hard to lose last year (plus some). :(

Don't worry, I'm not one of those people that makes New Year resolutions. I already had grand plans prior to the new year to get myself back on track. My weight has always fluctuated. Yes, yes, I eat my emotions. Maybe its because Daddy wasn't around all that much or my Mother was an emotional eater. No matter what the reason, I am pulling up my big girl panties and getting back on the health train. Sports injury be damned... I will start with one thing at a time. Calorie control is first, then increasing activity (knee pain permitting), and finally my emotional root cause.

So I've joined Weight Watchers. I was successful on it 11 years ago but when I thought I was "fixed" I strayed. I have realized I will never be fixed, just under control. The year of being addicted to indulgence is over!

John Wooden on True Success

2010-03-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

"At God's footstool to confess, a poor soul knelt, and bowed his head. 'I failed!' He cried. The Master said, 'Thou didst thy best, that is success."

JK Rowling: The fringe benefits of failure

2010-02-17T12:58:00.001-08:00

This is an excellent speech from JK Rowling to Harvard grads. There are 3 main lessons in her speech:

- The Importance of Failure
- Imagination
- Social Responsibility

This is a must watch!

J.K. Rowling Speaks at Harvard Commencement from Harvard Magazine on Vimeo.

A Muslim World

2010-02-10T17:11:00.000-08:00

This video was forwarded to me and had to post it, just to stir up conversation. I'm interested to hear what you think about this. Please leave me your comments.

Google, You autocomplete Me...

2010-01-26T20:09:00.000-08:00

There is a fun site called Autocomplete Me that lists wacky searches made by Google users. If you notice when typing your search in the Google search window, a list populates as you type (your autocomplete must be turned on). There are some pretty hilarious "autocomplete" searches out there.

Update on DailyBurn.com

2010-01-26T19:45:00.000-08:00

I have been using Daily burn for the past two and a half weeks and am happy to report that I have shed 7lbs. My food journal has made me acutely aware of my caloric intake and keeps me conscious of what I put in my mouth. A simple tool helping me achieve great results. Informed Fire = Happy Fire.

Vote them out

2010-01-12T16:10:00.001-08:00

Burn Baby Burn!

2010-01-11T18:07:00.000-08:00

I haven't been blogging much so far this year as I'm working on organizing my life a bit more than I did in 2009. One of the tools I am using to "organize" my diet is DailyBurn.com. It really is a great tool that logs your nutrition, weight, and workout plans. The basic version is free and of course if you pay, you get more options. They even offer two iPhone apps, one called FoodScanner actually reads bar codes from food wrappers by using the built in camera and automatically finds the nutrition info and logs it into your account. How could you NOT love that? I a big fan of Daily Burn as it is easy to use and has a community for motivation. It is proven that it you keep a journal of what you eat that the percentage of success in losing weight, increases. It's worked for me in the past and I know it will work again.

That's alright Obama

2009-12-29T09:38:00.000-08:00

A "tongue in cheek" song about Obama and the bailouts from a Canadian duo.

The Beelzebubs - Amazing Acappella

2009-12-22T12:51:00.000-08:00

If you missed the show "The Sing Off" last week, make sure to check it out online. This acappella competition showcases amazing and real talent. As far as I was concerned, it put American Idol to shame. These groups are blessed with phenomenal talent!

Christmas Music - Cruel & Unusual Punishment

2009-12-18T09:22:00.000-08:00

In Arizona, Sheriff Joe Arpaio has ordered Christmas music to played throughout the Maricopa County Jail system. Holiday music from all countries and faiths are included in the playlist.

Inmates have filed six lawsuits over the Sheriff's Christmas music policy in the last two years. The grievances range from "cruel and unusual punishment" claims to "forcing inmates to participate in religious celebrations." To date, four of the six suits have been dismissed and the Sheriff expects that the remaining two will be dismissed.

Now too much Christmas music will drive anyone crazy, no doubt. But I have a better idea. Why not turn off all the music, the cable tv access and leave them only with books. I know, I know... where is my "Christmas Spirit"? Bah humbug. It doesn't matter what time of the year it is. - wrong is wrong. If you are in prision and the taxpayer is paying your way, be quiet and be glad you are not in prison in Russia.

Charlie Brown on Christmas

2009-12-15T16:24:00.000-08:00

Second guessing himself, Charlie Brown begins to wonder if he really knows what Christmas is about, loudly asking in despair. Linus quietly says he can tell him, and walks to center stage to make his point. Under a spotlight, Linus quotes Scripture, particularly the second chapter of the Gospel of Luke, verses 8 through 14: [King James Version]

Charlie Brown now realizes he does not have to let commercialism ruin his Christmas.

"'8And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

Poverty Bigger issue than Climate Change

2009-12-11T21:49:00.000-08:00

Poverty is a bigger global problem than climate change. The World Health Organization estimates 150,000 people die because of climate change each year, however, 3 million die from malnutrition alone. Malaria often is cited as a problem that will grow worse with a warmer planet, and it is a terrible problem in tropical countries that will worsen with a warmer planet, but tropical countries that are wealthy, like Singapore, don’t have problems with malaria.

Agent Orange: Still Sick 44 Years Later

2009-12-08T09:18:00.000-08:00

My family is from Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada and my Mother's side has 11 brothers & sisters, while by Father's side has 14. In 1966 & 1967, Agent Orange (a herbicide & defoliant) was sprayed near and around Canadian Forces base in Gagetown, New Brunswick. A document released states that it was sprayed in the Fredericton area. I have relatives that recall this "spraying" taking place in Doaktown (50 miles north of Fredericton) as well.

I have dozens of relatives that have had various forms of cancer and have died from cancer. It seems that the people who have stayed in this area battle illness on a constant basis. Research shows that various types of cancer and birth defects result in exposure from Agent Orange.

Excerpt from agentorangecanada.com website:

The Agent Orange document, as it became known, showed the extent of the sprayings of Dioxin, Hexachlorobenzene and Picloram contaminated defoliants for a 28-year period over an area of 181,000 acres on CFB Gagetown. During the 28 years that DND sprayed, the enormity of the spray exposure and drift became evident as thousands of civilians and military personnel became sick and were/are dying from being poisoned by the carcinogenic toxins in Oromocto, CFB Gagetown and all of the communities surrounding CFB Gagetown

For all my Canadian readers, I urge you to download this petition and have 18 friends sign and return to the address listed on the linked page.

Health Care: Consider It Tough Love

2009-12-07T21:07:00.001-08:00

Culture of Adultery

2009-12-04T16:27:00.000-08:00

I'm not going to write about how much of an idiot Tiger Woods is. No need to state the obvious.
What I find alarming are the hoards of women who throw themselves at these celebrity athletes. It’s a calculated, groupie type of approach that makes this all the more disturbing. These “cheap tricks” and the celebrities who cheat with them and treat infidelity in a cavalier manner are disgusting. Assisting in destroying another woman’s family is foolish and disrespectful - to say the least. Would they teach their daughters to do this? No.

This culture of casual sex is endangering the family unit. It’s not just the wives of these athletes that are affected by these affairs; it’s the illegitimate kids that have a higher chance of neglect by these “fathers”. Infidelity isn’t acceptable under any circumstances. Be a mature, responsible grown-up and get out of your relationship if you feel the need to conquer every person of the opposite sex that floats your boat.

I personally have lived through an "affair" and trust me, the heartbreak and hard, life-lessons are not something anyone should ever want to toy with. Leave the gambling in Vegas. Not in your marriage.

Law of Reciprocity

2009-12-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

The universe is completely balanced and in perfect order. You will always be compensated for everything that you do. -- Brian Tracy

Deficit '09: The Devil Made Him Do It

2009-12-03T21:40:00.000-08:00

Obama's plethora of statements blaming his predecessor for the "inherited" federal budget deficit is something a smart leader would not continue to do. The facts are that immediately upon taking office, Obama signed two new bills that together about equal the $1.2T deficit he "inherited." I guess the devil made him do it.

Now that the fiscal year has ended, it is revealed that the feds ran a $1.58T deficit for FY 2009, the all-time record and the first deficit over a trillion. This deficit is 10 times the $160B deficit of 2007.

I don't know about you, but if I was was in debt 10 times more than I was two years ago, I would be making some serious cutbacks (and I personally have). Why isn't our government reforming their spending and making cutbacks like the rest of corporate America is doing? Instead they introduce Health Care Reform and Cap & Trade, which will cost the taxpayer more money and even more of their jobs.

Visit U.S. National Debt Clock to watch the national debt and unfunded liabilities ($106T and climbing) increase before your very eyes. It's time for real change. And I don't mean having only two nickels to rub together when it's all said and done.

Patriotism Illegal?

2009-12-03T15:20:00.000-08:00

Col. Van T. Barfoot, a veteran of three wars, and 90 years of age is being ordered by his homeowners association to remove a flagpole from his yard or face "legal action". Since when is flying the American Flag illegal?

I understand why homeowners associations are in place and why they have restrictions, but the American Flag should be excluded from these type of "rules". As long as there is only one flag and it is maintained I do not see the problem here. I hope Mr. Barfoot wins this battle. Our country needs more patriots like this man.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,579147,00.html

AP Photo/Richmond Times-Dispatch, Eva Russo

Amnesty Bill - A piece of S#*%

2009-12-02T08:20:00.000-08:00

I'm amazed that CNN actually broadcasted this. Kudos CNN! (something I never thought I would say).

The expletive is from Senate Minority Leader John Boehner in response to the Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid's undying mission to push Obama's Immigration legislation S-9 Amnesty Bill.

EVERY American should be outraged at this and it must be stopped. As an immigrant who came to this country the legal way I am insulted that any politician would push this bill. It is in no way patriotic or protecting the rights of American citizens. It is wrong.

1. Illegal aliens given legal status just 24 hours after filing... even though background check will not have been completed in nearly all cases.

2. US tax payers will foot the bill for lawyers to represent illegal aliens.

3. While visas granted will be "temporary", they may be renewed indefinitely.

4. Alien gang members (estimated to be 30,000, minimum) qualify for amnesty simply by declaring they "don't want to be in a gang any longer".

5. US taxpayers will provide the money for "incentives to keep Mexicans in their own country"... like health care, education costs.

6. Aliens will pay no back taxes.

7. Aliens will qualify for the "earned income tax credit" by way of a check from the Government at taxpayer expense, though the illegal aliens will not be required to pay back taxes.

8.Instate college tuition given to aliens [a benefit which is denied to tax-paying, US citizens].

9. US/Mexico border fence reduced from 800 miles to 200 miles.

Obtuse, racist comments

2009-12-01T23:10:00.000-08:00

I read this comment on Kenneth Durden's blog: "Tamiya M. said... White women fall in love to be taken care of, black women take care of there man."

This kind of attitude is racist and is a prime example of the double standard that I am so tired of experiencing. A GOOD WOMAN (regardless of race) chooses the right man to love and knows that if she treats her man like her King, he will treat her like his Queen. In other words, you reap what you sow.

I know you are, but what am I?

2009-12-01T22:00:00.000-08:00

Launched a new look and a new name for my blog. I'm liking the new diggs... Pretty spanking. Any thoughts on my new "pen name" - Informed Fire? Y'all have Kenneth Durden to thank for that!

Risk-Taking

2009-11-13T09:31:00.000-08:00

If you want to catch beasts you don’t see every day,
You have to go places quite out of the way.
You have to go places no others can get to.
You have to get cold, and you have to get wet, too.

—Dr. Seuss

Abortion: A Change of Heart

2009-11-03T09:07:00.000-08:00

This is a story I never thought I would see covered by the mainstream media. But when I Googled this story, the only media links I find are from Fox News, and a few religious organization links. Where the general public gets the issue of abortion wrong is they knock it up to a religious issue. It’s not. This is a human rights issue - the rights of the fetus.

I am thankful that this woman had a change of heart after watching an abortion. SEEING IS BELIEVING! Watching the fetus literally "crumple" as it was suctioned out of a uterus had an impact on her that eight years of working for Planned Parenthood did not. I'm thankful because if one more person comes to the realization that a fetus is a living human being and that profit should not be made off of their destruction, then maybe – just maybe there is some hope for mankind.

Planned Parenthood Director Quits After Watching Abortion on Ultrasound (via FoxNews.com)

The former director of a Planned Parenthood clinic in southeast Texas says she had a "change of heart" after watching an abortion last month — and she quit her job and joined a pro-life group in praying outside the facility.

Abby Johnson, 29, used to escort women from their cars to the clinic in the eight years she volunteered and worked for Planned Parenthood in Bryan, Texas. But she says she knew it was time to leave after she watched a fetus "crumple" as it was vacuumed out of a patient's uterus in September.

'When I was working at Planned Parenthood I was extremely pro-choice," Johnson told FoxNews.com. But after seeing the internal workings of the procedure for the first time on an ultrasound monitor, "I would say there was a definite conversion in my heart ... a spiritual conversion."

Johnson said she became disillusioned with her job after her bosses pressured her for months to increase profits by performing more and more abortions, which cost patients between $505 and $695.

"Every meeting that we had was, 'We don't have enough money, we don't have enough money — we've got to keep these abortions coming,'" Johnson told FoxNews.com. "It's a very lucrative business and that's why they want to increase numbers."

A spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood told FoxNews.com that it offers a range of services at it 850 health centers nationwide, providing pregnancy tests, vaccinations and women's health services, "including wellness exams, breast and cervical cancer screenings, contraception, and STD testing and treatment."

"Planned Parenthood's focus is on prevention," wrote Diane Quest, the group's National Media Director. "Nationwide, more than 90% of the health care Planned Parenthood affiliates provide is preventive in nature," explaining that a "core component the organization's mission is to help women plan healthy pregnancies and prevent unintended pregnancies."

But Johnson said her bosses told her to change her "priorities" and focus on abortions, which she said made money for the office at a time when the recession has left them hurting.
"For them there's not a lot of money in education," she said. "There's as not as much money in family planning as there is abortion."

Without a doctor in residence, she said, her clinic offered abortions only two days a month, but the doctor could perform 30 to 40 procedures on each day he was there. Johnson estimated that each abortion could net the branch about $350, adding up to more than $10,000 a month.
"The majority of the money was going to the facility," she said.

Johnson said she never got any orders to increase profits in e-mails or letters, and had no way to prove her allegations about practices at the Bryan branch. She told FoxNews.com that pressure came in personal interactions with her regional manager from the larger Houston office.
But she said she got involved with the clinic "to help women and ... [do] the right thing," and the idea of raking in cash seemed to go against what she felt was the mission of the 93-year-old organization.

"Ideally my goal as the facility's director is that your abortion numbers don't increase," because "you're providing so much family planning and so much education that there is not a demand for abortion services. "But that was not their goal," she said.

A spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood refused to answer questions about Johnson's accusations, but released a statement noting that a district court had issued a temporary restraining order against the former branch director and against the Coalition for Life, an anti-abortion group with which Johnson is now affiliated.

"We regret being forced to turn to the courts to protect the safety and confidentiality of our clients and staff, however, in this instance it is absolutely necessary," said spokeswoman Rochelle Tafolla.

It is unclear what made Planned Parenthood seek the restraining order. Johnson said she did not intend to release any sensitive information about her former patients at the clinic.
A hearing is set for Nov. 10 to determine whether a judge will order an injunction against Johnson and the Coalition for Life, which has led protests outside the clinic and joined her in a prayer vigil there last month.

Johnson hasn't found a job since she quit on Oct. 6, but she said she's enjoying the time off to be with her 3-year-old daughter.

"It's been great just to spend some time at home and get a break," she said.

I haven't met you yet

2009-10-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

by Michael Buble

Listen Here

But somehow I know that it'll all turn out.

And you'll make me work so we can work to work it out.

And I promise you, kid, I'll give so much more than I get.

I just haven't met you yet.

They say all's fair.

In love and war.

But I won't need to fight it.

We'll get it right and, We'll be united.

And I know that we can be so amazing.

And being in your life is gonna change me.

And now I can see every single possibility, mmmm.

And someday I know it'll all turn out.

And I'll work to work it out.

Promise you, kid, I'll give more than I get.

Right-Wing Women Rock

2009-10-29T13:16:00.000-07:00

A Free Man Thinking Freely turned me on to this article: Right-Wing Women Rock.
Very entertaining, and a lot of truth to it. It's nice to see that my native country of Canada actually has some men that appreciate conservative women. Lord knows there weren't any that I knew of when I lived there!

Spanking by PostSecret

2009-10-25T15:20:00.000-07:00

This just made me laugh. Hard.

Obama's War - Frontline Special

2009-10-25T15:00:00.000-07:00

A look at the war in Afghanistan as a veteran correpsondent Martin Smith travels across Afghanistan and Pakistan to see first-hand how the president's new strategy is taking shape, delivering vivid, on-the-ground reporting from this eight-year-old war's many fronts. Through interviews with top generals, diplomats and government officials, Smith also reports the internal debates over President Obama's grand attempt to combat terrorism at its roots.

Note: Make sure to watch the candid interview with General McChrystal.

The Doctor Fix is In

2009-10-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

Health Care Reform Editorial from the Wall Street Journal. All about the "bait and switch" maneuver that is taking place. Worth the read:

The press corps will mostly ignore all of this because it is complicated and boring policy, as opposed to the epic drama of Anita Dunn vs. Glenn Beck. This doctor maneuver is such a cleverly dishonest solution to their many contradictory promises that we're surprised Democrats didn't think of it sooner.

The Nobel Pleeeeeasse Prize

2009-10-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

Proof that the Nobel Peace Prize has it's priorities out of whack and is a complete farce.

In 1942 Irena Sendler, a German woman, worked in the Warsaw Ghetto as a plumber/sewage specialist and risked her life smuggling 2500 children and infants out of the ghetto. When the Nazis caught her they broke both her legs and arms in addition to beating her severely. Her story is an amazing one of selflessness, courage, and humanitarianism. Read more here.

In 2007 she was in the running for the Nobel Peace Prize, but instead it was awarded to Al Gore for his contributions on Global Warming.

Let me get this straight - The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to a man who made a documentary about theories of Global Warming of which science can't prove? THIS is considered to be more of a humanitarian act than Irena's self sacrifice? She is a woman who took personal risks every day to prevent the destruction of individual lives! Al Gore has made millions off of his concern for Global Warming; when will people get their priorities straight and see through the facade of these type individuals?

What concerns me is this is the type of crap we are allowing in our history books, instead of stories like Irena's. We must demand that people like Irena be awarded and REWARDED for such brave acts. Not narcissistic wannabe celebrities and music artists with foul language that can stay out of jail.

The wrong moral & spiritual priorities
will destroy this world.

Not your carbon footprint.

I Like a big A**

2009-10-18T12:11:00.000-07:00

STOP the Bleeding!

2009-10-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

It's interesting to follow politics closely and then deal with people on a daily basis. I'm amazed at just how insouciant the average American is when it comes to politics and the life-changing decisions made by elected officials.

Let's read that again: the life-changing decisions made by elected officials. That is a hard pill to swallow.

A recent poll by Harvard Business Publishing listed Politicians in the top three of the least trusted professions in the United States. They were right up there with Lawyers and Journalists. Knowing this bit of information makes me wonder why so many people keep their head in the sand and expect that the government will fix things by passing another bill that will give us free healthcare, education, housing, and other community "transfusions". When someone is bleeding to death, a doctor will first work on stopping the bleeding before giving the patient a transfusion. America is bleeding profusely and our leaders are insisting on ignoring this fact.

I remember my father telling me that nothing is free and there is always a price to be paid, but I hadn't lived long enough to know what it really was. Well I've lived a while now and the cost of expecting the government to provide free healthcare and housing incentives (think ACORN and the housing bubble) is the freedom to think for ourselves, to create, and prosper. This country was built by people who struggled through adversity and triumphed. They didn't have it handed to them in a trust fund.

- A fine for not participating in government run healthcare?
- The government propping up failing companies like GM and Wall Street?
- State governments raising taxes when their residents are losing their homes and jobs in abundance?

Something more than my 401k is eroding here and it the very foundation of this country. Thomas Jefferson said: "The price of freedom is eternal vigilance." Freedom to me is being able to create my own destiny by choosing how I want to live out my life (with or without health insurance) in a country that has it's borders protected and values its greatest resource: the taxpayer.

Be vigilant!

Note: this blog entry was inspired by A Free Man Thinking Freely - make sure to visit his blog.

All the single babies

2009-09-28T08:59:00.000-07:00

What kind of "ism" are you?

2009-09-16T19:35:00.000-07:00

Racism. Sexism. Ageism. Classism. Antagonism.

Let's face it. All of these "isms" exist in the world and most of us have experienced at least one of them. Are we really at a point that any opposition to the President is considered racism?

I have a problem with Carter saying that Joe Wilson's outburst was based on racism because it is false. If Wilson was should be accused of any "ism" it would be antagonism. He was disrespectful - no doubt about it, but it's not like he pulled a "Michael Richards".

Main Entry: an·tag·o·nism
Pronunciation: \an-ˈta-gə-ˌni-zəm\
Function: noun
Date: 1835
1 a : opposition of a conflicting force, tendency, or principle antagonism of democracy to dictatorship> b : actively expressed opposition or hostility

Whether you are Democrat or Republican, African American, Hispanic, Caucasian, Asian, Indian, or any other race / species - if someone fundamentally disagrees with you, throwing around false, slanderous accusations in order to "win" is not only unwise, it exposes you for the irrational nut you truly are.

"A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows public opinion”
~Chinese Proverb

Government Motors - And now some good news

2009-09-15T12:31:00.000-07:00

According to Harvard Business Publishing, 373 U.S. public companies reduced their chief executives' base salaries between June 1, 2008 and June 18, 2009. 68 companies in the Fortune 1000 index have reduced executive officers' base salaries in the past year.

Here are the 10 largest (by revenue) U.S. public companies where CEO pay cuts took place:

General Motors (reduced to $1) This makes me do the happy dance. Seriously. At least there is one private jet that my tax dollars is NOT funding.
Ford Motor (reduced by 30%)
Sears (reduced by $50K)
FedEx (reduced by 20%)
American Express (reduced by 10%)
Motorola (reduced by 25%)
Eaton (reduced by 6 weeks' worth of pay)
Continental Airlines (reduced to $0 for Q3 and Q4 of 2008)
EMC (reduced by 15%)
Cummins (reduced by 10%)

Source: The Coming Battle Over Executive Pay, Harvard Business Review, September 2009

Go Sell Crazy Somewhere Else!

2009-09-11T20:28:00.000-07:00

Charlie Sheen is the same kind of crazy as Van Jones. His recent video "20 Minutes with the President" in which he states that the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks a conspiracy, proves that Sheen is unhinged. His words: "The official 9/11 story is a fraud” and claims the attacks served as “the pretext for the systematic dismantling of our Constitution and Bill of Rights.”

Another over dramatic 9/11 "Truther". Shocking. Charlie is somewhat right about the government trying to dismantle our Constitution and Bill of Rights. He just has the wrong administration in his line of fire. Anyone who believes this load of crap he is peddling is obtuse! Why anyone would take this guy seriously (who is known to be addicted to gambling, prescription drugs and prostitutes), baffles me. His ex-wife used his beliefs about 9/11 as proof for a judge that he was “delusional.”

On a day such as this, remembering the heroes and all the people who lost their lives during those attacks makes my heart ache. 9/11 should be a reminder to all Americans that we need to protect our freedom at all costs . We can't protect it by having apathy for terrorists or organizations such as "The John Adams Project" (who are attempting to expose CIA agents). I would rather be hated by the rest of the world and live in a safe country where terrorism is not an everyday occurrence, than live in a place where bombings are the norm.

A little cheese with that wine?

2009-09-08T20:45:00.001-07:00

I'm really digging this cheese lately - Parrano (gouda mixed with parmesan).

I indulged in it this past weekend with a robust Rhone, Valréas “Cuvée Prestige” Côtes du Rhône Villages - only $5.99 a bottle at Trader Joe's. If you don't appreciate a nice glass of red with some tasty morsels of cheese, then my friend, there is something wrong with you.

David Horowitz - Reformed Radical

2009-09-05T12:31:00.000-07:00

Former self-avowed communist, David Horowitz interview with Glenn Beck on 09/04/09. Although Glenn Beck has this knack for rubbing people the wrong way, you can't deny this interview is insightful and poignant. I'm starting to feel that the American people are finally starting to get disillusioned with the left and their "cloaked" anti-Americanism movement that is attempting to insinuate itself into the very foundation of our country. Make sure to pay attention to a snapshot of Obama saying that "We are 5 days away from changing the very foundation of this country." That statement really struck me, and not in a good way.

Excerpts from Interview:

"What is wrong with the left is not what it says, but what it does.....what it DOES"

"When you're a radical, what you are thinking about is power...and how to advance it. They don't spend 5 seconds thinking about what the results will be, only what they can get away with."

"The Democratic Party is no longer the party of John F. Kennedy."

Mini Dose of Joy

2009-09-04T22:19:00.000-07:00

Admittedly, I've had 1 1/2 glasses of wine and I find this funny. Don't judge.

Somebody's Somebody

2009-09-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

The Mood I'm In

2009-09-03T20:43:00.000-07:00

Dinah Washington - Cry Me a River (remix)

Dirty Deeds Done "Czar" Cheap

2009-09-02T19:27:00.000-07:00

C'mon America, when will the mainstream media actually cover the real issue of WHY this WH Administration is appointing "Czars" when the cabinet positions have not even been filled? I know, I'm dreaming that the media would actually care more about the people and report the facts not just their Leftist agenda....

But the truth is, these Czars do not answer to Congress. So Congress can't stop their actions unless they impeach the President. So people... this puts all the power in the hands of the President. This is a very slippery slope and that kind of power is not what democracy is about.

This scares the hell out of me and it should scare you too.

Van Jones' (Green Job Czar or "Special Advisor") comments right after 9/11 slamming the US for it's "Imperialist Agenda" and then recently calling Republicans "a-holes" is a VERY CLEAR SIGN (they are called "signs" for a reason - pay attention!) that Obama is and always has been aligned with people who want to create division in this country.

I see a lot of wolves in sheep's clothing.

In the words of Joss Stone, "You're a dirty, dirty man", Mr. President.

The FDIC - In the Red?

2009-09-01T08:58:00.000-07:00

Interesting story on Fox News this morning about the FDIC.

"Eighty-one banks have failed so far this year, and hundreds more are expected to fall in coming years because of souring loans for commercial real estate."

Didn't our fearless Leader say that "things aren't as bad as they seem"? Perhaps he was hoping that the lack of coverage in the media lately on this issue would help the people forget about the financial mess we are truly in. The taxpayers will be paying for more of these "failures" that are a bottomless pit - and that includes the bailouts, cash for clunkers, and every other rebate program that we are financing.

"The Government Can" Come on. Sing along!

2009-09-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Hilarious, yet so true! You must watch this!

A Free Man, Thinking Freely:
"The Government Can" Come on. Sing along!

Lessons in Love, by Way of Economics

2009-08-31T20:53:00.000-07:00

Practical article on Love by Ben Stein.

"In love, the data is even clearer. Stay with high-quality human beings. And once you find that you are in a junk relationship, sell immediately. Junk situations can look appealing and seductive, but junk is junk. Be wary of it unless you control the market.....You want to have monopoly bonds with your long-term lover. At least most situations work out better this way." Link to Article

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/13/business/13every.html

Sometimes, You Just Need to Laugh!

2009-08-30T20:24:00.001-07:00

This is just funny!

Triumph, the insult comic dog @ Bonnaroo Music Festival

First, You've Got To Get MAD

2009-08-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

I'm tired of the business-as-usual kind of politicians. What ever happened to these "leaders" being a leader in the literal sense? Our founding fathers are turning over in their graves as our country is being lead down the garden path by a bunch of nincompoops. Yes, i just used the word "nincompoop" and I meant it. It seems that the majority of elected officials in this country are simpletons, with a clear lack of leadership ability and no sense of personal responsibility. This leads me to wonder how did these non-leaders get elected in the first place? Of course, by the people.... right? So is the root cause of our national leadership crisis in our hands? Yes it is and we need to own it.

We need politicians that are held accountable to their job performance. Where is their yearly review and performance evaluation? Isn't it true that when one is held accountable, that performance and productivity improves, just simply by paying attention to it? I.E.: The Hawthorne Effect. The US government is such a huge business, that accountability has become almost non-existent. Heads only roll when the press gets hold of some scandalous information and the people become outraged. If the fortune 500 companies ran their organizations the way the government does, America would not be the rich and prosperous country that she is (or shall I say, once was..).

I don't know what the answer is, but I know that more people are becoming disenchanted with the way things are being run in this country (on the left & right), and the "I'M MAD AS HELL and I'm-not-going-to-take-it-anymore" movement is growing stronger everyday.

Beale:

I don't have to tell you things are bad. Everybody knows things are bad. It's a depression. Everybody's out of work or scared of losing their job. The dollar buys a nickel's worth; banks are going bust; shopkeepers keep a gun under the counter; punks are running wild in the street, and there's nobody anywhere who seems to know what to do, and there's no end to it.
We know the air is unfit to breathe and our food is unfit to eat. And we sit watching our TVs while some local newscaster tells us that today we had fifteen homicides and sixty-three violent crimes, as if that's the way it's supposed to be!
We all know things are bad -- worse than bad -- they're crazy.
It's like everything everywhere is going crazy, so we don't go out any more. We sit in the house, and slowly the world we're living in is getting smaller, and all we say is, "Please, at least leave us alone in our living rooms. Let me have my toaster and my TV and my steel-belted radials, and I won't say anything. Just leave us alone."
Well, I'm not going to leave you alone.
I want you to get mad!
I don't want you to protest. I don't want you to riot. I don't want you to write to your Congressman, because I wouldn't know what to tell you to write. I don't know what to do about the depression and the inflation and the Russians and the crime in the street.
All I know is that first, you've got to get mad.
You've gotta say, "I'm a human being, goddammit! My life has value!"
So, I want you to get up now. I want all of you to get up out of your chairs. I want you to get up right now and go to the window, open it, and stick your head out and yell, "I'm as mad as hell, and I'm not going to take this anymore!!"

You've Gotta Have Faith

2009-06-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

The opposite of fear is faith. It's a marriage of the mind, body, and soul. Admittedly so, I struggle with this on a regular basis. My intellect knows that my thoughts are what limit me. Sure, environment and upbringing have programmed us to a point, but I am the one who most of all limits myself.

Cliché:
Fear = "False Evidence Appearing Real"

There is much truth in that cliché. Lately, I remind myself that "This too shall pass...", and you know what? It is absolutely true. Stop putting all that energy into be fearful, and put it towards the positive steps of having faith that success will come, even when failure has visited you. You are either in fear or in faith. Not in both.

Today, I choose Fearlessness.

Snow White or Medusa?

2009-04-24T18:05:00.000-07:00

Nature gathers around me... But lately it seems to only be the cold blooded kind. This is either a sign that summer is here or I am Medusa and am summoning my minions.

This is one of four lizards that joined me in my backyard yesterday.

Vapid Celebrities - Political Delusions

2009-04-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

The Hollywood glitterati unfortunately has a forum for their political (ignorant and highly bias) views. Not only are celebrities out of touch with the majority of the people in this country, they are putting on a show - acting. They pretend to know what they are talking about in order to maintain a certain standing in their celebrity "clique".

But HOLD on a minute. If the celebrity is conservative or not accepted as politically correct by the Liberal "elite", then they are not heard and the media rarely covers what they have to say. Generally I pay no attention to any celebrities comments on politics. I read somewhere (can't remember where) that Gene Simmons (lead singer of KISS) said something like:

"We don't comment on whales and the rain forest. We don't try to be ambassadors to Bosnia. Duh. You need a rock star for that? Some idiot who couldn't tune a guitar six months ago is now an environmental specialist? I blame media for giving rock stars more credence than they deserve."

EXACTLY. I don't go to movies or concerts to get an underlying political point of view. I go to a movie / concert to be entertained and transported to another place. Let the documentaries have the political slant if they so choose and then you know what you are getting yourself into. The narcissism of these types of celebrities is already unbearable, but when they start politicizing their point of view, they lose all grip on reality. Janeane Garofalo's recent interview, stating that the recent Tea Parties were all based on "hating the fact there is a black man who is the President" is a prime example of how incredibly disconnected celebrities are with rest of America. Did she even attend one to find out why people were there? NO. But hey, we can't even count on most journalists to really do the research or give a non-bias report anymore, so why would a vapid celebrity do it?

Roots, Eh?

2009-04-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

I was born in eastern Canada, New Brunswick and when I was five, my family moved to Prince George, British Columbia - 489 miles north of Vancouver, BC. This logging town was far, far, away from designer labels, the arts, and most of all, traffic. Now, I live in the "Human Zoo" aka Los Angeles. I try to visit Canada every year or so and when I get back there, I seem to find balance again, and I'm reminded that life is not about living in "Never Never Land" (Angelinos are famous for never growing up), but about giving of yourself, being with the ones you love, connecting with nature, and actually hearing your own thoughts. I admit, that I get caught up in the "noise" of this city, but I am getting better at disconnecting from this chaos and focusing on what matters most. My fantasies of leaving this metropolis are becoming more frequent. But where would I move to?

Creston, British Columbia - Where Dad now lives

Dad - out for a hike

Osprey at Duck Lake, near Creston, British Columbia

Pablo Neruda Poem

2009-04-15T21:07:00.000-07:00

I love this poem and was recently reminded of how much I love this man's writing.

Sonnet XVII

I do not love you as if you were salt-rose, or topaz,
or the arrow of carnations the fire shoots off.
I love you as certain dark things are to be loved,
in secret, between the shadow and the soul.

I love you as the plant that never blooms
but carries in itself the light of hidden flowers;
thanks to your love a certain solid fragrance,
risen from the earth, lives darkly in my body.

I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where.
I love you straightforwardly, without complexities or pride;
so I love you because I know no other way

than this: where I does not exist, nor you,
so close that your hand on my chest is my hand,
so close that your eyes close as I fall asleep.

Pablo Neruda

Pin Up Queen

2009-04-08T21:02:00.000-07:00

I became fascinated with the Pin Up style at a fairly young age. I was drawn to old movies such as Rebel Without a Cause, Butterfield 8, and White Christmas. The female leads were stunning and extremely well coiffed. I viewed them as powerful, sexy, confident, and free spirited women. Growing up in a strict religious home, sexuality was not an open topic of conversation. At a young age I felt ashamed about my desire to be a sex kitten just like Elizabeth Taylor.

Then I discovered Bettie Page.

The ultimate pin up, Bettie Page was more than a sex object. Although she had a turbulent life, in an oppressed era, she withstood the social implications of her "taboo" line of work. Bettie stood for more than just a sex kitten, she represented how so many women in any decade want to feel. She was independent, self-made, a free spirit, open minded, approachable and beautiful. Her journey helped chip away at the social moralists who tried to ban anything remotely erotic. She taught men and women that God gave us our sexuality therfore we should not be ashamed of it. Now this does not mean that I agree with the out of control porn industry. There needs to be balance in all aspects of life and some things should only be shared with a select few, not millions. Where is the beauty in that?

There is a fine line between being a slave to your desires and being the Master of them. I have learned to choose the latter. There is much, much more pleasure in the sweet anticipation..... ooh la la.

“I want to do to you what spring does with the cherry trees.” ~Pablo Neruda

Dita Von Teese Turns To Burlesque Again!

2009-04-08T20:44:00.001-07:00

Dita Von Teese Turns To Burlesque Again!

Posted using ShareThis

Dirty Little Secrets

2009-04-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

It's no secret that PostSecret has become a cult hit. People send in anonymous postcards with their brightest and/or darkest truths written on them. There is something that is liberating to the sender, believing that someone will read their secret. It seems we have been trained to hold things in, to not share the questionable parts of our humanity.

Have you ever noticed when a child throws a tantrum, that he is totally in the moment and nothing else matters?. Their behavior is raw, uncensored and they are being completely true to themselves and living IN that emotion.

Perhaps your mother told you to "stop crying, or I'll give you something to cry about!" or your father said "I don't like it when you cry - take it like a man." This is a prime example of an underlying message for the child to hold back emotions and repress those feelings, as it's not socially acceptable. The "repressive" footprint on your life has already begun.

I have my own dirty little secrets, as I know you do.

Here is one of my secrets:
I dream very vividly. A lot of my dreams are intensly erotic. In my dreams I'm bi-sexual. I find this intriguing because in reality, I am NOT bi-sexual at all. I desire very masculine men, with somewhat dominant personalities. My therapist once told me that when you dream, it is all about you and the other characters in your dream represent parts of you. Dreams are your subconscious trying to tell you something that you are not consciously aware of. Who knows what lies beneath...

In my early 30's I finally embraced my individuality, and shed the somewhat introverted child that seemed to still be in my shadow. Sharing my "truths" have provided an emotional and spiritual freedom for me. The shock value in sharing them is more than worth it, believe me.

What is your "dirty little secret"?

~Art by Panni Malek