"come with me and you'll be in a world of pure imagination.."

“I think all toys should be invisible. Not only would they improve children’s imaginations, but they’d also be really affordable. In fact, every toy would be free.”
― Jarod Kintz, $3.33


      My sister and I were texting the other night when she mentioned Fisher- Price Little People. As a child Little People were the best entertainment in the universe. Obviously, they were fabulous toys but they were powered by pure imagination to make all the possibilities come to life. Recently, I discovered the Little People Castle on eBay ( http://www.ebay.com/sch/sis.html?_kw=VINTAGE+FISHER+PRICE+PLAY+FAMILY+CASTLE+LITTLE+PEOPLE) being sold for over two hundred fifty dollars. Of all the Little People sets , the castle was my favorite.  The castle set came complete with knight in shining armor, king, queen, prince, princess, horse and carriage, carriage driver who I named "Pierre" and a winged dragon that was lost in the yard the first week. It was an unforgettable gift when I was four and one of the most amazing presents my parents ever bought me. Countless hours were spent inventing stories and adventurous escapades alone or with my sisters. The first Little People set I received was the super cool airport with a giant plane that seated six Little People passengers. It was so neat even my Dad, the Cessna pilot and Air Force veteran wanted to play with it too. I guess all parents buy their children toys they want to play with. One year I received the school which had a real chalkboard and magnetic letters you could stick on your refrigerator. My sister Laurie,  who is now a  teacher may have been influenced by it's uniqueness. This was followed by the bustling Little People Village with race cars, a fire station, police station and barbershop. My niece had the Little People House and farm. Sometimes my Mom and sisters would set up a miniature city for me using our entire living room space.  Inside, outside, in the car, the store, the bathtub, show'n'tell at school, wherever I went, Little People came with me. Everyone has a favorite toy from their childhood whether is was Barbie dolls, My Little Pony (right, Steve?)Lego's, Tonka Trucks or Matchbox cars. And now if I wanted to spend two hundred dollars I could play with the castle again but I'm just going to hold on to my own precious memories and fondly reminisce for awhile. Below is a link to a Buzzfeed article featuring photo's of  Fisher- Price Little People. If you loved them as much as I did, enjoy a blast from the past!!http://www.buzzfeed.com/briangalindo/22-awesome-fisher-price-little-people-playsets-you-wish-you

"you are what you tweet..."

 “All one needs is a computer, a network connection, and a bright spark of initiative and creativity to join the economy.” -Don Tapscott

    Do you have a LinkedIn profile? Do you have over twenty-five thousand connections worldwide?  Does your LinkedIn page feature a photo of  you exposing your half- naked body in an exotic locale?  Are you listed as the CEO of your own independent "match making" enterprise?   Here's the story buzzing in social media circles this evening.
The professional networking site recently updated their user service agreement to clarify "unlawful" advertising due to the fact that LinkedIn operates in countries where prostitution is perfectly legal. So even though you may be extraordinary at promoting your self-image, lying about your Masters degree in "public escort relations" from Art Vandelay University may warrant further scrunity. Prostitution is strictly prohibited. However, you are still permitted to whore your talents and skills in a million imaginable ways as a job candidate or employer. Carry on then.

"Wishing you were here..."

“But there's a story behind everything. How a picture got on a wall. How a scar got on your face. Sometimes the stories are simple, and sometimes they are hard and heartbreaking. But behind all your stories is always your mother's story, because hers is where yours begin.”
― Mitch Albom, For One More Day





    
 Behind all stories is your mothers story. My mother was only seventeen when she married. She gave birth to her first child at eighteen and moved almost a thousand miles away from her own family to continue her life with my father. She would give birth to four more children by age thirty-seven and pass away before reaching her forty-first birthday.
Behind all stories is your mothers story. My mother was a warm and loving person. My father and grandmother reassured me she treasured and enjoyed being a mother. She was the type of woman who sacrificed her own needs so that her children would never go with out. There was not a moment of my early childhood when I didn't feel completely loved and adored. My sisters and I shared a deep, loving connection with Mom. She was the parent we lavished with hugs and kisses. She was the one we told our stories and secrets. She was the one whose attention we fought over and who's approval we deeply desired.

Behind all stories is your mothers story. When a child loses their mother at an early age we tend to pity them or make them feel like they will always be psychologically scarred. Many children, adolescents and teenagers who lose a parent early in life will develop severe depression or begin to abuse drugs and alcohol to deal with their pain. There is an emptiness, a void that needs to be filled. Every human being reacts differently to grief. Losing a parent at any age is devastating and you will never "get over it".  There are many of us who lost a parent early who became stronger and more resilient. Granted, we sacrificed our childhoods and battled many dark days to see light again. We could have easily been drawn in the opposite direction bringing pain and suffering upon ourselves and others. Today my sisters are amazing mothers who have raised wonderful children. My sisters are beautiful and strong individuals. Some how we all remained kind, compassionate and loving in the face of profound adversity. Sadly, after the passing of my father and grandmother my brothers may never fully understand the depth of our mothers love for them. They have missed or never shared the same memories as their sisters. My brothers were only five and three when she was over powered by cancer. They need to hear and read how fiercely she fought to stay alive for them,  for us all. She was in constant pain during the last years of her life but she was a real fighter. She celebrated birthdays, holidays, listened to our petty arguments, reviewed our homework and watched her children play never revealing her true agony. She was more brave and heroic than a soldier on a battlefield. That is strength. That is courage. It is now up to my sisters and me to sustain her legacy in their hearts.

Behind all stories is your mothers story. Love is the strongest force in the universe. Show your gratitude. Love in return. Love is greater and more powerful than having children, a spouse or a lover. Love your life. Be who you are and not what other people want you to be. My Mom never had the opportunity to experience so many things we take for granted.  My choice to be child free and single was influenced by my Mom but not in the negative way people imagine.  Appreciate your life. Savor every minute. Savor those beautiful magical moments that define a universal connection; a butterfly lands in your hands, the sun peeks out behind the clouds to shine on your face and she is with you. Unexpectedly, you see her photo as a beautiful memory flashes before your eyes, you hear her favorite song, inhale the scent of  her cologne  or read a  meaningful poem or book passage and think to yourself, " Thank you, Mom.  I love you too. I love you"

Happy Mother's Day to Les and, Laurie. Love you. Happy Mother's Day to Lorraine. Happy Mother's Day to all mother's.

"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."

 "Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire." --William Butler Yeats

        Monday May 6th to-Friday May 10th is Teacher Appreciate Week. If you hold or treasure memories of a beloved educator in your life send them a card, email or give them a call to tell them how much they have inspired you. One of my favorite teachers also happens to be my sister! Teachers dedicate their time and energy to instruct, motivate and encourage. They spend hours leading in the classroom and assisting students followed by even more hours after school grading, tutoring and attending meetings. Have you considered being a teacher? Have you ever observed a classroom or volunteered? If you are considering a career in education the best way to ensure you are right for the job is to spend time on the front lines. Teaching is one of the most difficult occupations in the world.  Most teachers sacrifice their heart and soul to guide children and adults towards a genuine love of learning. Usually, this sacrifice comes with unlimited bureaucracy and minimal monetary reward. There are those teachers who truly love what they do but are underpaid and unappreciated. If you were fortunate enough to have an outstanding teacher you will  always remember them..
     One of the most inspiring professors I have ever known was discovered while attending college. During the first week of class he shared a beautiful poetic tribute to his rambunctious terrier, Nipper. His slide show of  artistically edgy black and white photographs captured this sweet little dog frolicking on a beach, playing tag with the rolling waves. There was not one student or colleague of  Dr. McMahon's who didn't love him. He inspired his students to observe, think deeply and absorb life. He encouraged me to submit poetry and essays to our college literary magazine and write articles for the newspaper. He gave me confidence in my ability as a writer while I was feeling like a failure for not passing Algebra II. Thank you so much Dr.M. for believing and encouraging my strengths and not focusing on my weaknesses.
     Take a few moments to thank a teacher this week. Better yet, thank them whenever you can. Let them know how their influence may have changed your life forever.

" half the story has never been told..."

“Without freedom of speech there is no modern world, just a barbaric one.”
― Ai Weiwei

   He is accused of mocking Egyptian authorities and was forced to go to jail for "insulting the president." Do you think that's a joke? Sadly, it's a true story. Should it be a criminal offense to parody or express yourself with humor?  Known as the "Egyptian Jon Stewart," Bassem Youssef hosts a weekly satire program, al-Bernameg, modeled after The Daily Show and watched by more than thirty million Egyptians. He is one of nearly thirty Egyptian citizens alarmingly swept up in a controversial new government witch hunt on media freedom. One of those recently persecuted is video blogger Ahmed Anwar, who went to trial May 4. "It's ironic that May 3 is World Press Freedom Day and I'm facing trial the next day just for posting a video," Anwar told an Amnesty International correspondent
Bassem and Anwar's arrest sent a disturbingly clear message to critics- Criticize the government and you could be next.
"You are doing what I take for granted all the time," Jon Stewart told fellow satirist Bassem in a Daily Show interview, "And forget sometimes."

 Many U.S citizens forget every single day that we have the freedom to express, write, say and post what we truly feel. We need to recognize and defend the contributions of the world's journalists, reporters, bloggers and writers, who risk harassment, detention, physical abuse and even death to speak and write their views..

Bassem Youssef  stated that while his case has attracted international attention, there are so many other people caught up in this disturbing crackdown. Support free expression where ever and when ever you can. Even though many of us do, we certainly cannot take freedom of speech for granted.

Below is a link to a news story regarding peaceful protest, social media, bloggers and human rights activism.  "Forbidden Voices" a documentary film released in 2012 and directed by Barbara Miller drew worldwide  attention of the implications of repressing freedom of speech.



http://www.cnn.com/video/?hpt=hp_bn2#/video/world/2013/05/03/pkg-shubert-forbidden-voices.cnn

"So what have YOU done today?...."

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

      The link below is to a very inspiring interview from Jon Stewart and the Daily Show featuring Eric Greitens. Although this was not mentioned in the interview, Eric Greitens was most recently named one of TIME Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World. Among all of his other achievements such as serving as a Navy SEAL, selected as a Rhodes Scholar and earning a PHD from Oxford University, he is the founder and CEO of The Mission Continues. He is also the author of three books, Strength and Compassion, The Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian the Making of a Navy SEAL and The Warrior's Heart. Eric Greitens is the kind of  person who inspires  us to examine our own lives and wonder,  "How do I make a difference?" or "What will I do to make the world a better place?" 

www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-may-2-2013/eric-greitens

" going the distance..."

"Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy." Norman Vincent Peale 

      Here is a question I never tire of asking or listening to the answer,  "What songs pump you up?" What track, CD or download gets you amped? What piece of music motivates and inspires you? As a music lover who appreciates every genre, I understand all of us have at least one song, CD or album we  consider a "life altering theme" track. We use music or lyrics as motivation for work or a work out,  getting out of bed or getting on with life. What song keeps you running an extra mile when you really want to go home, watch the Daily Show and eat a box of Cheddar Jack Cheez-Its?  According to online journal Cave Magazine's 2012 fan survey one of the most motivational songs of all time is "Faint" by Linkin Park. Although I do agree "Faint" can get the adrenaline flowing, my favorite "get attitude" go to Linkin Park track has always been "When They Come for Me".  It's like punching someone right in the face with music. I dare anyone to stand still or feel less than bad ass when you take it in."  I'm not a robot. I'm not a monkey and I will not dance even if the beats funky."  "When They Come For Me" is not really the most respectful, happy, positive song when calm, gentle and optimistic is generally my personality. Essentially, the lyrics tell people to "kiss your ass" which gives you an edge when you need self motivation for a tough work out. Admittedly, I always wind up laughing at myself singing  "try to catch up Motherfuckers'.... It does get your blood pumping.  "Going the Distance" from the movie soundtrack "Rocky" is powerful too.  Please, have a listen......

       Others I've polled prefer "Click, Click Boom" by Saliva or "Let the Bodies Hit the Floor" by Drowning Pool.  "Thunderstruck" by AC/DC or "Run This Town" by Jay-Z were mentioned. There are a few who chose the more traditional "Don't Stop Believing" by Journey or "Eye of the Tiger' by Survivor.  Those surveyed mentioned everything from classical Wagner, "Flight of the Valkyries" to "Uprising" by Muse. Whatever tunes are on your "pumped up" play list, keep moving. Keep believing in yourself. There will be times  in your life when you are your only cheering section.

"I feel the need, the need for speed...."

“I didn't know I had it in me. There's more to all of us than we realize. Life is so much bigger, grander, higher, and wider than we allow ourselves to think. We're capable of so much more than we allow ourselves to believe.”
― Queen Latifah, Put on Your Crown: Life-Changing Moments on the Path to Queendom

       

      Stephen Colbert recently interviewed motor racing super woman and current NASCAR driver, 

Danica Patrick on the Colbert Report. Those unfamiliar with racing are probably unaware that before Danica began competing in the Nationwide and Sprint Cup series she started her career in open-wheel racing. In addition to being a  highly competitive driver, model and advertising spokesperson, she is the most successful woman in the history of American open-wheel racing and the only woman to win a race. She received the "Colbert Bump" honor which automatically increases a guests rise in popularity. (But it could be the attention grabbing bikini clad Go Daddy! ads as well.)

     The world of auto racing unlike most previously male- dominated sports,  is encouraging  female participation. Despite misconceptions or stereotypes about NASCAR and it's following, auto racing continues progress, making tremendous strides for female athletes who compete with men as equals.

Quick Quiz. Name another professional sport that men and women compete equally?  This is just one of the reasons being a racing fan makes me proud, although driver of the Roush Fenway " 99" car, charismatic Carl Edwards is my favorite driver. He will be competing in Richmond, VA this weekend.(Sorry, Bri. Kasey "Sugar" Kahne will have to settle for second.)Besides, Danica, here are a few other female drivers you may know or recognize:

    * Jennifer Jo Cobb is a NASCAR driver running in the Nationwide and Camping World Truck series. She has also run a limited schedule in ARCA or the Automobile Racing Club of America and has competed in Nationwide Series events.

    * Amber Cope and her twin sister Angela compete in Late Models and  ARCA races  and run a limited series of races in NASCAR. Amber has competed in the  Camping World Truck Series and the Nationwide ranks.

      *Simona De Silvestro made her IZOD IndyCar Series debut in 2010, finishing 19th in her first season. A native of Switzerland, she placed third in the Atlantic Championship in 2009, earning four wins and nine podium finishes in 12 starts. In addition, she led a series-best 172 laps. De Silvestro won the rookie honor at the 2010 Indianapolis 500.

      Born into a legendary racing family, Chrissy Wallace's  father Mike and her uncles Rusty and Kenny all are accomplished NASCAR drivers. She competed in both NASCAR and ARCA in 2010, plus the Camping World Truck Series and Nationwide Series. She became the first woman to race against her father in NASCAR when both competed in the Nationwide series race at Talladega. Wallace earned a place in history in 2011, becoming the first female to win an ASA Late Model track championship, which she did at Lebanon I-44 Speedway, and also the first female regional champion when she took the ASA West Region title.

There really is more to look forward to in the world of racing for women. If you have a daughter, niece or know of any young girls who are interested in kicking tires and lighting fires, encourage them to compete and continue to pave the way.

“I’d like to say I’m ready to kick ass and show the guys how it’s done. But I’m not here to prove anything about being a woman. I’m here to drive a race car and try to win a race.”- Lyn St. James (former Indy driver)

“It is often in the darkest skies that we see the brightest stars."

 “The world is indeed full of peril and in it there are many dark places.
But still there is much that is fair. And though in all lands, love is now
mingled with grief, it still grows, perhaps, the greater.”
― J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

      Author Dean Koontz wrote in his beautiful moving tribute to his retired service golden retriever Trixie, A Big Little Life: A Memoir of a Joyful Dog, " ...we cherish dogs because their unblemished souls make us wish - consciously or unconsciously - that we were as innocent as they are, and make us yearn for a place where innocence is universal and where the meanness, the betrayals, and the cruelties of this world are unknown.”  Yet humanity has shown and continues to show its cruelty to dogs and other animals. Human beings over breed puppies then euthanize them for population control,  viciously fight dogs to their death, lock them in cages without food and water or leave them outside in the elements to starve. Human beings abuse dogs just as much as we abuse each other.  Despite all of our cruelty, dogs are loving, loyal and deservedly crowned "man's best friend". They show us their resilience. What painful and triumphant stories would dogs reveal if they could pen their own memoirs for the world to read?
Human beings are incredibly egotistical and selfish yet also unbelievably selfless and noble. Most of us have probably spent the last week reading and analysing data from countless news stories. We need to always be aware of what we are capable of building and destroying. We look to one another and embrace our commonality to heal.
     This blog entry was intended  to elicit a hidden smile. Although we may find it difficult to smile at the moment. Just like raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, dogs and many humans are a few of my favorite things.(... plus birthday cake. Happy birthday to my brother-in-law, Father of the Year, Chuck.) What could be more welcoming than a little dose of therapy dog?   Dogs help us heal as "furry counselors" offering unconditional love. They keep our minds in the moment and take away our preoccupation of pain, emotional or physical.   Their "unblemished souls" allow us rare glimpses of the beauty, courage and selflessness we aspire , release some of the negativity we hold and help us maintain our grasp on hope. Below are just a few examples of what love can do. If you click on the NBC link it will take you to a story about the Comfort Brigade LLC K-9's. The video clip of Carly the Golden Retriever therapist was discovered online.  The video powerfully demonstrates why we must protect and advocate for dogs and other animals like Carly. This is powerful healing.

 Link to NBC news story:  http://www.nbcnews.com/video/nightly-news/51576569#51576569

Dawww Factor: 110%

"the good outnumber you, and we always will."

“Hearts rebuilt from hope resurrect dreams killed by hate.”
― Aberjhani, The River of Winged Dreams

Patton Oswalt posted this message to his Facebook page yesterday and it instantly went viral. With his permission, it was reprinted in part or in  full  or quoted by several online news organizations. Oswalt is a forty- four year old native Virginian, professional writer, actor and observational humorist. If you question why the reflections of a comedian would profoundly resonate with so many people read for yourself.

"Boston. Fucking horrible.
I remember, when 9/11 went down, my reaction was, "Well, I've had it with humanity."
But I was wrong. I don't know what's going to be revealed to be behind all of this mayhem -- one human insect or a poisonous mass of broken sociopaths.

But here's what I DO know. If it's one person or a HUNDRED people, that number is not even a fraction of a fraction of a fraction of a percent of the population on this planet. You watch the videos of the carnage and there are people running TOWARDS the destruction to help out. (Thanks FAKE Gallery founder and owner Paul Kozlowski for pointing this out to me). This is a giant planet and we're lucky to live on it but there are prices and penalties incurred for the daily miracle of existence. One of them is, every once in a while, the wiring of a tiny sliver of the species gets snarled and they're pointed towards darkness.

But the vast majority stands against that darkness and, like white blood cells attacking a virus, they dilute and weaken and eventually wash away the evildoers and, more importantly, the damage they wreak. This is beyond religion or creed or nation. We would not be here if humanity were inherently evil. We'd have eaten ourselves alive long ago.

So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, "The good outnumber you, and we always will."

"but it is the journey that matters in the end..."

“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.”

                                                                   ― Henry David Thoreau, Walden 

You have an amazing story. The simple fact that you are alive is remarkable.  Right now, you are leading a once in a life time event on this planet no other person will ever experience. Despite what you feel is mundane or ordinary only you have lived your moments of joy, passion, anguish and accomplishment. There is a broad spectrum of goals many human beings share such as happiness, peace, love, success, to have a family, marriage. Then there are those goals that we achieve almost silently without celebration or acknowledgement from outside ourselves. How many of us have spent an entire day completing a list of tasks, errands or personal goals only to have someone sarcastically say. " So what exactly DID YOU DO ALL DAY?"  Setting and meeting small goals and accomplishments is something we all do on a daily basis with little touting or fanfare. Below is a brief video from Derek Sivers who is best known as the founder of CD Baby.  Sivers has been a professional musician since 1987, he started CD Baby by accident in 1998 when he was selling his own CD on his website, and friends asked if he could sell theirs, too. CD Baby was the largest seller of independent music on the web, with over $100M in sales for over 150,000 musician clients.

     In 2008, Sivers sold CD Baby to focus on his new ventures to benefit musicians, including his new company, MuckWork, where teams of efficient assistants help musicians do their "uncreative dirty work." Here in this brief and thought provoking TED TALK,  Sivers examines  the pros and con's of sharing certain goals with others. What do you think? Do you find sharing your goals to be helpful or more of a hindrance?

     Each step you take to achieve your personal goals is never lost even if you have given up a thousand times. Keep going. Keep trying, even if it means guarding your ideals and pursuits from skeptics or cynics. You may keep some of your motivations and achievements quiet because ultimately this is your journey. This is not being selfish. There is no one you ask permission to be who you are. Your personal battles and achievements have created YOU.

"This is the oldest you've ever been...."

" Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the
longest."

My brother Dave turns another year older and wiser on Saturday, April 13th. This evening he said his adorable puppy Parker excitedly greeted him at the door with a little "present". Thankfully, his wife has other gift surprises in store to help him celebrate all weekend.  May I present the Happy Birthday, Dave Interview:



So, Dave. How does it feel to be an old man?
I don't feel any different or even think about it.

 Now that you are an old man what words of wisdom would you like to share with the Millennials?
What's a millennial? Oh, I guess I would say treat others as you would like to be treated. That's a good one.

What is your all time favorite cake or cupcake flavor?
Chocolate of course.

Dustin (our brother) has a distinct memory of the best cake he ever ate in his life. He can tell you the story and you become captivated. When you guys were little there was a notorious "Superman cake" with cream frosting that Lorraine (our step-mother) either bought or made. What is your favorite birthday memory?

Yeah, I think I was nine or ten and there was this super hero cake. I just remember it being really nice outside and we had our friends from the neighborhood over. It could have been the same cake, man. My memory is not so good.
Yeah, that's what happens to old people, Dave. (he hasn't even reached forty yet)


Did you have a birthday clown?
Hell, no.

What would you like for your birthday this year?
A  new Cadillac CTS V
You know you're not going to get one, right?
( disappointingly shrugs)

Did anyone at work wish you a Happy Birthday?
Yes. There are about three other guys on the crew that have birthdays this week too.

So you are nothing special.
Whatever.

We have a very large loving family. Who is your favorite sibling?
I'm going to have to say "you" , right?
That is the correct answer.

Do you have any other words of wisdom?
Nope.
Well, thank you. Good talk, Bro.  Love you and Happy Birthday!
Thanks man. Love you too. 

 And here is a photo of the creepy clown our parents never hired for your birthday party!(because they loved us.)

"a butterfly floats on the breeze of a sun lit day..."

“I think that my job is to observe people and the world, and not to judge them. I always hope to position myself away from so-called conclusions. I would like to leave everything wide open to all the possibilities in the world.”
― Haruki Murakami

     This past weekend I had the opportunity to visit Washington DC during peak cherry blossom season. It was a brief but highly engaging eight hour adventure from riding the Metro to walking the National Mall.                                On a gorgeous sunny
 afternoon thousands of locals and tourists from around the world gathered to collect memories and marvel at the incredible monuments. It's easy to think of DC  in negative terms, scoffing at self serving politicians and the contrived arrogance of some educators and business people. DC is notoriously expensive with a high crime rate and ridiculous traffic. However, our nation chronicles it's rich  historic secrets at it's core. The museums, beautiful architecture, tree lined avenues and cultural appeal draws visitors from every state and country.
 Photographers huddled families together for keepsake poses along the steps to the posthumous Lincoln Memorial. Mothers and fathers fought back tears as they solemnly read names from the emotionally stirring Vietnam Veterans Memorial to their curious children. My sister-in-law, her father, my brother and me wore down our heels scurrying as we absorbed the sights, sounds and smells that swirled around us like Whirling Dervishes. The most captivating moments of any excursion is observing human nature. No matter how rude, obnoxious, frustrating or stubborn people may appear they are still endlessly fascinating. No matter how busily we rush through life their are lessons we learn only from each other. Slowly drinking from the cup of humanity is a full days journey always leaving an unquenchable thirst.

“To acquire knowledge, one must study;
but to acquire wisdom, one must observe.”
―    Marilyn Vos Savant

"Hope is a waking dream..."

        “A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.”
― John Lennon

   Want to visit Jon Stewart and John Oliver on the set of  The Daily Show in New York City? Would you like to explore the set of HBO's the Newsroom or meet television journalist George Stephanopolous? How would you like to play a serious game of paintball with real Navy SEALS? Yes, please!! Omaze offers the chance to win once-in-a-lifetime experiences that also support a great cause.  Check out their website http://www.omaze.com/ You can support any of the organizations listed such as  The Mission Continues. Founder and CEO, Eric Greitens is the author of the inspirational memoir " The Heart and the Fist: The Education of a Humanitarian. The Making of a Navy SEAL". His incredible book lead to my discovery of the Mission Continues a few years ago. Representing all four branches of the military; Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines, my grandfather, father, uncle and three brothers proudly served our country. My brother Steve will officially retire from the Navy this year. Many friends and coworkers have served as well. The sacrifice and selfless actions  of our military hero's allow US citizens to maintain the freedoms we enjoy today. We must never take our freedom for granted. The Mission Continues awards community service fellowships to post-9/11 veterans, empowering them to transform their own lives by serving others and  their own communities. Mission Continues Fellows serve six months at local nonprofit organizations to address key educational, environmental or social issues. Each Fellow works to achieve a post-fellowship goal of full time employment and/or pursuit of higher education, while maintaining a permanent role of public service.  It costs $100 to provide a post-9/11 veteran with the mission supplies needed for an entire fellowship. Every dollar you donate helps our veterans find a renewed sense of purpose for their skills and provide critical support for communities in need. You can support a Mission Continues fellow and have a chance to live out your own dream like meeting Jon Stewart or playing Battleship with Admiral Mullen by donating right now.
http://www.omaze.com/

"shiny, happy people holding hands..."

  “All suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their own happiness or satisfaction”
― Tenzin Gyatso  Dalai Lama XIV

      Slowly, the curtain is drawn back on our world stage. Now, the spotlight shines on a once obscure, isolated country shrouded from the West.  If ascribed human attributes North Korea is the anti-social angst ridden reclusive teenager, "Shiny, Happy People" its mocking anthem. We anticipate, speculate, and prepare for the next impetuous act. Here are a few factoids I found interesting about North Korea. Factoids unlike Altoids are not always tasty or refreshing.

 According to Mental Floss.com an estimated 1.1 million North Korean males are on active duty military status, making North Korea the fourth-largest army in the world. Its reserve force of 8 million is the world’s largest.

 Kim Jong-Il  had  thirty-two different lavish residences, beach houses, mansions, mountaintop palaces. When Kim Jong-Il came to power, the ceremonies honoring him and his father came to over $2.68 billion dollars. That's a lot of won.

 In 1978, Kim Jong-il reportedly ordered the kidnapping of celebrated South Korean film-maker Shin Sang-ok and his actor wife Choi Eun-hee so that they could make a socialist version of Godzilla, his all-time favourite film. To put this in perspective imagine President Obama sending top secret agents to nab Christopher Nolan , holding him hostage at the White House until he produces the Batman.

 According to a New York Times report an analyst from the Center for Strategic and International Studies says the abrasive actions of the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un are part of a game plan set by his faja. Dr. Evil and Scotty-don't.  Another inheritance for Kim-Jong-un , strategic mind control games, pillaging, plundering and mass murder of his own people. Couldn't they have just shared a beer like Rusty and Clark Griswold?

Look out Austin, Texas. Apparently, Kim Jong-un has an issue with hipster culture and indie music?

 North Korea supposedly has a  99% literacy rate. Factoid truth. Kim-Jong-un requires all his literally starving artists to write his delusional scripts and screenplays.  The North Korean people have endured enough Godzilla , Denis Rodman, glitter unicorns and "happily ever-after".  Rainbows.  

The following is stated on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea website: http://www.korea-dpr.com/relations.html  Under Foreign Relations

"At the same time it makes every effort in unity with all the peace-loving peoples of the world to frustrate the aggression, interference and disturbance of imperialists, reduce armaments, nuclear armaments in particular, thereby meeting the desire of human beings to live in a world, free from nuclear weapons, and to safeguard peace and security in Asia and the rest of the world.".  ..     and scene.

" We are their voice..."

“The assumption that animals are without rights, and the illusion that our treatment of them has no moral significance, is a positively outrageous example of Western crudity and barbarity. Universal compassion in the only guarantee of morality.” ― Arthur Schopenhauer, The Basis of Morality

“Kindness and compassion towards all living things is a mark of a civilized society. Conversely, cruelty, whether it is directed against human beings or against animals, is not the exclusive province of any one culture or community of people. ” ― César Chávez

April is Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month. The ASPCA website features extremely valuable information for preventing and reporting animal abuse and neglect including the following tips listed below.

Know who to call to report animal cruelty. Every state and city are different. In some areas, you may have to rely on the police department to investigate animal cruelty; in others, you may have to contact local animal control or another municipal agency.



Get to know and look out for the animals in your neighborhood.
Without phone calls from concerned citizens who report cruelty in their neighborhoods, animals suffering from abuse and neglect will die.

Contact your local law enforcement department and let them know that investigating animal cruelty should be a priority. Animal cruelty is a CRIME—and the police MUST investigate these crimes.


Talk to your kids about how to treat animals with kindness and respect.  Educating children is one of the best preventative measures of animal abuse. When children are taught that animals feel pain and suffer just as humans do they develop a sense of compassion. Compassion and empathy are crucial in preventing crimes of animal cruelty.

Support your local shelter or animal rescue organization.



Fight for the passage of strong anti-cruelty laws.
 

 
We are their voice. Speak up and save the life of an animal.

http://www.aspca.org/Home/Fight-Animal-Cruelty/Advocacy-Center

" if things get heavy, we'll all float on alright..."

            “It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.”    Henry David Thoreau

            “It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see.”    Henry David Thoreau


So, my blog entry this evening was originally going to be about the celebratory feasts of Easter and Passover. This is a profoundly reflective and significant time of year for many devout followers of their faith. While researching and preparing for another freelance article I started reading posted comments on a few religious article forums.  My excitement and enthusiasm began to wane once the  defensive arguing and ignorant name calling developed. The following is all I'm ever going to contribute to any religious debate;  What is happening inside YOU when you judge people for their religious or spiritual beliefs? How does it make you feel? Do you feel superior? Do you feel angry? Do you feel pity? When we judge others it's really showing us more about ourselves than the person, idea or belief being judged. Walt Whitman's famous words, "Be curious, not judgmental.'" is a deceptively short simple yet deeply complex phrase that most human beings find incredibly difficult to follow. Have a joyous celebration of  your choosing. Whatever you believe. My heart will always wish we would all shut up and dance together like Snoopy and the bunnies.

"Music and Living.-- The same thing." said Pooh.."

" To attain knowledge, add things every day. To attain wisdom, remove things every day."            -Lao-tse




     Until recently I had never heard of BOLT testing. Charles J. Clarke III is the creator of the BOLT System. If it sounds similar to other personality tests or psychological indicators such as the Keirsey Temperament or Myers-Briggs then you'd be some what accurate. The BOLT system was introduced in 1968 and used by businesses wanting to clarify and examine interactions with consumers or buying public. The BOLT System claims it is designed and based on "decades of scientific research". It has been utilized in customer service, sales, designing advertising, generating leads, and negotiating. The insights can also be used for managing coworkers or for getting along with cranky relatives.
     BOLT stands for Bulls, Owls, Lambs and Tigers.  Each animal represents the four specific personality types. Every person you will ever encounter in your life is one of the four. Charles Clarke taught how to identify which animal type a person is, and how to speak their language in the way that’s most persuasive to them. It can also be useful in other areas of life such as dating, instructing children and especially ridiculing people."We always knew Uncle Joe was full of Bull$*#t. Now, thanks to Chuck Clarke we have scientific proof."


 Are you a Bull?

Bottom Line, Get To The Point

Seeks To Control The Negotiation

Are you an Owl?

Very Analytical, Detail Oriented Researcher

Seeks Logical Order

Are you a Lamb?

Seeks To Please People, Avoids Conflict

Takes Forever To Make Up Their Mind

Are you a Tiger?

Very Expressive and Fun-Loving

Impulsive and Excitable

The entire BOLT animal personality concept seems vague, comically general, nonsensical and oddly simplistic. But these concepts are widely known and touted by sales professionals across the country.  You can be a combination of Owl and Lamb or Tiger mixed with Bull with a dash of Lamb etc.. not specifically all Bull, Owl, Lamb or Tiger. "Liger" a Lamb and a Tiger.  If I must be psychologically classified  by animal then this is preferable:

"While Eeyore frets ...
... and Piglet hesitates
... and Rabbit calculates
... and Owl pontificates
...Pooh just is."

The Tao of Pooh-Benjamin Hoff

"but I just had to look, having read the book..."

"And somebody spoke and I went into a dream."

Today marked the fiftieth anniversary of the Beatles first album "Please,Please Me". Without realizing this fact until later in the day I was listening to a compilation on my ipod including every type of music you can imagine. "A Day in the Life" has always been my favorite Beatles song. As a child, hearing it for the first time, made a definite impression on me. The music and lyrics are strangely distant and haunting The song gathers an optimistic tempo to end with a swirling surreal dramatic crescendo. I'd love to turn you on...

"A Day In The Life"

I read the news today oh boy
About a lucky man who made the grade
And though the news was rather sad
Well I just had to laugh
I saw the photograph
He blew his mind out in a car
He didn't notice that the lights had changed
A crowd of people stood and stared
They'd seen his face before
Nobody was really sure
If he was from the House of Lords
I saw a film today oh boy
The English Army had just won the war
A crowd of people turned away
But I just had to look
Having read the book
I'd love to turn you on

Woke up, fell out of bed
Dragged a comb across my head
Found my way downstairs and drank a cup
And looking up I noticed I was late
Found my coat and grabbed my hat
Made the bus in seconds flat
Found my way upstairs and had a smoke
And somebody spoke and I went into a dream

I read the news today oh boy
Four thousand holes in Blackburn, Lancashire
And though the holes were rather small
They had to count them all
Now they know how many holes it takes to fill the Albert Hall
I'd love to turn you on

"the night time is the right time...."

"Sleep is for the weak."-Dustin Gallup, (step-brother)  U.S Marine Corps Veteran


     There are only twenty-four hours in a day to accomplish all you want to accomplish. The reason this blog is titled Midnight Mindquake is because like thirty-five percent of the US population my brain functions best in the evening hours. However, when you stay awake until 2am creating and earning money doing what you love but get up at 5am for the day job, you're going to suffer for your art. You will suffer with me by reading this.  Did you know thirty-five percent was a random statistic? Only twenty-two percent of the US population will verify the information they read online. Did I just make that up too? You will have to find out on your own. The number of ambitious, highly productive" night owls" may never be known. We are too exhausted acclimating our inner time clocks to the "early bird" world to actually research or fact check this claim. "Early birds" take my worms. I need a nap. Some where there is a night crawler. Here are the top ten signs you are suffering from temporary sleep deprivation.This top ten list was discovered online so it may or may not be true. At this moment I am too tired to care.
  #3 Poor memory
  #8 Poor memory
  #5 Inability to concentrate.
Here are the top ten signs you are suffering from temporary sleep deprivation.
10.  Increased Appetite- (box of Cheddar Jack Cheeze-Its on nightstand-check)
  9. Vision problems- (typing with eyes closed is difficult but not impossible)
  8. Poor memory- Where have I read that before?
  7. Poor decision making- This occurs even when well rested.
  6. Dimin$hed motorrr skilllllzzzzzzzzz
  5. Relationship troubles (see poor decision making above)
  4.Medical problems- Sleep is for the weak.
  3.Mood swings-(?)  from Perry Como to comatose is not a swing.
  2.Inability to handle stress-Maybe if you're a high strung Type A Personality. If you're
     temporarily Type C  (as in Como) you'll be fine.
       
  1. Inability to concentrate.... 12:06am. Who can sleep now? My day is just beginning!

 Extended wakefulness is unhealthy and if prolonged can have serious cognitive and physical consequences. So although we like to think we can train our brains to function with less rest it's not the case. We need our deep REM zzzzz's to regenerate and restore healthy brain cell tissue. Temporary deprivation can be tolerated but ultimately our immune system warns our body, "Go to sleep or I will put you to sleep". Tonight, I will listen.

"A Night to Remember?....."

High School Musical gave me unrealistic expectations that I would get asked to prom and we'd be dancing on the roof of our school in the rain. -Author unknown
 


      Across the country teenagers are hyper aroused planning for their junior and senior proms. What makes this event so exciting? Is it the glittering daydreams of first love and romance? The ever anticipated first kiss?  Do we imagine ourselves Cinderella on the arm of our Prince Charming?  In your mind did you secretly choreograph perfectly timed dance moves like steely blue-eyed Zac Ephron or lovely Vanessa Hudgens in High School Musical?  Were you the timid wallflower stranded in the corner after your date abandoned you? Were you heart broken watching your crush dance the night away with your high school nemesis? Parents invest in rented tuxedo's, shimmering ball gowns and chauffeured carriages to contribute to a beautiful illusion.  No one wants to be disappointed. Add dinner money, corsages, hair and make up expenses, photography and this singular magical evening produces a hefty price tag. Parents may be hopeful their child is as creative as Molly Ringwald in the movie "Pretty in Pink" sewing her own dress, driving herself to the forum and even having the gumption to arrive solo. Usually, this is not the case. Most parents are more than willing to contribute to their child's memories as their little loves are growing up before their eyes. The moment must be captured. Seeing photo's of my nephew in his prom tux made me tear up so I can only imagine what his parents felt. Is someone chopping onions? Traditionally, prom is supposed be a night to remember. Teenagers put a lot of pressure on themselves to make it a perfect evening. It's kind of like a preview of future wedding preparations.Wait, what?(Oh, the horror!)  My high school friends believed we were too artistic and cool for such lame uncouth antics.(although most of us were card carrying band geeks) We may have helped paint the decorations, created tissue paper flowers or chose the cheesy theme song but actually attend? Seriously? We intentionally voted for the least popular court members as senior prom" King' and 'Queen" and ensured our DJ played at least one Cure song to honor our absence.
     Expectations can and do leave us disappointed sometimes. Hopefully, you make the best of it. Prom is a time to be with friends, have fun, laugh and create treasured memories you will hold for a life time. So  whether you are a teenager or parent enjoy the moment. Remind yourself of what the evening is really all about; a celebration of youth, a rite of passage into adulthood. And remember to dance.... just dance.
     

"and I'm thumbin' my way to North Caroline......"

"Sister Bear:  To make a wish upon a star is okay for a start, but if you want it to come true, you may have to do your part."-The Berenstain Bears-"Homework Hassle" ( a children's story book about the trials and tribulations of mathematics )

A Letter to My Beautiful Niece on Her Birthday,.March, 14th

Happy Birthday. Happy Every Day.
Happily Ever after

Dear Soul Child,

          The night you were born I woke up from a dream startled. Startled in a good positive way. Alert. As I sat up in bed, intuitively, minutes before the phone rang something told me you had "arrived". Moments later I heard your Grandpa Louie congratulate your father.  Your Mom, Aunt Laurie and me have a psychic "connection". We call, write or text each other with synchronicity.  Your great grandmother Bradford used to tell me stories about how she shared the same connection with my Mom. Your grandmother Glenda would have loved and adored you too. There is so much to love. You were a gorgeous child who has grown into a beautiful young woman before my eyes. So the women of our family pass the special kismet genetics on to you. We certainly didn't intend for you to inherit our math skills. My apologies. Then again that seems trivial when you consider all the gifts you do possess. Your Mom and Dad have done the most outstanding job of raising you and Drew. As far as parents go, you won the lottery, the Powerball and the Golden Ticket to the Wonka Factory with them. They love you so much. They love you enough to do whatever it takes so you believe and live your dreams. However, YOU have made the most of your talents as well. You have always been a lover of language and books, a skilled communicator, dancer, singer, musician You have always been gentle, open-minded and kindhearted. You're not selfish or conceited in any way. You do your own thing. You are strong willed yet still believe in fairy tale endings. You have the intelligence and the charisma to succeed in any endeavor you choose. The field you have chosen is perfect for your personality. When I think of all the possibilities for your future I get excited for you! You inspire me.You are a thousand times more extroverted which is a wonderful quality in public relations. So, I will always love you. I don't care if Kasey is never my brother-in-law. I don't care if you never get married or have children. I want you to be happy with the choices you make. Live your life. This is my long distance hug and kiss, my beautiful girl. Happy Birthday. I love you Love you! Or the text version "i luv u".(but NEVER while you drive). Love you.

"Does anybody really know what time it is ?..."

"We're fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance."
Japanese Proverb 

Ah.. smell the freshness of the air heavily perfumed with the aroma of lilacs and gardenias.The cool breezes caress our skin like a tender lover. Longer is the light of day. We embrace the sunshine like a warm loving hug. We chase the trails of butterflies and cherry blossom petals across the meadow... what am I blabbering on about? Spring is my third favorite season of the year. It falls behind crisp colorful autumn and peaceful pristine winter and is more tolerable than sweltering hot summer.
Spring traditionally means the flora and fauna are lazily waking from a long winter slumber, "Hello, beautiful world!"  Spring is also the time for daylight savings, college breaks, St. Patrick's Day, Passover, Easter, (Bri's birthday) and junior/senior proms. My nephew will be attending his first high school prom in a few weeks and has been preparing for the past three months. The enthusiasm of youth is befitting of Spring. Wait!? Do you hear the enchanting melody whispered only in the ears of young lovers? No? Then you are old and jaded. Wake up and live!
                The coldest areas of the country are slowly thawing and defrosting like a Thanksgiving Butterball bathing in the warm water of the kitchen sink. It's the time of year where you're likely to see piles of  melting snow on the ground along side people peeling off their sweaters and jackets like confining cocoons. Children can be heard laughing and screaming in yards and playgrounds.  Dogs are barking happily and singing through out the neighborhood. Walkers, runners, motorcyclists and bicyclists race outdoors. (We really shouldn't get ahead of ourselves knowing that April almost certainly brings the last Northern snowstorm of the season.) So go out now. Fling the windows of your heart wide open. Spring in the South is gorgeous as the blooms of magnolias and azaleas fill the air with a heavenly scent. Even allergy sufferers, crazy cat lovers and those who dread to venture outdoors have to admit Spring is rather lovely.  So get your pasty pale ass outside and enjoy the day. You need some fresh air. The sun doesn't set until eight o'clock. What are you waiting for?

"With my lightening bolts a glowing, I can see where I am...."

“It is difficult to get the news from poems, yet men die miserably every day for lack of what is found there.”

― William Carlos Williams        

     There are days when reading or watching world news events are overwhelming.  Over a billion people on the planet are struggling and fighting for their survival. Across the globe there is war, famine, murder, torture, rape, abuse. There are children cold and starving who have never known love and affection. There are young girls and women sold to rich men or brothels so their families will have enough money to buy food. 

There are men viciously attacked and slashed with machetes trying to defend  families.

and protect property. The world is a savage and brutal place for millions and millions of human beings. We destroy our planet, wild life and each other. It's hard to believe that we have hope for the human race at all. Questions that I would pose to any humanitarian or human rights activist is how do you maintain hope? How do you contain all of your emotions when you witness a child starving to death or a woman being beaten for not obeying a man? How do you control  your anger? How do you keep from sobbing? How do you continue caring when you know you are up against an impossible task?  Exposure to human and animal rights atrocities has brought me to tears. There is an outpouring of emotion rather than a calm, detached observance. The same feelings are conjured up when I watch or read news stories.

 There is a part of my being that truly cannot comprehend why people are so unbelievably cruel. Why? The question why is one we all ask ourselves quite often. The answer is personal. The answer is in our own search for meaning. Often we ask, what can I do? There is no simple answer. You do what you can. Are you appreciative of the life you lead?  I believe in peace although I'm not sure if there will ever be true peace on earth. There is goodness and kindness in all of us. So call me naive. My gratitude for all that I have allows me to see beauty in the mundane and ordinary. My childlike sense of wonder and awe has never been buried under the enormous weight of adulthood. The moments that I've taken for granted seem few. There is so much to be thankful for in my life.  There is so much suffering in the world you must look for hope and happiness in all things. No, I'm not a millionaire, genius scholar or gorgeous celebrity but I have an education, shelter, food, a job, love and independence. 

Each new day you create the poem you are meant to live. Not all of us know we are poets.