Healthy discourse or a mistake?

Those who know me or keep up with my posts know that i am outspoken with my opinion on many matters and hide nothing.  Unfortunately, that outspokenness has caused some uproar.

I recently posted as a 'public' status my answer to a question posed.  The question was simply asking when was the first time trying any drug.  My post was such:

"alcohol i started when i was probly 11 or 12. cigs when i was 26. cannabis @ 27. AMT @ 29. Ecs (and various designer), LSD and psilocybin @ 30/31.

Of it all, wish i NEVER would have started cigarettes, i'm not much of a drinker anymore, would love a mushroom weekend, some acid for xmas ...and love the ganja. End the insanity. End the war on drugs. End prohibition. End the lies."

The grand discussion thence proceeded with family members, friends and acquaintances chiming in.  Of the over 50 comments left on the thread, there were two contributors that i didn't see coming -- my ex-wife and 14 year old daughter.  Why i didn't see them coming is a discussion for another time, but where the discussion went definitely gave me pause, and another status update, "going through evaluation."

Thus, my evaluation:
I definitely could have (and some would say should have) not posted the status publicly and avoided the issue all-together, but that definitely would have been against my personal agendas of transparency and activism.  i am not afraid nor ashamed of my stance on the subject and welcome discussions of such.  No change is ever brought about by inactivity.  With that said, do i regret that my ex-wife and daughter got involved, or felt the need to get involved?  Well, honestly i couldn't care less what my ex thinks, but what hurts is the discourse between my daughter and i.  It was never my intent to approach the discussion of drugs with my daughter in this way, but now the box is open and i am sure my next visit will be an adventure.  What it does tell me, though, is what she is being fed.  She had made the comment, "I DON'T want to be taught about drugs, I want to be warned!"  An issue of semantics; warn about drugs or teach about drugs.  Although i most definitely see the place for warning someone of the possible dangers surrounding drug use/abuse, on its own it does not do the subject justice and is left wide open for bias abuse (by bias abuse i would refer to the example of religious fundamentalism involvement in politics/government).  An honest impartation of knowledge or instruction is far more useful and enforces the exercise of wisdom based on facts.  i would most definitely warn my daughter of the negative effects of drug use (to include tobacco, alcohol and various prescriptions), but not without giving her the facts.  Besides the legality of such, the physical and mental development is hindered/altered when at the yet developing stages of life.  Having correct knowledge vs. a biased warning better prepares them for possible confrontations and pressures in the future by peers and outsiders AND still leaves them with their own free-will decisions in maturity.  Would i condone my daughter partaking in drugs of any recreational sort at age 14, or 12, or 16?  Emphatically NO!  Do i want her to be properly equipped/guarded if-and-when she is approached with the opportunity under peer-pressure to partake?  Emphatically YES!

Just saying "no" is weak (IMHO), but there is a great deal of strength in understanding why "no."  Just reiterating a societal dogmatic agenda proposed by 'authorities' (and i use that loosely) flaunts a weak mind that has jumped on a bandwagon.  Knowing the unbiased facts of a matter and then saying 'yea' or 'nay' exhibits an exercised mind and purposeful free-will.  We have created an environment where personal responsibility and accountability are null-and-void and the exercise of "free-will" is delegated by the 'authorities.'  That is not the country our ancestors and forefathers fought and died for.  The illegitimate use of greedy power has derided the personal liberties/freedoms this nation was founded on.  It is time truth and facts are forefront in every societal debate or discussion of pertinence to the "greater good" of the whole.  Prohibition (in the arena of alcohol/drugs) has caused more harm than good, fed the appetite of criminality, grossly misdiagnosed the ills of justice, imprisoned the impoverished, fattened the greedy -- all on the taxpayer dollar with nothing to show for it but MORE of the same.

Am i worried where my public stance on this issue will take my relationship with my daughter?  A little.  I sure as hell don't want this chasm to be between us (this isn't the only thing dividing us), nor do i want it between me and any other family member or loved one, but a few years ago i saw something in the world.  Deception, greed and dogma have muddied the once crystal-clear-down-to-the-bottom pool of life.  It's going to take a lot of work, but i would love to see that pool cleaned up.  It can be pristine again.  i want my daughter to experience life the way it should be experienced.  i'm sure you want the same for yours.

With all this said, i haven't deleted the aforementioned post from my wall ...but i have changed its visibility to 'friends.'

But, this post will remain 'public.'

Enjoy life
          Truth, Knowledge and Humanity

Blog your God.

I talked myself into finally getting another blog in.
It has been a while, not because I haven't wanted to blog (everyday I want to blog), but because I have been finding and learning so much, ever evolving sight, convincing me more and more that the truth IS out there ...and IN there. 'In' being your own. Knowing what I know now, I know that I know not enough.
Actually, I'd like to make this a challenge, also: Blog YOUR God.

I MUST put a little 'disclaimer' here:
  In no form, do I intend to degrade any person for their faith-based system of belief. With that, I must also warn that I believe that the majority of faith-based systems are mis-understood, and in most cases idiotic. I have many friends, covering a good chunk of belief systems out there, and where we differ we respectfully disagree. On last note (of disclaimer), I am always open for discussion and willing to admit fault where needed. With knowledge comes understanding ...comes wisdom.

Another admission; no, I am not a scholar, nor have I done ALL the research. The search for knowledge in one's lifetime is never-ending.

Remember later; The firing of neurons/Synapses

In my studies (which are in no way complete), it has become more and more noticeable the similarities in the stories of man, passed generation to generation ...era to era ...millenia to millenia. Put all the stories (no, not literally all, there are exceptions to the rule) from all the societies, from all ages in what we can decipher from recorded history, backed by social adherence and archaeological finds, and (if you don't fall asleep first) it is quite easy to see the same basic story/plot. Like how much of what is modern entertainment media (theater, print, screen) just rehashed stories, with different characters in different places. Or, the 'remakes' of populars, maybe throwing in a new slant. And, how each and every story has some basis in fact, whether it be locale(s), names, events. Storytellers take what they know (which in most cases is based in what they've heard) and retell, most often with exaggeration. As the story goes on, it most often gets little omissions, personal twists, moral implications, and so on. That is how storytelling is, and, as we have seen repeatedly, always has been.

Ever wonder why ethnicities are usually depictable/recognizable? Ever notice the 'mistaken identity' phenomenon? Ever notice how some people, even separated from relation and ethnicity, have some very similar traits/characteristics? "Bird nose," hairline, voice control, eye shape, metabolic tone ...Ever wonder why?

As nature occurs, elements act and react with surrounding elements as elements do. Not all elements "live in the same neighborhood." The neighborhood of this hydrogen living in France might not have the same 'ethnic' population as a hydrogen living in Hawaii. Yet, elements do as elements do ...some elements get along and some don't. But, like elements do like things with other respective elements. It's a big, chaotic circus. Some come away winners; some just have fun; some leave disappointed; and some don't leave at all.

Now, take the previous three paragraphs and ponder: The development of structure (and it is all structure) is very similar to a story that goes through the ages. Along the way of development, stories change. The sustainable ("believable") characteristics of the story get passed on. Some stories last a long time. Some don't. Some similar characteristics/traits get passed along, even through many dilutions. ALL still retain an origin ...a portion of truth, fact.

Even a short comparative lesson in theology and philanthropy/sociology can just about convince anyone that what they hold dear to as 'common belief' is AT BEST a misunderstood story ...retaining still it's portion of truth, fact. Not to 'pick' on Christians, but to hold their scriptures as THE Word of God over ALL works, with all it's little 'inerrant' discrepancies, is as logical as holding to worship of the god Horus, or Osiris, or Thor ...or my microwave. Let us delve there a bit, sorta.

The definition of myth: The term "myth" is often used colloquially to refer to a false story; however, the academic use of the term generally does not pass judgment on its truth or falsity. In the study of folklore, a myth is a symbolic narrative explaining how the world and humankind came to be in their present form. Many scholars in other fields use the term "myth" in somewhat different ways. In a very broad sense, the word can refer to any traditional story.
The definition of faith: is the confident belief or trust in the truth or trustworthiness of a person, concept or thing.
The definition of religion: is a set of beliefs concerning the cause, nature, and purpose of the universe, especially when considered as the creation of a supernatural agency or agencies, usually involving devotional and ritual observances, and often containing a moral code governing the conduct of human affairs.
The definition of story: is a common term for a description of a sequence of events, notably:a traditional form of storytelling, told to a child to prepare them for sleep; a narrative used in organization studies; a fictional narrative of briefer length than a novella.

From 'creation' to 'enlightenment' or 'apocalypse,' there's the 'damsel,' the 'distress,' the 'king,' the 'hero,' the 'city,' and the 'country.' The heroes have their fame, the kings their kingdoms, the damsels their knights ...prayers and adoration ...exaltation and coronations. What is notable in all the themes are mainly two things (all the other common themes can be grouped): A beginning and a prophesied 'end' or 'change.'

Back in 1993, I had a (what I considered) life-changing event.  Not anything massive like loss of loved-one or near death experience, but an 'answer to prayer.'  The moment exhilarated my soul and sparked a fire.  I was 'saved,' and believed it.  That flame lasted until another 'answer to prayer' revealed depth.  The latter prayer was to teach me truth.  I dove and dove and dove into everything i felt lead to that would help me understand more my divine relationship.  I was drawn heavily into creation and eschatology.  It was in that 'dive' that i realized many don't know their own faith.  "Spread the good word," and "be a witness" rang the bell ...so, i sought the Spirit in sharing my knowledge with others, in hopes to 'save their souls' or 'admonish the spirit.'  There, i learned 'inerrancy' ...and hypocrisy.  "Those who have ears to hear, let them hear" that even if Christianity was correct, the Holy Scriptures are AT BEST inspired by Elohim, not THE Word of God.  Same exact principle for all other faiths.

Just noticed that this is gonna be pretty long.

Again, i must note, that i do not want to seem to be 'picking' on the Christians.  Quite the contrary, actually.  I speak of the Christians in this piece because i came from the Christians, and i studied my arse off.  The scripture speaks of knowing "His Word"  and having it in your heart, and being able to give answer for the faith.  The world had questions and was lost;  The Word of God had the answers.  Right?

Now, let's jump to some physics.  If you read Stephen Hawking "The History of Everything" and "The History of the Universe" ...i'm probably 85% in-line with that thinking.  LOL, in no way am i inferring that i'm in the same caliber.  There's a couple things i would not fully agree with, or see a different alignment, but for the most part, maybe 90%, that is how it is.

Now, let's take this all in;  Storytelling/stories, elements, myths, religion, history, physics ...let's throw it all in to:
  Synapses in the brain
  Electrical pulses
  Neurons firing

  Cause ...effect

I DO believe in a 'higher' or 'supreme power.' I DO believe that religion has played and will continue to play a vital role in the development of culture and power.  Unfortunately, because we are animals who need rewards, there will be greed, thus the misuse and abuse of power through religion mainly.  I believe that religion provides, where truth and honesty abound, structure and guidance along one's way.  It provides perspective and meaning to life.  Lo, i say, no religion today, save a miniscule may, has the way.

"God" is a GREAT storyteller who wanted to tell a story.  As the words came to his thoughts, like fairies all a buzz, they made real what never was.

A synaptic connection in the mind of God ...BIG BANG!

The entire universe, in all its wondrous array and complexity, is the intellectual property of God. Interactions built stories upon stories; legends and epics.

So, what does that mean for life?  Now, that is a conversation.

**definitions were snagged from wikipedia.com.  i strongly endorse personal research against any claim made by any entity.  resources abound, use them all.**

end of ...beginning of ...what of ...

Its Wednesday, December 29th, 2009, and I feel I need to put something of my year, and perhaps of my expectations for the next. Actually, unless you enjoy my soapbox rants, you might rather watch a Leno rerun.

2009 was actually quite a memorable year for me ...or, maybe my memory is just getting better. My mental health has made wondrous strides, including the ambition marathon and the reality check: whilst, my physical health has hindered my every oomph! One demon persists to seduce my body, yet I persist to one day take back control. That vice being mass-produced tobacco cigarettes. As I am writing this, my breath aches.

And now its December 31st, 2009, 9:42pm.
One resolution for '09 never came to pass ...quitting cigarettes. I'm so sorry, dad, for always being on your case when I was younger about quitting smoking. Not that I didn't want you to quit, but I had no clue how fricking hard it is. I'm still trudging, though. I'm not gonna quit quitting. So, yeah, that one is carrying over into this coming year, '10.
I have most definitely learned a lot this year. From fabrication techniques to business and taxes (was not ready to HAVE to learn that one yet); astronomy to nutrition; history to psychology. Years ago, I took a personal vow to take every opportunity, even in negative situations, to educate myself. There is always something to learn. Hence, the name of this blog spot. Even started a discussion board on Facebook. There's not much activity, and most of the activity is me, but, hey ...
This year was an amazing year for re-connections. Just today, right before coming to blog, reconnected with two old friends i never thought i'd meet up with again. What I most definitely have come to regret on Facebook is involvement in those damned web-based games. They are such a waste of time, but I can't seem to keep myself away. It's a little fiending addiction! I've gotten much better at controlling it now, though. Twice a month I'll make my rounds. They are fun, if you don't have a life, or enjoy mindless activity, with a laziness complex. Like sometimes I feel after work.
Work ...f*#k, we ain't going there.
My ambitious endeavors came 'oh, so close' this year with an early christmas present from Cochise. then, Murphy's Law ...i f*#ked up ...that other four-letter word, work. The best christmas present i've received in a long time (since my daughter's first christmas) ...an insignia 10 mp camera and a 4g card. at least, got a few photos and videos out of it. It got destroyed two nights before i was going to see my daughter, Emma for christmas. It was supposed to be the very first video of my daughter in possession. I was giddy over the prospect of sending pictures to family. So, my camera got run-over by a stampede of rubber feet on Hwy 20 ...big rubber feet ...with lots of kinetic energy ...sigh. Shauna saved the day, though, with the use of her digital camera. Got some pictures and some video. now to just get them off the card.
A mutual friend moved in to the house, making three. Neal, a long-time friend of Cochise, is here ...since end-of february.
Khali had a second litter. Damned whore! I love her, but, ...well, she's the only female dog around ...and we haven't fixed her cuz she got pregnant early, then got pregnant quickly again afterward. she's a whore! but the puppies have been adorable. beautiful coats and markings. posted a video on youtube of them. have another to post, just haven't gotten around to it yet. but, now that they're just about weened (10 wks this wknd), we have her 'penned in' with the vet.
I've learned more about myself and been able to define myself further this year, due mostly to my endeavors to learn (ironically, missed out on the deadline to utilize the GI Bill this year). The more you know, the more you know. With knowledge comes power and great responsibility, and liberties abound.
I've come to admire Ron Paul.
In all, i must say 2009 wasn't too bad for me. money sucked ...work sucked ...but my picture got better, because i'm a better person than i was this time, one year ago.

So, whats next? Ooooooh, uh!
Like i said earlier, i've learned a lot this year. so, what can i say of 2010? Of course, i want to be optimistic and proclaim blessings and well wishes and stability and finances ...but ...
There's a big, bad political game being played:
There's a big, bad economics game being played:
There's a big, bad theological game being played:
But, it could all turn out for the best.
I think 2010 is going to be the final 'straw' on the back of the people of the world. a whole new generation of thinkers is about to be taking control of their lives because of how 2010 proceeds.
There is a moment, in the very, very near future, where the 'peasants' of the world are going to use their shovels for more than digging holes. An anarchy is on the uprising, and civil disobedience is going to be the media spotlight. civil disobedience, without violence, is the most (in my opinion) effective means of an anarchist shift in society. anarchy is unsustainable, but it is the societal catastrophe that brings change in a system.
My advice for people coming in to 2010: Open your eyes and ears. There's a lot more going on than just what one individual experiences. Challenge yourself to learn more about the world around you; being open-minded to entertain without necessarily accepting.

Happy New Year, World! Cheers!

i'm trying

Well, with work and being sick, I haven't gotten very far in my life sciences study. But I am noticing that, wow, i sure as hell didn't retain much. The first chapter is covering the basics of measurement used (metrics). I might have to read this chapter a couple times just to remember these ...or make some cheat sheets to hang above the computer. Did you know the herpes virus is 100 nanometers in diameter, four times the size of the polio virus?

Something for Nov 19th

I'm sitting in the lobby of the Country Inn & Suites, Panama City, Florida, writing up this blog today.

My boss sent three of my co-workers and I over here to install the window/door framing for a new Panera Bread store on 23rd St.

It's actually been a really good trip, other than the 'oh-shit-haps' that seem to be floating around me a lot this week. All of the frames are going in quite easily and fitting good. Today we should be finishing up with all the major components, then coming back next week or soon after to install the glass.

This Country Inn & Suites that we're at is quite nice. So quiet in the halls that I kept worrying we were being too loud. I had gone to the front desk to grab an ethernet cord and mentioned to the guy at the front desk about how loud we may have been, then his comment was (laughing) "they can't hear you." Good ...now, back to Wii Bowling. Really comfortable beds, sash-operating windows, microwave, fridge, ethernet/wireless internet, and a continental breakfast including waffles, sausage, cereals, bagels, omelets ...that was the best part. The breakfast was great ...and FREE! lol.

So yeah, I guess thats about it.
So, if you're in Panama City and looking for a good place to stay ... Country Inn & Suites, on Harrison Dr/St/Ave (?). You'll enjoy it.

That's it ya'll.

Ode to an old friend

There was this old lady across the street when I was 11-14 years old.
And for some reason, with her, I was always doing what I was told.

She was a spritey old lady, but an old lady, nonetheless;
I'd say she was in her 60s or 70s, I guess.

Don't recall exactly how the relationship began,
but I was mowing her lawn and taking out the garbage can.

She paid pretty good ...I could never complain.
She made lemonade and sandwiches for me, even when it would rain.

Yet, it wasn't the money after a while for me.
It was what I gained in keeping her company.

I learned the attitude of respect and why manners were important;
Not that my mom didn't teach me, but this was different.

Honesty and trust are pillars in success,
while kindness and understanding should never take rest.

I would never question her motives, even when she scolded me,
because it always made sense ...especially when it came to safety.

My mom loved her -- brother, sister and dad, too.
Mrs. Lorraine Aarnegard, thank you.

This is my lil sister and her daughter, Tia.

You and me and the rest of the world

The past (say, 10) years have been quite a learning experience for me. As I'm writing this, I'm trying to figure out how to start. I know where I want to go, the introduction is not quite coming to my fingers.

Mary had a little lamb ...no, thats not it.

I have involved myself in some open discussion social groups recently (and plan to continue them for a little while) about life, the choices we make and how they progress. I have noticed in these groups that too many people so easily blame others or the system for the sh*t that goes on in their life. Not that i just noticed it, but how rampant it is. Like no one is being taught personal responsibility anymore. Now, in no way am I saying I've got life figured out or am perfect in anyway (my ego has been stepped on a few times). What I am saying is, most of life's 'troubles' are not the fault of others, but of our own choices. I've made some really dumb mistakes in my time, but learning from one's mistakes is the best way to progress thru life.

Cause and effect: Science class in primary and secondary education teaches us that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. What I think is failing in the education of this property is people aren't being taught (or realizing) that it not only applies in the books, but also in life ...everyday. Every step we take, individually and socially, every breath we take, every decision we make, every action we involve has an effect.

Personal responsibility is realizing that effect, working thru the consequences, and learning as you go. When a mistake is made, we should be learning from those mistakes and not repeating those same mistakes. Do we blame others when things are going well? The vast majority of life's problems could be eliminated if responsibility was taken by each of us for the lives we lead.

Man, all this sounded so much more eloquent in my head, lol.

A challenge to the world:
Live life responsibly. Think before acting. Accept the consequences of your choices and actions. Learn from your own mistakes and the mistakes of others. Turn mistakes into lessons. As many mistakes as we all make, we should be good at this stuff by now. No wonder we aren't more advanced as a people than we are. It's too easy to say its someone else's fault.

Sorry, for the rant. Its just that some people's mentalities annoy the crap out of me.

April 21st 2009

Hello again. Its been a while ...again.
Work has kept me extremely busy, but quite a few things have been going on. The most recent is ...

Khali had puppies. Five of them. I'm pretty sure who the father is, but its still up for a little debate. Once we bring them in for their first vet visit we'll probably find out. I think the father is Dudley, a chihuaha/dachshund. Khali is a shorty russel terrier with really beautiful markings. We were all kind of worried how the pups were gonna turn out, thinking they'd be so ugly only a mother could love them. Now that they're here, I gotta say they're quite adorable. Three male pups and two females. I was also kind of worried how she'd be as a mother. She loves to do her own thing and run around, but she has turned out to be an extremely good mother so far, cleaning and feeding them constantly.

I was hoping to be home when she gave birth to them, but unfortunately i was at work in Pascagoula, MS. I asked the rest of the household to video the process, but I guess I don't get my way there, lol.

We'll see how things go with them before we decide if we're going to keep them all or just a couple. They are cute, but 6 small dogs running around might be a little too much to handle around here.

I'll try to get some pics or video posted eventually.

Well, thats it for this post.
Catch me later.

Super Day

First comment; Jennifer Hudson's rendition on Sunday's Super Bowl has got to be the most beautiful one I have ever heard. Thank you, Jennifer, for an outstanding rendition of our National Anthem.

And the game ...I didn't get to watch half of it, but thats a different story. I did get to watch the opening ceremony, coin toss, the Boss take stage, then halfway thru the 3rd til the end. Although, I did not have a favorite or bias in this game, I definitely wanted to watch it for the sport (and, of course, the ads and show-factor). Unfortunately, a friend of mine who was at the bar with us, annoyed the
%$#@ out of me. He obviously does not get or understand the sport, nor does he respect those who do. He almost got a back alley facial reconstruction ...I'll forgive him!
How 'bout that last 52 seconds?!

On a different note, I got to witness honest humanity Saturday afternoon while at the gas station. How easy would it be to just say, 'wow, i got a new phone!' A patron of the gas station had accidentally dropped his cell phone and didn't notice. Another gentleman saw the phone and tried to find the owner. Calling a number on the phone already, he informed the person on the other end of the line of the situation and where he was leaving it. He then gave it to the cashier with the information. Most of the similar experiences I've witnessed, individual's will look around, then pocket the find. I would like to thank that gentleman for his part in humanity.

Well, thats pretty much it for right now.

To all who don't, i hope you do.
To all who do, salut!

No, I wasn't high when I wrote this

So I was reading through a forum discussion at a site I have been visitting quite a bit lately.

A poster wrote the following:
"Smoking Weed has some major risks some of which make cigarettes look friendly. I suspect smoking blue grass is not very good for you either.

Eating it (also illegal) has proved to be beneficial in many ways for some people with few health risks far fewer that that bag of chips. Is there a health reason to support the use or is it just trying to avoid the real world for a few minutes?"

Well, I was compelled to respond. The thread concerned cannabis interfering in a relationship and another poster had asked for help. A few posters got kind of off the topic, including myself, but I felt compelled to educate some instead of allowing misinformation to continue. Think of my stand as you will, but the right information leads to the right decisions is my goal. Following was my response in that forum (sorry for the length, lol, but this is my blog):

----------
About the risks of smoking weed, the ONLY risks are 1)legality, and 2)the biproducts of smoking. I'm going to assume by the first sentence that you're referring to the health risks involved from the biproducts of smoking. First of all, wherever that came from was not complete. The nicotine in tobacco cigarettes excite a great number of specific receptors in your brain [that get very angry when they don't get their fix], and has been proven highly addictive, not just mentally, but physically. Prepackaged cigarettes contain a significant number of chemicals used for preservation and flavor, much of which alone are destructive to cells and membranes throughout the respiratory system. The tar and specific byproducts in tobacco cigarettes is what is lower than that of cannabis, but not because of the difference between the two products; it is because of the curing and preservation process of tobacco refinery. The tobacco is more dried out (unless one is growing and curing the tobacco themselves). The nicotine and tar from tobacco will also soak in to fabrics and coat walls (the same as it does in your lungs).

Cannabis, on the other hand, excites a fewer number of receptors in your brain [that are just fine without their fix], and has been proven not physically addictive (mentally yes, but that is an individual basis regarding that individuals 'willpower' and level of maturity). Prepackaged cannabis does not contain artificial flavorings (unless one adds it themselves), nor does it contain any preservatives. Cannabis smokers are kinda picky in that sense ...the fresher the better. The tar from cannabis smoking, comparing freshly cured cannabis and freshly cured (not preserved) tobacco of comparable grades, is relatively the same. Now, cannabis smoke does contain much more ammonia, hydrogen cyanide and nitrogen oxides than tobacco, yet no link to cancer can be found; but, the cannabinoid CBD is being further studied for the appearance of positive results in treating breast cancer. Furthermore, cannabinoids love fat cells ...nicotine loves mucal (did i spell that right?) membranes and 'brain matter.'
When a non-smoker of tobacco walks in to the house of indoor tobacco smokers, they will immediately smell the nicotine and tar that is coated on everything. That same non-smoker walks in to the house of indoor cannabis smokers who are not tobacco smokers, they may notice a faint sweet smell.
Also, the smell of tobacco will stay permanent until the nicotine and tar are removed (by hand, not naturally), even without continued smoking thereafter. The smell of cannabis will faintly dissipate in less than a day after the last 'smoke.'

Yes, digesting cannabis is ideal so that one is not inhaling the smoke byproducts (actually, a vaporizer is ideal), but requires a significantly larger quantity for the 'effects' of THC that are desirable, unless it is solely for the herbal taste addition to the foods (which is quite common, and quite good). There is no benefit whatsoever, flavor or health, in digesting tobacco. It is actually horrible tasting and a detriment to health in the same manner as smoking it except it will also aid in ulcers in the mucal membranes of the throat, stomach and intestinal tract, instead of the lungs. The nicotine still makes its way to the brain. Also, cannabis consumption, including smoking it, will lower respiration rates, raise metabolism, lower pressure in the eyeballs (hence glaucoma users), entice appetite, and ease nausea, among other things. Tobacco raises circulatory rates and metabolism, excites nerves (thus the whole stress relief thing is completely due to the mental and physical addiction), lowers appetite, and has been known to induce nausea.

The findings of almost all scientific studies on cannabis show absolutely no reason for cannabis to be regulated in Schedule I (Schedule IV in international treaty). The absolute reason 'marijuana' was outlawed is due to the government's inability to control use and the flow of product coming in to the country, specifically from Mexico/Mexican immigrants (legal and illegal) in the early and mid 1930s. The term 'marijuana' is derived from the Mexican-Spanish term for cannabis – marihuana. The propaganda push from cannabis opponents lobbying government used this term to excite the population relating the immigration problem, namely Mexicans, and 'marijuana.' Those damned Mexicans (please read that statement in a satiric tone)!


There are a GREAT number of medical doctors that recommend cannabis, whether smoking or ingesting, to cancer, glaucoma and HIV patients, among other ailment sufferers, whether legal or not.

To all I hope and encourage unbiased education rather than misinformation and propaganda.

WooHoo!

Ladies and gentlemen ...

I have made some adaptations to the blogspot to hopefully make things a little more appealing, lol.

I've added a poll, which I'll try to keep up with, and a couple other gadgets, including a new template.

Some of you get this post by email because I put you on a list (got ya suckas), but I'd love it if you would go to the blogspot and check out the other blogs and gadgets. Let me know what u think. Comment. Lol, do something. Spread the word; there's a lunatic on the web and he's got his own blogspot.

Here's to hoping tomorrow is always brighter than yesterday, and today we have each other. SALUT!

Nobility and Reverance

19 days since my last post. I've got some important news ...my two neices are celebrating their birthdays.
Happy Birthdays, Tia and Alexis.

Love,
Uncle Fatty and Cochise

The Song is Over ...Next

Man, there are so many times in a week that I wish I worked at home ...lol.
So, I've got this idea. Kinda 'if'y, might not work, dunno. Let me know what you think of it? lol.
I will forewarn any readers that this does involve a bit of 'Big Brother' idealism. Just a warning; intended for mature audiences.

We know that all the bailout money so far IS NOT going to work. It's evident that it is only procrastinating the inevitable. 1) Before any more funds are allocated as a 'bailout' or 'stimulus' or any other such idiotic terminology, the government pushes the stop button.
When a driver has steered off the road, it is the wisdom of, and in best interest of, the driver to correct the steer and return to the road, given traffic is clear to proceed ...or pull over if possible, stop, regain composure, then resume corrective action and get going.
I think we missed a turn back somewhere, and we need to get on the right road from where we are. Also, the traffic on the road is quite heavy, with crashes everywhere all the time ...not to mention the animals and stupid people crossing in front of us. As a nation, as well as a global society, we need to realize that the childhood dreamcar we've been racing around in for the past couple hundred years is falling apart ...maintenance is more than its worth. It's time to buy a new car.

I remember the days when people were looked at funny for owning foreign vehicles; when no foreign auto felt comfortable in the same parking lot as American autos. People dreamt away childhoods fantasizing about American cars. Now, oh man! Now, it costs too damn much to start with, and sure as h3ll isn't worth it, drinks too much gas, could do better on safety and safety related recalls, and aren't near as powerful as the yacht my dad bought the family when we were kids in Hillsboro, ND; it was American. Or, how about those American cars that are suchered (probably not spellt right -- those dissolvable stitches) up pieces from around the globe.

Haha. You're probably waiting for me to get to number 2. I'll get there ...lol.

In a process that would take, in my naive estimate, approximately two years if done right and well, we can set our compasses and embark on a journey, together; bring hope back to EVERY American; change the economic structure to fit for a much more 'fair share' (don't worry, not a sort of redistribution of wealth); again set for the world a goal to reach and a dream that does come true; be on a path to ending poverty and homelessness; be free from fear of a neighbor; live the American dream; show the world what democracy is all about when we can stand in the face of global adversity, and with a sure foot down proclaim, that we are proud to be American.

Here is the catch -- government direction, government involvement, government incentives, and government oversight. We pay the government a lot of money. They better start listening to us. They better start leading.

So, here's my cyllabus (i shoulda paid attention in school). It won't be possible to put the whole plan in one blog. No one would read it. So, here are things pertaining to this plan that I will address in upcoming blogs, and definitely feel free to message or comment me with questions or comments.
The future of the auto industry
Unemployment
Banking and The Market
Real Estate
Health Care
International Relations
The Friggin IRS
Education is the key to EVERYTHING

Please, stay tuned.

According to Wikipedia

According to Wikipedia ...

Schmuck is most often used in English as a pejorative or insult, meaning a stupid or detestable person.
Schmuck entered English as a borrowed word from Yiddish, where it is an obscene term literally meaning a foreskin or head of a penis, and an insult. In his famous cultural lexicon, The Joys of Yiddish, Leo Rosten lists the Yiddish schmuck as related to the Slovene word, šmok, meaning "a fool, an innocent, a gullible dolt".

Ah, so thats what a schmuck is!

What are you afraid of?

Now and then, I'll 'evaluate' myself ...by talking to myself.

Recently (in the car on my way home), I asked myself, "What are you afraid of?" As if, it was being asked by someone one could trust with their innermost.

First and foremost (atleast until it can be defined further), I'm not a big fan of hostile confrontation, especially verbal, between coworkers and friends. All others I'm at ease with. And, this is most definitely to a detriment. For instance, we needed to fabricate an addition to our tempering machine at work to make the flow of progress much more efficient. It was discussed for quite some time, but with everything going on in our shop, there was very little opportunity to progress. When that time did arrive and we discussed what materials to use, there was conflict; wood, which was plentiful and cheap, or aluminum and tin, which was more costly and an ordering process that would have taken up to 2 weeks. The wood won over because of one man's insistance (although we have a welder and machine on premise), and now we wait and see if it catches fire: hopefully not. What we did make out of aluminum (we have a metal bender), there was conflict over. Keeping in mind that I run this operation that the additional fabrication is for, the wood idea was from the 'manager' of another division (of which we are all a part of) ...that might be another post. Anyway, although neither of us has explicit authority over the other (unless my division is not in operation, then he does have authority over me), I allowed him to lead the process of this additional fabrication. Wow, this is getting longer than I thought it would be. Aaaannnd, back to the aluminum part ...after a few minutes of thought and discussion with a coworker, I had to step up. So, roughly 15 minutes after the discussion with the 'leader,' I had to disagree and tell him. I'm going to make these {this way}. He said 'ok.' Hrmmmm ....learn something.

I'm afraid of flying stinging insects, like wasps, hornets and bees. If the means are convenient, I'll atleast try to kill a bee, though. I don't get close enough to hornets and wasps to kill them. And they know it. They taunt me all the time. I hate those things. When I was a little kid, like 5 I think, I was stung on my upper-inner thigh (extremely close to something I would soon be close to) by a bee. That was a terrifying ordeal. Then, two years ago, helping my father-in-law trim a loquat tree in our backyard, I was swarmed and attacked by hornets. Since that day, you will hear a grown man wine about hornets and wasps.

I've had other fears in the past, but a great deal of them have been dealt with and there's nothing I can think of now that I fear ...save hornets, wasps, bees, and verbal hostile conflict between coworkers and friends. Thats all!

My 2nd Blog

So now I'm thinking, as i've navigated through other posts on blogger, "how am i going to bring in some traffic ...without sending out a bunch of annoying spams to people i know?"

I haven't really seen the traffic on blogger/blogspot that would induce a possible accidental stop on my blog. maybe i will go post to some forums and stuff and just introduce myself to others in the community of voices.

I've actually had fun so far. I think this will be great, mainly because i have so much in my head, but i'm somewhat the procrastinator. and i usually forget what i was gonna say or do by the time i get around to saying or doing it.

learn something, do something, go somewhere

Tampa Fl

There is so much i could go in to about my recent trip to Tampa, Fl. Wow, i had a great time.

As i've mentioned before, I'm a glazier. We just got a tempering furnace and we needed to send some samples of our glass to a testing lab for certification so we can sell the glass. My boss wanted me down there to see the testing so we know firsthand and right away the process and conclusion of testing our tempered glass. were those last two sentences run-on sentences?

anyway, so my boss sends me and a driver in a company truck with a load of glass and company money to Tampa for two nights. There was very little work to be done; just unloading the glass at the test site.

the mall was cool. our location was cool. the testing was simple, although took much longer than we originally had understood. then our boss came down.

Hard Rock casino, Mons Vinis ...! OMG! so much fun! i would have to go into detail in order to explain this stuff, and i'm not sure if this is the place to do that; but i will say there are some extremely beautiful girls in Tampa and the surrounding area.

Then on the way out on the third day, our boss says, "mandatory lunch stop" at Club Risque on Hwy 75. Well, he said mandatory. Wow! ...and the food was good, too.

Go Somewhere

the 13th Baktun

About a year or yr 1/2 ago, i saw on Discovery or History a show covering ancient central/southamerican natives. One of the topics was their calendar use. The long-count calendar, as was commonly later referred to as, was also used by the mesopotamians. In my pursuit of some knowledge, i looked up the calendar. wow, the things i discovered.

this entire topic is of great occupation for me and i've spent many hours researching. so, without giving in to any PREsumptions, i'll just throw some information out to be ingested ...

the following is an email i just sent my mother when we were discussing some extremely interesting topics:

"
using what i've gotten, i'm presuming the long count calendar was one of five calendars that are to be combined to give a complete history and future...

-the long count calendar (mesopotamian/mayan) goes through 13 baktuns (which will currently end dec 21 or 23 2012)

-the next would be a calendar adding up baktuns; 1 pictun = 20 baktun = 2,880,000 days =approx. 7885 years (ending Columbus Day, October 12, 4772)
-then ...1 calabtun = 20 pictun = 57,600,000 days = approx. 158,000 years
-then ...1 kinchiltun = 20 calabtun = 1,152,000,000 days = approx. 3 million years
-then ...1 alautun = 20 kinchiltun = 23,040,000,000 days = approx. 63 million years

also, approximately 65 million years ago was the event killing off the dinosaurs (allegedly, lol)
"*end of email*

another note to consider, the current pictun will complete its cycle 2,760 years following the completion of this 13th baktun.

so, where is this all going?

in my research, although limited, i have become convinced that the year 2012 will play a most dramatic role in the shaping of this planet and humankind. Not in any conspiratal manner (unless some faith-based belief system is correct), rather in the definitive 'apocalyptic' manner. please note that apocalypse does not literally mean disaster. please look up the definition for urself.

there are so many bulletins that we can discuss concerning this year, that it would be impossible to cover in one post. so, here and there i'll post something. lol, don't worry, this topic won't consume all the posts, but many things i will post are/will be 'coincidentally' relative to how my life is shaped, including its influence by 2012.

did u know the comet Eros (of which we have a satellite stationed on), and the planet Nibiru are at a galactic intersection with Earth in 2012? the next US Presidential elections are in 2012, as well as MANY others around the globe.

if anyone would like to join this discussion, please contribute.

Learn Something; Do Something

part two

part two of that little story of chics and a demon ...

Some moons later, Joey and some of his siblings were clucking in the yard looking for some seeds and bugs. Mama and Papa didn't follow much around these days. The chics were now old enough to manage for themselves. The days of the Demon have been long gone.

While out near the guardian's garden one day, the guardian was heard yelling and seen forcefully watering an agitator. Papa stopped in his tracks in a tree near the shed and looked in the guardian's direction. Immediate reaction from memory for Papa was to sound the alarm.

Before anychic new what was going on, the Demon returned. Furiously running and chasing the chics, the Demon blurred by everything. Joey was stirred.

With a stern strut, Joey clucked towards the rampaging demon. The demon didn't see it coming. Hearing a loud, vicious threat from behind, the demon spins around to see Joey ...face to face ...snout to beak. Joey spread his wings wide and high, and clucked one big cluck. The demon, with a puzzle in his eyes, took one step back and barked at Joey. Joey took one step forward, stepped up on his toes, and clucked one more time ...loudly!

The demon sat down.

Joey walked away, and the demon went home.

Moral of the stuff; Stand up!

Do something.