Viva la Vida

Copyright (c) 2008 Parlophone/Capitol/EMI. All rights reserved.

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I hear Jerusalem bells a ringing
Roman Cavalry choirs are singing
Be my mirror, my sword and shield
My missionaries in a foreign field

For some reason I can’t explain
Once you go there was never
Never an honest word
And that was when I ruled the world

Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys – ‘Empire State of Mind’ Official Video

Copyright (c) 2009 Roc Nation/Atlantic. All rights reserved.

In New York
Concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There’s nothing you can’t do
Now you’re in New York
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you
Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York

Italians outraged as European court rules against crucifixes

Source: Nick Squires, The Christian Science Monitor

Italians reacted with outrage on Tuesday after a European court ruled that displaying crucifixes in the country’s schools violated the principle of secular education. Italy’s education minister condemned the judgment by the European Court of Human Rights, saying that the Christian cross was a symbol of the country’s Roman Catholic religion and cultural identity. Mariastella Gelmini, a member of the conservative government of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, argued that “no one, and certainly not an ideological European court, will succeed in erasing our identity,” he said. Other ministers said they were appalled by the ruling, calling it “absurd,” “shameful” and “offensive.”

[Barello's Take: Your damn right the Italians are outraged, and that means Roman Catholics around the world are as well. As the model for European Integration shows its true face - i.e. a cynical, pathetic attempt to erase the native cultures of millions, particularly Christians - more people are beginning to realize what this game is all about, and unlike the American society, which is paralyzed by special interest groups and other malicious forces, the Italians will not 'take this'. How dare a foreign, undemocratically anointed court try to dictate what the sovereign nation of Italy may allow within its borders; don't forget, this is all based on the lawsuit of a foreigner who immigrated to Italy and then decided that she had the right to tell the Italians how to live. In other words: Vaffanculo, puttana!]

Log Cabin Republicans of NY: Mike Bloomberg will continue to improve the quality of life for all

Source: Tim Barello, Examiner.com

It is widely believed that voters will re-elect Michael Bloomberg for a third term as mayor of New York City on November 3. Some may find it hard to believe that Bloomberg maintains widespread support among Republicans; as a supporter of same-sex marriage, many would assume the GOP automatically opposes him – and anyone that does is entirely mistaken. With that in mind, I recently caught up with Gregory T. Angelo, Chairman of the Log Cabin Republicans of New York State, which is part of a national organization of Republicans that support fairness, freedom and equality for gay and lesbian Americans.

For Your Consideration: Words of Advice

“The great enemy of clear language is insincerity. When there is a gap between one’s real and one’s declared aims, one turns as it were instinctively to long words and exhausted idioms, like a cuttlefish spurting out ink. In our age there is no such thing as ‘keeping out of politics.’ All issues are political issues, and politics itself is a mass of lies, evasions, folly, hatred, and schizophrenia. When the general atmosphere is bad, language must suffer.” – George Orwell, Politics and the English Language, 1946

[Barello's Take: Those exposed as putrid liars and deceivers shall remain as such; therefore, there is no need to engage with anyone that continuously spews out wretched balderdash. For their day will ultimately come, and they will be held to account for all they have done.]

It Was Written Long Ago (And Shall Remain Today)

2 Timothy 2:10-26 (Douay-Rheims text)

10 Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with heavenly glory.

11 A faithful saying: for if we be dead with him, we shall live also with him.

12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. If we deny him, he will also deny us.

13 If we believe not, he continueth faithful, he can not deny himself.

14 Of these things put them in mind, charging them before the Lord. Contend not in words, for it is to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.

15 Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they grow much towards ungodliness.

17 And their speech spreadeth like a canker: of whom are Hymeneus and Philetus:

18 Who have erred from the truth, saying, that the resurrection is past already, and have subverted the faith of some.

19 But the sure foundation of God standeth firm, having this seal: the Lord knoweth who are his; and let every one depart from iniquity who nameth the name of the Lord.

20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and earth: and some indeed unto honour, but some unto dishonour.

21 If any man therefore shall cleanse himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and profitable to the Lord, prepared unto every good work.

22 But flee thou youthful desires, and pursue justice, faith, charity, and peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

23 And avoid foolish and unlearned questions, knowing that they beget strifes.

24 But the servant of the Lord must not wrangle: but be mild towards all men, apt to teach, patient,

25 With modesty admonishing them that resist the truth: if peradventure God may give them repentance to know the truth,

26 And they may recover themselves from the snares of the devil, by whom they are held captive at his will.

‘Sorcha’ secretly updates net neutrality report

In an effort to make me look stupid, which has failed miserably, the operators of WhatDoesItMean.com have updated their nonsense Sorcha Faal report to include the real owner of Newsday, which is Cablevision. The nonexistent Sorcha Faal originally reported that The Times Mirror Company owned Newsday.

The original report, as it appeared before being modified is posted at: http://www.rumormillnews.com/cgi-bin/forum.cgi?noframes;read=158640. If the Publisher of Rumormillnews.com modifies the contents of this nonsense report, she too will be exposed as a libelous, diversionary puppet.

(A hard copy of the above page has been saved for my records as well.)

Benjamin Fulford propagates outrageous lies about Queen Elizabeth II

Source: Tim Barello, Examiner.com

Canadian-born Benjamin Fulford, formerly of Forbes, lives in Japan and has developed quite a presence on the Internet over the past few years; in 2007, he surprised many when he secured an exclusive interview with David Rockefeller, which can be viewed in four parts on YouTube. Over the past few hours and days, Fulford has willfully propagated a hodgepodge of truly viscous lies about Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, in addition to other members of the British Royal Family.

‘Sorcha Faal’ disinformation on net neutrality: what does it mean, really?

Source: Tim Barello, Examiner.com

For nearly five years, a foolhardy website, WhatDoesItMean.com, has been publishing absurdly outlandish news reports under the authorship of Sorcha Faal, an equally peculiar pen name that is used by one (or more) malevolent writer(s). Yesterday, in the most recent act of perpetuating doom-and-gloom disinformation, the writer(s) behind Sorcha Faal imprudently posted an article on net neutrality that is – as is typical – preposterously misleading, and filled with flat-out lies.

Who’s to blame for ‘too big to fail’?

The following 155 current members of Congress can be thanked directly for their support of FSMA; indeed, each of them voted in favor of this act ten years ago. When compared to the amount of de facto kickbacks they have received through 2008 – from the financial industry – we can draw the conclusion that, from the big banks’ point of view, this was money well spent. Readers are urged to contact every Congressperson and Senator listed here (as many times as you feel is necessary) to demand the repeal of FSMA. Kindly remind them that this will influence the outcome of all upcoming elections, particularly in 2010. You should also demand an immediate Congressional inquiry into the reports of Mr. Christopher Story FRSA.

CONGRESSPERSON	CONTRIB.	CONTACT
John Kerry (D-Mass)	$19,094,828	Phone: (202) 224-2742 • Fax: (202) 224-8525
Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn)	$13,204,556	Phone: (202) 224-2823 • Fax: (202) 224-1083
Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)	$12,795,946	Phone: (202) 224-6542 • Fax: (202) 228-3027
Joe Lieberman (I-Conn)	$9,972,924	Phone: (202) 224-4041 • Fax: (202) 224-9750
Arlen Specter (D-Pa)	$5,652,910	Phone: (202) 224-4254 • Fax: (202) 228-1229
Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas)	$4,669,788	Phone: (202) 224-5922 • Fax: (202) 224-0776
Max Baucus (D-Mont)	$4,491,183	Phone: (202) 224-2651 • Fax: (202) 224-9412
Mitch McConnell (R-Ky)	$4,437,474	Phone: (202) 224-2541 • Fax: (202) 224-2499
Charles B. Rangel (D-NY)	$4,117,402	Phone: (202) 225-4365 • Fax: (202) 225-0816
Evan Bayh (D-Ind)	$3,974,396	Phone: (202) 224-5623 • Fax: (202) 228-1377
Robert Menendez (D-NJ)	$3,898,822	Phone: (202) 224-4744 • Fax: (202) 228-2197
Jon L. Kyl (R-Ariz)	$3,700,309	Phone: (202) 224-4521 • Fax: (202) 224-2207
Spencer Bachus (R-Ala)	$3,699,199	Phone: (202) 225-4921 • Fax: (202) 225-2082
Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif)	$3,570,557	Phone: (202) 224-3841 • Fax: (202) 228-3954
Johnny Isakson (R-Ga)	$3,305,891	Phone: (202) 224-3643 • Fax: (202) 228-0724
Christopher S. ‘Kit’ Bond (R-Mo)	$3,286,388	Phone: (202) 224-5721 • Fax: (202) 224-8149
Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ)	$3,266,517	Phone: (202) 224-3224 • Fax: (202) 228-4054
John Thune (R-SD)	$3,204,991	Phone: (202) 224-2321 • Fax: (202) 228-5429
John Boehner (R-Ohio)	$2,933,009	Phone: (202) 225-6205 • Fax: (202) 225-0704
Dick Durbin (D-Ill)	$2,889,477	Phone: (202) 224-2152 • Fax: (202) 228-0400
Tim Johnson (D-SD)	$2,864,662	Phone: (202) 224-5842 • Fax: (202) 228-5765
Jack Reed (D-RI)	$2,768,332	Phone: (202) 224-4642 • Fax: (202) 224-4680
George V. Voinovich (R-Ohio)	$2,764,465	Phone: (202) 224-3353 • Fax: (202) 228-1382
Earl Pomeroy (D-ND)	$2,694,219	Phone: (202) 225-2611 • Fax: (202) 226-0893
Nita M. Lowey (D-NY)	$2,647,060	Phone: (202) 225-6506 • Fax: (202) 225-0546
Ben Cardin (D-Md)	$2,638,081	Phone: (202) 224-4524 • Fax: (202) 224-1651
Pete Sessions (R-Texas)	$2,637,589	Phone: (202) 225-2231 • Fax: (202) 225-5878
Harry Reid (D-Nev)	$2,628,540	Phone: (202) 224-3542 • Fax: (202) 224-7327
Roy Blunt (R-Mo)	$2,547,655	Phone: (202) 225-6536 • Fax: (202) 225-5604
Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga)	$2,519,928	Phone: (202) 224-3521 • Fax: (202) 224-0103
Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind)	$2,472,229	Phone: (202) 224-4814 • Fax: (202) 228-0360
Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md)	$2,455,683	Phone: (202) 225-4131 • Fax: (202) 225-4300
Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY)	$2,430,948	Phone: (202) 225-7944 • Fax: (202) 225-4709
Jim Bunning (R-Ky)	$2,423,585	Phone: (202) 224-4343 • Fax: (202) 228-1373
Richard Burr (R-NC)	$2,419,222	Phone: (202) 224-3154 • Fax: (202) 228-2981
Ed Royce (R-Calif)	$2,388,153	Phone: (202) 225-4111 • Fax: (202) 226-0335
Kent Conrad (D-ND)	$2,370,437	Phone: (202) 224-2043 • Fax: (202) 224-7776
Michael N. Castle (R-Del)	$2,362,612	Phone: (202) 225-4165 • Fax: (202) 225-2291
Orrin G. Hatch (R-Utah)	$2,338,143	Phone: (202) 224-5251 • Fax: (202) 224-6331
Mary L. Landrieu (D-La)	$2,264,228	Phone: (202) 224-5824 • Fax: (202) 224-9735
Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa)	$2,167,880	Phone: (202) 224-3744 • Fax: (202) 224-6020
Jay Rockefeller (D-WVa)	$2,142,484	Phone: (202) 224-6472 • Fax: (202) 224-7665
Joseph Crowley (D-NY)	$2,112,199	Phone: (202) 225-3965 • Fax: (202) 225-1909
Ron Wyden (D-Ore)	$2,101,580	Phone: (202) 224-5244 • Fax: (202) 228-2717
Jeff Sessions (R-Ala)	$2,074,185	Phone: (202) 224-4124 • Fax: (202) 224-3149
Susan Collins (R-Maine)	$2,049,060	Phone: (202) 224-2523 • Fax: (202) 224-2693
James W. DeMint (R-SC)	$2,009,268	Phone: (202) 224-6121 • Fax: (202) 228-5143
David Dreier (R-Calif)	$2,004,988	Phone: (202) 225-2305 • Fax: (202) 225-7018
Dennis Moore (D-Kan)	$1,974,025	Phone: (202) 225-2865 • Fax: (202) 225-2807
Robert F. Bennett (R-Utah)	$1,891,292	Phone: (202) 224-5444 • Fax: (202) 228-1168
Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif)	$1,889,622	Phone: (202) 225-4965 • Fax: (202) 225-8259
Lindsey Graham (R-SC)	$1,814,679	Phone: (202) 224-5972 • Fax: (202) 224-3808
David Vitter (R-La)	$1,678,116	Phone: (202) 224-4623 • Fax: (202) 228-5061
Deborah Ann Stabenow (D-Mich)	$1,673,600	Phone: (202) 224-4822 • Fax: (202) 228-0325
Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine)	$1,670,167	Phone: (202) 224-5344 • Fax: (202) 224-1946
Richard E. Neal (D-Mass)	$1,632,153	Phone: (202) 225-5601 • Fax: (202) 225-8112
Patrick J. Kennedy (D-RI)	$1,631,430	Phone: (202) 225-4911 • Fax: (202) 225-3290
Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark)	$1,585,692	Phone: (202) 224-4843 • Fax: (202) 228-1371
Gary Ackerman (D-NY)	$1,500,090	Phone: (202) 225-2601 • Fax: (202) 225-1589
Sam Johnson (R-Texas)	$1,493,355	Phone: (202) 225-4201 • Fax: (202) 225-1485
Brad Sherman (D-Calif)	$1,464,036	Phone: (202) 225-5911 • Fax: (202) 225-5879
Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio)	$1,439,081	Phone: (202) 224-2315 • Fax: (202) 228-6321
Jim Moran (D-Va)	$1,422,081	Phone: (202) 225-4376 • Fax: (202) 225-0017
Paul Ryan (R-Wis)	$1,416,466	Phone: (202) 225-3031 • Fax: (202) 225-3393
Pat Roberts (R-Kan)	$1,382,236	Phone: (202) 224-4774 • Fax: (202) 224-3514
Patty Murray (D-Wash)	$1,361,297	Phone: (202) 224-2621 • Fax: (202) 224-0238
Sam Brownback (R-Kan)	$1,355,896	Phone: (202) 224-6521 • Fax: (202) 228-1265
James M. Inhofe (R-Okla)	$1,349,052	Phone: (202) 224-4721 • Fax: (202) 228-0380
Judy Biggert (R-Ill)	$1,340,219	Phone: (202) 225-3515 • Fax: (202) 225-9420
Robert E. Andrews (D-NJ)	$1,339,393	Phone: (202) 225-6501 • Fax: (202) 225-6583
Bart Gordon (D-Tenn)	$1,333,351	Phone: (202) 225-4231 • Fax: (202) 225-6887
Don Manzullo (R-Ill)	$1,328,544	Phone: (202) 225-5676 • Fax: (202) 225-5284
John Linder (R-Ga)	$1,325,176	Phone: (202) 225-4272 • Fax: (202) 225-4696
Mike Crapo (R-Idaho)	$1,310,542	Phone: (202) 224-6142 • Fax: (202) 228-1375
John Tanner (D-Tenn)	$1,308,108	Phone: (202) 225-4714 • Fax: (202) 225-1765
Pete King (R-NY)	$1,286,140	Phone: (202) 225-7896 • Fax: (202) 226-2279
Mark Udall (D-Colo)	$1,262,685	Phone: (202) 224-5941 • Fax: (202) 224-6471
Rick Boucher (D-Va)	$1,244,933	Phone: (202) 225-3861 • Fax: (202) 225-0442
Steven C. LaTourette (R-Ohio)	$1,242,137	Phone: (202) 225-5731 • Fax: (202) 225-3307
Jerrold Nadler (D-NY)	$1,210,631	Phone: (202) 225-5635 • Fax: (202) 225-6923
Nydia M. Velazquez (D-NY)	$1,190,025	Phone: (202) 225-2361 • Fax: (202) 226-0327
Dave Camp (R-Mich)	$1,183,220	Phone: (202) 225-3561 • Fax: (202) 225-9679
Brian P. Bilbray (R-Calif)	$1,179,626	Phone: (202) 225-0508 • Fax: (202) 225-2558
Frank Pallone Jr (D-NJ)	$1,177,143	Phone: (202) 225-4671 • Fax: (202) 225-9665
Ellen O. Tauscher (D-Calif)	$1,168,460	Phone: (202) 225-1880 • Fax: (202) 225-5914
Sander Levin (D-Mich)	$1,161,575	Phone: (202) 225-4961 • Fax: (202) 226-1033
John M. Spratt Jr. (D-SC)	$1,157,250	Phone: (202) 225-5501 • Fax: (202) 225-0464
Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii)	$1,149,572	Phone: (202) 224-3934 • Fax: (202) 224-6747
Shelley Berkley (D-Nev)	$1,112,583	Phone: (202) 225-5965 • Fax: (202) 225-3119
Lee Terry (R-Neb)	$1,100,894	Phone: (202) 225-4155 • Fax: (202) 226-5452
Sue Myrick (R-NC)	$1,087,538	Phone: (202) 225-1976 • Fax: (202) 225-3389
Judd Gregg (R-NH)	$1,067,949	Phone: (202) 224-3324 • Fax: (202) 224-4952
John Shadegg (R-Ariz)	$1,065,296	Phone: (202) 225-3361 • Fax: (202) 225-3462
Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)	$1,049,567	Phone: (202) 224-5521 • Fax: (202) 224-2852
Lamar Smith (R-Texas)	$1,047,198	Phone: (202) 225-4236 • Fax: (202) 225-8628
Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY)	$1,043,932	Phone: (202) 225-3461 • Fax: (202) 226-4169
Edolphus Towns (D-NY)	$1,018,698	Phone: (202) 225-5936 • Fax: (202) 225-1018
Mike Enzi (R-Wyo)	$985,194	Phone: (202) 224-3424 • Fax: (202) 228-0359
Walter B. Jones Jr. (R-NC)	$968,033	Phone: (202) 225-3415 • Fax: (202) 225-3286
Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-Calif)	$965,948	Phone: (202) 225-1956 • Fax: (202) 226-0683
Anna Eshoo (D-Calif)	$962,774	Phone: (202) 225-8104 • Fax: (202) 225-8890
Frank R. Wolf (R-Va)	$957,413	Phone: (202) 225-5136 • Fax: (202) 225-0437
Eliot L. Engel (D-NY)	$955,866	Phone: (202) 225-2464 • Fax: (202) 225-5513
Dan Burton (R-Ind)	$952,588	Phone: (202) 225-2276 • Fax: (202) 225-0016
Robert Wexler (D-Fla)	$948,626	Phone: (202) 225-3001 • Fax: (202) 225-5974
Wally Herger (R-Calif)	$930,345	Phone: (202) 225-3076 • Fax: (202) 226-0852
Kay Granger (R-Texas)	$928,725	Phone: (202) 225-5071 • Fax: (202) 225-5683
Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY)	$916,545	Phone: (202) 225-5516 • Fax: (202) 225-5758
Tom Latham (R-Iowa)	$901,169	Phone: (202) 225-5476 • Fax: (202) 225-3301
Cliff Stearns (R-Fla)	$898,578	Phone: (202) 225-5744 • Fax: (202) 225-3973
Tom Coburn (R-Okla)	$889,464	Phone: (202) 224-5754 • Fax: (202) 224-6008
David Wu (D-Ore)	$888,676	Phone: (202) 225-0855 • Fax: (202) 225-9497
Steven R. Rothman (D-NJ)	$885,461	Phone: (202) 225-5061 • Fax: (202) 225-5851
Allen Boyd (D-Fla)	$882,030	Phone: (202) 225-5235 • Fax: (202) 225-5615
Roger Wicker (R-Miss)	$869,939	Phone: (202) 224-6253 • Fax: (202) 228-0378
Frank D. Lucas (R-Okla)	$864,628	Phone: (202) 225-5565 • Fax: (202) 225-8698
Ralph M. Hall (R-Texas)	$857,234	Phone: (202) 225-6673 • Fax: (202) 225-3332
James E. Clyburn (D-SC)	$815,861	Phone: (202) 225-3315 • Fax: (202) 225-2313
Fred Upton (R-Mich)	$813,434	Phone: (202) 225-3761 • Fax: (202) 225-4986
Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla)	$812,524	Phone: (202) 225-3931 • Fax: (202) 225-5620
John P. Murtha (D-Pa)	$812,477	Phone: (202) 225-2065 • Fax: (202) 225-5709
Baron Hill (D-Ind)	$805,290	Phone: (202) 225-5315 • Fax: (202) 226-6866
Melvin L. Watt (D-NC)	$801,778	Phone: (202) 225-1510 • Fax: (202) 225-1512
Howard L. Berman (D-Calif)	$794,891	Phone: (202) 225-4695 • Fax: (202) 225-3196
Xavier Becerra (D-Calif)	$785,917	Phone: (202) 225-6235 • Fax: (202) 225-2202
Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-Fla)	$753,218	Phone: (202 )225-4211 • Fax: (202) 225-8576
Mike Thompson (D-Calif)	$751,867	Phone: (202) 225-3311 • Fax: (202) 225-4335
Ruben Hinojosa (D-Texas)	$747,536	Phone: (202) 225-2531 • Fax: (202) 225-5688
Ken Calvert (R-Calif)	$731,886	Phone: (202) 225-1986 • Fax: (202) 225-2004
Charlie A. Gonzalez (D-Texas)	$728,247	Phone: (202) 225-3236 • Fax: (202) 225-1915
Tom Udall (D-NM)	$726,820	Phone: (202) 224-6621 • Fax: (202) 228-3261
Jo Ann Emerson (R-Mo)	$726,450	Phone: (202) 225-4404 • Fax: (202) 226-0326
John M. Shimkus (R-Ill)	$724,170	Phone: (202) 225-5271 • Fax: (202) 225-5880
Elton Gallegly (R-Calif)	$715,781	Phone: (202) 225-5811 • Fax: (202) 225-1100
Leonard L. Boswell (D-Iowa)	$714,671	Phone: (202) 225-3806 • Fax: (202) 225-5608
Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-NJ)	$712,380	Phone: (202) 225-5034 • Fax: (202) 225-3186
Jerry Lewis (R-Calif)	$702,609	Phone: (202) 225-5861 • Fax: (202) 225-6498
Bob Etheridge (D-NC)	$700,235	Phone: (202) 225-4531 • Fax: (202) 225-5662
Gary Miller (R-Calif)	$697,488	Phone: (202) 225-3201 • Fax: (202) 226-6962
Ed Whitfield (R-Ky)	$697,116	Phone: (202) 225-3115 • Fax: (202) 225-3547
Zach Wamp (R-Tenn)	$691,406	Phone: (202) 225-3271 • Fax: (202) 225-3494
Frank A. LoBiondo (R-NJ)	$690,441	Phone: (202) 225-6572 • Fax: (202) 225-3318
Don Young (R-Alaska)	$676,922	Phone: (202) 225-5765 • Fax: (202) 225-0425
Jack Kingston (R-Ga)	$659,947	Phone: (202) 225-5831 • Fax: (202) 226-2269
Kevin Brady (R-Texas)	$656,655	Phone: (202) 225-4901 • Fax: (202) 225-5524
Bill Pascrell Jr. (D-NJ)	$652,918	Phone: (202) 225-5751 • Fax: (202) 225-5782
Loretta Sanchez (D-Calif)	$636,988	Phone: (202) 225-2965 • Fax: (202) 225-5859
Bob Goodlatte (R-Va)	$630,472	Phone: (202) 225-5431 • Fax: (202) 225-9681
David Price (D-NC)	$628,786	Phone: (202) 225-1784 • Fax: (202) 225-2014
Lois Capps (D-Calif)	$625,945	Phone: (202) 225-3601 • Fax: (202) 225-5632
Ron Kind (D-Wis)	$621,461	Phone: (202) 225-5506 • Fax: (202) 225-5739
Marion Berry (D-Ark)	$617,894	Phone: (202) 225-4076 • Fax: (202) 225-5602
Thad Cochran (R-Miss)	$610,384	Phone: (202) 224-5054 • Fax: (202) 224-9450
F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. (R-Wis)	$609,157	Phone: (202) 225-5101 • Fax: (202) 225-3190
Sanford D. Bishop Jr. (D-Ga)	$598,270	Phone: (202) 225-3631 • Fax: (202) 225-2203
GRAND TOTAL	$294,870,261	101 House Representatives/54 Senators

SOURCE: CENTER FOR RESPONSIVE POLITICS

Divine Guidance From The Real Powers That Be

1  Timothy 6:10-21 (King James text)

¹⁰For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

¹¹But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

¹²Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.

¹³I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;

¹⁴That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ:

¹⁵Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;

¹⁶Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen.

¹⁷Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;

¹⁸That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;

¹⁹Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.

²⁰O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called:

²¹Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad revealed to have Jewish past

Source: Damien McElroy and Ahmad Vahdat, The Telegraph (UK)

A photograph of the Iranian president holding up his identity card during elections in March 2008 clearly shows his family has Jewish roots. A close-up of the document reveals he was previously known as Sabourjian – a Jewish name meaning cloth weaver.

The Path to Authentic Serenity

Tears, at times reality
Something that’s just meant to be
Let them flow, temporally
Heal these wounds, metaphorically

In my life, I’ve cried so much
Still a man, but found my crutch
We all have some grief inside
Love can heal, when multiplied

No more fighting, had enough
Even when the times are rough
Intelligence, so glistening
While anger brings me not a thing

Eventually, I’ll be complete
From head to toe, and hands to feet
And as these truths are less discrete
My soul inside becomes concrete

The Seventh-Inning Stretch

I think about the nights that passed
When I would cry, alone and masked
Running home from swanky bars
That was me, guilty as charged

No one knew the pain inside
And if friends asked, damn right, I lied
Was difficult to hate myself
Felt scandalous, like Michael Phelps

Entangled, gave you all I could
Obsessed, because you look so good
You’ll never face your secret life
So hide behind your lady-wife

Mr. Pitcher, switch-hitter, mate
Naïve and foolish, was your home plate
The inning’s over, just as well
You struck out, so go to hell

I’ll Do My Thing (Say What You Say)

Wish I was a holy man
Organic, like guacamole, man
But that’s a role I cannot play
I’ll do my thing, pray what you pray

Okay, I like to play this part
And rock nice things, so fuck Walmart
Rules, traditions mean nothing
I’ll do my thing, bring what you bring

Some call me crazy, others worse
Non-entities: a sterile curse
Can’t touch me, I’m far away
I’ll do my thing, lay what you lay

Palms are sweaty, feel the heat
Bring it on, I’ll beat defeat
Roll my way, ‘til it’s my day
I’ll do my thing, say what you say

Barenaked for One Moment

Underneath these battle wounds
I still need one to love me
Yet that’s something you cannot do
When you hold things above me

People often fail to note
The damage that small minds inflict
Overt or coy; still venomous
Words are fierce, you get my drift?

Fists, they hurt, just like remarks
Light is right, while dark is stark
I’m no Angel, made mistakes
Internal rage; those thoughts, replaced

I’m not sorry for this life
And I’ll do anything I like
You don’t approve? Too bad for you
Cause others do, so fuck your view

This ain’t a game: reality
It’s my life, I’m Timothy
So hit me with a label…
We’ll put you through this table

My boys support me, through and through
If you hate me, then they hate you
I’m a King, no Drama Queen
Quite obscene, like Charlie Sheen

Alex Jones publishes fake interview of President Obama with Charlie Sheen

Source: Tim Barello, Examiner.com

Alex Jones, the controversial talk radio host and operator of conspiracy websites like Infowars.com and Prisonplanet.com, sparked outrage today by publishing an entirely fabricated Q&A interview between President Barack Obama and Two and a Half Men actor Charlie Sheen. For his part, Sheen appears to be a willing participant in this ploy.

CIA used Blackwater-linked mercenaries as journalists

Source: Wayne Madsen, Wayne Madsen Report via Online Journal

The CIA used credentialed journalists to engage in counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism operations from 2003 to 2005. WMR has learned that two individuals working as subcontractors to the CIA had significant links to Blackwater’s CIA-approved and sanctioned operations in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Iran. Both traveled with credentials issued by United Press International (UPI), the wire service owned by News World Communications, owned by South Korean cult leader Reverend Sun Myung Moon.

[Barello's Take: This fantastic piece sheds light on overseas CIA activities; concurrently, the American public needs to learn more about covert, domestic CIA media operations, i.e. those taking place with the assistance of American producers, editors, journalists and writers that are employed by mainstream, alternative, and Internet-based media outlets. Such undertakings are often performed to influence public opinions on a variety of topics; from my vantage, these actions are categorically unethical and immoral, as most consumers of said propaganda do not even realize they are being willfully manipulated. Case in point: financial crisis, anyone?]

UN wants new global currency to replace dollar

Source: Edmund Conway, The Telegraph (UK)

In a radical report, the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has said the system of currencies and capital rules which binds the world economy is not working properly, and was largely responsible for the financial and economic crises. It added that the present system, under which the dollar acts as the world’s reserve currency, should be subject to a wholesale reconsideration. Although a number of countries, including China and Russia, have suggested replacing the dollar as the world’s reserve currency, the UNCTAD report is the first time a major multinational institution has posited such a suggestion.

[Barello's Take: As of this posting, not even ONE mainstream, corporate US media outlet has dared to touch this story. What's the matter, guys? Does reality not fit into your heavily sanitized version of the day's events? So what will you do: push more utterly useless and contempt celebrity and pseudo-celebrity gossip for the uninformed masses to gobble up? Perhaps this scenario epitomizes exactly why our newspaper industry is decimated beyond repair? Either way, this brilliant expose from the UK, where true reporting still takes place, is a must read for any and all serious observers of the worldwide financial crisis.]

Wall Street Pursues Profit in Bundles of Life Insurance

Source: Jenny Anderson, The New York Times

After the mortgage business imploded last year, Wall Street investment banks began searching for another big idea to make money. They think they may have found one. The bankers plan to buy “life settlements,” life insurance policies that ill and elderly people sell for cash — $400,000 for a $1 million policy, say, depending on the life expectancy of the insured person. Then they plan to “securitize” these policies, in Wall Street jargon, by packaging hundreds or thousands together into bonds. They will then resell those bonds to investors, like big pension funds, who will receive the payouts when people with the insurance die.

[Barello's Take: In case you needed further assurance of the types of people we are dealing with, here it is. How do you think the mortgage market ended up where it is today? History is about to repeat itself, however, in this scenario, the fraudulently securitized 'assets' will be derived from life insurance policies. Does the US have any integrity left whatsoever? Sure, many of her citizens are kind, good-hearted, generous, and loving people; unfortunately, our wholly corrupt leadership is destroying the very society that it is alleged to represent. Those who profit from death, whether they park their behinds on Wall Street, Madison Avenue, or in D.C., represent the lowest, darkest, and least enlightened individuals that this earth will ever see.]

Heart of Brothers

Me and my boys…
Together through heartbreak and joy
Ain’t no crew like what we got
Damn, I love you all a lot

From beer binges to clear cringes
You got my back with steel fringes
Brotherhood, it’s more than that
We’ll take a bullet in a spat

Never thought we’d be so set
With memories we won’t forget
So as the time and days progress
My love for you I will profess

Haters hate, we contemplate
Fuck with us, you’ll be erased
Chill out though, that’s just a warning
We got love, our hearts are swarming

Useless Affairs (Hit It Then Quit It)

I don’t do those one night stands
Shit like that is foul and bland
“Get mad drunk, play with my junk…”
You’re like a skunk, you stupid punk

What’s the deal with sex and lust?
“Dude, this chick has a Double D bust…”
And when it ends, it’s her that’s crying
“Call you soon…” Hell yeah, he’s lying!

I’m not into sex and games
I’m not into naming names
All of that is dark and played
Producing hearts which feel dismayed

Okay, this picture isn’t full
And maybe it’s a little dull
But soon enough, I’ll find my love
To make me feel heaven above

Providence Within

When this journey finally started, three long years ago
My heart was filled with pressure, and my life was just sorrow
Had everything the world could gift to such a smart young man
But underneath all circumstance, emerged a brand new plan

Here am I, today and now; more focused, more determined
Powerful in mind because the Spirit brings resurgence
Deep within my heart I know that nothing else can stop me
Blessings come from all around, when we live life properly

To hearts out there, so lost and down, this goes out to you
For love, success and happiness can easily come through
Understand that it’s your life; you control your destiny
No one else can hold you back, failure is an effigy

Concluding now, but really not, these words will never cease
They’re drawn from inspiration, like Rembrandt’s masterpiece
So dare to fly, across the sky, you’ll soar just as a Boeing
Remember though, it’s what you know, that gets you where you’re going

Inglorious Basterds opens with good reviews for Tarantino

Source: Examiner.com

Ladies and gentlemen, Quentin Tarantino is officially back! The multi-talented director’s latest flick, Inglorious Basterds – starring Brad Pitt – opens in theatres nationwide this Friday.  The film is opening to many good reviews, and is expected to fare quite well during its opening weekend at the box office (notwithstanding the obvious appeal of Brad Pitt, of course.)

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Larry Flynt: Common Sense 2009

Source: The Huffington Post

The American government — which we once called our government — has been taken over by Wall Street, the mega-corporations and the super-rich. They are the ones who decide our fate. It is this group of powerful elites, the people President Franklin D. Roosevelt called “economic royalists,” who choose our elected officials — indeed, our very form of government. Both Democrats and Republicans dance to the tune of their corporate masters. In America, corporations do not control the government. In America, corporations are the government.

[Barello's Take: This is a very well written piece by Larry Flynt. I'm shocked to see such work published over at The Huffington Post.]

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The original ‘Machete’ trailer from ‘Planet Terror’ (2007)

SCANDAL BIGGER THAN BERNIE

Source: New York Post

HARRY Markopolos — the whistleblower on Bernie Madoff who proved to be much smarter than the SEC — says there are evildoers out there who will make the Ponzi scum “look like small-time.” Markopolos gave a speech to 400 of the faithful at the Greek Orthodox Church in Southampton and predicted major scandals will soon be revealed about the unregulated, $600 trillion, credit-default swap market. “To put it in simple terms, it is like buying fire insurance policies from five different insurance companies on your neighbor’s house and then burning down the house,” he said.

[Barello's Take: Many qualified observers - some labelled conspiracy theorists by the mainstream, others not at all - have been SCREAMING that the entire derivatives market, including credit default swaps, are based purely on fraud and greed. Note, there is a slight factual error in the NY Post article; per the Bank for International Settlements, the $600 trillion figure represents ALL derivatives, not just credit default swaps, which are subsequently 'notionally valued' in the hundreds of trillions as well. Wait until the American public learns all about the process of 'securitization' and how it, quite literally, operates very much like a ponzi-scheme, whereby investors are duped, while the underwriters get rich! If you think the health care debate has been full of fireworks, baby, you ain't seen NOTHING yet.]

Racist Web Posts Traced to Homeland Security

Source: The New York Times

After federal border agents detained several Mexican immigrants in western New York in June, an article about the incident in a local newspaper drew an onslaught of vitriolic postings on its Web site. Some were racist. Others attacked farmers in the region, an apple-growing area east of Rochester, accusing them of harboring illegal workers. Still others made personal attacks about the reporter who wrote the article.

Most of the posts were made anonymously. But in reviewing the logs of its Internet server, the paper, The Wayne County Star in Wolcott, traced three of them to Internet protocol addresses at the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees border protection.

Ignoring Watchdog Report, Treasury Gives Three Major Banks Sweetheart Deals

Source: The Huffington Post

Four major banks have repurchased warrants from the Treasury Department since a congressional watchdog reported that the backroom deals where the prices were negotiated were ripping off the taxpayer. In three of the subsequent four transactions, the deals have only gotten worse.

The Congressional Oversight Panel report was based on 11 transactions with small banks and concluded that taxpayers walked away with about 66 percent of what they could have gotten. At a hearing on the warrant repurchase program in the House on Wednesday, Herbert Allison Jr., a senior Treasury official, insisted that the sweet deals the banks got were needed to aid the liquidity of the smaller institutions. The four transactions since then have all been with major institutions. Three of them returned between 54 and 65 percent of what the taxpayer could have gotten on the open market.

[Barello's Take: Keep it up guys, in fact, I implore you to. Your continued actions will spark one of two revolutions: an intellectual one, which would be preferred, or an armed one, which I explicitly say is not in our best interests. Either way, the game is going to end, sooner or later. People are not going to continue sitting idle as their jobs, homes, and futures are destroyed while you mother fuckers laugh it all the way to the bank, quite literally. Never forget: karma is a bitch, and even though you shit heads believe you are the 'Masters of the Universe', you do not even hold one cell of power compared to the ulimate Master of the Universe, who I can assure you is watching, always, and will hand you what you have sewed upon yourselves.]

Sex hormones, painkillers found in ‘treated’ Chicago public water

Source: Chicago Tribune

Pharmaceutical chemicals aren’t on list of substances in water that require public notice

Annual water quality reports mailed to Chicagoans this month didn’t say a word about sex hormones, painkillers or anti-cholesterol drugs, even though city officials found traces of pharmaceuticals and other unregulated substances in treated Lake Michigan water during the past year.

[Barello's Take: As Lou Dobbs would say, "your government at work."]

Sean Hannity Reports on ‘The Illuminati’ Twice Since May

Source: FOX News

To view Sean’s original report dated 15 May 2009, follow the above link and scroll down to “Beyond Belief”, where you will find a subsection entitled ‘The Illuminati’. You will be directed to the first video clip, courtesy of FOX News. A follow-up report aired on 2 July 2009, however, that clip is not yet available online.

Barello’s Take: ‘Illuminati’ is an umbrella categorization, used to collectively identify and reference various secret societies; some have existed for many centuries, others have been formed more recently. (NOTE: Illuminati groups may be identified collectively, or individually.) People that are associated with The Illuminati, through fact or fiction, are always portrayed as Master of the Universe types, i.e. powerful leaders of Church, Industry and State; typically global in nature, Illuminati objectives almost always involve international affairs, although they may involve those of an intranational nature, if and when such events are relevant.

Some believe The Vatican is explicitly involved with such organizations – or, more appropriately, ‘orders’ – while others do not; The Knights Templar is one alleged example of purported Illuminati activities. Depending on which version of reality you subscribe to, the Illuminati may encompass the most evil – or the most benevolent – groups of humans this planet has ever known; therefore, The Illuminati exist amidst a never-ending hodgepodge of actual facts, speculation, deliberate disinformation, and of course, tin foil hat conspiracy theories.

Why is this report from Hannity noteworthy then? In the mainstream media, there are certain topics, which, by and large, are simply NOT covered, because they tend to generate major controversies. The movement for a new investigation of the events that occurred on September 11, 2001 is another example, for instance.

Let’s see where this leads…

Washington Post selling lobbyists access, starting at $25K

Source: POLITICO

For $25,000 to $250,000, The Washington Post is offering lobbyists and association executives off-the-record, nonconfrontational access to “those powerful few” Obama administration officials, members of Congress, and the paper’s own reporters and editors.

The astonishing offer is detailed in a flier circulated Wednesday to a health care lobbyist, who provided it to a reporter because the lobbyist said he feels it’s a conflict for the paper to charge for access to, as the flier says, its health care reporting and editorial staff.”

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US Heading for “Jobless” Recovery (WTF?) – ABC News

Krugman: U.S. Headed for ‘Jobless’ Recovery – ABC News

Nobel-Prize winning economist Paul Krugman said the nation is on course for a “prolonged jobless” economic recovery unless the Obama administration steps in with a second round of government stimulus money.

“The fact of the matter is that the unemployment rate is much worse than the administration contemplated or that most people expected,” Krugman told ABC News. “So the economy is much weaker than we thought it’d be, meaning, in fact, it could use more stimulus.”

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Fuel tax could be replaced with by-the-mile road tax | McClatchy

Fuel tax could be replaced with by-the-mile road tax | McClatchy

The year is 2020 and the gasoline tax is history. In its place you get a monthly tax bill based on each mile you drove — tracked by a Global Positioning System device in your car and uploaded to a billing center.

What once was science fiction is being field-tested by the University of Iowa to iron out the wrinkles should a by-the-mile road tax ever be enacted.

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Al Sharpton Busts A Move At Michael Jackson Memorial (PHOTOS)

Source: The Huffington Post

Al Sharpton busted some serious moves at the Apollo Tuesday night during a memorial for Michael Jackson. In addition to dancing with director Spike Lee, Sharpton grinded up on a fan. [TMB - I think I just puked up my breakfast looking at this.]

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US National Unemployment Map, May 2009

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics (http://www.bls.gov/web/mmartcr2.pdf)

Ron Paul: Cap and Trade Will Lead to Capital Flight

Ron Paul: Cap and Trade Will Lead to Capital Flight

In my last column, I joked that with public spending out of control and the piling on of the international bailout bill, economic collapse seems to be the goal of Congress. It is getting harder to joke about such a thing however, as the non-partisan General Accounting Office (GAO) has estimated that the administration’s health care plan would actually cost over a trillion dollars. This reality check may have given us a temporary reprieve on this particular disastrous policy, however an equally disastrous energy policy reared its ugly head on Capitol Hill last week.

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Bernie Madoff sentenced to 150 years in prison

Bernie Madoff sentenced to 150 years in prison

Bernie Madoff has been sentenced to 150 years in prison, the maximum penalty for his unprecedented investment frauds. The decision was handed down today in New York by US District Judge Denny Chin. Prosecutors had asked for this maximum sentence to be imposed, while his defense requested 12 years. Chin is reported to have said that Madoff’s fraud is “staggering” and spanned over two decades.

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Thanksgiving Wisdom Consolation

Fear, it is the fruit of shame

Destroys the light, and keeps you tame

But inspiration channels through me

So my words can help you, dearly

 

Challenges are mere illusions

Yet drag most in to great confusion

Concurrently, these irritations

Do not harm your spirit’s graces

 

The secrets found within your aura

Mitigate the love, Explorer

Freedom spawns inherent duty

Open up, attract the beauty

 

Listen to the voice within

The one that mitigates chagrin

Encouraging my best desire

To lead the world away from fire

 

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Reawakening the Dream

Kundalini, above my spine

Says “strip the paint, like turpentine

Your at a point, to cross the line”

So now it’s time to take what’s mine

Had to go, a year ago

Mad problems bro, lots of sorrow

I realized though, so I could grow

Then found a flow, which all should know

My energy levels are rising

While the negativity’s subsiding

Feel free from all that lies bring

Through dreams I’m realizing

As I fly, like a nation’s streamer

They’ll lighten up, like coffee creamer

I’m no fool, but I’m a dreamer

And slicker than a two-bit schemer

An Unapologetic Response

In early 2007, I opened up to Martha Irvine, a talented reporter at the Associated Press, for an article that she was writing about materialism and today’s youth; little did I know, her report ended up being syndicated in thousands of mainstream and alternative media outlets around the world, and has since caused much controversy, particularly on the Internet. Today, I’d like to respond to the naysayers out there, and explain my side of the story.

First things first, I am absolutely disgusted to know that a few psychopathic “Christians” have called me everything from a devil worshipper to the anti-Christ himself (seriously). While these statements are beyond ridiculous, they no doubt reflect the enduring ignorance, hypocrisy, and judgmental nature of people that hide behind the Bible.

Here is my response: FUCK YOU (that’s how we talk in New York, bitches)…you people do not know me, nor do you know anything about God, who represents compassion, love, and acceptance for ALL people, regardless of their so-called shortcomings. Instead of throwing stones at everyone else, why don’t you look into the windows of your own glass houses, and take notice of the reflections that you have otherwise failed to perceive thus far?

The bottom line is that I did not agree to share my story for personal, vain reasons; in fact, the only reason I did so was to counteract a predominant notion in my generation, which is that money matters more than anything else. Why do you think the story ended with the following quote? (which, by the way, I gave): “There is so much more to life,” he says, “than materialistic possessions.”

Obviously, I put my head on a chopping block to be brutally honest about my own situation, but I didn’t care at the time (nor do I now), because I knew my story could offer guidance to the millions of young men and women out there that need to realize, perhaps now more than ever, that life isn’t about money and objects, it’s about reaching for the stars, following your dreams, being unique, and most importantly, surrounding yourself with good people that offer true friendship, love, and acceptance.

I am not perfect, and I openly acknowledge that fact every single day; my life has been filled with much turmoil, and my method of coping with that was always to hide behind money and materialism. While I am trying to be a less superficial person, underneath my bullshit, there is an immense amount of love and understanding for all of humanity, and just because I am not entirely ready to showcase that to the entire world, it does not mitigate any such existence whatsoever.

My Aura of Mystique

Self induced perfectionist

Minimal respect for shit

That’s just me and how I roll

Ego vast, like I’m Bob Dole

And underneath the surface

I have such greater purpose

But hoard it in, for few to see

Rejection makes me melancholy

But as the years progress

My heart, I can’t repress

Cause like a treasure chest

Therein lies my best

So what I’m getting at

Though vague, like a Democrat

Is rational suspension, that brings along contention

And in the end, ascension, on to the 5th dimension

My Aquarian Vision

The hatred that dominates this planet

Will one day lead to our mass extinction

Sadly, though, this inevitable reality

Is advanced onto us by men of distinction

Why should we hate people not like us?

Is it because of differences we cannot trust?

Is it because, inside, it’s destruction we lust?

Or simply because the world is unjust?

All throughout life, I’ll question the leaders

Without fearing judgment, threats, retributions

In fact, this is why some will never speak up

It’s a tough proposition, like advanced convolutions

So listen right now to the following theory

Look through your eyes, and see the world clearly

Challenge all that is preached to you dearly

There’s nothing but strife in a world without query

Glory From the Brink

I now fly above a tattered reputation

That materialized due to ignorant decisions

Upon the misadventure, I hated who I was

So I laid a new foundation with permanent revisions

All the pain aside, and beneath my sense of pride

Was anger that had dried the blood that flows inside

Now couple it with drugs, which shook my world like thugs

And the mixture was in place to create a great disgrace

The wings upon my back were with me all along

But I never really thought they’d help me fly away

And then the great storm hit, like nothing else before

Which made me understand why tomorrow meant today

Ingredients for failure were right at my disposal

Yet wanting to be better, survival thrust within

Platinum holds the road ahead, no reason to turn back

Destiny will be revealed, with nothing but a grin

The Final Descent

“Give us all the money in the world, and for that, expect nothing in return,” said the bankers to the paupers, whose fate had just been churned. Mothers and fathers tried to warn their children, “be careful whom you trust: wolfs, they dress like shephards, and they’ll lead you to the dust.”

Hold onto your hats, folks, there’s a bumpy ride ahead. The lucky, they’re forgotten, the rest will end up dead. Use your intiutions, it’s all that you’ll have left. God gave them for a reason, survivors must be deft.

It’s about to get ugly…que sera, sera…Heaven help us!

10/07/08

Introspect on Life

Frustration-grown monopoly

Drowned away all sympathy

But really, that’s society

Still nothing that we could foresee

Misunderstood, that’s what I am

Beneath the stars, but not like them

There’s more to this, you just don’t know

Off drowning deep, far from shallow

No words to mince, high relevance

Enlightened prints, true eloquence

Rat races on, until its gone

The magic wand, waves to respond

Create a flow, live through, rewind

Think some more, search ’til you find

Apply brakes when the ground is rough

You’ll know when enough’s enough

The Last Goodbye (Back to Reality)

Really thought I had you

And look at what I’ve lost

Bitter rage engulfs me

Now that I’ve been tossed

How you had me going

Led me on so well

Broke my soul in pieces

Threw me down to hell

Contemplated ending this

2 bottles in my hands

100 pills, 100 shots

To put me in the sand

That’s how close I came

To ending all this pain

While crying out your name

And feeling quite insane

You can call me Romeo

I’ll never have a Juliet

The star-crossed dirty secret

That ended with regret

Take your fucking ring back

To me, it ain’t worth nothing

Just memories of what could be

Like targets for the hunting

Bring me back the street lights

The city hears me calling

Makes me feel alive again

And softens up this mauling

Now this is our last goodbye

I’m wishing you the best

From here until eternity

So long, you’re off my chest

Defeating The Weakness

When I realized what had happened

Emotions that were trapped in

Had swiftly burst from out me

A lesson learned, devoutly

Expressions, they’re what I make

To offset every mistake

Cause when I’m gone from this place

They’ll carry on with pure grace

The message coded herein

Is bound to make your head spin

Preferred intention, so vague

Unstoppable like a plague

No more fear, it’s ludicrous

A self-induced deep abyss

So fuck the hateful questions

That linger like obsessions

2008: State of the Union

Propaganda: ain’t it sweet?

To numb the shame of true defeat

For your pleasure, here’s some more

A bullshit scene near Persian shores

Arrogance: slow your role

Before you kill our nation’s soul

“For the people?” Not so sure

Me thinks that we’re the “Great Big Whore”

Collapse: oh here you come

Outrageous debt in untold sums

“Believe in us,” is what they say

And send your kids to act as prey

Horror: reliving what we’ve seen

Through faux pas rule, false liberty

Once mushroom clouds destroyed Japan

And soon enough, they’ll meet Iran?

This Goes Out to "You"

With friends like you so steadily, who the hell needs enemies?

Looking down your beak towards me, while I laugh perpetually

Mouth so wide the world can see, just like the New York Christmas tree

But still your quick to tread on me, so now your fucking dead to me

Listen to the words I say, you put my business on display

Then turn your back, create the fray, and act like every thing’s OK

I never thought you could betray, but quickly learned so anyway

But while you live your life to play, your karma comes from yesterday

Yeah maybe I’m no fucking saint, but in your home, it ain’t so quaint

And covered underneath your paint, a secret bound from seed so faint

Kid, if you knew to use restraint, the problem wouldn’t procreate

But now your weeping tears like rain, because its time to bear some blame

So in the end you lost just one? Unless you count that unhatched bun

As one plus one now equals none, an evil deed has been undone

Defying math sure sounds like fun, though you’ll give it less attention

But soon will come your time to run, when father falls just like his son

Rain Beneath My Feet

Forget about how much I’ve changed

Some only see me the same way

I made mistakes then saw the light

Now here’s my chance to get it right

So young, so lost, they still don’t know

But it’s all good, I’ll take it slow

New lessons learned, I’ve grown a lot

We’ll strike just when the iron’s hot

Don’t care what gossip this creates

I’m more concerned with my new fate

Eau de Toilette, Russian Roulette

Forget regret, Lord I’m all set

A precious life, mine to defend

I’ll fight until the very end

I’m not like them, I never was

Cause stupid is as stupid does

Crystal Ball

I see hatred beyond belief

Under the cloak of humanity

I see lost boys and girls

Dressed up like Moms and Dads

I see death left and right

Yet you all still sleep at night

I see the world for what it is

But refuse to give up hope

I see now what must be done

And nothing will get in my way

I see the path that lies ahead

Now watch as I lay claim to it

Mr. Black Out

He don’t drink like others

He drinks with a clear mission

He don’t stop like others

He just keeps on wishing

Ten shots down for the pre-game

Then ten more plus ten others

Some may say he’s binging

Like food with Sally Struthers

Another day, another night

Yo, what the fuck just happened?

Don’t ask him, cause he won’t know

His liver’s strained and blackened

He don’t drink to get a buzz

He drinks like there’s a drought

He don’t stop for throwing up

He just likes to black out

Under the (Water)-Boardwalk

Torture, plain and simple

No matter what you say

Rules are not forgotten

No matter how you play

Arrogant and silly

You’re not above it all

While the clock is ticking

Keep standing proud and tall

Polar shift occurring

You don’t see it yet

Soon the clock strikes midnight

But we will not forget

When you finally hit a tree

So glorious for all to see

And in the book of history

It’s filed under Victory

Unintended…Mended

Forever so precious

Life is a gift

What suffering inhibits

Hearts now feel ripped

When someone you know

Is close to the end

Guide and support them

Don’t just pretend

Once it is written

There’s no turning back

Years full of sorrow

Destiny off track

Listen to my words

Important you hear

They could save someone

When the end is near

Modern Democracy

Let’s watch Wolf Blitzer and sip on wine spritzers

He’ll give us the news, with views that they choose

To dumb down our nation, negate complication

While most are distraught, some still applaud

From two wars comes four and we’re less secure

Iraq to Iran, go watch on C-SPAN

The corporate elite won’t dirty their feet

Yet they get richer off our brothers and sisters

Stuck in a system that won’t seem to listen

It’s ashes to dust, they’ve lost all our trust

What will come next? We’re so obsessed

No second guess, our future’s perplexed

So why do I care? There’s worldwide despair

With psychos in power, who really are cowards

Conniving together, like birds of a feather

Intent to destroy, through roles they employ

Yet hope never fades, like these masquerades

This widespread corruption, comes out through discussion

Which changes conditions and raises suspicions

For public consumption, cause that’s how we function

Higher Education

My college degree…sweet victory

Validates me, like sworn testimony

Helps as I see:

A lack of humanity

Democracy beyond hypocrisy

Conclusions from illusions

Representations, true demonstrations

Idolatry, bitter rivalries

Misinterpretations, social degradations

Businesses causing sicknesses

Hidden truths, frightened youths

Ethnic tensions that we don’t mention

Solutions to widespread confusion

Reason for the heathens

Answers, knowledge transfers

Magna cum laude, I’m very proud

Hope you achieve all I perceive

Moonlight Confession

So sad I had to say goodbye

Just know that I gave it a try

I thought I could be just like them

But quickly learned I was condemned

I wish that I could share my thoughts

And hope that you don’t feel distraught

But something tells me your just fine

Cause nothing heals our wounds like time

In the end, I really miss you

Need to shine, I’ll share my bliss too

Thanks for helping me continue

Even when I was so see through

Follow what your heart desires

Those who don’t are bloody liars

Gods looks down on those who hate

So why does it perpetuate?

Semantics based on my emotions

Friends like you are golden tokens

So extreme, at times obscene

It’s time to dream, let’s smoke some green

Destiny Revealed Tomorrow

What the fuck is writer’s block?

My thoughts, they flow, but never stop

Imagination running wild

Time for one more O.J. trial

Steal from me and you’ll go swimming

Close you out like the 9th inning

On a break from body damage

Letting go of excess baggage

Midtown lights shined very nice

Left a splice, I’ve payed my price

Jump from two rhymes up to four

Now it’s time to act mature

Lessons learned, at Twenty Five

Heart inside has been deprived

Read my cards to see what’s coming

What’d they say? I’ll tell you something

Each of us has some good purpose

People hate, like Kurds and Turkish

Never mind that angry karma

It kills your fate, creating larva

Nothing more for me to say

The time has come to animate

Glory From The Brink

My mind is clear again; some may call this a ‘breakdown’, yet it’s anything but. Take my advice, I know exactly what I’m doing. Do you really think a private corner office with windows overlooking 57th and 3rd was going to make me happy? How about landing clients in the New York Times or Wall Street Journal? Please, that was never me! So I climbed a ladder very quickly and enjoyed all the excess of my greed. “Wow…ain’t he special? Apartment on 34th Street with a balcony over the East River!” What a bunch of bullshit. The only thing that kept me alive over the past year was following my passions, ones that I always shunned for fear of judgment. What a fucking asshole I was, but you live, you learn, and you know what? The knowledge that I possess inside will usher in a new day.

I’ve decided to write a book; one that will reveal the truth about who I am. A broken home, alcohol, drugs, hatred, money, sex, success…and that’s only the tip of the iceberg. Give me some time and patience as this project comes to fruition. I won’t let you down. Will I make #1 on the New York Times best seller list? Only time will tell.

Remembering "That Day"

God bless all those affected by 9/11/01…

To those that manipulate this tragedy and its victims for political and/or personal gains: your day will come, you soul-less pieces of shit…you can lie to your brothers, but you cannot lie to your Lord.

YOUR DAY WILL COME!

No Frills From True Skills

Swigging on this bottle, numbs away my pain

Pass out, but tomorrow, sorrows are the same

Every day the suffering, grows a little more

Hope a new adventure, will usher in a cure

Always knew my purpose, but never went along

Praying for forgiveness, to clear away what’s wrong

My soul has missing pieces, the torture was immense

No more time to hide behind a fine Mercedes-Benz

Cleaning Away The Chipped Paint

Reflecting on these niceties, that really don’t mean quite a thing

Cause by the time its said and done, you’ll all remember where I’m from


Forever re-invent the wheel, fight for right and made from steel


Quickly come, rise up and fall…through it all I’m standing tall


Found my path and hope its sweet, to mastermind my quantum leap


This may not be my deepest work, but in my heart these feelings lurk


Time to get them off my chest, put ‘em out and be my best


Show the world the truth inside, never mind my sense of pride


Shine above, my lucky star, they really don’t know who you are

Could this be reality? Rolling out towards ‘213′


Always thought that I would be, centered here eternally


This little boy was very lost, challenged all he came across


Wanted all to feel my pain, look at me, cause I’m so vain


Maybe that will never change, cause my life is pretty strange


Judgments fly, my feelings drive, wonder why I’ve always lied


Nothing wrong with who I am, God has always brought me friends

I’m handing you a velvet rose, along with thoughts that I disclose


Now it’s time to make a switch and heal some wounds that need a fix


Allow the picture’s paint to dry, take some time to air my sigh


Kill the fear and constant woe, to liberate my inner-soul

Seven Minutes to Midnight

Thought that you’d support me, beyond just what you gave

Don’t understand my actions? You think I’ve misbehaved

It’s far beyond pathetic, my life until this point

More fucked up than religion and the priests that they anoint

These words they fly like bullets, with the venom of a snake

From a soul you’ve never witnessed, because it will not break

See I’m tired of this bullshit, have always seen right through

The world is strung with puppets, which operate from cues

Freedom flows so beautifully, that’s why I’m unafraid

But when you weigh it side-by-side, just look at how I’ve paid

Think that this will stop me? So sorry, but you’re wrong

Not looking to be bound by words, in order to belong

As I cut the tension and get through what I’ve mentioned

Still craving for attention, like an addict’s intervention

Irrational to others, this ain’t the prime time news

Sit there, maybe listen, no need for you to choose

The stars will bring my guidance, along with what I need

Enlighten me with lessons, through the thoughts they supersede

Changes come like people go, what makes me feel so special?

Want to know? Than watch me grow, as I cross this threshold

Sun Rising at Dawn

Always felt alone

Opened up my heart

Found an intuition

That’s been there from the start

Why am I so different?

No one understands

Because they just want to

Follow those commands

You’re here for a reason

The truth lies inside

So keep marching forward

Gain some sense of pride

Time will stop for no one

We must all progress

Overcome a struggle

Than we’re laid to rest

And for all the while

Watching over you

For support and guidance

Are my favorite Two

Omnipresent glory

Wishing us the best

Push away the wicked

The one’s we detest…

Bring my life some closure

Carry out this task

When the timing feels right

I’ll remove my mask

Confessions of a 9/11 Hitman?

http://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/rnr/389756978.html

My jury is out on what to think here…but an interesting read, nonetheless…

Four Rhymes, More Crimes

Look at all the critters

So blinded by the glitter

Increasingly so bitter

Their souls equate to litter…

And they have nothing more

Than death from haute couture

It makes them less demure

As they prance around like whores…

While our freedom slowly tumbles

“The Middle” quickly crumbles

But look, T.O. just fumbled!!!

Like the bees no longer bumble…

What’s really more important?

Is it love or piles of money spent?

“But someone’s gotta pay the rent”

CORRUPT just like our government…

I hope this makes it clearer

The truth will bring you nearer

Inside you’ll find the healer

Just look into the mirror

Simple Endurance

Looks like I’m staying after all

To contradict the rise and fall

But maybe if I try again

I’ll make it good like way back then…

I guess I’ve done a full 360

Let the world in, which came and fixed me

So as the rhyme rolls to a close

It’s read the same by friends and foes

The Road Back to Damascus

I’m on the downside, again

Yet I know the reasons why

But I’ll push them to the side

Such an emptiness for this

Guess its time to reminisce…

Do you hear your call to rendezvous?

From the sticks up to Park Avenue

No, your not cut from the lucky few

But that pill will help you through…

So who am I to sprout a word?

When I’m just like the herd

No, this critic has no answer

And spreads his words like cancer

So this is how you’ll know me

Not blinded by a trophy

Sprung here for a reason

To influence the legion

And if it ended magically

Or maybe even tragically

I’ll never spur a travesty

…My quest onto my Majesty

The Sweet Escape

Stop the presses

There’s a huge hole in 41st St.

5 blocks from home

15 blocks from work

This is my life

Grab your camera…

Front page of the Post

A publicist’s nightmare

While Big Brother moves ahead

Don’t worry about that though

It’s just small details

On the brink of collapse

But there’s more important things

For you to worry about

My patience is wearing thin

Hope you all wake up soon

Cause it won’t be pretty

When your Ambien wears off

Summer Insights

Feel so alive…what can I say…a new day has come! Sometimes our enlightenment comes in the strangest forms imaginable, but hey, such is life. It isn’t always about the means; sometimes its more important to focus on the ends, albeit only if they are positive in nature and beneficial in some way. It really is possible to have a personal revolution each and every day. We can learn such amazing things when we open our eyes to reality. But what is reality? Is it what you see when you turn on TV? Certainly not. “All the world is a stage…” Truth may bring some disillusion, but hope energizes and reiterates our understanding of what life is all about. Does your job make you happy? Do your possessions really matter at the end of the day? Not exactly, huh? But the ones you love and need do in many ways, don’t they? Love comes in many, many forms…animals are gifts from God that many find unparelleled joy in, and for others it is children. Regardless, we are all individuals and need to embrace this fact! The “mass society” that our civilization has been based on for far too long is slowly evolving into one where people understand differences, promote diversity and accept others for who they are. We face many challenges ahead, but as a leader of the Millenials, I accept them and all the difficulties they carry. I am not afraid to stand up for what’s right in the world. That’s right the WORLD. We all need to understand that world events are important…the notion that if something isn’t happening to, or in front of you, it doesn’t matter, is plain out bullshit. Think about it. On a human level, you cannot exist knowing others are suffering without feeling some sort of regret. It’s what you do with that regret to instill change, for the better, that matters at the end of the day. Spiritual enlightenment will facilitate “survival of the fittest” in the years ahead. We face many unprecedented conditions, some that are based on years and centuries of beliefs, however, they are certainly materializing today in ways like never before. War can be stopped…the light always defeats the dark…but the lessons learned cannot be forgotten. Mankind is inherently imperfect; it’s a pre-condition for our existance. Our flesh is meant to be a hindrance. We are incapable of succombing to temptations at times, but this is a necessary burden we are all faced with. Rather than avoiding this fact, I suggest you learn to embrace it, because then you can truly understand why you are here on Earth and gain insight on your role. Each of us has an underlying purpose and role, however big or small it may be, the fact of the matter is it is still important. Find out who you are and go with it! Not the selfish you…the good you, the one that is selfless and truly giving to others. The one that would give every dollar away to make another person happy. When you find that person, you not only find yourself, you find heaven and all the rewards that are inherent therein.

Here I Am

On stage… feels like a pageant

Like nothing you’ve ever imagined

Never felt so liberated

All my fears are subjugated…

The hatred they spew, no longer matters

Cause my dreams will never be shattered

Laugh all you want, as I make my way

Fuck the bullshit, try to concentrate

This has been me, since the day of inception

And as this comes out, just like a confession

You’ll find a man that you can truly love

Whose overall mission, is to fly like a dove

Enough’s Enough

One party ends…

So another can begin

Where’s my ending?

To the Class of 2007

CONGRATULATIONS to all those who graduate this year! You have made an unbelievable commitment to your future and the future of our world. As you make your way, do not be overwhelmed by the inherent difficulties of life; instead, live up to the challenges that lie ahead, as you have in the past, and ensure a brighter tomorrow…one that begins today.

To all my friends who enter the “real world” as of today…I LOVE YOU ALL…and am so very proud of each and every one of you. I look forward to seeing all the greatness that lies ahead.

Blogs Killed The TV Star

A subpoena rejected?

Impeachment on the table

But Rosie’s leaving ‘The View’

So that’s today’s fable

This cannot continue

We all have a voice

You want to be heard?

It’s always your choice

“Clash of Civilizations”

In the Land of the Free

Our future is doubtful

I’m sure you’ll agree

Turn off the TV

Don’t vote for an ‘Idol’

You have the power

Without a recital

Changes are coming

Help lead the way

Its better if they don’t

We won’t go astray

Since Corporate Media Won’t Cover This

I will…

Kucinich Files Impeachment Articles Vs. VP

WASHINGTON, April 25, 2007

(AP) Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich filed articles of impeachment Tuesday against Vice President Dick Cheney, saying his action is driven by a desire to defend Americans’ right “to have a government that is honest and peaceful.”

The Ohio congressman said Cheney manipulated and fabricated intelligence on weapons of mass destruction to justify the Iraq war.

Kucinich earlier had called off his planned filing because Cheney was taken to a doctor for tests on a blood clot in his leg. He went ahead after Cheney criticized Democrats for pushing ahead with anti-war legislation in Congress.

Kucinich said it was important to introduce the legislation, “because the threat of war against Iran is very real.”

“This vice president cannot be permitted to continue to violate both the U.S. Constitution and the U.N. Charter,” he said.

House speaker Rep. Nancy Pelosi has said impeachment is off the table.

Does It Even Surprise You?

Just in case you forgot why our generation is being put on the line for a “War Without End”…

Enjoy it now you sons of bitches. Just because we can’t do anything, doesn’t mean God can’t. You’re just as accountable for your actions as we are. Remember that!

Exxon Mobil 1Q profit rises

By JOHN PORRETTO, AP Business Writer

Oil giant Exxon Mobil Corp. kicked off 2007 with a 10 percent rise in profits, its best-ever first quarter, as higher margins on refining and chemical operations offset lower prices for crude oil and natural gas.

Exxon Mobil, the world’s largest publicly traded oil company, said Thursday it earned $9.3 billion in the January-March period, beating Wall Street expectations, even as revenue slipped and fell well short of analysts’ forecasts.

The Irving, Texas-based company was the third major oil company to report earnings in as many days. BP PLC, Europe’s second-largest oil company, on Tuesday reported a 17 percent drop in first-quarter earnings on lower oil prices and declining production. On Wednesday, ConocoPhillips said its first-quarter profit rose 7.7 percent as a result of asset sales that offset lower year-over-year commodity prices.

Accountability, NOW!

Enough is enough…someone deal with our corrupt ass government…NOW! Even if this is twisted, we are losing the “PR war” with flying colors! Look at the messages being dissemenated to the rest of the world…we are no longer the good guys, and haven’t been for quite some time now.

The Citizens of America…who you fucking politicians represent…do not support torturing individuals for information…why is this happening? You are making the rest of the world hate us, which in turn makes us more vulnerable to terrorism.

Looks like the “War on Terror” needs to start at home!

Iran TV shows images of diplomat
By NASSER KARIMI, Associated Press Writer

Iranian state television showed hospital images Wednesday of the Iranian diplomat who has accused the CIA of torturing him during his detention in Iraq. State TV also reported that the Iraqi ambassador to Iran and an official from the International Committee of the Red Cross visited Jalal Sharafi in the hospital Wednesday. Sharafi was shown in a hospital bed with injuries to his right foot, while Iraqi ambassador Majid Sheikh and Peter G. Stocker from the ICRC examined him.

During the examination, the voice of a doctor could be heard describing how Sharafi had been beaten by a cable during his detention. Claims of torture have not been independently verified.
Following his visit, Stocker confirmed to The Associated Press that he saw wounds on Sharafi’s body that “were several weeks old,” but said he did not know how the injuries occurred.

“I cannot say who did it and where it happened,” he said. “I can only say that it happened during his detention.”

Earlier in the week, Sharafi’s doctors reported that holes had been drilled into his foot, but the TV images were not clear enough to indicate whether the small, red marks on his foot were indeed holes. Doctors also reported earlier that he had suffered a broken nose, serious injuries to his back, bleeding in his digestive system, and damage to his ears. None of these injuries has been independently verified, nor were they discernible from the TV footage.

A spokeswoman for the ICRC in Tehran, Katayoun Hosseinnejad, confirmed the visit took place and said it was initiated by the Iranians. Stocker was not immediately available for comment, and Hosseinnejad said she could not comment on whether Sharafi’s injuries indicated torture.
Sharafi was released from Iraq last week and later reported that the CIA had questioned him about Iran’s relations with Iraq and assistance to various Iraqi groups during his detention.
U.S. officials allege that Iran provides money and weapons to Iraqi Shiite militias; Iran denies the charges.

At the time of his disappearance, Iran alleged Sharafi had been abducted by an Iraqi military unit commanded by American forces — a charge repeated by several Iraqi Shiite lawmakers. U.S. authorities have denied any role in his disappearance.

What Really Happened?

“Intelligence carries an inherent burden of responsibility” – Tim Barello

Sticks and stones can break my bones

but the flaws in “your” story remain…

The question I pose to you, dear audience…

Who is “You”

http://www.911truth.org

Scary Times

“There are some people who live in a dream world, and there are some who face reality; and then there are those who turn one into the other.” – Douglas Everett

Our parents always raised us to hope for the future. How can we possibly have such an outlook in these times? Our politicians are no longer accountable for transparent crimes against humanity, yet if you or I were to commit such atrocities, we would be hung at the stake! Make sense? Even worse, the “freedom of speech” that we’re guaranteed, has all but disappeared.

Danny Bonaduce actually said on national TV (MSNBC to be exact) that Rosie O’Donnell should be hung for speaking out on 9/11 and Iran. Bill O’Reilly suggests that ABC fire her. Clearly, these rants demonstrate undeniable flaws of intelligence, however, they were nonetheless broadcast to millions of other impressionable minds. How many of them would say the same thing? How many of them are politicians? Let me be very clear here: I am not intimating that our government would enact a policy of murdering political dissidents. At the same time, my concern is legitimate, because people should never feel threatened, in any way, shape or form, for voicing their true feelings.

Understand something: there are very, very powerful machines at play in the world. They have their tentacles in more places than you can ever imagine. They influence opinions, policies and realities. When you start to put the pieces together, you’ll probably be so disgusted that you just want to give up and die. It’s OK. I’ve been there, as well. Regardless, the best thing you can do is press forward and aim to be different than “that”. We all know right from wrong, no matter how well the picture has been painted for us to view. Follow your instincts… they’ve helped our species survive for thousands of years!

Better Than Gold

What does it mean to be vulnerable? Unabridged access to emotions and feelings. Brilliance, at its very core, and the highest level of perfection. Yet it seems that many of us are incapable of achieving this reward. Make no mistake, either, vulnerability is a gift. It’s easy to criticize and destroy others with actions and words. You don’t even realize the influence you exude on everyone around you. I never did…until very recently. Regardless, it is unbelievably difficult to put yourself on the chopping block for all the world to see. People criticize, say nasty things and doubt your beliefs. They think they know it all, which couldn’t be further from the truth. Trust me, I know. More than you can imagine. The point here is this: discover yourself in all your glory. Find that person inside of you, who isn’t afraid of anything or anyone, and take on the world. Soldiers need not carry M16’s. Each of us has a purpose and mission. That’s why we’re here. Reflect on your dreams, aspirations and goals. This will help you to realize your meaning in life. Accept your challenges! Look them in the face and annihilate any fear that is produced by them. Everything in life absolutely happens for a reason. You have choices, no doubt, but don’t think for a second that everything around you isn’t being influenced by higher powers. You’re only fooling yourself, anyway. Find love in everyone around you, even those who don’t deserve it.

This Aquarius has found himself. Now witness the beauty that follows this astronomical event. I am not afraid anymore. I want to save the world…and every person in it. Through my artistic gifts, I plan to do so. Instilling hope, positivity and light into others is not only a miracle, it is my mission. I encourage you to witness everything that extends from my heart and soul. The treasure chest has been opened.

Welcome to Slavery

Congratulations…You now live in a de-facto dictatorship…and for being such a fantastic audience, you also receive our real prize: FREE brain surgery!

U.S. CONSTITUTION (ARTICLE 1, SECTION “The Congress shall have Power: To declare War…”

Dems abandon war authority provision

Democratic leaders are stripping from a military spending bill for the war in Iraq a requirement that President Bush gain approval from Congress before moving against Iran.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (news, bio, voting record), D-Calif., and other leaders agreed to remove the requirement concerning Iran after conservative Democrats as well as other lawmakers worried about its possible impact on Israel, officials said Monday.

In his speech to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Cheney chided lawmakers who are pressing for tougher action on Iran to oppose the president on the Iraq war.

“It is simply not consistent for anyone to demand aggressive action against the menace posed by the Iranian regime while at the same time acquiescing in a retreat from Iraq that would leave our worst enemies dramatically emboldened and Israel’s best friend, the United States, dangerously weakened,” Cheney said.

Fearless

Such a shame to be bound

When you think you’ll be frowned

So afraid to be heard

Cause they’ll say its absurd

No, its no way to live

Like a contraceptive

That blocks the transmission

And hinders a vision

Have I got your attention?

Go break free from detention

Those shackles on your mind

Affect all of mankind

Fear not what you think

And come back from that brink

With the thoughts you provide

To express what’s inside

Achieving My Destiny

Figured it all out…the balance that I’ve been seeking between work and play…I’ve found my resolution, to make my dreams come true…while still fulfilling commitments to everyone around me. Mr Manhattan finally has a reason to travel.

STAY TUNED!

A Glimpse at Me

I wish that I could show you

My spirit that’s inside

Let me in your heart now

I want to be your guide

Fear is long forgotten

There’s nothing they can say

To undermine my mission

Cause I’m well on my way

Just keep on watching closely

It’s amazing what’s in store

Although there’s much ambition

My heart’s completely pure

Always contraversial

Not one like the crowd

Unique in every aspect

I’ll make the world so proud

This energy that drives me

I know well where it’s from

If you could understand too

It would cease my conundrum

The future is arriving

I can’t wait for you to see

One day all will be revealed

And you’ll know Timothy

Moving Forward

Woke up great today

Figured out I won’t stay

Too much time has gone by

My dream, I can’t deny

Some will say I’m crazy

They think my thoughts are hazy

I guess they just don’t get me

Or understand the misery

You know I’m too elusive

It may not be conducive

But that’s the way it is for now

…Until I take my bow

Words of Wisdom

“Few people are capable of expressing with equanimity opinions which differ from the prejudices of their social environment. Most people are even incapable of forming such opinions.” – Albert Einstein

Rest In Peace, Anna Nicole

Say what you will, but Anna Nicole Smith’s untimely death is a tragedy. My thoughts and prayers go out to her loved ones, especially her daughter, who will now have to grow up without her mother.

Oh My God…No Pun Intended

This is beyond ridiculous…when will people learn to love themselves for who they truly are?

Haggard now “completely heterosexual”

One of four ministers who oversaw three weeks of intensive counseling for the Rev. Ted Haggard said the disgraced minister emerged convinced that he is “completely heterosexual.”
Haggard also said his sexual contact with men was limited to the former male prostitute who came forward with sexual allegations, the Rev. Tim Ralph of Larkspur told The Denver Post for a story in Tuesday’s edition.

“He is completely heterosexual,” Ralph said. “That is something he discovered. It was the acting-out situations where things took place. It wasn’t a constant thing.”
Ralph said the board spoke with people close to Haggard while investigating his claim that his only extramarital sexual contact happened with Mike Jones. The board found no evidence to the contrary.

“If we’re going to be proved wrong, somebody else is going to come forward, and that usually happens really quickly,” he said. “We’re into this thing over 90 days and it hasn’t happened.”
Haggard resigned as president of the National Association of Evangelicals last year after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced. He was also forced out from the 14,000 New Life Church that he founded years ago in his basement after Jones alleged Haggard paid him for sex and sometimes used methamphetamine when they were together. Haggard, who is married, has publicly admitted to “sexual immorality.”

Haggard said in an e-mail Sunday, his first communication in three months to church members, that he and his wife, Gayle, plan to pursue master’s degrees in psychology. The e-mail said the family hasn’t decided where to move but that they were considering Missouri and Iowa.
Another oversight board member, the Rev. Mike Ware of Westminster, said the group recommended the move out of town and the Haggards agreed.

“This is a good place for Ted,” Ware said. “It’s hard to heal in Colorado Springs right now. It’s like an open wound. He needs to get somewhere he can get the wound healed.”
It was also the oversight board that strongly urged Haggard to go into secular work.

Disgusting and Appalling

This is what more than 3000 of our soldiers died for…when is enough enough? Is all the money in the world worth the horror, deceit and lack of humanity we’ve witnessed?

Exxon Mobil posts record annual profit



By JOHN PORRETTO, AP Business Writer

Oil giant Exxon Mobil Corp. on Thursday posted the largest annual profit by a U.S. company — $39.5 billion — even as earnings for the last quarter of 2006 declined 4 percent.
The 2006 profit topped Exxon Mobil’s own previous record of $36.13 billion set in 2005.
Revenue at the world’s largest publicly traded oil company rose to $377.64 billion for the year, surpassing the record $370.68 billion Exxon posted in 2005.

“Exxon Mobil continued to leverage its globally diverse resource base to bring additional crude oil and natural gas to market,” Rex W. Tillerson, chairman of the Irvin, Texas-based company, said in a statement.

My Birthday Thank Yous

As I mark my 24th birthday, I just want to say thanks to everyone that has made today truly special. Life is an ongoing journey, and I’m glad to have you guys along for the ride.

Expect big things this year and even bigger things next year…

An Article Featuring…Me

Polls say wealth important to youth

By MARTHA IRVINE, AP National Writer

Mon Jan 22, 2:14 PM ET

Melissa Greenwood sees it every day at her high school — the hyper-focus on designer labels, the must-have trendy cell phones, the classmates driving SUVs.

You could say it’s just teens being teens. But new polls show that the obsession with material things is growing — and that being rich is more important to today’s young people than in the past.

UCLA’s annual survey of college freshman, released last Friday, found that nearly three-quarters of those surveyed in 2006 thought it was essential or very important to be “very well-off financially.” That compares with 62.5 percent who said the same in 1980 and 42 percent in 1966, the first year the survey was done.

Another recent poll from the Pew Research Center found that about 80 percent of 18- to 25-year-olds in this country see getting rich as a top life goal for their generation.

“It bothers me because I would like to think I am the opposite,” says Greenwood, a 16-year-old high school junior from Arlington Heights, a well-off suburb outside Chicago. She tries to keep her own spending in check under the watchful eye of her parents. But even she sometimes finds it difficult to avoid the urge to fit in.

“Let’s face it,” she says. “Honestly, what teenage girl doesn’t want to look cute and have the latest accessories?”

Young Americans’ obsession with material things recently caused talk show host Oprah Winfrey to vent her frustrations, when asked why she chose to build a school in South Africa instead of this country.

“If you ask the kids what they want or need, they will say an iPod or some sneakers,” Winfrey told Newsweek, referring to visits with students in inner-city school. “In South Africa, they don’t ask for money or toys. They ask for uniforms so they can go to school.”

Indeed, researchers say materialism is an obsession that cuts across socio-economic lines for American youth.

“Our kids have absorbed the cultural values of more, easy, fast and fun,” says David Walsh, a psychologist who heads the National Institute on Media and the Family in Minneapolis. He’s also author of the new book, “NO: Why Kids — of All Ages — Need to Hear It and Ways Parents Can Say It.”

As his book’s title suggests, he believes parents have played an integral role in encouraging their children’s materialism. His research found that, when adjusted for inflation, parents are spending 500 percent more money on kids today than just one generation earlier.

“A lot of parents have developed an allergic reaction to their kids being unhappy,” he says.
Ann Fishman, a generational marketing consultant in New Orleans, also has found that baby boomer and Gen X parents are much more likely to spend money on their children than parents who lived through the Great Depression and World War II.

Today, she notes, young people are known for their collective billion-dollar spending power, much of it thanks to money they get from their parents.

“They have a different idea of what’s necessary,” Fishman says of young people. “For them, a cell phone is normal; an iPod is normal; a Game Boy is normal.”

Some see the heightened expectations setting up inevitable disappointment.

“There are a lot of young people hitting 25 who are making, say, $35,000 a year, who expected they’d be millionaires or at least making six figures,” says psychologist Jean Twenge. She’s a professor at San Diego State University and author of “Generation Me: Why Today’s Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled — and More Miserable Than Ever Before.”
They’re also entering adulthood with more college loans to credit cards debt.

No wonder, Twenge says, we hear so many 20somethings talking about the “quarter-life crisis.”
“We’re telling them they’re special and they can do anything they want — and then they’re growing up and finding out that’s not true,” Twenge says.

Tim Barello, a 24-year-old New Yorker, agrees that his generation has gotten caught up in wanting “more and more and more.”

Having grown up on Long Island’s wealthy North Shore, he thought he’d arrived when he got a job as a publicist and was able to rent an apartment in an exclusive apartment building in Manhattan.

“To be completely honest,” he says, “I don’t even appreciate everything I have sometimes.

“Yes, I have a nice apartment, a great job, a great degree, great clothing. But I feel empty inside rather often.”

So he’s changing his focus and this week, began classes at the American Academy for Dramatic Arts to pursue his dream of acting — even if it means giving up the cushy life.

“There is so much more to life,” he says, “than materialistic possessions.”

Open Your Eyes

A few minutes ago, not too far from here

Sat a poor old woman, from her eye came a tear

First time I passed by, was too full of pride

But it hurt inside, no matter how hard I tried

Can’t anybody help her, on this cold winter day?

Lend a few quarters, or a warm place to stay

Then I realized, as I approached her again

My soul knew it’s mission… I cannot pretend

Opened up my wallet, and grabbed every dollar

Handed it over, hoped to ease life’s squalor

She grabbed my hand, didn’t quite know what to say

I said, “God bless you” and have a great day

Don’t Hold Back

You could walk a mile

and never get away

Everything you’ve experienced

it’s in your DNA

Listen very closely

try to learn some things

All throughout your lifetime

be ready to pull some strings

Follow your dreams

no matter what happens

For life is a boat

and you are its Captain

Let it Be

Am I my own worst enemy? Feel determined to fail

But thats my own creation, fate says I’ll prevail

So why does it matter, if it happens today?

Guess I’m not a rules guy, I don’t like to obey

Think the world is all mine, but my heart is pure

Yet when it’s not my way, I’m quickly left unsure

Not that anybody’s perfect, know that’s not the case

But I know I’m unique, my soul can’t be replaced

Don’t try to understand me, it’s a stalled technique

And I’m not so sure that, your help is what I seek

See I’m trapped by these feelings…they run deep inside

Where all thoughts come from, where they are contrived

Only one choice left now: let it all unfold

Cause only time brings, what the future holds

So Long to Yesterday

Does it really matter, what I feel inside

Can you tell I’m sorry? Blinded by my pride?

It’s really not so easy, but it sure looks fun

I wish someone had told me, before I begun

So I’m on this journey, but where do I go

If I don’t go that way, will I ever know?

Never felt so lonely, and its not just me

Maybe growing older, is just a mystery

So Who Was Jesus, Really?

I haven’t had much inspiration to post lately, but finally, that’s changed. Given this time of the year, there’s a lot of talk about regarding what Christmas really is supposed to symbolize. You can debate that all you want, but the bottom line is that this Holy Day (the root of the word holiday) was created to celebrate and worship none other than Christ himself. If you have yet to draw the connection between Christ and Christmas, that’s just plain out sad, however, in this day and age when media is supreme and unfortunately, more of an influence than Jesus to some, it is entirely possible to not understand what Christmas truly means. Regardless, I’ve heard a lot of talk through my years about Jesus: Who was he really? Was he really the son of God? Was he really born of a virgin? I’m confident that many of you are familiar with all these issues, as well. From my vantage, it is impossible to tell you how Jesus came about. And let’s be real here, it is impossible for you to be absolutely sure either. The Bible leads us to believe many things; many of them are absolutely pure and correct, while other Biblical guidance completely manipulates the will of the God. When it comes to Jesus though, it’s pretty cut and dry: Legitimate historical evidence shows that He did in fact live in what we call the first century AD. Jesus was a loving, peaceful and non-judgmental human who was able to perform miracles. He loved mankind so much that he was willing to die for our sins. Pretty powerful stuff, considering most humans don’t give a flying shit about people they don’t know, unless they specifically need something from them. Jesus’ life and death serve as metaphors for us from God, without doubt. If you follow Jesus’ teachings, you are following the way that God intends us all to be – there is no doubting this either. That’s not to say that Jesus was perfect…He may very well have sinned, just as all of us have. The fact is that there is redemption for your misdeeds to others, but at a price. You must be selfless in your life and actions to understand Jesus (dying on the cross for YOUR sins is an example). I think the most important lessons we can gather from Jesus are very simple in fact: don’t judge others; don’t mistreat others; do what you know to be right; be close to God (He loves you unconditionally); always seek the truth even when others doubt you; do not be afraid of mankind’s threats; LOVE everyone and forgive them for their perceived shortcomings. Most importantly, respect those who are different and that mankind has labeled as “inferior”: Disabled folks; mentally ill folks; poor folks; homosexuals, etc. We are all creations of God and therefore, no one is entitled to tell you how to reach God – not the Pope, not the Church, not even the President. Only YOU can find God yourself, through prayer. If you don’t think He’ll listen – just try. You’ll be amazed. Lastly, and something to consider about the Catholic Church (and all forms of organized religion really): The Romans, who killed Jesus for claiming he was the son of God, later established a Church that celebrated Him!!! Does this actually make sense to you? That would be like the Americans starting an organization to worship Saddam Hussein…which is a joke in and of itself. But I think you get my point here. The Catholic Church recognized an opportunity to USE Jesus to generate power for itself, which has worked out quite nicely over the past 2000 years. Regardless, that doesn’t mean that Jesus is inaccessible to us, because just as you do, He lives eternally. Pray to Him, be close to Him, love Him. Merry Christmas!

Global Warming

I think everyone is taking notice of what Global Warming is doing to our environment. Fact of the matter is, temperatures of nearly 70 degrees (F) in November are NOT normal for New York. Changes are coming, faster than we anticipated, because of our actions. Have you opened up your eyes yet? Are you listening? The world is entering a phase of turmoil like we’ve never seen, particularly because we take peace and prosperity for granted in the US. But guess what – those days are numbered, very much so. We cannot stop what we, as humans, have done to the world, but we can CHANGE what we personally do to it. This boils down to every last one of us. But it goes beyond driving an earth-friendly car and recycling manmade materials. Who made this planet? I have no need to answer that question: anyone with a brain that is willing to believe already knows. Our Creator is speaking to us, begging us, pleading with us, to wake up and change our ways. And it is surprisingly easy to change your impact on the world — all you have to do is love…yourself and others. Don’t be greedy and selfish, because you will find no joy in this life and only further contribute to mankind’s fall from grace. Think about what you can do to change the world, for good — what others can look up to you for and model themselves after. We are humans, but we are moreso spirits. You know plenty about your body, now learn about your spirit, which cares not about materialistic and selfish aspirations, but of love, friendship and togetherness. Don’t let others doubt you or your beliefs. Do whatever you must (without hurting or negatively impacting others) to make this world a better place. We’re running out of time.

I am the Highway

Another one of those points in time when someone else’s words sum up my feelings – I am the Highway by Audioslave – one of my favorites of all time! Thanks to Nino for getting me into these guys. As far as the parallel to my life right now…draw your own conclusions. Ciao.

Pearls of swine bereft of me

Long and weary my road has been

I was lost in the cities

Alone in the hills

No sorrow or pity for the leaving I feel

I am not your rolling wheels

I am the highway

I am not your carpet ride

I am the sky

Friends and liars don’t wait for me

I’ll get on by myself

I put millions of miles

Under my heels

And still too close to you

I feel

I am not your rolling wheels

I am the highway

I am not your carpet ride

I am the sky

I am not your blowing wind

I am the lightening

I am not your autumn moon

I am the night

Call of a Lonely Heart

So much love to give, but no tangible outlet

Cannot find the answer, is true love really doubtless?

Inside, my soul is dying, cause everything’s a waste

I don’t want just another, that can be easily replaced

Looking in the rear view, mistakes can’t be forgotten

You say I have to hold on, but I don’t think I can

With growth comes a vision, yet the world still has rules

Patience long since vanished, God please send my jewel

One just isn’t natural, my match is what I crave

I need a true foundation, and something I can pave

Until I have my destiny, cheap thrills have no appeal

I need true love forever…and feelings that are real.