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Sunday, February 28, 2010

WORST PAIN


Have you ever thought about pain? What is the worst pain you have ever felt?

There are many different kinds of pain: physical pain (of the body), mental pain (sometimes called anguish), spiritual pain (a possible loss of faith), heartache pain (being severely hurt), but the deepest is soul pain.

There are different depths of pain in each instance. For example:

PHYSICAL PAIN - the minor pain of a paper cut, a bump causing a small bruise, or the clipping of a cuticle too close - to the pain of a severe bodily injury that results in many months of healing and rehabilitation.

MENTAL PAIN - from minor worry to total anguish over a severe situation or circumstance.

SPIRITUAL PAIN - when something happens to make you feel abandoned, forgotten, and hopeless no matter how much you believe or pray.

HEARTACHE PAIN - from the pain of a girl/boy-friend breakup, the loss of a friend after an argument or death, a divorce, to the death of a spouse/mother/father.

SOUL PAIN - is the deepest, longest lasting, gut-renching, all encompassing turmoil of them all. It includes and involves all of the above types of pain rolled into one, magnified an infinite number of times. It is a mother’s loss of an adult child.

Soul pain starts with heartache at the depth of feeling, the love of a child given freely. Love is started during pregnancy, blooms after birth, grows during the childhood and nurturing, to unfold into total devotion and unconditional love in the transition of teen into the adulthood phase and beyond. It continues to grow each day over time. For example, 38 years.

The loss just starts as heartache, then moves into total mental anguish as the reality sets in. The mental anguish also conjuncts spiritual pain as the wonder of it becomes more thought provoking. The heartache leading to mental anguish and spiritual pain can then lead to physical pain (such as being unable to get up, the loss of will to move limbs, etc.). Medical professionals have proven that physical pain can be manifested through or by heartache, mental anguish and/or spiritual pain.

The highest worldly plane of pain - is soul pain. It is the worst ache, pain or discomfort in the heart, mind, and body that reaches into every fiber of a being, down deep into the very soul of the human existence.

To me, the loss of a 39 year old son is the absolute epitome of soul pain. To have a very close mother/son bond that grew stronger over time, to have that bond destroyed - is soul pain. It is like attending its funeral, the death of the bond, the relationship, the mother-son connection being forever broken - is soul pain. It reaches into the depth of your being and rips it apart, shredding your heart, tearing your soul from your body.

Soul pain is the kind that never heals. It is forever with you, in your mind, in your heart, and in your being. The birth or bond is a reason for living. The destruction of the bond or the loss which causes the soul pain can be a reason for dying. My soul no longer lives. I will forever grieve.

Saturday, February 27, 2010

ONE LAW SAVED

Today President Barack Obama signed the one-year extension of the Patriot Act, which would have expired tomorrow.

"Three sections of the Patriot Act that stay in force will:

--Authorize court-approved roving wiretaps that permit surveillance on multiple phones.

--Allow court-approved seizure of records and property in anti-terrorism operations.

--Permit surveillance against a so-called lone wolf, a non-U.S. citizen engaged in terrorism who may not be part of a recognized terrorist group.

Obama's signature comes after the House voted 315 to 97 Thursday to extend the measure."

I wonder which 97 Representatives voted against anti-terrorism for America? Which Representatives are anti-American? We should look that up...its all online.

"The Senate also approved the measure, with privacy protections cast aside when Senate Democrats lacked the necessary 60-vote supermajority to pass them. Thrown away were restrictions and greater scrutiny on the government's authority to spy on Americans and seize their records."

Does that mean that the Senate Republicans are anti-American now too, as well as filibuster happy? The Republicans are on a roll...they are now obstructing almost ALL government actions in this country.

But, I guess that also means that our Google searches are safe!

BLUE JEANS vs. YOUR PRIVACY

There's a record of some personal information about EVERY internet user in the world - where else but in CALIFORNIA.

Ask yourself this: What company employs thousands of people who can wear blue jeans to work, can have a massage at work if they get stressed, get exotic free lunches daily, can go to the gym to workout anytime (at work), and also knows a LOT of personal information about every internet user in the world?

The answer is two young college students, who in 1998 had the idea for an internet search engine known as GOOGLE. The two computer-savy men are worth 15 BILLION dollars EACH today. In 2008, Google made a PROFIT of 4 billion dollars, because over 2 billion searches are done in the world on Google DAILY. It employs engineers and technicians who have helped build an idea into one of the wealthiest companies in the world.

Two-thirds of all web searches are done on Google. Other search engines are available on the web, such as Ask.com, AOL, Yahoo, InfoSearch, and many others, and the newest is Bing from Microsoft.

Google has many products and features, such as Google AdWords (their advertising application), GMail, an Android driven cell phone, YouTube, and many, many more. Just go to Google.com to see what I mean. A 34-year old woman, who started out with the two college grad-students in 1998, is called the "keeper of the look" making sure the homepage for Google is kept simple, clean, easy and fast to use. She is also now very rich!

Google gets thousands of subpoenas each year from lawyers or courts for copies of people's internet search records for lawsuits, because of The Patriot Act signed by President George W. Bush. The Patriot Act gives the government access to Google data.

I watched the show "Inside The Mind Of Google" on CNBC to learn these interesting facts. What you search for (a search query) tells a lot about a person, and each item is linked to a specific IP address (your personal computer's address on the web). Google technicians use their "log of searches" from their servers to upgrade and refine their searches to make their product better.

The GOOD NEWS is that after 18 months, your PERSONAL internet searches are no longer identifiable by IP address and are transferred to the "anonymous" bank of information within their servers and can no longer be tracked to any person or computer.

If you want to see what I mean and learn for yourself more details of the operation of Google, view the following video, as seen on CNBC. It's FREE.













Friday, February 26, 2010

FROG OR PRINCESS?



An engineer was crossing a road one day when a frog called out to him and said, “If you kiss me, I’ll turn into a beautiful princess.” He bent over, picked up the frog and put it in his pocket.

The frog spoke up again and said, “If you kiss me and turn me back into a beautiful princess, I will stay with you for one year.” The engineer took the frog out of his pocket, smiled at it and returned it to his pocket. The frog then cried out, “If you kiss me and turn me back into a princess, I’ll stay with you and do ANYTHING you want.”

Again the engineer took the frog out, smiled at it and put it back into his pocket. Finally, the frog asked, “What is the matter? I’ve told you I’m a beautiful princess, and that I’ll stay with you for a year and do anything you want. Why won’t you kiss me?”

The engineer said, “Look, I’m an engineer. I don’t have time for a girlfriend, but a talking frog, now that’s cool.”

SHE WON AN RV


A blond goes into a restaurant and notices there’s a “peel and win!” sticker on her coffee cup. So she’s peels it off and starts screaming, “I’ve won a motor home! I’ve won a motor home!” The waitress says, “That’s impossible, I’m sorry but the biggest prize is a free lunch.”

But the blond keeps screaming, “I’ve won a motor home! I’ve won a motor home!”

Finally the manager comes over and says, “Ma’am, I’m sorry, but you’re mistaken. You couldn’t possibly have won a motor home because we didn’t have that as a prize!”

The blond says, “No it’s not a mistake. I’ve won a motor home!” She hands the ticket to the restaurant’s manager and he reads… (Get ready for this…)

“W I N A B A G E L”

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

SNOW AND CARROTS


Our area has been hit with the biggest snow storm in a long time. Whether you like Buckeye Chuck or Punxsutawney Phil, they are usually right, because we always seem to have six more weeks of winter after February 2nd each year.

The reality of life sets in, grabs a foothold on our schedules, travel plans, school functions, events, meetings, and work activities. The inevitability of winter has taken hold in a big way. Some streets are last on the list to get plowed, some driveways go unshoveled.

Someday, somehow, in spite of the snow, you will have to get to the grocery store for supplies. So be sure to practice the scouts’ motto - BE PREPARED. Check your car’s windshield wipers, washer fluid, battery cables, tires, heater, and keep the gas tank full. Vehicle preventative maintenance is always best when preparing for a major storm. The items to be kept in a vehicle during winter weather are a blanket, flashlight, and water; and remember to take your cell phone wherever you go. These things could come in handy in an emergency on the road.

As the snow builds up on the streets, some jobs slow down, some go into overtime. The stores may not have as many shoppers because they can’t get out of the driveway, but snow plow workers are working so many extra hours. Law enforcement personnel go into overdrive to keep up with the multitude of accidents and incidents due to the weather.

Bad weather is a powerful force, and no matter what the age we are, it’s time to slow down and have proper respect for Mother Nature. Take your time on the roads, be courteous to other drivers, and be respectful of your family.

At the rate the snow has fallen in this area, it was a great opportunity to get outside with the kids/grandkids, breathe some fresh air and pause for a “snowman moment.” Find sticks for arms, a scarf for the neck, an old hat for his head, and maybe bottle caps for eyes. But, the old frozen-man would not be complete without a carrot nose. After all, he needs to breathe that fresh air too!

TWO PENGUINS


A man drives to a gas station and has his tank filled up. The gas-pumper spots two penguins sitting in the back seat of the car. He asks the driver, “What’s up with the penguins in the back seat?”

The man in the car says “I found them. I’ve been trying to figure out what to do with them, but haven’t a clue.”

The clerk ponders a bit then says, “You should really take them to the zoo.”

“Hey, that’s a good idea,” says the man in the car and drives away.

The next day the man with the car is back at the same gas station. The clerk sees the penguins are still in the back seat of the car.

“Hey, they’re still here! I thought you were going to take them to the zoo.”

“Oh, I did,” says the driver, “And we had a great time. Today I am taking them to the beach.”

Monday, February 15, 2010

LONE RANGER


The Lone Ranger was ambushed and captured by an enemy Indian war party.

The Indian Chief proclaims, “So, you are the great Lone Ranger. In honor of the Harvest Festival, you will be executed in three days. But, before I kill you, I will grant you three requests. What is your first request?”

The Lone Ranger responds, “I’d like to speak to my horse.” The Chief nods and Silver is brought before the Lone Ranger, who whispers in Silver’s ear and the horse gallops away. Later that evening, Silver returns with a beautiful blond woman on his back. As the Indian Chief watches, the blond enters the Lone Ranger’s tent and spends the night.

The next morning the Indian Chief admits he’s impressed. “You have a very fine and loyal horse but I will still kill you in two days. What is your second request?” The Lone Ranger again asks to speak to his horse. Silver is brought to him, and he again whispers in the horse’s ear. As before, Silver takes off across the plains and disappears over the horizon.

Later that evening, to the Chief’s surprise, Silver again returns, this time with a brunette, even more attractive than the blond. She enters the Lone Ranger’s tent and spends the night.

The following morning the Indian Chief is again impressed. “You are indeed a man of many talents but I still kill you tomorrow. What is your last request?” The Lone Ranger responds, “I’d like to speak to my horse, alone.”

The Chief is curious but he agrees and Silver is brought to the Lone Ranger’s tent. Once they’re alone, the Lone Ranger grabs Silver by both ears, looks him square in the eye and says, “Listen very carefully you dumb ass horse. For the last time . . . BRING POSSEEEE!!!!”

Saturday, February 13, 2010

TWO

GENIE CAN'T HEAR


A guy walks into a bar with a shoe box and a lamp. The guy sits at the bar and asks for a beer, while he carefully puts the box and the lamp down.

The bartender, hearing music coming out of the shoe box, asks, “what’s in there?” The guy replies, “A small piano player.” “No way, that’s impossible”, the bartender replies.

So the guy opens the box, and sure enough there was a miniature piano player. Now filled with curiosity, the bartender asks, “How on earth did you get that?” The guy calmly explains, “See this lamp here, it’s a genie, but he’s old and a little hard of hearing but he’ll grant you any wish.”

“Get outta here!” exclaimed the bartender. “No really. Go ahead and give it a rub”, the guy says calmly as he takes a sip of beer.

The bartender eagerly rubs the lamp, and poof! a genie appeared. “What is your command master?”, the genie asked. “I want money, lots and lots of money!”, the bartender said excitedly.

The genie said, “So shall it be.” POOF!!! The entire bar was instantly filled with jars of honey. The guy still sitting at the bar, just laughs and says, “I told you he’s hard of hearing! Do you *really* think I’d ask for a 9 inch pianist?”

Friday, February 12, 2010

I OWE MY MOTHER

1. My mother taught me TO APPRECIATE A JOB WELL DONE. “If you’re going to kill each other, do it outside. I just finished cleaning.”
2. My mother taught me RELIGION. “You better pray that will come out of the carpet.”
3. My mother taught me about TIME TRAVEL. “If you don’t straighten up, I’m going to knock you into the middle of next week!”
4. My mother taught me LOGIC. ” Because I said so, that’s why.”
5. My mother taught me MORE LOGIC “If you fall out of that swing and break your neck, you’re not going to the store with me.”
6. My mother taught me FORESIGHT. “Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.”
7. My mother taught me IRONY. “Keep crying, and I’ll give you something to cry about.”
8. My mother taught me about the science of OSMOSIS. “Shut your mouth and eat your supper.”
9. My mot her taught me about CONTORTIONISM. “Will you look at that dirt on the back of your neck!”
10. My mother taught me about STAMINA. “You’ll sit there until all that spinach is gone.”
11. My mother taught me about WEATHER. “This room of yours looks as if a tornado went through it.”
12. My mother taught me about HYPOCRISY. “If I told you once, I’ve told you a million times. Don’t exaggerate!”
13. My mother taught me the CIRCLE OF LIFE. “I brought you into this world, and I can take you out.”
14. My mother taught me about BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION. “Stop acting like your father!”
15. My mother taught me about ENVY. “There are millions of less fortunate children in this world who don’t have wonderful parents like you do.”
16. My mother taught me about ANTICIPATION. “Just wait until we get home.”
17. My mother taught me about RECEIVING.”You are going to get it when you get home!”
18. My mother taught me MEDICAL SCIENCE. “If you don’t stop crossing your eyes, they are going to freeze that way.”
19. My mother taught me ESP. “Put your sweater on; don’t you think I know when you are cold?”
20. My mother taught me HUMOR.”When that lawn mower cuts off your toes, don’t come running to me.”
21. My mother taught me HOW TO BECOME AN ADULT. “If you don’t eat your vegetables, you’ll never grow up.”
22. My mother taught me GENETICS. “You’re just like your father.”
23. My mother taught me about my ROOTS.”Shut that door behind you. Do you think you were born in a barn?”
24. My mother taught me WISDOM. “When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.”
25. And my favorite: My mother taught me about JUSTICE. “One day you’ll have kids, and I hope they turn out just like you!”

ONE

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

TEQUILA AND SALT


1. There are at least two people in this world that you would die for.

2. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way.

3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you.

4. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.

5. Every night, someone thinks about YOU before they go to sleep.

6. You mean the world to someone.

7. You are special and unique.

8. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.

9. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it.

10. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take another look.

11. Always remember the compliments you received. Forget about the rude remarks.


12. I'd rather have one rose and a kind word from a friend than a whole truckload when I'm gone.

13. Good friends are like stars: you don't always see them, but you always know they are there.

14. Happiness keeps you sweet, sorrows keep you human, failures keep you humble, success keeps you glowing, but only love keeps you growing.


And always remember that:

When life hands you lemons, ask for TEQUILA AND SALT and call me over!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

NASTY SCHOOL


I love a good challenge. Sometimes challenges make you figure out a puzzle, or conquer a task that you thought was enormous. The hardest challenge is to fight an entity (corporation or bank) for your rights or standing. It's like the old saying, fighting City Hall, when there's no intelligent life in the building.

Every person born in the United States is issued a Social Security number for two reasons, in my opinion. The first is to identify you from every other person in the country. The second is so big corporations, banks, or entities can treat you as just a number, not a person.

A PERSON can have hardships, obstacles, triumphs, rewards, feelings, explanations and/or truths that make circumstances individual to that person. As a number, entities can treat you with total disrespect, a needle in a haystack, or with downright contempt. The entity sees you as just another number in their computer, with no problems, no feelings, no right to disrupt their neat package you are grouped into in their world.

If you dare have a problem, or you call to get assistance, or challenge a decision, you can get treated with rudeness, stern warnings, threats, or even abuse. You are NOTHING to them, just a number. I am now convinced that some entities have a training class for certain department employees. It's called the "Nasty School" where employees are taught/trained to be rude, obnoxious, unfeeling, uncaring, firm, stern, threatening, and to make you feel like you are just a needle (an insignificant line) in their haystack (on their computer screen).

What happened to the days of Customer Service, when you could actually call the "help line" and get courteous HELP? It's gone forever in the abyss of BIG MONEY and CORPORATE GREED.

Friday, February 5, 2010

SCARS

Scars are like memories and tattoos. When your heart breaks or your best friend (or family member) turns his/her back on you, it leaves a scar that can hurt everytime you think about it. It’s a memory that is stuck in your head. It’s in the past, but it comes back and bites. It’s a memory that hurts, and doesn’t disappear. When you see it so vividly, you sometimes regret what led to the scar. It's a memory that leaves an imprint in your life’s history.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

WISE WORDS - PAGE ONE


Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets; love the ones who treat you right, forget the ones who don't. Remember that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance - take it; if it changes your life - let it. No one said life would be easy, they just promised it would be worth it.

Wise words...and to one certain person I add: Don't drown the one who taught you to swim (in this life).

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

REALIZE THE VALUE


To realize the value of a sister/brother, ask someone who doesn't have one.
To realize the value of ten years, ask a newly divorced couple.
To realize the value of four years, ask a graduate.
To realize the value of one year, ask a student who has failed a final exam.
To realize the value of nine months, ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.
To realize the value of one month, ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.
To realize the value of one week, ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.
To realize the value of one minute, ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.
To realize the value of one second, ask a person who has survived an accident.
Time waits for no one.
Treasure every moment you have.
You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special.
To realize the value of a friend or family member, lose one.
Remember, hold on tight to the ones you love.
Peace, love and prosperity to all!