Tuesday, June 30, 2009
OmniPeace
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Quick MJ Update
Since the popstar's untimely demise last Thursday:
1.) The family has ordered a second autopsy be done. The results from the first autopsy revealed that Jackson had suffered no external trauma.
2.) The doctor who was with Jackson at his home when the 911 call was made, Dr. Conrad Murray, has not been named a suspect but is still being investigated and questioned.
3.) A will from 2002 has surfaced. Joe Jackson is not included in it (no surprises there), and neither is his ex-wife, Debbie Rowe. Jackson wants his estate go to the Jackson Family Trust (details of a trust are not made public).
4.) We are still waiting on toxicology reports.
5.) Michael's mom has been granted custody of Jackson's three kids (like Michael instructed in the will). In the will it names Diana Ross as the successor guardian of his children (the guardian if something happens to Jackson's mother).
6.) There is word that the kids are not Jackson's (I think most people already figured that though). Some mags are reporting that the sperm came from Jackson's dermatologist and that the eggs were donated by an anonymous source.
7.) The two people who were with Jackson at his final rehearsal two nights before he died, his best friend Miko Brando (the son of the late Marlon Brando), and his personal trainer and American bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno (the original Hulk), said that Michael showed no signs of being sick or acting differently that night. By all accounts, Jackson was lively and full of energy at his rehearsal.
8.) Yesterday investigators bought out two large and very full garbage bags from Jackson's home. No word from police what was in them, but it is speculated that medications that were found in the home were among some of the bags' contents.
9.) Dr. Murray said he did not prescribe Demerol or Oxycontin for the singer.
10.) The Jackson Family has decided to NOT hold memorial ceremonies at Neverland Ranch, but they say that a public ceremony will be held elsewhere.
11.) Jackson may have taken Diprivan/Propofol, a powerful anaesthesia to help him sleep which may have contributed to his death.
1.) The family has ordered a second autopsy be done. The results from the first autopsy revealed that Jackson had suffered no external trauma.
2.) The doctor who was with Jackson at his home when the 911 call was made, Dr. Conrad Murray, has not been named a suspect but is still being investigated and questioned.
3.) A will from 2002 has surfaced. Joe Jackson is not included in it (no surprises there), and neither is his ex-wife, Debbie Rowe. Jackson wants his estate go to the Jackson Family Trust (details of a trust are not made public).
4.) We are still waiting on toxicology reports.
5.) Michael's mom has been granted custody of Jackson's three kids (like Michael instructed in the will). In the will it names Diana Ross as the successor guardian of his children (the guardian if something happens to Jackson's mother).
6.) There is word that the kids are not Jackson's (I think most people already figured that though). Some mags are reporting that the sperm came from Jackson's dermatologist and that the eggs were donated by an anonymous source.
7.) The two people who were with Jackson at his final rehearsal two nights before he died, his best friend Miko Brando (the son of the late Marlon Brando), and his personal trainer and American bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno (the original Hulk), said that Michael showed no signs of being sick or acting differently that night. By all accounts, Jackson was lively and full of energy at his rehearsal.
8.) Yesterday investigators bought out two large and very full garbage bags from Jackson's home. No word from police what was in them, but it is speculated that medications that were found in the home were among some of the bags' contents.
9.) Dr. Murray said he did not prescribe Demerol or Oxycontin for the singer.
10.) The Jackson Family has decided to NOT hold memorial ceremonies at Neverland Ranch, but they say that a public ceremony will be held elsewhere.
11.) Jackson may have taken Diprivan/Propofol, a powerful anaesthesia to help him sleep which may have contributed to his death.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Know Your Status
Today, June 27, is the National HIV AIDS Testing Day. The National Association of People with AIDS is the lead for this day. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one out of five people living with HIV in the U.S. are unaware of their HIV status. NHTD is an opportunity for people nationwide to learn their HIV status, and to gain knowledge to take control of their health and their lives.
http://www.aids.gov/ is the gateway to all Federal domestic information on HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, treatment, research, policies and resources.
http://www.napwa.org/ - information and resources for National HIV Testing Day and beyond.
http://www.hivtest.org/ - To find an HIV testing location near you.
Take Action
There are many ways you can take action in response to HIV/AIDS:
1.)get tested for HIV
2.)practice safer methods to prevent HIV
3.)decide not to engage in high risk behaviors
4.)talk about HIV prevention with family, friends, and colleagues
5.)provide support to people living with HIV/AIDS
6.)get involved with or host an event for National HIV Testing Day in your community
Today is the Official HIV AIDS Testing Day. Barack & Michelle Obama get tested http://tiny.cc/Oh5KV
http://www.aids.gov/ is the gateway to all Federal domestic information on HIV/AIDS prevention, testing, treatment, research, policies and resources.
http://www.napwa.org/ - information and resources for National HIV Testing Day and beyond.
http://www.hivtest.org/ - To find an HIV testing location near you.
Take Action
There are many ways you can take action in response to HIV/AIDS:
1.)get tested for HIV
2.)practice safer methods to prevent HIV
3.)decide not to engage in high risk behaviors
4.)talk about HIV prevention with family, friends, and colleagues
5.)provide support to people living with HIV/AIDS
6.)get involved with or host an event for National HIV Testing Day in your community
Today is the Official HIV AIDS Testing Day. Barack & Michelle Obama get tested http://tiny.cc/Oh5KV
Friday, June 26, 2009
Long Live The King
Today was still very weird, knowing that Michael Jackson was really gone and it wasn't just a bad dream. I cried a little more today, though not as much. I take comfort knowing that at least he's finally free from the persecution and heartaches he faced here on Earth. It is so weird to cry for someone you've never met, it's an experience like non other. It was like losing a member of your family. For as long as I can remember there has always been Michael Jackson and his music for me.My mom has video recordings of me when I was 4 and 5 dancing to "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" in front of the TV screen and trying to moonwalk. He was one of my idols, as well as my first celebrity crush lol. He's a major part of Black Culture, as well as American and Pop Culture. There is no corner on this planet where he or his music isn't known. There is no question that his talent was truly a gift from God, and it is obvious that he was born to be an artist.
His death marks the end of an era and it's sad. It feels empty. His moves, his essence, his legacy, and most importantly, his music and what he tried to teach us through it ,will live on. Music, MTV, and pop culture wouldn't be nearly as good as it is today if he had never been here. He also broke down racial barriers and through his music and showed people that it was okay to reach out to people different than you. He was a true humanitarian well before Angelina Jolie and Sean Penn.
The outpouring of grief for his passing and praise of his work and life by fans, friends, as well as other celebrities, has been overwhelming. Even the House of Representative had a moment of silence in his honor before their session today. He has definitely left his mark on this world. There will never be another Michael Jackson or anyone would can even come close in comparison. He will forever live on in our hearts and I am truly thankful for what he's given us.
Let us dream of a tomorrow where we can truly love from the soul, and know love as the ultimate truth at the heart of all creation.-Michael Jackson
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Sad Day
I am heartbroken to learn of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson's death today. Farrah was a beautiful and talented woman who had all the class and grace a woman should have. A multiple Golden Globe and Emmy Award nominee, Fawcett rose to international fame when she first appeared as private investigator Jill Munroe in the TV series Charlie's Angels in 1976. She lost her 3-year battle with cancer today and died at the age of 62. She fought hard and valiantly. She was the original pin-up to me. She will be truly missed. RIP Beautiful
I was in total and utter shock when I heard about the death of living legend Michael Jackson. I grew up on his music and imitating his moves in the Thriller and Billie Jean videos. I remember knowing all the words to "Remember the Time," and "Black or White." Him and his brothers were the original boy band: The Jackson 5, and he was the star. When he first had his heart attack and was rushed to the hospital, there were so many conflicting reports. Some TV channels and websites were reporting he was dead, while others were saying he was just in a coma. I just didn't know what to say. I was praying, "God, please don't let it be true that he's dead." When it was confirmed I cried. It was like when Bernie Mac died, you felt like you had loss a member of your family. He was the King of Pop music. No other artist sold as many albums or has had as many top 10 hits. His influence on the music industry and on today's top artists is insurmountable. He seemed so invincible-he had his own dance for goodness sakes. He devoted his whole life to making amazing music for people to enjoy, and his music videos for songs from his Thriller album were cutting edge. He broke through racial barriers on MTV as being the first Black artist to be played on there. It seems the whole world is mourning his loss right now. The only thing I can remember being as close to this was when Princess Diana died in 1997. He will truly be missed. I at least hope that he finds the peace in death that alluded him in life. RIP King of Pop.
Before I would hurt a child, I would slit my wrists.-Michael Jackson
(Tonight on Larry King Live, Larry King said that when the first trial of Michael Jackson was going on, he was at a coffee shop with one of the friends of one of the lawyers of the family accussing Michael of child molestation. King said he heard the friend say that the family was extorting Jackson. King was unable to testify because the judge said it was hear say).
Also this week, on June 23, we loss a legend in American comedy, game show hosting, announcing, and television personalities, Ed Mcmahon. Most famous for his work on television as Johnny Carson's announcer on The Tonight Show from 1962 to 1992, he became a beloved figure and icon. He also hosted the talent show Star Search from 1983 to 1995. He will truly be missed. I remember watching Star Search as a young girl. A lot of now famous people got their start from Ed Mcmahon-Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Aaliyah (1979-2001 RIP) are just a few.
The "Tonight Show" is going to be on in heaven tonight! Ed McMahon will bring on Farrah Fawcett & Michael Jackson to sit with Johnny Carson!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Family Affair
So, Republican Governor Mark Sandford of South Carolina has admitted that during those 5 days that he was MIA from his state and his responsibilities and no one knew where the hell he was, he was with his Mistress in Argentina. He issued the very cliche tearful apology that we have seen over and over again by politicians caught doing wrong. He apologized to his wife, family, coworkers, fellow Repubs, and American citizens yesterday and asked for their forgiveness.
He even said he was willing to do a tour around his state and meet with constituents so they could ask him questions and he could have a chance to show them how truly sorry he was. In his admission he remarked that the woman in question was a "dear, dear friend from Argentina" which he explained was someone he had known "casually" and now it has "developed into something more." Sanford also promptly resigned his position as Chairman of the Republican Governor's Association.
Yeah. Anyways, I have noticed a shocking and disturbing trend among these officials who get caught doing dirty deeds. Have you noticed that it always seems to be the politicians who push the most for traditional family values that are the ones who get caught doing things that are the furthest away from traditional family values as possible? Take Idaho Sen. Larry Craig for example, Craig was busted in a bathroom sex sting on June 11, 2007 where he tried to solicit gay sex from an undercover male police officer at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Like most vociferous anti-gay politicians (i.e. Mr. Troy King, Trent Lott), Craig turned out to be gay himself.
Craig had portrayed himself to the public as an all out conservative and traditional guy. He even served as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association since 1983. Craig openly and proudly endorsed Idaho's successful anti-gay constitutional amendment, HJR 2, which banned gay marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships in his state ." The Republican senator also mocked Bill Clinton in 1999, as a "naughty boy" for his affair with Monica Lewinsky." Once word of Craig's gay misconduct hit news, fellow Republicans of course fiercely denounced Craig and pushed for his resignation (Craig did temporarily resign only to withdraw his resignation later).
In December 2007, eight gay men came forward to the Idaho Statesman newspaper alleging either sexual encounters with Craig, or attempts by Craig to engage in sexual encounters. Four of the men gave the newspaper graphic, recorded details of their alleged sexual encounters. One of the four was Mike Jones, the male escort who in November 2006 had been involved in a sex and methamphetamine scandal with Ted Haggard. Jones claimed that Craig had paid him $200 for a massage and oral sex. Craig finished out his term but of course was not a candidate for re-election in 2008. He was rumored to have been a possible pick for the Republican nomination of President.
Nevada Sen. John Ensign, a leading conservative mentioned as a potential presidential candidate, admitted 6/16/2009, he had an extramarital affair with a woman who was a member of his campaign staff. "Last year I had an affair. I violated the vows of my marriage," Ensign said at a brief news conference. "It is the worst thing I have ever done in my life. If there was ever anything in my life that I could take back, this would be it." Ensign spokesman Tory Mazzola said the affair took place between December 2007 and August 2008 with a campaign staffer who was married to an employee in Ensign's Senate office. Neither has worked for the senator since May 2008. Ensign said he would not mention the name of the campaign aide involved in the affair. He described the woman and her husband as good friends.
Then there was Republican Senator Gary Condit, who in 2001 was all anyone could talk about (pre Spet. 11 obviously). He was constantly pushing for good home values, ethics, and lecturing on the importance of the family, and yet, he was found out to have been having an affair with intern Chandra Levy, who went missing that same year. Condit was of course suspected in disappearance but he was never arrested. However, In 2009 a Salvadoran immigrant named Ingmar Guandique was charged with her murder.
Obviously, in all three cases Republicans quickly denounced their disgraced comrade as not representing their views, and began to make them an outcast in the political world. I was just noting the level of hypocrisy among some of the highest ranking members of our government.
He even said he was willing to do a tour around his state and meet with constituents so they could ask him questions and he could have a chance to show them how truly sorry he was. In his admission he remarked that the woman in question was a "dear, dear friend from Argentina" which he explained was someone he had known "casually" and now it has "developed into something more." Sanford also promptly resigned his position as Chairman of the Republican Governor's Association.
Yeah. Anyways, I have noticed a shocking and disturbing trend among these officials who get caught doing dirty deeds. Have you noticed that it always seems to be the politicians who push the most for traditional family values that are the ones who get caught doing things that are the furthest away from traditional family values as possible? Take Idaho Sen. Larry Craig for example, Craig was busted in a bathroom sex sting on June 11, 2007 where he tried to solicit gay sex from an undercover male police officer at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Like most vociferous anti-gay politicians (i.e. Mr. Troy King, Trent Lott), Craig turned out to be gay himself.
Craig had portrayed himself to the public as an all out conservative and traditional guy. He even served as a member of the Board of Directors of the National Rifle Association since 1983. Craig openly and proudly endorsed Idaho's successful anti-gay constitutional amendment, HJR 2, which banned gay marriage, civil unions and domestic partnerships in his state ." The Republican senator also mocked Bill Clinton in 1999, as a "naughty boy" for his affair with Monica Lewinsky." Once word of Craig's gay misconduct hit news, fellow Republicans of course fiercely denounced Craig and pushed for his resignation (Craig did temporarily resign only to withdraw his resignation later).
In December 2007, eight gay men came forward to the Idaho Statesman newspaper alleging either sexual encounters with Craig, or attempts by Craig to engage in sexual encounters. Four of the men gave the newspaper graphic, recorded details of their alleged sexual encounters. One of the four was Mike Jones, the male escort who in November 2006 had been involved in a sex and methamphetamine scandal with Ted Haggard. Jones claimed that Craig had paid him $200 for a massage and oral sex. Craig finished out his term but of course was not a candidate for re-election in 2008. He was rumored to have been a possible pick for the Republican nomination of President.
Nevada Sen. John Ensign, a leading conservative mentioned as a potential presidential candidate, admitted 6/16/2009, he had an extramarital affair with a woman who was a member of his campaign staff. "Last year I had an affair. I violated the vows of my marriage," Ensign said at a brief news conference. "It is the worst thing I have ever done in my life. If there was ever anything in my life that I could take back, this would be it." Ensign spokesman Tory Mazzola said the affair took place between December 2007 and August 2008 with a campaign staffer who was married to an employee in Ensign's Senate office. Neither has worked for the senator since May 2008. Ensign said he would not mention the name of the campaign aide involved in the affair. He described the woman and her husband as good friends.
Then there was Republican Senator Gary Condit, who in 2001 was all anyone could talk about (pre Spet. 11 obviously). He was constantly pushing for good home values, ethics, and lecturing on the importance of the family, and yet, he was found out to have been having an affair with intern Chandra Levy, who went missing that same year. Condit was of course suspected in disappearance but he was never arrested. However, In 2009 a Salvadoran immigrant named Ingmar Guandique was charged with her murder.
Obviously, in all three cases Republicans quickly denounced their disgraced comrade as not representing their views, and began to make them an outcast in the political world. I was just noting the level of hypocrisy among some of the highest ranking members of our government.
Keep Your Fingers Crossed For Universal Health Care
As the battle to overhaul the current health care system in America heats up, President Obama and Congress try to reach an agreement about the future of health care in America. Overhauling the health care system is Obama's top domestic priority, but initial proposals to reached Congress last week and received a rocky reception. House and Senate Democrats are responding by intensifying their efforts. President Obama is aiming to succeed where every Democratic president since Harry Truman has failed by passing universal coverage. He has also further raised the stakes by reiterating a promise in recent days to get a bill on his desk by fall. Obama has spent this entire afternoon pushing the case for reform with a bipartisan group of governors before holding a nationally televised, White House town hall-style meeting on the issue Wednesday night.
The price tag for the health care system overhaul may hit the $1 trillion mark, but I believe that in the long run it will more than pay for itself. 2/3 of the cost will come from re-allocating money already in the health care system and 1/3 will come from new revenue. The new plan will also offer incentives to to try draw more doctors and nurse practioners back into the area of primary care. Another main objective of the new health care system is to give doctors more power to make decisions about a patients care, not insurance companies and "one-size fits all" policies.
I am excited by President Obama and the House Democrats' efforts because everyone deserves quality health care. It's not only the rich that deserve a high quality of life. You can, however, always count on Republicans to try to put up a roadblock towards a progressive society. After all, they're not called the Grand Ol' Party for nothing. Republicans are confident they can deal a major blow to Obama's young administration by derailing any major health care initiative. They point back to the defeat of President Clinton's health care reform plan in 1994, which helped pave the way for a GOP takeover of Congress that same year.
Another possible good outcome from universal health care, is that hopefully it will give private insurers an initiative to bring their cost down in order to compete with the public plan. Many times private plans are way too overpriced and they pretty much rob patients. It shouldn't cause private insurers to go out of business as long as they make the appropriate cost efficient cuts to compete, because inevitably you will have some people who will want to go with a private insurer. I have my fingers crossed and I pray that Obama can do this for America. :)
The price tag for the health care system overhaul may hit the $1 trillion mark, but I believe that in the long run it will more than pay for itself. 2/3 of the cost will come from re-allocating money already in the health care system and 1/3 will come from new revenue. The new plan will also offer incentives to to try draw more doctors and nurse practioners back into the area of primary care. Another main objective of the new health care system is to give doctors more power to make decisions about a patients care, not insurance companies and "one-size fits all" policies.
I am excited by President Obama and the House Democrats' efforts because everyone deserves quality health care. It's not only the rich that deserve a high quality of life. You can, however, always count on Republicans to try to put up a roadblock towards a progressive society. After all, they're not called the Grand Ol' Party for nothing. Republicans are confident they can deal a major blow to Obama's young administration by derailing any major health care initiative. They point back to the defeat of President Clinton's health care reform plan in 1994, which helped pave the way for a GOP takeover of Congress that same year.
Another possible good outcome from universal health care, is that hopefully it will give private insurers an initiative to bring their cost down in order to compete with the public plan. Many times private plans are way too overpriced and they pretty much rob patients. It shouldn't cause private insurers to go out of business as long as they make the appropriate cost efficient cuts to compete, because inevitably you will have some people who will want to go with a private insurer. I have my fingers crossed and I pray that Obama can do this for America. :)
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Don't Bother Praying for Heaven Because You're Destined for Hell
It's horrible when people do and say atrocious and hurtful things, but it's especially deplorable when they do it in the name of the Lord. Three perfect examples of this are Dr. Tiller's killer and the people who support his actions, James von Brunn, or better known as the Holocaust Museum shooter, and finally we have to add Mr. Wiley Drake (an ordained Southern Baptist minister who currently serves as the pastor of First Southern Baptist Church in Buena Park, California. He is praying for the death of President Obama. Oh, he said he also prayed for the death of the late abortion doctor, George Tiller).
Why do scum like Scott Roeder (Dr. George Tiller's murderer), James von Brunn (the White Supremacist who went on a shooting rampage at the Holocaust Museum in D.C. and killed an African-American security guard), and Pastor Drake (prays for people he doesn't agree with to be assassinated) all have in common? They all say that their actions were in the name of God and Jesus Christ. Scott Roeder posted “Tiller is the concentration camp ‘Mengele’ of our day and needs to be stopped before he and those who protect him bring judgment upon our nation,” on a website of a Right-Wing Christian extremists anti-abortion group called Operation Rescue.
People like Roeder have created a God of hate who rewards them for killing the "ungodly." They traded Tiller's life for an unborn fetus. To them Tiller's death was God's will carried out by a hero. That is all such bull. Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another. Romans 12: 10. Where do you see ANYTHING in that scripture about only love the people who aren't for abortion or who aren't George Tiller?! Clearly these "Christians" must have a different take on love then God does.
Right-Wing Extremist are extremely dangerous. They are what I consider to be domestic terrorist. And it's terrible that we have to have peple like Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, and Pat Robertson on the air. While I know that they are full of shit, and the rest of intelligent America knows that they are full of shit, there are many ignorant, weak-minded, racist, narrow-minded individuals who take them seriously. These ignorant and hateful people take what they hear coming out of the mouths of these fools as confirmation that they are doing what is right and what is God's will. Free speech can only go so far, and hate speech is not protected speech.
James von Brunn, a white supremacist with a fierce hatred for Blacks and Jews, spent all of his adult life involved in hate groups such as the KKK (white supremacy hate group built on the WASP concept-White Anglo-Saxon Protestant are the top humans). Von Brunn was a Holocaust denier who spent six years behind bars for a harebrained scheme to kidnap federal officials. He filled his Web site with vile tirades and self-published a book - "Kill the Best Gentiles!" - which he said "exposes the Jews and explains what you must do to protect your White family." If Von Brunn was so damn Christian I wonder how he missed number six of God's ten commandments-"Thou shall not murder."
More recently, Von Brunn questioned the legitimacy of President Obama's birth certificate in online screeds. While it's unclear if something specific triggered his museum rampage, the attack followed Obama's denunciation of Holocaust deniers. Coincidence? Definitely not. Being denounced by a Black President that you obviously hate must have really upset him. In fact, his hatred for Blacks and Jews had been festering for decades. When his wife met him in the 1980's she said he was a wine swiller who was consumed with hate for any race other than white, but especially for Black and Jewish people.
She divorced him over it and all the racist activities he was involved in. I wish she and people who knew him had done more to warn everyone else. Friends, family, and acquaintances of demented, hate-filled people like this are just as guilty because they never step up to the plate soon enough and do the right thing to prevent such tragedies. They need to tell people about them and their illegal activities. Tell EVERYONE. Tell the police, inform the FBI,warn people you know, write a freaking letter to the press and the President if you have to, just get the word out there so we're aware of what we're dealing with. They're no better than those people who sat by and let Columbine and VT happen. People who see trouble coming but fail to act are just as responsible when the inevitable tragedy occurs.
Now, on to Pastor Drake. This Southern Baptist minister went on the Alan Colmes radio show, and after telling Colmes he had prayed for the death of Dr. Tiller in Wichita, Colmes asked Drake if he had prayed for anyone else's death, Drake answered, "The usurper that is in the White House is one, B. Hussein Obama." To make sure he heard him right, Colmes asked, "So you're praying for the death of the president of the United States?" Drake answered, "Yes." Colmes asked once more, "You would like for the president of the United States to die?"Drake answered, "If he does not turn to God and does not turn his life around, I am asking God to enforce imprecatory prayers that are throughout the Scripture that would cause him death, that's correct."
I have to wonder what part of Obama does this pastor not agree with. Does he mean that Obama deserves to die because he's African-American...or because he's a Democrat and not a Right-Wing Conservative? No where in the Bible does it speak out against either Blacks or Democrats. I wish I had of been on the show with the good pastor, then I could have shown him these scriptures: Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God's love for us). 1 Corinthians 16: 14. AND And may the Lord make you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another and for all people, just as we also do for you. 1 Thessalonians 3: 12.
Two months ago, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano warned of an expected upsurge in extremist violence in the wake of Obama's election. It is sad to see that she seems to be right. I know that hateful people and organizations have always existed way before Barack Obama, but it's just so sad to see this happening in 2009. We are supposed to be past this type of narrow-minded hatred. When will people see that hate doesn't ever work for or prosper society? The FBI estimates that approximately 900 hate groups are currently operating in America.
That number alone blows my mind, but after visiting websites of some of these groups, and to see that they spread hate in the name of God is absolutely loathsome and downright sickening. I don't know what God they think they serve or what type of God they have created in their twisted minds, but my God is all about love. Love for every person-gay or straight, white or black, tall or short, fat or skinny. NOWHERE in the Bible does it ever support ANY of the actions or words of these terrible individuals and the hundreds of others out there like them. God says love everyone with the same unconditional love he loves us with. These Christians are not my Christians.
Dr. George Tiller-abortion doctor gunned down while at church serving as an usher
Stephen Tyron Johns-security guard killed in Holocaust Museum shooting
Why do scum like Scott Roeder (Dr. George Tiller's murderer), James von Brunn (the White Supremacist who went on a shooting rampage at the Holocaust Museum in D.C. and killed an African-American security guard), and Pastor Drake (prays for people he doesn't agree with to be assassinated) all have in common? They all say that their actions were in the name of God and Jesus Christ. Scott Roeder posted “Tiller is the concentration camp ‘Mengele’ of our day and needs to be stopped before he and those who protect him bring judgment upon our nation,” on a website of a Right-Wing Christian extremists anti-abortion group called Operation Rescue.
People like Roeder have created a God of hate who rewards them for killing the "ungodly." They traded Tiller's life for an unborn fetus. To them Tiller's death was God's will carried out by a hero. That is all such bull. Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another. Romans 12: 10. Where do you see ANYTHING in that scripture about only love the people who aren't for abortion or who aren't George Tiller?! Clearly these "Christians" must have a different take on love then God does.
Right-Wing Extremist are extremely dangerous. They are what I consider to be domestic terrorist. And it's terrible that we have to have peple like Rush Limbaugh, Bill O'Reilly, and Pat Robertson on the air. While I know that they are full of shit, and the rest of intelligent America knows that they are full of shit, there are many ignorant, weak-minded, racist, narrow-minded individuals who take them seriously. These ignorant and hateful people take what they hear coming out of the mouths of these fools as confirmation that they are doing what is right and what is God's will. Free speech can only go so far, and hate speech is not protected speech.
James von Brunn, a white supremacist with a fierce hatred for Blacks and Jews, spent all of his adult life involved in hate groups such as the KKK (white supremacy hate group built on the WASP concept-White Anglo-Saxon Protestant are the top humans). Von Brunn was a Holocaust denier who spent six years behind bars for a harebrained scheme to kidnap federal officials. He filled his Web site with vile tirades and self-published a book - "Kill the Best Gentiles!" - which he said "exposes the Jews and explains what you must do to protect your White family." If Von Brunn was so damn Christian I wonder how he missed number six of God's ten commandments-"Thou shall not murder."
More recently, Von Brunn questioned the legitimacy of President Obama's birth certificate in online screeds. While it's unclear if something specific triggered his museum rampage, the attack followed Obama's denunciation of Holocaust deniers. Coincidence? Definitely not. Being denounced by a Black President that you obviously hate must have really upset him. In fact, his hatred for Blacks and Jews had been festering for decades. When his wife met him in the 1980's she said he was a wine swiller who was consumed with hate for any race other than white, but especially for Black and Jewish people.
She divorced him over it and all the racist activities he was involved in. I wish she and people who knew him had done more to warn everyone else. Friends, family, and acquaintances of demented, hate-filled people like this are just as guilty because they never step up to the plate soon enough and do the right thing to prevent such tragedies. They need to tell people about them and their illegal activities. Tell EVERYONE. Tell the police, inform the FBI,warn people you know, write a freaking letter to the press and the President if you have to, just get the word out there so we're aware of what we're dealing with. They're no better than those people who sat by and let Columbine and VT happen. People who see trouble coming but fail to act are just as responsible when the inevitable tragedy occurs.
Now, on to Pastor Drake. This Southern Baptist minister went on the Alan Colmes radio show, and after telling Colmes he had prayed for the death of Dr. Tiller in Wichita, Colmes asked Drake if he had prayed for anyone else's death, Drake answered, "The usurper that is in the White House is one, B. Hussein Obama." To make sure he heard him right, Colmes asked, "So you're praying for the death of the president of the United States?" Drake answered, "Yes." Colmes asked once more, "You would like for the president of the United States to die?"Drake answered, "If he does not turn to God and does not turn his life around, I am asking God to enforce imprecatory prayers that are throughout the Scripture that would cause him death, that's correct."
I have to wonder what part of Obama does this pastor not agree with. Does he mean that Obama deserves to die because he's African-American...or because he's a Democrat and not a Right-Wing Conservative? No where in the Bible does it speak out against either Blacks or Democrats. I wish I had of been on the show with the good pastor, then I could have shown him these scriptures: Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God's love for us). 1 Corinthians 16: 14. AND And may the Lord make you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another and for all people, just as we also do for you. 1 Thessalonians 3: 12.
Two months ago, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano warned of an expected upsurge in extremist violence in the wake of Obama's election. It is sad to see that she seems to be right. I know that hateful people and organizations have always existed way before Barack Obama, but it's just so sad to see this happening in 2009. We are supposed to be past this type of narrow-minded hatred. When will people see that hate doesn't ever work for or prosper society? The FBI estimates that approximately 900 hate groups are currently operating in America.
That number alone blows my mind, but after visiting websites of some of these groups, and to see that they spread hate in the name of God is absolutely loathsome and downright sickening. I don't know what God they think they serve or what type of God they have created in their twisted minds, but my God is all about love. Love for every person-gay or straight, white or black, tall or short, fat or skinny. NOWHERE in the Bible does it ever support ANY of the actions or words of these terrible individuals and the hundreds of others out there like them. God says love everyone with the same unconditional love he loves us with. These Christians are not my Christians.
Dr. George Tiller-abortion doctor gunned down while at church serving as an usher
Stephen Tyron Johns-security guard killed in Holocaust Museum shooting
"I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ." - Mahatma Gandhi
Pray For Iran
As we all know, Iran's 10th presidential election was held on June 12, 2009 and it was reported by Iranian officials that the incumbent, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, had won the election with 66% of the votes cast, and that Mir-Hossein Mousavi had received 33% of the votes cast, and of course loss. There is a problem with those results though, it's a fraudulent and severely skewed number. The best way I can explain this election and why it has caused such a phenomenal movement, is to compare it with the election that America just had; the 2008 election between the Obama/Biden and McCain/Palin candidates.
This past year's election was very passionate and got many, many youth and young people behind it who previously had been apathetic and had a negative view towards voting and government in general. They were apathetic partly because the previous administration had done almost nothing to reassure us that we counted as a people. However, when Obama came along promising a different type of government with new emphasis on the common man and not big business, people began to sit up and take notice. That's how Mousavi is-like their Barack Obama promising them hope and a new way of government.
And If during the November 4th election the officials had declared McCain the winner with 300 electoral votes and Obama 102 electoral votes, we would have immediately known something was amiss, and I for one, know I would have been out in the streets rioting and setting cars and government buildings on fire. Because if you don't even have the freedom to choose your leaders than living in your country means absolutely nothing. And while there was obviously a chance that Ahmadinejad could receive the majority vote, definitely not by such a wide margin. It's obvious that the current regime in power is playing a dangerous game of puppet where they string the people along and make them think they have a shot at choosing freedom and reform, only to really being pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Mousavi issued a statement saying, "I'm warning that I won't surrender to this charade," and he urged his backers to fight the decision as well as to avoid committing acts of violence. Protests, in favour of Mousavi and against the alleged fraud, broke out in Tehran. There has been such violence going on in Iran that it's really horrifying and sad to watch take place, but I can only imagine how scary it must be to live there. A large amount of the people (especially the youth and younger adult demographic) are protesting and attending rallies for their right to vote and freedom.
The police and militia have been beating and clubbing, imprisoning, releasing dogs on, using army tanks to try to halt, tear gassing and macing, shooting at, and even killing protesters and those others who oppose them. One video in particular really crushed me and is forever burned into my brain. It's of a young woman named Neda Salehi Agha Soltan dying after being shot in the heart by a militia sniper hiding on top of a building. She was at a protest with her dad and friends. Here last words before she died were "I'm burning, I'm burning!" Neda means "voice" or "calling" or "Divine message" in Persian; and Neda has definitely become the voice and image of Iran's pro-democracy protesters battling the Islamic regime. Her story and video images of her last moments have gained international attention and she has become a martyr for the Tehran cause. Here's her last few moments alive as caught by a cell phone camera : http://tiny.cc/3gz06
In the U.S., high ranking government officials including President Obama and Sen. John McCain, are taking notice of the tragedy and bravery unfolding in Iran and speaking out on it. I believe that Iran needs our prayers and to know that we are behind them. I sincerely hope that Obama-a man who built his entire 2008 campaign on hope and government reform, will stand behind the protesters and do what is best to further their cause. I am sure he will do what is best because America knows all too well the meaning of having to fight for rights and then have that fight turn violent; the Civil War, The Bonus Expeditionary Force, and the Civil Rights Movement are all examples of people standing up to oppressive government rule or laws they know are unjust.:
President Obama speaking on Tehran crisis: http://tiny.cc/U5jLq
John McCain Addresses Killed Iranian 'Neda' on Senate Floor http://tiny.cc/6RCtw
This past year's election was very passionate and got many, many youth and young people behind it who previously had been apathetic and had a negative view towards voting and government in general. They were apathetic partly because the previous administration had done almost nothing to reassure us that we counted as a people. However, when Obama came along promising a different type of government with new emphasis on the common man and not big business, people began to sit up and take notice. That's how Mousavi is-like their Barack Obama promising them hope and a new way of government.
And If during the November 4th election the officials had declared McCain the winner with 300 electoral votes and Obama 102 electoral votes, we would have immediately known something was amiss, and I for one, know I would have been out in the streets rioting and setting cars and government buildings on fire. Because if you don't even have the freedom to choose your leaders than living in your country means absolutely nothing. And while there was obviously a chance that Ahmadinejad could receive the majority vote, definitely not by such a wide margin. It's obvious that the current regime in power is playing a dangerous game of puppet where they string the people along and make them think they have a shot at choosing freedom and reform, only to really being pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Mousavi issued a statement saying, "I'm warning that I won't surrender to this charade," and he urged his backers to fight the decision as well as to avoid committing acts of violence. Protests, in favour of Mousavi and against the alleged fraud, broke out in Tehran. There has been such violence going on in Iran that it's really horrifying and sad to watch take place, but I can only imagine how scary it must be to live there. A large amount of the people (especially the youth and younger adult demographic) are protesting and attending rallies for their right to vote and freedom.
The police and militia have been beating and clubbing, imprisoning, releasing dogs on, using army tanks to try to halt, tear gassing and macing, shooting at, and even killing protesters and those others who oppose them. One video in particular really crushed me and is forever burned into my brain. It's of a young woman named Neda Salehi Agha Soltan dying after being shot in the heart by a militia sniper hiding on top of a building. She was at a protest with her dad and friends. Here last words before she died were "I'm burning, I'm burning!" Neda means "voice" or "calling" or "Divine message" in Persian; and Neda has definitely become the voice and image of Iran's pro-democracy protesters battling the Islamic regime. Her story and video images of her last moments have gained international attention and she has become a martyr for the Tehran cause. Here's her last few moments alive as caught by a cell phone camera : http://tiny.cc/3gz06
In the U.S., high ranking government officials including President Obama and Sen. John McCain, are taking notice of the tragedy and bravery unfolding in Iran and speaking out on it. I believe that Iran needs our prayers and to know that we are behind them. I sincerely hope that Obama-a man who built his entire 2008 campaign on hope and government reform, will stand behind the protesters and do what is best to further their cause. I am sure he will do what is best because America knows all too well the meaning of having to fight for rights and then have that fight turn violent; the Civil War, The Bonus Expeditionary Force, and the Civil Rights Movement are all examples of people standing up to oppressive government rule or laws they know are unjust.:
President Obama speaking on Tehran crisis: http://tiny.cc/U5jLq
John McCain Addresses Killed Iranian 'Neda' on Senate Floor http://tiny.cc/6RCtw
Presidential Pride
I am so proud of my President. Today he signed a bill into law that will give the FDA power to regulate what ingredients go into cigarettes, how much of the ingredients are used, and also how they (cigarettes and other tobacco products) are marketed. The Family Smoking Prevention Act the president approved gives the US Food and Drug Administration sweeping authority to regulate ingredients in tobacco products, like tar and nicotine, as well as limit advertisements aimed at young people and have final say over new tobacco products. The law, which Congress passed overwhelmingly, also restricts makers of tobacco products from using candy or fruit flavorings in their products and bans them from advertising at sporting or entertainment events.
I am so thankful for this law because smoking (using any tobacco product really) is one of the most unhealthy habits a person can have. It's unattractive as far as personal hygiene goes (your hair and clothes smell like cigarette smoke) and it's deadly. More than 400,000 Americans now die of tobacco-related illnesses each year, making it the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. More than 8 million Americans suffer from at least one serious illness caused by smoking" at a national cost of more than $100 billion a year. President Obama also spoke of his own personal fight to beat the habit stating, "Almost 90 percent of all smokers began at or before their 18th birthday," he said. "I know -- I was one of these teenagers, and so I know how difficult it can be to break this habit when it's been with you for a long time."
Getting back to why I am writing this blog in the first place, I am so thankful for all that President Obama has done for society since he's been in office. He's done more for America in his past few months in office than Bush did in an entire eight years as far as laws to help progress society go. Oh yeah, and Obama also announced an offer by drug manufacturers to contribute $80 billion over the next decade to narrow the large gap (or doughnut hole as it's sometimes called) in Medicare prescription drug coverage, a deal the president said moves the nation a step closer to comprehensive health care reform.
"This is a significant breakthrough on the road to health care reform, one that will make the difference in the lives of many older Americans," Obama said as he made the announcement from the White House. He's helping older Americans who depend on help from the Government to be able to buy their medicines get full coverage. That means they won't have to come out of their own pocket thousands of dollars until they reach the $6,100 when Medicare kicks in to cover healthcare costs. Most retired elderly can't afford to get all their medicines and healthcare needs or on a regular basis because of this gap. With big improvements like these, total healthcare reform is a very attainable goal for America.
Also. another bill that President Obama signed on Jan. 29, 2009 (only nine days after being sworn in) that I am very proud of is the the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act. The bill amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 stating that the 180-day statute of limitations for filing an equal-pay lawsuit regarding pay discrimination resets with each new discriminatory paycheck. The President also made it clear that he doesn't think that just because you can't afford healthcare, your child should die (Imagine that! Wow, poor and working class deserve benefits too?!). On February 5, 2009 President Obama signed the bill extending coverage to 4 million more kids. The bill will allow about 7 million children to continue coverage through the State Children's Health Insurance Program and allow an additional 4 million to sign up.
So all the haters out there saying that President Obama isn't worth anything or that he's doing a bad job at helping America, need to stfu. He's doing everything in his power to fix this mess that the American businesses and people made and he's made great progress. If you're such genius hot shit then where's your fucking proposal for fixing the economy? No one can do a better job than he's doing so people need to get behind him and start fully backing their leader because he's a good man and deserves the support of all American people.
I am so thankful for this law because smoking (using any tobacco product really) is one of the most unhealthy habits a person can have. It's unattractive as far as personal hygiene goes (your hair and clothes smell like cigarette smoke) and it's deadly. More than 400,000 Americans now die of tobacco-related illnesses each year, making it the leading cause of preventable death in the United States. More than 8 million Americans suffer from at least one serious illness caused by smoking" at a national cost of more than $100 billion a year. President Obama also spoke of his own personal fight to beat the habit stating, "Almost 90 percent of all smokers began at or before their 18th birthday," he said. "I know -- I was one of these teenagers, and so I know how difficult it can be to break this habit when it's been with you for a long time."
Getting back to why I am writing this blog in the first place, I am so thankful for all that President Obama has done for society since he's been in office. He's done more for America in his past few months in office than Bush did in an entire eight years as far as laws to help progress society go. Oh yeah, and Obama also announced an offer by drug manufacturers to contribute $80 billion over the next decade to narrow the large gap (or doughnut hole as it's sometimes called) in Medicare prescription drug coverage, a deal the president said moves the nation a step closer to comprehensive health care reform.
"This is a significant breakthrough on the road to health care reform, one that will make the difference in the lives of many older Americans," Obama said as he made the announcement from the White House. He's helping older Americans who depend on help from the Government to be able to buy their medicines get full coverage. That means they won't have to come out of their own pocket thousands of dollars until they reach the $6,100 when Medicare kicks in to cover healthcare costs. Most retired elderly can't afford to get all their medicines and healthcare needs or on a regular basis because of this gap. With big improvements like these, total healthcare reform is a very attainable goal for America.
Also. another bill that President Obama signed on Jan. 29, 2009 (only nine days after being sworn in) that I am very proud of is the the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act. The bill amends the Civil Rights Act of 1964 stating that the 180-day statute of limitations for filing an equal-pay lawsuit regarding pay discrimination resets with each new discriminatory paycheck. The President also made it clear that he doesn't think that just because you can't afford healthcare, your child should die (Imagine that! Wow, poor and working class deserve benefits too?!). On February 5, 2009 President Obama signed the bill extending coverage to 4 million more kids. The bill will allow about 7 million children to continue coverage through the State Children's Health Insurance Program and allow an additional 4 million to sign up.
So all the haters out there saying that President Obama isn't worth anything or that he's doing a bad job at helping America, need to stfu. He's doing everything in his power to fix this mess that the American businesses and people made and he's made great progress. If you're such genius hot shit then where's your fucking proposal for fixing the economy? No one can do a better job than he's doing so people need to get behind him and start fully backing their leader because he's a good man and deserves the support of all American people.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Way Awesome!
Not only has the work of the Federal Government become more transparent under President Barack Obama and his administration, but Obama also adds a personableness to government. Gone are the days (at least for now anyways) when Federal Government seemed like a secret club where people who were smarter than you and better than you made all the decisions that affected you, with the White House serving as the poster child. Nowadays, even the White House is a friendly and fun place to be. Look at the cool photos of Tony Hawk skateboarding down the hall of the grand foyer and nearby the Old Executive Office Building (with the permission of White House officials ofcourse).
Hawk, along with other athletes and celebrities, were at the White House for the Father's Day celebration and forum that President Obama hosted this past Friday. Some local youth were also invited to picnic and be mentored by the celebrity fathers. Celebrity chef Bobby Flay helped man the barbecue grills for a White House picnic for the attendees, which included NBA players Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat and Etan Thomas of the Washington Wizards.
According to President Obama, the main goal of the celebration and forum was to "begin a national conversation on responsible fatherhood and healthy families." One of the topics of the forum was embracing your responsibilities as a father. The celebrity dads also visited several charities in the D.C. area that day to spread some cheer. I really love and admire how President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama bring a sense of community to our nation.
Hawk, along with other athletes and celebrities, were at the White House for the Father's Day celebration and forum that President Obama hosted this past Friday. Some local youth were also invited to picnic and be mentored by the celebrity fathers. Celebrity chef Bobby Flay helped man the barbecue grills for a White House picnic for the attendees, which included NBA players Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat and Etan Thomas of the Washington Wizards.
According to President Obama, the main goal of the celebration and forum was to "begin a national conversation on responsible fatherhood and healthy families." One of the topics of the forum was embracing your responsibilities as a father. The celebrity dads also visited several charities in the D.C. area that day to spread some cheer. I really love and admire how President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama bring a sense of community to our nation.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Daddy's Day
Today is Father's Day in America, and it is a holiday that is usually marked by outdoor barbecues and picnics in honor of dad, golf club gift certificates, and that nifty little car stereo system that he's been eyeing since February. But Father's day has an even deeper meaning that is more important than all the expensive golf clubs and half off barbecue grills in the world. Fathers and their influence are essential to the healthy growth and development of their children. Dads also bring a unique perspective to the family and lives of their children.
According to T. Berry Brazelton, M.D. in his 1992 book Touchpoints: The Essential References, fathers often think outside of the box and offer alternative strategies for problem solving, which in turn increases their children's strategic abilities. Brazelton also goes on to say that children who have involved fathers show more sense of humor, longer attention spans, and more eagerness for learning. Dads tend to offer more physical play than mothers, which increases the physical competency of their young children. A father's involvement also helps teens to develop a strong sense of who they are and increases their ability to resist peer pressure. Studies show that when fathers model behaviors that are respectful to women, their sons are more likely to see women as human beings rather than “things” to manipulate. But…fathers who abuse their wives raise sons who are more likely to abuse their wives and children.
Acoording to Dr. Ross Parke, a distinguished professor of psychology at the University of California at Riverside with more than 30 years of experience researching and writing about fatherhood, fathers do play a unique and distinctive role not only in child rearing but in sharing the burden of daily child care as well. "Fatherlessness is the most harmful demographic trend of this generation," warns social historian David Blankenhorn. "It is the leading cause of declining child well-being in this society. It is also the engine driving our most urgent social problems, from crime to adolescent pregnancy to child sex abuse to domestic violence against women" (Fatherless America: Confronting Our Most Urgent Social Problem, 1995, p. 1).
It's no surprise that when a father walks out on his child or is not there consistently, the child grows up lacking emotionally and mentally. There is a strong correlation between lower self-esteem and an absent father figure, as well as between teen delinquency and absent dads. Fathers and father figures are necessary for a child to be able to grow up into a happy and balanced adult. When a dad is missing in a child's life it leaves a void in that child's life and a whole in their heart. I was blessed enough to have a daddy that has always been in my life and helping me to grow into the great person I am, and I am so thankful for that. However, I know many other children who weren't so lucky.
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). The Bible describes the ideal father as actively and tenderly engaged in his children's rearing and education. But even if you're not a Christian this should still apply, because scientific result have backed the concept that a father needs to be both active and lovingly engaged in his children's raising, education, and throughout their life.
So if you're a daddy reading this, than make sure that today and everyday you remember how important your presence is to your child's development and happiness, and remember to show them how much you care. If you have a good father or father figure in your life make sure you take this day to do something special with them and spend time to let them know how much you value them and how much they have contributed to your life.
According to T. Berry Brazelton, M.D. in his 1992 book Touchpoints: The Essential References, fathers often think outside of the box and offer alternative strategies for problem solving, which in turn increases their children's strategic abilities. Brazelton also goes on to say that children who have involved fathers show more sense of humor, longer attention spans, and more eagerness for learning. Dads tend to offer more physical play than mothers, which increases the physical competency of their young children. A father's involvement also helps teens to develop a strong sense of who they are and increases their ability to resist peer pressure. Studies show that when fathers model behaviors that are respectful to women, their sons are more likely to see women as human beings rather than “things” to manipulate. But…fathers who abuse their wives raise sons who are more likely to abuse their wives and children.
Acoording to Dr. Ross Parke, a distinguished professor of psychology at the University of California at Riverside with more than 30 years of experience researching and writing about fatherhood, fathers do play a unique and distinctive role not only in child rearing but in sharing the burden of daily child care as well. "Fatherlessness is the most harmful demographic trend of this generation," warns social historian David Blankenhorn. "It is the leading cause of declining child well-being in this society. It is also the engine driving our most urgent social problems, from crime to adolescent pregnancy to child sex abuse to domestic violence against women" (Fatherless America: Confronting Our Most Urgent Social Problem, 1995, p. 1).
It's no surprise that when a father walks out on his child or is not there consistently, the child grows up lacking emotionally and mentally. There is a strong correlation between lower self-esteem and an absent father figure, as well as between teen delinquency and absent dads. Fathers and father figures are necessary for a child to be able to grow up into a happy and balanced adult. When a dad is missing in a child's life it leaves a void in that child's life and a whole in their heart. I was blessed enough to have a daddy that has always been in my life and helping me to grow into the great person I am, and I am so thankful for that. However, I know many other children who weren't so lucky.
"And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4). The Bible describes the ideal father as actively and tenderly engaged in his children's rearing and education. But even if you're not a Christian this should still apply, because scientific result have backed the concept that a father needs to be both active and lovingly engaged in his children's raising, education, and throughout their life.
So if you're a daddy reading this, than make sure that today and everyday you remember how important your presence is to your child's development and happiness, and remember to show them how much you care. If you have a good father or father figure in your life make sure you take this day to do something special with them and spend time to let them know how much you value them and how much they have contributed to your life.
President Obama speaking on the importance of fathers
President Obama Launches National Conversation On Importance of Fatherhood and Personal Responsibility
President Obama talks about his own absent father and how he values being a father to his two daughters
If You Can't Take It Then...
First off, if you're gonna start a debate (or a fight) make sure that you have all your facts straight. Also, make sure that if you're going to dish it out then make sure you can take it also. Don't fucking criticize me for being a Christian (which I hate having to defend or talk about because to speak to a non believer is like talking to a brick wall), or for being a meat eater like the other 97% of the U.S. population and 85% of the world's population. If you must criticize me on those points or my race, then make sure you prepare for a fight (especially if you attack me first!). Even though I know that just because a lot of people do something or agree with it doesn't make it right and the "law," the same goes for something that isn't so popular.
Just because you do something fairly rare doesn't make it better or "right" or the "law." So tell yourself that you're sacrificing for the good of the colony and what not and I'll keep doing what I want and living my life how I want. Going against the grain on everything and then bragging about it doesn't make you a hero. You're not better than anyone else because you eat tofu hot dogs or believe that the world just magically appeared from a star dust explosion. Also, asserting that you're the only good and wholesome person on the planet because ALL Christians, omnivores, and men are bad is also not an intelligent thing to do because that can't be proven with scientific facts-merely an opinion my dear. A word of advice: Get over yourself!
Just because you do something fairly rare doesn't make it better or "right" or the "law." So tell yourself that you're sacrificing for the good of the colony and what not and I'll keep doing what I want and living my life how I want. Going against the grain on everything and then bragging about it doesn't make you a hero. You're not better than anyone else because you eat tofu hot dogs or believe that the world just magically appeared from a star dust explosion. Also, asserting that you're the only good and wholesome person on the planet because ALL Christians, omnivores, and men are bad is also not an intelligent thing to do because that can't be proven with scientific facts-merely an opinion my dear. A word of advice: Get over yourself!
Friday, June 19, 2009
PETA, Please
So PETA is jumping on the President for swatting a fly during an interview for CNBC at the White House this past Tuesday.
The group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (better known as PETA) wants the flyswatter in chief to try taking a more humane attitude the next time he's bedeviled by a fly in the White House. PETA is sending President Barack Obama a Katcha Bug Humane Bug Catcher, a device that allows users to trap a house fly and then release it outside."We support compassion even for the most curious, smallest and least sympathetic animals," PETA spokesman Bruce Friedrich said Wednesday. "We believe that people, where they can be compassionate, should be, for all animals."
First off, I wish someone would inform PETA that a fly does not qualify as an animal, but is actually an insect (http://tiny.cc/3XVbR ). Second, PETA is getting almost as bad as these anti-abortion nuts bombing clinics and killing abortion doctors. They are bullies who can't see past their own beliefs. PETA has pulled some pretty disgusting and horrifying stunts over the years to try to protest cruelty to animals.
Throwing paint, flour, and animal blood on people wearing fur, protesting a dog show while dressed as the KKK (http://tiny.cc/cQ44Y ), and making an offer to buy the abortion clinic of the slain doctor Tiller so that they could transform it into an animal cruelty education centre with billboards out front that say, "Pro-Life? Go Vegetarian" and "Pro-Choice? Choose Vegetarian," are just some of the most "notable" and recent stunts by this group of uneducated, blind-sighted losers that claim to be a special interest group (http://tiny.cc/uKs1h). Attacking and hurting people because they are different and doing it in the name of "what is good and right" must be a great life to lead-something like Klansman and homophobes. What I wanna know is, when did tomorrow night's dinner become more deserving of compassion than your fellow man?
Third, PETA kills animals too. Oh yes, this is a little know and ugly fact that the people of PETA would like to keep under the radar. From July 1998 through December 2008, PETA killed over 21,000 dogs, cats, and other companion animals. PETA is a business just like any other which means they care about the bottom line, which is profits. PETA has a $32 million annual budget. But instead of investing in the lives of the thousands of flesh and blood creatures in its care, the group spends millions on media campaigns telling Americans that eating meat, drinking milk, fishing, hunting, wearing leather shoes, and benefiting from medical research performed on lab rats are all “unethical.” To put it mildly, they're hypocrites. They have even been investigated by the government which is how records of their killings and neglect of animals became public early last year. AND for all you uneducated non-believers out there, I am going to post some links at the bottom from scholarly sources, news coverage, and other media sources to prove I am not making this up. Why don't you read up on it?
Now, I am not coming down on PETA for wanting others to care about animals. I am an avid animal lover. I have had numerous pets over the past years (all of them we kept until they died of natural causes, or we fostered them and then found them good homes), and as of right now I own 3 cats and a dog. I also volunteer at my local cat protection agency with over 500 cats (a no kill shelter for homeless cats and kittens). I am coming down on PETA for their priorities being so messed up and trying to point out "cruelty" against flies when they don't have room to talk to anyone about how to treat animals until they start treating the ones in their custody better. It's pretty obvious that they are on the wrong path when they assert that you can't be an animal lover and eat meat too. Please, that's like saying someone can't love nature because they have a house made out of wood. It's because of crazy statements like, their own hypocrisy, and stunts like the one they pulled on the President that eat away at their credibility.
Other information against PETA:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8255324
http://tiny.cc/nKjjb
http://tiny.cc/Y95BJ
http://vegansagainstpeta.blogspot.com/
http://tiny.cc/QfVEP
http://www.pitbulllovers.com/pitbullblog/?p=24
http://tiny.cc/posxD
http://tiny.cc/0DNkf
http://tiny.cc/Fqb57
http://tiny.cc/9DscI
http://tiny.cc/kJdXO
http://tiny.cc/nY7ZC
The group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (better known as PETA) wants the flyswatter in chief to try taking a more humane attitude the next time he's bedeviled by a fly in the White House. PETA is sending President Barack Obama a Katcha Bug Humane Bug Catcher, a device that allows users to trap a house fly and then release it outside."We support compassion even for the most curious, smallest and least sympathetic animals," PETA spokesman Bruce Friedrich said Wednesday. "We believe that people, where they can be compassionate, should be, for all animals."
First off, I wish someone would inform PETA that a fly does not qualify as an animal, but is actually an insect (http://tiny.cc/3XVbR ). Second, PETA is getting almost as bad as these anti-abortion nuts bombing clinics and killing abortion doctors. They are bullies who can't see past their own beliefs. PETA has pulled some pretty disgusting and horrifying stunts over the years to try to protest cruelty to animals.
Throwing paint, flour, and animal blood on people wearing fur, protesting a dog show while dressed as the KKK (http://tiny.cc/cQ44Y ), and making an offer to buy the abortion clinic of the slain doctor Tiller so that they could transform it into an animal cruelty education centre with billboards out front that say, "Pro-Life? Go Vegetarian" and "Pro-Choice? Choose Vegetarian," are just some of the most "notable" and recent stunts by this group of uneducated, blind-sighted losers that claim to be a special interest group (http://tiny.cc/uKs1h). Attacking and hurting people because they are different and doing it in the name of "what is good and right" must be a great life to lead-something like Klansman and homophobes. What I wanna know is, when did tomorrow night's dinner become more deserving of compassion than your fellow man?
Third, PETA kills animals too. Oh yes, this is a little know and ugly fact that the people of PETA would like to keep under the radar. From July 1998 through December 2008, PETA killed over 21,000 dogs, cats, and other companion animals. PETA is a business just like any other which means they care about the bottom line, which is profits. PETA has a $32 million annual budget. But instead of investing in the lives of the thousands of flesh and blood creatures in its care, the group spends millions on media campaigns telling Americans that eating meat, drinking milk, fishing, hunting, wearing leather shoes, and benefiting from medical research performed on lab rats are all “unethical.” To put it mildly, they're hypocrites. They have even been investigated by the government which is how records of their killings and neglect of animals became public early last year. AND for all you uneducated non-believers out there, I am going to post some links at the bottom from scholarly sources, news coverage, and other media sources to prove I am not making this up. Why don't you read up on it?
Now, I am not coming down on PETA for wanting others to care about animals. I am an avid animal lover. I have had numerous pets over the past years (all of them we kept until they died of natural causes, or we fostered them and then found them good homes), and as of right now I own 3 cats and a dog. I also volunteer at my local cat protection agency with over 500 cats (a no kill shelter for homeless cats and kittens). I am coming down on PETA for their priorities being so messed up and trying to point out "cruelty" against flies when they don't have room to talk to anyone about how to treat animals until they start treating the ones in their custody better. It's pretty obvious that they are on the wrong path when they assert that you can't be an animal lover and eat meat too. Please, that's like saying someone can't love nature because they have a house made out of wood. It's because of crazy statements like, their own hypocrisy, and stunts like the one they pulled on the President that eat away at their credibility.
Other information against PETA:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8255324
http://tiny.cc/nKjjb
http://tiny.cc/Y95BJ
http://vegansagainstpeta.blogspot.com/
http://tiny.cc/QfVEP
http://www.pitbulllovers.com/pitbullblog/?p=24
http://tiny.cc/posxD
http://tiny.cc/0DNkf
http://tiny.cc/Fqb57
http://tiny.cc/9DscI
http://tiny.cc/kJdXO
http://tiny.cc/nY7ZC
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Heavy Heart
My heart is feeling more than a little heavy right now. I am sitting here writing this while I battle with a throbbing headache, blurry eye sight, and strong feelings of depersonalization (The symptoms of depersonalization include a sense of automation, going through the motions of life but not experiencing it, feeling as though one is in a movie, feeling as though one is in a dream, feeling a disconnection from one's body; out-of-body experience, a detachment from one's body, environment and difficulty relating oneself to reality). Yep, it's the anxiety again. I am in the process of detoxing off one of my meds too. I just quit taking it. It was making everything worse (including the anxiety that it was supposed to be treating).
This past week has been pretty gloomy with regards to: all the bad thunderstorms, power outage, the water being cut off for 8 hours (There was an accident on Sunday and the car took out a fire hydrant. We were without water for 8 hours and then when it finally came back on, we had a boil water alert that just ended today. My family always has tons of water bottles on hand because we only drink bottled water, but not being able to shower or use the faucet for 8 hours sucked. I was just about to take a shower so I could settle in to watch the Lakers vs. Magic game when the water stopped. It came back on at 3AM), a psycho-stalker ex boyfriend calling and harassing me and then having his friends harass me via Facebook, withdrawal symptoms from me quitting one of my meds., my sisters not giving me any privacy, my family always being on my back, and then dealing with an overall sense of being overwhelmed from not knowing the answer to the question, "What's next in my life?"
But all of the stuff that has been bugging me and that I have been battling with in the last year was made to seem like chump change compared to the news I got yesterday. I found out that one of my long time friends from my old church youth group has a large brain tumor that is inoperable. The doctors were talking about maybe doing chemo but then they just sent him home. They figured it probably won't do much good anyways. Everyone is praying for a miracle. I am praying so hard for him and hoping that he pulls through because he's such an amazing guy. Not that you would want this to happen to anyone, but it couldn't have happened to a less deserving person. That news really hurt me and terrified me. He's only a few years older than me (he's 26) and has been married for a little over two years.
News like this reminds us that even though we might like to think that we have all the time left in the world left, no man or woman is ever promised tomorrow. Nor is he given a number of how many more sunrises he has left to see. That is why cherishing each day as a blessing and being thankful and giving praise to God for each hour is so important. Life is so precious and too important to take for granted, and all too often we don't realize how good life is until we hear about something terrible like this happening to someone else, or God forbid, it happens to us. I am going to make a vow right now to stop obsessing over the small stuff and worrying about nothing.
I just really hope that my friend will be okay and pull through this to be able to live the long, happy life that he, and all people, deserve to live. Please pray for him. ♥
I think I learned to appreciate and treasure each day, because you don't know how many you're going to be given.-US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
This past week has been pretty gloomy with regards to: all the bad thunderstorms, power outage, the water being cut off for 8 hours (There was an accident on Sunday and the car took out a fire hydrant. We were without water for 8 hours and then when it finally came back on, we had a boil water alert that just ended today. My family always has tons of water bottles on hand because we only drink bottled water, but not being able to shower or use the faucet for 8 hours sucked. I was just about to take a shower so I could settle in to watch the Lakers vs. Magic game when the water stopped. It came back on at 3AM), a psycho-stalker ex boyfriend calling and harassing me and then having his friends harass me via Facebook, withdrawal symptoms from me quitting one of my meds., my sisters not giving me any privacy, my family always being on my back, and then dealing with an overall sense of being overwhelmed from not knowing the answer to the question, "What's next in my life?"
But all of the stuff that has been bugging me and that I have been battling with in the last year was made to seem like chump change compared to the news I got yesterday. I found out that one of my long time friends from my old church youth group has a large brain tumor that is inoperable. The doctors were talking about maybe doing chemo but then they just sent him home. They figured it probably won't do much good anyways. Everyone is praying for a miracle. I am praying so hard for him and hoping that he pulls through because he's such an amazing guy. Not that you would want this to happen to anyone, but it couldn't have happened to a less deserving person. That news really hurt me and terrified me. He's only a few years older than me (he's 26) and has been married for a little over two years.
News like this reminds us that even though we might like to think that we have all the time left in the world left, no man or woman is ever promised tomorrow. Nor is he given a number of how many more sunrises he has left to see. That is why cherishing each day as a blessing and being thankful and giving praise to God for each hour is so important. Life is so precious and too important to take for granted, and all too often we don't realize how good life is until we hear about something terrible like this happening to someone else, or God forbid, it happens to us. I am going to make a vow right now to stop obsessing over the small stuff and worrying about nothing.
I just really hope that my friend will be okay and pull through this to be able to live the long, happy life that he, and all people, deserve to live. Please pray for him. ♥
I think I learned to appreciate and treasure each day, because you don't know how many you're going to be given.-US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
Monday, June 15, 2009
What I Mean When I Call Myself A Christian
Being a Christian by MAYA ANGELOU
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'.
"I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven.
"When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'.
"I'm whispering "I was lost,
Now I'm found and forgiven.
"When I say... "I am a Christian"
I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble
and need Christ to be my guide.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak
And need His strength to carry on.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed
And need God to clean my mess.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible
But, God believes I am worth it.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I still feel the sting of pain.
I have my share of heartaches
So I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian"
I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner
Who received God's good grace, somehow!
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Light It Up
Power outages suck. They suck really, really, really bad. Ours went out due to the storm here. And of course we have the wonderful luck of living in an older neighborhood built in 1972 where all the power lines are above ground. 96% of the time whenever there is a hurricane or regular storm, we lose power for hours. Sometimes it's a couple of hours if it's a mild to moderate storm, but during a severe thunderstorm or hurricane we can been without power for up to 4 days. So I am sitting here in the dark, blogging on my cell phone, and thinking that Florida has very wonderful beaches and amusement parks, but it sure as hell as it's disadvantages too. Well, Florida IS the thunderstorm capital of the United States and the lightning capital of the world, what else should I expect?
Crafty Lady
Even though I am not really all that crafty, I still enjoy trying to be. lol. Although, my new friend who just happens to be my 76 year old neighbor, said that she would teach me how to quilt. I am actually really excited about it. She has the most beautiful and lavish quilts around her house that she has made over the past 60 years. I can't wait for my first lesson! But anyways, moving on, I just recently started making cute little kawaii style rings about 3 months ago and I absolutely love it! The cabochons(toppers) that I put on them are the cutest things: cakes, cookie jars, animals, roses, tea cups, pink punk skulls, donuts, etc. I even got some awesome Marilyn Monroe picture button cabs:) I kept one of those rings for myself of course (I am a huge Marilyn Monroe fan). I have actually sold a great bit of them and they have become really popular among my friends and my mom's co-workers and their children. I am even thinking about selling them at a couple of upcoming local craft festivals. Anyways, here are some pictures of just some of the inventory that I have left. I have sold most and am currently waiting on more bases and cabs (I have to order the ring bases from China and Japan because it's cheaper. However, sometimes they do take a little longer than I would like to get here-usually 7-14 days). Oh, and please bear with me, I am not the best photographer.
Friday, June 12, 2009
The Infamous N Word
This use of the word nigger and nigga, has been a hot button issue in the Black community as well as among scholars for a long time. I don't agree with ANYONE using the N word in ANY variation, shape, form, or fashion. The reasons are: 1.) It's degrading, 2.) It's not positive in any way no matter what anyone else tries to say, and 3.) it perpetuates and keeps the word's history of hate alive.
The history of the word nigger is often traced to the Latin word niger, meaning Black. This word became the noun, Negro (Black person) in English, and simply the color Black in Spanish and Portuguese. In early modern French, niger became negre and, later, negress (Black woman) was unmistakably a part of language history. One can compare to negre the derogatory nigger and earlier English substitutes such as negar, neegar, neger, and niggor that developed into its lexico-semantic true version in English. It is probable that nigger is a phonetic spelling of the White Southern mispronunciation of Negro.
No matter what its origins, by the early 1800s, it was firmly established as a derogative name. In the 21st century, it remains a principal term of White racism, regardless of who is using it. Social scientists agree that words like nigger, kike, spic, and wetback come from three categories: disparaging nicknames (chink, dago, nigger); explicit group devaluations ("Jew him down" or "niggering the land"); and irrelevant ethnic names used as a mild disparagement ("jewbird" for cuckoos having prominent beaks or "Irish confetti" for bricks thrown in a fight.)
Over time, racial slurs have victimized all racial and ethnic groups; but no American group has endured as many racial nicknames as Blacks: coon, tom, savage, pickaninny, mammy, buck, samba, jigaboo, and buckwheat are some. Many of these slurs became fully traditional pseudo-scientific, literary, cinematic, and everyday distortions of African Americans. These caricatures, whether spoken, written, or reproduced in media and material objects, reflect the extent, the vast network, of anti-Black prejudice.
The word, nigger, carries with it much of the hatred and disgust directed toward Black Africans and African Americans. Historically, nigger defined, limited, made fun of, and ridiculed all Blacks. It was a term of exclusion, a verbal reason for discrimination. Whether used as a noun, verb, or adjective, it strengthened the stereotype of the lazy, stupid, dirty, worthless nobody. No other American surname carries as much purposeful cruelty. The following list is important information on the word's use and meaning:
Naggers: Acting in a lazy and irresponsible manner.
Niggerlipping: wetting the end of a cigarette while smoking it.
Niggerlover: Derogatory term aimed at Whites lacking in the necessary loathing of Blacks. Nigger luck: Exceptionally, but undeserved good luck.
Nigger-flicker: A small knife or razor with one side heavily taped to preserve the user's fingers. Nigger heaven: Designated places, usually the balcony, where Blacks were forced to sit, for example, in an integrated movie theater or church.
Nigger knocker: Axe handle or weapon made from an axe handle.
Nigger rich: Deeply in debt but flamboyant.
Nigger shooter: A slingshot.
Nigger steak: A slice of liver or a cheap piece of meat.
Nigger stick: Police officer's baton.
Nigger tip: Leaving a small tip or no tip in a restaurant.
Nigger in the woodpile: A concealed motive or unknown factor affecting a situation in an adverse way.
Nigger work: Demeaning, menial tasks.
Nigger (as a word) is also used to describe a dark shade of color (nigger-brown, nigger-Black), the status of Whites that mix together with Blacks (nigger-breaker, dealer, driver, killer, stealer, worshipper, and looking), and anything belonging to or linked to African Americans (nigger-baby, boy, girl, mouth, feet, preacher, job, love, culture, college, music, etc).
Nigger is the ultimate American insult; it is used to offend other ethnic groups. Jews are called White-niggers; Arabs, sand-niggers; Japanese, yellow-niggers. Americans created a racial hierarchy with Whites at the top and Blacks at the bottom. In biology, heredity refers to the transference of biological characteristics from a parent organism to offspring. The word, nigger, speaks to the human heredity of Black people.
Defining which characteristics of a person are due to heredity and which are due to environmental influences is often a controversial discussion (the nature versus nurture debate), especially regarding intelligence and race.The hierarchy was set up by an ideology that justified the use of deceit, exploitation, and intimidation to keep Blacks "in their place." Every major societal establishment offered legitimacy to the racial hierarchy. Ministers preached that God was White and had condemned Blacks to be servants. Scientists measured Black skulls, brains, faces, and genitalia, seeking to prove that Whites were genetically superior to Blacks. White teachers, teaching only White students, taught that Blacks were less evolved cognitively, psychologically, socially, etc.
I believe that Blacks and African-Americans who use the word nigger, even as a term of endearment, are unknowingly helping to perpetuate all the negative and derogatory feelings that the word has carried with it for over 200 years. Think about it, Jews don't call themselves Beanies, nor do Hispanics refer to themselves as wetbacks, Asian musicians don't use the word Chink in their music, and Italians don't use the word WOP as a term of endearment for eachother. So my question is this: Why do we as African-Americans feel that we are so undeserving of respect that we use this word and help it thrive?
When Black rappers, singers, and other entertainers use this word and try to "legitimize" the word, they are not just saying it's okay for African-Americans to say nigga (no matter how you spell it, say it, or write it, it is still the same) they also make it okay for others to use the word as well. Hispanics, Asians, and Whites use the word now figuring that it is okay because of how embedded it is in American pop culture thanks to rap. How many times have you heard Hispanic rappers or people like Tila Tequila use nigga? A lot. I know, listen to music all the time. I am not trying to demonize anyone or call anyone outside of the Black race who uses nigga a racist, but I am just trying to make a point: others say it because WE say it! Early rap was both empowering and progressive. They saw the danger that lie in allowing nigga in. Groups like Sugar Hill Gang and Public Enemy both had songs trying to encourage Blacks not to fall for the, "let's take a word that has traditionally been used against us and use it for us" trick. Look at these lyrics by Public Enemy for example:
I Dont Wanna Be Called Yo Nigga
Yo! ho! yo nigga! yo nigga! no nigga!
Check it out
How can you say to me yo my nigga
Cursin' up a storm with your finger on a trigger
Feelin' all the girls like a big gold digger
Take a small problem Make a small problem bigger
Yo I ain't poor I got dough
Don't consider me your brother no more
Goddamn kilogram how do you figure
I don't want to be called yo nigga Yo nigga Hey Yo nigga
I try to make my statements Stick like flypaper
Judge says to me yo nigga sign these goddamn papers
My boss told me yo nigga you're fired
Yo nigga this, yo nigga that
I know you're a nigga now 'cause your head got fat Flava framalama
boy you won't figure
I don't wanna be called yo nigga Yo nigga
Break it down N.I.G.G.E.R.
Nigga
Everybody sayin' it Everybody playin' it rolling on the scales
'Cause everybody's weighin' it Toby say yo I be good nigga Let me get a shovel make a good digger I don't care how small or bigger I don't want to be called yo nigga Yo nigga...
Now, I have had the unfortunate luck of having a few White people who I thought were my good friends, get angry at me and call me a NIGGER to my face. That is a horrible experience, and to anyone who has never experienced that, I hope you never have to because it's soul crushing. I was of course very angry, saddened, and heartbroken that even in the new millennium with how far we have come as a society with regard to race relations and having a half Black President elected, that people could still secretly think that way and feel that to say such a thing is acceptable. But then after I cooled down and I sat down and thought about it, I said to myself, can you really say that it's all their fault? The word nigga is used so loosley that to make that jump from the -ga ending to the -er ending is really not that big of a deal. That is the part that I really hate.
The history of the word nigger is often traced to the Latin word niger, meaning Black. This word became the noun, Negro (Black person) in English, and simply the color Black in Spanish and Portuguese. In early modern French, niger became negre and, later, negress (Black woman) was unmistakably a part of language history. One can compare to negre the derogatory nigger and earlier English substitutes such as negar, neegar, neger, and niggor that developed into its lexico-semantic true version in English. It is probable that nigger is a phonetic spelling of the White Southern mispronunciation of Negro.
No matter what its origins, by the early 1800s, it was firmly established as a derogative name. In the 21st century, it remains a principal term of White racism, regardless of who is using it. Social scientists agree that words like nigger, kike, spic, and wetback come from three categories: disparaging nicknames (chink, dago, nigger); explicit group devaluations ("Jew him down" or "niggering the land"); and irrelevant ethnic names used as a mild disparagement ("jewbird" for cuckoos having prominent beaks or "Irish confetti" for bricks thrown in a fight.)
Over time, racial slurs have victimized all racial and ethnic groups; but no American group has endured as many racial nicknames as Blacks: coon, tom, savage, pickaninny, mammy, buck, samba, jigaboo, and buckwheat are some. Many of these slurs became fully traditional pseudo-scientific, literary, cinematic, and everyday distortions of African Americans. These caricatures, whether spoken, written, or reproduced in media and material objects, reflect the extent, the vast network, of anti-Black prejudice.
The word, nigger, carries with it much of the hatred and disgust directed toward Black Africans and African Americans. Historically, nigger defined, limited, made fun of, and ridiculed all Blacks. It was a term of exclusion, a verbal reason for discrimination. Whether used as a noun, verb, or adjective, it strengthened the stereotype of the lazy, stupid, dirty, worthless nobody. No other American surname carries as much purposeful cruelty. The following list is important information on the word's use and meaning:
Naggers: Acting in a lazy and irresponsible manner.
Niggerlipping: wetting the end of a cigarette while smoking it.
Niggerlover: Derogatory term aimed at Whites lacking in the necessary loathing of Blacks. Nigger luck: Exceptionally, but undeserved good luck.
Nigger-flicker: A small knife or razor with one side heavily taped to preserve the user's fingers. Nigger heaven: Designated places, usually the balcony, where Blacks were forced to sit, for example, in an integrated movie theater or church.
Nigger knocker: Axe handle or weapon made from an axe handle.
Nigger rich: Deeply in debt but flamboyant.
Nigger shooter: A slingshot.
Nigger steak: A slice of liver or a cheap piece of meat.
Nigger stick: Police officer's baton.
Nigger tip: Leaving a small tip or no tip in a restaurant.
Nigger in the woodpile: A concealed motive or unknown factor affecting a situation in an adverse way.
Nigger work: Demeaning, menial tasks.
Nigger (as a word) is also used to describe a dark shade of color (nigger-brown, nigger-Black), the status of Whites that mix together with Blacks (nigger-breaker, dealer, driver, killer, stealer, worshipper, and looking), and anything belonging to or linked to African Americans (nigger-baby, boy, girl, mouth, feet, preacher, job, love, culture, college, music, etc).
Nigger is the ultimate American insult; it is used to offend other ethnic groups. Jews are called White-niggers; Arabs, sand-niggers; Japanese, yellow-niggers. Americans created a racial hierarchy with Whites at the top and Blacks at the bottom. In biology, heredity refers to the transference of biological characteristics from a parent organism to offspring. The word, nigger, speaks to the human heredity of Black people.
Defining which characteristics of a person are due to heredity and which are due to environmental influences is often a controversial discussion (the nature versus nurture debate), especially regarding intelligence and race.The hierarchy was set up by an ideology that justified the use of deceit, exploitation, and intimidation to keep Blacks "in their place." Every major societal establishment offered legitimacy to the racial hierarchy. Ministers preached that God was White and had condemned Blacks to be servants. Scientists measured Black skulls, brains, faces, and genitalia, seeking to prove that Whites were genetically superior to Blacks. White teachers, teaching only White students, taught that Blacks were less evolved cognitively, psychologically, socially, etc.
I believe that Blacks and African-Americans who use the word nigger, even as a term of endearment, are unknowingly helping to perpetuate all the negative and derogatory feelings that the word has carried with it for over 200 years. Think about it, Jews don't call themselves Beanies, nor do Hispanics refer to themselves as wetbacks, Asian musicians don't use the word Chink in their music, and Italians don't use the word WOP as a term of endearment for eachother. So my question is this: Why do we as African-Americans feel that we are so undeserving of respect that we use this word and help it thrive?
When Black rappers, singers, and other entertainers use this word and try to "legitimize" the word, they are not just saying it's okay for African-Americans to say nigga (no matter how you spell it, say it, or write it, it is still the same) they also make it okay for others to use the word as well. Hispanics, Asians, and Whites use the word now figuring that it is okay because of how embedded it is in American pop culture thanks to rap. How many times have you heard Hispanic rappers or people like Tila Tequila use nigga? A lot. I know, listen to music all the time. I am not trying to demonize anyone or call anyone outside of the Black race who uses nigga a racist, but I am just trying to make a point: others say it because WE say it! Early rap was both empowering and progressive. They saw the danger that lie in allowing nigga in. Groups like Sugar Hill Gang and Public Enemy both had songs trying to encourage Blacks not to fall for the, "let's take a word that has traditionally been used against us and use it for us" trick. Look at these lyrics by Public Enemy for example:
I Dont Wanna Be Called Yo Nigga
Yo! ho! yo nigga! yo nigga! no nigga!
Check it out
How can you say to me yo my nigga
Cursin' up a storm with your finger on a trigger
Feelin' all the girls like a big gold digger
Take a small problem Make a small problem bigger
Yo I ain't poor I got dough
Don't consider me your brother no more
Goddamn kilogram how do you figure
I don't want to be called yo nigga Yo nigga Hey Yo nigga
I try to make my statements Stick like flypaper
Judge says to me yo nigga sign these goddamn papers
My boss told me yo nigga you're fired
Yo nigga this, yo nigga that
I know you're a nigga now 'cause your head got fat Flava framalama
boy you won't figure
I don't wanna be called yo nigga Yo nigga
Break it down N.I.G.G.E.R.
Nigga
Everybody sayin' it Everybody playin' it rolling on the scales
'Cause everybody's weighin' it Toby say yo I be good nigga Let me get a shovel make a good digger I don't care how small or bigger I don't want to be called yo nigga Yo nigga...
Now, I have had the unfortunate luck of having a few White people who I thought were my good friends, get angry at me and call me a NIGGER to my face. That is a horrible experience, and to anyone who has never experienced that, I hope you never have to because it's soul crushing. I was of course very angry, saddened, and heartbroken that even in the new millennium with how far we have come as a society with regard to race relations and having a half Black President elected, that people could still secretly think that way and feel that to say such a thing is acceptable. But then after I cooled down and I sat down and thought about it, I said to myself, can you really say that it's all their fault? The word nigga is used so loosley that to make that jump from the -ga ending to the -er ending is really not that big of a deal. That is the part that I really hate.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Big Business Can Suck It!
I am so fucking sick of big corporations and businesses trying to tax, charge, and fine the life out of hard-working Americans just to try to make up for the losses in profit that they have suffered in this economic downturn. In reality, their "losses" are really their fucking fault! They misuse funds to buy unnecessary shit and perks for the top executives (i.e. a new company jet) and outsource jobs, which both of these actions come back around to bite them in the ass later. They deserve to go under! And I don't think every company that threatens to go bankrupt should get Government money either (tax payer money $). I understand that we can't let too many big businesses sink or get bought out by foreign investors/buyers, but c'mon, we can't sink our economy further in debt for them either. It's worst than a catch 22!
Now back to why I wrote this blog to begin with. This morning AT&T shut off my phone because of a past due balance. We had been refusing to pay because they said we owe them $1,614.00! First off, we never make long calls before 7pm (it's free from 7PM-7AM), and it doesn't really matter anyways because all of our friends and family have AT&T, so it's free for us to talk to them ANYTIME! We also have unlimited texts and Internet use, so please fucking tell me where all these extra charges are coming from! It also said I had made calls to Alaska and Hawaii-wtf? Anyways, after my mom calling and talking to them for 2 1/2 hours, they finally concluded that there had been some sort of "mix up"(really?!), and that they would credit $1,400.00 back to our account and we only owe the remaining $214.00. That was a blessing (although they still couldn't tell us how they had reached that astronomical number to begin with-go figure). Why couldn't they send us that bill to begin with?!
We were lucky this time, but there have been many times (especially in the past year) where we had to pay big for their unethical decisions and mistakes of companies we are clients of. Most times people don't catch a break. I just wanna know why? Why do we have to waste a whole morning on the phone and yell and argue and bicker with sales reps just to get them to do right by people trying to make a living?What has happened to our world where all people care about anymore is the "almighty dollar?" I swear, corporations need to have a federal watch dog committee over them where consumers can report the corporations to the committee when they need to contest something, or when the consumers feel that they have been treated unfairly. There needs to be something like a huge customer service department for big business. That would be so beneficial and awesome.
Now back to why I wrote this blog to begin with. This morning AT&T shut off my phone because of a past due balance. We had been refusing to pay because they said we owe them $1,614.00! First off, we never make long calls before 7pm (it's free from 7PM-7AM), and it doesn't really matter anyways because all of our friends and family have AT&T, so it's free for us to talk to them ANYTIME! We also have unlimited texts and Internet use, so please fucking tell me where all these extra charges are coming from! It also said I had made calls to Alaska and Hawaii-wtf? Anyways, after my mom calling and talking to them for 2 1/2 hours, they finally concluded that there had been some sort of "mix up"(really?!), and that they would credit $1,400.00 back to our account and we only owe the remaining $214.00. That was a blessing (although they still couldn't tell us how they had reached that astronomical number to begin with-go figure). Why couldn't they send us that bill to begin with?!
We were lucky this time, but there have been many times (especially in the past year) where we had to pay big for their unethical decisions and mistakes of companies we are clients of. Most times people don't catch a break. I just wanna know why? Why do we have to waste a whole morning on the phone and yell and argue and bicker with sales reps just to get them to do right by people trying to make a living?What has happened to our world where all people care about anymore is the "almighty dollar?" I swear, corporations need to have a federal watch dog committee over them where consumers can report the corporations to the committee when they need to contest something, or when the consumers feel that they have been treated unfairly. There needs to be something like a huge customer service department for big business. That would be so beneficial and awesome.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
A poem by one of my favorite writers
I love Emerson's writing because of his writing style and his ideals. He was pretty much the center of the Transcendental movement (http://tiny.cc/E8XaR ) In his lifetime, Ralph Waldo Emerson became the most widely known man of letters in America, establishing himself as a prolific poet, essayist, popular lecturer, and an advocate of social reforms who was nevertheless suspicious of reform and reformers. What a lot of people don't know about him is that he was an abolitionists also who worked to make sure that every man, woman, and child in America could enjoy freedom. Emerson's reputation was one of a well-respected family man of stringent moral values and also as a phenomenal and dedicated writer.
His role as an abolitionist came late in his life, probably because as a Unitarian Minister he was reluctant to attach himself to such a volatile issue, and also because he was wary of labels. "After long resisting attempts by reformers to gain his support for various social issues, Emerson became a fervent advocate in the 1850's for abolitionism, though his efforts were too late and too local to make him a national leader. "( Baym, et al, 320). However, Emerson had strong feelings regarding the rights of personal freedom in every man, and ultimately close abolitionist friends like Orestes Brownson, Theodore Parker, and William Channing who encouraged him to voice his opinion.
He spoke out about the Fugitive Slave Law, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the execution of John Brown. “Bronson Alcott reports that upon first hearing the news of Brown's revolt Emerson said little, and adds “it seemed to be a painful subject to him.” His first written comments on the event are contained in a letter to his son dated October 23, 1859: "We are all very well, in spite of the sad Harper's Ferry business, which interests us all who had Brown for our guest twice…He is a true hero, but lost his head there.” (Goodwin, 157). As Emerson wrote: "I think we must get rid of slavery or we must get rid of freedom.... If you put a chain around the neck of a slave, the other end fastens itself around your own."
My selected poem:
Rubbies
by: Ralph Waldo Emerson
They brought me rubies from the mine,
And held them to the sun;
I said, they are drops of frozen wine
From Eden's vats that run.
I looked again,--I thought them hearts
Of friends to friends unknown;
Tides that should warm each neighboring life
Are locked in sparkling stone.
But fire to thaw that ruddy snow,
To break enchanted ice, And give love's scarlet tides to flow,--
When shall that sun arise?
His role as an abolitionist came late in his life, probably because as a Unitarian Minister he was reluctant to attach himself to such a volatile issue, and also because he was wary of labels. "After long resisting attempts by reformers to gain his support for various social issues, Emerson became a fervent advocate in the 1850's for abolitionism, though his efforts were too late and too local to make him a national leader. "( Baym, et al, 320). However, Emerson had strong feelings regarding the rights of personal freedom in every man, and ultimately close abolitionist friends like Orestes Brownson, Theodore Parker, and William Channing who encouraged him to voice his opinion.
He spoke out about the Fugitive Slave Law, the Kansas-Nebraska Act, and the execution of John Brown. “Bronson Alcott reports that upon first hearing the news of Brown's revolt Emerson said little, and adds “it seemed to be a painful subject to him.” His first written comments on the event are contained in a letter to his son dated October 23, 1859: "We are all very well, in spite of the sad Harper's Ferry business, which interests us all who had Brown for our guest twice…He is a true hero, but lost his head there.” (Goodwin, 157). As Emerson wrote: "I think we must get rid of slavery or we must get rid of freedom.... If you put a chain around the neck of a slave, the other end fastens itself around your own."
My selected poem:
Rubbies
by: Ralph Waldo Emerson
They brought me rubies from the mine,
And held them to the sun;
I said, they are drops of frozen wine
From Eden's vats that run.
I looked again,--I thought them hearts
Of friends to friends unknown;
Tides that should warm each neighboring life
Are locked in sparkling stone.
But fire to thaw that ruddy snow,
To break enchanted ice, And give love's scarlet tides to flow,--
When shall that sun arise?
Seriously?!?
Wtf?! Why is Oto still texting me and asking when am I coming to visit him? I thought that me telling him that we were over, never to call or contact me again, and hanging up on him two days ago made it pretty clear! I guess not only does he not know how to treat a lady, but he doesn't know how to take a hint either. I am just ignoring the crazy texts for now, and if they preceed, I will then call the phone company and have his number blocked. :)
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Nacho Girlfriend...Not Anymore At Least
So, after a huge fight via phone last night, over him being so demanding and me apparently being a liar, I broke up with my boyfriend of one month. I was feeling so liberated and free all the way up to 11:30AM this morning, which was when I noticed he had called and left a message. Now, I was extremely surprised to see that he had called, because after last night he told me that he didn't want to hear from me again. He said he was done and wasn't go to call me again...ever. I figured we were over and done with after last night's conversation. Him never speaking to me again lasted all of, oh, 10 hours (unfortunately). Anyways, I called him back when I saw he called (partly out of curiosity about his sudden change of heart and partly because if you don't answer that asshole keeps calling. I swear he's like a stalker sometimes).
When he picked up he then told me that he didn't call (I obviously knew he was lying because it said he called at 7:11AM on 6/7/09). He then asked me why I broke up with him? Let me remind you that last night he told me that he didn't want to hear from me again and that he was done with me (I was like, are you suffering from amnesia buddy?). I broke up with him because I couldn't be the girl he wanted me to be nor did I want to. I don't have sex until marriage, and I sure as hell am not going to do it with you after knowing you for only a month. Hello, I'm 22 and still a virgin. So you thought I waited for 22 years to do it in one month?! I also don't like someone else trying to raise me. My parents taught me what I need to know as far as manners, behavior, mores, norms, etc. Kthxbye!
I also didn't like the role he gave his friends in our relationship-they went way beyond just being supportive of their friend. They like always tried to intimidate and guilt trip me into giving in to their friend's (my boyfriend's) desires. Really weird, and as creepy as it is lame. Obviously, me being the strong-willed bitch that I am, I fought tooth and nail with my boyfriend and his friends over it. NOBODY pushes me around and tries forcing me to do something I don't want to! Bitches. I don't conform for any relationship either. He then begins to tell me how I misread his intentions and words and how he didn't say or do anything that I was accusing him of (typical guy shit). I am definitely not a fan of the crazy making tactic (a tactic abusing men use to try to make a woman feel as though her claims and accusations are made up and imaginary-just all in her head. They try to make you think that you are crazy to say what you are saying and you have no legitimate complaint. It's a way of controlling you).
By this point, I had already heard enough and was about to introduce him to my new man Tone (dial tone that is), until he said that he feels like we were meant to be together and I can't stop fate. Huh?!? He asked me when was I coming to see him. I was obviously like never. He then preceded to tell me that we HAVE to be in a relationship and weren't meant to be broken up. He said that I am his angel and I can't just walk out on him like this and that I HAVE to be with him. He said that is friend who was a pastor said that me and him are soul mates. He also said it was God's destiny for us to be together....um, yea. God must have forgotten to give ME that message.
Now I was pissed, creeped out, and finna get real rude on his ass. I told him EVERYTHING I thought of him, his friends, his crazy ass beliefs, his language, his country, his courting practices, and his place in relation to me. You wouldn't have wanted to be on the receiving line of the stuff I was saying-trust me you really wouldn't have. I then hung up the phone and said we were done and don't even think about trying to get back together with me. I hadn't been that angry in a loonnng time. But that's what happens when you keep pushing someone; you eventually push them away. After that major fall out I totally understood why I had shied away from relationships for so damn long. Must I always meet the crazies?!
I AM SO MOVING ON
Anyways, my ring bases finally came in yesterday (although she shorted me one *ugh!*) and I got to make some really cool and cute rings:) My momma is going to go sell some for me at her school tomorrow. The teachers really like them. They buy them for their little girls to wear, and they weare them themselves sometimes lol. I make Kawaii jewelry. I don't know if I mentioned that before. I am signing off now and going to bed soon. Oh, Pookie, our family's new Chihuahua, is an absoulute doll and I so love her!
When he picked up he then told me that he didn't call (I obviously knew he was lying because it said he called at 7:11AM on 6/7/09). He then asked me why I broke up with him? Let me remind you that last night he told me that he didn't want to hear from me again and that he was done with me (I was like, are you suffering from amnesia buddy?). I broke up with him because I couldn't be the girl he wanted me to be nor did I want to. I don't have sex until marriage, and I sure as hell am not going to do it with you after knowing you for only a month. Hello, I'm 22 and still a virgin. So you thought I waited for 22 years to do it in one month?! I also don't like someone else trying to raise me. My parents taught me what I need to know as far as manners, behavior, mores, norms, etc. Kthxbye!
I also didn't like the role he gave his friends in our relationship-they went way beyond just being supportive of their friend. They like always tried to intimidate and guilt trip me into giving in to their friend's (my boyfriend's) desires. Really weird, and as creepy as it is lame. Obviously, me being the strong-willed bitch that I am, I fought tooth and nail with my boyfriend and his friends over it. NOBODY pushes me around and tries forcing me to do something I don't want to! Bitches. I don't conform for any relationship either. He then begins to tell me how I misread his intentions and words and how he didn't say or do anything that I was accusing him of (typical guy shit). I am definitely not a fan of the crazy making tactic (a tactic abusing men use to try to make a woman feel as though her claims and accusations are made up and imaginary-just all in her head. They try to make you think that you are crazy to say what you are saying and you have no legitimate complaint. It's a way of controlling you).
By this point, I had already heard enough and was about to introduce him to my new man Tone (dial tone that is), until he said that he feels like we were meant to be together and I can't stop fate. Huh?!? He asked me when was I coming to see him. I was obviously like never. He then preceded to tell me that we HAVE to be in a relationship and weren't meant to be broken up. He said that I am his angel and I can't just walk out on him like this and that I HAVE to be with him. He said that is friend who was a pastor said that me and him are soul mates. He also said it was God's destiny for us to be together....um, yea. God must have forgotten to give ME that message.
Now I was pissed, creeped out, and finna get real rude on his ass. I told him EVERYTHING I thought of him, his friends, his crazy ass beliefs, his language, his country, his courting practices, and his place in relation to me. You wouldn't have wanted to be on the receiving line of the stuff I was saying-trust me you really wouldn't have. I then hung up the phone and said we were done and don't even think about trying to get back together with me. I hadn't been that angry in a loonnng time. But that's what happens when you keep pushing someone; you eventually push them away. After that major fall out I totally understood why I had shied away from relationships for so damn long. Must I always meet the crazies?!
I AM SO MOVING ON
Anyways, my ring bases finally came in yesterday (although she shorted me one *ugh!*) and I got to make some really cool and cute rings:) My momma is going to go sell some for me at her school tomorrow. The teachers really like them. They buy them for their little girls to wear, and they weare them themselves sometimes lol. I make Kawaii jewelry. I don't know if I mentioned that before. I am signing off now and going to bed soon. Oh, Pookie, our family's new Chihuahua, is an absoulute doll and I so love her!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Where the Side Walk Ends
I was in a bad mood when I first logged on to write this blog. I was hurt and angry about the way I am being treated by someone very close and dear to me. I was originally going to spew words of anger and animosity in this entry, but then I thought of something that could make me feel even better than venting, something that is way nicer too. Don't get me wrong, angry venting has its place. It can really help a person shed light on what it really bothering them while helping them to get negative feelings out too. But sometimes you have to find a way to do something that will make you feel better in another way. Something that will make you laugh and smile:)
I remember when I was a child, I used to love to read Shel Silverstein's poems and books. I loved his poems especially. They always made me smile and giggle. So whenever I was down, having a bad day, angry, or sad, I would pick up one of his books and I would begin to read. Silverstein's charming words and stories, which usually always had a good message for people to take away from them, were a better cheerer-upper than any chocolate ice-cream cone or extra hour of TV time ever could be. The poem below is from Silverstein's "Where the Sidewalk Ends." Tonight I needed cherring up and I thought back on my old childhood ritual and reverted back to it. This poem made me smile tonight. I hope it does the same for you too.
Hug O'War from the book "Where the Sidewalk Ends" (1974)
I will not play at tug o' war.
I'd rather play at hug o' war,
Where everyone hugs
Instead of tugs,
Where everyone giggles
And rolls on the rug,
Where everyone kisses,
And everyone grins,
And everyone cuddles,
And everyone wins.
I remember when I was a child, I used to love to read Shel Silverstein's poems and books. I loved his poems especially. They always made me smile and giggle. So whenever I was down, having a bad day, angry, or sad, I would pick up one of his books and I would begin to read. Silverstein's charming words and stories, which usually always had a good message for people to take away from them, were a better cheerer-upper than any chocolate ice-cream cone or extra hour of TV time ever could be. The poem below is from Silverstein's "Where the Sidewalk Ends." Tonight I needed cherring up and I thought back on my old childhood ritual and reverted back to it. This poem made me smile tonight. I hope it does the same for you too.
Hug O'War from the book "Where the Sidewalk Ends" (1974)
I will not play at tug o' war.
I'd rather play at hug o' war,
Where everyone hugs
Instead of tugs,
Where everyone giggles
And rolls on the rug,
Where everyone kisses,
And everyone grins,
And everyone cuddles,
And everyone wins.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Do Not Disturb
I really wish I had more privacy in this house. For goodness sake's, this house has 5 bedrooms, 2 recreational rooms, a foyer, a family room, a balcony, and huge ass patio; do you really always have to be all up under me and in my business like you always are? Just saying.
Pookie-Bella is Here!!
Today I picked up my dog from the vet at 1PM (they didn't have her paperwork processed by 9AM like originally planned), and she is just the absolute cutest thing! I love her! I am so excited! We adopted her from the animal shelter. Oh yea, I forgot to tell you, she's not a he like we originally thought lol! The shelter called us back and said that they had her file wrong. She's a girlie. But that was of course a minor detail to me because I was just happy to have a pet doggie and I didn't care what sex it was or wasn't. Anyway, you might be wondering about her name. Me, my momma, and sister wanted to name her Bella, but my daddy who picked the dog out wanted to name her Pookie. So we compromised by just hyphenating the two names. And here she is America:
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