Big, Scary, Mean Smoke Monster

I'm... going... to... speak... very... very... slowly... for... the... delusional... in... the... group.

Although, I'm not going to continue to write slowly. Just read slowly if you need to... It's okay, no one is checking. And take notes if you have to.

Okay, "Global Warming" was just too much, because they were all like, (please read all following italicised text with a hillbilly dialect - thank you) "'Global Warmin' MY ASS! There's still snow in Winter and sometimes it gets really, really cold! Like, you know, below zero! And only Hitler knows what that is in that commie Celsius degree mumbo-jumbo those red-belly Euros use! This is just a way for Al Gore to make tons of money because he owns stock in trees and he wants people to plant trees. AND IT'S SNOWING IN WINTER FOR GEE-WILLY'S SAKE! And then 'they' mentioned hot cow farts and well, I just told Marge I don't believe it. HOT COW FARTS ARE RUINING THE PLANET?? COME ON!! I told Marge, I said, 'Marge, the only one trying to ruin the planet around here is that Al Gore! He wants to plant a bunch of gosh darn trees! We can't have TREES everywhere! You wouldn't be able to walk in a straight line or drive a car very far without hitting somepin' for gosh darn's sake! All the roads would be curvy and topsy-turvy and goin' around trees and I'd get car-sick! And I bet I wouldn't be the only one! Everyone would be throwing up and there'd be barf all over the place! And really, when was the last time you saw a tree help with ANYTHING!? I mean, they always droppin' leaves and twigs and those helicopter things and acorns and cloggin' the gutters and LORD ALMIGHTY!"

And then we talked about our "Carbon Footprint".

"Carbon Footprint"? Well, what in the heck are all y'all talkin' about!? I got skin on my foots. And sometimes I gots shoes on 'em. I ain't got no carbon on my foots! Carbon's in a printer, silly! And I bet 'carbon' is a French word! DARN FRENCH! Trying to own fries and everathang. Well, guess what. THEY'RE FREEDOM FRIES NOW! TAKE THAT!! I'll put my 'carbon' footprint right up your derriere. Get it, Marge? I said 'derriere' instead of ass. Funny, huh, Marge? Those darn French. They just smell anyway. IT'S PROLLY THEIR B-O THAT'S RUINING THE PLANET! For chriminity's sake! And "car-bon" sounds an awful lot like "car-bomb". I bet it's French-moslem talk for blowing things up! The French and those moslems are RUINING EVERATHANG!"

So... THEN they tried "Climate Change".

Well... I don't think that's cutting it either. Because then they've been all, "CLIMATE CHANGE! WELL, DUH!! IT'S CALLED WEATHER! Sometimes it rains, sometimes it doesn't. I mean, really! I just told Marge about it the other day when we was standing outside the Piggly-Wiggly smoking our cigarettes. I told Marge, I did! I said, "Marge! Now, them commies are calling it "climate change"! Marge, it's called "weather". I mean, look. They point to some clouds up there and they start yellin'. And those people who suffered all those floods in Pack-It-Stan and the people who got wolloped in that big tidal wave over there in that Indamnesia place, well... I don't want to say nothin', but they ain't 'Christians'. And then, those people out there in that California with the fires and the earthquakes and the mudslides, well... I don't want to say nothin', but that whole state might as well just be Sodom and Gomorra. I mean, am I right, Marge? Spring springs, Summer's hot, Autumn leaves fall, and then it snows in Winter! It's called WEATHER. And sometimes it rains, and sometimes it doesn't. Baby Jesus is the only one who knows when it's going to rain! And Marge knew JUST what I was talkin' about..."

So, yeah. I think we just need to call it "Big, Scary, Mean Smoke Monster".

Oh, wait a minute...

I can just see it now.

"BIG, SCARY, MEAN SMOKE MONSTER!! COME ON!! You have GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!! Marge? Did you hear that? Now, they're saying it's a "Big, Scary, Mean Smoke Monster"! Marge? Am I crazy? I mean how ridiculous is THAT! I mean, really... We ALL KNOW that that big, scary, mean smoke monster is on that island out there in the Pattsifi... Pattspecific... PatsyCline... IN THAT DARN OCEAN WHERE ALL THOSE DARK-SKINNED PEOPLE THAT AREN'T CHRISTIAN LIVE! But, those poor people crashed there on that island in that Documentary "Lost" that we used to watch... Member? And that big, scary, mean smoke monster would come out of the jungle and start throwing people up in the air and well... I think most of them was "Christian". I bet that smoke monster's a moslem. But you know what I just realized! They was from California! SEE, MARGE!! SINNERS!! But, Marge... I bet those lilly-livered commies watched that show and thought that smoke monster was some exhausted fumes or somepin' and ruinin' the planet by throwing people up in the air! They probably don't know that it can't leave that island! You know what? I can see where that could get confusin'."

So, maybe we should just go right for the money and call it... "Big, Bad, Commie Air - That Is Sometimes Invisible".

What do you think?

"Marge. MARGE! Did you hear what's goin' on? Marge... YOU WON'T BELIEVE IT. BUT, YOU GOT TO! It's terrible, Marge. There's somepin' called a "Big, Bad, Commie Air" thing goin' on. It's comin' out of cars and factories and... ... and... cow's butts and... It's even comin' out of Cheverolettes! It's scary, Marge. I bet it's those Japs that are doin' this. But, I had no idea that cows were communists. Did you know that, Marge? Now that I think of it, them cows always seem real secretive, you know? Like they just keep their heads down and don't say NOTHIN'. They leave enough grass for each other and just walk real slow like they're UP TO SOMEPIN'! And I never did trust nothin' with a bunch of nipples. You know what? There's not a doubt in my mind that this is Barack Hussein Obamalama's fault! Oh Lord, I just thought about all that milk Junior's been drinkin'! OH, MARGE, JUNIOR'S BEEN DRINKIN' COMMIE MILK! That's it! We gotta do somepin'! I'm gonna get Fred. I'm gonna get Fred to build us a bunker. FRED! FRED!! PUT THAT MILLER LITE DOWN RIGHT NOW! Go get a shovel and start diggin' a bunker. WHAT DO YOU MEAN, 'WHAT FER'? JUST DO IT! WE GOT TO HIDE FROM THAT COMMIE AIR!! Marge, I got to hang up. I'm going to Piggly Wiggly and stockin' up on canned goods and shot gun shells and cigarettes. Can never have enough Spaghetti O's or bullets or smokes."

M-A-S-S P-O-L-L-U-T-I-O-N is not up for debate.

We're treating the earth like garbage.

And just where else is it that we're suppose to live?

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Great Expectations

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For All of Our Sakes

Christina was born on Sept. 11, 2001, a horrific day, like Saturday, that changed the mood of the country. She was featured in the book "Faces of Hope, Babies Born on 9/11."

Roxanna Green said her daughter was proud to be in the book and was hopeful about the future.

"She didn't really look at 9/11 as so much a tragedy like the rest of us did," she said on ABC's "Good Morning America." "She looked at it as an opportunity for change, for hope. ... She always wanted peace."

She added, "She was an amazing little girl. She got robbed of all the wonderful things she could have done." (source)

And WE got robbed of all the wonderful things she could have done...

How ironic that Christina was born on 9/11, no?

It's like we're all in a cage together and we've thrown away the key. And destructive, like acting in anger is, we're tearing at the only thing we can - each other. And we've murdered the only beautiful thing about that day...

Her birth was certainly a symbol. And now, her death seems even more so...

I planned on posting something about Christina Green today, I felt like we should know her better. And being that Will and I don't have television, I don't know what all the talking heads are saying... I imagine they're hard at work, making the most out of it for their ratings.

Even though I'm still deeply disturbed and angry, and even though I know that a "lack of civility" (that's putting it mildly) didn't directly cause this tragedy, it certainly didn't help. Even though I'm still pissed, I can't wallow anymore. And I don't wish to add to the destruction with my own anger...

It's time to learn.

I rather like what President Obama said yesterday. He spoke with dignity and grace, as a good leader should, “If, as has been discussed in recent days, their deaths help usher in more civility in our public discourse,” Mr. Obama said, “let us remember that it is not because a simple lack of civility caused this tragedy — it did not — but rather because only a more civil and honest public discourse can help us face up to our challenges as a nation, in a way that would make them proud.”

And ending with a reflection on a vivacious, outstanding little girl, “We place our hands over our heart,” Mr. Obama said, promising to work to forge “a country that is forever worthy of her gentle happy spirit.” (source)

That is worth working for indeed. For all of our sakes.

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Change The World (In Any Way You Can...)

WHATEVER it is that you dream of...

So tell me, my brothers and sisters... If there was no one around to say "no", "don't", "can't", what would you do with your one and beautiful life? What would you do...

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New Year's Luck

So, during the past few months, there have been some scares in my family. My Sister had been having some symptoms that were mimicking multiple sclerosis and had a doctor that was mimicking a fucking asshole. And my Mother was diagnosed with melanoma on her arm.

We were very, very fortunate in both outcomes and the man in me was "certain" we would be. While the little boy in me wasn't so sure, but shivered quietly and sent desperate prayers out in the air.

If we're "lucky" indeed... And chances are, if you're reading this, you're better off than most people on the planet. So, there is much to be grateful for...

And I try to remind myself of that as often as I can. I don't always succeed in it, but it's well worth trying. And if I don't, life will have a way of reminding me whether I like it or not. So for now, for this very beautiful moment, I'll try to beat life to the punch and remind myself how very lucky I am.

Happy New Year, bishes! I truly hope it's your best one yet.

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Take A Bite Out of Crime (And Lance Briggs is a Total Badass)

I refuse to give michael vick the above headline. Michael Vick hopes to own a dog as a pet someday.

I just about went through the roof when I read that...

MORE THAN ENOUGH "forgiveness" has been given to this sick fuck.

And as far as I'm concerned, this,

is what should be on the field with him. But then, like any instant interpretation when one doesn't know the history, it makes the dog look like the vicious one.

So, as usual, comments on the article steal the show.

"Endrun" wrote, "Funniest thing I've heard in a while...To all you Vick supporters, don't forget that Vick not only fought dogs, he killed them with his own hands by hanging, drowning, and bludgeoning them to death if they didn't perform up to his standards. Innocent animals were used as bait to train the fighting dogs. It is well documented in the book "The Lost Dogs" if you care to educated yourself. Yes, he did some prison time, but that doesn't change the fact that he is a depraved person with no empathy. He fits in well in the NFL with the other felons and thugs, and gives me one more reason to hate the Eagles."

And "Lester" said, "This Just In: In a sharing of the love, a spokesman for the dog lobby said that most dogs would love to have Vick as a pet one day as well."

"Busters" wrote, "This jerk should still be in prison,not running around making millions and running his mouth. I agree with with Jane Dollinger, Vick should never be able to get within 50 feet of a Dog unless its a pack of wolves,getting back for their close kin."

And "Kathy" said, "Just a ploy to try to get back his million dollar pay. Just look at the statements. Big dog so he can show how much he cares. Not any dog, a big dog. More than likely a pit bull so he can make up for his inadequate manhood.

"Professional Sports depend on stupid people putting the players on a pedestal so they will pay rediculus prices to go watch thier hero. This man is just trying to get back on his pedestal.

Just another scam."

"Kimmer" got right to the point and said, "You're kidding, right?"

"Charlie Chan" (who I hope isn't putting cats in the Chicken Chow Mein) wrote, "May this man never be able to own a dog. He watched them fight for enjoyment, and killed some of them with his bare hands. Of the 51 dogs rescued from his compound, 47 of them were rehabilitated and found loving homes. Several of them are working therapy dogs. Vick was ordered to pay nearly a million dollars for their lifetime care and rehab. He had to be MADE to do it. His crime wasn't just about breaking the law, it was about horrible cruelty to a living thing. That is an uncorrectable character flaw. No, this man should never own a pet of any kind. Ever."

Now "Me" wrote (and no, it's not me. I mean it IS "Me", but not me-me.) "This monster killed dogs with his bare hands and even said he never would have stopped if he hadn't been arrested. He should still be in prison."

"Ckc" suggested, "Maybe an ant farm but nothing more."

Poor ants... How 'bout we just let him have some gravel?

And "PT" wrote, "I'd like to have Michael Vick as a pet someday...but thanks to Abraham Lincoln I can't."

"Sudden Impac" said, "Vick will say anything that he thinks we want to hear, & act like he has remorse. Who wouldn't to salvage a multi-million dollar career. I don't mean to be judgmental, but I'm not convinced he is sorry for his evil actions against innocent animals. I have friends that have pit-bulls as the family dog & they make great pets."

They do indeed, Mr. Impac.

"Travis" wrote, "That dirty scumbag shouldn't even be allowed to have a ChiaPet....He is a perfect example of why we should bring back hanging, drawing and quartering!!!!"

Okay, now even though we're talking about "vick", Travis had me right up to "Chia Pet". And then, it just kinda went downhill from there...

Now, "Owen" is kinder than most people, "I am totally against what he did. I also believe that our justice system is set up to try to punish criminals and rehabilitate them. The man has done his time in prison. Let him do some time with therapy dogs. They go to old folks homes, hospitals, and things like that. It is a great program and if he is with the same group of dogs again and again he might learn to love them. He should never be allowed to have a "fighting" dog again but there are many breeds and one day in the future he might earn the right to have one in his house. I would have a person go by unannounced once in a while to make sure the dog is in good health and being treated well."

Owen, just for the record, I believe it's not a "right" to have a dog as a companion, it's a privilege. But, I truly respect your compassion and forgiveness... I don't fully agree, but that's my short-coming, not yours.

"Trimmer" wrote, "Vick should be euthanized!"

And "C" wrote, "A stuff toy dog is all he'll ever get."

And "Kix" wrote, "Giving Vick a dog is like giving a molester a child."

And "SpiceGirl" reminded me of "Owen" and was quite kind as well, "You know, l deplore what he did, completely and totally. But this has cost him more than many murderers. It cost him more money than I'll ever see in my life, his reputation, almost his career, and 2 years of his life. Even now, despite the contract he has with the Eagles, he's living on a stipend that isn't much more than what most of us live on in order to fulfill his bankruptcy obligations and costs ($4200 per month per an article I read last week).

"He has gone over and above what anyone has asked in order to do his pennance and move forward, and now is doing the right thing. He deserves the second chance we all get when we screw up.

"I'm not saying we should just forget, but dang. We don't treat murderers this bad and never give them a shot at redemption. Let the thumbs down begin.... cuz I know they're coming from this hateful, unforgiving crowd."

I couldn't help myself, I gave her a "thumbs-down". (Which in Roman times would've gotten her killed. So, at least in our society, it's evolved into just a gesture, rather than a suggestion.) And on a really, really forgiving level, which when it comes to animals and children, I stumble with, she's right. Beyond my current capacity for compassion, but she's right. But, I still gave that bish a "thumbs-down".

"Md" wrote, "This loser should be killed.

"Please die."

And then, "Md" wrote, "This loser should be killed.

"Please die."

"Md"? We heard you the first time.

And then "Alea" wrote, "I hope he does get a dog and that dog turns on him and rips his weener off in shreads!"

She received 14 "thumbs-up" on that one.

But then, "Trimmer" replied, "What weener?"

You guys... It's "wiener". With an "i".

"Tree" wrote, "To the Australian Outback with him! The Dingos ought to know how to handle him..."

"NavyVet" said, "It would be more appropriate for a dog to own him."

Ahhh... Mr. NavyVet, when you truly love something or someone, it usually does.

Well, whatever your opinion is, here at Herculaneum, or kevincharnas.com, this place in which we're residing for the moment, I always hate to leave us feeling... yucky. SO, compliments of "Yanni", we have the below video contribution of a gentleman true to his convictions, Mr. Lance Briggs.

Thank you for this contribution, Yanni! Lance is hot.

And vick is not.

*** If you're looking for an animal companion, please consider adopting and rescuing. There's rescue groups for every breed. And you'll probably find that they rescued you, just as much as you rescued them.

*** Are Pets More Trustworthy Than People? (Like we even need to ask that question?)

*** Therapy Dogs Help Students Relax *************************************

A Little Bit of Heaven on a Sunday

Thank you for this video clip, Lissy! SO fricking sweet...

I just can't help thinking that this

is going to be that guy at the beach in another year or so. Carrying his head in his hands wherever he goes... And he'll be all like, "I slipped! And it was MY fault! I hit that lion in the mouth with my neck!"

I'm not saying it's the lion's fault for being a lion...

Oh well, headless or not, for today it's still terribly sweet, bishes.

That's all we truly have anyway, right? The moment? And really, tomorrow we could all end up in the jaws of a lion, metaphorically speaking of course. So, why waste today on what "might be" tomorrow?

Because right now, we're just fine. And that hottie up there in that video with the lioness and her cubs are fucking CUTE AS SHIT. (Not that actual turds are cute, but you know what I mean...)

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Just One

In a letter to Agnes DeMille, Martha Graham wrote,

"There is a vitality, a life-force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique.

"And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and be lost. The world will not have it. It is not your business to determine how good it is; nor how valuable it is; nor how it compares with other expressions. It is your business to keep it yours clearly and directly, to keep the channel open. You do not have to believe in yourself or your work. You have to keep open and aware directly to the urges that motivate you."

Now, bishes? Get out there and in all your glory,

be you.

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Annie Leonard Is A Total Badass

~ economic aid for Eisenhower, Victor Lebow **************************

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Annie Leonard
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes 2010 Election March to Keep Fear Alive

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The Story of Stuff Project (The link shows a 20 minute movie of the whole damn mess in a nutshell. And it's worth every second. It certainly seems discouraging and overwhelming, but the video and site also offers things you can do to stop the relentless machine. After all, like Annie says, it hasn't always been this way.)

And if the above video and information isn't enough, to show you just where we're at, putting economy (grubby, dirty money) above respect for LIFE:

Hedge Fund Manager Escapes Felony Charges Thanks to His Job

A wealthy hedge fund manager in Colorado has avoided facing felony charges for a hit-and-run accident because the local district attorney felt the charge could impact his high-paying job. Martin Erzinger, a fund manager at Smith Barney, allegedly ran over a cyclist with his Mercedes and then fled the scene. The cyclist suffered spinal cord injuries and bleeding from his brain. To the shock of cycling advocates, the local prosecutor, Mark Hurlbert, decided to charge Erzinger only with misdemeanors. Hurlbert said, “Felony convictions have some pretty serious job implications for someone in Mr. Erzinger’s profession, and that entered into it." (source)

WWHHHAATTTT????? (That's suppose to be me slamming on the brakes and rolling the car yet once again. I seem to be doing that a lot these days.)

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And when it really boils down to it, if you're not happy without it, you're not going to be happy with it.

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Dare To Be Daring - I Triple-Dog-Dare You... That's Right, I Said It... NOW, What Are You Gonna Do?

"Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills ideas and splendid plans; that the moment one definitely commits oneself, the providence moves too. "All sorts of things occur to help one that would never have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way.

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."

~ Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Nice hat and leg, bish... What the hell? You trying to pick us up or something? Guuttenn Tagg, Herr Goethe... Talk about "daring", Meeoow. )

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Amar'e Stoudemire Is A Total Badass

He's looking up at the title all like, "Whaa? Who ME?"

YES, YOU!! YOU CRAZY BISH!

See? I mean this is cool. Fo sho.

And then, you're all half-naked here,

And COMPLETELY NEKKID HERE,

SSHAAZZAAMM!! WOO-HOO! (Bish, where's your peeper? Did you tuck it? Well, you DO have a big hand... And you know what that means... Big gloves.)

But, what REALLY makes you a "total badass" in the book of Herculaneum?

Your convictions.

New York Knicks power forward Amar'e Stoudemire makes a slam-dunk for animals by boycotting fur and posing for PETA's "Ink, Not Mink" campaign. This former NBA Rookie of the Year got involved with PETA in order to raise awareness of cruelty to animals and is baring his skin to help animals keep theirs.

Amar'e explains, "I wouldn't want to see anything cruel happen to any animals just for fashion." Animals used in the fur industry often suffer gruesome deaths. To avoid damaging the animals' pelts, workers frequently electrocute and poison these furry creatures and peel their skin off while the animals are still alive.

"I wouldn't want to see anything cruel happen to any animal just for a fashion."

Imagine...

*** Special thanks to our own local, total badass Janice, who contributed the Amar'e Stoudemire video clip. Thank you, my friend! (source)

*** Warning - Graphic: The Website the Meat Industry Does NOT Want You To See

I came across the above link today and I was warned as well. I wasn't going to click on it to watch, because... Well, I'm sure you know why I was so hesitant. Thus, the need for the "warning". And then, I stopped. And I looked around at my surroundings here at home: a beautiful Queen Anne desk and chair, marble-covered radiators, persian rugs, well-framed gorgeous paintings, an Italianate, marble fireplace, velvet sofa and chair, antique lamps and five foot statues... and masks and wood-carvings I've collected from my travels over-seas, from my FORTUNATE travels over-seas. And then, I thought again. And I thought, I'm NOT going to watch this graphic video because WHY???

Because I'm fucking SPOILED. That's why.

So, I watched it. And I was horrified. It showed me what I knew. But, seeing it... REALLY seeing it, not out of my blurry mind's eye, but out of my own tear-filled eyes... It went through me. Had I not been sitting down, I would've collapsed. And as mortified as I am, as heart-broken and sick as I am, I'm glad I saw it. Because I don't want to be some numb, pampered ass that goes through life afraid to look at what I'm doing. At what I AM DOING.

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Keep Still Your Resolve (And Don't Be An Idiot)

Don't forget what's within you. Do what you need to do in order to collect yourself, To gather your strength, To stoke the fierce fires in your depths. And once you've remembered it, Embrace it And consume it And let yourself be consumed by it.

Then, don't you dare surrender it To the mindless To the selfish To the stone-hearted, ugly fools Who think that strength Resides in brute force, Who think that ferocious intolerance And an aggressive character Constructs a backbone Worth standing upright for...

They mistake kindness for weakness.

So, don't you dare Give way to these sleeping barbarians. Do not misplace Your best Your understanding Your wisdom, Your LOVE, To the vagrants of greed To the keepers of ignorance To the nomadic devolved Stumbling blind in their parched desert.

Keep your bright eyes from your noble boat Piercing that darkness Knowing that while your vessel may not Reach the shore While you're at the helm, It will Eventually make landfall As you keep your bearing. And the rest of the crew will step foot On the good earth And be home...

Because YOU lived.

~ Monsieur Kevin Charnas, November 4th, 2010

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Fountains, We Are...

"Everything you see has its roots in the unseen world. The forms may change, yet the essence remains the same. Every wonderful sight will vanish; every sweet word will fade, But do not be disheartened, The source they come from is eternal, growing, Branching out, giving new life and new joy. Why do you weep? The source is within you And this whole world is springing up from it."

~ Jelaluddin Rumi (September 30, 1207 – December 17, 1273)

*** source of image

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Time

Theodore C. Sorensen, Kennedy Counselor and Wordsmith, Dies at 82 The New York Times, October 31, 2010

"When, in the late 1940's, we faced a global Cold War against another system of ideological fanatics certain that their authoritarian values would eventually rule the world, we prevailed in time. We prevailed because we exercised patience as well as vigilance, self-restraint as well as self-defense, and reached out to moderates and modernists, to democrats and dissidents, within that closed system."

"... Future historians studying the decline and fall of America will mark this as the time the tide began to turn - toward a mean-spirited mediocrity in place of a noble beacon."

~ Theodore Sorensen

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Perspective

Tired of your circumstances? Change your attitude... It helps.

I promise.

*** This Is Your Brain on Optimism

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OK, Go Support Animal Rescue

Special thanks to Will for this fantastic contribution. Thanks, Bub! GREAT video. Dogs are the closest thing I've seen to "god" yet.

Our rescues;

Wednesday Addams

and...

Senor Gomez Addams

They rescued us, as much as we rescued them.

*** FOUR MILLION cats and dogs—about one every eight seconds—are put down in U.S. shelters each year.

So, please think about rescuing an animal companion, rather than buying an accessory. *******************************

Encouragement Always Flies And Follows The Sun

Millions of monarch butterflies travel to ancestral winter roosts in Mexico's shrinking mountain fir forests. Surfing winds from southern Canada and the northern U.S., they travel thousands of miles, taking directional cues from the sun.

"There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it's going to be a butterfly."

~ Richard Buckminster Fuller

*** National Geographic's PHOTO OF THE MONTH by Joel Sartore, from the November 2010 story "Animal Migrations."

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Predators

Environmental Groups Confront Oil Industry-Backed Attempt to Repeal California’s Landmark Emissions Law in Prop 23

Texas Oil money trying to continue wreaking havoc on California's environment (not to mention our own)... What a surprise.

These oil and fossil fuel companies remind me of someone...

Lurking... In the hunt for the sake of the hunt. Gripped by greed, sinking into an abyss, which only leads to gripping whatever is in reach, even if that consists of grabbing at throats, which it usually does.

And in this case, the health of Californians (and really, our own). How appropriate that that's the governator with those claws around his neck. Maybe all the practice has paid off and he'll say, "FUCK YOU, ASSHOLE", and sick Maria on them. TAKE 'EM, SHRIVER!

So yesterday, an old friend and I went back and forth about these oil companies and the power of OPEC. And he basically said that in his opinion, things are not going to change during our lifetime. That there's too much power and "wealth" involved. That the economics of the situation rule it.

I understand... I "get" it. I just wish that these wealthy mulit-national corporations had a conscience and were pouring their extreme profits into renewable, clean energy sources. Our environment is under such immense abuse, we're under an illusion (or delusion) that we have time. And we don't. And without a healthy environment, which literally is the very air we breathe, the very water we drink and the food that literally turns into US, jobs will mean nothing.

I don't consider my views unreasonable when you consider how very basic the notion is.

I'm not delusional to think it will change during our lifetime. I'm not stupid. But, the way my heart beats is not to the frenetic, empty tune of greed, but something a bit slower, something more quiet and peace-filled and full.

I've always, ALWAYS been for the underdog, and right now, that happens to be our very world. It's the way I talk, the way I walk, it's who I am. It gives me reason and purpose. I'm not so naive that I think it's going to change today, but if I don't work for it to change tomorrow, than kill me right now, 'cause it will feel like I'm dead.

Idealistic?

Absolutely. To my very core.

So, speaking of the world we share, here are some of our brilliant neighbors.

I've talked of river otters and adversity before, but I love the below video clip too much to not post it again.

"These waters can support even larger predators. And could easily take a single otter. But, TEAM play wins the day."

These fricking adorable river otters are total badasses.

There's strength in numbers, my friends...

*** What You Can Do To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint Right Now

*** And of course, you could always bike to work (like one of my best buds, Pandora. You're an inspiration, Pandora!), use a rake this Autumn instead of a bullshit leaf blower, use a shovel this Winter instead of a piece-of-crap snow blower (because it would help if we weren't buying what they're selling. PLUS the stillness of nature will thank you and you'll get some exercise in the meantime. So, your heart and your body will thank you as well.), and don't sit in an idling car - you're polluting MY world too, no matter where you're parked. Even Ruby Tuesday has enacted green policies that prohibit delivery trucks from idling in their parking lots.

*** And if you're so inclined, please tell Congress to Support the EPA's Efforts to Regulate Coal Ash.

Silence is compliance.

HOW YOU LIVE MATTERS.

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Blades of Ass

"As if the birds and the squirrels and the chipmunks or the deer can read signs..." ~ Maureen Charnas (my Mom, bishes)

Because it just goes away after it dries?

Besides the fact that we're clueless that we actually SHARE this world with other life, we're poisoning ourselves. And for what? A lawn WITHOUT "WEEDS"??

SERIOUSLY???

IS EVERYONE FUCKING RETARDED???

No need to answer that.

*** Fritz Haeg's Edible Estates: Attack on the Front Lawn

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Forgiveness

"The greatest evil that can befall man is that he should come to think ill of himself."

~ Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe (1749-1832)

Forgiveness is a pretty tricky thing. Whether ourselves or someone else deserves it or not is really beside the point. Most of us barely know what we're doing. If we really know at all.

So, I think that when it comes to guilt and forgiveness, instead of being crippled by the former, and overwhelmed by the notion of the later, we should own both. We're disasters and we mess up and we learn. And to avoid it being an even bigger disaster, we MOVE ON.

It's the humility that's important. It's okay to be humble. It's a strength, really. True humility is vastly under-rated. It's being secure enough to be insecure. To say, "I totally fucked up and I'm sorry... I don't know what I was thinking..." Or allowing the other person to be sorry, even if they aren't. Because somewhere deep down, they loathe themselves that they can't be strong enough to be regretful and demonstrate that, and that's true punishment - sometimes too much so. And harboring guilt and resentment is an immense burden. It clenches the heart and anchors the spirit. And it gives an unfortunate situation much more merit than it deserves. And it removes us from place and time, it isolates us and takes us away from this very moment.

And this is all we really have.

So, be kind to yourself. And be kind to others.

Okay, I'm done. I'm shutting my pie-hole.

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