....inside Zzorhn's mind....

Senseless Coward

2011-11-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

Once again, Fort Frances, is plagued with vandalism!

During the night of November 7th, 2011, at 11:20 pm; someone took the liberty, of throwing rocks through three of the front windows, of my house!! They also, attempted to break in, by the evidence of a broken screen on the front door. The attack, left broken glass strewn all over the sidewalk, and the two through-and-through, left a variety of sizes of glass throughout the house! More devastating; the two front windows belong to my 5 year-old daughter's room!!

That's right; my little girl woke to glass shards all over her bed, two glass figurines shattered, her toys mixed with debris, window shades torn, with the November wind blowing through the shattered remains of her sanctity!! The one rock was still lodged in the double-paned window, but the second rock, landed a foot from her head, while she slept!

I'm nearly speechless about this blatantly, senseless destruction ; however, I do have a message for those that perpetrated the attack.......

.......you brainless coward! You endangered the life of my child! You may think you only broke someone's front window; but the truth is worse, you destroyed my daughter's serenity! She is scared that there are bad people, coming to get her; due to your act of stupidity!

I spent two and a half hours cleaning up today. (not including the half hour outside) We pulled our daughter's room apart, to ensure we got all traces of the tiny sharp shards from her toys, bed, clothing, and nicknacks. I will have to board up the front windows, until I get a chance to fix or replace them...........

..........but I'm afraid, that my daughter's serenity will be harder to fix!!

The Absurdity of Harper

2011-10-02T10:17:00.000-07:00

"Prime Minister Stephen Harper is getting tougher on pot growers than he is on rapists of children. Under the Tories' omnibus crime legislation tabled Tuesday, a person growing 201 pot plants in a rental unit would receive a longer mandatory sentence than someone who rapes a toddler or forces a five-year-old to have sex with an animal!!"

Winnipeg Free Press article - Click here
____________________________________

Harper, has got to go!

This egocentric, self-serving, narcissist is once again, refusing to listen to Canadians, and is pressing forward on his personal agenda!

In his endevour to impose harsh penalties, for soft-drug offenses; "a pedophile who gets a child to watch pornography with him, or a pervert exposing himself to kids at a playground, would receive a minimum 90-day sentence, half the term of a man convicted of growing six pot plants in his own home!!"

At a time, when scientists worldwide, have heralded the use of marijuana as a "wonder-drug", and the majority of Canadians consider marijuana use to be a non-criminal act; our government is trying to force legislation, that will deal harsh mandatory sentences to Canadians! Many Canadians realize the fact, that Canada enjoys a reputation for producing some of the world's best marijuana.

It is absolutely ridiculous, that lawmakers are pressing forward to impose jail or prison time, for growers!! Marijuana use for recreation, is less destructive than alcohol, and tobacco use. Medical marijuana use, can ease the suffering for MANY ailments! The profits from retail sale and export of marijuana would create a new tax base, and provide millions of dollars in revenue for Canadians. Logical laws about production and use of marijuana, would create thousands of jobs for Canadians!

So, why is the leader of Canada drafting laws that fly-in-the-face of the majority of Canadians?

Simple. He doesn't listen to Canadians on other issues as well.............

...Harper; has GOT to go!

My Own URL

2011-09-12T14:58:00.000-07:00

My own domain name?! I'm STOKED! WOOT!

Hope you enjoy.......

......Je ne sais pas comment exprimer mon amour du pays, et mon désir de voir un changement réel..........Je ne sais pas.....

Canadian Election 2011

2011-09-12T14:15:00.000-07:00

Party politics are a joke! I really wish we could usher in a new era for Canada, and elect a REAL leader......one that unites all "party" leaders!

"Unite" Lead in an mannerism; that, by pure example, sets the bar so high, that all politicians scramble to achieve the same level of competence!!!!!

Worldwide; while every other country, endevours to become "THAT DAMN GOOD"!

Stop the Tar Sands

2011-09-08T17:47:00.000-07:00

On September 26^th 2011 we’re planning a peaceful protest in Ottawa to say no to a toxic tar sands industry and defuse the largest carbon bomb in North America.

With people power and the time-tested tactics of civil disobedience – join thousands of people from across the country in a sit-in. Together we’ll amplify our voices and escalate the movement and stop the tar sands and build the just, healthy future we all want to see!

http://ottawaaction.ca/

There comes a time when you need to take a stand. When sending letters and signing petitions isn't enough. When together we must say, "enough is enough — not on our watch".

That time is now. We must act together for the health of our planet, our air, our water, our climate, and our children.

On September 26^th we need you to come to Ottawa to join a historic action to oppose the tar sands. In a large peaceful protest, many will be risking arrest to tell the Harper government that we don’t support his reckless agenda; that we want to turn away from the toxic tar sands industry; and that we oppose the direction he's taking this country."

Dirty vs Clean

2011-09-08T16:51:00.000-07:00

Dirty vs Clean : Finite vs Infinite..........no brainer for me. Should my country spend billions on maintaining our way of life, or use the same money, to leap ahead and surpass every other nation on the planet; setting the standards for all humanity? The job creation and opportunities for all Canadians, would assure our economic stability.......not to mention; providing every single Canadian family and business with cheap, clean, renewable energy!!

Backwards Thinking

2011-09-08T12:57:00.000-07:00

Oil is akin to magic! While humans have only been using fossil fuels for a scant, 0.1% of the time we have been industrialized; it has completely redesigned the way we live!!

Now, scientists and conservationists are realizing, that we need to find other sources of energy. Politicians are slow to comply; why?

Simplistic; the politicians want to keep their jobs, and protect their personal investments.

Lets face it; everyone knows that fossil fuels are bad for the planet, but no one wants to admit it; for fear they might have to pay for the cost of fixing the problem! THAT, is the issue at hand.....

.....not IF we have to find other sources of energy; but at what cost!

The debate is based on jobs, and money. No politician in his / her right mind, would want to bankrupt a country, or force thousands of Canadians out of work.

We all know that building pipelines through pristine forests are wrong, but it would safeguard jobs, and our economy; so the politicians, bow to the whims of the oil tycoons.

What Canada needs is a leader who will take the country by the horns, and bring about real change!

Building more pipelines, is a temporary solution, and presents Canada, in a poor light on the International stage. Sucking more bitumen out of the sand in Alberta, is a step backwards, in our society!

There has to be a change, on a time-frame, that conforms to the rest of the world's pace; because Canada is falling behind on the issue of energy sources..........

Green & Clean

2011-07-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

"Uneven joints in local sidewalks are being made easier for pedestrians to spot now that the town’s engineering department is marking surface discontinuities with fluorescent orange paint.

Operations and Facilities manager Doug Brown said the town is doing this to meet minimum maintenance standards for municipal highways, as per Section 16.1 of the Municipal Act, which states all surface discontinuities exceeding two centimetres must be marked with fluorescent orange paint.

“We’re inspecting them and alerting [users] of the issue,” said Brown, noting a discontinuity is where there is a crack or joint in the sidewalk where “one side is up, one side is down,” with the height difference between the two sides exceeding two cm."

Fort Frances Times - By Duane Hicks, Staff writer - Monday, July 25, 2011
__________________________________________________

Pardon me?!?

It is understandable, that there is limited resources, when it comes to repairing town infrastructure. What is difficult to comprehend, however, is that, there is no resources, set aside for repairing the aging sidewalks of Fort Frances!

How old are some of the sidewalks in Fort? Well; I can personally attest, that they are over 20 years old in some places!! (lived in Devlin for the first 16 years) That means; for 20 years, there has been no money set aside, by any town council, for such an occasion!

I have a hard time with that.......

.......sidewalks, are imperative to any developed municipality!! They are the life-blood, to people of all ages; from babies pushed in strollers, to our elderly. They are a safe place to exercise, and a necessary straight line, to our many retail facilities.

As important as they are; sidewalks are an often ignored feature. Crumbling and heaving sidewalks, are a common occurrence in many Canadian cities and towns. The reason for this, is simplistic.....

.........when built; the sidewalks of Canada, were necessary. In that time, most families only had one vehicle; with the "bread-winner" using the family vehicle to travel to work. The remaining spouse, would walk to corner stores for groceries and household necessities. A paved path provided, safety and comfort, to the user.

In today's era; municipality resources are allocated to building and maintaining roads......

......with little thought given to the crumbling, archaic, cement paths of yesterday.

Which is unfortunate! If only, the council could understand a need for really good paved paths for its citizens to use! There is so much potential for a properly paved path; walking, biking, skating, family outings, parades / events, and better accessibility for the elderly!

When the costs of fuel, are so expensive; it would be in the council's best interests, to provide the citizens, with a better way to get across town..........

............and the fact, that it's a lot more green and clean?! Well, that's just the icing on the cake!

Anti-Gang Warfare

2011-07-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

There is a major problem, with gangs, in North America. Anti-gang legislation, is enforced in both Canada and the United States! Billions of dollars, are spent each year, to combat the growing number of gang-related crimes! In the city of Winnipeg, Manitoba; the ongoing feud between the three major gangs, has recently escalated to include, brazen daylight murders, and shootings! (for more information on related issues, see Winnipeg Free Press )

Ironically; the current laws, actually fuel gang development!

Gangs are formed for many social and economical reasons. It's human nature to seek out companionship. The social network of a gang environment affords the participant, a sense of self-worth, and status; in addition to other factors, such as, acceptance,training, excitement / activities, and even a search for love, and discipline! Other reasons for joining a gang include; racism, poverty, and media influences (love, sex, drugs, etc) Joining a gang, fulfills the same needs, as joining other organized establishments; such as Scouts, Brownies, Drama club, 4-H programs, Cadets (Air, Navy, & Army) and school programs. (chess club, music, Yearbook club, etc)

The one factor that IS necessary for any organized criminal network; is money. If you remove that element from the equation; the criminal organization, cannot exist!

There are anti-gang programs, in many cities in North America. Millions of tax-payers dollars, are spent on education and sports programs, every year, in North America! The concept of youth-orientated programs, are not new by any means; there are written historical references to gang-related problems in North America, as early as, the 18th century!! Both the US and Canada, have strict laws when it comes to gang paraphernalia, and membership. In Canada, the anti-gang war, is bolstered by tough "seizure" laws, that afford Police, near-judicial powers! This "War-on-crime" coincides with the "War-on-drugs"; spanning the continent, even including Mexico! The violence and crime, that result from this crisis; has created a veritable warzone, with civilians getting caught in the cross-fire!

Current anti-gang laws, are akin to putting a Bandaid on a cancer patient; with the Bandaid factory, being the direct cause of cancer, in the country..........

........rather than address the real issues that cause gangs, the government, drafts legislation that would increase prison populations. Instead of funding education systems, to help provide, after-school, programs, and music clubs; the government cuts education funding, and puts Police in schools. (the "bad-kid" syndrome) Instead of providing a sense of security, for our youth; the government bows to political correctness, and slowly allows our values to be degraded.

Meanwhile; billions of dollars, are spent, fighting the war-on-crime! Heavily armed Police, engage in armed combat with gangs. The death toll, is only one of the results.........

........don't get me wrong; organized crime has no place in our society. It is a bane to the sanctity, of our communities; and the resulting side-effects of violence and crime, absolutely undesirable!! The government's approach to organized crime, however, is ineffective, and distruptive!!

The best weapon for anti-gang warfare, is to take away the financial support of the criminal organization! It's frustratingly simple; take away the ability to make money, and gangs would no longer exist!

Where do gangs make money?

Sex trade, drugs, guns, and a host of other black market goods.

Oddly, the war-on-drugs, actually fuels demand. Many critics argue, that the war-on-drugs is necessary, but the majority of people living in North Americas disagree; the consequences of declaring war on soft-drugs, are worse, than the personal decision to imbibe soft drugs! The fact remains; we cannot win the war on drugs, because the "enemy", is the people of North America!!

There is a case, currently before the Canadian courts, where a former sex-trade worker, is pressing to have the current laws changed, to protect the women involved. She claims that if Canadian lawmakers were to change the laws, so that sex-trade workers were recognized as a legitimate (and legal) occupation, with the same protection that all Canadian's are afforded by the labour codes; it would protect the thousands of people that are exposed to harsh violence and resulting crime. She argues, that the government would stand to make a substantial amount of taxable income, on top of reducing black market sex-trade! It would also help to fight child sex-violence, by making it extremely difficult for minors to be involved; by exposing the trade, and making it accountable, it would be easier to fight the black market.

There are other ways to reduce the amount of money, that is generated on the black market, but imprisoning the citizens of North America, is not the answer. It requires change.....

..........IF, the government were to enact logical laws regarding the sex-trade, and drug reform; it would generate TONS of tax dollars for the country, as well as, taking away the financial support that fuels gangs.

It requires a new, status quo.........

...because; business "as usual", obviously, isn't working!

Corrupt Moderators - CNN

2011-03-28T15:19:00.000-07:00

An era; has ended.

November 17th, 2009, I joined the CNN discussion board. I found the site when I was writing into HLN (Headline News). I excitedly joined the online forum, with high hopes of of stimulating conversations / debates, and the intention of being an active member of the CNN IReport team.

I wasn't disappointed.

I met many new people, and engaged in stimulating debates. I participated in worldly events, as they unfolded. I started two threads; one a cyber-bar, where anyone could mingle and discuss any topics at hand, and the other one, a topic dedicated to my experiences in the world. Entitled "CNN Summit", I added material every week, and had some really great debates.

Then..........

.....in the last 6-8 months, cyberpaths dismantled the DB. Through the use of fake profiles, and attack threads; they either drove away the majority of good debaters, or found some way to get some people banned!!

The entire DB took a turn for the worst! Each day became a dramatic feud with factions. I was attacked for association with other people, and eventually became unable to post, without being attacked upon sight!

On average; the CNN DB first page consists of...

.....3-6 personal attack threads, 5-12 SPAM topics, 1-4 racist topics, 2 "music" threads (where posters spam the topic with Youtube videos), and a variety of current events discussions.

You might find yourself, asking why anyone would want to visit such a caustic, destructive online forum!!?! Easy answer; it wasn't always that way!

I felt compelled, since I had become an established member of the online community of the CNN forum, to "right-the-wrong".

I wrote letter-after-letter, attempting to find someone working for CNN, that might realize THE HUGE POTENTIAL THE CNN FACEBOOK DB COULD HAVE TO THEIR COMPANY; WITH THE HOPE THAT A PROPER MODERATOR WOULD END THE CYBERPATHS' DESTRUCTIVE REIGN!

I learned I was not alone, in my endeavors. There were several individuals that tried to get the attention of CNN authorities, and somehow, they ended up frustrated, or worse....

......you see; I've been BANNED BY CNN FB!!

I'm not alone in that either. I can name three people that found themselves unable to post anymore on CNN after someone at CNN banned them for trying to bring to light the horrendous conditions on an International website!!!

I was stunned at first; and thought there might be some mistake. That sense of loss, quickly became painful when I realized in horror, that I had indeed been blocked by the authorities of CNN. Then....

.....a sense of peace and calm came over me. I found myself with bitter-sweet, mixed feelings about not being to visit the website anymore. I was ticked off, since I spent HOURS, creating new and inventive ideas for discussion; however, I no longer have to put up with the constant abuse that is prevalent on the CNN DB!!

I can't go there again, with my Facebook account, and I have no intention of creating some false account to get access to CNN!! There is no one there that I care about anymore, and the whole CNN community, is remeniscent of a destructive, teenage party! Cyberbullies are not merely tolerated; they are celebrated celebrities!

While it was another chapter in my life; my experiences at CNN will be remembered. I had fun while it lasted......

.......time to turn the page.

November 17th, 2009 - March 28th, 2011.
____________________

I was banned for, trying to bring attention to the cyberbullying on a website; owned by a company that denounces cyberbullys and trolls.

Oh; the irony......

Abuse of the Law

2011-03-19T06:23:00.000-07:00

These two letters-to-the-Editor of a local paper, NEED to be addressed! The first is the letter from an extremely concerned parent and father-in-law over the illegal search and seizure of his medical marijuana grow op, with the second letter written by the OPP in response.
___________________________

Dear Editor:

Detective Constable Landgraff of the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau is out to get you! Early morning Thursday Feb 24 Landgraff and his posse of cowboy’s served a search warrant on a legal medical marijuana possession/production card holder in LaVallee Township, saying he was there to make a trafficking charge. Upon search of the card holders residence, having found no quantity of marijuana or evidence of trafficking Landgraff charged this young cancer patient with production of marijuana for being 6 plants over his quota. Even though this sick young man told Landgraff that he had to grow a few over his quota because of the mortality of his plants, having half or more die on him before maturity. This young man told Landgraff that he has never had more than 6 of his allotted 10 plants make it to maturity. He then told Landgraff he used this legal drug as an appetite inducer and nausea suppresser after his many chemo treatments and operations. Anyone with family members struck by this terrible disease knows it’s amazing what this drug can do for nausea and appetite. These patients need to keep their weight and strength up for their continuing fight. For most of us you’d think that would be enough proof and back off, but not Detective Constable Landgraff. He persists, telling this sick young man that if he gives him any names of other Medical Marijuana card holders or other law breakers that one call to the Crown Attorney and this would all go away. This young cancer patient, showing great integrity, refused to give them any names. Shame on you Detective Constable Landgraff. The end of it you might say. But wait- leaving nothing to substantiate a trafficking charge and only a cheap production charge amounting to about 1.5 ounces dried marijuana including leaf, stalk, and even some dirt which police valued at over $37,000 making it worth over $1000/gram- Ridiculous! The ever persistent Landgraff decides to charge this sick young man’s wife. Wow how unbelievable- this young wife has done nothing but suffer along side her sick young husband through the terrible chemo treatments, operations, the uncertainty of what the future holds for them and the enormous stress of every CT Scan that they have faced and are about to face with his ongoing health condition. This young couple could be your son, daughter, family or friend. So does Landgraff deserve a pat on the back or a swift kick in the back of his pants, you decide.

Sincerely,
(Name withheld) concerned Father& Father-in-law

Dear Editor:
Thank you for the opportunity to provide context to a recent letter to the editor ( March 9, 2011 -- “Medical Marijuana card holders beware”) and correct the record. Firstly, let me say that the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) truly understand and appreciate the circumstances that lead individuals to seek legal means to medically manage pain and reduce suffering caused by serious illness and major injuries. Our heart goes out to them, and the family members and friends who help them cope with emotionally trying circumstances. The professional services provided by members of the OPP are of the highest standards and a benchmark in law enforcement in North America. We make every effort to ensure our policies and procedures are open and accountable to the people in the communities we serve throughout Ontario. The decision to commence and conduct any investigation is not done in isolation and without compassion nor is the responsibility to act on our public safety mandate taken lightly. The OPP stands behind the actions of its officers and the information distributed on our media release The OPP respects the jurisdiction of the courts to grant search warrants based on the grounds provided by police and the rights of individuals to have their charges heard by the courts. Since this matter is currently before the courts, we must let that process take place and are unable to engage in further public discussion. But we welcome the opportunity to meet with anyone who has questions or concerns about their dealings with the OPP directly.

Signed,
Supt. Ronald S. van Straalen,
Regional Commander, OPP
North West Region

POTUS Address - Jan 25th, 2011

2011-01-26T08:10:00.000-08:00

I must confess, I didn't watch the Presidential address when it was given. I was busy looting dungeons in World of Warcraft at the time, with my buddies. When I woke up this morning, I watched it on the CNN website.

I had three major reactions to the speech.

The first thing that struck me; was his rallying cry to "work together". This type of logical thinking, flies in the face of North American party politics; which resemble a popularity contest between reality TV stars! The level of absurdity that is the US "democracy", is too big, too old, and the main focus of most of the efforts of those in the "old age club", is to discredit the opposing political party. Creating and enacting logical legislation is a distant second priority.

So; when the President of the US made a statement about focussing on bipartisanship and civility, I nearly woke up the children from laughing so hard! Let me quote him.

"Not whether we can sit together tonight; but whether we can work together tomorrow."

Right there; the senselessness is addressed. Call me old-fashioned, but; aren't those people, supposed to be putting aside their personal differences to create a better country for all?

Mr. Obama then goes on to claim that the US, needs to reduce federal spending and reorganize government. Why not start by firing over 600 worthless, archaic people sucking off the taxpayors?! If you need to reform the government after decades of run-away indulgence, do so! I doubt many will object to a logical reduction, of antiquated politicians!

The second thing that caught my attention was the mention of Sputnik.

"Half a century ago, the Soviets beat us into space with the launch of a satellite called Sputnik. We had no idea how we'd beat them to the moon. The science wasn't there yet. NASA didn't exist. But after investing in better research and education, we didn't just surpass the Soviets; we unleashed a wave of innovation that created new industries and millions of new jobs. This is our generation's Sputnik moment"

I'm not really sure what Mr. Obama was trying to address with this vague innuendo. The caliber of the material was reminiscent of many earlier US presidents, and I feel the meaning behind the words, failed to generate the desired effect.

I also think the Sputnik reference was controversial. At the time of Sputnik, we were in a full-blown Cold War arms-race, with an enemy, bent on our destruction. The connotation, that the US is in a world-wide race with other countries for dominance, is excessive hyperbole! Every nation is struggling to maintain their way of life, and to remain a leader in the global economic market. To compare the struggle, to better our future, our children, and our way of life; to the "Sputnik moment", is not even similar to the arms race that fuelled the space race; to which Mr. Obama is referring.

The third, and most outrageous part of the President address; was when he made reference to the end of the war in the middle East.

Mr. Obama is telling his nation, and the world, the US will no longer be a major presence in the conflict.

Here is how that part of his speech should have sounded.

Dear terrorist cells, opposing military factions, and bad guys of the world.

We the United States of America; have been pressured by our non-military elected politicians, to bring our troops home. While the struggle to eradicate terror and bring civility to many struggling people, is important; our party politics have been swayed by uneducated civilians who cannot understand why our men and women are fighting and dying in another country. Many ignorantly assume it is over energy sources, and cannot comprehend the need for military force; when we have as much dirty energy sources as we do.

This pressure by our non-military advisors, has generated a backlash of emotional responses by enough important people, that will better their political standing, if they support a troop withdrawal from the middle East.

Guess what, Al Queda!?! It's the end of THIS YEAR! WOOT! Our troops are coming home! Isn't that grand?!

This will ensure that many of the US politicians will be respected by a majority of voters, ensuring another term in politics. This also ensures, that our nation is no longer protected from a growing threat of terrorism, but that's ok! Our personal position is more important than protecting our nation!

So; stay in your holes and caves. Quietly go about secretly planning the destruction of our way of life; because come 2012 ad, YOU MAY ONCE AGAIN START UP YOUR TRAINING CAMPS AND RECRUITMENT OF YOUNG PEOPLE WITHOUT FEAR OF BEING ATTACKED.

Not sure if it is very intelligent to impart military troop movements to our enemies, or to broadcast the departure of our soldiers to those who would cause us the most harm. It is in the best interests of the US congress to cease defending our freedoms. We just hope, that; this won't come back to bite us in the bumm during our next political term. We'll just let the next guy elected into office, clean up our mess!

Sincerely

POTUS

There is a bit of good news in all this grand-standing and circumstantial pomp......

.......the US politicians know that party politics don't work. Whether they enact on this knowledge, however, is another matter.

The Hunt for Hussein

2011-01-22T09:55:00.000-08:00

President Barrack Obama, was in the Oval Office wondering what to do about the war in Afganistan, when his telephone rang.

"Hallo, President Obama" a heavily accented voice said. "This is Archie, up ere at the Harp Seal Pub in Badger's Cove, Newfoundland, Canada, eh? I am callin' to tells ya dat we are officially going to help you hunt down that Hussien feller!

"Well Archie," Barrack replied, "This is indeed important news! How big is your army?"

"Right now," said Archie, after a moments calculation "there is myself, me cousin Harold, me next-door-neighbor Mick, and the whole dart team from the pub. That makes eight!"

Barrack paused. "I must tell you Archie that I have one million men in my army waiting to move on my command. What do we need your little army for?"

"Holy jeez," said Archie. "I'll have ta call ya back!" Sure enough, the next day, Archie called again. “Mr. Obama, the war is still on! We have managed to acquire some infantry equipment!"

"And what equipment would that be Archie?” George asked.

"Well sir, we have two combines, a bulldozer, and Harry's farm tractor."

President Obama sighed. "I must tell you Archie, that I have 16,000 tanks and 14,000 armored personnel carriers. Also I've increased my army to one and a half million since we last spoke."

Lard T'underin' bye", said Archie, I'll be getting back to ya."

Sure enough, Archie rang again the next day. "President Obama, the war against terror is still on! We have managed to git ourselves airborne! We up an' modified Harrigan's ultra-light wit a couple of shotguns in the cockpit, and four byes from the Legion have joined us as well! We'll git that Hussien feller for ya!"

Bush was silent for a minute then cleared his throat. "I must tell you Archie that I have 10,000 bombers and 20,000 fighter planes. My military complex is surrounded by laser-guided, surface-to-air missile sites. And since we last spoke, I've increased my army to TWO MILLION!"

"Jumpins," said Archie,” I’ll have ta call youse back."

Sure enough, Archie called again the next day. "President Obama! I am sorry to have to tell you dat we have had to call off dis 'ere war on terror."

"I'm sorry to hear that" said Mr. Obama. "Why the sudden change of heart?"

Well, sir," said Archie, "we've all sat ourselves down and had a long chat over a bunch of pints, and come to realize dat dere's no way we can feed the two million prisoners our little army will capture."

"Besides, bye" continued Archie, "The bartender wants ta know, if ya gots that big a' army, why can't you jest git him yerselfs, eh?"

Mutant X - Bed Bugs

2011-01-13T20:03:00.000-08:00

There is a mutated creature that is vaguely known to man.
From a dimension, as vast as space and timeless as infinity.
It lives in the middle ground between light and shadow,
between carpet and mattress,
and it lies between the pit of man's fears and a decent night of sleep
This is merely the beginning of it's infestation.
Mutated bed bugs, from an area which we call . . . the Twilight Zone.

Invisible Combat Vehicles

2011-01-13T15:05:00.000-08:00

In the age-old pursuit for weaponry and better delivery systems; mankind has pushed the limits of our understanding of scientific research. Most major advances in technology, come from military experimentation; striving for more devastating methods of dispatching enemy combatants, while protecting the soldiers, in the weapon platform. One of the most versatile combat vehicles, the tank; has demonstrated many times throughout recent history, how influential it can be on the battlefield!

The name, "Tank", comes from the initial deployment, by the British army in WWI; in the Battle of Somme. In an attempt to disguise their true identity as weapon delivery systems, the military labelled them as "water carriers" during transport by train to the front-line (covered by canvasses) and referred to as "tanks" (as in "water tank").

The term, is still used by militaries, world-wide.

Over the years, major advances in technology, have allowed for faster, harder-hitting, combat vehicles; designed for front-line combat, providing excellent defence, while brandishing immense fire-power with one main, heavy caliber gun, and secondary, machine guns. Many newer models of such combat vehicles, boast an independent ventilation system, which can purify the ambient air; in order to remove toxic agents, radioactive dust, biological aerosols, and removes firing powder gases from the crew compartment!

Other technological advances include a laser rangefinder, GPS, firing control systems, and battlefield networks; a satellite network, that can display all known information on enemy and friendly units. This satellite data, can be transmitted to other nearby tanks, planes, and even UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle).

While the versatility of the combat vehicle are indisputable; the biggest problem with combat vehicles, were their size, noise, and lack of camouflage! While it is possible to conceal a tank in many battlefield terrains, using natural cover; there are also as many instances, where the weapon system, is vulnerable. While on the move, it is easy to spot the large vehicles. The military spends enormous amounts of money to develop camouflage, that make it harder to detect in a variety of terrains.

In that manner; the arms-race of tank warfare has come full circle; as British military scientists have announced they are developing "invisible tanks" that will be battlefield ready, within five years! These armoured vehicles, will use "e-camouflage" that project images on the vehicle's hull, and change to match their environment!

Remember the blockbuster hit, "Predator", starring Arnold Schwarzenegger? The fictional predator, used the same type of technology, to mask his presence in combat. Electronic sensors attached the tank's outer hull, would project images of the surrounding environment back on the outside of the vehicle, allowing it blend into the landscape!

A combat vehicle in stealth mode; would be capable of concealment in places never considered! Without the necessary task of physically draping the vehicle in natural or artificial material to help blend into the battlefield, crewmembers could remain within the safety of the tank. This is an extreme advantage on today's battlefield, where nerve agents, biologic weaponry, and other aerosols, can obliterate an entire tank crew; not to mention, being exposed to conventional weaponry.

This active camouflage system is being engineered to mask a tank and its crew against orbital satellites! That includes, heat shielding from hot tank components, such as the engine, and exhaust system.

On the move, at well over a 100 Kph; you could tell, that one of Britain's new tanks were coming at you, due to a bit of noise, the dust disturbed by the tracks of the tank, and the ground vibrating as the massive vehicle of war approached. You could barely make out the moving machine with your naked eye; and your spy satellites, would indicate no enemy combatant on the battlefield!

At a full rest; you wouldn't even know it's there!

Until it fired...........

Corrupt Law

2011-01-05T06:10:00.000-08:00

In December, 2010; Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo, received the Nobel Peace Prize. He was unable to attend, however, and an empty chair represented him at his own ceremony. The audience rose, and gave a standing ovation for the Humanitarian efforts by Liu, while the camera focussed on the empty wooden chair.

Liu Xiaobo was not able to attend, because he was imprisoned, by Chinese officials for the Humanitarian efforts, he was being recognized for! The Chinese, consider him to be a criminal, for his protest of corrupt, China laws.

The empty chair only symbolizes the persecution, for which he so courageously protested!

The empty chair, was a chilling reminder; how corrupt Chinese law, can be!

The empty chair only proves his point.

Christmas Cookies

2010-11-28T10:36:00.000-08:00

Here is how to make my favorite Christmas Cookies.........

Christmas Cookie Ingredients:

1 cup of water
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup of sugar
1 tsp salt
1 cup of brown sugar
lemon juice
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups of dried fruit
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila

Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl, check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer...Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl. Add one teaspoon of sugar...Beat again.

At this point it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still OK, try another cup ... just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy. Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit. Pick the frigging fruit off floor...

Mix on the turner. If the ! ! ! fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with a drewscriver.

Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Check the Jose Cuervo.

Add one table. Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink. Whatever you can find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the dishwasher.

CHERRY MISTMAS

Online Profile

2010-10-18T09:36:00.000-07:00

I can't imagine; a world without the Internet!

I'm sure our grandparents survived without the World Wide Web, but, I can't visualize it ever going away! Now that it exists; even if radical changes are made to the structure and delivery of technology, the Internet, is here to stay.

Everyone, uses the ‘net to some extent. From banking, to email; the Internet, is a powerful tool and source of entertainment! World leaders are struggling, to keep up to the rapid changes in technologies, and enact legislation to both; protect its citizens, and the industry.

Like it or not; everyone has an online profile. Some more than others, due to the usage of social networks, online shopping, youtube accounts, and more "online opportunities", than this author would care to pen.

Game and software developers, realized early on, how powerful a tool, promoting people's online profile, really is. With the beginnings of MSN, and the choice to optimize your profile, including pictures, and "smileys"; other types of online social networks have emerged. There are a plethora of places to go online today, such as MySpace, Facebook, Flickster, Twitter, Friendster, Bibo, and many more! Social networks also include a variety of dating, and gaming sites. Many of these social networks require extensive development of an online profile. In the case of dating sites, the importance of being honest, as to your personality is critical! Other sites, like Facebook, allow the user to provide as much, or as little, detailed information about a person's life.

Many people, all over the planet, are preoccupied with their online profile. There is a sense of pride, for those, who meticulously sculpt their online personification! Through pictures, clever compositions, personal videos, websites, and a plethora of various externalization; the characterization of an individual, is defined.

Each type of profile is tailored to suit the needs of the individual.

Gamers create a different type of online profile, than a Facebook user, for example. Bloggers, spend great amounts of time, creating their online personality. Online dating sites, require taglines, and a host of private information; just to function, as the accurate match-making process works its "magic".

There are websites, dedicated to helping people create better online profiles! From dating to debating, a quick search on the Internet, can locate thousands of sites, with advice about developing your online profile!

With all this attention to personify a person's profile, there must be an end result. What purpose does spending time, to intricately embellish someone's individuality?

There is a fair amount of subconscious, ego-stroking, by those that partake in profile personalization. With the development, of an online presence; comes a sense of community. This is the fundamental reason why, online social networks are so successful! The sense of belonging to a particular group, establishes a precedent, for others to use, when relating to the material provided by the profile.

Sometimes, people use fake profiles.

There are many reasons why, someone would take the time to create a misleading online profile. Safety, is one such reason, why people provide misleading information on the Internet. There is a host of dangers, that accompany being active online; some being harassment, cyber-stalking, and even intrusions into other aspect of people's lives! There are groups of people, who advise against posting real-life information on social network sites, due to the many risks involved!

Another main reason that people create fake accounts, is to cause discord on online chat rooms, and discussion boards. The terms, "trolling for responses", "online fishing", or "troll", are derived, from the aspect of such actions. The imposing poster, will use a fake account to aggravate others, without fear of retaliation, and provides the individual with a sense of security to continue the destructive game, of cyber-bullying. There is a significant amount of money and effort by world governments to prevent cyber-bullying and harassment! The damaging effect by online trolling, and bullying; have caused financial pain, mental anguish, family problems, and even some to commit suicide!

Today's youth are extremely susceptible to such online calamities! With the advance of smaller "smartphones", and computers; our youth are inundated with the means to surf the net, send pictures and videos, or instantly message each other. Government officials agonize over, protecting our youth from predators, and other online dangers! New laws are created every year, to cope with the rapidly changing threats from online predators! Task units are in operation, all over North America, to combat such online threats. There are many people, that believe; social networks have had a negative impact on the lives of our children!

The dangers of creating an online profile are numerous; however, when used with care, can be a powerful tool.!

User discretion, is indeed; required.

'Cause we all just wanna be CNN Trolls

2010-09-08T23:25:00.000-07:00

To the tune of Rockstar, by Nickleback
___________________

I'm through with writing these lines to threads I'll never fit in
It's like the bottom of the barrel and I'm pretty sure it's a sin
This life hasn't turned out
Quite the way I want it to be
(Tell me what you want)

I want a brand new profile so I can fit in
And a picture that I can identify with
And a league of facebook friends
Big enough to make me look real
(Yeah, so what you need?)

I need to spam everyone, like there's no limit
And make up topics with racism in it
Gonna join the CNN club
With people I'll never meet
(Been there, done that)

I want a new laptop with a kickin' drive
Gonna send out viruses to everyone alive
I really don't care
who gets in front of me
(So how you gonna do it?)

I'm gonna trade this life
For fortune and fame
I'd even lower my standards
And change my name

'Cause we all just wanna be CNN Trolls
Pretend I live in hilltop houses, drivin' fifteen cars
Claim; the girls come easy and the drugs come cheap
I'll stay super skinny 'cause I don't have money to eat

I'll hang out in the popular threads
Bashing things that others have said
Every solid debater's gonna wind up there
Watching me post, like I have no care

And well, hey, hey, I wanna be a CNN Troll
Hey, hey, I wanna be a CNN Troll

Eugenics - It's a Personal Choice

2010-09-08T10:22:00.000-07:00

In a response to my own article about eugenics;

Lack of Natural Selection

_______________________________________

I believe the government should address this issue.

Many people enjoy watching reality television shows. The number of programs based on themes such as, "Survivor", and "the Bachelor / Bachelorette", "Cribs", and "Another shot at love". I personally cannot stand watching these programs, as my life, is more interesting than any reality show I've ever seen! I always make jokes about starting my own personal reality television show, and a "Survivor - Spirit Fire Park".

There are some shows, however, that need to be removed from regular programming; namely, any show where it uses children for profit! This dangerous precedent, sends a message, that, if anyone wants public exposure, start having babies. If you have enough babies, somebody, will give you lots of money, to videotape your family. This is seriously wrong! We are sending out a negative message to young girls, as we glamorize these types of celebrities. The message is clear; that by irresponsibly giving birth to many babies, you get a "chance to live your dreams".

Let me be clear; I will never say, the government should tell anyone who to procreate with. I believe that it is a personal choice for people to love, and have children with whoever they want. I do, however, realize that we need to take action to protect our families!

In some countries, there are measures by the government, to control the amount of children per family. I believe this to be a bit drastic. This following article, nicely outlines a few problems with countries that have attempted this.
http://jeffnolan.com/wp/2009/12/12/the-insanity-of-one-child-per-couple-policies/

If a family can afford to have three or more children, then why should anyone stop a couple's attempts at procreation?

Many people hesitate, when someone mentions testing for genetic anomalies in unborn children. It seems drastic to many individuals, however, those that argue against such types of labeling in unborn children, need to remember; we have done this for decades! Simple blood tests, can provide clues as to why a couple may not be compatible for procreation. Any pregnant women carrying a fetus with a different blood type from their own, can cause the mother can form antibodies against fetal RBCs, and reject the unborn child as a miscarriage. The practice of a young couple being tested was, and still is, considered a normal procedure. No one really questions why someone might do this, nor how moral the act is. Why is it then, that testing for genetic abnormalities seems so drastic?

Perhaps, because every time someone mentions the word, "eugenics", visions of test tube babies, and humans grown in artificial wombs comes to mind. The other argument is that, it has been, and could be, used as a justification for racism. "It's a bad topic".

I disagree. When is it wrong to want a better genetic future?

The other reasons why this subject is taboo to many, is the fact that it encompasses many aspects of society, that are routinely broad-brushed by political correctness; due to its multiple associated moral issues, such as, abortion, genetic manipulation, sexism, racism, and euthanasia. Most people squirm when confronted on their opinion on issues such as euthanasia. Many critics believe; that as long as there is life, there is hope, while the other side cites function, intelligence, honour, and dignity. All struggle with the morality of the issue.

However, what most fail to realize, is that as a society, we afford better care to animals, than we do human beings! When the family pet, is in serious grave pain, we have legislation that allows for assisted suicide. Humans on the other hand, are left to languish in health care facilities, many times in horrid conditions. If the animal activists, were called into a facility where dogs were housed in conditions related to those geriatric wards seen all over this continent; the person in charge of those facilities would be incarcerated, and punished to the fullest extent of the law!

I speak from experience. I have a grandfather that has laid, half-paralyzed in a hospital for over 15 years. He has since lost his mind, and cannot tell who anyone is, from day to day. Visiting him is difficult for me, as he lays there, mostly sobbing in fear and confusion, This man, who was probably as proud and loud as me, is now a rotting vegetable, in a situation we deem moral. In this, I think we have forced our elderly to suffer needlessly.

Due to the correctness observed by our governments, we have legislated free choice to death. Too many special interest groups, citing dogma, have managed to twist the laws to serve their needs. The choice to carry a child to term, for example, should be up to a mother, however, there needs to be criteria for abortion to be considered valid. Abortion for rape cases, should never be a lawmakers issue, but abortion for birth control, is wrong! Abortion, should also be allowable for fetuses found to be physically defective. What parent should be forced to care for a special needs child?

We take our existence for granted! We are akin to a horse wearing blinders, unable to see the chaos around us. The track in front never changes, so we believe; that it will always be this way. In this, we selfishly argue morals, when generations from now will suffer for our inaction. Our medical specialists are working hard to offset the problems caused by "political correctness". Why are our morals tripping us, when such extremely important issues need to be addressed?

We need to turn the page. Humanity, has outgrow the dogmatic era of witch hunting.

We need to:

A) Create legislation to protect exploitation of our children. Let kids be kids.
B) Ban television stations from PAYING for video using children.
C) Rewrite laws about euthanasia, and abortion.

Our future depends on it!

School Uniforms

2010-08-30T15:14:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year! Parents all over the continent, are buying "Back-to-school" supplies for their children.

In what seems to be, a sick twist, parents are now being asked to purchase items such as; toiletpaper, lightbulbs, and more! (Some parts of the US) This is on top of all the regular things, a child needs, going back to school!

Not only that; ever child, wants to be "different" and "unique" in their own style! Shoes that sell for $200+ and jeans can cost well over $100 a pair!

Many parents, find themselves digging into their bank accounts, out of guilt. The fashion parade, that is our public schools, are unforgiving; and unfortunately dictate how a child is treated, by their peers, and teachers! The staggering cost of "keeping up with the Jonses", is a luxery, not a necessity, however, it purports an individuals's social status.

Sad.

Instead, create a logical school uniform.

Parents could shop online, or by catalogue for their needs.

Offer EVERYTHING a child will need for the school year. Everyone has access to the same paper and pencils.

Substitutes are confiscated as fast as fake-doggy-doo!

Slacks $25
Shirts $15
Shoes $20
Backpacks $15
Etc = cheap
Etc = Affordable

Etc.

Why does this all seem so easy?

No longer is a child judged by their brand of shoe. Gang colours cannot exist in such an atmosphere (I solve that problem in another blog)! Individualism, is encouraged, however, not when it comes to attire.

Parents could outfit a child for under $200 for the entire school year.

From the comfort of their home.

The same all over North America.

It takes a certain Calibre

2010-08-25T11:27:00.000-07:00

The human being is a fascinating creature! Lacking defensible traits, such as fur, fangs, and razor sharp claws, they somehow fought their way, to the top of the food chain. Excluding the few random instances with giant cats, sharks, and other extreme predators, humans enjoy a luxury of being dominate; simply because of intellect and innovation.

Our technologies bring us "magical" comforts, and allow us more recreation time. Through the generations, a variety of sports have evolved, into the games we play today. Basketball; for example, was invented, when a ball was thrown at baskets hung on walls. Everytime, someone scored a "basket", they had to manually climb up and retrieve the ball. Other sports, too have evolved, as technology advanced.

Paintball is no exception!

When the first paintball markers were developed, their use was simplistic; to shoot at trees, marking them for harvest, or trail-blazing. The weapons were fairly crude (by today's standard) and were not meant for game-play.

The uses for paintball markers are numerous! Solid pellets are used to chase away nuisance predators; such as, bears. Swat teams use them for riot suppression; using ammo with chili pepper dust, that irritates the throat, eyes and skin. Police use them for non-lethal apprehension and suppression of dangerous suspects. The Canadian military uses them to supplement training, wielding markers that are identical to the weapons they carry into combat.
The majority of people using paintball markers, however, play paintball. The very first paintball game was in 1981, played in New Hampshire, USA. Today; the game is regularly played, involving worldwide leagues, tournaments, professional teams, and players.

Games are played on indoor or outdoor fields of varying sizes. A game field is scattered with natural or artificial terrain, which players use for strategic play. Paintball games can vary, but can include; capture the flag, team elimination, and defending or attacking a particular point or area.. Depending on the adaptation played, paintball matches can last, from seconds to hours, or even days in scenario play. (D-Day in Oklahoma, USA; lasts three days with over 15,000 players every year!)

Unlike other sports, however; not everyone can play paintball!

While nearly every sport is playable by the majority of people, paintball requires a certain type of player. Due to this, paintball is not as popular as other sports. Anyone can participate in softball, soccer, football, swimming, hockey, skating, and track & field Most organized sports, even have adaptations to allow for those with disabilities!

Paintball requires many skills: namely the ability to aim and shoot, while being shot at. Physical fitness is much more demanding in paintball, than other sports! Being able to think on your feet, is an extremely necessary skill; such as, co-ordinating defensive and offensive tactics.

It is for those reasons, alone, that most people don't play paintball!

In paintball, once the horn sounds, there is no "down-time". Even when waiting while defending, or laying an ambush; you cannot relax for a second! The blood races, and adrenaline pulses through your veins! Breathing becomes heavier, from both excitement, and fear; not including the extra demand of oxygen. No other sport, requires such high demands on a players body!

Then, there is the mental aspect of the game.

The fact that paintball is a war game, requires good observation & problem solving skills. The mental demand during play or practice, develops many beneficial life-skills, including excellent leadership skills, Unfortunately; a large number of people, refuse to even try playing paintball; merely out of fear of being shot.

It takes a certain calibre to successfully play paintball. .68 to be precise; with an individual, capable of performing such a feat, as playing the game.

How to vault Fort Frances, into the Future

2010-08-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Fort Frances, Ontario, is a border-town of 9000 souls. It is located on the North of the Rainy River, directly across from it's sister city, International Falls in Minnesota, USA.

It has the potential to be a wonderful place to raise a family. It is over a thousand feet above sea level, and due to its location, is hurricane free. It has over two miles of solid bedrock, resulting in a seismically sound zone. (No earth-quake zones) The landscape is gorgeous, and our lakes and woods are abound with fish & wildlife! The fact that our winters freeze every year, prevents any venomous snakes, deadly spiders and other types of poisonous insects from being able to survive.

The nickname for our district is called "Sunset Country", and for good reason; tourists from all over North America come to hunt and fish. Tourism is a major industry, and the fact that Fort Frances is a border-town, creates an entry point for our American cousins. During the summer months, the line-up to enter into the Unites States, can be over 2 hours long at times!

The potential for industry, and opportunities for businesses are nearly endless.

However...

When you drive down-town, take note of the multiple buildings that are closed!

I would say, take a trip across the town; but that is an exercise in both patience and for-knowledge of the multitude of road repairs and dead-ends!

Even when the town doesn't resemble one big obstacle course;
"Fort Frances drivers" can give the most loving grandma, road-rage!

How quickly I can digress....

Once upon a time, Scott Street was a bustling hub of activity! The multitude of small companies clustered on both sides of the street for several blocks. There was a literal throng of hotels, bars, banks, small stores, a movie house, and the list goes on.

I counted this summer, while I was driving down the street, how many buildings are shuttered. A disheartening count of 1 in 3 buildings lie decaying from lack of use! Rental signs hang in the windows of what were once busy store fronts. In my search, I noticed that almost every other company that once graced our main street, has been transformed from its original state, only to close soon after!

The Rainy Lake hotel is closed, and is considered a "Heritage building"; and while Federal money could easily restore the building to its original glory, no one seems to wish to take on the task.. The movie theatre, was turned into a night club, only to be shuttered, soon after. An Internet café, and two flower shops are the latest victims to close their doors.

The only real industry in the town, is the local pulp and paper mill. The lofting clouds roll from its stacks day and night! If it weren't for the paper mill however; Fort Frances would be a ghost town! Unfortunately, this large industry is located inconveniently on the southern-most part of the town, and requires all the large vehicles to roll through the main streets of the town! This constant pounding of the pavement starts at 5:30 am, with the pulp trucks roaring past, engine brakes screaming, and continues until suppertime.

The constant abuse by the large industrial vehicle on the highways take it's toll! The streets of the town are pitiful! Many large holes and cracks dominate most of the streets and avenues!

Then, there's the flawed "under-pass". Constructed in the 1950s, the "hole-in-the-ground", that connects the North-end of town to the rest, is a nightmare to maintain! Fort Frances is built largely on marsh-land, and has frequent problems during the heavy rainstorms, that have aptly brought about the name; "Rainy River District"! Anytime there is a decent amount of rain, the underpass floods, since the water must be pumped out manually into the storm sewers! Many a motorist finds themselves having to abandon their vehicles in such occasions.

The streets of Fort Frances are clogged with road repairs, but there seems to be no rush to the numerous projects! For two years, North-end residents have been forced to wait at the only rail-crossing left, once regular traffic is shut down to fix the "under-pass"! This would normally not be a problem, however, CN, use the crossing as a switch yard! I have personally been stopped for over half an hour MANY TIMES while some train sits idle in the middle of the highway!

Why the town doesn't step in, and order the trains
to not hold up traffic
any longer than they have to, is totally beyond me.

Don't get me wrong; there needs to be road repairs during the summer months. Things need to be fixed. For some reason, however, those performing the repairs are allowed to tear up huge sections of road, and then leave them, with the machinery unmoving for weeks at a time; while the whole construction company finishes other projects!! I personally find this appalling, and unprofessional!

The superfluous stop lights in the town hinder traffic, rather than effectively direct it! There are too many instances of poorly timed lights, and erroneous four-way stops! Traffic crawls. It is near impossible to cross the town, without seeing numerous traffic violations due to the problems with the design of Fort Frances streets! Passing on the right of left-turning traffic, is a common one; while most "Fort Frances drivers" travel in the turning lane!

The traffic situation is only one aspect of the town's poorly planned infrastructure!

For youths who wish to do something other than shuffle their IPods or chat with friends online, there is a "Skate park" available. Those trying to get to the facility will quickly find themselves frustrated, since, there is no path to the park itself! Anyone on roller blades (for example) must cross 50 feet of grass before getting to the cement structures. The sidewalks in the town are in deplorable shape, and sometimes non-existent! There are many instances of the sidewalks on one side of the street, forcing those walking / blading / etc to cross traffic, merely to have a solid surface to use! Too narrow to properly use, there are numerous instances of those using the sidewalks having to step onto the grass to make way for others, since only two people may walk side-by-side at a time! If you have three people in your group, you must either walk single file, or someone must lag behind!

There are solutions to many of the problems plaguing Fort Frances!

Firstly; there needs to be a truck route around the town, with an appropriate route to the mill!

A large artery of smooth asphalt from one end of town to the other, is needed for rollarblading / bikes, and pedestrians, with many smaller veins leading to key parts of the town.

The streets need to be "fourlaned" from one end of town to the other, with Yields replacing the Stop signs. Removal of superfluous traffic-lights is a must!

Fix the streets! When hiring road repair companies, insist that they work 7 days a week! Any day passing with no progress should result in a fine to the company. Early deadlines should receive a bonus.

Build an overpass at McIrvine road, and force CN to pay for it! That way, there is a reliable means to get to the North end of town.

Base property taxes on the upkeep of land and buildings; those that spend time to beatify their yard or keep their businesses in good repair, should receive tax breaks. Penalize those that refuse to clean up the yard, and maintain the buildings on the property.

Lastly; encourage new companies to come to Fort Frances! Subsidize projects, that better the town, and offer tax breaks to new businesses. Develop infrastructure that creates cheap energy, and pass on the savings to every resident and company in town!

Try to bring in research companies and at least one more large industry!

Only then; will the town vault itself into the future.

We have faith in you, Summer!!

2010-07-03T14:02:00.000-07:00

Memo: To Summer

Hello! It's your dearest devotee, Zz, up here in North-western Ontario!

I just thought I would drop you a line and just offer some advice. The whole spring-thing-coming-early was really nice. Many of the animals, insects, and plants at the Spirit Fire Park are a bit confused; but I quite enjoyed the early jump at maintenance! Our Tiger-lilies have bloomed and already are dying off. (Ergo the norm - July 10th - 15th) We have two batches of squirrels, due to the long spring, and most are getting tame enough to hand feed....

....I've also considered, that up until now though, they have not had any food, and taking a peanut directly from some BIG ugly bald guy like me, is a small sacrifice to a free meal! You see, summer; up until this last week, your presence has been...

....well; let's face it summer, I had almost given up hope on you!

I guess I'm a little bitter from last year, still. You did the same thing; beautiful spring, that came a tad early (although not as early as this year)then come June, WhAmMo!! Crap weather! For THREE LONG RAIN-FILLED SOGGY MONTHS! AAARRRGGHHH!!!!

Sorry. I had projects, and events that were thoroughly soaked from either the lack of your heat and warmth, or a dismal dreary display of precipitation, that almost lends substance to the name, "Rainy River District"

SIDE NOTE: IF we change the name our beloved district in Northwestern Ontario to Sunset Country, or The-most-gorgeous-sunlite-valley-in-Canada, would you take notice and make the appropriate arrangements?!?

Anyway, I was nearly convinced that you were going to follow the exact same pattern this year, due to the consistant (insert bad word here) terrible weather we have been receiving. I almost had to cancel one paintball tournament this year. I'm still a tad upset about the three I canceled last year!! Because of you! Your reluctance to chase away the rain has cast a pall of gloominess on the hearts and souls of those of us that love to frolic in your warmth and light!

Then! You suddenly decided to give us the most gorgeous CANADA DAY in YEARS! WOOT!! Where did that come from?! Where you just "saving it up" for a grand entrance, or something?

Anyway, I just wrote this to let you know that I suddenly have faith in you! I'm confident, you understand the importance of long hot summer days, without clouds looming in the distance!

Thank you for that! Keep up the good work!

Sincerely;

Zzorhn

CNN Debate Team

2010-04-15T10:34:00.001-07:00

Feel free to join me for a rousing debate!!

Break and Entry II

2010-04-01T05:38:00.000-07:00

March 31st, 2010, at 6:30 pm, will once again be stamped forever in my mind. I was raided again, by OPP! I was handcuffed in front of my family, and degraded in front of my community!

This isn't the first time either! Break and Entry
On February 6th, 2004 I had the misfortune of a visit from the drug enforcement of the OPP. They found negligible amounts of weed.

Once again, I am facing going to court, this time, over 12 grams! ($100 fine)

My landlord has been notified. At present time, I have yet to confront him. When I do, he is now under the impression that I'm involved in criminal activity!

I'm trying to get my 2 businesses going; now I may have serious setbacks due to this consistent harassment from the government's hired thugs!

When is this stupidity going to end?!?!

Even the arresting officer explained that the whole raid was a waste of taxpayer's money! In today's society, marijuana is not the focal point of their attention, as much more dangerous chemicals and prescriptions are rampant.

When are our lawmakers going to listen to the Canadian populace regarding proper legislation for this socially accepted wonderdrug?!

It's seriously, time for a change!

The Reality of Food

2010-03-31T07:34:00.000-07:00

Next week in France, a Global Conference on Agricultural Research for Development is being held. Gordon Conway from the Center for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London, is the keynote speaker.

The meeting, features scientists, farmers, aid groups and businesses working to ward off hunger in the world's poorest countries, the BBC reported Friday.

"It's a huge problem," said Gordon Conway. "Crop yields must double if the world is to feed the estimated 9 billion people living on the planet by mid-century", Conway explained." The effort is being hampered by climate change and a lack of basic agricultural knowledge", he announced.

"Everywhere you go in Africa you can buy Coca-cola or Pepsi-Cola, but you can't buy a packet of seeds so easily!"

More money must be earmarked for agriculture to avoid a global hunger crisis in coming decades!

________________________________________

When you can't feed your children, you will do anything!

I foresee a dark chapter in human history based on a lack of food. Wars will be fought, and many will die, due to this coming tragedy.......

Big Bad Biker

2010-03-24T16:58:00.000-07:00

A drunken man walks into a biker bar, sits down at the bar and orders a drink. Looking around, he sees three men sitting at a corner table. He gets up, staggers to the table, leans over, looks the biggest, meanest, biker in the face and says:

I went by your grandma's house today and

I saw her in the hallway buck-naked

Man, she is one fine looking woman!'

The biker looks at him and doesn't say a word

His buddies are confused, because he is one bad biker and would fight at the drop of a hat.

The drunk leans on the table again and says:

'I got it on with your grandma and she is good,

the best I ever had!'

The biker's buddies are starting to get really mad

but the biker still says nothing.

The drunk leans on the table one more time and says,

'I'll tell you something else, boy,

your grandma liked it!'

At this point the biker stands up,

takes the drunk by the shoulders
looks him square in the eyes and says..

Grandpa...

Go home!

You're drunk!

Application to Date my Daughter

2010-03-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

NOTE - This application will be Incomplete and rejected unless accompanied by a complete financial statement, job history, lineage, and current medical report from your doctor.

NAME:_____________________

DATE OF BIRTH: _______________

HEIGHT:___________ WEIGHT: ______

IQ: ________GPA: ______

SOCIAL SECURITY #: ___________

DRIVERS LICENSE #: _________

BOY SCOUT RANK:____________________

HOME ADDRESS: ________________ CITY: _________

Postal Code ______

Do you have one MALE and one FEMALE parent? Yes____ No_______ If NO, explain:
_______________________________________________

Number of years parents married: _________

DO YOU OWN A VAN? ____
A TRUCK WITH OVERSIZED TIRES OR CAMPER SHELL? ____
WATERBED? _____
MOTORCYCLE? _____
TATTOO? ____
COLOR ALTERED HAIR? ___

(IF YES TO ANY PART OF ABOVE, DISCONTINUE APPLICATION AND LEAVE PREMISES IMMEDIATELY)

In 50 words or less, what does "Late" mean to you? __________________________________________

In 50 words or less, what does "DO NOT TOUCH MY DAUGHTER" mean to you? __________________________________________

In 50 words or less, what does "ABSTINENCE" mean to you? __________________________________________

What church do you attend? ________________ How often do you attend? ____/ week

When would be the best time to interview your father, mother, priest or pastor? ____________

Fill in the blanks: Please answer freely - all answers are confidential
(That means I won't tell anyone - I promise)

A. If I were shot, the last place on my body I would want to be wounded is in the _____________

B. If I were beaten, the last bone I would want broken is my _____________

C. A women's place is in the __________________

D. The one thing I hope this application does not ask me about is ____________________

E. When I first meet a girl, the first thing I notice is _____________________
(If the answer to "E" begins with a B, T, or A, discontinue and leave the premises immediately with your head hung low.)

What do you want to be IF you grow up? _________________________

Do you plan to attend a Catholic or Christian College? _________ Which one? ____________

I SWEAR THAT ALL INFORMATION SUPPLIED ABOVE IS TRUE AND CORRECT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE UNDER PENALTY OF DEATH, DISMEMBERMENT, NATIVE AMERICAN ANT TORTURE, CRUCIFIXION, ELECTROCUTION, CHINESE WATER TORTURE, AND RED HOT POKERS.

_____________________ Signature (That means sign your name)

Thank you for your interest. Please allow four to six years for processing. You will be contacted in writing if you are approved. Please do not try to call or write (this action will void this application). If your application is rejected you will be notified by two angels wearing red suits and carrying pitch forks. (You might want to start praying now).

Community Art Project

2010-03-10T18:09:00.000-08:00

Mural wall

community art projects in works

Wednesday, 10 March 2010 - 2:36pm

By Peggy Revell, Staff writer (Fort Frances Times)

It’s no surprise that an artist would be the one to transform a simple plan for a paintball safety wall into a full blown public arts project.
But that’s exactly what local artist Eric Keast is planning to do.
“I want to bring art to the people, I guess, to get more people involved,” Keast said about the project, being done in collaboration with Spirit Fire Park in Devlin, which will see a roughly 150-foot long public mural wall built (which also will serve as a boundary for the park’s paintball site).
Funding for this project—and others in the works—comes from an Ontario Arts Council Northern Arts grant of $12,000.
While many know Keast for his work that’s displayed at the Clover Valley Farmer’s Market, Fort Frances Museum, and elsewhere, he won’t be the only one working on the mural since part of the grant has been allocated towards holding a mural workshop with local youths through the United Native Friendship Centre’s Urban Multipurpose Aboriginal Youth Centre (UMAYC) program.
“I just think it’s a really great opportunity for youth,” said Nathalie Donaldson of the UMAYC, noting Keast is an “amazing artist” who has worked with the program’s youth before when creating and painting some of the murals found on the centre’s walls.
“It’s a really positive experience for them because an adult is coming to them for assistance,” she added, noting this is great for the youths’ self-esteem by giving them a chance to work on something in the community.
As well, Keast is a positive male role model for them.
“And to be able to work with such a talented artist, it’s great,” Donaldson enthused.
She encouraged any youths who want to get involved with the project to contact her at the UMAYC, which is located at 616 Mowat Ave. (274-0561).
Along with the large public mural space, Keast also is working to create and install a large papier maché sculpture for the park—a 10-foot long sturgeon to be exact.
“It’s going to be pretty impressive, I think,” said Keast. “It’s going to be in a swimming undulation motion so that we can place it between a couple of trees and look like it’s swimming through the forest.
“So it’s going to be pretty cool.
“Artistically speaking, I think it’s very representative of the region that we’re in,” Keast added. “Historically, it’s a very important resource, and just an outstanding specimen of wildlife.
“The older sturgeon used to get so much larger than they do now,” he noted.
“When we’re talking about a 10-foot sturgeon sculpture—that’s life-sized, it’s not exaggerated.”
It’s also part of a project idea Keast has to eventually see monumental sculptures created and installed throughout the region.
“The idea, of course, is that once we have the mold, the form, than we can make copies of it,” he explained, meaning that more fish can be installed in the park, and elsewhere.
As well, the mold can be used to run workshops on structural forms, he added.
“This is just the start,” Joe Carlson, owner of Spirit Fire Park, said about the collaborative project and the plans for the 40 acres of land, of which only five acres has been developed so far for the paint ball range.
In the long term, Carlson is looking to expand upon the sculptures and murals at the site—hopefully creating even bigger ones that can be used as interactive art (such as being shot at with paint guns).
“[Carlson] has run [Spirit Fire Park] as a paintball park for quite some time, but he wanted to make it a public place,” Keast explained.
“I started playing paintball there and started thinking maybe we could do something with the infrastructure and turn it into an art park, as well.
“Joe’s got all this infrastructure, it’s basically a canvas to me,” Keast added, saying their goal is to make the park an area where people can come to relax, camp, and enjoy nature—not just for paintball.
And with the mural space, the pair also are hoping to create a venue for the performing arts since the walls have been designed so there is a stage area within it.
To go along with this part of the project, part of the grant funding they received will go towards bringing in Thunder Bay musician Rodney Brown to perform, noted Keast, something that is slated to take place at the official “opening” of the park on the weekend of Aug. 6.
By then, they hope to have the work on the mural started, and hopefully the piece the youths from the UMAYC program already in place.
That weekend also will see the local theatrical performance of a piece called “The Spirit Fire is Lit Again,” said Carlson, a project based upon regional legends, including the mythological “Windigo.”
Carlson encouraged anyone interested in being a part of the performance to come out Aug. 2-5, which is slated to be theatrical workshops and rehearsals for the performance.
“Theatre in the woods is not the same as theatre on the stage, is not the same as theatres in the cities, it’s totally different,” he stressed, pointing to how this setting gives actors the chance to interact directly with the audience.
“It’s not something you just do; it’s something you have to learn,” he said about the workshops they are planning to hold in the lead-up to the theatrical presentation, which will include such things as stage fighting and improvisation.
Besides the theatrical workshop, Carlson noted many other types of workshops are slated to take place at Spirit Fire Park throughout the spring and summer, including camping workshops, paintball safety courses, and more.
More information about these is available online at www.spiritfirepark.ca
As well, Carlson is looking for youth and people who are videographers who are interested in helping to film and document the various events.
Meanwhile, as the sculptures, murals, and other art projects at Spirit Fire Park progress, Keast is hoping more people and artists become involved.
He has begun contacting local municipalities and First Nations for support, and is hoping other regional artists will step forward to share their talents to create more murals and sculpture work—possibly even applying for more grants to expand the project.
And the art projects at Spirit Fire Park aren’t the only ones Keast currently is working on. He’s also looking to form a weekly cultural market at Pither’s Point Park this summer to “encourage the growth and visibility of regional craftsmen and craftswomen.”
Those interested in participating in any of these art projects can contact Keast through his website at www.bingorage.com

A quick survey

2010-03-09T14:52:00.000-08:00

1. Have you heard of Spirit Fire Park?
2. Have you ever played paintball?
3. Do you own your own marker?
4. Would being able to purchase paintballs on site be of interest to you?
5. How much would you pay to play paintball for a day?
6. Do you think the Rainy River District needs a paintball park?
7. Would a free paintball safety course be of interest to you?
8. Would an Advanced paintball course be of interest to you?
9. When would you play paintball?
10. What types of equipment sales, would you be interested in?
11. Do you have any other comments?

Please email your results to spiritfirepark@gmail.com

Water on Mars

2010-03-09T07:59:00.000-08:00

NASA scientists say they've identified thick masses of buried ice in the middle latitudes of Mars and radar mapping suggests the ice is commonplace.

The radar images were provided by the space agency's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which is charting the hidden glaciers and ice-filled valleys that were first confirmed by radar two years ago.

NASA said the subsurface ice deposits extend for hundreds of miles in a region about halfway from the equator to the martian north pole.

"We have mapped the whole area with a high density of coverage," said Jeffrey Plaut of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif., which manages the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. "These are not isolated features. In this area, the radar is detecting thick subsurface ice in many locations. The hypothesis is the whole area was covered with an ice sheet during a different climate period, and when the climate dried out, these deposits remained only where they had been covered by a layer of debris protecting the ice from the atmosphere."

The researchers said the ice could contain a record of environmental conditions at the time of its deposition and flow, making the ice masses a possible target for a future mission with digging capability.

There it is! The possibility of visiting our neighbouring planet, just became a reality!

Until now, a visit to Mars, would have been impossible; since once at the planet, terraformers would quickly find any resources dwindling fast! Oxygen, water, and fuels, would have to brought from earth, and storing the vast required supplies for any extended time would be difficult, if not hindering to the entire mission.

Not anymore.

Frozen water deposits can be collected for use by the colonists, who would be transforming Mars! Water to drink, hydrogen to power their equipment, and most importantly, oxygen to breathe!

The possibility of new resources to be discovered on Mars, is exciting!! Even the known deposits of minerals and materials is enough to compel some to attempt exploring under the surface.

I can't wait for the day, we start mining and the subsequent delivery of iron-ore from Mars!

I'm willing to bet everyone will want to own, an Ipod or car made from martian metals?

Your mother lied

2010-03-01T15:08:00.000-08:00

YOUR MOTHER LIED!

Her continuous advice, although well intended, is in fact; dogmatic discourse.

Really; if you DRINK & DRIVE, and wreck your car.

You guts are splattered all over the road, your face sticks to the windshield, and witnesses vomit at the sight of you...

....no one really notices your underwear!

Social Networks - How safe are you?

2010-03-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

The overwhelming success of social networks on the Internet, are a major part of people's everyday lives. Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Blogster, Flickr, Friendster, MyLife, & Twitter are but a few of the many social networks available. There are many others!

Early each morning, millions of farmers, around the world rise to work in their fields. Each night, legions of poker players shuffle up virtual cards, and deal. Zynga Poker allows people to win real money, all in the comfort of their own home, however, here are currently 118 million installed users of FarmVille, an application that offers no financial benefit!!

Why are these games so popular on these social networks? It's merely a matter of marketing. What seem as though innocent, minor games that we could easily set aside, are in fact ingeniously applications designed to cause repeated visits during the day. Developers are aware of the fact that simple applications, that can be played in a tab on your browser while in a conference call, will generate more use.

Those games all operate on the same basic premise. Starting with a simple farm, fish tank or restaurant, the player works to make it bigger and fancier, sharing items with friends and helping each other along the way.

The applications in themselves are creating a problem for those who religiously use such social networks. Anyone that wishes to actually get ahead in any application, must spend real money! There is no fast free ride to the top of the game. The games are designed to advertise themselves, and many require the player to send out requests to friends, spamming them to merely further their own game. Another problem associated with these games, is the creation of fake accounts. Many gamers, feel the only way to further the game, is to help themselves by the creation of these accounts, who like zombies, are mindless automatons, just to bolster the ranks of certain applications. These accounts, when deactivated, create a huge problem in real accounts, of those left playing, and stuck with a disabled account in the application.

Which is why many users routinely add people they don't know on friend lists. The applications that require an army of friends to be able to play, have their own "add me groups", simply to connect other players and bolster online battlefields.

In all the gaming and freinding, how many worry about the consequences of these social networks?

Not many, if the popularity of these applications are any indication!

We live, believing that the police protect us everywhere we go. If the average person realized how much law enforcement has to struggle to keep up to recent technological developments, and social habits, it might make them think twice about the casual use of these online networks!

There is a website, that posts the avatar picture of network users, and lists the location of the house or apartment that is currently vacated. Basically, while people are on vacation, they have the potential to being robbed due to being listed on this website. The web site, Please Rob Me is constantly updated, posting the address that is waiting to be robbed, as well as, the current location of the people that own the empty apartment.

How do they know these extremely personal things?

Twitters. Facebook status's. Personal blogs. Using a compilation of blogs and tweets, these professional investigators are attempting to bring to light, the dangers of such reckless use of public domain! People posting on Facebook, "Just checked into our resort on vacation in (enter suitable location), the weather is great!! :) "; ends up posted as @CarelessUser left home and checked in 21 minutes ago: I'm at _____________ (Listing of address). Http:/w3 linktowebsiteortweetprovinglisting com (<-----not a real website)

It's actually easy to find out information on someone! A computer, and a roadmap to the information highway, is all anyone needs to locate someone. Police and other law enforcement agencies know this, and frequently utilize these social networks to obtain information about illegal activities and to find individuals.

If I was to walk up to the average parent, and ask them if I could; take a picture of their young family, and post it on a billboard, including the address as to where they live, I would probably get a resounding, no! What parent in their right mind would want the world to know where their precious children live and play?

Those same parents, however, have no qualms about posting pictures on social networking sites for avatars. While there are privacy settings, many who use the network for games, find that to be counter-productive. Privacy options, diminish some application's usefulness, so the majority of those users, choose not to keep their profiles private. Which means, their smiling happy children are at the forefront of many stranger's game.

It should also be mentioned, that the majority of those avatars, that are posted for the viewing public, have a listing as to the city and network. With the ability to see what a child looks like, the name of the parent, and location of the nearest city, anyone can find the address.

Google 411. Unless the parent has a private number, there is a good chance, that with a short search, a phone number and address will be available.

Sounds dangerous to me!

The question, "how safe are you", is not about spyware, or anti-virus programs. It's the manner in which the user conducts them-self online, that answers the question.

How safe are you?

Man-made Climate Change

2010-02-16T10:04:00.000-08:00

The debate over climate change, is as hot as the topic!

The majority of those who believe that, humans are changing the climate, are constantly harassed by those who claim that there is no such thing as "man-made climate change".

There are consistent references made, regarding suspicious emails from "Climategate". While there may have been a dozen or so, conspicuous letters sent, there are no documented conspiracies in this. The smoke-screen of scandal, has been echoed by those, flinging mud, hoping enough will stick. In truth, there are no compromising email, and any mention, is rhetoric.

A recent petition of 31,000 scientists, who claim that global-warming is a hoax, is another overblown scandal! There is no way to verify who these individuals really are, how many have an actual degree, and how many of those were simply understudies. Anyone who had a self-proclaimed degree in any scientific field was accepted to sign. It hardly matters since, it represents 1.2 percent of the estimated 2,685,000 scientist in United States, and just .005 percent of the 63 million scientists worldwide.

The truth is, the planet is being assaulted with man-made pollutants, and chemicals at an overwhelming rate! We have never had this many humans on earth before! With everyone wishing to have a life of ease and luxury, our planet is taking the brunt of the damages resulting from this pursuit.

With so many of us, insisting to drive our own vehicles, and heat our HUGE homes, we are pumping more heat-trapping particles into the atmosphere than ever before! Why is it so difficult to accept that even some of this excess will have some sort of repercussions? All over the planet, scientists have demonstrated, that emissions of heat-trapping gases from the burning of fossil fuels make a significant contribution to global warming, and heat-trapping gases produced by human activities, have been increasing in the atmosphere and that no other proponent is changing in a way that is consistent with recent warming.

The global temperature does fluctuates naturally. With global warming, these fluctuations simply "ride" on top of a long-term upward trend.

As a result of human activities, the current carbon dioxide concentration of 385 ppm is 30 percent above its highest level in the last 800,000 years. In fact, the evidence for human-induced climate change is quite strong, in a community where reputations are made by proving others wrong.

Why is there even a debate, when surrounded by the literal mountain of evidence to man-made climate change?

The truth of global warming and the impact of human activity is nonexistent among those who understand the science of long-term climate progression. The problem is reluctant lawmakers, and a public that mistakenly perceives a debate among scientists. The fact is, regulations to curb excess emissions cost money. When world leaders routinely create laws that cost the taxpayers more money, the same lawmakers, find themselves quickly without a job. Any reluctance to create effective laws, is simple self-preservation!

Trying to shift from one type of energy source to another will be difficult. The ramifications will take decades to determine.

Then there is the investment equation to consider: most lawmakers have investors with oil, gas, and other related commodities, in their back pocket. It would be a serious contradiction to their personal policies to try to create changes for a better future. They lose money. Why would anyone in this position want to push for alternate energy sources?

When you consider the fact that our world leaders are hesitant to do anything about the situation, the debate suddenly becomes clear. Any argument against climate change, is a personal agenda by self serving leaders! These individuals sling misinformation with abandon, in an attempt to confuse the issues. They know that if they are forced to actually take a proper stance, on the world stage, they will be shown to be as translucent as their dogmatic theories!

The fact is, scientists do not honestly know when earth's climate "tipping point" (climate change becomes an irreparable global disaster), might occur without warning.

They are in agreement though, that some effects of global climate change, can be seen only once the effects are climactic! By that point, however, returning the system to a desirable state will be difficult, and will take an immense amount of time.

The earth's climate is changing. The cost of changing the ways we travel, live, and think will not be easy.

The costs of inaction will be staggering!

Theory of Evolution

2010-02-13T07:25:00.000-08:00

Whenever I get a package of plain M&Ms,
I make it my duty to continue the strength and robustness of the candy as a species.

To this end, I hold M&M duels.

Taking two candies between my thumb and forefinger,I apply pressure, squeezing them together until one of them cracks and splinters. That is the "loser," and I eat the inferior one immediately. The winner gets to go another round.

I have found that, in general, the brown and red M&Ms are tougher, and the newer blue ones are genetically inferior. I have hypothesized that the blue M&Ms as a race cannot survive long in the intense theatre of competition that is the modern candy and snack-food world.

Occasionally I will get a mutation, a candy that is misshapen, or pointier, or flatter than the rest. Almost invariably this proves to be a weakness, but on very rare occasions it gives the candy extra strength. In this way, the species continues to adapt to its environment.

When I reach the end of the pack, I am left with one M&M, the strongest of the herd.

Since it would make no sense to eat this one as well, I pack it neatly in an envelope and send it to: M&M Mars, A Division of Mars, Inc. Hackettstown, NJ 17840-1503 U.S.A.

I include a 3x5 card reading, "Please use this M&M for breeding purposes."

To Mars, "Thank you Spirit"!

2010-02-04T12:45:00.000-08:00

NASA says "Spirit" will no longer be a rover

January 3rd, 2004, NASA’s robotic rover landed on the red rocky landscape of Mars.

For six years, NASA has received images and data regarding our closest planet in our solar system. Since its landing, “Spirit” has sent 127,000 raw images, and 16 full colour, 360 degree panoramic mosaics. It has drilled into 15 rock targets, and scoured 92 with brushes and analytical equipment.

The weather on Mars is alien to earth’s, and “Spirit” has managed to survive 3 winters on Mars. The challenges , were low light, and low energy. The remote-controlled vehicle, was operational during “windows of opportunity”, and could only be guided during these limited periods of time.

During it’s 6 year mission, “Spirit” has traveled thousands of meters over rocky terrain. Accomplishments include, trekking 7,730 meters (4.8 miles) across Gusev Crater, including driving backwards after the left front wheel stopped working in 2006. Crossing the Columbia Hills, including scaling a 30.2 degree‑incline at "West Spur" and reaching the 82‑meter (269‑foot) summit of "Husband Hill," the highest peak in the range

In April 2008, the U.S. space agency claimed its Mars rover “Spirit” is stuck where it is, for good. but can still help in Martian studies. "Spirit is not dead; it has just entered another phase of its long life," said Doug McCuistion, director of NASA's Mars Exploration Program. "We told the world last year, that attempts to set the beloved robot free may not be successful. It looks like Spirit's current location on Mars will be its final resting place." NASA engineers had worked unsuccessfully since April to free Spirit from loose Martian sand in which it had became stuck.

Engineers said the robot's primary task during the next few weeks will be to position itself to combat the severe Martian winter.

NASA said the rover's solar energy is declining and is expected to become insufficient to maintain communications by mid‑February. The rover team said it hopes to improve Spirit's tilt, boosting the amount of sunlight striking its solar panels to enable some communication with Earth during the winter.

While this signifies the end of an era, it is the beginning of another. The rover “Spirit”, will become a stationary science platform. It’s left wheel is broken, and unable to help move the robot out of the shifting sands that have mired the robot. This is not the end for “spirit”, though, and NASA scientists do not intend to shut down the little rover yet. They plan to keep using the sturdy craft for as long as it continues to send pictures and information about our closest neighbour in our galaxy. How long the rover will continue to survive on the alien planet, is a guess. NASA scientists claim, that the rover has already surpassed all expectations!

There is one more role that “Spirit” has yet to fulfill. The fact that Mars has little atmosphere, means that the “little robot that could”, will find itself, staring out into the cosmos for eons! The final duty of “Spirit”, is that of a marker for the accomplishments of its creators, and a symbol of achievement for the human race.

Anyone wishing to send their accolades can address them to;

Rover “A”
Spirit
14.6 degrees South, 175.5 degrees East
Gusev Crater
Mars

He is going to be there, for a very long time.

Do you believe in aliens?

2010-01-29T12:12:00.000-08:00

Many people all over the planet, have made claims to strange lights in the sky. Some have even managed to video-tape or photograph these phenomenon The critics cite gaseous explosions, falling objects from outer space, weapon testing, aircraft testing, and more. Those that witness the flashing lights, and mysterious streaks across the sky, have a different theory. They believe that aliens from outer space are visiting us.

I’m talking about UFO’s

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unidentified_flying_object
(Excellent page on numerous sightings)
Unidentified flying object (commonly abbreviated as UFO or U.F.O.) is the popular term for any aerial phenomenon whose cause cannot be easily or immediately identified by the observer. The United States Air Force, which coined the term in 1952, initially defined UFOs as those objects that remain unidentified after scrutiny by expert investigators, though the term UFO is often used more generally to describe any sighting unidentifiable to the reporting observer(s). Popular culture frequently takes the term UFO as a synonym for alien spacecraft. Cults have become associated with UFOs, and mythology and folklore have evolved around the phenomenon.
____________

The most recent claims coming from Canada, are of an “over-sized bullet, trailing orange flame” over Newfoundland, Canada.
____________

http://www.theprovince.com/news/Still+explanation+missile+like+object+skies+over/2496680/story.html

Over the last few days, people in and around the tiny coastal Newfoundland and Labrador town — population approximately 200 — have been discussing what some saw and others thought they saw.

"First thing I thought was: 'My God, it had to be a missile of some sort,' because it looked like an oversized bullet," Emmy Pardy, who watched it through binoculars for five to eight minutes as it passed silently overhead at sunset Monday, said Wednesday.

"We knew it wasn't a plane and it definitely wasn't any kind of UFO thing," she said, laughing.

A grainy photo shot by another witness, Darlene Stewart, shows an object, trailing what appears to be orange flame, moving at a 45-degree angle to the left against a greyish coloured sky.

Stewart said she actually saw three objects — one that appeared to go straight up, another that was headed to the right and a third, the one that captured her attention, closer and heading to the left.

"It went up on an angle and it stayed on that angle and we watched it for about 10 minutes," she said, until it disappeared.

"To us it looked like a missile."
_________________

To many around the world, however, it might have been something else. All sorts of bloggers and people on chat sites are curious, and it has once again prompted the question, “Are we alone in the Universe”?

There are oodles of references online, with all sorts of information on UFO’s. Theories, and dogma. Fact and fiction. There is no way it seems, to discern the truth, with so many differing opinions and claims. Everyone thinks the government is holding back some “truth”.

I’m not talking about a “Men in Black” situation, where there are major government organizations watching over aliens, and the planet. Interesting concept, but I cannot see the current world leaders capable of maintaining such a program….

(giggles)

….forgive my sudden tangent!

On the subject of UFO’s, is the more important debate. Do aliens exist? Its rather like “the chicken and the egg”, in that, UFO’s from other planets, must have “space aliens” driving them. To argue that UFO’s exist, is to claim that there is life on other planets.

So, is there life out there?

The better question to those naysayer’s, is, How can we, be so vain, as to think, that in this enormously vast universe, that we are the only living organisms?

In that, I display my belief in “aliens”. Scientists are studying an organism, that lives at the bottom of earth’s oceans, in volcanic vents, feeding on material with a basic chemical composition of zero! This scenario is absolutely “alien” to our definition, and ideology of “what is life” .

If these kinds of creatures thrive, in what would be a dangerous habitat for most accepted life forms, why can there not be some absolutely “alien” organism?

Carbon is a wonderful chemical element! It is the building block of most life on earth! There are not many elements that bind as readily, and as easily as carbon. Except silicone….

….Silicone is another element that can form complex compositions easily. What if there was some planet, whose entire theme was silicone based? Complex silicone creatures, who could dominate their host planet, and dream of flying among the stars….

…what if it is even simpler than that?

I am of the opinion, that the human race, has previously, created technology far more advanced than we have present day!

I’m betting many of you are balking, right now. Consider this: we have evidence of temples built in South America, high up in mountainous areas, where evidence of smelting metals, is present in the form of keys, holding the rock together. This goes against previous scientific belief, that the ability to create an environment hot enough to achieve such a composition, has not been available until recent human history. These temples have been dated to be built in 10000 BC.

Then there are the pyramids. All sorts of speculation as to how they were quarried and built is prevalent, from aliens, to teams of slaves, whipped into pulling those giant blocks into precise placement. Remember, the technology we have today, is not capable of creating such a monument! (I watched a special on Discovery Channel).

Stonehenge. Another example of an age-old monument. No one knows what the exact nature the colossal 4 ton stones mean. Speculation cites, functions for the site include, use as an astronomical observatory, or as a religious site. Once again, scientist agree, that even with today’s technology, it would be difficult to construct. Many theories have advanced supernatural explanations for the construction.

I believe; the human race, has been more advanced than we are now. We had technology that was able to perform these feats and more. There are legends of ancient cities, one famous one being the legend of Atlantis. I offer that the tales may be true, to some extent. The description of “hovering silent vehicles”, for transportation may not be too much a stretch for a society, able to construct such wondrous monuments.

I offer the concept, that the human race, once achieved space travel. Their planet was doomed, by natural disaster, or even manmade. They built technological marvels to travel to distant stars, and left our planet to the whims of the universe. During the millennia of space travel, the average human started to undergo transformation. NASA and other scientists all over the planet understand the problem with prolonged space exposure. One big factor for NASA astronauts, is developing a rapid heart condition, where exposure to the gravity of earth, can cause low blood pressure. They literally faint from standing up suddenly due to extensive exposure to the weightlessness of outer space! This is the reason why those individuals who are working aboard the space station right now, are routinely rotated. (Other reasons include home-sickness and family - Last week, they just finally got the internet aboard the station. Astronauts can now Facebook with us! )
_________________________

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_spaceflight#Effects_of_microgravity
Medical data from astronauts in low earth orbits for long periods, dating back to the 1970s, show several adverse effects of a microgravity environment: loss of bone density, decreased muscle strength and endurance, postural instability, and reductions in aerobic capacity. Over time these deconditioning effects can impair astronauts’ performance or increase their risk of injury.

In a weightless environment, astronauts put almost no weight on the back muscles or leg muscles used for standing up. Those muscles then start to weaken and eventually get smaller. If there is an emergency at landing, the loss of muscles, and consequently the loss of strength can be a serious problem. Sometimes, astronauts can lose up to 25% of their muscle mass on long term flights. When they get back to ground, they will be considerably weakened and will be out of action for a while.

Astronauts experiencing weightlessness will often lose their orientation, get motion sickness, and lose their sense of direction as their bodies try to get used to a weightless environment. When they get back to Earth, or any other mass with gravity, they have to readjust to the gravity and may have problems standing up, focusing their gaze, walking and turning. Importantly, those body motor disturbances after changing from different gravities only get worse the longer the exposure to little gravity. These changes will affect operational activities including approach and landing, docking, remote manipulation, and emergencies that happen by landing. This is a big problem for mission success.
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Here is my theory: whatever the reason, all but the most sturdiest (and luckiest) monuments exist from our previous glory days. Cities are either crumbled to dust, buried by lava, or sunk into the sea. Any evidence of our technological prowess was destroyed by centuries of book burning, and “dark ages”. Our distant relatives, who left the planet eons ago, are forgotten by the residents of earth.

They didn’t forget us. Another major problem for space travelers would be the lack of reproductive partners. After centuries of mating with the same gene pool, problems with genetics would arise. The idea would be to infuse some new human DNA nto the gene pool, however, the complication being, is that these intergalactic humans, no longer look anything like us. The DNA is the same, but the features are different.

They cannot also exist in our heavy gravity. The muscles in their bodies would find themselves having a hard time coping with the pressures that we take for granted. They cannot come to us.

In that reasoning, “alien abductions” would merely be a DNA gathering session. A harvest of fresh genetic codes, for a stagnant genetic pool.

(laughs)

Who knows!?!

Do you believe in aliens?

Lack of Natural Selection

2010-01-24T17:21:00.000-08:00

There are many people who think that the human race is spiraling quickly down the proverbial evolution ladder, due to current ideologies. I am one of those philosophers that maintains that theory.

Now, before you think I'm speaking of racism, you could not be further from the truth. I endeavor to maintain a racist free outlook for myself.

I believe; our entire race, is changing radically, due to choices made by our leaders!

To segregate, or to allow free choice? It is logical, yet presumptuous for our nation's leaders, to force ideology on their populace. Every individual that has ever served in public office, has done exactly that with, "the nation's best interest's in mind", but how many times is that really true?

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"An ideology is a set of aims and ideas that directs one's goals, expectations, and actions."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ideology

"Implicitly every political tendency entails an ideology whether or not it is propounded as an explicit system of thought."

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It is a fact, that due to increased travel abilities, natural red-headed people will not exist by 2100, due to the mixing of the gene pool. (Red heads are genetically recessive) The pale complexion, and freckles associated with the rarer hair colour, will also be faded out, for the most part. This is merely an example of natural selection, and how one species, changes due to the environment.

100 years ago, it was discovered, that certain "symptoms" were in fact, an "allergic reaction".

______________________

The concept of "allergies" was originally introduced in 1906 by the Viennese pediatrician Clemens von Pirquet, after he noted that some of his patients were hypersensitive to normally innocuous entities such as dust, pollen, or certain foods.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allergy

Host factors include heredity, sex, race, and age, with heredity being by far the most significant.

________________________________

Today we have a modern epidemic on our hands! Our allergies are crippling our societies! Unheard of medical problems associated with allergic reactions are cropping up constantly.

We are the only species that takes preventative long care measures for it's sick. Many types of socialized creatures will care for their injured, and abandoned young. It is a survival trait, bred down through the eons. To ensure the survival of your species, you sometimes need to care for another. However, every other species can accept, when the required medical care, exceeds the benefit of the society as a whole.

When I was a child, we knew about allergic reactions to bees, pollen, dust, dander, etc. It was extremely rare to meet someone with a food allergy. Today, food allergies are increasingly causing problems for society. Never before has marketing been aimed at "peanut or nut free" ads, with products "manufactured at a nut free facility". Other food allergies are also rising.

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"More people are becoming more allergic to more things, and that includes food allergies. Food Business, a trade publication, reports that although the causes are not known, several theories are based on a single irony: In industrialized countries, so many diseases have been eradicated that our immune systems are left “looking for something to do.”
http://industry.bnet.com/food/1000119/rising-allergies-offer-peril-promise/

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I would have STARVED when I was a child, if I had to endure today's guidelines for school lunches! In my own neurosis, I have an eating disorder (I'm picky). My gag reflex will not allow me to eat alot of what other people deem "normal". It is, however, is a personal choice, and in no way bothers other people, or affects their eating habits. Due to peanut allergies, schools and daycares, now ban nut products, such as chocolate bars containing nuts, or peanut butter. PEANUT BUTTER! That is a staple for me. Mix it up; honey, jam, or even au naturel; peanut butter is a godsend! It cannot, however, be brought to school! This is not because half the children in the school, have severe peanut allergies, but rather, only a tiny few in a public school have this problem. So, in a "just in case" effort to protect those handful of individuals, the rest of the population must suffer through peanutless lunches.

Why? Since when have the needs of the few, impacted the needs of the many?

It is a normal reaction to wish to help those in need. Serving others, brings fulfillment to many people, all over the planet. Protecting our children is paramount. The problem lies within our driving need to be "civil", or "politically correct".

We need to start to realize as a collective, that we are breeding the human race out of existence!

I am discussing the concept of eugenics.

_________________________________

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eugenics
Eugenics is the study and practice of selective breeding applied to humans, with the aim of improving the species. In a historical and broader sense, eugenics can also be a study of "improving human genetic qualities." Advocates of eugenics sought to counter what they regarded as dysgenic dynamics within the human gene pool, specifically in regard to congenital disorders and factors relating to the heritability of IQ.

___________________________________

Many critics of eugenics cite Darwin's work, as necessary for genocide. During World War II, those supporting eugenics were diminished rapidly, since it was believed that, Hitler, modeled his genocidal methods from certain portions of Darwin's collective works. The flip side of the debate, is that the holocaust references, resulted from a misinterpretation, and that manipulative eugenics, could only be practiced, by sacrificing our morals. The ability to reason, being the only difference that truly separates us from other animals.

Please read carefully: I personally believe that, with modern advances, we are weakening our species.

During other time periods, our race, has had to fight for survival. As a species, we are extremely lacking in armor, and weaponry. (No fur, claws, fangs, speed, etc) The ability to comprehend danger, solve complex problems, and build tools, is what has sustained us! We have survived for centuries, dodging volcanoes, tsunamis, earthquakes, wild predators, and each other. We created societies for protection, and developed social practices, that served the civilization's needs. We passed on our traditions, and practices, and taught our children to survive. In the end, we produced, modern humans.

We have wonderful tools, and marvelous inventions! We no longer have to chase our foodstuff's down, or be nomadic, since we have domesticated our food, and can grow impossibly vast quantities of grains and cereals! Our medical knowledge, allows us to do near-magical feats! We can also kill other humans, halfway across the planet, with the touch of a button.

With all our technological marvels, we are stirring the entire planet's gene pool. This is actually a good thing, as purebred animals are more susceptible to diseases, and deformities. The ability to fly overseas in hours, has created a mixing of genetics, the likes our planet has never witnessed before!

The major problem with our modern species, is the fact that we have removed the "survival" aspect, that was molding us, into the remarkable creatures we call human. No longer are there natural checks & balances that weed out the weak. Our species has become dependent on many medications to survive! Our dependency on medicine, has created a drug resistant strain of new pathological infections

Imagine, what would happen, if there was some huge worldwide natural disaster. After the initial death toll, caused by the disaster, and resounding outbreak of disease and war, humanity would eventually recover. In the process of that natural disaster, and subsequent "thinning of the herd"; our species would grow stronger.

Many, it would seem, forget that we are still developing as a species. Our present shape, and physique, will change, and adapt to the challenges and requirements of our changing environment. The consistent exposure to chemicals, and other pollutants has no previous recorded consequences. Since the early 1950's, every single human being has some level of radiation in their bodies, due to the government's pursuit of a more powerful civilian tactical weapon, and subsequent routine testing in that pursuit. In that, we have the possibilities for mutations in a variety of ways!

In the end, I do not have the answer at the end of the equation. It is not my right, nor anyone else, to regulate the mating habits of another human being.

This issue, however, needs to be addressed by our nation's leaders in some manner. There are dangerous consequences for inaction!

A War of Words

2010-01-22T17:19:00.000-08:00

There is a war at hand.

Not the armed conflict in the middle east, but rather, a war of words. Let me explain:

With the advancement of technology in computers, and the emerging internet, a new way of communication was discovered. Since it's inception in the late '60s, our way of life has been radically altered!

Today, many things that we take for granted, are now based on orbital satellites.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satellite
We communicate at the speed of light. Our whole lives can be summed up, in a handful of electronic devices.

50 years ago, TV viewers, were raving about the "new colour television", and while many people had access to the telephone, many rural families had to settle for a "party line". I remember, using a telephone at a friend's house, and warned about the "etiquette" required for a party phone line.

___________________

"In twentieth century telephone systems, a party line (also multiparty line or Shared Service Line) is an arrangement in which two or more customers are connected directly to the same local loop."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Party_line_%28telephony%29

"Originally, in order to distinguish one line subscriber from another, operators developed different ringing cadences for the subscribers so that if the call was for the first subscriber to the line, the ring would follow one pattern such as two short rings, if the call was for the second subscriber, the ring would sound another way, such as a short ring followed by a long one, and so on. Other subscribers on the line heard the ring and might listen in"

__________________

This radical shift in technological dependency, has created an unprecedented era in human development. Children today, are required to bring calculators to school; when I was younger, we were not allowed to bring a calculator, or even use one at home for homework, (while dodging dinosaurs, of course) Only in high school, during my calculus classes, was a calculator required.

Children today have cell phones, mini computers, MP3 players, and all sorts of other gadgets. We have Twitter: http://reneegannon.com/2009/05/an-idiots-guide-to-twitter-plus-the-twitter-song/

To tweet, or not to tweet. For me the answer is easy: No. I'm blogging too much for me to pick up another social habit. :) For others though, this interesting habit, has literally become a part of their lives!

This development, is due, to the relatively quick recent breakthroughs. We are in a technological race, to produce better products. Blue ray, over DVD, for example. The introduction of wireless technology has literally taken our planet by leaps and bounds!

Our nations are struggling to keep up to the advancements in communication. Our leaders are finding themselves suddenly creating legislation, to regulate these devices during certain situations. (airplanes, hospitals), with the newest development, being the ban on texting and talking while driving vehicles. Companies such as Nintendo, and Microsoft, are fervently striving to be one-step-ahead of the other companies. Advancement such as the Wii, and the project "NATAL" by XBOX, even companies such as the Playstation, are creating technology allowing for 3D image capture.

Where does it stop? I have read material, suggesting that once the technology allows for it, humans can undergo surgery to have themselves "enhanced" with vocal and audio receptors in the throat and ears, that use blue tooth technology to enhance speech and hearing. It would also allow you to have a "built-in" headset that connects to your "phone".

iHuman.

I digress...

....ALL of these recent advancements, are impacting our speech.

The term "texting" is quite new. With the introduction of "pocket computers", in the form of cell phones, we can now text and receive messages instantly. The ability to send and receive pictures on cell phones, allows for "sexting", this brand new issue is causing a ripple effect to our youth. Too many young teens are finding themselves being disciplined for sexually embarrassing pictures that end up circulating over the internet! This is because the laws are as new as the devices they legislate. Our societies are fumbling to grasp the power of communication that is available to them.
http://teenhealth.about.com/od/relationships/a/textingdangers.htm

With this lightning fast communication, comes a price. Our language is being torn to shreds, as we abbreviate our thoughts. The gap between those that know how to speak this new language, and those that find themselves puzzled by smilies is growing. :) Concerned parents are forming watch groups, to let other families understand, what their teenage children are typing to each other, on tiny handheld devices. PLOS = Parent looking over shoulder, while PLOX is short for "please".

Then there is the health of our youth to consider. Cell phones are everywhere, and many teens have one. However, it's probably safe to say that the majority of them don't think about how the ways in which they use them can put them at risk.

I recently went looking for a definition of ACORN, only to find out, it means "small genitalia".

=$

Just wish I could RTFM.

TGIF

FYI: I just recently found out that POKE, means "Have sex with Contact in Facebook" (Male buddies out there...please stop poking me on Facebook) I SWG U can KMA !

A tall tale

2010-01-12T11:18:00.000-08:00

As for my point on the subject of "pot's limiting abilities", allow me to equate this for you, in the use of an analogy:

A maintenance man, working in a huge downtown sky-rise; alerted by the silent alarm on the roof's emergency door, runs to check on the problem.

He finds the door propped open, with a brick, allowing snow and blowing wind to enter through the one inch crack. Peering out the door, he notices a man, in a business suit, smoking a joint.

Well, the maintenance man bursts through the door, and confronts the dope-smoking stranger.

"What do you think you are doing up here, smoking weed?"

The man, startled by the sudden intrusion, guiltily looks around. He resists the temptation to try and hide the evidence, smoking away, in his hand.

"Yea, I guess you got me," he sheepishly admits.

Well.......the maintenance enters into a charade of guilt, and fact about the dangers of smoking illegal drugs. He then proceeds to explain that pot is a gateway drug, and use of pot, "no matter how much", will cause "you to want to try other drugs".

The maintenance man, is really starting to get rolling here, until the man takes another drag off the joint.

"What the hell, man?!" "You seriously going to stand there smoking that joint, while I'm telling you about all the TRUE facts of dope. There's a reason they call it dope, you know!

The older gentleman, just merely shrugs his shoulders, and announces, "I just thought it seemed like such a waste of good weed to just let burn. Carry on." Then he stands there, waiting for the maintenance man to speak.

The maintenance man stammers, "Wha'? Are you?", He stares dumbfounded at the man smoking the joint, casually on the rooftop.

"Think of all the money you spend on that habit!! The money could be used for a variety of different things, other than feed your habit!", the maintenance man declares.

The older gentleman shrugs his shoulder again, and turns a bit, to take note of the cityscape.

"See!" The maintenance man started, "If you were to take all of your money, you ever spent on drugs, you could have invested it into your future! I bet you have spent a ton of money over the years, feeding your addiction! "

The maintenance man took another step towards the man smoking the joint, He noticed that it was almost finished, and realized that he still didn't know who this man was, or what he was doing on the roof. No matter, he decided, I'll just try to reason with him, and find out his name.

"I think you better put that out, and come with me downstairs", the maintenance man declared.

The older man turned to face the brazen office worker. He asked, "You see that building over there?"

The maintenance man, not willing to show any weakness to this criminal, on top of his roof, looked at the direction the older gentleman was pointing. It was another skyscraper, although, not as large as the one they were standing on.

"Yeah, I see it", he started, "I bet if you had invested your money, you might have stock in a company like that. Come on, let's get going." The maintenance man took another step towards the drug smoking gentleman.

The older man, flicked away the roach, and placed his hands on his hips.

"I wouldn't do that.", he announced.

The maintenance worker, steeled himself to glare back at the other man, resisting the urge to pull out his hand-held radio, and alert someone. He secretly wished it wouldn't come to that. Instead he asked, "Why not?"

The man smiled slightly, as though amused by the sudden turn of events.

"'Cause I do own that building...and this one..."

"....and I'm your boss..."

I'm Wearing my "Troll-proof" Underwear

2010-01-08T13:07:00.000-08:00

"In Internet slang, a troll is someone who posts inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, such as an online discussion forum, chat room or blog, with the primary intent of provoking other users into an emotional response or of otherwise disrupting normal on-topic discussion"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_%28Internet%29

"Do not feed the trolls"

For the average person, this phrase conjures images of squat, ugly humanoids from a variety of folklore legend. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll One famous Norwegian story, "Three Billy Goats Gruff" is about three brothers (goats) who attempt to cross a bridge over a river, to get the rich grass on the other side. Under the bridge is a troll that would like to eat the goats. In his greed, he allows an easy target to go by him, only to be gored to death by the final goat. Most folklore stories depict trolls, as inferior, greedy, primitive and mostly evil. (There are some stories of merely "misunderstood" trolls) The general consensus, is that a troll is an undesirable addition to any situation.

I laughed when I was trying to explain this to my grandmother. She was extremely confused, however, her confusion is valid; as most "non-internet people" have never heard of an internet troll, or "troll".

One of my favourite ways of debating, is on chat groups. Over the years, I have used a variety of chat programs and sites, including KALI ( http://www.kali.net/ ), MSN, blogs, and other web site based chat rooms.

I've learned over the years, (many times the hard way) what a troll looks like, and what the effects are of being associated with troll activity. It's deceptive, to the naked eye. Trolls are masters of disguise. Many times, what seems as genuine material, turns out to be baiting, or fishing. Once you have responded to the issue, it's already too late. It can be akin to clicking on an innocent looking link, and having it download a virus or spy-ware into your computer. By the time, you notice, the damage is done.

To claim that trolls are young, males and are easily to spot is a misnomer. Most trolls do not use real accounts to enter chat rooms, instead opting to use fake ID's and personalities. Most trolls have multiple accounts.

Internet trolls will attack a chat room / group in the attempt to appear as though providing meaningful debate, yet, instead create drama. Responses are vague, or repeating, as most trolls are unimaginative in nature. Most individuals that enjoy trolling, believe that it is fun, and merely a game. Any response is just another tactic to be exploited for entertainment.

In a world where we communicate without ever seeing the person we are addressing, our morals, and manners have taken a backseat.

Much like children are unable to understand between positive and negative attention, a troll creates havoc simply to receive any acknowledgment. As long as they keep receiving posts, letters, threats, acknowledgment, etc, they will continue to play "The Game."

Anyone calling someone a troll, is makes assumptions about another's motives. It is considered an insult, even to those who chose to "troll". Many times this type of label is used as part of the game itself. Once an established troll has taken root in a particular medium, (web site / chat room) it is part of the psychosis, for regular and routine appearances. It literally becomes part of their daily life. In that way, they achieve the ultimate goal for a troll; a respected appearance with a known personality. Many times the tolerance of trolls is due to the consistence of these individuals. In the end, the debate is reduced into an online verbal argument. Any worthwhile material, has lost its credibility.

My experience on online forums indicates, the best method to discourage a troll, is to ignore them.

Anyone who responds to a troll or individual that is trolling / fishing, is merely giving them more opportunity to continue their destructive pattern. An analogy to this is to provide food for thought for a troll, or to feed a troll, hence the term, "Do not feed the trolls".

Like any good metaphor, every time you go into battle, you need to arm yourself with weaponry and armor. In the case of a verbal debate, intelligence, whit, charm, and a good grasp of the topic at hand, are the weapons. Knowing the potential dangers, and risks associated with online forums,and chat lines, is equipping yourself with proverbial armor.

Foreknowledge of trolls and their habits, is part of the underlining of any good debate. To poke the proverbial armor analogy; make sure you put your "troll-proof underwear" on, under your armor, before heading out into a verbal debate.

I still enjoy debating topics online, and when I do, I bring my best.

Boxers or briefs?

Olympic-sized problems

2010-01-08T07:48:00.000-08:00

I can imagine, that every house and senate member has a paid trip to the Olympics. They are after all, the leaders of Canada. I can already see Stephen Harper shaking hands with dignitaries, and leaders from around the planet.

While our country hosts the Olympics, athletes and their families will be staying in Vancouver. They will have access to many of the benefits available in beautiful British Columbia!

Let's hope the majority of visitors stay within the safety of the Olympic village, and our security measures! The dangers of having visitors wander around one of Canada's busiest cities include:

A) The threat of terrorism during the Olympics is very real
B) Exposure to prostitution (Since we have no protective legislation - they will be walking the streets hoping to attract some foreign dignitaries attention)
C) Protests from minority groups, who view this as an Internationally televised method to achieve their personal goals
D) The sex trade is prevalent in Vancouver's busy harbors. Ships bring in illegal immigrants everyday, many forced into poverty and the black market sex trade.*
E) Hard drugs are rampant in Canada**
F) Protesters against many of the Olympics ideals***

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*Susan Davis, a veteran of 22 years as a sex worker and a member of the B.C. Coalition of Experiential Communities. She says that criminalization and increased enforcement of sex work laws has actually made it less safe for the people involved....
http://thetyee.ca/News/2008/08/12/SexTrade/

**The war against drugs has failed to prevent a steep increase in the use of crack cocaine and crystal methamphetamine in Vancouver in the last 10 years, according to a study released Tuesday.Researchers also found continued easy access to the highly addictive drugs and a high mortality rate among needle users because of HIV infection. The study was done by the Urban Health Research Initiative at the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS.

CBC NEWS: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/11/24/bc-vancouver-hard-drug-use-study.html (read the comments by Canadian tax payers at the bottom of that report)

***Opposition to holding the 2010 Olympic Games in Vancouver has been expressed by hundreds of activists and politicians.In October 2009, the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia through the Miscellaneous Statutes Amendment Act, 2009, gave host municipalities (Richmond, Vancouver and Whistler) the power to enter residences and other private property to seize signs that are deemed to be "anti-olympic", between February 1 and March 31, 2010. Another amendment changed the Vancouver Charter to allow for fines of up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to 6 months for sign and bylaw violations

___________________________________

Keep in mind, that there will probably be no tours heading East, to allow world leaders, dignitaries, and athletes a chance to view the source of Canada's oil reserves. The image of Canada, as a wildlife preserve, and exquisite landscape, comes to a crunching halt in view of the Alberta Tar Sands. Huge lagoons of slick, oily leftover, polluted water, trap waterfowl, and other innocent animals every day! Roads and piping have cut off migration routes for many endangered species. Whole communities have been relocated by tax payers money, to create more infrastructure for this dirty energy source. Waterways are routinely used as a dumping ground for toxic by-products produced during the oil extraction methods. What resembles a warzone, of huge machinery, noise, fumes, pollution, dead animals, and giant holes carved into the earth, will not be pictured on tour pamphlets. I would not be surprised to find out that there is tighter security measures for the duration of the Olympics, to prevent any International scandals over this dirty energy source..

So, when you are hard at work in the middle of February, listening to the local radio stations coverage of the Winter Olympics, remember; Stephen Harper, and his investors will be there, partying every day on your tax dollar. He's taken a paid leave of absence for three months .

The imagery is not just about getting one's cake, and be able to eat it too,...

....it's getting a big chunk of every Canadian's cake, and smearing it all over the floor after taking a bite of each. After he's kicked your dog.....

==============================================

NB: All of the problems, listed above, could be eliminated with proper legislation.

Prorogue "A dangerous precident"

2010-01-07T06:19:00.000-08:00

Once again, the Canadian lawmakers display their inability to lead our nation with intelligent decision-making. What needs to be addressed is the fact that this choice, will endanger our children! No governing body, should have the ability to choose to prorogue! It is undemocratic, and will cost the Canadian tax payers MILLIONS!

Many bills that would have protected our families, have been dissolved due to this new tactic by the Harper government. The choice to prorogue will only help Harper meet his own personal agenda!

This is a dangerous precedent, and needs to be addressed for the potential dictatorship that it is.

Our nation's leaders are NOT creating legislation to protect us. They are creating laws that make them money, and are doing so, dangerously incongruous to the health and welfare of Canadians!

_________________________________________________________

Proroguing of Parliament undemocratic
Wednesday, 6 January 2010 - 2:40pm
By Peggy Revell

Fort Frances Times Article

The Harper government’s move last week to prorogue Parliament until after the Winter Olympics is undemocratic and a tactic to avoid controversy, Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP John Rafferty charged.
“What proroguing does is it really stymies the will of the people because Parliament is the elected body,” Rafferty argued.

“The people in Canada elect the representatives to represent them and they expect to be represented.
“It’s really unfortunate that Mr. Harper feels that this is the thing he has to do right now,” Rafferty added.
Instead of returning to the House of Commons on Jan. 25, prorogation means MPs now won’t return until March 3, at which time the minority Conservative government will present a throne speech and budget.
The announcement came last week from Prime Minister Harper’s spokesman, Dimitri Soudas, who stated the decision was made to give the government a chance to speak with “constituents, stakeholders, and businesses,” about the next stage of its economic action plan.
The Conservatives even are considering making prorogation an annual occurrence.
But after proroguing Parliament a year ago to save his government, this time around Harper has chosen to prorogue for a number of reasons, Rafferty said, including to do it to avoid any more controversy for the Conservatives.
“He wants to avoid any more HST talk, he wants to avoid, in particular, the Afghan detainee abuse issue, because what happens when Parliament is prorogued is all those committees are dissolved,” Rafferty charged.
“So the committee looking into it now can’t do its work and can’t do its work on behalf of the Canadian people.
“In my view, it’s really anti-democratic, anti-democracy for him to prorogue when there’s really no real reason to do it.”
The time period between now and March also will give the prime minister the opportunity to appoint five more senators, meaning the Conservative finally will have a majority in the upper chamber.
Proroguing Parliament also means dozens of bills that had been introduced by the government now have been dissolved, including anti-crime bills, consumer safety bills, and others.
But while government bills are now dissolved due to the prorogation, Rafferty noted private member bills—including the one to scrap the long gun registry—are not.
“But because [the long gun registry bill] is in committee right now, that committee is dissolved,” Rafferty added.
“So all of the people who were planning to be there in February and March to speak before the [committee]—for or against that particular private member’s bill—they will no longer have that opportunity.
“It has passed second reading, and that still remains exactly the same,” he stressed. “But once we get back in March and committees get struck again, they’ll be starting again from square one.”
With proroguing, the federal legislation on the HST also is now dissolved, Rafferty said, and now will become part of the larger budget package that will be presented by the Conservatives once Parliament resumes.
If the HST is a part of this budget, Rafferty vowed he will vote against it.
“I suppose if there’s a bright light, if there’s a window opening when the door closes, it might be that I can continue my fight against [HST],” Rafferty said.
Rafferty had been planning to travel across the province during January to talk about the HST—and now will have another month to do so.
“We don’t want to make it a particularly bright spot in light of what he’s done,” Rafferty stressed. “But it does give more time to get the message out.
“It’s unfortunate that Mr. Harper is doing this because we’ve had some success, and I’ve had some personal success getting things done,” Rafferty noted, pointing to the billion dollars for the forestry industry to fight “black liquor” subsidies and the billion to extend EI benefits for long-tenured workers.
Proroguing Parliament has drawn the ire of opposition leaders and politicians while more than 60,000 already have joined the Facebook group,

“Canadians Against Proroguing Parliament.”

Rallies have been planned for across the country.
The move follows the controversial prorogation of Parliament a year ago when Harper’s minority government was set to be defeated by the opposition through a non-confidence vote in December, 2008.
Opposition parties proposed forming a coalition government instead of sending Canadians to the polls again, but the Governor General granted the prime minister’s request to prorogue Parliament until last January.

All good kids go to Heaven

2010-01-06T08:03:00.000-08:00

The recent discovery of a training facility for children, by our military, has many people asking why. The thought of children in war zones, can make a hardened soldier blanch in disgust. These training facilities, are an attempt to convince children, some as young as 8 years old, that by assisting in their war, they guarantee a place for themselves in "heaven".

__________________________________________________

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 38, (1989) proclaimed: "State parties shall take all feasible measures to ensure that persons who have not attained the age of 15 years do not take a direct part in hostilities." However, minors who are over the age of 15 but still remain under the age of 18 are still voluntarily able to take part in combat as soldiers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Military_use_of_children

According to Article 77.2 of the Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating to the Protection of Victims of International Armed Conflicts, adopted in 1977:

The Parties to the conflict shall take all feasible measures in order that children who have not attained the age of fifteen years do not take a direct part in hostilities and, in particular, they shall refrain from recruiting them into their armed forces. In recruiting among those persons who have attained the age of fifteen years but who have not attained the age of eighteen years, the Parties to the conflict shall endeavour to give priority to those who are oldest.

________________________________________________

I imagine the reason behind the laws is meant to protect children from the horrors of armed conflict. Children have been fighting alongside their grown counterparts since the dawn of humans. Their roles in combat can be divided into three categories: direct conflict, in which the child is a soldier, using weaponry. Support roles, such as look outs, spies, and carrying information. The third way children can be involved in an armed conflict, is propaganda and as the use of a human-shield.

Today on CNN, one top story involves the recruitment of children by terrorist groups. Recent discover of a "brain-washing facility", by our military, have evoked strong emotions, from all sides of the debate. Many people from our nation struggle to comprehend why parents would allow their children to be used in this form, exposed to violence, and forced to accept ideology from their "teachers".

We send our children to school, without a second thought as to their education. In countries struggling to maintain order, or torn apart by war, many things such as education and food can be used as leverage by manipulative men and women in their effort to make war. Parents who submitted their children to these Al-Qaeda training camps, did so, under the pretence of schooling, food, and clothing; many things they may not have been able to provide. (I'm certain there are some that know)

The idea that these young people are exposed to this type of manipulation is shocking to most people in North America! On the promise of eternal life, in "Heaven", these young children commit crimes to humanity, and assist their "teachers" in many aspects of making war. It is hard to imagine that a child as young as 8 or 10 wielding weaponry, however, this is a normal occurrence all over the planet.

Keep in mind: I cannot divulge ALL the information due to classification of military documents and operating procedures. I CAN tell you that children are routinely used in armed conflicts, all the time! There is extensive training by our nations military to make our soldiers able to deal with this type of threat; a ten year old brandishing a AK-47 can still kill you, and hesitating to deal with that threat, can have serious repercussions. Terrorist units routinely use children to move equipment, and shield themselves from our military.

many people argue that we need to withdraw our military, from these countries, claiming, we are not achieving any real military goals. They are too blinded by the ideology that in order to "win" a war, there must be a physical goal. (EG: surrender of leaders, destruction of munitions or weapon caches, the laying down of arms by enemy combatants) What everyone needs to understand, that by sticking to our goal of eradicating terrorist units over the planet, w are protecting our future.

If one of these children, is saved by our efforts: isn't that a worthwhile physical goal?

Our food

2010-01-05T06:48:00.000-08:00

FOOD INC.

How much do we really know about the food we buy at our local supermarkets and serve to our families?

I read this question, and for me, felt very confident about my food sources. I have an advantage, since, I used to work in the food industry. I say, used to; since I no longer slaughter animals for a living.

In the early spring of 2000, I lost my job. A new virus, originally from Britain, had infected Canadian cattle. Meat prices dropped due to consumer panic.

Mad Cow aka BSE

A British inquiry into BSE concluded that the epidemic was caused by cattle, who are normally herbivores, Cattle are normally herbivores. In nature, cattle eat grass. In modern industrial cattle-farming, various commercial feeds are used, which may contain ingredients including antibiotics, hormones, pesticides, fertilizers, and protein supplements. The use of meat and bone meal, produced from the ground and cooked left-overs of the slaughtering process as well as from the cadavers of sick and injured animals such as cattle, sheep, or chickens, as a protein supplement in cattle feed was widespread in Europe prior to about 1987.

Soybean meal is cheap and plentiful in the United States. As a result, the use of animal byproduct feeds was never common, as it was in Europe. However, U.S. regulations only partially prohibit the use of animal byproducts in feed. In 1997, regulations prohibited the feeding of mammalian byproducts to ruminants such as cows and goats. However, the byproducts of ruminants can still be legally fed to pets or other livestock such as pigs and poultry such as chickens. In addition, it is legal for ruminants to be fed byproducts from some of these animals.A proposal to end the use of cow blood, restaurant scraps, and poultry litter (fecal matter, feathers) in January 2004 has yet to be implemented, despite the efforts of some advocates of such a policy, who cite the fact that cows are herbivores, and that blood and fecal matter could potentially carry BSE.

_____________________________________________________

In Food, Inc., filmmaker Robert Kenner lifts the veil on our nation's food industry, exposing the highly mechanized underbelly that has been hidden from the American consumer with the consent of our government's regulatory agencies, USDA and FDA. Our nation's food supply is now controlled by a handful of corporations that often put profit ahead of consumer health, the livelihood of the American farmer, the safety of workers and our own environment. We have bigger-breasted chickens, the perfect pork chop, herbicide-resistant soybean seeds, even tomatoes that won't go bad, but we also have new strains of E. coli—the harmful bacteria that causes illness for an estimated 73,000 Americans annually. We are riddled with widespread obesity, particularly among children, and an epidemic level of diabetes among adults.

You NEED to watch this film!
It will change your view of how you choose where you shop, not just what you buy!

There was several key points to this documentary, and I personally might have liked to seen it in parts. The shock factor, however, works for the documentary as a whole!

I REALLY like the comment, "...will probably view individuals within its community with the same disdain, and disrespectful, controlling mentality!" For me; this is so logical! We have become so accustomed to going to a supermarket, and buying a cellophane wrapped chunk of meat, with a "cute" farm on the front. To accept this as normal, when there is so much available information for consumers, can either be labeled as laziness, or a tolerance of acceptable violence. In that, anyone who believes that the mechanized meat industry is a necessary evil, will view individuals in their own community.......

I am no stranger to the fact that the government is dominated by the industries it was originally supposed to regulate. This is true for more than the food industry! One reason why our system is so flawed, is the fact that the people that create our laws, own the companies they legislate. This is comparable to being able to set the market price for any business you acquire! In addition, these big food producing companies have created legislation that prohibits anyone from discrediting their products! How is this not a conflict of interest?

There is a ray of hope! Even big-box supermarkets, must bow to the buying choices of consumers. In that way, we CAN make a difference to change the corporations, by making smart choices about our purchases, and how we feed our families. A good example of how individual consumers can make a difference, is big tobacco: their manipulation of a product, and resulting court proceedings, demanded by changing attitudes of society.

We as a society, need to demand logical legislation from our nation's leaders! Their tolerance is based on our attitudes. We have come to accept many compromises in our lives, to maintain our "way of life". What we eat, should not be one of them!

-
Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Meat Inspection in Ontario Q&A’s

Here's one example of government legislation in effect

The farmers in Ontario are fighting against the government. As is typical, the Canadian government, has enacted legislation, that enforces all farmers slaughtering animals for food, to have them processed at a licensed facility. This may work in Toronto, and Ottawa, however, the major problem for local farmers, is a lack of a processing facility! The legislation is clear: if the meat is not inspected, and for any reason, leaves the farm where it was killed, the government will use it's highly trained, heavily armed thugs to take away the un-inspected meat product, and destroy it!

This legislation, in the wake of a major outbreak of disease, is meant to be preventative, and protecting to the livestock of Canada. Instead, the Canadian lawmakers, have once again, made criminals out of law abiding citizens!

In a "real-life" dramatic event, several armed government thugs, swept through the Rainy River district in the fall of 2008. They pulled their "acid-truck" up to several local meat shops, where local farmers were having their farm-fresh meat processed. It quickly became a stand-off between armed police, armed CFIA agents, and subsequently armed farmers, who were irate that all of their hard work was being destroyed! In the end, logic prevailed, and the farmers disbanded. Unfortunately for many farmers, they lost THOUSANDS of dollars that day; as all their "uninspected farm kills" were thrown into the acid truck, and hauled away!

There is no slaughter facility in our district, forcing local farmers to haul their livestock, hundreds of kilometers away, and then trucked back to local meat shops. THIS IS A TRAVESTY!!

You CANNOT tell me that government inspections are a safeguard against food born illnesses! The term, been there, done that, comes to mind! I have worked with too many Federal and Provincial inspectors during my 12 year meat cutting career, for anyone to try and convince me that these new regulations help the Candain consumer. In retrospect, they force us to purchase our meat from their slaughter houses, from their feed lots.

Farm fresh beef, pork, and chicken is HEALTHIER food! The "free-run" farm fresh eggs may cost more per dozen, but I know I feel better about eating such products, knowing they do not contribute to what many believe is animal abuse. They may be our foodstuffs, however, I believe they deserve our respect as a living creature.

Farm kills are as clean, or cleaner (I know) than licensed meat plants. I can drop a beef in a controlled manner, and using a hydrolic tractor, have a carcass washed and split. Compared against a similar grade of beef, an inspector would have trouble telling me which one I farm killed, and one I killed in an abattoir. I pride myself on such things. In the end, I can't even legally GIVE AWAY the meat from a farm kill. The meat cannot leave the farmer's property, without threat of prosecution by the Ontario government.

The government just can't tax it......

2010 Horoscope

2010-01-03T08:25:00.000-08:00

Sagittarius
Nov. 22-Dec. 21

“The Vagabond, when rich, is called a tourist”

The unusual activities of Mars, makes this a rewarding year. Mars visits each sign once every two years, and stays for about six weeks. Right now, Mars is in one sign for eight months! This triggers mucho opportunities to travel for you, and meanwhile, back at the airport, we know Sagittarius is THE traveller of the zodiac. Not only will you travel more, you’ll explore ideas, further education and anything to do with publishing, medicine and the law. Basically a big booster charge is zapping the very areas that are dear to your heart!

The bottom line is, 2010 will bring you a strong emphasis to the things that you love best.
(If you believe in fairies, clap your hands)

Ever since 1994, you’ve been working toward your major goals. By 2001-02, you moved closer to what you wanted. And by 2007-08, you were on top of your game.
Now, in 2010, you’re still on a roll!!
This kind of opportunity (to do your own thing) comes only once in 30 years.
Make the most of it!! You’re empowered with motivation, focus, and the energy to follow through on your ideas. In addition, important people, and opportunities will come to you this year.
This is the time to act! Meanwhile, this unusual transit of Mars brings wonderful opportunities in higher education, publishing, the media, medicine, the law, and any work with foreign countries or travel.

Quite literally, you’re going places!

You are a PowerPoint on steroids!!
_____________________________

Adapted from the Winnipeg Free Press - "Detour"
December 26, 2009

Civilian Terrorism

2010-01-02T16:38:00.000-08:00

Appearing earlier this week before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Holder defended his decision to try accused Sept. 11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and others in New York.

"We need not cower in the face of this enemy. Our institutions are strong, our infrastructure is sturdy, our resolve is firm, and our people are ready."

The Time News

Terrorism is the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion.[1] At present, there is no internationally agreed definition of terrorism.[2][3] Common definitions of terrorism refer only to those violent acts which are intended to create fear (terror), are perpetrated for an ideological goal (as opposed to a lone attack), and deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants (civilians).

Some definitions also include acts of unlawful violence and war.

Terrorism

Terrorism has been practiced by a broad array of political organizations for furthering their objectives. It has been practiced by both right-wing and left-wing political parties, nationalistic groups, religious groups, revolutionaries, and ruling governments, One form is the use of violence against non-combatants for the purpose of gaining publicity for a group, cause, or individual

_______________________________

…it’s not a new concept…

Human history was written by the victors. The concept of society, is old. We are a social race of creatures, with a full range of emotions and responses. We have built our civilizations, only to have them crumble back to the dust they came from; again, and again. We wage war with our neighbours, and destroy them in a variety of brutal methods. The reasoning is the same; land, food, and religion. In the history books, the winner of a war writes the story. There is no mention of the two communities that co-existed for years, only to be torn apart by war. In the end, the history books will read that, the other society, simply, never existed. Again, and again…

….it’s in our nature. We persuade ourselves, that the violence is a necessary evil, and the reasoning behind the destruction, sound. It creates a prejudice for the society, and without ever understanding why, whole generations of people, ignorantly hate other human beings.

Without question, many young men and women train themselves to develop their ability to make war. Once a society has established an unforgiving hatred for another, there are no end of volunteers to “right the wrong” it seems. Their goal, is to create as much destruction and mayhem for the offending society.

Fast forward many thousands of years, to today: we are a technologically advanced race, with an extended life expectancy. We have cured hundreds of medical problems. There are also, billions more of us on the planet at the same time. In all our advancements, and technological marvels, we still have not solved a very big issue: war.

Our race still struggles for dominance. We are still killing each other . Our methods are still brutally effective. With our advances in science, we can kill at great distances now, with deadly accuracy. The weaponry available to the leaders of our world, are extremely lethal, from conventional weapons, to biological and neurological weaponry. Delivery systems range from the use of biologics in mosquitoes, to nerve gas, exploded in the atmosphere. World War II was ended with the technological discovery of atomic weaponry, however, it lead to a 40 year Cold war, with one side eventually crumbling from it’s glory, as it’s society collapsed. Now, every country possesses or is struggling to obtain, nuclear weaponry.

There are many battles being fought every day on this planet. When a nation is not in direct conflict, it seems, as though society forgets about the other battles being waged. When I was a younger man, I was unaware of any major conflicts. There was barely any mention of such in the media. In reality, however, there were several major conflicts occurring on more than one continent! Canada and United States both feel no remorse, it seems, that children in other countries are dying by the carloads, due to torture, rape and mayhem. Many little boys and girls go hungry every day, and our nation’s leaders create legislation that contributes to their demise. There are even children in our nation that are barely able to eat, and yet our lawmakers are hesitant to create logical legislation that would feed our own future.

Today’s children, are again living during a sustained conflict. In a rare event, nations all over the planet are banding together to fight a common enemy, that lays no claim to one nation or religion. Mighty militaries from a variety of powerful countries, are fighting a battle on idealism, and losing.

The reason we are losing this war is simple: It is no longer necessary for our enemies to blow up buildings, and cause airplanes to fall out of the sky, as the fear of being attacked, has crippled our economy. In this manner, our enemies are winning, without using weaponry.

I am not going to get into the reasoning behind the recent attacks on our nation’s sanctity, in this article. There is simply too many issues to deal with, and would require it’s own column. Instead, I am going to portray some of the dangers we face today.

(What I am writing is a double-edged sword. Everything I explain, is simply a demonstration of the deadly consequences of inaction, by our nations leaders. The fact that I am writing about something that could happen, means that: someone else has thought of it before, and by exposing possibilities here, hopefully the “good guys” will take heed. None of the scenarios presented here, are classified.)

On September 11th, the world took notice, as a military group coordinated attacks on multiple commercial aircraft. Once the armed militants took control of these massive airplanes, they flew them into the Trade towers in NYC, in a suicidal attack. Nations were stunned! In the chaos that ensued, legislation was created to tame the growing paranoia. History books were re-written. In an attempt to grasp this new threat, we attacked this new enemy with vigor. Now, we are heading into our second decade of sustained conflict!

Terrorism is used for various purposes. In struggling countries, some leaders, use armed groups of militants to commit all sorts of terror to achieve all sorts of agendas. The fact that every nation right now is struggling to rid itself of terrorists, is monumental. Never before, has the entire planet been crippled in fear, due to the threat of terrorism! Most people blindly believe that they can blame this war on a certain religious faction, or political group. This is a deadly mistake!

Everyone is quick to judge it seems. “If I can’t pronounce your name, I should instantly be wary”, is a typical attitude. The ignorance is two-sided. There is a racial motivation now, that our leaders are trying to address, with little luck. There is resentment and hatred on both sides of the conflict. The danger here, is that the average North American citizen, assumes that the threat of terror will come from someone that looks different than them. In reality, the real danger, will be domestic!

There are millions of people that love to watch WWE wrestling. In an era of constantly changing styles and shows, RAW and SMACKDOWN, are breaking records! Thousands upon thousands of screaming fans, chanting their favourite wrestler’s name attend these HUGE gatherings. In a brave act of defiance in a world of terror, we gather, en mass for entertainment. Now: take 1 disgruntled employee, and pay him $_____ (insert number here) million dollars to drop a few canisters of a neurological agent into the air vents during the live production of an event. …..

…..the effects would be devastating!

The US Food and Drug Administration.
Every year, there are recalls for tainted food.

“The FDA is responsible for regulating and supervising the safety of foods, tobacco products, dietary supplements, prescription and non-prescription medication, vaccines, biopharmaceuticals, blood transfusions, medical devices, electromagnetic radiation emitting devices (ERED), veterinary products, and cosmetics.”
Food_and_Drug_Administration-Wikipedia

What most fail to realize, is that we don’t need to have thousands die from tainted food. We only need a few to die from poisoned food, to have an entire nation suddenly go on a hunger strike. The effects of this would cost millions of tax payers dollars, and the country would starve, in fear.

Most rural communities across the continent have very poor defenses on their water supplies. In some cases, no one would even notice, until, the community suddenly gets ill….

___________________________________

……our leaders need to stop arguing about how to defend our nations! Our children depend on it!

Racial Profiling

2010-01-02T09:22:00.000-08:00

I felt compelled to answer this. I personally believe that racism, needs to be addressed, and tolerance for racism exposed for the negativity it exudes!
_______________________________________________

Letter to the editor - Winnipeg Free Press

What is not being said in the articles on Peguis is that they lost the most valuable lands in Manitoba. They lost their lands in Winnipeg and Selkirk. How much are the people in those lands benefiting from the lands that were stolen from Peguis? If Peguis got the benefit of their stolen lands, they would not ever need taxpayer monies and they could do as they please with their own money.

So how much do the businesses in Selkirk and Winnipeg pay their CEOs and owners? Why is that not an issue for the Free Press? White people can do what they want with their money but every time First Nations succeed, we have to bow and scrape to the white overlords, who demand that the Indians stay and act poor. It must gall the hell out of the rednecks to see some of our people making more than the whites. Isn't that the real issue?

Once again, watch the rednecks try to hide behind fake caring for the poor Indians.

Chief Terrance Nelson

Roseau River First Nation

________________________________________________________

I wrote a letter to the editor, of the Winnipeg Free Press. I felt compelled to. Our tolerance for this type of abuse, needs to be re-examined......

RE: Leaders not worth it (Dec. 28). I am writing in response to Chief Terrance Nelson , of Roseau River First Nation. I am shocked to read the racial profiling that you exude! As the leader of a community, you need to set an example for your people.

You make claims about land and money, as if the Canadian populace has stolen something from you and your family. What you need to realize, is that your people, choose to live such a lifestyle: through various treaties and legislation, you have made the choice to live in a secluded part of Canada, and to receive tax payers money to feed and house your family.

You, and many others, have twisted Canadian lawmakers arms; claiming you are the original descendants. What needs to be addressed, is the fact that we ALL immigrated to this country., your family included. There have been many attempts by brave people, exploring the unknown, to settle on the shores of what is now known as North America. A variety of nations, in pursuit of treasure and better trade routes, have left a trail of would-be Canadians. Your family crossed the Bering Strait, during a time of lower sea levels.

Wars were fought over ownership of this country, by my relatives, and yours. In the end, they created legislation, in order to preserve the peace.

You spit on your ancestors achievements, when you belittle yourself by such racial slurring. To call us “White Overlords”, indicated your prejudice, and ignorance. If you truly had your families best interest at heart, you would disbanded your “First Nation”, and allow your people the choice of belonging to Canadian society as equals.

You choose, to allow your people to live as they do. Stop blaming others for your situation.

You have just managed to keep racism alive by your angry words, Terrance.

When everyone stops trying to flaunt their skin colour, only then, will racism be truly dead.

Zzorhn Carlson

January 2nd, 2010

2009 in Review

2010-01-01T19:40:00.000-08:00

Well, there’s another decade. 2009 is officially over, and the end of single digits for another 990 years.

This decade will be remembered, for it’s fashion, politics, medical breakthroughs, and technological advancements. It will also be known as the decade that we discovered a new type of warfare: civilian terrorism.

Thousands of civilians were killed in the attack on the Trade Centers in NY city. The event sent ripples of fear across the planet, and tore a hole through the shroud of innocence in North America.

Now our society has found comfort through extreme upgrades to our security systems. It is no longer necessary for our enemies to blow up buildings, and cause airplanes to fall out of the sky, as the fear of being attacked, has crippled our economy. In this manner, our enemies are winning, without using weaponry.

The majority of the planet is locked in a sustained war. The reasoning behind the conflict is energy. If you take oil out of the equation, we are sending our friends and family overseas, to die for a rich politician’s meddling. Due to decades, of being used as a battering ram by previous administrations; the soldiers that were trained and funded by North American taxpayers, bit the hand that fed them. When that happened, the insult was taken personally, and the result was the sustained conflict in which our fellow soldiers are fighting still today.

Our children are killing each other at an alarmingly increased rate. Teen violence is at an all time high, with our public schools routinely being the front on the battle in drugs, crime, and weaponry. The concept of metal detectors used commonly now, would have been laughable during my high school years. Now, students are not allowed to wear certain colours, or hairstyles, as it could be indicative of gang affiliation.

The use of drugs is also at an all time high. (ß--That was intentional) Prescription pills are a relatively new drug for youth in our society. Marijuana, although taboo for decades, has now become sociably accepted, however, lawmakers refuse to adapt the legislation to reflect the attitude change. Given the choice, most parents argue that they would rather have their children experimenting with naturally occurring drugs, than government pharmaceuticals, and chemicals. It is agonizing to watch the lawmakers drag their knuckles on this extremely important issue, and not create logical legislation that would protect our families

We are spewing more toxins than ever, in an effort to create a life of comfort for ourselves. Our greed, and desires are destroying the very planet that we depend on to live. Our leaders have loosely banded together in an attempt to correct this dangerous situation, only to become mired in scandal, and speculation. It seems that many of the sceptics on “global-warming” will cry foul, until the very ice caps melt out from under their feet. Everyone seems to be missing the point, that, even if there is no such thing as a climactic global impact by our misuse of greenhouse gasses, wouldn’t it be enough to still want to cut down our poisonous emissions?

2009 is one for the history books.

Not a "real" pandemic

2009-12-19T10:18:00.000-08:00

I found this in the Winnipeg Free Press, opinion page.....

Not a "real" pandemic

The reason H1N1 has been the least deadly pandemic of all time has to do with the revised definition of what a pandemic is by the WHO. It was changed just before they declared the "pandemic" on June 11. The original definition contained two other conditions - there must be a high morbidity and a high mortality rate, meaning a lot of deaths would have to occur.

Although many people caught the illness, most experienced only mild symptoms and only a very few deaths. But this small percentage makes headlines and strikes fear into the masses and makes the pharmaceutical companies rich. The public health agencies could have a serious problem on their hands when a "real" epidemic strikes us if the masses become cynical and begin to question the legitimacy of any future news report on such issues. It seems to me, it's already started - a majority of people didn't buy into this "pandemic".

Ken McIntyre
Winnipeg

THE SHAREHOLDERS OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES ARE MAKING MONEY FROM POLITICS.

DOES ANYONE ELSE FIND THIS TO BE DANGEROUS?

Another year older

2009-12-18T20:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to me

Another year, come and gone.

I won't quite say how old I am, in the off chance,
I might be mistaken as young enough to still be cool.
Having said that, I'm already not.....(sighs)

It's going to be a good year.

Top of my Class - CF

2009-12-18T19:44:00.000-08:00

I had to take this picture off the wall to scan it

link text

TAGS:
onetagword, two tagwords

Zzorhn Carlson

2009-12-18T18:47:00.000-08:00

International Drug Policy

2009-12-18T15:12:00.000-08:00

International Drug Policy

Drug Laws

"We recognize that focusing on drugs and weapons, without stopping the money, is not going to stop the cartels," Assistant U.S. Treasury Secretary David Cohen told the AP...."

Get the full story here

"But it's a deterrence, official says
The Treasury official played down the importance of the low returns, saying the act is designed mostly as a deterrent to keep drug organizations out of the U.S. financial system."

STOP FUELING GANGS, TRIBAL WAREFARE, & DRUG CARTELS!!!

DECRIMINALIZE!!!!

Why are our governments spending OODLES of cash fighting drug warefare? Develop an Internation Drug Policy that is adaptive, and flexible.

Get rid of the pill problems by restricitng those (insert bad word here) government drugs!! Make naturally accuring plants as worthless as cabbage!!

If everyone has lots of it, there is no drug trade. Like I said earlier....

.....why does this make so much sense......?

Drugs that need to be decriminalized!!!

Khat
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khat
"Khat, while illegal in the North America, is legal in much of Europe, East Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula."

Psilocybin mushrooms
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psilocybin_mushrooms
"Psilocybin mushrooms are non-addictive although they do create short term increases in tolerance of users"

Marijuana
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_%28drug%29
"The cultivation of cannabis is currently illegal in __________(<---insert country here), with exceptions only for medical usage. However, the use of cannabis by the general public is broadly tolerated..."

"...Cannabis use has been found to have occurred as long ago as the third millennium B.C. In modern times, the drug has been used for recreational, religious or spiritual, and medicinal purposes. The United Nations (UN) estimated that in 2004 about 4% of the world's adult population (162 million people) use cannabis annually, and about 0.6% (22.5 million) use it on a daily basis. The possession, use, or sale of cannabis preparations containing psychoactive cannabinoids became illegal in most parts of the world in the early twentieth century. Since then, some countries have intensified the enforcement of cannabis prohibition, while others have reduced it."

Peyote
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peyote
Lophophora williamsii (pronounced /loʊˈfɒfərə wɪlˈjæmsiaɪ/), better known by its common name Peyote, (from the Nahuatl word peyotl), is a small, spineless cactus[2]. It is native to southwestern Texas and through central Mexico. It is found primarily in the Chihuahuan desert and in the states of Tamaulipas and San Luis Potosi among scrub, especially where there is limestone.

Oh!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absinthe
Absinthe.....who cares? Legalize it, with the sales of Tequila and such.

Any more that I might have forgotten? This is a big planet.....I am sure to have missed something.

Humane?

2009-12-16T11:49:00.000-08:00

I wrote this in response to a CNN discussion board....

Go here to read discussion board

I thought I should blog it here as well....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humane

Humane in early use meant civil, courteous or obliging towards humans and animals. In modern times it is characterized by sympathy with or consideration, compassion and benevolence for others, especially for the suffering or distressed.

I love your idea Jessica! I have the same concept of justice as you and your husband, it seems.

Let me continue where you left off.....

....the victims of the crime should be the ones deciding the fate of the guilty person. Let the courts prove an accused person guilty, however, the final word on the sentencing should belong to the victim, or family.

EG: Youth breaks into store. He is apprehended, and found guilty in a court of law. The shop owner would have guidlines to assist them in deciding the sentance for the youth. He could choose to have the stolen money, repaid, with some sort of probation, a term of incarceration, or he could choose to let him go.

The guidelines for sentencing would be similar to the existing ones, however, the victims are the ones to carry out the sentence. .

EG: A father gets to execute the man that raped his daughter. Leave the two men alone in a cell, with the rapist bound.

Turn on the cameras, Jessica, and watch the ratings on that new reality show skyrocket, while the crime rates DROP.

Humane?
At what point did our society decide that an individual who commits serious crimes, should be treated humanely?

"Most contributors hold that therapeutic provision for prisoners renders custody 'humane and meaningful' (Toch)."

Is that what makes us human? That inability to comprehend the actions carried out by some individuals, and label them as so "EVIL", that they are no longer deserving of being treated with respect? Every time there is a heinous crime commited, everyone thinks, "how could someone do this?"

Once apprehended, and we stare at the cold, blank glare of a killer, or rapist, how do we still find the compassion to think that this person is deserving of being treated with respect? We attempt to "rehabilitate" these people, spending obscene amounts of taxpayer money doing so. We house them, feed them, allow them television and other luxuries. All of this is done, so that we can claim that as a society we are humane, and civilized.

What we need to understand as a species; there are (thankfully few) individuals that choose to take away the rights and freedoms of others. They are no longer deserving of civility. They chose to give up their right to be treated humanely, when they chose to commit crimes against humanity. These people, should be used as examples for others who might think of trying something similar.

"If you attempt to terrorize our families and loved ones, and bring death and destruction to our society........you are no longer deserving of civility."

How do I....

2009-12-15T18:30:00.000-08:00

How do I make comments on any subject without using criticism. I've realized that judging something is easy. How do I put anything in this blog without sounding like I'm nagging, or bitching?

Honestly? That's why I haven't blogged in forever...........

I have all sorts of things to say, however, I do not wish to have my work reviewed, and then used against me, as ammunition in the future.

I put a disclaimer at my header, years ago, because I thought I was going to need to warn people before they got too involved reading material on my blog. So far, it's pretty PG-13........

........I don't know what the future holds. Someday, I may start writing material that would be deemed worthy of attention. I'm just not sure if my life can take any more attention....

.....we'll see.

Blogging like you wouldn't believe

2009-12-11T17:57:00.000-08:00

Hey All!!

It's been a long time, since I put anything on this site, so I figured I should show you what I've been up to.

Go here

That is the newest blog I'm werking on.

Keep it real.

Circle of Friends

2007-11-04T14:32:00.000-08:00

At Spirit Fire Theme Park, we have a tradition that we've upheld for over 10 years. Everyone who is a regular guest at our park; finds a stone that represents them, and places it in an area we have designated "Circle of friends".

Spirit Fire Theme - What it means to me

2007-10-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

Broken Vulture Arts & Yowza Music Services

Present

It's a Dog's Life!

2007-10-23T19:30:00.000-07:00

This is a little compelation of pictures and videos of my pet chihauha, Xander.

Zzorhn's ambush

2007-05-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

May long weekend

2007-05-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

Birthday card

2007-03-17T21:31:00.000-07:00

.........'Cause I stole it!!

King of chain-letters

2007-03-17T20:08:00.000-07:00

To all the people whom feel obligated to forward every crappy e-mail they get, to everybody they know.....STOP IT!!!!!!

Please pass this on and help us in the fight against, crappy e-mail senders!

Now, send this to at least 9 people or your eyes will fall out of your head.....And if you happen to think that this never happens to you.......it's probably you.

THE BEST CHAIN LETTER EVER!!

Hello my name is Lewis and I suffer from the guilt of not forwarding 50 billion fucking chain letters, sent to me by people who actually believe that if you send them on, a poor 6-year old girl in Arkansas with a breast on her forehead, will be able to raise enough money to have it removed, before her redneck parents sell her to a traveling freak show.

Do you honestly believe that Bill Gates is going to give you and everyone to whom you send 'his' email, $ 1,000 ??!!

How stupid are we?

Oooooh, looky here!

If I scroll down this page and make a wish, I'll get laid by a model I just happen to run into the next day! What a bunch of bullshit.

Maybe the 'evil chain-letter leprechauns' will come into my house and sodomize me in my sleep for not continuing a chain letter that was started by 'Peter in 5 A.D', and brought to this country by midget pilgrims on the Mayflower....

Fuck'em.

If you're going to forward something, at least send me something mildly amusing.

I've seen all the ''send this to 10 of your closest friends, and this poor, wretched excuse for a human being, will somehow recieve a nickle from some omniscient being''

forwards about 90 times......

I don't fucking care.

Show a little intelligence and think about what your actually contributing to by sending out these forwards. Chances are, it's your own unpopularity.

The point being?

If you get some chain letter that's threatening to leave you shagless or luckless for the rest of your life, DELETE IT! If it's funny, send it on.

Don't piss people off, by making them feel guilty about a leper in Botswana with no teeth, who has been tied to the ass of a dead elephant for 27 years, and who's only salvation is the 5 cents per letter he'll recieve if you forward this e-mail.

Now, forward this to everyone you know.

Otherwise, tomorrow morning, your underwear will turn carnivorous and consume your genitals.....

Have a nice day.

P.S. Send me 15 bucks.

Responsibility response

2007-03-08T20:02:00.000-08:00

I received this in the mail the other day. I thought I would share it, since I like the idea of "too inconvienient to be responsible".

Dear zzorhn,

I read your blog about responsibility and wow wouldn't the world be a better place if everyone did take responsibility. However, that would require having ethics which in a world were all is supposed to accepted in order to have a politically correct open mind , ethics ironically is rejected because it crimps people's style.

Chaotic Serenity

RAM - The Mystic

2007-03-08T19:21:00.000-08:00

R.A.Mutz original 2000

RAM - Lovers

2007-03-08T19:16:00.000-08:00

R.A.Mutz original 2000

The Surrender - RAM

2007-03-08T19:06:00.000-08:00

R.A.Mutz original 2000

2007-03-02T22:42:00.000-08:00

Responsibility ....

http://www.coping.org/growth/accept.htm

...Damn!

Imagine a world, where everyone took responsibility for thier actions?

Nice dream. Since most humans are of the opinion of making money, and the pursuit of happiness; that if they could get away with murder to achieve their goals, they would!

The scene is the same, no matter what news source you prefer. Newspapers, tv, radio, all speak of a growing trend..... of a lack of responsibility with our race.

Not that this is a new thing. It's just there ao many of us on this fragile planet, with the ability to live longer than we ever have. This of course having serious reprocusions on .. well, ... everything!

Here's a "little" list of things about people that piss me off...

1: People that dump their garbage / waste, assuming that it will " disappear"

2: People that idle their vehicles.

3: All governments that have not embraced any measures to ELIMINATE toxic emmisions (IE: hydrogen - powered vehicles / engines)

4: People having children, who assume it's a free - ride provided by the government.

5: People who have no regard for other human's welfare/health/emotional rights.

... umm.. I'm certain you get the point..

Lack of resposibility? I say, lack of honour, discipline, and a sence of morals, are our major concerns..... not taking responsibility for one's actions? Well, that's just the result.

Zzorhn

Being single sucks

2007-02-08T23:41:00.000-08:00

Being single sucks

There are so many aspects to being single.

First off, the reason you are single to begin with...
...you name the reason why people who are with each other for years, suddenly find themselves no longer wanting to be with them anymore. It can be as insignificant from "leaving the top off the toothpaste", to much larger problems. (financial, physical, trauma in any form, and even abuse)

The whole "breaking up" scene is disturbing. The fights, games, and financial loss is entirely emotion-driven. No sane couple, who months (even weeks) before, loved each other; would seek to destroy their relationship! For some strange reason, however, something is conflicting. Let the mind games begin!!

That disturbing period in time is emotionally, financial, and physically draining! The range of emotions that a person experiences during this time will cause the most reasonable person to do things they never would..

I’m digressing....

...being single. There is no one there to "share a moment", talk to, hold, ..

There’s no one there. To care, remember the things you forget - and love.

There’s no one there. You can be lonely in a crowd. People who are in love, can irritate you.

Activities, and places that once brought you comfort and joy, now seem hollow and painful. Friends and family, ( who are only trying to help) constantly remind you of your ex, and usually try to downplay or shame the person you once loved. <----That part tends to irritate me as well.

BUT!

The whole dating scene is stressful!! Meeting new people isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.
So what do you do? Try to meet, and learn to trust a total stranger, or stay lonely?

The truth about dancers.

2007-01-26T20:42:00.000-08:00

I have been a DJ in a bar for over 2 years now. I would make the bold statement, that "I have seen it all", however, I'm sure someday, someone, will shock me again. Not that anything people do really shock me anymore. (see entry : Humanity or virus) The list of "Oh, my God!" statements will require another entry, someday, I'm sure.....

....right?

Now; having a "general knowledge" of the bar-scene, and with my experiences in "extra-curricular activities", I have observed that: "You can tell how a person is in bed, by the way they dance!"

This applies to either men or women, although there are differences (obviously) in the ways that they act in public, or more importantly, dance.

There are four categories of dancers (lovers).

a) Don't have a clue: but, "oh my gawd is this fun!?!"

b) Self-centered: They can move, however, they are so concerned with "appearances", you are overwhelmed.

c) Rock your world: not professional dancing, yet, it looks good, and both enjoy themselves.

d) Closet dancers: Not necessarily shy, they will also rock your world; but it will come as a shock, due their mild, quiet demeaner.

Don't have a clue

You've seen it, the cute one on the dance floor. Fun to talk to, flirt; and eventually, they get enough liquid courage in them, to find their way to the dance floor. Once there, it's a bit of a disappointment. They giggle as they have fun. Their moves are repetitive, and tend to be awkward. No doubt they are having a good time. (Notice I make no reference to gender - it applies to both sexes) .

The same applies to the bedroom. Sex; no matter how bad, is still good. A lame experience; though, is still lame ..

....not to say that it’s all bad. Practice makes for perfection, my father always told me. So dance, dance, until you get it right!

Self-Centered

These type of dancers / lovers are extroverts in many aspects. Loud, and flashy, they crave attention everywhere they go. Every aspect of their "show" is practiced, from the clothes they wear, ( or don’t wear) to the moves they make. Most importantly, though, is the fact that you find yourself overwhelmed, trying to keep up to their dance moves.

That part is important! The idea being, that if both dancers are enjoying themselves, then there are no problems. If, however, one of the dancers is feeling embarrassed because they feel "out of their league", this problem is not as easy to fix with practice. Usually, when the dance ends, the extrovert finds another partner with the right moves, leaving the other partner wishing they had more confidence, and more dance moves.

Rock your world

...Then you find someone who just "clicks". Their moves are anticipated, even strangely familiar; and both are surprised at how well they move together. This kind of revelation, is rare. Every dance partner will suit a certain dance or mood, but to find one that reads your moods, and moves, and can respond in suit?

Closet Dancers
Never judge a book by its cover! Some of the best dance partners are the last person you would expect! They can have any personality, intelligence, looks, or social status; the fact is, you never thought you’d end up dancing with them! (I say the above in reference to either side of the issue E.G.: unattractive / gorgeous, but they have moves that intrigue you)

There you are though, on the dance floor, and WOW! Something’s happening, because, you are both having a great time. This fourth category of dancer / lover is similar to "Rock your World", except that it blows you away. Due to the fact of whom your dancing with!

It should be noted, that everyone can dance. There is a dance partner for everyone. Some suit you better than others.

There are many aspects that determine how people dance or romance. Parents, customs, traditions, the way someone is raised, and a lifetime of experiences, all are determining factors.
In the end, it really doesn’t matter what category you are ... .. Dance the night away.

Garth Brook - "The Dance"

Looking back on the memory of

The Dance we shared 'neath the stars above

For a moment all the world was right

How was I to know that you'd ever say good-bye

[Chorus:] And now I'm glad I didn't know

The way it all would end

The way it all would go

Our lives are better left to chance

I could have missed the pain

But I'd have missed the dance

Jedi vs Sith: Not so good or evil

2006-10-27T18:19:00.000-07:00

Jedi vs Sith

In a debate reguarding the difference between the Sith Lords and Jedi Masters, of George Lucas' ongoing "Star Wars"saga; an interesting development has occured. Sith are not neccessarily evil, whilst, Jedi are not neccessarily good!

There are many aspects to this concept. First and mostly; the force, is akin to God (Alah, Budda, Jehovah, and any other name I am forgetting) *** For literal sake, I am not going to get into my understanding of religion. Not now.

Bold statement... however, God is my force. In a fundamental aspect, I rely on Him for everything I do. My inner energy comes from my belief in a higher power, and His influence in me and things around me. Sounds like the force to me. Now..... I WISH I could move things with God's influence..... but I can't. There is probably a good reason for that, though...

Imagine ...... I have mastered the force in "many" of it's aspects. I can telepathically link myself to others .... Telekenetically move things with my mind ....... Influence the "weak-minded" ..... and other "force powers" I have not listed ........

...... Wow!! What a responsability!! No wonder that masters of the force have taken years to dedicate themselves to thier discipline, just to achieve that power! The consequences of misuse would be devastating! An undesciplined creature with full use of the of force, would be dangerous!

.... ..... Ya.. I would be a Sith Lord..... took some internet test last night, and it turns out I would be "Anakin Skywalker". Good looking dude .. gets to marry some rocking, hot chick... and is the absolute "up-and-coming" master of the force..... For some reason, though, shit goes sour.

I have watched all of the movies (no idea how many times) so I can totally see how the story develops the way it does ( NB: The concept of how well written, and thouroughly enjoyable the Star Wars saga really is; a conversation for later, preferable in person) If Anakin had been born in a Republic planet, things would have been different! Or would they...

......... I am digressing....

There are fundamentally, only two major differences between the Sith and Jedi: Stylized form of fighting, and Motivations.

Understand this very critical aspect: Both factions wage war when required, and kill as required. They will both fight to defend what they believe in, and will use any resources neccessary to maintain thier "way of life".

The Jedi have established themselves in the Republic, and when threatened, resort to spying, lies and destruction of thier enemies. They even resort to assisting the governing leaders in building an army to suppress the rebellion of dissadent systemsand factions!!

Then the Sith take over the government, and ostricize the Jedi. In their war, many die as a result; either in battle, or as innocent (We well know the devestation war causes to those caught in the midst) The Jedi order become the rebels and .. well.. watch the movies....

Motivation

To survive. Both strive to survive, and pass on thier understanding of the force to the next generation of warrior.

To influence thier surroundings, and to maintain an element of control on the governing factions. Same here.

.... the list of compairisons between the motivations of Jedi and Sith, is seemingly endless ......

....however, there are differences. Such as; peacefull observation of a governing facility vs domination of the governing facility. (Although there is something about doing something better yourself... must be my Sith side talking)

I will admit, the Sith choose to dominate, while the Jedi choose a more subtle route. Hmm.. devious, sneaky, or simple justification?

Reality, is simply one's interpretation of a given set of occurances. Everyone shares a common reality, yet not everyone shares the same interpretation of the occurance. Zzorhn 2006

Styled Form of Fighting

The Jedi, would be be best described as "Buddist monks", while the Sith would be "Samari warriors". Both follow an honour code, both are trained beyond humand comprehension in many aspects of life, death and war.

Jedi fight without emotion. Compassionless, dedicated, they strive for a "vulcan" control of every aspect of the battle ..... including themselves.

Sith fight with emotion as thier guide. Compassion, hate, lust, desire, are just a tip of the iceberg of human emotions! Not to mention alien emotions, as would be present on a "Star Wars" genre. This is not necessarily a negative asset! It has been said that, a lowly squire defending what he believes in, is better than ten hired men. Devotion and dedication are only achieved through emotion; tempered by discipline, a person can achieve great understanding of themselves and thier surroundings, including a mastery of the force.

Good vs evil? Not anymore.

Break and Entry

2006-09-05T21:27:00.000-07:00

On February 6, 2004, I was served with a police warrent, and had my house searched. I had written a letter to the editor for the Fort Frances Times (local paper - FYI, this was never published ... not sure why) Just recently, I found the document on my old computer, and rescued it from oblivion. I still feel the same way about the issue ........

I feel as though I was raped! You walk into the door of your own house; only to find the hinges of your door have been removed earlier, and everything you own, and love, is scattered throughout the rest of your home. The thought is enough to make anyone sick to their stomach. To be invaded in such a way is more than an invasion of your privacy, it is an emotional rape of the senses! To know, that someone else was going through your personal belongings in search of a quick bit of larceny, is by far the most insecure feeling I have ever had! I admit, I walked into my exploited apartment, and broke down. Everything I owned has been violated by someone else.

I wish I could report the crime to our beloved police department; however, the thief left his calling card so I could make certain that I would know who he and his cohorts were. The malicious attack on my senses was not done by some immature punk out for a quick fix, or fast cash, but was perpetrated by the O.P.P themselves!!

In what they deemed "legal", several members of the Fort Frances Police Department took it upon themselves, to forcibly break and remove the padlock on my door, and enter my place of residence without permission. They then, took it upon themselves to search through everything in my house and then, once they found what they were looking for, stole several hundreds of dollars of my things!! I was to pay rent on Friday, February 6th, and all my rent money was stolen right off my dresser! It almost makes me want to puke to think that these "paid charlatans" were touching everything near and dear to me, and then had the audacity to leave their business card to let me know they were the ones responsible for the attack on my privacy! Such a brazen misuse of power on their behalf, from those we pay to "Serve and Protect". I ask you, what exactly were they protecting in such an attack?

I imagine they believe they prevented me from being able to self-medicinate. I wasn’t using the government’s "approved " drugs, and as such, they took it upon themselves relieve me of anything remotely suggesting "illegal" paraphanalia We are not, however, talking about some weird type of medication, or anything remotely alien to the Canadian society; as, over 80% have used this mild intoxicant. I am talking about smoking marijuana, both for medical, and social reasons.

I would try to list the benefits from such a "wonder-drug" however, the Canadian populace is not ignorant of the values gained from the use of marijuana! The Canadian lawmakers who stand to gain from keeping the drug illegal, have created laws permitting use of drugs they have invested money into, and then create laws stating; that the use of drugs that do not come from their laboratories are illegal. I thought this country was a democracy?! Here we are living in the largest dictatorship in the world!!!!

The effects of this attack will be with me for the rest of my life. Emotionally, I am frightened as to the ease of which my home was destroyed! I am certain that when this is over, I will be left with some sort of fine, and my criminal record will prevent me from obtaining a decent job. My children will learn of my so-called "illegal" endeavors, and associate me with criminals. All because the Canadian lawmakers are not listening to the general populace in most affairs.

It has become a Canadian right to self-medicinate or even socially use marijuana, yet our lawmakers are still insisting that we buy their "legal" drugs. (With all of their "legal" side-effects) They enlist armed thugs (Police) to ensure our use of their narcotics, and strong-arm those that chose alternate inebriates.

Our government approves of medicines that by far, rivals anything you can buy on the street, and creates such drugs as, Tylenol, cigarets, Rydlin, cocaine, opium, methadone, oxycotten, percadin, etc ; God created Marijuana.

Who do you trust?

Denny's

2006-08-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

Love or mental illness

2006-08-24T22:11:00.000-07:00

In an interesting turn of events, I have noticed many of my family and friends / co-workers of late are breaking up with thier mates. Some of them (including my parents of 30 years) have been together for quite some time; and yet , now they are finding the person they swore "I do", is now, an "I don't".

Even myself .... I am now divorced with three children. I rarely get to see my children, and my life has been turned completely upside down; compared to the perfect image I had as a child, and as I grew. I figured that if I was married with children, a house, a car, and a full time job; that I would be satisfied. For some reason, it didn't turn out that way.

I offer this link to a National Geographic article that I found really interesting.

http://www7.nationalgeographic.com/ngm/0602/feature2/

Crazy in love? You bet!

Up in Smoke

2006-08-05T21:19:00.000-07:00

I have absolutely no faith in our leaders. I know they are not in power for "our" best interests!

We live in a fragile eco-system on a planet that does not have the universe turn around us! In the whole scope of reality, however, we are special! We are survivers, in a dangerous world that tends to destroy us in "naturally occuring" disasters. Throughout human history; volcanoes, earthquakes, storms, floods, diseases, and even objects falling from the sky have done their best to kill humans by the thousands.

With the introduction of "civilization" and "society", humans have turned to certain people to lead their nations. Human history contains a pleathora of hero's, villians, warlords, as well as, innocents caught in the middle of the destructive power of humanity.

Here we are in the advanced industrial age, and we are still creating ways to kill each other. Viral, biological, nuclear, and conventional warfare have all taken great leaps in recent years. In our "advanced" state of reasoning, we are still relying on carbon-based fossil fuels for our energy consuption. ...... long story short...... we are idiots, or at least our leaders are.

What I can't figure out, is why we let people who are "blessed" with investments in gasoline, and other by-products of oil, allowed to remain as our leaders? They are already biased as to what THEY need, so.... why make it so THEY keep making money? Doesn't make sence... especially when it comes to environmentalism..... oops..... figure that. We could easily (right now) get all of our energy fro renewable resources, such as solar, wind, and other easily obtainable "non-pollutant" products (like hydrogen) to get our energy.

Our leaders keep claiming that the price of oil is cheap.... .... really?... "easily" obtained from our planet, "easily" burned, and just as "easy" to contribute to the destruction of our fragile eco-system!! Oil isn't cheap! Neither is nuclear power, but the government investors keep that stupid idea rolling!

As long as our leaders continue to endorse oil, our lives are threatened!!

P.S. The government can build nuclear reactors, nuclear weapons, biological and viral weaponry, endorse the burning of fossil fuels, as well as, allow wars to continue: And I can't smoke a joint?!? Pardon my french.... , but, this is my fucking planet! Quit fucking it up!!!!

Zzorhn

Iguana

2006-08-05T21:14:00.000-07:00

Just another picture of Cyan, and me.

My Iguana

2006-08-05T21:07:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of my iguana and me.

He's quite tame. ..

..... Unlike his owner.

Zzorhn

Humanity or Virus?

2006-08-04T22:43:00.000-07:00

By definition: A virus (Latin, poison) is a submicroscopic particle that can infect the cells of a biological organism. The study of viruses is known as virology, and those who study viruses are called virologists. They infect a wide variety of organisms, both eukaryotes (such as animals and plants) and prokaryotes (such as bacteria). It has been argued extensively whether viruses are living organisms. They are considered non-living by the majority of virologists as they do not meet all the criteria of the generally accepted definition of life.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virus

Humanity is a concept; better defined as "socialization" Humanity n. 1: all of the inhabitants of the earth; 2: the quality of being humane 3: the quality of being human <--- sorry...have a problem with that (under the heading redundant, please, see redundant...) http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/humanity

Any species, that influences it's host (surroundings) is a virus. It has been argued, and still a topic of debate as to whether or not the earth is a non-living "thing" flying through space, that we have the god-given grace to control or manipulate; or merely a tiny part of a much larger picture, and we are the fleas clinging to life on an ever-changing envirnment. We, however, are fleas that can radically influence our host. Greed corruption, call it what you will, but those charming qualities are dominated by our so-called "socialled and humane" race. What drives a virus to infect a host? Is it "just-doing-what-it-does", or do they have some driving force to destroy the very host that keeps the infection alive? What motivates us, as a race, to dominate this fragile planet we live on? Are we just scratching our way through the primordial ooze, or are we masters of our domain?

It would be vanity to claim that we are supreme "masters of the universe". Our race, can't even get along with each other, let alone claim that we are "socialized". We squabble and bicker over how to properly divide the resources on this planet, to the point of causing major setbacks in our advancement as a species! We are the only species that will readily kill each other, yet we brag that we are the only species that has the ability to reason!

I have little hope for our species. I would love to embrace the idea that we are a worthy, intelligent race of creatures, with the ability to solve our petty problems as a collective race; but I know this to be false. Humans are a virus, by our own actions.

Zzorhn

Scary thought

2006-08-04T21:29:00.000-07:00

.....inside my mind? Pretty scary thought. I've created this site as a way to jot down my ideas, opinions, and show a few pics here and there. If you've ever wanted to read someones diary, then you've come to the right place. Not that my life is that exciting .......

Zz