After careful consideration, I've decided to make a few New Year's Resolutions. After all, I am a firm believer in self improvement. Some of these are going to be difficult; but with will-power and the help of God, my family and friends, I believe that I can accomplish all of these.
I resolve to:
Quit snorting cocaine. I've lost too much weight and haven't been able to taste my food in months. One of my teeth fell out this morning, too.
Stop using racial slurs. Honestly, who benefits from this? You don't see the Japs making fun of us...
Stop beating women. I'm starting to think that this barbaric act of conveying my thoughts is no longer necessary. I figure women have already been oppressed enough in America's history that I don't need to add insult to injury. I guess in my case it would be injury to insult...
Stop drinking. I guess it's not the drinking so much as the drinking and driving that makes it so dangerous. What can I say? I'm growing and maturing. After my third arrest, second DWI conviciton and court-ordered AA classes, I really feel like I can kick this habit.
Lose weight. I am really going to do my research this year and discover the best "silver-bullet-weight-loss" pill out there. Diet and exercise are for suckers...
Spend more money than I make. After all, my debt will eventually transfer to my estate upon my death. Either these financial obligations will be cancelled or defaulted to my family. What did they ever do for me anyway?
Effectively manage my time. There are many activities that I perform each day that are a waste of my time. Although these tasks only take a few seconds / minutes, they cumulatively take precious time from my schedule. Among the daily activities that I am choosing to stop: lifting the toilet seat, brushing my teeth, wearing deodorant, fastening my seatbelt, greeting my neighbors, taking showers and fully cooking my food. I have found that I can also combine certain tasks to save time. For instance, I can take a nap on my way home from work, clip my toe-nails at the movies and put food in the oven while I run a few errands...
Obviously, I'm kidding about all of this. However, I do want to wish everyone who reads this a very, Happy New Year.
-J
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
Cool.
This post will be short, but I will also delete it and re-post the following quote when I finish this book. I have recently been reading The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren. On Day Sixteen, the book describes the importance of love within our lives. It focuses on not only our love for God, but our love towards each other. I frequently tell my family and girlfriend that I love them. I never understood why it was always second nature to me. The following quote helped me realize that it's because love is a priority in my life. I always give my time to those I love.
"The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now."
Cool, huh?
-J
"The best use of life is love. The best expression of love is time. The best time to love is now."
Cool, huh?
-J
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Trophy dating - an interesting observation...
Why do 90% of my blogs pertain to the "Romance and Relationships" category?
Today, my son and I went Christmas shopping. Believe it or not, this is the earliest I've started this ritual. However, my procrastination habits are a blog I'll write tomorrow...
I love to people-watch. As we were driving, walking and shopping, I saw numerous couples. Yeah, who would have thought, huh? A week out from Christmas and there's people out-and-about. It's just weird... As we wandered around, I became more intently focused on the behavior of other people - especially couples. I felt like Stan Lee's character in "Mallrats." As we pulled out of one of the parking lots, I came to a stunning realization. I saw so many "cute" couples that probably couldn't have been less into each other. It depressed me. I almost felt bad for those people. It's amazing how physical attributes play such a huge role in our society. It was discouraging to see so many couples that "go through the motions." The shopping, lunch, coffee, etc. - they looked so completely miserable; but on the surface, they seem to be your ordinary, happy couple. In a following moment of genius, I officially termed the phenomeon as "Trophy Dating." Think about it. How many women date guys in which they really have nothing in common, but stay with them because he's attractive or rich? On the same token, observe how many men continue to date the Barbie dolls of our world, but will never actually enjoy a stimulating, intellectual conversation. Of course, there's always the scenario in which one treats the other like a doormat, but they can't escape the abuse because of the emphasis they place on looks and/or security. It's easy to say that people caught in this mess "deserve" it. However, many people have had the rotten luck of being treated this way for such a significant amount of time that it blinds them and clouds their judgement.
I'm human. I have my share of brain-farts and insecurity-based episodes. But it's moments like these that make me realize how fortunate I really am to have had - though few and far-between) a bundled package.
Today, my son and I went Christmas shopping. Believe it or not, this is the earliest I've started this ritual. However, my procrastination habits are a blog I'll write tomorrow...
I love to people-watch. As we were driving, walking and shopping, I saw numerous couples. Yeah, who would have thought, huh? A week out from Christmas and there's people out-and-about. It's just weird... As we wandered around, I became more intently focused on the behavior of other people - especially couples. I felt like Stan Lee's character in "Mallrats." As we pulled out of one of the parking lots, I came to a stunning realization. I saw so many "cute" couples that probably couldn't have been less into each other. It depressed me. I almost felt bad for those people. It's amazing how physical attributes play such a huge role in our society. It was discouraging to see so many couples that "go through the motions." The shopping, lunch, coffee, etc. - they looked so completely miserable; but on the surface, they seem to be your ordinary, happy couple. In a following moment of genius, I officially termed the phenomeon as "Trophy Dating." Think about it. How many women date guys in which they really have nothing in common, but stay with them because he's attractive or rich? On the same token, observe how many men continue to date the Barbie dolls of our world, but will never actually enjoy a stimulating, intellectual conversation. Of course, there's always the scenario in which one treats the other like a doormat, but they can't escape the abuse because of the emphasis they place on looks and/or security. It's easy to say that people caught in this mess "deserve" it. However, many people have had the rotten luck of being treated this way for such a significant amount of time that it blinds them and clouds their judgement.
I'm human. I have my share of brain-farts and insecurity-based episodes. But it's moments like these that make me realize how fortunate I really am to have had - though few and far-between) a bundled package.
Saturday, December 9, 2006
False sense of adulthood.
During the course of our lives, there are some random events that unfold. Some of these events teach us that we have an ill-conceived perception of our lives and who we really are. In some instances (such as the following material) we realize that we may not be as mature or grown-up as we once thought. Yesterday, in a blazing moment of clarity, I learned just this.
It was early in the afternoon and a colleague and I were sitting in the office. We were diligently at work on the computer when we heard a particular phrase. A vendor for our company was on the phone with one of our stores. We work for a grocery retailer, so this phrase was within context. The vendor was addressing a deli manager and offered the following:
"When do you want me to come cut the cheese with you?"
A new initiative for our delis has been a cheese wheel program that is sliced fresh and sold to our customers. However, my friend and I looked at each other and both broke into manic laughter at the same time. I'm sometimes embarrassed to say that dick-and-fart jokes will never get old. I think we both laughed ourselves to tears. Furthermore, the vendor had no idea what we were laughing about. A "had to be there" moment? Probably. But I still thought I'd share this little gem with the users of myspace, who apparently enjoy reading my blogs.
-J
It was early in the afternoon and a colleague and I were sitting in the office. We were diligently at work on the computer when we heard a particular phrase. A vendor for our company was on the phone with one of our stores. We work for a grocery retailer, so this phrase was within context. The vendor was addressing a deli manager and offered the following:
"When do you want me to come cut the cheese with you?"
A new initiative for our delis has been a cheese wheel program that is sliced fresh and sold to our customers. However, my friend and I looked at each other and both broke into manic laughter at the same time. I'm sometimes embarrassed to say that dick-and-fart jokes will never get old. I think we both laughed ourselves to tears. Furthermore, the vendor had no idea what we were laughing about. A "had to be there" moment? Probably. But I still thought I'd share this little gem with the users of myspace, who apparently enjoy reading my blogs.
-J
Friday, December 1, 2006
To the water-heads who manufactured my Carbon Monoxide detector:
I would like to address the person or persons who designed and manufactured my Carbon Monoxide detector. Allow me to share a story...
Yesterday, I worked the closing shift at my job and knew that I would have to be up early this morning to go back to work. Upon returning home, I took care of a few chores, wrote some letters and decided it was time for bed. Upon retiring to my room, I said my prayers, turned down the sheets, turned up my heating pad and turned on some music. As I climbed into bed, a subtle peace and warmth came over me - quickly allowing me to embrace a state of harmony and bliss. My body relaxed and my troubled thoughts melted away. I could almost see visions of Mr. Sandman coaxing me to sleep. I fell asleep within a matter of seconds. I was sleeping peacefully until about 2:00am...
Suddenly, I was awakened from my pleasant slumber! Why was I so violently disturbed? Why was I awake? The awakening was so abrupt. I then noticed a loud "beep." I was still confused. Was I still partially asleep? I pondered these thoughts until another "beep." What was that? As I fumbled out of bed, another "beep." They were becoming more frequent. I didn't make it to the bedroom door before another "beep." Where is this coming from? I started to check the smoke detectors. No aroma of smoke... "Beep." Before I had a chance to walk to the other detector, "beep." Was I going insane? What the hell "beep" was happening? Ah! My sights were fixed on the culprit. It was my Carbon Monoxide detector. Allow me to share with you the specifics:
Nighthawk (a division of KIDDE safety) Single Station Carbon Monoxide Alarm. Model # KN-COPP-B. Assembly # 900-0089. Issue # 2524. Yeah, you didn't think I had all of that information did you?
I quickly picked it up to read the parts-per-million of Carbon Monoxide that it was detecting. You should ventilate your home when readings are at or above 11ppm. 35-100ppm usually means you have a leak in your home. 100ppm can cause the onset of flu-like symptoms - requiring you to evacuate the premises immediately and seek medical attention. I was extremely concerned. Was I in danger? I read the digital display... Hmmm, that's odd - ZERO! Why the hell was this thing beeping? Because the battery was low... What kind of imbecile designs a product that operates at full capacity when there is absolutely nothing wrong with it? I'm so glad that it was exerting whatever electrical charge it had left to tell me that I needed to change the battery. That is far more important than saving energy to warn me of a CO content of 11ppm+. A single beep or illuminated LED would have been just fine for me. I'll change the batteries - I don't need an incessant alarm to beep at me at increasing intervals at 2:00am to get my attention.
Thank-you,
-J
Yesterday, I worked the closing shift at my job and knew that I would have to be up early this morning to go back to work. Upon returning home, I took care of a few chores, wrote some letters and decided it was time for bed. Upon retiring to my room, I said my prayers, turned down the sheets, turned up my heating pad and turned on some music. As I climbed into bed, a subtle peace and warmth came over me - quickly allowing me to embrace a state of harmony and bliss. My body relaxed and my troubled thoughts melted away. I could almost see visions of Mr. Sandman coaxing me to sleep. I fell asleep within a matter of seconds. I was sleeping peacefully until about 2:00am...
Suddenly, I was awakened from my pleasant slumber! Why was I so violently disturbed? Why was I awake? The awakening was so abrupt. I then noticed a loud "beep." I was still confused. Was I still partially asleep? I pondered these thoughts until another "beep." What was that? As I fumbled out of bed, another "beep." They were becoming more frequent. I didn't make it to the bedroom door before another "beep." Where is this coming from? I started to check the smoke detectors. No aroma of smoke... "Beep." Before I had a chance to walk to the other detector, "beep." Was I going insane? What the hell "beep" was happening? Ah! My sights were fixed on the culprit. It was my Carbon Monoxide detector. Allow me to share with you the specifics:
Nighthawk (a division of KIDDE safety) Single Station Carbon Monoxide Alarm. Model # KN-COPP-B. Assembly # 900-0089. Issue # 2524. Yeah, you didn't think I had all of that information did you?
I quickly picked it up to read the parts-per-million of Carbon Monoxide that it was detecting. You should ventilate your home when readings are at or above 11ppm. 35-100ppm usually means you have a leak in your home. 100ppm can cause the onset of flu-like symptoms - requiring you to evacuate the premises immediately and seek medical attention. I was extremely concerned. Was I in danger? I read the digital display... Hmmm, that's odd - ZERO! Why the hell was this thing beeping? Because the battery was low... What kind of imbecile designs a product that operates at full capacity when there is absolutely nothing wrong with it? I'm so glad that it was exerting whatever electrical charge it had left to tell me that I needed to change the battery. That is far more important than saving energy to warn me of a CO content of 11ppm+. A single beep or illuminated LED would have been just fine for me. I'll change the batteries - I don't need an incessant alarm to beep at me at increasing intervals at 2:00am to get my attention.
Thank-you,
-J
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Yesterday
Yesterday, I was driving home from work and received a phone call from an old colleague and a great friend. We caught up on work and life. She ended with the conversation with "I love you" Three, little words I haven't heard in a long time. I'll dismiss the fact that she might have been drinking a little, but it's amazing the profound effect these words have on someone's life. For those of you who haven't told the special people in your lives how you feel, please do. You never know if it will be your last chance. I guarantee, in some capacity, it will brighten that person's day.
-J
-J
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Random acts of kindness...
Cole Phillips, lead pastor at The Connection Church in Kyle, TX sent me this email last week.
Yesterday, I drove through the Whataburger in San Marcos for lunch. I was watching in my rear-view mirror and a black Volvo pulled up behind me. I told the girl at the window I wanted to pay for the meal in the car behind me and asked her to hand him a card. As I got my food and drove off, there was a definite rush of excitment. I felt like I had gotten away with something. What was the guy thinking? I may never know. But what a fun and simple way to brighten someone's day and connect it back to God's love.
I hope you get to experience the same joy that I did. So go ahead, eat some fast food, maybe a McSalad, and make someone's day. Let me know how it goes.
Making the Connection,
Cole Phillips, Lead Pastor
Today on the way home from work, I passed a stalled car on Southbound I35. I've felt ill all day and really wanted to go home to a shower and some rest. Suddenly, I decided to exit, loop around and find the motorist to see if I could help. As I took this lengthy detour (and I say that because there are almost no exits and ramps between Onion Creek and Buda), I started to think, why do I not normally do this? I remembered all of the excuses why not to stop: I'm tired. I have an appointment. I'm running late. Everybody has a phone these days anyways, right? Then, I thought of all the reasons why I should stop. Remember the story of the good samaritan? Wouldn't God want me to stop? At the risk of bragging: Has God not blessed me with above-average vehicular intelligence? This is a gift that I can use to help other people!
I finally made my way to the vehicle and pulled over. I got out of my truck and started heading towards the stranded car. I think my first thought was, "making sure not to get maced as a scary-looking guy with a shaved head and piercings makes his way to a stranded motorist." However, this little joke of mine quickly subsided and I continued down the shoulder as 18-wheelers went whizzing past me. The driver got out of the car and looked at me like a deer in headlights. She was absolutely puzzled that anyone had stopped. It was probably at that moment that I felt the best about what I did. Fortunately, the car had simply overheated and her friend was on the way with a gallon of coolant. A simple solution, already solved. She shook my hand and extended the most genuine smile that I've seen all week.
As I headed back to my truck, a sense of joy came rushing over me. I've been sick all day and instantly felt 10-times better. But there was something more. I, like Cole, experienced that "rush of excitement" and felt "like I had gotten away with something." Then I realized, it's not what I got away with - it's what I took away through "a fun and simple way to brighten someone's day and connect it back to God's love."
I've recently felt my heart cry out to be used by God instead of just blessed by God. Today I got a small taste of what that means, through a random act of kindness. Pass it on...
God bless,
-James
Yesterday, I drove through the Whataburger in San Marcos for lunch. I was watching in my rear-view mirror and a black Volvo pulled up behind me. I told the girl at the window I wanted to pay for the meal in the car behind me and asked her to hand him a card. As I got my food and drove off, there was a definite rush of excitment. I felt like I had gotten away with something. What was the guy thinking? I may never know. But what a fun and simple way to brighten someone's day and connect it back to God's love.
I hope you get to experience the same joy that I did. So go ahead, eat some fast food, maybe a McSalad, and make someone's day. Let me know how it goes.
Making the Connection,
Cole Phillips, Lead Pastor
Today on the way home from work, I passed a stalled car on Southbound I35. I've felt ill all day and really wanted to go home to a shower and some rest. Suddenly, I decided to exit, loop around and find the motorist to see if I could help. As I took this lengthy detour (and I say that because there are almost no exits and ramps between Onion Creek and Buda), I started to think, why do I not normally do this? I remembered all of the excuses why not to stop: I'm tired. I have an appointment. I'm running late. Everybody has a phone these days anyways, right? Then, I thought of all the reasons why I should stop. Remember the story of the good samaritan? Wouldn't God want me to stop? At the risk of bragging: Has God not blessed me with above-average vehicular intelligence? This is a gift that I can use to help other people!
I finally made my way to the vehicle and pulled over. I got out of my truck and started heading towards the stranded car. I think my first thought was, "making sure not to get maced as a scary-looking guy with a shaved head and piercings makes his way to a stranded motorist." However, this little joke of mine quickly subsided and I continued down the shoulder as 18-wheelers went whizzing past me. The driver got out of the car and looked at me like a deer in headlights. She was absolutely puzzled that anyone had stopped. It was probably at that moment that I felt the best about what I did. Fortunately, the car had simply overheated and her friend was on the way with a gallon of coolant. A simple solution, already solved. She shook my hand and extended the most genuine smile that I've seen all week.
As I headed back to my truck, a sense of joy came rushing over me. I've been sick all day and instantly felt 10-times better. But there was something more. I, like Cole, experienced that "rush of excitement" and felt "like I had gotten away with something." Then I realized, it's not what I got away with - it's what I took away through "a fun and simple way to brighten someone's day and connect it back to God's love."
I've recently felt my heart cry out to be used by God instead of just blessed by God. Today I got a small taste of what that means, through a random act of kindness. Pass it on...
God bless,
-James
Friday, November 17, 2006
The worst week ever?
Already feeling blue...
Truck speedometer fails.
Insomnia.
Monday = bad.
Traffic.
Insomnia.
White spray-paint + dress clothes and shoes = STUPID.
Hands are semi-permanently white.
Got some bad news... A friend has a death in the family.
Cooler weather. Gloomy days ahead. Bed is cold, empty and lonely.
Insomnia.
Work is AWFUL. I want to quit.
Too much coffee. Way too much.
Insomnia.
I find out I have to wait a couple of years before I am eligible for the only job I've ever REALLY wanted. I am still paying for past mistakes.
Belittled by a complete stranger.
Pick up brake-parts for my truck that I've had to order numerous times in the last 2 weeks. Who keeps giving my parts away?
Break the idler pulley on my way home from O'reilly's.
Irony?
Truck is now completely useless. Finally make it home.
Make three trips to the store before I get the right parts.
Find out I don't get my son as I was supposed to.
Install idler pulley = slice hand open.
Continue to pray in hopes of understanding a relationship with a friend.
Insomnia.
Brake job = no fun and back pain.
Once semi-permanent white hands are now semi-permenantly black.
Ruin favorite pair of jeans.
Doctor says my condition is not under control as they had anticipated. Why? Because I don't use nicotine anymore. Who knew?
More prescriptions - one for nicotine patches.
A friend continues to blow me off.
Truck towed (no signs, of course).
Impound = $165.95
Ulcerative Colitis. Didn't I just get back from the doctor?
Irony?
Insomnia.
Ordinarily, my plan would be to take a day off and cry all day, or at least destroy something. I guess sometimes we start to see all the small blessings that underline all of our trials. Remember the friends that do stick with you and help you push through.
Truck speedometer fails.
Insomnia.
Monday = bad.
Traffic.
Insomnia.
White spray-paint + dress clothes and shoes = STUPID.
Hands are semi-permanently white.
Got some bad news... A friend has a death in the family.
Cooler weather. Gloomy days ahead. Bed is cold, empty and lonely.
Insomnia.
Work is AWFUL. I want to quit.
Too much coffee. Way too much.
Insomnia.
I find out I have to wait a couple of years before I am eligible for the only job I've ever REALLY wanted. I am still paying for past mistakes.
Belittled by a complete stranger.
Pick up brake-parts for my truck that I've had to order numerous times in the last 2 weeks. Who keeps giving my parts away?
Break the idler pulley on my way home from O'reilly's.
Irony?
Truck is now completely useless. Finally make it home.
Make three trips to the store before I get the right parts.
Find out I don't get my son as I was supposed to.
Install idler pulley = slice hand open.
Continue to pray in hopes of understanding a relationship with a friend.
Insomnia.
Brake job = no fun and back pain.
Once semi-permanent white hands are now semi-permenantly black.
Ruin favorite pair of jeans.
Doctor says my condition is not under control as they had anticipated. Why? Because I don't use nicotine anymore. Who knew?
More prescriptions - one for nicotine patches.
A friend continues to blow me off.
Truck towed (no signs, of course).
Impound = $165.95
Ulcerative Colitis. Didn't I just get back from the doctor?
Irony?
Insomnia.
Ordinarily, my plan would be to take a day off and cry all day, or at least destroy something. I guess sometimes we start to see all the small blessings that underline all of our trials. Remember the friends that do stick with you and help you push through.
Friday, November 10, 2006
One of the most beautiful poems ever written...
Have you ever heard of "love so deep that it hurts?"
Vide Cor Meum from Dante's La Vita Nuova
Chorus: E pensando di lei
Mi sopragiunse uno soave sonno
Ego dominus tuus
Vide cor tuum
E d'esto core ardendoCor tuum
(Chorus: Lei paventosa)
Umilmente pascea.Appreso gir lo ne vedea piangendo.
La letizia si convertia
In amarissimo pianto
Io sono in pace
Cor meum
Io sono in pace
Vide cor meum
Vide Cor Meum from Dante's La Vita Nuova
Chorus: E pensando di lei
Mi sopragiunse uno soave sonno
Ego dominus tuus
Vide cor tuum
E d'esto core ardendoCor tuum
(Chorus: Lei paventosa)
Umilmente pascea.Appreso gir lo ne vedea piangendo.
La letizia si convertia
In amarissimo pianto
Io sono in pace
Cor meum
Io sono in pace
Vide cor meum
Sunday, November 5, 2006
Enough is enough!
Alright. I don't know about you guys (users of myspace), but if I see another TRUE ad, I think I'm going to vomit on my keyboard. This will obviously require me to clean my desk and dispose of a piece of computer equipment. Disposing of this equipment will no doubt contribute to the pollution on this earth. Tomorrow, I will have to go to Best Buy (or some other mega-electronics retailer) and purchase a new keyboard. Why? - because keyboards do not work when there is vomit under the keys. This will also account for about a $20+ expense that was not budgeted in this week's paycheck. Consequently, I will be short on my bills this week and possibly be faced with the possibility of interrupted utility services (including my ISP) which enables me to use myspace in the first place. At this point, I will be delinquent on said accounts and possibly reported to a collections agency which will in turn, effect my credit rating. With the weight of importance that these bureaus have on your life in general, I may be denied for further lines of credit in the future. These lines of credit may be necessary for medical expenses in which case my health is now in jeopardy because I am not able to afford the treatment. This can also have a negative bearing on any current or future employment opportunities that I may have, thus endangering the welfare of myself and my family. Now that my family has been denied treatment for common ailments due to inhospitable living conditions and exposure, we shall expire and cease to live our lives on this earth. No matter what religion or set of beliefs to which you are committed, you cannot deny that our actions in some way influence the lives of others and the outcome of various scenarios on this planet. With our absence, the course of history and direction of the universe has undeniably been changed. I just wanted to illustrate the very first stages within a global chain of events that would unfold due to the stupid, spandex-clad, over-inflated anatomy advertising that takes place on this website. Thank-you and have a great day.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Serial Blogging...
At this point you might be asking yourself, "Why do I want to read a random passage about nothing that was written on Halloween night - possibly indicating and almost proving that the author of said passage is a complete loser with absolutely nothing better to do?" How's that for a run-on? The truth is that I had a revelation about 15 minutes ago. Well, not really a revelation, but something karate-kicked me in the brain. However, this entry will be a little random and scattered as I am getting up every 45 seconds to answer the door for trick-or-treaters. This is pretty characteristic of my personality anyways - for those of you who know me (and now, for those of you who don't). This brings us to my first thought:
Why do I live in the middle of suburbia? I am the most misplaced soul in my neighborhood. Every household on my block is the apparent, sterotypical American family. I live in Plum Creek. That being said, those of you who live in Kyle probably know exactly what I mean. In fact, you would think that my house would be the LAST house a person would pick to ask for candy - not because of the neighborhood, but because of me. I'm the lonesome soul with the shaved head and ear-rings that keeps to himself. Nobody knows anything about me. When I die, they'll probably expect to find a freezer full of human heads, skeletons, evidence that I had OCD and materials to make a bomb or something...
Tangent - Wow! I just answered the door for a trick-or-treater and met this kid's father. I used to work with him about 8 years ago. Go figure, work at a job you hardly remember, 40 miles from your house and the guy ends up living in your backyard.
Back on track - Being misplaced. What constitutes this? Is it by how I feel? I feel upside down, not like myself. Not depressed - but disappointed. Why? I'm getting old. I'm young, but I'm getting old. I want to settle down, marry, have a family and offer something stable for my son. I know it's not according to my plan, but God's plan. So is it wrong for me to be upset? Am I being selfish? I guess I feel upset and guilty - or am I upset because of guilt. Maybe it's karma. Everything I said I just wanted, I've only really wanted for about a year. Is it all the years of renouncing this that is punishing me? Just wondering...
Meeting people: How do you do this? Bar-scene? No. I think my neighborhood is out of the question... Church? Oh yeah, that's good. Go to church to get hooked-up. Any ideas?
The problem: I've done everything I've wanted to do. I've done all my partying, my drinking, etc. I am perfectly content staying in, cooking dinner and watching movies these days. I still like to go out occasionally, but tell me where I can find a female my age that would be able to handle that... Maybe I need to marry a 60 yr-old women that has the same interests as me. Granted, the marriage would only last about a decade due to life expectancy...
So what now? How do I alleviate this existential funk? I read the good-book. I try my best to apply it to my life. I pray. I keep up on my hobbies. Yet, nothing has helped me. Not that I'm looking to the point that I'm blind, but I hope the solution presents itself before I marry my job.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - Someone prove me right!
Why do I live in the middle of suburbia? I am the most misplaced soul in my neighborhood. Every household on my block is the apparent, sterotypical American family. I live in Plum Creek. That being said, those of you who live in Kyle probably know exactly what I mean. In fact, you would think that my house would be the LAST house a person would pick to ask for candy - not because of the neighborhood, but because of me. I'm the lonesome soul with the shaved head and ear-rings that keeps to himself. Nobody knows anything about me. When I die, they'll probably expect to find a freezer full of human heads, skeletons, evidence that I had OCD and materials to make a bomb or something...
Tangent - Wow! I just answered the door for a trick-or-treater and met this kid's father. I used to work with him about 8 years ago. Go figure, work at a job you hardly remember, 40 miles from your house and the guy ends up living in your backyard.
Back on track - Being misplaced. What constitutes this? Is it by how I feel? I feel upside down, not like myself. Not depressed - but disappointed. Why? I'm getting old. I'm young, but I'm getting old. I want to settle down, marry, have a family and offer something stable for my son. I know it's not according to my plan, but God's plan. So is it wrong for me to be upset? Am I being selfish? I guess I feel upset and guilty - or am I upset because of guilt. Maybe it's karma. Everything I said I just wanted, I've only really wanted for about a year. Is it all the years of renouncing this that is punishing me? Just wondering...
Meeting people: How do you do this? Bar-scene? No. I think my neighborhood is out of the question... Church? Oh yeah, that's good. Go to church to get hooked-up. Any ideas?
The problem: I've done everything I've wanted to do. I've done all my partying, my drinking, etc. I am perfectly content staying in, cooking dinner and watching movies these days. I still like to go out occasionally, but tell me where I can find a female my age that would be able to handle that... Maybe I need to marry a 60 yr-old women that has the same interests as me. Granted, the marriage would only last about a decade due to life expectancy...
So what now? How do I alleviate this existential funk? I read the good-book. I try my best to apply it to my life. I pray. I keep up on my hobbies. Yet, nothing has helped me. Not that I'm looking to the point that I'm blind, but I hope the solution presents itself before I marry my job.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - Someone prove me right!
Saturday, October 28, 2006
A song for my funk...
I've always liked this song, but today it seems to mean a little more... If someone has been recording my life on video, you have my permission to edit and cut it into a music video for this song.
Snow Patrol : Hands Open
It's hard to argue when
you won't stop making sense
But my tongue still misbehaves
and it keeps digging my own grave with my
Hands open, and my eyes open
I just keep hoping
That your heart opens
Why would I sabotage
the best thing that I have
Well, it makes it easier to know
exactly what I want with my...
Hands open and my eyes open
I just keep hoping
that your heart opens
It's not as easy as willing it all to be right
Gotta be more than hoping it's right
I wanna hear you laugh like you really mean it
Collapse into me, tired with joy
Put Sufjan Stevens on
and we'll play your favorite song
"Chicago" bursts to life
and your sweet smile remembers you, my
Hands open, and my eyes open
I just keep hoping
That your heart opens
It's not as easy as willing it all to be right
Gotta be more than hoping it's right
I wanna hear you laugh like you really mean it
Collapse into me, tired with joy
Snow Patrol : Hands Open
It's hard to argue when
you won't stop making sense
But my tongue still misbehaves
and it keeps digging my own grave with my
Hands open, and my eyes open
I just keep hoping
That your heart opens
Why would I sabotage
the best thing that I have
Well, it makes it easier to know
exactly what I want with my...
Hands open and my eyes open
I just keep hoping
that your heart opens
It's not as easy as willing it all to be right
Gotta be more than hoping it's right
I wanna hear you laugh like you really mean it
Collapse into me, tired with joy
Put Sufjan Stevens on
and we'll play your favorite song
"Chicago" bursts to life
and your sweet smile remembers you, my
Hands open, and my eyes open
I just keep hoping
That your heart opens
It's not as easy as willing it all to be right
Gotta be more than hoping it's right
I wanna hear you laugh like you really mean it
Collapse into me, tired with joy
Friday, August 11, 2006
A desperate plea to the patrons of Wal-Mart!
To those of you who have lived in the dark the last several years, allow me to share some information that might enlighten you.
Wal-Mart (WM). Not a week goes by that I do not absorb some new, negative findings about this mega-retailer that strengthens my committment NOT to shop there. Thank-you, Robert Greenwald for making a powerful and informative film, Wal-Mart - The High Cost of Low Price. http://www.walmartmovie.com/ http://www.bravenewfilms.org/ I would like to recap several points. Acknowledge the following:
While addressing the WM "big-shots" in an annual meeting, CEO Lee Scott asked his leaders to consider two points. "Tell the Wal-Mart story" and "Stay the course." Scary. Especially after you read the following:
WM continues to cripple the communites they enter in several ways. What is listed below is just a "drop in the bucket." Sadly, most people will never know the whole story. Of all the tragedies that you see unfold through the media and on the streets, one can only imagine what occurs behind closed doors.
Economic impact: It's no secret that WM's business mission is to shut down small business and internal supply-chain. How can this be when they go on record stating that they are "too important" to people on tight budgets? How does putting people out of business help those trying to make a living? Everytime a WM enters a community, taxes go up, building values plumet and jobs are lost - to name a few. The public cost of a WM is unbelievable. According to UC Berkely, WM hit state taxpayers in California for $86 million. They cost California county taxpayers $25 million. This money went to health-care, income tax credits, housing subsidies and food stamps for those who were affected by a WM plowing through their communities. They're "Everday Low Price" was based on taxpayer subsidies. The really sad part: WM employees (associates) were a big chunk of those receiving assistance. Nationwide, WM cost the nation's taxpayers an astonishing, $240 billion in 2003.
Alabama - 3684 of WM associate's children on Public Assistance.
Arizona - 2700 associates on Public Assistance
Arkansas - 3971 associates on Public Assistance
Conneticut - 824 associates and children on State Health Care program
Florida - 12300 associates and dependants on MedicAid
Georgia - 10261 associate's children are enrolled in PeachCare for kids
Massachusetts - 4172 associates and dependants on State Health Care program
Tennessee - 9617 associates on TennCare
Texas - 4363 associate's children on CHIP
Wisconsin - 1252 associates and dependants on BadgerCare
Nationwide, it costs $1,557,000,000 to support WM employees.
Unions: I used to think that Unions in America had served their purpose and were
probably unnecessary today. However, WM probably needs them to protect their workers.
WM is so heavily anti-union (as to maximize their profits), that the following investments were made to protect their interests.
$7000 Anti-Union camera package per store
$30,000 Undercover spy van per store
$100,000 24hr. Anti-Union hotline
$7,000,000 Rapid-Response team with corporate jet
Wages: WM found themselves in a class-action lawsuit consisting of 31 states because of their failure to pay associates for their time worked. WM had cheated their associates in Colorado out of $50 million dollars. Associates in Texas were not paid an estimated $150 million in wages. District Managers actually coached store leaders to coerce their employees into working off the clock. Subtle threats, intimidation and scare tactics (though cleverly worded) are used to accomplish this feat. Furthermore, WM claims that 74 percent of their employees are full-time. However, full-time status is only comprised of 28 hours of work per week. This means that at starting wages, a full-time associate at Wal-Mart is only earning less than $12,000 a year. The federal definition of the poverty level for a family of four is a household income of less than $17,650! Even the average hourly WM employee wage is $13,861. 61 WMs were affected by an INS sting that discovered 250 illegal aliens working for WM.
Discrimination: WM found themselves in yet another class-action lawsuit regarding the discrimination of its employees. 1.6 million female employees initiated the largest, class-action lawsuit ever brought against a retailer. However, discrimination suits have been filed for other forms of discrimination besides sexism.
Subsidies: The negative financial impact of a WM does not stop with unfair wages or the abuse of taxpayer dollars. Subsidies granted to WM from local governments are also straining local economies. In Cameron, MS, $2.1 million was granted to WM to build a store. Brookfield, MS also fronted $300,000 to WM to build their store. Nationwide, WM is granted an estimated $1.008 a year to open their stores.
Education: Another victim of WM is our school system. WM has cheated local governments out of millions of dollars that were intended for our school systems. Here are a few figures:
Denver, CO - $1.7 million
St. Louis County, MS - $31 million
Cathedral City, CA - $1.8 million
Washington State - $1 million
Illinois - $100 million
Not only does WM destroy the local environment (mentioned next) when they occupy a store,
they have abandoned 26,699,678 sq. ft. of vacant buildings across America. No other retailer or
business is capable of utilizing a facility as big as a WM store. This space could be used for an estimated 29,666 classrooms that could educate 593,326 students.
Environment: 7 WMs in the Catawba River Valley were in violation of improperly storing herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. 60-plus pallets of these chemicals and poisons were stored in their parking lots - right next to a storm drain that fed the residential water supply. What about their Tire Lube Express department?
1999 - Pennsylvania halted the construction of all WMs due to these violations.
2001 - the EPA ordered WM to pay $1 million for water violations in Texas, Oklahoma and Massachusetts.
2004 - WM was fined $3.1 million by the EPA (the largest fine ever for a retailer) for Clean Water violations in Texas, Colorado, California, Delaware, Michigan, South Dakota, New Jersey and Utah.
2005 - The Connecticut EPA ordered WM to pay $1.15 million for Clean Water violations in 22 stores.
Global Sourcing / Sweatshops: In 2004, WM imported $18 billion of goods from China. Many of these products boast a gross profit of
China: Factory workers are making $3 per day. They work 7 days a week / 14 hours per day. They work in closed quarters without natural light and with no air conditioning. They are encouraged to live on-site in the dormitory. If you choose not to live on-site, rent is still deducted from your pay. Utilities are not deducted, but does it really matter?
Bangladesh: Factory workers make 17 cents an hour. Once again, they work 7 days a week / 14 hours per day.
The Walton family: Each of the 5 heirs to Sam Walton's fortune were entitled to an average of $18.2 billion. The jet-fleet for the family alone costs $125,350,000. Remember, the average annual earnings for a "full-time" WM associate is $13,861 per year. The Walton family has an underground compound in the event of the apocolypse.
WM started a "Critical Need Fund" which allows their associates to donate money for other associates in the company. In 2004, WM associates donated $5 million to help their fellow co-workers. The Walton family donated $6000. Lee Scott, CEO earned $27,207,799 in 2004. The Walton family received an estimated tax-cut of $91,500 per hour for the 2004 tax year.
Community: In Oxford California, a woman was brutally attacked in a WM parking lot. In fact, it has been estimated that 80 percent of all crime committed on WM property occurrs in their parking lots. In this particular instance, there were 200 cameras installed on the premises and 4 security guards. However, the security guards are ordered to stay INSIDE and the cameras were only a product of WM's "Anti-Union" camera package. This means that the few, WM cameras that were installed outside, were unmanned - with nobody monitoring them. This clearly indicates that WM is only interested in proctecting its financial investment - product and facility, not its customers. Here's some interesting statistics regarding crime in WM's parking lots:
Dunn, NC - Murder
Tyler, TX - Abduction
Allentown, PA - Rape
Boca Raton, FL - Robbery
Fayetteville, AR - Shooting
Upland, CA - Assault with a deadly weapon
Meridian, MS - Abduction
Mobile, AL - Abandonment after rape
Wichita, KS - Robbery
Okaloosa, FL - Purse snatching
Glens Ferry, ID - Kidnapping and rape
Huntsville, TX - Armed robbery
Woonsocket - Knife-point robbery
Houghton, MI - Assault with knife
Washington County, AR - Purse snatching
Erwin, NY - Assault
Grandview, MO - Armed robbery
Brownwood, TX - Mugging
Minnehaha County, SD - Assault
Pascagoula, MS - Theft
Spokane, WA - Shooting
Phoenix, AZ - Molestation
Pueblo, CO - Mugging
Rogers, AR - Assault
Tallahasse, FL - Robbery and kidnapping
Virginia Beach, VA - Attempted carjacking
Sugarland, TX - Purse snatching
Baltimore, MD - Armed robbery
D'Iberville, MS - Drive-by shooting
Myrtle Beach, SC - Stabbing
Murfreesboro, TN - Attack in car
Clackamos, OR - Stabbing
Katy, TX - Murder
Russelville, AR - Rape
Haines City, FL - Attempted robbery
Yuma, AZ - Carjacking
Jacksonville, FL - Purse snatching
Hazard County, KY - Robbery
Wilmington, NC - Carjacking
Cincinatti, OH - Purse snatching
Montgomery, AL - Robbery
Dekalb, IL - Purse snatching
Bullhead City, NV - Assault
Shreveport, LA - Purse Snatching
Edmond, OK - Attempted robbery and carjacking
Salt Lake City, UT - Groping
Rogers, AR - Assault
Granberry Township, PA - Sexual assault
Kingsport, TN - Purse snatching
Orlando, FL - Carjacking
Salem Springs, AR - Shooting
Fairfield, GA - Armed robbery
Wilkes-Barre Township, PA - Robbery
Atlanta, TX - Kidnapping
Pleasanton, CA - Purse snatching
Port Charlotte, FL - Multiple purse snatching
DeKalb, IL - Indecent Exposure
Pearland, TX - Multiple robbery and kidnapping
Springfield, MO - Purse snatching
Sioux Falls, SD - Attempted murder
Stow, OH - Aggrevated robbery
Elizabethtown, TN - Mugging
Bonsack, VA - Threat with gun
Grandview, MO - Armed robbery
Shreveport, LA - Purse snatching
Taylor, MI - Armed robbery
West Ashley, SC - Attempted robbery
East Greenbush, NY - Purse snatching
Hampton, VA - Body dumping
Woodbridge, VA - Shooting
For those of you counting, that was 74 reported instances of criminal activity. All of these crimes took place in the 1st 7 months of 2005! That's an average of 11 reported crimes per month in a WM parking lot. Does this sound safe? How do you feel about shopping in a WM at night? These victims were fathers, mothers, brother, sisters, husbands, wives and children that could have easily been your own. Studies show that parking lot crime can easily be reduced to almost 0 percent by a security guard patrolling the lot.
Now, please recall Lee Scott's request of company leaders at their annual meeting.
The Wal-Mart story? The story of crime, neglect, deception, discrimination and poor ethics? Is this a retailer you want to patronize?
Stay the course? Is this the continuation of their current practices? When does it stop? When there is no more money to be made? When they have destroyed every community in America? When they have ruined every life and family they employ? When they have completely destroyed our environment? You decide!
Wal-Mart (WM). Not a week goes by that I do not absorb some new, negative findings about this mega-retailer that strengthens my committment NOT to shop there. Thank-you, Robert Greenwald for making a powerful and informative film, Wal-Mart - The High Cost of Low Price. http://www.walmartmovie.com/ http://www.bravenewfilms.org/ I would like to recap several points. Acknowledge the following:
While addressing the WM "big-shots" in an annual meeting, CEO Lee Scott asked his leaders to consider two points. "Tell the Wal-Mart story" and "Stay the course." Scary. Especially after you read the following:
WM continues to cripple the communites they enter in several ways. What is listed below is just a "drop in the bucket." Sadly, most people will never know the whole story. Of all the tragedies that you see unfold through the media and on the streets, one can only imagine what occurs behind closed doors.
Economic impact: It's no secret that WM's business mission is to shut down small business and internal supply-chain. How can this be when they go on record stating that they are "too important" to people on tight budgets? How does putting people out of business help those trying to make a living? Everytime a WM enters a community, taxes go up, building values plumet and jobs are lost - to name a few. The public cost of a WM is unbelievable. According to UC Berkely, WM hit state taxpayers in California for $86 million. They cost California county taxpayers $25 million. This money went to health-care, income tax credits, housing subsidies and food stamps for those who were affected by a WM plowing through their communities. They're "Everday Low Price" was based on taxpayer subsidies. The really sad part: WM employees (associates) were a big chunk of those receiving assistance. Nationwide, WM cost the nation's taxpayers an astonishing, $240 billion in 2003.
Alabama - 3684 of WM associate's children on Public Assistance.
Arizona - 2700 associates on Public Assistance
Arkansas - 3971 associates on Public Assistance
Conneticut - 824 associates and children on State Health Care program
Florida - 12300 associates and dependants on MedicAid
Georgia - 10261 associate's children are enrolled in PeachCare for kids
Massachusetts - 4172 associates and dependants on State Health Care program
Tennessee - 9617 associates on TennCare
Texas - 4363 associate's children on CHIP
Wisconsin - 1252 associates and dependants on BadgerCare
Nationwide, it costs $1,557,000,000 to support WM employees.
Unions: I used to think that Unions in America had served their purpose and were
probably unnecessary today. However, WM probably needs them to protect their workers.
WM is so heavily anti-union (as to maximize their profits), that the following investments were made to protect their interests.
$7000 Anti-Union camera package per store
$30,000 Undercover spy van per store
$100,000 24hr. Anti-Union hotline
$7,000,000 Rapid-Response team with corporate jet
Wages: WM found themselves in a class-action lawsuit consisting of 31 states because of their failure to pay associates for their time worked. WM had cheated their associates in Colorado out of $50 million dollars. Associates in Texas were not paid an estimated $150 million in wages. District Managers actually coached store leaders to coerce their employees into working off the clock. Subtle threats, intimidation and scare tactics (though cleverly worded) are used to accomplish this feat. Furthermore, WM claims that 74 percent of their employees are full-time. However, full-time status is only comprised of 28 hours of work per week. This means that at starting wages, a full-time associate at Wal-Mart is only earning less than $12,000 a year. The federal definition of the poverty level for a family of four is a household income of less than $17,650! Even the average hourly WM employee wage is $13,861. 61 WMs were affected by an INS sting that discovered 250 illegal aliens working for WM.
Discrimination: WM found themselves in yet another class-action lawsuit regarding the discrimination of its employees. 1.6 million female employees initiated the largest, class-action lawsuit ever brought against a retailer. However, discrimination suits have been filed for other forms of discrimination besides sexism.
Subsidies: The negative financial impact of a WM does not stop with unfair wages or the abuse of taxpayer dollars. Subsidies granted to WM from local governments are also straining local economies. In Cameron, MS, $2.1 million was granted to WM to build a store. Brookfield, MS also fronted $300,000 to WM to build their store. Nationwide, WM is granted an estimated $1.008 a year to open their stores.
Education: Another victim of WM is our school system. WM has cheated local governments out of millions of dollars that were intended for our school systems. Here are a few figures:
Denver, CO - $1.7 million
St. Louis County, MS - $31 million
Cathedral City, CA - $1.8 million
Washington State - $1 million
Illinois - $100 million
Not only does WM destroy the local environment (mentioned next) when they occupy a store,
they have abandoned 26,699,678 sq. ft. of vacant buildings across America. No other retailer or
business is capable of utilizing a facility as big as a WM store. This space could be used for an estimated 29,666 classrooms that could educate 593,326 students.
Environment: 7 WMs in the Catawba River Valley were in violation of improperly storing herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers. 60-plus pallets of these chemicals and poisons were stored in their parking lots - right next to a storm drain that fed the residential water supply. What about their Tire Lube Express department?
1999 - Pennsylvania halted the construction of all WMs due to these violations.
2001 - the EPA ordered WM to pay $1 million for water violations in Texas, Oklahoma and Massachusetts.
2004 - WM was fined $3.1 million by the EPA (the largest fine ever for a retailer) for Clean Water violations in Texas, Colorado, California, Delaware, Michigan, South Dakota, New Jersey and Utah.
2005 - The Connecticut EPA ordered WM to pay $1.15 million for Clean Water violations in 22 stores.
Global Sourcing / Sweatshops: In 2004, WM imported $18 billion of goods from China. Many of these products boast a gross profit of
China: Factory workers are making $3 per day. They work 7 days a week / 14 hours per day. They work in closed quarters without natural light and with no air conditioning. They are encouraged to live on-site in the dormitory. If you choose not to live on-site, rent is still deducted from your pay. Utilities are not deducted, but does it really matter?
Bangladesh: Factory workers make 17 cents an hour. Once again, they work 7 days a week / 14 hours per day.
The Walton family: Each of the 5 heirs to Sam Walton's fortune were entitled to an average of $18.2 billion. The jet-fleet for the family alone costs $125,350,000. Remember, the average annual earnings for a "full-time" WM associate is $13,861 per year. The Walton family has an underground compound in the event of the apocolypse.
WM started a "Critical Need Fund" which allows their associates to donate money for other associates in the company. In 2004, WM associates donated $5 million to help their fellow co-workers. The Walton family donated $6000. Lee Scott, CEO earned $27,207,799 in 2004. The Walton family received an estimated tax-cut of $91,500 per hour for the 2004 tax year.
Community: In Oxford California, a woman was brutally attacked in a WM parking lot. In fact, it has been estimated that 80 percent of all crime committed on WM property occurrs in their parking lots. In this particular instance, there were 200 cameras installed on the premises and 4 security guards. However, the security guards are ordered to stay INSIDE and the cameras were only a product of WM's "Anti-Union" camera package. This means that the few, WM cameras that were installed outside, were unmanned - with nobody monitoring them. This clearly indicates that WM is only interested in proctecting its financial investment - product and facility, not its customers. Here's some interesting statistics regarding crime in WM's parking lots:
Dunn, NC - Murder
Tyler, TX - Abduction
Allentown, PA - Rape
Boca Raton, FL - Robbery
Fayetteville, AR - Shooting
Upland, CA - Assault with a deadly weapon
Meridian, MS - Abduction
Mobile, AL - Abandonment after rape
Wichita, KS - Robbery
Okaloosa, FL - Purse snatching
Glens Ferry, ID - Kidnapping and rape
Huntsville, TX - Armed robbery
Woonsocket - Knife-point robbery
Houghton, MI - Assault with knife
Washington County, AR - Purse snatching
Erwin, NY - Assault
Grandview, MO - Armed robbery
Brownwood, TX - Mugging
Minnehaha County, SD - Assault
Pascagoula, MS - Theft
Spokane, WA - Shooting
Phoenix, AZ - Molestation
Pueblo, CO - Mugging
Rogers, AR - Assault
Tallahasse, FL - Robbery and kidnapping
Virginia Beach, VA - Attempted carjacking
Sugarland, TX - Purse snatching
Baltimore, MD - Armed robbery
D'Iberville, MS - Drive-by shooting
Myrtle Beach, SC - Stabbing
Murfreesboro, TN - Attack in car
Clackamos, OR - Stabbing
Katy, TX - Murder
Russelville, AR - Rape
Haines City, FL - Attempted robbery
Yuma, AZ - Carjacking
Jacksonville, FL - Purse snatching
Hazard County, KY - Robbery
Wilmington, NC - Carjacking
Cincinatti, OH - Purse snatching
Montgomery, AL - Robbery
Dekalb, IL - Purse snatching
Bullhead City, NV - Assault
Shreveport, LA - Purse Snatching
Edmond, OK - Attempted robbery and carjacking
Salt Lake City, UT - Groping
Rogers, AR - Assault
Granberry Township, PA - Sexual assault
Kingsport, TN - Purse snatching
Orlando, FL - Carjacking
Salem Springs, AR - Shooting
Fairfield, GA - Armed robbery
Wilkes-Barre Township, PA - Robbery
Atlanta, TX - Kidnapping
Pleasanton, CA - Purse snatching
Port Charlotte, FL - Multiple purse snatching
DeKalb, IL - Indecent Exposure
Pearland, TX - Multiple robbery and kidnapping
Springfield, MO - Purse snatching
Sioux Falls, SD - Attempted murder
Stow, OH - Aggrevated robbery
Elizabethtown, TN - Mugging
Bonsack, VA - Threat with gun
Grandview, MO - Armed robbery
Shreveport, LA - Purse snatching
Taylor, MI - Armed robbery
West Ashley, SC - Attempted robbery
East Greenbush, NY - Purse snatching
Hampton, VA - Body dumping
Woodbridge, VA - Shooting
For those of you counting, that was 74 reported instances of criminal activity. All of these crimes took place in the 1st 7 months of 2005! That's an average of 11 reported crimes per month in a WM parking lot. Does this sound safe? How do you feel about shopping in a WM at night? These victims were fathers, mothers, brother, sisters, husbands, wives and children that could have easily been your own. Studies show that parking lot crime can easily be reduced to almost 0 percent by a security guard patrolling the lot.
Now, please recall Lee Scott's request of company leaders at their annual meeting.
The Wal-Mart story? The story of crime, neglect, deception, discrimination and poor ethics? Is this a retailer you want to patronize?
Stay the course? Is this the continuation of their current practices? When does it stop? When there is no more money to be made? When they have destroyed every community in America? When they have ruined every life and family they employ? When they have completely destroyed our environment? You decide!
Monday, August 7, 2006
Is Catholicism a theatrical production?
I know a lot of people are going to be upset with this blog, but just consider the following:
I've never seen a denomination that is more interested in the perception of their religion than anyone else. How can a group of people be so comitted to a set of ideals when it is inherently contradictive to what God teaches us?
What merit does all of the physical gestures have? Kneel, stand, bow, cross your heart, splash holy water, etc. Do Catholics actually believe that God cares about this? It's one thing to show reverance, but it is quite another to live it.
Have you ever heard the word "devout" precede any other denomination? No. Nobody ever says, "He / she is a devout Lutheran (arbitrarily chosen - substitute your denomination of choice)." What makes them so devout? Is it the act of going to church and doing aerobics or is it living your life for God?
Why was this country founded? Was it the search of a new land or was it to escape religious persecution from a certain sect?
Why do Catholics not accept divorce? Does God want us to strictly conform to certain ideals, even if it destroys us as a person? How is this any different than destroying our own humanity by using drugs, waging wars or living recklessly?
Why is re-marriage not permitted? Everyone deserves a second chance. Does God not give us second chances every day?
The Bible was written by man. How can it not be inerrant? The big picture is what's important.
How can some Catholic churches not show tolerance to other religions? There is not one church. There are many. Catholicism is not right or wrong. How can the clergy state that other churches of worship are "imperfect?" What makes the catholic church perfect?
Why are women not permitted in church leadership? God knew that evolution would follow free-will. Although we have a long way to go as a society, why is equality being fought by the church - of all people?
Why does one confess to a priest? Is it to further advertise a "comittment" to a belief? Should we not ask God for forgiveness? Priests, reverands, etc. are a resource. They are human, not omnipotent. Does every priest have the divine influence to truly forgive us?
Are we not taught to "let go" by the bible? Are we not told to "drop our nets" and follow God? At the risk of sounding morbid - Why do we mourn at a funeral? Loss is tough. However, shouldn't the acknowledgement and celebration of life be more important? Death is a part of life. God calls us home every day. We are needed in his kingdom more than we are on earth.
I'm really not trying to convert people or alter a set of ideals/beliefs - but I really am curious! Is the chief purpose of human existance to love and worship God or is it to act superior through show-boating through a set of beliefs that were established by man, not God?
I've never seen a denomination that is more interested in the perception of their religion than anyone else. How can a group of people be so comitted to a set of ideals when it is inherently contradictive to what God teaches us?
What merit does all of the physical gestures have? Kneel, stand, bow, cross your heart, splash holy water, etc. Do Catholics actually believe that God cares about this? It's one thing to show reverance, but it is quite another to live it.
Have you ever heard the word "devout" precede any other denomination? No. Nobody ever says, "He / she is a devout Lutheran (arbitrarily chosen - substitute your denomination of choice)." What makes them so devout? Is it the act of going to church and doing aerobics or is it living your life for God?
Why was this country founded? Was it the search of a new land or was it to escape religious persecution from a certain sect?
Why do Catholics not accept divorce? Does God want us to strictly conform to certain ideals, even if it destroys us as a person? How is this any different than destroying our own humanity by using drugs, waging wars or living recklessly?
Why is re-marriage not permitted? Everyone deserves a second chance. Does God not give us second chances every day?
The Bible was written by man. How can it not be inerrant? The big picture is what's important.
How can some Catholic churches not show tolerance to other religions? There is not one church. There are many. Catholicism is not right or wrong. How can the clergy state that other churches of worship are "imperfect?" What makes the catholic church perfect?
Why are women not permitted in church leadership? God knew that evolution would follow free-will. Although we have a long way to go as a society, why is equality being fought by the church - of all people?
Why does one confess to a priest? Is it to further advertise a "comittment" to a belief? Should we not ask God for forgiveness? Priests, reverands, etc. are a resource. They are human, not omnipotent. Does every priest have the divine influence to truly forgive us?
Are we not taught to "let go" by the bible? Are we not told to "drop our nets" and follow God? At the risk of sounding morbid - Why do we mourn at a funeral? Loss is tough. However, shouldn't the acknowledgement and celebration of life be more important? Death is a part of life. God calls us home every day. We are needed in his kingdom more than we are on earth.
I'm really not trying to convert people or alter a set of ideals/beliefs - but I really am curious! Is the chief purpose of human existance to love and worship God or is it to act superior through show-boating through a set of beliefs that were established by man, not God?
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Adding wax paper to your diet.
When do we reach that point in our lives that simple tasks become so complicated?
I used to cook all the time. I enjoyed it and really made some good food. I recently haven't had the time to do so and eating alone every night makes it hard to push for culinary excellence. Today, I decided to have a delicious, Totino's Supreme pizza. In utter disappointment, I discovered that I was out of aluminum foil. So in my infinite genius, I determined that wax paper was a wise choice. People bake cookies with this all the time, right? I pre-heated the oven and read the directions carefully (okay, not really). However, I didn't exceed the maximum baking time to ensure that I had a pizza of maximum eating quality. Well, I burned the damn thing - the crust anyway. It was fused to the paper as if some nuclear reaction had merged the two elements together. The whole house smells like a burnt, wet cigarette.
I'm smarter than this! How the hell did this happen? What does one do? Well, when you're suffering from an existential funk and haven't eaten regulary in months, you eat the freakin' thing - wax paper and all.
I used to cook all the time. I enjoyed it and really made some good food. I recently haven't had the time to do so and eating alone every night makes it hard to push for culinary excellence. Today, I decided to have a delicious, Totino's Supreme pizza. In utter disappointment, I discovered that I was out of aluminum foil. So in my infinite genius, I determined that wax paper was a wise choice. People bake cookies with this all the time, right? I pre-heated the oven and read the directions carefully (okay, not really). However, I didn't exceed the maximum baking time to ensure that I had a pizza of maximum eating quality. Well, I burned the damn thing - the crust anyway. It was fused to the paper as if some nuclear reaction had merged the two elements together. The whole house smells like a burnt, wet cigarette.
I'm smarter than this! How the hell did this happen? What does one do? Well, when you're suffering from an existential funk and haven't eaten regulary in months, you eat the freakin' thing - wax paper and all.
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