Britney Needs Me

This is a picture taken backstage after her concert at Nautica Stage, in Cleveland Summer 99. Britney was a different person then- so friendly, so kind, so genuine.

Ok, ok. I know you either saw the VMA's and Britney's performance - or you heard about it. Personally - I didn't think it was as bad as people are making it out to be. What is definitely obvious is that Britney is in need of some serious management consulting. I should be her manager (if you are reading this Britney - I am serious - I would!!)

Britney has no one watching out for her and her interests now. I know she screwed up at times, I know that she has what can only be assumed to be a melt-down, but honestly, she is simply living out her "teen" years as any teenager would do (which she was unable to do). Nonetheless, Britney is in need of a manager that has her best interest at heart and someone that will help to rebuild a great career that is simply stalled at the moment. Look me up Britney.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Driving the Interstate

As I am writing this, my partner is driving us on I-80 East on our way to visit my family back in Ohio. Through the miracle of wireless broadband (thank you Sprint), I am able to blog while he drives. It is amazing that we have come this far, in just a few years.

Let's just think about it. I joined AOL as a dial-up member in 1993. That was the only way to connect to the internet. I paid a PER HOUR fee - and I remember the first bill was unbelievably high. I was fascinated by the whole "chat" thing. At first I was nervous and scared, because the chat was happening so fast - and I couldn't respond quick enough (my typing skills at the time were seriously lacking). But I was determined to have my say in the chat rooms, so I quickly adapted to the new environment and improved my typing skills. This fascination led to longer online sessions, resulting in astronomical bills. But it was worth it.

Now. 2007. AOL is free, the internet is nothing like we imagined 17 years ago, and I am BLOGGING while sitting in the passenger seat of a moving car going 65 miles an hour down the highway. It is amazing to me how far we have come in the realm of technology.

My question remains: If we can do SO MUCH to change our future through technology, why can't we use this knowledge and inginuity to move us away from things like: war, poverty, famine, disease.

Leave it to me to make a blog post about "bloggin on the highway" to an issue about global concerns. I love myself!!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Dick Cheney: Always remember what you say

I was listening to the radio the other day when I heard a clip of Dick Cheney talking about the war in Iraq. What I didn't know at the time was, this clip was taken from a C-SPAN interview with Cheney back on April 15, 1994. He was asked why we did not go into Baghdad during the first Gulf War and take out Saddam.

His answer is surprising. Or not surprising - depending on how you look at things. He stated that "not many American lives" were worth being lost in order to topple the Saddam regime. He also stated that it would be a "quagmire."

So here is the video so you can see for yourself:



So what changed between 4/15/2004 and when we actually toppled the Saddam regime that made it worth those American lives?

I found his comments to be quite prophetic. He KNEW what he was talking about, and I AGREED with him then (and agree with this position still today). What I don't understand is why his opinion changed, every thing he said has come true. This man is nothing more than an opportunist, a liar, a war-hawk, and has, along with this administration, put our soldiers in harms way for a war HE KNEW was unwinnable, a war HE KNEW would turn into a "quagmire." This is ONE of the reasons why I support his impeachment.

Comments are appriciated.

Peace.Live.Love.
JPB

Bionic Woman

Now for a bit of braining numbing banter - especially after the "hard-hitting" topics as of late.

I am psyched about the remake of the Bionic Woman (probably the only hit NBC will have). Here is a extended preview of the new series. I can't wait!! And "bonus!!!" it starts on my sister's birthday 9/26/07 (so I know that will bring good luck).




Of course NOTHING could replace the original series.




I used to LOVE the original series with Lindsay Wagner, (and as a gay boy- of course I liked her more than The Six Million Dollar Man). The best had to be the episodes with the Bionic Woman VS. the FEMBOTS.......CLASSIC!!!!!



Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Back to it: Last Week Revisited

It's been a week since I wrote. I have been busy, not to mention, I needed a break from the unbelievable amount of negativity from the previous week.

Before I go on with the point of this blog post - might I mention that has formally written a comment comment on my blog. Though I disagree with her, I must say her comment was well written and well thought out.

Ms. Patterson has also responded publicly on her blog to a comment I wrote on her blog earlier (which nonetheless sparked the controversy.)

I plan to respond to Ms. Patterson's post - not out of spite or anything like that, but to get us out of the "spin-zone" that I hate so much. Ms. Patterson is certainly passionate about what she does, and for that I applaud her. However, serious reservations remain, and I will discuss those in detail on a later date.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Angry People: Smart Alex

Well, it seems as if a simple statement on my part has turned my blog into a whirlwind of controversy. GOOD. But unlike other bloggers, I am choosing not to delete comments written by others, because I believe in free speech and in exposing those who are obviously ignorant and patently idiotic. I refer back to the comments on my blog by Smart Alex:

Mr. Alex's latest attempt at intellectual commentary is as follows (you can click this link to see it if you don't believe my copy)

"Think twice about who opened the can of worms. Johnny shouldn't open his mouth if he doesn't want comments back. As for sucking Johns balls, well I think Jenny or John would be much better suited to that task than I considering they both have intimate knowledge of ball sucking and I don't. And if you really want enlightened on pole smoking Jenny, stop by any time. I'd be glad to give you a few pointers. You're welcome to dress me down too as suggested. I only wish you'd find Patterson under my clothes. Not only is she smart, she friggin' hot! I hope the board passes a resolution that states she must wear thongs and push up bras to meetings!"

To which I respond:

1) I assume that you, Mr. Alex, believe that a simple statement referring to Ms. Patterson's ethical tightrope walk, is opening a can of worms. How unfortunate. I was simply pointing out that this miscarriage of her position was inappropriate. Especially for someone who states in her blog that she began her career in politics in order to “make a difference,” and “change what is wrong.” Unfortunately for Ms. Patterson, she has failed, and never learned that “ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY.”

2) I never said I didn’t want comments back. In fact, unlike others [Ms. Patterson], comments left on my blog are not censored.

3) I cannot speak for sucking on John’s balls. That was his comment. What I find particularly interesting about your comment is your fascination with me and my private sexual life. I do not broadcast that, and yet you have made some very dramatic assumptions…..maybe you should heed your own advice and, “stay out of the affiars [sic] of which you know nothing.”

4) While considering your innate fascination with my private sexual life, you further commented on some fairly specific sexual acts that you are absolutely sure that I (in your words) “have intimate knowledge of ball sucking.” First of all, I find this diatribe offensive, inappropriate, and completely lacking of any merit. Secondly, your fascination of all things sexual, lends to your total lack of credibility and your desire to remain adolescent.

5) Finally, your comment directed towards Jenny simply shows that you are nothing more than an egocentric, sexist, individual that chooses to devalue women because you are sorely lacking in integrity, personal accountability, and an inability to view the opposite sex as anything other than an object for your lustful thoughts and desires. Basically, your choice to attack people with sexually suggestive insults only proves my point that you are intellectually stymied, and unable to hold a debate that requires thought, due diligence, and critical thought.

On those points, Mr. Smart Alex, I eagerly await your response. Anyone else that wishes to comment...please feel free, I would be delighted to have input from others in the blogosphere as well.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From The Edge: Sam Harris

I love Sam Harris. By far, one of the most prolific artists of my generation. Severely underrated and under-appreciated, there is something to be said of having the most wins on the talent contest Star Search. His music got me through many a tough time in high school.
"Sugar Don't Bite" was the first single off his self-titled debut album. The single peaked at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100, and the album peaked at #35 on the Billboard 200, and #29 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums. Though he never made it as a "major player" in the pop world, Sam has followed up his chart success with television (most recently on CBS's The Class), and Broadway. So here is is debut single.....and get out the mousse!

Angry People

I was recently the recipient of an anti-gay statement by a gentleman named Smart Alex concerning a comment that I made on another blog, by Kellie Patterson. My comment was directed at Ms. Patterson, concerning her conflict of interest in communicating information via her blog that stated her position on a possible teacher's strike in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, while also a member of the Board of Education.

I simply stated: " I think it is a crying shame that you are even allowed to have this blog associated with your position as a Board Member....shame on you."

My feeling is that she is blurring the lines between her duty as an member of the Board of Education and her right to state her opinions in her personal blog. But when she clearly states that she is a "Cuyahoga Falls Board Member," I feel that she has crossed the line ethically.

To this comment, someone obviously followed my comment to my personal blog to file this anti-gay statement...

"Smart Alex said...
I think it's a crying shame that you actually think anyone cares what a pole smoking mama's boy like you thinks about Patterson's blog. Go sew a rainbow quilt and stay out of the affiars [sic] of which you know nothing."


So to his comment I respond politely: Mr. Smart Alex ...learn to spell...and:

1) Obviously Mr. Smart Alex, you must have cared enough to go TO MY BLOG to write your little epithet - so at least I know ONE person cared.

2) I have never smoked a pole. Did I miss something here? hmmm...you must be mistaken on how things actually work.

3) Mama's boy? Hell yes....and proud of it. If you had a mother like mine you most certainly would be as well. Besides, nothing wrong with loving your mother - I think maybe your mother dropped you on your head one too many times.

4) Last I checked it wasn't "rainbow quilts" that people sewed. They are AIDS memorial quilts, and there is a "rainbow" flag. Get it right. But I don't know how to sew, anyway - so it really doesn't matter.

5) As far as staying out of affairs "of which you know nothing about," I say: I used to live in Cuyahoga Falls (on Second Street nonetheless) for over 10 years, and I grew up in North Eastern Ohio - so I am sure I know a lot more about Cuyahoga Falls and what is happening there than you, Mr. Alex, know about....."pole smoking," "Rainbow Flags and Memorial AIDS quilts,"....

SO while you, Mr. Alex are busy "hiding" behind a nondescript blogger name (with no picture and no posts), I am standing LOUD AND PROUD of who I am - and am making my opinions known without the fear of a closet. Maybe you should simply take a bit of your own advice and not play with the big kids (you simply will not be able to keep up intellectually.)


I do not fear you or your comments. They make no difference to me, but they do show your ignorance. My life is full. My life is grand. I stand before you an honest, hardworking, gay man (hey! that rhymed!) If you do not like that: It's totally your dilemma.

So I look forward to hearing more from you Mr. Smart Alex. I am sure my readers would appreciate your nonsensical banter - it certainly helps my cause.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Big Brother 8: Update: Dustin backdoors Nick?!

Here is our most famous reporter Buck describing the latest on Big Brother 8 and more...I wish I had half the "wit" Buck has.....jealous much? HELL YEAH!

Flashback Fridays: Sunday Edition

As you have noticed, I am not very good at following a formulation. So I have to make exceptions to the rule (and since it is my blog, I can do what I want!)

Two reasons why this post did not appear on a typical Flashback Friday:
1) The friday did not conincide with the actual anniversary of this event
2) I was busy on Friday

With that said, my Flashback Friday is taking place on my special 6 year anniversary.


Six years ago, my life changed. Most people will say that of 2001 with 9/11, however, my life altering event happend on July 31. Up until that day, I was living my life as any young person would - taking for granted many things: family, work, life in general. I was invincible...too young to think about death's doorstep, and the implications of what it means to value what is really important in life. My life would no longer be consumed with self gratification.

I learned that what I do with my life directly impacts those around me. My family, my friends, my community. I was given an opportunity to re-evaluate my life ...a second chance to make changes to my life that can positively effect things that are important to me...how many people can honestly say that?

My mother, an integral part of my life, was there by my side the entire time during this crisis of life. My rock. My reason for being the man I am...the woman I could only hope to emulate in my life through my actions and deeds. Though I have made many mistakes in my life up to this point, my mother was always there by my side. This day was no different. Through her love and support (and the love and support of my family and friends) I was able to come through on the other side...become a better person, live life to its fullest, celebrate family and the joys (and sometimes heartaches) that come with it, and to make plans for the future.

This day determined the rest of my life and the path I was going to take. I decided to quit my job (one that I loved until my company was bought by a competitor), take on additional responsibilities with a new job- moving me about 300 miles away from my family to Detroit, MI, while ever aware that my time with my family and friends would be more precious and sacred as never before. I decided to quit being a teenager at heart when it came to adult relationships - I had been "playing the field" keeping my boyfriend at arms length while searching for something that I realized was right in front of me - the love of my life: Steve.

I woke up. I was alive. I was alive for the first time in my life. I was no longer going to take for granted the gifts that God has blessed me with. With that discovery - I soon learned that I was no longer going to allow my job to define me as a person... I needed to have a balance. No longer would I sit back and allow life to pass me by. I was the one with the power to change my life - to do what I needed to do in order to celebrate my life to its fullest. It gave me power. It gave me hope. It gave me...LIFE.

You see how I end each post: "Peace.Love.Live." This is my montra. What I try to do each and every day;
Pray for peace
Love my family, my friends, my partner (my life)
Live each day as if you will not have another chance.

This has changed me. Has made me whole. Thoug sometimes I wonder how my life would be if I never had this single event happen - I do not regret it - for I would not be the person I have become today without it.

This picture represents to me everything that life has to offer...my mom at my side, a second chance at life, and a chance to experience things that may never have come my way if I was not open to that possibility. Everything in life has a purpose, it is up to us to figure out how that purpose should be played out. My life changed on July 31. At the time - I thought I was dead, but 6 years later I have realized that life may be fragile, but it is forgiving.

A few quotes that I try to live by that may bring you some solace, some peace, some reason to make a difference in your life - like they have mine.

"If we don't change direction soon, we'll end up where we're going" - Professor Irwin Corey

"Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives." - William James

"Change your thoughts and you change your world." - Norman Vincent Peale

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Reflections

I haven't blogged for a few days. I actually missed it!

My laptop's motherboard died on me, so I had to decide whether to buy a new computer or get the old one fixed. I decided a new computer was in order - 500.00 for a new one with more options and more power or 600.00 to fix the motherboard on a laptop that was 4 years old.....

I also went to Virginia to visit with family. My brother was having a party to celebrate life (free from cancer's grip!)...and to witness the batism of my youngest nephew Joshua. It was wonderful having the entire family together (with the exception of my partner Steve who stayed back in IL), I always have a great time with everyone.

My brother and I fought as we always do. I think he tries so hard to get me to see his side of things (which I do, believe it or not), and I try so hard to get him to see my side of things (which I believe he does not)...that we miss just being together...

See...we will never be on the same side of the issue - it's just not possible. Unfortunately, I think we both get so wrapped up in it that neither of us can see the forrest through the trees. I try so hard not to get into these conversations with my brother - they are hardly productive and usually end up with one, or both of us being hurt, angered, frustrated. I just do not understand how we ended up this way....

I guess what hurts me the most is that while I may not agree with my brother's position on issues, I do believe that I understand his position - though I ardently disagree with it. My brother, however, has absolutely no understanding, nor desire to view my position on anything as legitimate. That is where my anger and hurt enter. It amazes me that we both grew up in the same home, with many of the same challenges.......

What else can be said? My brother and I are on the opposite ends of the universe when it comes to politics and social issues. I cannot change him, and he cannot change me. We are at an impasse that I try my hardest not to become entangled. But somehow, someway, we end up in a match......and there are no winners....

My goal is to avoid this kind of confrontation in the future - I would rather not converse with my brother than to only converse on the subjects that cause us division and angst.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Big Brother 8: Update: Dick's in Charge

As I have stated earlier - I am not so good at recapping the shows - (I guess I get to emotionally involved).....but do not fret, our dear friend Buck has us covered yet again....




Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Flashback Fridays: Saturday Edition

I was looking through some old photographs that my sister had dutifully put together for each of the siblings and I came across this picture of my family on our first outing after my parents divorce. I want to say it was 1980. I remember this trip like it was yesterday because of all of the events that took place before and after this picture was taken.


We have a saying in our family...."The Beck Family Vacation...." and it means exactly what it says....forget about National Lampoon....it simple cannot compare!

This picture is of my dad, Aunt Betty, Uncle Harry, Grandma Adams (my uncle's mom), my brother and two sisters, and my Uncle Joe and Aunt Sally at my Aunt Betty's house in Virginia. (By the way...that's me holding my hands on my face for God knows what reason....such the little homo!)

I always loved going there for the hot month of August - but this was the first time my dad took us on his own (without my mother). The trip started out terribly with my mom standing in the driveway sobbing when we left. (I found out when I was much older that she absolutely did not want us to drive to Virginia with my dad but was forced by the court to allow it to happen). Anyway, once we were on the road and all cried out (we were crying because mom was crying) we started getting excited about seeing our Aunt Betty and Uncle Harry and all of our cousins.

All of us had money given to use by our Grandfather, and I being the little banker I was took an old tool box and taped little jewlry boxes (the kind you get when you buy a piece of cosmetic jewlry) to the bottom to make a makeshift cash register (how resourceful). Little did I know that by the time we got near Virginia all of my money and the money of my siblings would be gone. Somehow, we had spent all the money on the way there (I am still a bit clueless on this). Anyway, we were getting to a toll bridge and my dad asked us for money - well....none of us had any - and neither did he so we couldn't get over the bridge to get to our Aunt's (btw - there was no other way to get there....we were stuck!) so eventually as my brother was trying to look at the map to find a way around this toll, my dad stopped at a gas station and my brother (I think) got out and begged the attendant for the money for the toll - luckily a good samaritan was found and we were able to continue on our way....Thank you gas station man!!!

There is more to this story that I will relay in a later post...trust me it gets better!

Flashback Friday

Well, I guess I have failed at this. So look for a "Flashback Friday: Saturday Edition" because I am way too tired to do this tonight!

Big Brother 8: Recap

So while I was on my lunch break, I decided to check out youtube. I came across this video cast called "What the Buck". Anyway, this guy is hilarious! I figured he does a much better job updating people on BB8 than I could!

Seriously....this guy should have his own talk show. So props to THE WHAT THE BUCK SHOW.

Here is a recap from week one. Enjoy!



Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Music From the Edge: Imogen Heap

I came across this CD after seeing Imogen on David Letterman a while back. I didn't realize this at first, but Imogen Heap was part of the successful brit group Frou Frou. Her music is different, authentic, and strange...which makes it all too good for the radio. You don't find artists like this often. Her layered sounds remind me loosely of Enya, but in a more contemporary fare. Considering the major label (Sony) support (?), Imogen has been placed on various soundtracks and compilation CD's, but has only managed to chart at #145 on the Billboard 200.

Check out:

Imogen Heap's Hide & Seek from the CD Speak for yourself released in 2005.

You can purchase her full length CD at Amazon or at ITunes.

And the video? Wow...


Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Flashback Fridays

This picture means a lot to me for it was a moment in time that I had always wanted to happen. It was taken after the Spring Gala Concert for ETC All American Youth Show Choir in 1984 (or 85). This concert took place at EJ Thomas Hall in Akron, and my grandparents came to see my brother and I perform. I can honestly say that this moment is one that I will always cherish, because my grandma told me how proud she was of me and how well I performed.

Considering that I never felt a lot of love (or any other emotion for that matter) from my grandma, I have to say it was one of the happiest moments I can remember with her. On the other hand, my grandpa (I am actually tearing up as I write this), my grandpa was always there to support and give praise. I loved him so dearly. He was – and still is a major influence in my life. I continue to lean on him for support and encouragement, even though he has passed away.

This was a very difficult time in my life for me personally. I look back at this picture and am still keenly aware of the pain I was feeling. I was struggling with my sexuality, I was struggling with my weight, and I was struggling just trying to make it through being a regular teen-ager. But the only time I wasn’t struggling was when I was on stage. There I could be anyone other than myself. I could make people happy – even my grandma.

When I need to be close to my grandparents, I look at this picture and reflect on this special moment in time. I chose this picture to be my first Friday Flashback simply because of the joy I felt at that moment – like I could do anything, be anything, but most of all be happy and know that I was loved.

Peace.Live.Love.
JPB

Family Values: Case - State Rep. Robert "Bob" Allen

My how the mighty have fallen....just when you think you have heard it all concerning sex scandals and the republican party (Sen. Vittor and the DC Madame)....it now comes to light that State Rep. Robert "Bob" Allen (R-FL) has his own sex scandal to deal with....and McCain has another headache to deal with (as if the Iraq war wasn't weighing heavy enough on his brain.)

http://themoderatevoice.com/politics/13992/now-florida-state-gop-rep-robert-bob-allen-in-sex-scandal/

http://belarius.newsvine.com/_news/2007/07/12/832179-robert-bob-allen-r-florida-arrested-on-solicitation-charges

Interestingly enough....I googled all the major news sites...and not a single mention of this scandal. So much for the Liberal Media.

What makes me angry about this .....is not that Mr. Allen offered to pay an undercover officer 20.00 to give the undercover officer a BJ.....but that this man is nothing more than a HYPOCRITE. His record speaks for itself....another case of DO AS I SAY NOT AS I DO.

There are a lot of interesting blog posts about this......(funny how blogs give the news and news gives you Paris).

http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2007/07/homoquotable-bob-allen.html

I will leave it at that..... : ) or as Rachel Maddow says "Poking a Sharp Stick at the Soft White Underbelly of the Republican Administration."


Guess now.....we just wait for Bush to pardon him.........

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Web Rings

So I just signed up to join the Chicago Blog Webring. I wonder if this will actually draw more people to my blog. It will be interesting to report on any new traffic in the future. Not to mention, I could use the contacts here in Chicago. I've been here since 2001 and still can count the number of friends on one hand.

C'mon Chicago! Let me know what you are thinking!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Different Picture

So my brother wrote me an email saying that my pictures on my blog were SCARY.

I was sad (I actually thought they were good.)......well, I decided to put up some other non-scary pictures instead. What can I say: my brother does have an impact on me in some ways....

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Big Brother 8: My Opinion

OK. Two shows in and I really can't stand Jen. She is annoying (and psycho!) Wow! She already is having jealousy issues and going psycho girl crazy on Nick.

The disappointing thing about this season, is that none of the guys are really all that good looking. Scary thing is I think Dustin is the hottest guy (and don't ask me why cause I don't know!?)

And by the way....Joe? YUCK! and what is with Nick hanging his arms all over Joe during the choosing of Power of Veto.......is there something you wanna tell us Nick?

Danielle....hey girl, you are cute n'all but eat something ok??????

Cleaning Out the Garage

I am on vacation. Since we are doing our best to remain debt free (yeah, right!), I was unable to go anywhere on vacation, so I am doing things around the new homestead. So today, I decided to takle the garage.

Since we only moved into our new home at the end of March, there were still many boxes of "non-essentials" that needed to be unpacked, organized and eventually used, placed, discarded, or re-packed. So my day consisted of going through all of this "stuff" and making decisions on what to do with it.

I guess I am perplexed by the amount of "stuff" that we moved from one place to another...though I am usually of the mindset to donate or discard/recycle anything that I haven't used in a year's time, my partner doesn't necesarily follow this practice (and let's be honest....there is plenty more that I could do the same to as well...).

So my goal for this summer is to donate as much of the "stuff" that I can, ebay off the stuff that is a potential money maker, and discard/recycle anything that can't fall under the first two. The hard part of this goal will be to have my partner do the same thing (he tends to be more of a pack rat than I - not to mention he has over 4 boxes [extra-large u-haul boxes] of shoes!)....i'm talking Imelda Marcos here!

So if any of you have suggestions on how to make this process go more smoothly, please do not hesitate to leave me a comment!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Big Brother 8

How could I forget to mention my summer guilty pleasure?! Big Brother 8 has started again, and I couldn't be happier! The best part is that instead of the 24/7 feed, I can watch live happenings on Showtime!!! I am so stoked!

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

Not much to say today

So for the moment, I don't have much to say. I am trying to decompress from a long week...My vacation is only 2 days away and it seems like a lifetime! So, for now, I rest and leave the blogging to those that have the energy.

Peace.Love.Live.
JPB

The Constitutional Crisis: 14 Characteristics of Fascism

The recent Supreme Court decisions....

Parents Involved in Community Schools v. Seattle School Dist. No. 1
(basically overturning Brown v. Board of Education)

Morse v. Frederick
(limiting the First Ammendment Rights of Students)

and..........The secrecy of the current administration

Cheney asserts that he is not part of the Executive Branch


Have all given me pause. I am reposting the video 14 Characteristics of Fascism narrated by Mike Malloy, from Air America Radio

I'll let you be the judge...my mind is already made up!


Peace. Love. Live.

The Health Care Crisis: Sicko

My partner and I went to see Sicko last night. As with any Michael Moore movie, we were prepared to deal with the emotional issues that come with his documentaries. What we were not prepared for was the ANGER that came with the rest of the emotions.

I can't even begin to give this documentary the justice it deserves. I can just encourage all of you out there in cyberworld to go see this film, and then get involved in changing the landscape that allows this health care system to run over people instead of helping people.

Peace.Love.Live.

The official trailer for "Sicko" follows:

Music from the edge: Adiemus

Composer Karl Jenkins (Diamond Music) founded this group to delve into a deeper inner sanctum. The music of this group is haunting, and the lyrics sung are of a language only known to Karl himself, in order to showcase the human voice as an amazing musical instrument. It is mystifying to sit and listen to this group, though you have no idea what is being said, the music surrounds you and you are immediately transferred to a place of tranquility and solitude.

It shows the true meaning behind the saying that "music is a universal language". Along with its calming effects, the music intertwines a variety of world sounds from African to Arabic. This music transcends all genres and ideologies, allowing the listener to gain whatever perspective they need from religious to meditative.


This first video is the original release from the first Adiemus album entitled "Songs of Sanctuary", released in 1995 (main vocals my Miriam Stockely). This song was also the theme song for Delta Airlines.




This second video "Cantus (Song of Tears)" is one of my favorite songs from Adiemus (there was no official video for this release.)which was from the second CD release from Adiemus titled, "Adiemus II: Cantata Mundi" in 1997.




Both albums include the London Philharmonic. I hope you enjoy this different musical journey. It certainly is a pleasure to introduce Adiemus to a larger audience.

Peace.Love.Live
JPB

PS. These songs give me a feeling of peace and liberation. Considering the "place" where I currently reside, having this tranquility allows me to maintain a bit of sanity, where there otherwise may be none. The calming effects this music has on my soul, quiets the beast within and renews my spirit.

Next up in music from the edge: Ronan Hardiman

Changes

The title says it all. Most of us are afraid of change, and I guess I would have to include myself in that group.

I guess what frightens me most about change is the "unknown." There is no longer stability and consistency. Even though I don't care much for change, I think that I manage through the process very well, once I determine that I can no longer resist it.

So changing for me is hard - in the beginning...then I find it a challenge.

Challenge is easier. So as I embark on this new challenge, I will embrace the change that is to occur. I am at a crossroads. Only God knows what is in store for me.....

The World Crisis: The world that we created

Since I have decided to have a point with most of my blogs (though I am sure there will be some that have no point at all..), this one came to me while I was sleeping.

One of my favorite songs is "Is this the World We Created" by Queen from the album "The Works" released in 1984 (most famous for the song "Radio Ga-Ga"). Anyway, I bought this album (on tape) from Camelot Music at Chapel Hill Mall, in Akron, Ohio. I put this tape in my Walkman and was completely mesmerized. Not only did most of the songs on this album have a strong political message, but it rocked! (If I remember correctly, this tape stayed in my Walkman for about a year, until I had played it so much that the tape wound itself around the turning parts).

So back to the dream I had. For some reason - and it doesn't happen often - I dream in "music" and this was the soundtrack to my dream. Needless to say, I felt the need to write about it....and find a youtube video that would give justice to both the song and my dream sequence. This video comes quite close.

Originally written [Brian May & Freddie Mercury] to address the issues of starvation and poverty in the developing world, this song was adopted by various causes since, including: LiveAid, Greenpeace, WorldAids, and Unicef. The message of this song is as powerful, timely and universal now as it was 23 years ago. The images in this video use past and present events to bring this song into the new millennium.



Is This The World We Created?

Just look at all those hungry mouths we have to feed
Take a look at all the suffering we breed
So many lonely faces scattered all around
Searching for what they need

Is this the world we created?
What did we do it for?
Is this the world we invaded
Against the law?
So it seems in the end
Is this what we're all living for today?
The world that we created

You know that every day a helpless child is born
Who needs some loving care inside a happy home
Somewhere a wealthy man is sitting on his throne
Waiting for life to go by

Is this the world we created?
We made it on our own
Is this the world we devastated
Right to the bone?
If there's a God in the sky looking down
What can he think of what we've done

To the world that he created?

The World Crisis: Working Class Hero

First...I have an amazing crush on Billy Joe of Green Day. But this version of John Lennon's classic song is moving. I actually cry...seriously, the message.

This song is included in the benefit CD to help in efforts in Darfur. Watch this video. It says it all. My heart hurts. God help the people in Darfur. We must help the people of Darfur!










Please be generous in your donation. It only takes a few moments and can help save lives.

http://www.savedarfur.org/


Peace. Love. Live.

JPB

And so it goes

And goes, and goes....

Then stops....then goes again, and again....then stops....

this is basically life.

We go and we go and we go...then we stop, reasses, then go again and again and again. We never really just STOP. We are basically the "period," at the end of the sentence. Just a brief pause to finish a thought, then ....on to the next sentence. We need more than just a brief pause. We need a vacation. I don't know what this would be considered in grammatical terms (other than maybe a "quote")...

Alas, the real point of this post is the failure for an organization to realize what talent it possesses in its people. At this time, I am not at liberty to talk more about this, but I think if organizations spent more time assessing their "talent," and rewarding them accordingly, they might find that Generation X'ers would respond. Failure to do this, and the Gen X'ers jump ship.

And it goes...and goes...ang goes......

The Climate Crisis: Silvery Rain

One of my favorite songs from Olivia's blockbuster album Physical, released in 1981.

Originally recorded by Cliff Richard in 1974, Olivia decided that she needed to put this song on her album to highlight what she felt was a severe consequence to our use of pesticides in our farming. This message wasn't the first environmental message to meet our ears from Olivia, but it was one of the most haunting. ONJ was also an environmentalist before it was "cool" to be...and she lives what she preaches. Silvery Rain stands as a testament against crop dusting, but as the video shows, can definitely be tied to the climate crisis - all things are tied together.

I have included the video....it show’s Olivia's playful side, as well as images of Olivia that you might never have seen otherwise. However, nothing is more powerful than the lyrics. By the way, this videogram won a Grammy in 1982 for best long form video (I think it was also the 1st video Grammy ever given!)




Written by: Hank Marvin (more on this story later)

Butterflies danced on invisible strings
Showing wings they borrowed from a rainbow
And a blackbird on high sang a praise to the sky
While a light aeroplane sprayed the fields
With a silvery rain

Furry backed bees with a tireless drone
Never moan, they're happy to be working
And a grasshopper green could be heard but not seen
While a light aeroplane sprayed the fields
With a silvery rain

Fly away, Peter, fly away, Paul
Before there's nothing left to fly at all
Take to the sky, higher than high
Before the silvery rain begins to fall

Nothing moves now but the swaying ripe corn
Not a dawn is greeted with a bird's song
There's a feather or two from a bird that once flew
Before a light aeroplane sprayed the fields
With a silvery rain

Fly away, Peter, fly away, Paul
Before there's nothing left to fly at all
Take to the sky, higher than high
Before the silvery rain begins to fall

Fly away, Peter, fly away, Paul
Before there's nothing left to fly at all
Take to the sky, higher than high
Before the silvery rain begins to fall

The Climate Crisis

Reading through my latest copy of Rolling Stone Magazine, I came across a great article by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., entitled What Must Be Done. This article chronicles the real cost of denying our interdependence on foreign oil and the major subsidies that go to the major oil and coal companies.

A little background to substantiate my point of view:

For the past 7 years W. and his party have been blaming everything that has gone wrong in this country on Bill Clinton and the Democratic party, or just flatly denied that there was a problem at all! I guess this administration is of the belief that if they say something long enough and loud enough that eventually people will begin to believe their drivel. It seems as if that strategy worked for a while, but most people are wising up to this fascist’s propaganda.

Now for an amazing revelation:

In the article, I was struck by a few, simple paragraphs that stood out as shining beacons of truth – (something that Robert Kennedy Jr. is able to do so well) placing blame for much of what has happened in the Middle East - and the Iraq war, solely at the feet of the master republican Ronald Reagan….

“Back in the 1970’s, President Jimmy Carter attempted to level the playing field by creating incentives and minimal subsidies to jump-start clean fuels in the marketplace. But then Ronald Reagan took office and ordered the solar panels that Carter had installed on the White House roof torn off. He rolled back fuel standards for automobiles, killed federal incentives that had given America a commanding lead in wind and solar power, and doubled our oil imports. Reagan’s efforts fueled the current oil addiction that has us acting like a crack- house junkie rolling old ladies for drug money. Our jones for petrodrugs has not only superheated the planet, it has embroiled us in the Mesopotamian quagmire and made America a pariah among civilized nations, damaging the cause of democracy across the globe.”

“During the oil crisis sparked by OPEC in the 1970’s, American business and government went into overdrive to promote conservation and develop alternatives to Middle Eastern oil. Between 1977 and 1985, Detroit boosted the fuel efficiency of its automobiles from 18 to 27.5 miles per gallon. Oil use shrank by 17%-while the economy grew by 27%...oil imports from the Persian Gulf plunged by 87%...had we stayed the course, we would have needed to import a single drop of oil from the Middle East after 1986- achieving true energy independence that…would have enabled us to avoid the devastating attacks of September 11th, as well as both Gulf wars.”
(Rolling Stone, June 28, 2007, Issue 1029)

One can argue, using Kennedy’s assertions, that Reagan was the “instigator” that began the devil’s dance in the Middle East, and most likely laid the foundation for the events that led up to and created Osama Bin Laden’s hatred for the United States.

The blame game works both ways, I guess. However, I only like to think of what things could be like today if Reagan would have remained faithful to the initiatives and subsidies of the Carter administration. Our lives as Americans, I feel, would be dramatically different and we would not be sacrificing the lives of our brave soldiers for a war that only benefits the few.

Jericho LIVES!

Well, I couldn't be happier! My favorite television show from last season; the highly acclaimed Jericho has finally been renewed! Initially cancelled in April because of poor ratings (I will get back to this in my next blog), a major uprising occurred online and fans of the show began a campaign to save the show.

Well, it looks like it worked! Jericho will repeat the second half of its first season starting July 6 and then will return to the CBS lineup in that time slot for the fall (or so it seems - there is a bit of confusion here about that).

So, to catch up on the first part of season one, you can go to http://www.cbs.com/innertube/player.php?cat=115191&vid=&format=&auto=1 and watch the series on innertube. And for those of you with Comcast cable you can go to your On Demand section, tab under CBS and watch the episodes there as well.

I will keep you posted on future developments as I hear about them. See, it really does pay to speak you mind...sometimes, if you are lucky, someone actually listens!

For more information on Jericho - go to: http://www.jerichorises.com/

I still wonder how? how? HOW???

To this day, I seriously wonder how and the hell we ended up with this president. I can only assume that the failure of the electorate to even give a shit about what is going on in this country. Now, I understand that most people are busy just trying to make ends meet, working 2 jobs, raising kids - I can forgive that.

What I can't forgive are those friggin' idiots who "proudly" continue to display their ignorance for voting for this idiot of a president. I mean, you see it every day: the bumper stickers proudly stating that they voted for Bush - these are not luxury autos....OH NO....these are the mini-vans: the rusted ones that look like they are only miles away from the final breakdown. These are the people that have been hurt the most by Bush and his anti-family, anti-union, anti-democracy, anti-(insert your own word) policies.

Anyway. I proudly say I NEVER voted for this idiot. I would use more harsh words to describe this pathetic man we call president, but I am a bit afraid of ending up in some concentration camp for dissenters of the government....But I believe that dissent is our patriotic duty, so I do so proudly!

Now on with the show....




Peace.Love.Life.
JPB

Peace Now, Peace Now, Peace Now, Peace Now!

Le Tigre released "New Kicks" in 2004, as a protest against the imperialist, warmongering George W. Bush. I was in the gym today, doing my shoulder workout when this song began to play on my MP3 player (sorry don't have an IPod - but it works just as good); I thought, "wow, this would be a perfect 'reminder' song to put up on my blog!" So here it is...who says that dissent is dead?




***New Kicks***


Peace Now, Peace Now, Peace Now, Peace Now!

We are gathered here, we come from so many different places.
From different identities, different cultures.
Different backgrounds different religions.
And yet we can gather, under the guides of peace....now...
Peace now!

"We say no to war!"
Peace up, war down!
"We say no to war!"
Peace up, war down!
"We say no to war!"
Peace up, war down!

"We made it. We're here. We're here right now and we're not leaving."

Now I feel you, I feel you people.
Now I feel you, I feel you people.
Now I feel you, I feel you people.
Now I feel you, I feel you people.
Now I feel you, I feel you....

"Now, we have reports that more and more people are just taking on ramps onto the bridge and are just taking it over.. it's just...just..."

"I mean, i'm just like..ahh!"

This is what democracy looks like!
This is what democracy sounds like!
This is what democracy looks like!
This is what democracy sounds like!

"Reports from protests from Amman, Jordan... Amsterdam... and Beirut, Lebanon... East Timor... Florence, Italy...London...Milano, Italy...Paris, France...
In dozens of cities in Spain... Reports in Athens, Georgia... and Austin, Texas... Blacksburg, Virginia... Charleston, South Carolina... Colorado Springs... and
Defiance, Ohio... Denver, Colorado as well as Durango... Geneva, New York and Houston, Texas... Hyannis, Massachussetts...In Hawaii as well...
Lawrence, Kansas... Los Angeles, California... AND I AM ONLY NAMING A FEW!"

Peace...now! Peace...now!

And as Eleanor Roosevelt said...
"It isn't enough to talk about peace, one must believe in it. It isn't enough to believe in it, one must work at it"
And we here today... are working at it!

"Peace is possible, and even necessary. So drop the sword, and pick up the hammer and the saw. And let's build a better world!"

No blood for oil!
We will not be silent!
No blood for oil!
We will not be silent!

"We will not go to war, for a selected president, who wasn't even elected!"

We must stand unbroken, unbound and unashamed
We need healthcare!
We need education!
We need freedom in this nation!
Freedom in this nation!
Freedom in this nation!
Freedom in this nation!

"Thousands of people have taken over 3rd Avenue and are marching north. The crowd stretches at least 15 blocks from 44th street to 59th Street.
The police have just simply... given up."

This is what democracy looks like!
This is what democracy sounds like!
This is what democracy looks like!
This is what democracy sounds like!


peace now
peace now
(repeated behind next lines)
"We will not sell out!
We will not back down!
We will not compromise!
We will go forward,
Until peace is on the world's agenda!"

I started to feel that there were no more heroes in the World.
But Today, I see all the World's heroes standing before me.

"We say no to war!"
No war!
"We say no to war!"
No war!
"We say no to war!"
No war!

******(I didn't recieve permission to reprint Le Tigre's lyrics, I hope that they will forgive me.******

Can I trust your Arms

Ok, so I'm going through a tough time right now, and when that happens, I get ONJ crazy. Olivia is a grounding force in my life, she brings me back to earth and reality. The past few years have been very productive for Olivia. She has been touring non-stop, completing new CD's on her new record label, writing new material, staring in movies. She's busier now that she has ever been.

Most people have put Olivia in the 80's bin, and left her there. That is mighty unfortunate. That is why I have decided to add this track here so that you can all see how unbelievably talented and amazing she remains. I found this on youtube (the song "Can I Trust Your Arms" was written by Olivia's daughter Chloe for her CD Stronger Than Before)...her music to animae....amazing!



Enjoy.
Peace.Live.Love.
JPB

The environment...Global Warming...Let's talk about tomorrow

So the subject of global warming has finally hit a stride in the last year. Al Gore has done more for the environmental movement than almost anyone. However, while Al was busy in Congress a well known singer/songwriter Olivia Newton-John was actually addressing this problem with her music.

"Let's Talk About Tomorrow" was a song from her album THE RUMOR, released in 1988, which was also accompanied with an HBO special. Unfortunately, this album did not do well (reached only #67 on the Billboard Charts), though I find it to be one of the best of her long career.



This, of course was not the only song in an environmental vein. In 1994, Olivia penned her most intimate CD, and the BEST CD of her career. The title track "Gaia" in Olivia's own words: "Gaia is the spirit of Mother Earth. She is the giver of dreams and the nourisher of plants and young children. This song came to me at 3:00 AM on a cold winters morning in Byron Bay and I was compelled to write and finish it. I feel the spirit of Mother Earth spoke to me. August 1993." Here is a part of that beautiful song, put to a slide show of wonderous images.




Peace.Live.Love.
JPB

Hate Crimes Legislation

This is being reposted from my myspace blog. My hope is that the more people see it the bigger the difference we can make.

Current mood: hopeful

Ok, so now I get political (as if I haven't before!). But this is extremely important to me, so I am going to write about it. I am hoping that I can put this video in my blog (it is extremely moving)...so if I can it will be right next to this message. This important legislation is currently awaiting a vote in the Senate....we need everyone to call your Senators, write your Senators, email your Senators and DEMAND that they support the Matthew Shepard Act.



If you don't know who Matthew Shepard is, I strongly urge you to google his name and read about him and what happend to him, if that doesn't move you to action, I guess nothing ever will.
For those of you who are a bit on the busy side, please visit this link and sign your name to the letter and it will be delivered courtesy of HRC to your respective Senators. Here is the link: http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/campaign/matthew_shepard

Thank you all for your support. Please, please, please pass along this information to everyone you know. I look forward to everyone's comments.

Peace,
JPB

Not that anyone reads my blog anyway....

So, yet again, I am going to attempt to write in my blog. Currently, there are many things that are on my mind and driving me crazy. So starting to write about any one of these subjects can get the ball rolling.

I guess I will start with my job search. Basically, it sucks. Not much happening on that front. I guess I am really sick and tired of hearing: "We find you to be extremely well qualified, but have decided to hire someone with more work experience...."

So basically, I am book smart, but not street smart. I guess I wonder how anyone is ever supposed to move forward....everyone wants that person that has the degree, but also wants someone with 5-10 years of experience in that field as well. My question is...how is anyone supposed to get that experience if no one will hire you???

So, as the old saying goes............(I can't remember what the saying is actually), but I will keep pluggin' away. I can only hope there is an organization out there that will just take a chance on me, and realize that they have won the lottery.

I feel like Pond Water

Do you ever go through a period in your life when you feel as if you are going nowhere??? That is Pond Water.

Do you ever feel like you are just keeping your head above water??? That is Pond Water.

Do you ever wonder how in the hell you would be able to get out from under all of those Student loans you took out to pay for school so that you could get a better job and provide a decent and hopefully comfortable life for your family......and you are still trying to figure it out? That is Pond Water

Do you ever think....what am I doing here? why did I choose this path? That is Pond Water.

I feel like Pond Water. Not moving, not really contributing, except to the exploding population of mosquitoes......I am waiting to evaporate, so that I can then contribute something....like rain....

Wow...the symbolism.....creepy huh? Well it is what it is...and that is how I feel....Like Pond water...slowly but surely being covered in a green goop and producing nothing but mosquitoes

My how Time Does Fly........

I haven't posted to my blog in over a year.....Wow!

This year, I plan to use my blog to vent....To let the world know how pissed off I am at this Dictatorship masking as a Republic (namely Bush and his cronies)....Maybe get arrested for voicing my opinion......We'll just have to wait and see...

But as a former political activist (in my early 20's), I now know that I cannot stand by and allow things to happen around me, I need to be involved again.

With the House of Representatives, the Senate, the White House, and the Supreme Court firmly in the grips of W's neocon movement, it is up to US...The people of the United States of America, to hold them accountable.

We are currently in a dark period of one party rule. Where we are no longer governed by the rule of Law, but the rule of "do as I say, not as I do...I know what is right for you...."

I promise to keep posting my thoughts...Though not many people will read them...

It is a small way that I can contribute to the discourse, and hopefully create needed change.....

Our First Amendment Rights?

Dateline: February 7, 2006

As many of you may already know, this day was yet another sad day for our country.

Prior to Bush's delivery of the State of the Union (that is CONSTITUTIONALLY required by Article II, Section III, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution), an unbelievable VIOLATION of said Constitution was taking place.....

Cindy Sheehan, noted war protestor and personal pain-in-the-ass to President Bush (in a good way) was hauled out of the gallery by Capitol Police, promptly arrested and taken to jail. In Ms. Sheehan's own words, here is what happened:
(see http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/7330 for full text)

To add insult to injury, another woman, Beverly Young, wife of U.S. Rep. Bill Young, R- Fla was also removed from the Capitol, but was NOT ARRESTED AND FACED NO CHARGES. This was bad enough... 2 women removed from the HOUSE OF THE PEOPLE for participating in the political process and expressing their views (as PROTECTED BY THE FIRST AMENDMENT), but now the question remains.....why was Ms. Sheehan treated more harshly than Mrs. Young? Was it the "message?"

"2245 Dead. How Many More?" vs. "Support Our Troops - Defening Our Freedom"

The difference in treatment was based on these simple words? Or was it based on the fact that Ms. Sheehan's message hit a little to close to home for our Dictator/President Bush?

My concern, here goes much deeper....and I will explore them in my next posting....

As always your comments are greatly appriciated!

Fuck The South

Hi everyone,

I got this in an e-mail recently..... It is hilarious! (and SO TRUE!) so read on everyone.....

RED STATES....YOU ARE ON NOTICE!

I don't know who wrote this (I wish I could give them full credit) but the website they have is called... www.fuckthesouth.com

So here it is............................!!!!

Fuck the South. Fuck 'em. We should have let them go when they wanted to leave. But no, we had to kill half a million people so they'd stay part of our special Union. Fighting for the right to keep slaves - yeah, those are states we want to keep. And now what do we get? We're the fucking Arrogant Northeast Liberal Elite? How about this for arrogant: the South is the Real America? The Authentic America. Really? Cause we fucking founded this country, assholes. Those Founding Fathers you keep going on and on about? All that bullshit about what you think they meant by the Second Amendment giving you the right to keep your assault weapons in the glove compartment because you didn't bother to read the first half of the fucking sentence? Who do you think those wig-wearing lacy-shirt sporting revolutionaries were? They were fucking blue-staters, dickhead. Boston? Philadelphia? New York? Hello? Think there might be a reason all the fucking monuments are up here in our backyard?No, No. Get the fuck out. We're not letting you visit the Liberty Bell and fucking Plymouth Rock anymore until you get over your real American selves and start respecting those other nine amendments. Who do you think those fucking stripes on the flag are for? Nine are for fucking blue states. And it would be 10 if those Vermonters had gotten their fucking Subarus together and broken off from New York a little earlier. Get it? We started this shit, so don't get all uppity about how real you are you Johnny-come-lately "Oooooh I've been a state for almost a hundred years" dickheads. Fuck off.Arrogant? You wanna talk about us Northeasterners being fucking arrogant? What's more American than arrogance? Hmmm? Maybe horsies? I don't think so. Arrogance is the fucking cornerstone of what it means to be American. And I wouldn't be so fucking arrogant if I wasn't paying for your fucking bridges, bitch.All those Federal taxes you love to hate? It all comes from us and goes to you, so shut up and enjoy your fucking Tennessee Valley Authority electricity and your fancy highways that we paid for. And the next time Florida gets hit by a hurricane you can come crying to us if you want to, but you're the ones who built on a fucking swamp. "Let the Spanish keep it, it’s a shithole," we said, but you had to have your fucking orange juice.The next dickwad who says, "It’s your money, not the government's money" is gonna get their ass kicked. Nine of the ten states that get the most federal fucking dollars and pay the least... can you guess? Go on, guess. That’s right, motherfucker, they're red states. And eight of the ten states that receive the least and pay the most? It’s too easy, asshole, they’re blue states. It’s not your money, assholes, it’s fucking our money. What was that Real American Value you were spouting a minute ago? Self reliance? Try this for self reliance: buy your own fucking stop signs, assholes.Let’s talk about those values for a fucking minute. You and your Southern values can bite my ass because the blue states got the values over you fucking Real Americans every day of the goddamn week. Which state do you think has the lowest divorce rate you marriage-hyping dickwads? Well? Can you guess? It’s fucking Massachusetts, the fucking center of the gay marriage universe. Yes, that’s right, the state you love to tie around the neck of anyone to the left of Strom Thurmond has the lowest divorce rate in the fucking nation. Think that’s just some aberration? How about this: 9 of the 10 lowest divorce rates are fucking blue states, asshole, and most are in the Northeast, where our values suck so bad. And where are the highest divorce rates? Care to fucking guess? 10 of the top 10 are fucking red-ass we're-so-fucking-moral states. And while Nevada is the worst, the Bible Belt is doing its fucking part.But two guys making out is going to fucking ruin marriage for you? Yeah? Seems like you're ruining it pretty well on your own, you little bastards. Oh, but that's ok because you go to church, right? I mean you do, right? Cause we fucking get to hear about it every goddamn year at election time. Yes, we're fascinated by how you get up every Sunday morning and sing, and then you're fucking towers of moral superiority. Yeah, that's a workable formula. Maybe us fucking Northerners don't talk about religion as much as you because we're not so busy sinning, hmmm? Ever think of that, you self-righteous assholes? No, you're too busy erecting giant stone tablets of the Ten Commandments in buildings paid for by the fucking Northeast Liberal Elite. And who has the highest murder rates in the nation? It ain't us up here in the North, assholes.Well this gravy train is fucking over. Take your liberal-bashing, federal-tax-leaching, confederate-flag-waving, holier-than-thou, hypocritical bullshit and shove it up your ass.And no, you can't have your fucking convention in New York next time. Fuck off. contact

Bush Sucks

and we have him for 4 more years. I don't know what people were thinking a few days back, but I am still reeling from the devistating loss.

Do people not realize that by re-electing this IDIOT, they have given him all the power that he didn't have in 2000 (but used anyway?). So now, the word "empowered" is being thrown around......and do you really know what that means?

How about .....
Religion in schools
Children left behind
Gays left behind
More tax breaks for the rich
Higher energy costs
Higher inflation
More unemployment
DRAFT!
No Sex
............................

and so on and so on.....

Now most may be tongue in cheek, but I must say that I am tired and need to walk away from this shit.

Peace,
JPB

Empowered Voters

I must say that I was surprised when I went to my polling place on election day. I had heard the stories that there would be long lines and hour long waits.....I just didn't believe it.

I have been voting since I was 18. I have never had to wait to vote. Go in, chit chat with the poll workers, have a cup of joe and then mosey over to the punchcard ballot machine and do my thing.......

Boy how things have changed! Yes, still have those damn punchcard ballots......yes, still need to check to be sure there are no hanging chads (god, I felt stupid- but I didn't want to take the chance that my vote wasn't going to count.) but wow......I had to wait, in a LINE today! 45 minutes later, I was even more EMPOWERED....just talking to folks that I didn't know about how excited they were about this election...we were all on different sides, and some people still were unsure of who they were going to vote for......I, of course, took this as my DUTY to talk about my views.....

This one young lady in her 20s was voting for the first time...but didn't know who she was going to vote for, she really just figured she would go in and decide right then and there....that wasn't good enough for me....I had 45 minutes to kill, so I thought, what the HELL if I can get her to vote for Kerry...then that's one less vote for Bush. So we started to chit-chat.

We talked about the typical stuff: war in Iraq, oil prices, domestic issues, heathcare, etc.....and she still didn't know what to do....So I decided to pull out the big guns! I asked her if she understood that besides all of these VERY IMPORTANT facts, that the President who is in power over the next four years will most likely be appointing 4 justices to the Supreme Court.

The lady had no idea. I told her that depending on where she stood on issues such as privacy, abortion, gay rights, pornography, moral issues.......The Court would be forever changed (and our lives forever changed) by the decision the next President makes on appointments. I told her that this......Was the most important reason to make the CORRECT choice.

We talked for a few more minutes and then she sighed....I am so relieved! I am glad we talked...I know who I need to vote for........And she smiled.

I was dying for her to tell me.......But she just kept smiling........I began to wonder, should I just come out and ASK her? So that is exactly what I did....

She said, I wish that someone would have told me about the issues with the Supreme Court sooner than right now....That would have made my decision that much easier.....But there are issues that I am concerned about that are always presented before the Supreme Court and I can't take the chance that my vote for President helped to put a justice on the Court that doesn't match my beliefs....(to this I got a bit scared...! Did I unintentionally swing a vote for Bush?????) .....She smiled at me again, and said, you know, my brother is gay....And he's been in a relationship for over 10 years, and he wants to get married....I want him to be able to get married...I'm voting for Kerry....

Alas, my troubled heart had skipped a beat...I had done my civic duty and turned an undecided voter towards the light.........

I am happy.... I am empowered...... I only hope that this election fires Bush.... Guess we will know soon enough!

Our Nation's Religious Past

(let me first apologize for the length ...my muse was here helping me in my quest for understanding and truth).
(this writing was in reply to my brother-in-law's forwarded email. He had sent me a link (which I cannot locate) about some interesting facts about our Nation's history and how steeped in religion it is. As my brother-in-law stated..it was very interesting..-he doesn't necessarily subscribe to the theory presented either...he was just amazed with the amount of religious iconology found throughout our monuments....which is correct, but the message coveyed by the original author wanted the reader to believe that this was the basis for the current trend in religious fundementalism in our political system.....I took this to task (not my brother-in-law...cause he's awesome and I love him). So here was my reply to the email (I think it is making its way around the internet now...so I am gonna COPYWRITE IT! (hehehe!)

REPLY:

I found this very interesting, yet very slanted. Yes, our great Country was founded by those persecuted for their religious beliefs...
That is why IN THE CONSTITUTION, there was a DELIBERATE separation of church and state. No where does it say that it cannot intermingle.

Remember back to history class....

The Bill of Rights..."at its inception...was not intended to protect everyone. Whole groups of people were left out. Women were seen as second-class citizens, at best." Visions of Liberty (pg. 57)

"The very language of our early declarations of principles was exclusionary. When in the Declaration of Independence the principle of equality was announced, by its own terms it was exclusionary: 'All men are created equal,' it said."
Visions of Liberty (pg. 57)

The right to vote, of course, derived in large part from property qualifications, 'All men are created equal,' excluded more than just women: it also excluded most men. The consent of the governed...[was] understood to be limited to the consent of property owners." Visions of Liberty (pg. 57)

-Property owners then changed to taxpayer qualifications, etc.....while women and African Americans were continuously denied the right to vote.

Moving on...

On the religious aspect.....
There is no escaping our religious past. I think we should embrace it. My fundamental belief is that while EMBRACING our religious past that we must LEARN from it as well.
Puritans LEFT England because they were being persecuted (for it was a crime NOT to go to the Protestant Church of England and receive the sacrament).

But what the Puritans did when they came to this great country was the same thing! "There were incidents of religious intolerance in the colonies as well. In 1637, a woman named Anne Hutchinson, who openly disagreed with the Calvinist ministers of the Massachusetts Bay Colony about how to achieve salvation, was tried for heresy, convicted, and banished to the wilderness."

The issue of God.

This one bothers me. Why? Because God has many meanings. Anyone with any religious underpinnings understands God in their own way. "In God We Trust" doesn't mean......"In [the Christian] God We Trust", "In [the Jesuit] God We Trust", "In [the Buddhist] God We Trust," "In [the Islamic] God We Trust" "In [No] God We Trust," and so on and so on.... I think you get the point. God is a term that is used "generically to be inclusive of all religions and of no religions at all." (My personal quote-thank you very much).

The Bible issue....

"One reason for the difficulty in interpreting the Bible is that the biblical authors wrote in a completely different cultural, social, economic, political, and religious world from our own. The original writers of the Bible do not try to explain that ancient world to their readers. They assume their readers know all about it. It must be discovered anew by modern readers, not for the purpose of retreating back into it, but in order to know what is being said. Moreover, their manner of thinking and expressing themselves was Eastern (more precisely, Semitic), not Western as is ours." (Good News Bible, Catholic Study Edition, pg. xx-xxi) In other words... THINK PEOPLE! Understand what is being read...and in what CONTEXT.....The Literal reading of the BIBLE will guide people to confusion and broad, overbearing, unbelievable beliefs.....(let the Holy Spirit, or Holy Ghost, or your own personal divine being guide you into understanding! Don't be blinded by the ancient writings and not understand the truer concepts...)

As far as the 10 Commandments....
That is not a Christian doctrine per se. Why? Because that was in the OLD TESTAMENT, before Christ.....

If you look at this historically (and here is where I will take a bit of license), the great Old Testament was full of wonderful stories (honestly, can you really believe that all of that happened???) that explained to many how to live their lives (much in the way that fables teach children lessons). There were these wonderful things called the Commandments.......and really, they are GOOD! I can actually say- if removed from its religious connotations, they can have themselves FIRMLY planted in modern society as words to live by ......to live happily....to live completely.

The First 3 Commandments (the ones I have the hardest time with from an historical perspective) govern the relationship between God and humans...
-graven images
-swearing
-blasphemy
-Day of Rest (Sabbath)
-acts of worship
-acts of charity

Commandments 4,5,6,7, and 8....those are the BEST ones....because they are the heart of leading a healthy life...and govern public relationships between people. Getting along....pretty simple.
-Honor your Father and Mother
-Not Killing
-Not committing Adultery
-Don't Steal
-Don't Bear False Witness


Finally Commandments 9,10 govern private thoughts...again pretty simple and easy to understand
.
-Coveting your neighbors wife (but I guess if you covet the neighbor's husband you are ok)
-Keeping up with the Jone's (you know...desire of what your neighbor/friend/other person has and you want)
With the exception of 1, 2, and 3...these Commandments can be lifted from their RELIGIOUS underpinnings and placed in a secular world and be fully accepted as basic and understood (by most)

It is therefore fitting, under these circumstances that you would find these HISTORICAL (NOT religious) artifacts adorning our judicial and governmental buildings.

On to James Madison.....
he also stated, "the real danger to liberty in any society, comes from the ultimate source of power. In America, the real power lies with the majority of the people. The invasion of individual rights is likely to come not from a legislature that is out of step with its constituents, but from a legislature acting as an 'instrument' of popular majorities.

He called this the tyranny of the majority. "A bill of rights might be useful in restraining the power of a king, but I have little faith in its ability to restrain the tyranny of the majority in a democracy."

Thomas Jefferson answers this by stating, "Once established, a bill of rights would provide the legal basis for an independent judiciary to strike down majoritarian excesses by ruling unconstitutional any legislative or executive act that violated individual rights as defined in the Constitution. Such legislative acts, even if committed in response to majority opinion, could be declared null and void by the courts. A bill of rights would put a powerful 'legal check' into the hands of the judiciary, provided it remained safely independent of the other branches of government." (Visions of Liberty, pg 42-43)

humm...sounds like a case for the gay marriage issue, doesn't it?

Although the American revolution was fought against British tyranny, there was another tyranny to be avoided according to Madison. "Whether of one, a few, or many, and whether hereditary, self-appointed, or elective, may justly be pronounced to the very definition of tyranny." His point? The accumulation of all powers in the same hands....doesn't matter whose hands....religious, white, black, pro-this, anti-that...whatever.....the concentration of power in a few hands is crippling to everyone in a representative democracy....in one way or another.

He went on to say that in a heterogeneous community, the majority may not represent all competing interests. The majority is likely to be self-interested and ignorant or indifferent to the concerns of the minority. In such case, the assumption that the majority represents the minority is 'altogether fictitious." (Tyranny of the Majority, p. 2-3)

So by quoting Madison as listed in the prior email.....there is a question as to the validity of this statement. Sure, Madison may well have meant what he was quoted as saying "we have staked the whole of our political......" and so on....but the MAJORITY of Madison's feelings were etched in his belief that NO MAJORITY shall have control over the minority.

Using this single statement to justify the rights of a majority (in this case, Christians) to instill God and religion into everyone's lives through the Constitution, laws, beliefs (as in "well, he said it so it must be true"...or, "it's always been this way")....does not hold up to Madison's belief that the minority needed to be PROTECTED from the tyranny of the majority, no matter what the cost.


However, it is like anything...too much can be strangling. My fear - as I see coming true, is that there are those in the government (and in our society at large) that believe that we should remain focused solely on our religious underpinnings, devoid of fairness and understanding of those that do not subscribe to those beliefs.

Whether it is with malice of forethought or plain blind faith, the failure to recognize and appreciate the differences in each other will lead to the downfall of this great democracy. I do not suggest that we forego our religious beliefs, but instead, keep them in check, close to our hearts, and not blind ourselves to the truer meaning of democracy and the ideals that our Founding Fathers left us. It is not our religious beliefs that make us a great nation...it is the acceptance and understanding of those beliefs and the beliefs of our fellow citizens that make us a great nation.

The failure to recognize that each individual in this country has a right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness...not on the basis of religion or the Bible...but endowed by our Creator (whomever you choose to believe it is) leads us down the road that Madison warned us about so many years ago. The Tyranny of the Majority.

I could go on and on.....but I hope that everyone at least has a new perspective in which to ponder. My hope for the future of this country is that EVERYONE can participate in the process (to get married -the pursuit of happiness, to be free of bondage, etc...) only then can this country truly be the Land of the Free, Home of the Brave.

Thank you all for your time. Your Feedback is appreciated.

I Miss Clinton

Ok,
Sorry I've been away for a while, but I have been working hard on my degree (and its taking up a lot of time!)

After seeing our GREAT former President Clinton at the Democratic Convention in Boston- I longed for the days that he was in office!  I don't condone what he did (though I gotta tell you ...who wouldn't want to get a BJ in the Oval Office-just so you can say you did???)

Anyway, I digress.  The past four years, have been terrible.  I am embarrassed by Bush, he's such an IDIOT. 

...more later....

In the meantime, check out this fun parody of both Bush and Kerry ... it's really funny!

www.jibjab.com

See you soon!
PEACE,
JPB

My personality test

I'm taking courses for completion of my Masters In Organizational Management (MAOM). So there is a major focus on personalities and how they go (and sometimes don't go) together.

So, I decided that I had to take some for myself. I went to google..(isn't that great?) and found some great links. I decided to go hog wild and take a few of them....I even took a disorder one (but it said I was 56% narcissistic-so I didn't really care to read more).

A few of the sites I visited are:
www.humanmetrics.com (basic personality score)
www.advisorteam.com (that's were you can get your temperament score)
www.similarminds.com (that is the best one with lots o' tests)

So I guess you are dying to find out right?
No, probably not! But here it goes anyway!

Test one (from humanitarian) ESFJ (Extroverted Sensing Feeling Judging)

Test two (from advisorteam) Idealist

Test three (from similarminds) ENFP (Extroverted Intuitive Feeling Perceiving)

Test four (from similarminds) that's the one that I didn't like

I just retook the Myers-Briggs (they say you should take it often, because your personality will change over time - but your core personality traits will stay the same.)

ENFP - "Journalist". Uncanny sense of the motivations of others. Life is an exciting drama. 8.1% of total population.

Take Free Myers Briggs Jung Personality Test

Anyway, what are you going to do with this information now that you have it? Not much really. You have to take these tests over a period of time, because (as you can see) the results can change over time. It is not failsafe, but can give a very good understanding of how you view the world around you, and can give you a glimpse of how you can better interact with people.

So give it a try..there is also a test for married couples. Be careful here though, cause you can find out that you are incompatible!!

Keep Learning!

PEACE,
JPB

Stepford Wives

So my partner Steve and I decided, despite the reviews, to go see the Stepford Wives. I am glad that we did. It was funny as hell!

The updated version of the 70's motion picture (at least I think it was done in the 70's) really went out of its way to make its own mark.

Of course, the reason I wanted to see it was because it had Bette!!! (God I love Bette)
You can have your Judy Garland, Liza, and Barbara (for all of the friends of Dorothy out there) but I prefer the more avant garde.....Bette....and the more sublime....Olivia...(that's Olivia Newton-John for those of you who might be scratching your head wondering what the hell I'm talking about.) And another thing....don't be dissin' the ONJ. She is a beautiful human being and my first (and possibly my only crush) on the female persuasion-so that says a lot.

I digress. More on the ONJ later.

Back to the movie.

They have updated the premise. Included a gay couple (a Stepford "wife" for the gay man),in fact-the actor that plays the gay, limp-wristed lover (who gets Stepfordized) was in a wonderful film (that my friend JH introduced me to) called "Best in Show"....Sorry folks can't remember his name but you can't forget his character.

So, you have Bette (God, I love Bette), Nicole Kidman (you know-once married to Tom Cruise)....(btw, has he come out yet??) Matthew Broderick (boy he was cute back in the day), Glenn Close (she's awesome), Christopher Walken (ok, I don't care what you say..This dude SCARES me), Jon Lovitz, and a special appearance by Faith Hill (isn't her husband in real life just delicious??)....

Directed by Frank Oz. Enough said.

I have to say that there were some scenes that were awful. The editing was terrible (I mean, for ME to notice that's saying something), and some far-fetched ideas that don't work when you see them through (such as the scene where Dave Markowe turns his wife into an ATM and money pops out of her mouth...) I guess I could believe it if they followed that path through the entire movie (which they didn't)....The method in which they "changed" the women of Stepford, into robots, I guess, doesn't hold through the entire movie....It was like they scrapped the idea half way through the movie and changed gears, but decided not to go back and rewrite what was already filmed.

So I guess what I am saying is that there was a lot that was NOTICEABLY wrong. But I LIKED it a lot. It was extremely funny (unlike the original) and at times macabre. All in all...Good fun....

And did I say- Bette was great! She's such a unique woman....And her transformation was stunning.......

So- go see it!

I give it 3 baseballs out of 4 (for sheer fun-forgetting all else).

JPB