Criticize
This is Carnegies first rule in the first section (don’t criticize, condemn, or complain) of his book How to Win Friends and Influence People. I agree with the principle, but don’t believe it accurately reflects real life. Criticism, this is just the kind of thing that some people need to get themselves off their fat, lazy ass to do something. Motivation is a key factor for us humans, and criticism is a big part of it. How many times has a criticism been the catalyst for your self-improvement? How many times has self-criticism forced you to move and make changes in your life? Oh, I’m too this or oh I’m too that and then you go about to change your behavior or amend your attitude.
How many times has your criticism done the same for someone else? You may not have noticed it, because they may never tell you- just as you probably kept your hurt feelings from them when they criticized you. How many times have those stinging rebukes haunted you? How many times have you suffered the burden of those judgements that you felt were unfairly applied? How many times have you thought, I’ll show them?!
Criticizing does not have to be an adventure in sado-masochism. Criticizing does not always have to be a negative. As often as you want to dish the dirt, is as often as you should be willing to compliment and pacify. The critic’s duty is to tell it like it is, for good or ill.
Most of us only think of critics in a negative sense. A critical evaluation can be bad, good, or a combination of the two. Most of us though, are conditioned to hear only the bad, and because of this, we tend to eliminate any good criticisms from our repertoire. How many times does your boss nit-pick the minor details while glossing over the tremendous amount of energy and dedication you donate to the company? How many times can someone look at your time sheet and say you were five minutes late here and there without ever noticing that you worked 57 hours that week?
If you’re too stupid to be able to criticize someone in such a way that you don’t completely tear them down and send them off to the mental hospital then follow Carnegie’s command and not do it. Unless you are a mean bastard and your only goal is to influence, and control the person that you are criticizing, then use your power judiciously. But if you really are a savage, at least try to salvage a bit of decorum, and the person’s sanity, by saying, boohoo, did I make you cry? At least this way you might be able to at least seem humorous.
The most important rule of criticizing, especially if it's negative, is to start out your criticism with the tried and true, "I don't mean to criticize you, but..." And then nail em! Give it to them good! Unleash! And be sure to end it with, "you made me do it..." or "I hate having to say these things to you..." and if it's your wife, girlfriend or husband, "...but I'm willing to overlook all that because I love you for who you are..."
And always remember, plenty of people make a damn good living out of being a critic.
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Monday, January 30, 2006
The Real Way- entry 1 BE LOUD!
Submission #1 on my anti-Dale Carnegie principles, titled for now 'The Real Way to Win Friends and Influence People'
I've wanted to write this for some years now as a humorous look at reality versus the ideal. I like Carnegie, I like the principles and all that jazz...but I just cannot refrain from thinking (believing) that books like Carnegies are funded by the wolves (rich people) with the expressed, but unmentioned, intention of feeding it to the sheep (poor people) as a way to keep them in line. My reasoning is a simple one, the richer you are, the more likely you are to have achieved wealth without regard to the principles. The poorer you are, the more likely you are to repeat to yourself, at least I have my pride; at least I have my honor, at least I have my self-respect; etc etc etc.
Anyways, once a day, I am going to add a new excerpt from the notes I wrote 5 years ago. Check back every day to read the latest entry. These excerpts will not necessarily be the final version of the entries when the book comes out, but hey, it's a good head start.
Entry 1:
Be Loud
- The squeaky wheel gets the oil
Let's face it, when you are trapped in a crowd of people, who gets all the attention? The loud ones. The more they scream, the more they shout, the more they make a spectacle of themselves, the more we listen- the more we pay attention. Loud people are listened to! We may not agree wholeheartedly with what they are saying, in fact, we probably often disagree- even if we never actually voice our disagreements- but it still remains that we have listened. We may not have wanted to listen, but what difference does that make? We had no choice because they were loud.
Now, being loud is not a whole lot different than being rich or powerful, since you have other deceptively effective ways of being heard, such as through the media or just through the sheer force of your wealth. The main difference is that being loud is not inversely proportional to wealth or power; rich people too should be loud- especially if they want to become richer and more powerful.
When it comes to being heard, loud people are definitely heard- the squeaky wheel gets the grease. You've all been in a situation before, where you've patiently waited your turn, only to have some disgruntled jackass push their way to the front of the queue, shouting bloody murder, and commanding the complete and entire rapt attention of a salesperson, sales force, or entire organization. While we are standing there thinking, what a freaking, loud-assed, jackass, moron; as we stand there thinking how disgusting a human being this is, that person is being served; that person is being serviced; that person has loudly demanded attention. You? You are standing there fuming on the inside, thinking bad thoughts, not getting serviced, not getting attention, not being delighted.
When it comes to being loud, think about any social gathering you've been to, think about any bar you've ever gone to, think about any verbal argument you've been in- who gets attention, who garners the spotlight, who wins the fight- the loud ones, that's who! Why do you think that as an argument heats up, voices become raised: because if you can shout down your opponents, you have won. Reason plays no part in it, civility is just a word- there are no tempered arguments that are made, just bad-tempered ones.
So don't be shy, don't care what people think, just be loud. Use it to get attention, use it to get your way, use it as an effective way to get your message across- use it, because it will produce results! And don't worry about your self-respect, using some of the other principles- that will be explained later- will allow you to claim that yours (self-respect) is firmly intact- and you know what? People are going to accept that it is so; why? Because you're going to have a choice to either softly explain your reasons, or LOUDLY proclaim then! Plus don't forget that they are playing by different rules (supposedly), like the one that says forgive and forget.
here are my original written reasons for wanting to write this.
I wanted to write the antithesis to Carnegie Carnegie’s, How to Win Friends and Influence People, because of the company that I work for. From the moment that I walked in and was handed a copy of the book I thought, here we go, let the brainwashing begin.
In all fairness it was my first time reading the book that I had heard so much about, mainly through the media and from a few of my mentors. Of course considering who my mentors were, I had always thought that I should avoid anything that would make me anything even remotely like them :) But alas, here I was, my first day of training at a large, highly respected distributor of electronic components, with a copy of a book I had vowed to avoid, shoved in front of my face and told that I had to become acquainted with it.
After devouring the 4 part, 30 lesson book I was enthused about Carnegie's master plan on how to win friends and influence people. Brilliant, I thought. I’m going to apply all these principles and be a star in both my professional and personal life. HA! Was I ever wrong!
The book is a great insight insofar as it opens your mind to an entire world of human characteristics. In truth if these rules were followed, by everyone, the world would be a much better place. The unfortunate part is that the only people who are told to follow these principles are the masses, the average John and Mary, you and I. I came to the realization that the book had been designed by the wolves and given to the sheep to encourage them not to complain as they were being eaten. This came about, as I observed, not only the behavior in the upper echelons at my company, but also the behavior of the upper echelon worldwide. Let’s face it, the rules are not the same for the rich, famous, and powerful as they are for the average, ordinary human being.
Just out of a sense of absolute cynicism about this devious double standard, I set out to write a few points on the real way to win friends and influence people. From that sprang an entire book and only because I did not want to be taken seriously. I aimed to be funny just in case I was being surreptitiously observed, after all, it has been known to happen in more than one organization. Through the deliberate deception of trying to be funny, a few people who had an inside peek at my work actually laughed and said I should write a book about this. So that’s what I did.
Disclaimer #1
Real life does not always follow a pattern so a few of my rules that seem contradictory are not. Everything has a time and place, so do these rules of engagement.
Disclaimer #2
Remember that this book is written tongue in cheek, humor is the only real intention. I will not accept any responsibility for any moron that goes out and attempts some of the more risqué suggestions and fails or goes to jail. Use-your-head-stupid!
Disclaimer #3
Before making any decisions remember the golden rule, do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. If you can handle it then so can they.
I've wanted to write this for some years now as a humorous look at reality versus the ideal. I like Carnegie, I like the principles and all that jazz...but I just cannot refrain from thinking (believing) that books like Carnegies are funded by the wolves (rich people) with the expressed, but unmentioned, intention of feeding it to the sheep (poor people) as a way to keep them in line. My reasoning is a simple one, the richer you are, the more likely you are to have achieved wealth without regard to the principles. The poorer you are, the more likely you are to repeat to yourself, at least I have my pride; at least I have my honor, at least I have my self-respect; etc etc etc.
Anyways, once a day, I am going to add a new excerpt from the notes I wrote 5 years ago. Check back every day to read the latest entry. These excerpts will not necessarily be the final version of the entries when the book comes out, but hey, it's a good head start.
Entry 1:
Be Loud
- The squeaky wheel gets the oil
Let's face it, when you are trapped in a crowd of people, who gets all the attention? The loud ones. The more they scream, the more they shout, the more they make a spectacle of themselves, the more we listen- the more we pay attention. Loud people are listened to! We may not agree wholeheartedly with what they are saying, in fact, we probably often disagree- even if we never actually voice our disagreements- but it still remains that we have listened. We may not have wanted to listen, but what difference does that make? We had no choice because they were loud.
Now, being loud is not a whole lot different than being rich or powerful, since you have other deceptively effective ways of being heard, such as through the media or just through the sheer force of your wealth. The main difference is that being loud is not inversely proportional to wealth or power; rich people too should be loud- especially if they want to become richer and more powerful.
When it comes to being heard, loud people are definitely heard- the squeaky wheel gets the grease. You've all been in a situation before, where you've patiently waited your turn, only to have some disgruntled jackass push their way to the front of the queue, shouting bloody murder, and commanding the complete and entire rapt attention of a salesperson, sales force, or entire organization. While we are standing there thinking, what a freaking, loud-assed, jackass, moron; as we stand there thinking how disgusting a human being this is, that person is being served; that person is being serviced; that person has loudly demanded attention. You? You are standing there fuming on the inside, thinking bad thoughts, not getting serviced, not getting attention, not being delighted.
When it comes to being loud, think about any social gathering you've been to, think about any bar you've ever gone to, think about any verbal argument you've been in- who gets attention, who garners the spotlight, who wins the fight- the loud ones, that's who! Why do you think that as an argument heats up, voices become raised: because if you can shout down your opponents, you have won. Reason plays no part in it, civility is just a word- there are no tempered arguments that are made, just bad-tempered ones.
So don't be shy, don't care what people think, just be loud. Use it to get attention, use it to get your way, use it as an effective way to get your message across- use it, because it will produce results! And don't worry about your self-respect, using some of the other principles- that will be explained later- will allow you to claim that yours (self-respect) is firmly intact- and you know what? People are going to accept that it is so; why? Because you're going to have a choice to either softly explain your reasons, or LOUDLY proclaim then! Plus don't forget that they are playing by different rules (supposedly), like the one that says forgive and forget.
here are my original written reasons for wanting to write this.
I wanted to write the antithesis to Carnegie Carnegie’s, How to Win Friends and Influence People, because of the company that I work for. From the moment that I walked in and was handed a copy of the book I thought, here we go, let the brainwashing begin.
In all fairness it was my first time reading the book that I had heard so much about, mainly through the media and from a few of my mentors. Of course considering who my mentors were, I had always thought that I should avoid anything that would make me anything even remotely like them :) But alas, here I was, my first day of training at a large, highly respected distributor of electronic components, with a copy of a book I had vowed to avoid, shoved in front of my face and told that I had to become acquainted with it.
After devouring the 4 part, 30 lesson book I was enthused about Carnegie's master plan on how to win friends and influence people. Brilliant, I thought. I’m going to apply all these principles and be a star in both my professional and personal life. HA! Was I ever wrong!
The book is a great insight insofar as it opens your mind to an entire world of human characteristics. In truth if these rules were followed, by everyone, the world would be a much better place. The unfortunate part is that the only people who are told to follow these principles are the masses, the average John and Mary, you and I. I came to the realization that the book had been designed by the wolves and given to the sheep to encourage them not to complain as they were being eaten. This came about, as I observed, not only the behavior in the upper echelons at my company, but also the behavior of the upper echelon worldwide. Let’s face it, the rules are not the same for the rich, famous, and powerful as they are for the average, ordinary human being.
Just out of a sense of absolute cynicism about this devious double standard, I set out to write a few points on the real way to win friends and influence people. From that sprang an entire book and only because I did not want to be taken seriously. I aimed to be funny just in case I was being surreptitiously observed, after all, it has been known to happen in more than one organization. Through the deliberate deception of trying to be funny, a few people who had an inside peek at my work actually laughed and said I should write a book about this. So that’s what I did.
Disclaimer #1
Real life does not always follow a pattern so a few of my rules that seem contradictory are not. Everything has a time and place, so do these rules of engagement.
Disclaimer #2
Remember that this book is written tongue in cheek, humor is the only real intention. I will not accept any responsibility for any moron that goes out and attempts some of the more risqué suggestions and fails or goes to jail. Use-your-head-stupid!
Disclaimer #3
Before making any decisions remember the golden rule, do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. If you can handle it then so can they.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Random thoughts...sort of
People want to know what I think about certain things. I keep telling them that I will write about these issues soon, but somehow, I never find the time. Anyways, soon I will get to the issues:
Iraq
Iran
Hamas...Israel/Palestine
Religion
Social injustice
Iraq
Iran
Hamas...Israel/Palestine
Religion
Social injustice
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Black History Month- From Natalie D
BLACK IN POSITIVE LIGHT
A discussion series
“Black in Positive Light” is a Black History Month discussion series which has been organized by McGill’s Black Students’ Network, Caribbean Students’ Society and African Students’ Society. The goal of this discussion series is to destroy the negativity that is associated with the word black and hence with being “black.” Through these discussions the black students of McGill are promoting pride and respect in being black.
Thursday, February 2nd, 2006, is the first discussion night of the “Black in Positive Light” discussion series. On this night the topic of discussion is “African-Caribbean Relations,” in terms of the things that unite both cultures and the things that cause both cultures to be divided. This discussion night is about finding common ground; it is about finding ways for our black community to work together in a united fashion, and it is about dispelling any misconceptions and stereotypes that both the African and the Caribbean cultures may hold about each others cultures.
Thursday, February 9th, 2006, is the second discussion night of the “Black in Positive Light,” discussion series. On this night we will be acknowledging all of the major contributions/accomplishments that all black people, man as well as woman, have made to mankind. It is time to realize that our history as a people does not all begin and end in slavery. The time has come for us as a people to be acknowledged for the great things that we have accomplished. The time has come!
Thursday, February 16th, 2006, is the final discussion of the “Black in Positive Light,” discussion series, however this discussion is only for the children. Every year the Black Students’ Network of McGill puts together a fun filled day, of a series of workshops and discussions, for various elementary and high school children in the Montreal area.
The whole Montreal community is invited to participate in the various discussion nights, because everyone’s opinions are valued, appreciated and wanted. In order to have a successful discussion many people and opinions are required. In order to make a change many people are required. Let us all get together and unite so that together, as one people, we can make some changes.
All of the discussion nights are free, and are held at 1001 Sherbrooke Street West, in McGill’s Bronfman Building, room 151, at 6:00pm. Refreshments will be served! For more information about the various events please feel free to call: 514-235-1635 or 514-941-8420.
A discussion series
“Black in Positive Light” is a Black History Month discussion series which has been organized by McGill’s Black Students’ Network, Caribbean Students’ Society and African Students’ Society. The goal of this discussion series is to destroy the negativity that is associated with the word black and hence with being “black.” Through these discussions the black students of McGill are promoting pride and respect in being black.
Thursday, February 2nd, 2006, is the first discussion night of the “Black in Positive Light” discussion series. On this night the topic of discussion is “African-Caribbean Relations,” in terms of the things that unite both cultures and the things that cause both cultures to be divided. This discussion night is about finding common ground; it is about finding ways for our black community to work together in a united fashion, and it is about dispelling any misconceptions and stereotypes that both the African and the Caribbean cultures may hold about each others cultures.
Thursday, February 9th, 2006, is the second discussion night of the “Black in Positive Light,” discussion series. On this night we will be acknowledging all of the major contributions/accomplishments that all black people, man as well as woman, have made to mankind. It is time to realize that our history as a people does not all begin and end in slavery. The time has come for us as a people to be acknowledged for the great things that we have accomplished. The time has come!
Thursday, February 16th, 2006, is the final discussion of the “Black in Positive Light,” discussion series, however this discussion is only for the children. Every year the Black Students’ Network of McGill puts together a fun filled day, of a series of workshops and discussions, for various elementary and high school children in the Montreal area.
The whole Montreal community is invited to participate in the various discussion nights, because everyone’s opinions are valued, appreciated and wanted. In order to have a successful discussion many people and opinions are required. In order to make a change many people are required. Let us all get together and unite so that together, as one people, we can make some changes.
All of the discussion nights are free, and are held at 1001 Sherbrooke Street West, in McGill’s Bronfman Building, room 151, at 6:00pm. Refreshments will be served! For more information about the various events please feel free to call: 514-235-1635 or 514-941-8420.
complications
I started this blog to keep a record of my thoughts, poetry, and other writings. Now for some reason when I click on the archives link *december* I get this:
The page cannot be found
The page you are looking for might have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable.
Please try the following:
If you typed the page address in the Address bar, make sure that it is spelled correctly.
Open the www.garfieldjones.com home page, and then look for links to the information you want.
Click the Back button to try another link.
Click Search to look for information on the Internet.
HTTP 404 - File not foundInternet Explorer
Now, how the heck do I fix it?! All the records are where they are supposed to be.
The page cannot be found
The page you are looking for might have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavailable.
Please try the following:
If you typed the page address in the Address bar, make sure that it is spelled correctly.
Open the www.garfieldjones.com home page, and then look for links to the information you want.
Click the Back button to try another link.
Click Search to look for information on the Internet.
HTTP 404 - File not foundInternet Explorer
Now, how the heck do I fix it?! All the records are where they are supposed to be.
Friday, January 27, 2006
NBC comments on Jamie Foxx email
NBC called earlier and the NBC spokesperson's official comment was, "NBC does not comment on baseless rumors and accusations."
I love those kinds of statements- the fact that they are making it is a comment is ironic. They should be saying that their comment is that we don't comment...but I suppose that is already understood in the statement.
Anyways, I was going to make an attempt to contact the Jamie Foxx people, but you know what; there's no point to devoting anymore time to an email specifically designed to demean and degrade blacks, insult Jamie Foxx, and demonize NBC- all while supposedly trying to pump up the viewership for the Jamie Foxx special on NBC.
I love those kinds of statements- the fact that they are making it is a comment is ironic. They should be saying that their comment is that we don't comment...but I suppose that is already understood in the statement.
Anyways, I was going to make an attempt to contact the Jamie Foxx people, but you know what; there's no point to devoting anymore time to an email specifically designed to demean and degrade blacks, insult Jamie Foxx, and demonize NBC- all while supposedly trying to pump up the viewership for the Jamie Foxx special on NBC.
Thursday, January 26, 2006
More comment on that email
There was one part of it that really irked me...even more so than the fact that the entire body of it disturbed me a great deal due to its inaccuracies, untruthfulness, and outright racist undertones. Anyways, this part is what I choose to comment on today:
GREED is another powerful weapon of containment. Blacks, since the abolition of slavery, have had large amounts of money at their disposal. Last year they spent 10 billion dollars during Christmas, out of their450 billion dollars in total yearly income (2.22%)*. Any of us can use them as our target market, for any business venture wecare to dream up, no matter how outlandish, they will buy into it. Being primarily a consumer people, they function totally by greed. They continually want more, with little thought for saving or investing. They would rather buy some new sneaker than invest in starting a business. Some even neglect their children to have the latest Tommy or FUBU, And they still think that having a Mercedes, and a big house gives them "Status" or that they have achieved their Dream. They are fools!
Let me see if I have this right, 13% of the population controls 2.2% of the nations wealth and they should be content and consider themselves somehow rich and/or powerful. The author points out the very inequities which exist in the foundation of the system, the lack of economic equality, and then blames blacks for their misfortunes. The author should have verified the levels of black business investments, home ownership, etc with respect to their lack of economic wealth to see if it compares in any way to the levels of wealth in white America and the relevant levels of investment in business.
What the author seems to have overlooked is that it is a relatively recent event that blacks have been able to accumulate wealth. Generational wealth building had previously been denied to them through law, through legislation, through social construct; through a system designed to ensure a second class mentality and generations of second class citizens. While just about every other class of citizen was allowed to own property and pass it down to their children and grandchildren, those who were considered black were fighting just to be considered as people.
The civil rights act in the 60's was not a hundred years ago, or 75 years ago, and not even quite 50 years ago. It is really only since then that blacks have been allowed to start to accumulate wealth; and still not in an unfettered manner. Even after the civil rights acts, blacks have still had to endure against systematic attempts to establish outright racist policies. It has been barely 1 generation that those pressures have eased somewhat (The existence of the author of this email clearly points to the problems which still exist), allowing blacks to begin the process of accumulating wealth.
So thank you Mr or Mrs author of this vile piece of condescending hatred. Thank you for pointing out the inequities which still exist. Thank you for trying to blame the victims of these inequities. You may feel that racism is a thing of the past and that todays blacks should just get over it, but their lack of wealth- their lack of equal opportunity is a direct result of what was perpetrated against their mother, fathers, and grandparents. Blacks are reaching levels of success, blacks are starting to accumulate wealth, blacks are forging ahead in this new century...no thanks to you.
Now here are my predictions. As more blacks are able to accumulate wealth and move up the economic ladder, then there are a few things you will see emerging over the next 100 years:
more black doctors
more black lawyers
more black accountants
more black pharmacists
more black entrepreurs
more black millionaires
more black photographers
more black golfers
more black hockey players
more black tennis players
more black swimmers
more black translators
more black executives
more black PHDs
In essence, all the occupations and activities that are associated with the middle class, will still be associated with the middle class...but more blacks will be a part of the middle class. So these activities, these occupations are better not defined in terms of color, but in terms of economics. Whoever is 13% of a nations population but only 2.2% of the nations wealth, will not be experiencing these things in numbers proportional to their share of the population.
GREED is another powerful weapon of containment. Blacks, since the abolition of slavery, have had large amounts of money at their disposal. Last year they spent 10 billion dollars during Christmas, out of their450 billion dollars in total yearly income (2.22%)*. Any of us can use them as our target market, for any business venture wecare to dream up, no matter how outlandish, they will buy into it. Being primarily a consumer people, they function totally by greed. They continually want more, with little thought for saving or investing. They would rather buy some new sneaker than invest in starting a business. Some even neglect their children to have the latest Tommy or FUBU, And they still think that having a Mercedes, and a big house gives them "Status" or that they have achieved their Dream. They are fools!
Let me see if I have this right, 13% of the population controls 2.2% of the nations wealth and they should be content and consider themselves somehow rich and/or powerful. The author points out the very inequities which exist in the foundation of the system, the lack of economic equality, and then blames blacks for their misfortunes. The author should have verified the levels of black business investments, home ownership, etc with respect to their lack of economic wealth to see if it compares in any way to the levels of wealth in white America and the relevant levels of investment in business.
What the author seems to have overlooked is that it is a relatively recent event that blacks have been able to accumulate wealth. Generational wealth building had previously been denied to them through law, through legislation, through social construct; through a system designed to ensure a second class mentality and generations of second class citizens. While just about every other class of citizen was allowed to own property and pass it down to their children and grandchildren, those who were considered black were fighting just to be considered as people.
The civil rights act in the 60's was not a hundred years ago, or 75 years ago, and not even quite 50 years ago. It is really only since then that blacks have been allowed to start to accumulate wealth; and still not in an unfettered manner. Even after the civil rights acts, blacks have still had to endure against systematic attempts to establish outright racist policies. It has been barely 1 generation that those pressures have eased somewhat (The existence of the author of this email clearly points to the problems which still exist), allowing blacks to begin the process of accumulating wealth.
So thank you Mr or Mrs author of this vile piece of condescending hatred. Thank you for pointing out the inequities which still exist. Thank you for trying to blame the victims of these inequities. You may feel that racism is a thing of the past and that todays blacks should just get over it, but their lack of wealth- their lack of equal opportunity is a direct result of what was perpetrated against their mother, fathers, and grandparents. Blacks are reaching levels of success, blacks are starting to accumulate wealth, blacks are forging ahead in this new century...no thanks to you.
Now here are my predictions. As more blacks are able to accumulate wealth and move up the economic ladder, then there are a few things you will see emerging over the next 100 years:
more black doctors
more black lawyers
more black accountants
more black pharmacists
more black entrepreurs
more black millionaires
more black photographers
more black golfers
more black hockey players
more black tennis players
more black swimmers
more black translators
more black executives
more black PHDs
In essence, all the occupations and activities that are associated with the middle class, will still be associated with the middle class...but more blacks will be a part of the middle class. So these activities, these occupations are better not defined in terms of color, but in terms of economics. Whoever is 13% of a nations population but only 2.2% of the nations wealth, will not be experiencing these things in numbers proportional to their share of the population.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Another email special
Another email I received. My answer appears at the very bottom.
Subject: A statement read on NY Radio! The sad thing about this article is that the essence of it is true. The truth hurts. I just hope this sets more Black people in motion towards making real progress. Chris Rock, a Black comedian, even joked that Blacks don't read. Help prove them wrong! Read and pass on.
Please Note: For those of you who heard it, this is the article Dee Lee was reading this morning on a New York radio station. For those of you who didn'thear it, this is very deep. This is a heavy piece and a Caucasian wrote it.
THEY ARE STILL OUR SLAVES ! We can continue to reap profits from the Blacks without the effort of physical slavery. Look at the current methods of containment that they use on themselves: IGNORANCE, GREED,and SELFISHNESS. Their IGNORANCE is the primary weapon of containment. A great man once said, "The best way to hide something from Black people is to put it in a book."
We now live in the Information Age. They have gained the opportunity to read any book on any subject through the efforts of their fight for freedom, yet they refuse to read. There are numerous books readily available at Borders, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.com, not to mention their own Black Bookstores that provide solid blueprints to reach economic equality (which should have been their fight all along), but few read consistently, if at all.
GREED is another powerful weapon of containment. Blacks, since the abolition of slavery, have had large amounts of money at their disposal. Last year they spent 10 billion dollars during Christmas, out of their450 billion dollars in total yearly income (2.22%)*. Any of us can use them as our target market, for any business venture wecare to dream up, no matter how outlandish, they will buy into it. Being primarily a consumer people, they function totally by greed. They continually want more, with little thought for saving or investing. They would rather buy some new sneaker than invest in starting a business. Some even neglect their children to have the latest Tommy or FUBU, And they still think that having a Mercedes, and a big house gives them "Status" or that they have achieved their Dream. They are fools!
The vast majority of their people are still in poverty because their greed holds them back from collectively making better communities. With the help of BET, and the rest of their black media that often broadcasts destructive images into their own homes, we will continue to see huge profits like those of Tommy and Nike. (Tommy Hilfiger has even jeered them, saying he doesn't want their money, and look at how the fools spend more with him than ever before!). They'll continue to show off to each other while we build solid communities with the profits from our businesses that we market to them.
SELFISHNESS, ingrained in their minds through slavery, is one of themajor ways we can continue to contain them. One of their own, Dubois said that there was an innate division in their culture. A "TalentedTenth" he called it. He was correct in his deduction that there are segments of their culture that has achieved some "form" of success. However, that segment missed the fullness of his work. They didn't read that the "Talented Tenth"was then responsible to aid The Non-Talented Ninety Percent in achievinga better life. Instead, that segment has created another class, a Buppie class that looks down on their people or aids them in a condescending manner. They will never achieve what we have. Theirselfishness does not allow them to be able to work together on any project or endeavor of substance. When they do get together, their selfishness lets their egos get in the way of their goal.
Their so-called help organizations seem to only want to promote their name without making any real change in their community. They are content to sit in conferences and conventions in our hotels, and talk about what they will do, while they award plaques to the best speakers, not to the best doers. Is there no end to their selfishness?
They steadfastly refuse to see that TOGETHER EACH ACHIEVES MORE (TEAM) They do not understand that they are no better than each other because of what they own, as a matter of fact, most of those Buppies are but one or two pay checks away from poverty. All of which is under the controlof our pens in our offices and our rooms. Yes, we will continue to contain them as long as they refuse to read, continue to buy anything they want, and keep thinking they are "helping" their communities by paying dues to organizations which do little other than hold lavish conventions in our hotels. By the way, don't worry about any of them reading this letter, remember, 'THEY DON'T READ!!!!
(Prove them wrong. Please pass this on! After Reading it..) Marcia James Heroine of Faith Fight the good fight of faith, lay holdon eternal life, unto which thou art also called and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.1Timothy 6:12
First off, the reference to Hilfiger is an urban legend...he never spoke those words and what people continue to do to try to ruin his reputation is outrageous. http://www.snopes.com/racial/business/hilfiger.asp
As for the rest of it- pure, unadulterated rubbish, without a shred of truth! Unless that truth applies to all of middle America, because it cannot apply uniquely to blacks. Think about the people on this list that this email was sent to, do any of them represent the so called "blacks" in this article? Do any of you consider yourself as the target that this tripe refers to? I sincerely doubt it. Yet I have no doubt that some of you are shaking your heads in agreement with parts of it- the author goes so far as to say that "the essence of it is true". Now here is my question; if this article is all about black people and it's not about you...then who is it aimed at? Who are the "black people" it refers to. If any of you had pictures of some other group in your mind, then you seriously need to examine your own internalized negative impressions of other black people. After you do that, ask yourself one further question, if I have such a destructive attitude towards people of color, how can we expect any less from others?
Subject: A statement read on NY Radio! The sad thing about this article is that the essence of it is true. The truth hurts. I just hope this sets more Black people in motion towards making real progress. Chris Rock, a Black comedian, even joked that Blacks don't read. Help prove them wrong! Read and pass on.
Please Note: For those of you who heard it, this is the article Dee Lee was reading this morning on a New York radio station. For those of you who didn'thear it, this is very deep. This is a heavy piece and a Caucasian wrote it.
THEY ARE STILL OUR SLAVES ! We can continue to reap profits from the Blacks without the effort of physical slavery. Look at the current methods of containment that they use on themselves: IGNORANCE, GREED,and SELFISHNESS. Their IGNORANCE is the primary weapon of containment. A great man once said, "The best way to hide something from Black people is to put it in a book."
We now live in the Information Age. They have gained the opportunity to read any book on any subject through the efforts of their fight for freedom, yet they refuse to read. There are numerous books readily available at Borders, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.com, not to mention their own Black Bookstores that provide solid blueprints to reach economic equality (which should have been their fight all along), but few read consistently, if at all.
GREED is another powerful weapon of containment. Blacks, since the abolition of slavery, have had large amounts of money at their disposal. Last year they spent 10 billion dollars during Christmas, out of their450 billion dollars in total yearly income (2.22%)*. Any of us can use them as our target market, for any business venture wecare to dream up, no matter how outlandish, they will buy into it. Being primarily a consumer people, they function totally by greed. They continually want more, with little thought for saving or investing. They would rather buy some new sneaker than invest in starting a business. Some even neglect their children to have the latest Tommy or FUBU, And they still think that having a Mercedes, and a big house gives them "Status" or that they have achieved their Dream. They are fools!
The vast majority of their people are still in poverty because their greed holds them back from collectively making better communities. With the help of BET, and the rest of their black media that often broadcasts destructive images into their own homes, we will continue to see huge profits like those of Tommy and Nike. (Tommy Hilfiger has even jeered them, saying he doesn't want their money, and look at how the fools spend more with him than ever before!). They'll continue to show off to each other while we build solid communities with the profits from our businesses that we market to them.
SELFISHNESS, ingrained in their minds through slavery, is one of themajor ways we can continue to contain them. One of their own, Dubois said that there was an innate division in their culture. A "TalentedTenth" he called it. He was correct in his deduction that there are segments of their culture that has achieved some "form" of success. However, that segment missed the fullness of his work. They didn't read that the "Talented Tenth"was then responsible to aid The Non-Talented Ninety Percent in achievinga better life. Instead, that segment has created another class, a Buppie class that looks down on their people or aids them in a condescending manner. They will never achieve what we have. Theirselfishness does not allow them to be able to work together on any project or endeavor of substance. When they do get together, their selfishness lets their egos get in the way of their goal.
Their so-called help organizations seem to only want to promote their name without making any real change in their community. They are content to sit in conferences and conventions in our hotels, and talk about what they will do, while they award plaques to the best speakers, not to the best doers. Is there no end to their selfishness?
They steadfastly refuse to see that TOGETHER EACH ACHIEVES MORE (TEAM) They do not understand that they are no better than each other because of what they own, as a matter of fact, most of those Buppies are but one or two pay checks away from poverty. All of which is under the controlof our pens in our offices and our rooms. Yes, we will continue to contain them as long as they refuse to read, continue to buy anything they want, and keep thinking they are "helping" their communities by paying dues to organizations which do little other than hold lavish conventions in our hotels. By the way, don't worry about any of them reading this letter, remember, 'THEY DON'T READ!!!!
(Prove them wrong. Please pass this on! After Reading it..) Marcia James Heroine of Faith Fight the good fight of faith, lay holdon eternal life, unto which thou art also called and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.1Timothy 6:12
First off, the reference to Hilfiger is an urban legend...he never spoke those words and what people continue to do to try to ruin his reputation is outrageous. http://www.snopes.com/racial/business/hilfiger.asp
As for the rest of it- pure, unadulterated rubbish, without a shred of truth! Unless that truth applies to all of middle America, because it cannot apply uniquely to blacks. Think about the people on this list that this email was sent to, do any of them represent the so called "blacks" in this article? Do any of you consider yourself as the target that this tripe refers to? I sincerely doubt it. Yet I have no doubt that some of you are shaking your heads in agreement with parts of it- the author goes so far as to say that "the essence of it is true". Now here is my question; if this article is all about black people and it's not about you...then who is it aimed at? Who are the "black people" it refers to. If any of you had pictures of some other group in your mind, then you seriously need to examine your own internalized negative impressions of other black people. After you do that, ask yourself one further question, if I have such a destructive attitude towards people of color, how can we expect any less from others?
Jamie Foxx special
I just received this email from a friend
Subject: FW: Jamie Foxx - Music Special Controversy on NBC
cc
Subject Jamie Foxx – Music Special
Controversy on NBC(Document link: Andrea Harrison)
Please take the time to forward the below message to everyone in your address book. NBC is not doing any marketing & publicity on Jamie's Music Special on NBC because he stood his ground and wouldn't have any white guest as they requested. To make it even worse he had two controversial guest stars, that do not fit the "NBC profile" on his show. Tune in to find out who they are. They are purposely putting his show up against the second week of American Idol in hopes that it will fail. This will give them the excuse to never give another black person a music special because "it doesn't work". Let's show them that it does work, and that we support each other. Tivo Idol, and watch Jamie. I saw the taping, it is a good show.
J Foxx making history on NBC. This is the first time NBC
has ever aired an entire young urban African American cast on a
music special. We need to show support. This was not an easy sell for
Jamie and he stood his ground to make it happen the way he saw fit.
JAMIE FOXX MUSIC SPECIAL WILL BROADCAST WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25TH @ 8:00PM PST on NBC. PLEASE MAKE IT A POINT WATCH! There will be surprise special guests.
Where do I start...I guess first, it's fair to say that I put a call into NBC in order for them to comment on this. I should also put a call into Jamie Foxx's people to see if they have any comments- but I will wait for the official NBC position before I do that.
My gut reaction and my overwhelming suspicion is that the only true part about this is that Jamie Foxx is having a special on NBC. If this email was started as a way to pump the show amongst the black community then whoever started the chain should be tracked down and prosecuted...if, of course, the allegations are made up. These people would not be doing the black community or any community any good by fanning the flames of prejudice with their own prejudicial and destructive actions.
Just for arguments sake, let's say the story is somewhat true; for me a few pertinent questions come to mind:
Is it ok for a black man to specify that he does not want white people on his show?
- flip that around, let's say it was a Guns and Roses special and they specifically asked that no blacks appear, should black people be outraged?
Did NBC request to have a performer on the show and was turned down because the performer was white?
- again flip it, and think about how blacks would react.
If there was no specific exclusion by color by Jamie Foxx of the guests on his show, but NBC wanted to include a guest specifically because they were white- then NBC was in the wrong. If that were the case, then the tone of this email maligns Jamie Foxx and casts him in a bad light, and he would be owed an apology by the author of it.
If it had been stipulated by Foxx from the start that no white people would be allowed, then the KKK may as well just send him an honorary card allowing him into their ranks- they would effectively share the same mindset.
There may have been a few wrongs committed here, but no matter how you slice it, the greatest wrong being committed here is by whoever authored this email. They managed to make Jamie Foxx look bad, they managed to make NBC look bad- all the while trying to promote them both; ironic isn't it?
Subject: FW: Jamie Foxx - Music Special Controversy on NBC
cc
Subject Jamie Foxx – Music Special
Controversy on NBC(Document link: Andrea Harrison)
Please take the time to forward the below message to everyone in your address book. NBC is not doing any marketing & publicity on Jamie's Music Special on NBC because he stood his ground and wouldn't have any white guest as they requested. To make it even worse he had two controversial guest stars, that do not fit the "NBC profile" on his show. Tune in to find out who they are. They are purposely putting his show up against the second week of American Idol in hopes that it will fail. This will give them the excuse to never give another black person a music special because "it doesn't work". Let's show them that it does work, and that we support each other. Tivo Idol, and watch Jamie. I saw the taping, it is a good show.
J Foxx making history on NBC. This is the first time NBC
has ever aired an entire young urban African American cast on a
music special. We need to show support. This was not an easy sell for
Jamie and he stood his ground to make it happen the way he saw fit.
JAMIE FOXX MUSIC SPECIAL WILL BROADCAST WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25TH @ 8:00PM PST on NBC. PLEASE MAKE IT A POINT WATCH! There will be surprise special guests.
Where do I start...I guess first, it's fair to say that I put a call into NBC in order for them to comment on this. I should also put a call into Jamie Foxx's people to see if they have any comments- but I will wait for the official NBC position before I do that.
My gut reaction and my overwhelming suspicion is that the only true part about this is that Jamie Foxx is having a special on NBC. If this email was started as a way to pump the show amongst the black community then whoever started the chain should be tracked down and prosecuted...if, of course, the allegations are made up. These people would not be doing the black community or any community any good by fanning the flames of prejudice with their own prejudicial and destructive actions.
Just for arguments sake, let's say the story is somewhat true; for me a few pertinent questions come to mind:
Is it ok for a black man to specify that he does not want white people on his show?
- flip that around, let's say it was a Guns and Roses special and they specifically asked that no blacks appear, should black people be outraged?
Did NBC request to have a performer on the show and was turned down because the performer was white?
- again flip it, and think about how blacks would react.
If there was no specific exclusion by color by Jamie Foxx of the guests on his show, but NBC wanted to include a guest specifically because they were white- then NBC was in the wrong. If that were the case, then the tone of this email maligns Jamie Foxx and casts him in a bad light, and he would be owed an apology by the author of it.
If it had been stipulated by Foxx from the start that no white people would be allowed, then the KKK may as well just send him an honorary card allowing him into their ranks- they would effectively share the same mindset.
There may have been a few wrongs committed here, but no matter how you slice it, the greatest wrong being committed here is by whoever authored this email. They managed to make Jamie Foxx look bad, they managed to make NBC look bad- all the while trying to promote them both; ironic isn't it?
Imposssible Fates
Getting around to a long sought after desire to post my poetry somewhere that is mine. I'm going through my writings and will gradually post them all, even the bad stuff...I have no shame :)
This one is titled:
Impossible Fates
Cruel love, cruel life-
Is everything a lie?
You haunt me, you taunt me;
You’ve peeled off my
Cloak of invincibility;
Leaving me exposed;
Naked in limbo;
Fearful and clinging
To a hope of an impossibility;
Imagining the worst-
Craving the best.
Each new moon, brings with it dread
Each new dream, a new thread
Of the ways in and out
Of your life.
Red eyes glowing- mocking me
To wake up and sleep no more;
For sleep brings dreams, and dreams
Thoughts of unfulfilled potentials;
Losing you, gaining you,
Loving you, hating you,
Waiting for you, having you,
Whispering to you, holding you,
Leaving you, filling you,
Being with you, marrying you.
The tingle- the tension that aches;
Which forces me awake;
The wondering why;
The hope of why not;
Our desperate reality;
Our mutual drug,
Our mutual dependency;
Our mutual obsession;
Our passion and our passions!
Yearning for more,
Hoping for something else; all else;
Having something else-
Needing nothing less,
Than the love we clearly share-
Or, do we dare
To express our true feelings;
For fear of it taking us there;
To a place, to a life, together;
Is this merely a long-term distraction?
A segue from fate?
Desires to hide inside each other?
The walls of my heart have been breeched,
By the relentlessness of your presence-
Even alone, it attacks from within;
Bringing calamity, bringing joy,
Bringing dread, bringing peace,
Bringing duality.
Bringing the thoughts in my head
Bringing me up, down, inside, out;
I want to be void, I wish to be dead,
On the inside, instead of this exposed
Weakness dying of distress.
I seek to be callous, uncaring, unforgiving;
A cad, a loner, a lover, alone…
I hope to be with you forever
Not just in my dreams,
Not just behind closed eyes,
Not just in my nightmares;
Losing you leaves me scared;
Awake in a cold sweat
Afraid that my visions are true.
I wish to shed my clothes,
I wish to rip out my soul
And replace it with a cold shield;
Leaving me exposed no more.
This one is titled:
Impossible Fates
Cruel love, cruel life-
Is everything a lie?
You haunt me, you taunt me;
You’ve peeled off my
Cloak of invincibility;
Leaving me exposed;
Naked in limbo;
Fearful and clinging
To a hope of an impossibility;
Imagining the worst-
Craving the best.
Each new moon, brings with it dread
Each new dream, a new thread
Of the ways in and out
Of your life.
Red eyes glowing- mocking me
To wake up and sleep no more;
For sleep brings dreams, and dreams
Thoughts of unfulfilled potentials;
Losing you, gaining you,
Loving you, hating you,
Waiting for you, having you,
Whispering to you, holding you,
Leaving you, filling you,
Being with you, marrying you.
The tingle- the tension that aches;
Which forces me awake;
The wondering why;
The hope of why not;
Our desperate reality;
Our mutual drug,
Our mutual dependency;
Our mutual obsession;
Our passion and our passions!
Yearning for more,
Hoping for something else; all else;
Having something else-
Needing nothing less,
Than the love we clearly share-
Or, do we dare
To express our true feelings;
For fear of it taking us there;
To a place, to a life, together;
Is this merely a long-term distraction?
A segue from fate?
Desires to hide inside each other?
The walls of my heart have been breeched,
By the relentlessness of your presence-
Even alone, it attacks from within;
Bringing calamity, bringing joy,
Bringing dread, bringing peace,
Bringing duality.
Bringing the thoughts in my head
Bringing me up, down, inside, out;
I want to be void, I wish to be dead,
On the inside, instead of this exposed
Weakness dying of distress.
I seek to be callous, uncaring, unforgiving;
A cad, a loner, a lover, alone…
I hope to be with you forever
Not just in my dreams,
Not just behind closed eyes,
Not just in my nightmares;
Losing you leaves me scared;
Awake in a cold sweat
Afraid that my visions are true.
I wish to shed my clothes,
I wish to rip out my soul
And replace it with a cold shield;
Leaving me exposed no more.
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
The political situation
Should be a fun 8 months- since the next election will be called by September/October. A Conservative minority is the only minority that cannot sustain itself simply because they will not be able to form a coalition of any kind with the other parties. The Bloc and the NDP are disaffected liberals and in fact are more liberal than the liberals. They would deal with Harper as a hostage taker deals with a hostage.
Martin quit a little too early. With the Bloc and NDP support, the government would still be his to control. Even without it, that still would have made him the defacto prime minister anyways, with Harper relying on his support to govern. He could have chosen to stay on and remake his public image through compromise when needed, and steadfast opposition when required.
What is done is done though, so now the liberals get the chance to have the focus over the next 8 months - grab the media spotlight in their search for a new leader. This is the only opportunity that Harper will get to enact any of his proposed legislation since he will not face any great levels of resistance.In fact, his best bet is to try to divide the liberal party even more by issuing frequent challenges to the leadership hopefuls to comment on their support of his policies. Liberals will need to resist the urge to feed on each other if they do not wish to lose the majority they should have in the next election.
Once the gyrations are over with in the leadership race, the prediction is that the country will now have a newly invigorated and united liberal party- which, here in Canada, is a pretty powerful force. The new leader will be itching to lead and a plurality of the voters, through opinion polls, will want them to lead. Of course anything can happen during the course of an election; but a liberal majority should be the expected outcome.
Harper will need to avoid any missteps, his people will need to be on their best behavior, and he is going to need a lot of luck.
Martin quit a little too early. With the Bloc and NDP support, the government would still be his to control. Even without it, that still would have made him the defacto prime minister anyways, with Harper relying on his support to govern. He could have chosen to stay on and remake his public image through compromise when needed, and steadfast opposition when required.
What is done is done though, so now the liberals get the chance to have the focus over the next 8 months - grab the media spotlight in their search for a new leader. This is the only opportunity that Harper will get to enact any of his proposed legislation since he will not face any great levels of resistance.In fact, his best bet is to try to divide the liberal party even more by issuing frequent challenges to the leadership hopefuls to comment on their support of his policies. Liberals will need to resist the urge to feed on each other if they do not wish to lose the majority they should have in the next election.
Once the gyrations are over with in the leadership race, the prediction is that the country will now have a newly invigorated and united liberal party- which, here in Canada, is a pretty powerful force. The new leader will be itching to lead and a plurality of the voters, through opinion polls, will want them to lead. Of course anything can happen during the course of an election; but a liberal majority should be the expected outcome.
Harper will need to avoid any missteps, his people will need to be on their best behavior, and he is going to need a lot of luck.
Paul Martin
I believe it is a mistake for Martin to step down as leader of the party...more on that tomorrow.
Monday, January 23, 2006
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Advertisingball is on. Anyways
Amazingly, they are having an effect. Thank God (or whatever power may be- OWPMB) that football is on...good call Liberals! Only because, while I am cheering on my favorites, the last thing I need to hear is negativity. And if I am cheering on my team, the last team I need to hear is negativity. The most negative ads on the air right now has to go to the CONSERVATIVES! After almost convincing me to vote conservative with a very positive, clean, and forward looking campaign- the conservatives have deluged the airwaves with a slew of negative ads that force me to think that it's not really about change, and values, but the same arrogant bid for power that the Liberals (and everyone else) has...way to go in your bid to change my vote!
And also
Thinking about that little saying I wrote yesterday; do you think I ought to change it to:
humility when with power, and humility when without, ought not be inversely proportional ideals?
"Ought" what a word...thanks Bill.
Anyways,
I wrote this for the love of my life for she is all these things:
The north wind, resolute and stout;
Everlasting, swirling through;
Screaming, dispatching mists of doubt;
Erasing fear; no rescue
From the throng pressed nose to nose;
Seeking salvation through remorse.
The eastern wind, dazzling, confused-
About which direction, the path ahead;
Tallying with the north, amused;
The east is touched; for having touched,
Thus touch reciprocates;
A light breaks through the east winds gate.
The Southern wind, wildly winds
It’s way through, scorhing all with a mere wisp-
A power slicing through the din;
The strong north will collapse
Joyfully bathing in the warmth
and glow- secure in what it knows.
The western wind, straight from love;
A wild adventurer, which moves worlds;
Intense, amorous, playfull- discovers,
Explores, seeks, and treasures;
But above all else, blow wind blow,
And fill the world with pleasures.
humility when with power, and humility when without, ought not be inversely proportional ideals?
"Ought" what a word...thanks Bill.
Anyways,
I wrote this for the love of my life for she is all these things:
The north wind, resolute and stout;
Everlasting, swirling through;
Screaming, dispatching mists of doubt;
Erasing fear; no rescue
From the throng pressed nose to nose;
Seeking salvation through remorse.
The eastern wind, dazzling, confused-
About which direction, the path ahead;
Tallying with the north, amused;
The east is touched; for having touched,
Thus touch reciprocates;
A light breaks through the east winds gate.
The Southern wind, wildly winds
It’s way through, scorhing all with a mere wisp-
A power slicing through the din;
The strong north will collapse
Joyfully bathing in the warmth
and glow- secure in what it knows.
The western wind, straight from love;
A wild adventurer, which moves worlds;
Intense, amorous, playfull- discovers,
Explores, seeks, and treasures;
But above all else, blow wind blow,
And fill the world with pleasures.
What's New Today
Nothing really...Sunday morning, playing a little poker, getting the head straight for the upcoming week.
Speaking of free poker, there are so many places you can go to play free poker and actually win money from playing it. My favorite places are:
Bet365, Poker Time, Royal Vegas - same platform and I believe they all actually give you $10 free when you sign up to play free poker. Every day they have a $1000 free roll (free poker with a prize pool of $1000 usd) poker game at 1pm est; lots of players though, so schedule a few hours for it if you are a tight player.
Poker Host- They have free tournaments all day long.
Poker Stars- a lot of free tournaments, mainly with play money- but the formats are always interesting
Poker Champs- some people find their set up confusing, but I find it the easiest to play on because of the structure. During the off hours, they have a free roll tournament every hour.
Absolute Poker- off peak hours, they have interesting free rolls twice every hour.
Ultimate Bet Poker- lots of interesting free tournaments; great prizes and rewards
And of course my own poker room where you can only play free poker- Pokerpal
There's a lot of places that advertise free poker tournaments, but when you get there you find that free poker kicks in if you make a deposit and play a certain amount of raked hands everyday. The rooms I've listed are entirely free, no deposit needed, no raked hands requirement- just free poker tournaments.
Speaking of free poker, there are so many places you can go to play free poker and actually win money from playing it. My favorite places are:
Bet365, Poker Time, Royal Vegas - same platform and I believe they all actually give you $10 free when you sign up to play free poker. Every day they have a $1000 free roll (free poker with a prize pool of $1000 usd) poker game at 1pm est; lots of players though, so schedule a few hours for it if you are a tight player.
Poker Host- They have free tournaments all day long.
Poker Stars- a lot of free tournaments, mainly with play money- but the formats are always interesting
Poker Champs- some people find their set up confusing, but I find it the easiest to play on because of the structure. During the off hours, they have a free roll tournament every hour.
Absolute Poker- off peak hours, they have interesting free rolls twice every hour.
Ultimate Bet Poker- lots of interesting free tournaments; great prizes and rewards
And of course my own poker room where you can only play free poker- Pokerpal
There's a lot of places that advertise free poker tournaments, but when you get there you find that free poker kicks in if you make a deposit and play a certain amount of raked hands everyday. The rooms I've listed are entirely free, no deposit needed, no raked hands requirement- just free poker tournaments.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Just a thought
Humility when with power and humility when without, are not inversely proportional ideals.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Michele's submission to the blog
A driver is stuck in a traffic jam on the highway. Nothing was moving.
Suddenly a man knocks on the window. The driver rolls down his window and
asks, “What happened?”
Terrorists have kidnapped Paul Martin, Stephen Harper, Jack Layton & Gilles
Duceppe. They are asking for a $10 million ransom. Otherwise they are going
to douse them with gasoline and set them on fire. We are going from car
to car, taking up a collection.”
The driver asks, “How much is everyone giving, on average?”
The man replies, “About a gallon”
Suddenly a man knocks on the window. The driver rolls down his window and
asks, “What happened?”
Terrorists have kidnapped Paul Martin, Stephen Harper, Jack Layton & Gilles
Duceppe. They are asking for a $10 million ransom. Otherwise they are going
to douse them with gasoline and set them on fire. We are going from car
to car, taking up a collection.”
The driver asks, “How much is everyone giving, on average?”
The man replies, “About a gallon”
Monday, January 16, 2006
The Election
The election is drfawing nearer and nearer and so far I have only received one response from the big 4 that I sent my article last week and that was Stephen Harper- here it is:
Thank you for your e-mail message to Stephen Harper, Leader of the Opposition. Your views and suggestions are important to us. Once they have been carefully considered, you may receive a further reply.
*Remember to include your mailing address if you would like a response.
If you prefer to send your thoughts by regular mail, please address them to:
Stephen Harper, M.P.
Leader of the Opposition
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Mail may be sent postage free to any Member of Parliament.
You can also reach Mr. Harper by fax at: (613) 947-0310
Merci d'avoir écrit à Stephen Harper, le chef de l'opposition officielle. Votre opinion est importante pour nous. Lorsque nous l'aurons étudiée avec soin, nous pourrons vous faire parvenir une réponse.
*N'oubliez pas d'inclure votre adresse postale si vous voulez recevoir une réponse.
Si vous préférez nous écrire en utilisant les services postaux régulièrs, veuillez le faire au :
Stephen Harper, député
Chef de l'opposition officielle
Chambre des communes
Ottawa (Ontario) K1A 0A6
Vous pouvez écrire sans affranchissement à tous les députés fédéraux.
Vous pouvez également joindre M. Harper par fax au (613) 947-0310.
Now while it is a pretty lame response, so far it is the only response, the only acknowledgement that addressed my concerns- pay attention Mr. Martin, Mr. Layton, and Mr. Duceppe. My vote is tilting back towards the conservatives because of this response. In my mind, if it is any indication of the way Mr. Harper intends to govern, then it is a good one. For while we may disagree with the government, there is one redeeming feature of any good government they listen when we speak. Although I may consider the response lame- and I have no reasonable expectation that the government will agree with me on every grievance- it is important to know that the government is at least listening...even if it is not really paying attention.
So while I am thoroughly disappointed with the response, I am content that Harper responded- so I have tilted back to my mind being semi made-up to vote conservative.
Thank you for your e-mail message to Stephen Harper, Leader of the Opposition. Your views and suggestions are important to us. Once they have been carefully considered, you may receive a further reply.
*Remember to include your mailing address if you would like a response.
If you prefer to send your thoughts by regular mail, please address them to:
Stephen Harper, M.P.
Leader of the Opposition
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6
Mail may be sent postage free to any Member of Parliament.
You can also reach Mr. Harper by fax at: (613) 947-0310
Merci d'avoir écrit à Stephen Harper, le chef de l'opposition officielle. Votre opinion est importante pour nous. Lorsque nous l'aurons étudiée avec soin, nous pourrons vous faire parvenir une réponse.
*N'oubliez pas d'inclure votre adresse postale si vous voulez recevoir une réponse.
Si vous préférez nous écrire en utilisant les services postaux régulièrs, veuillez le faire au :
Stephen Harper, député
Chef de l'opposition officielle
Chambre des communes
Ottawa (Ontario) K1A 0A6
Vous pouvez écrire sans affranchissement à tous les députés fédéraux.
Vous pouvez également joindre M. Harper par fax au (613) 947-0310.
Now while it is a pretty lame response, so far it is the only response, the only acknowledgement that addressed my concerns- pay attention Mr. Martin, Mr. Layton, and Mr. Duceppe. My vote is tilting back towards the conservatives because of this response. In my mind, if it is any indication of the way Mr. Harper intends to govern, then it is a good one. For while we may disagree with the government, there is one redeeming feature of any good government they listen when we speak. Although I may consider the response lame- and I have no reasonable expectation that the government will agree with me on every grievance- it is important to know that the government is at least listening...even if it is not really paying attention.
So while I am thoroughly disappointed with the response, I am content that Harper responded- so I have tilted back to my mind being semi made-up to vote conservative.
Friday, January 13, 2006
More Words of Wisdom
From Kulwant Jutla
YOU ARE YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Always be mindful that you're a product of your environment.
So choose an environment that will best develop youtoward your objective.
Analyze your life in terms of your environment.
Are the things around you helping you toward your success,or are they holding you back?
The first step toward getting somewhereis to decide that you're not going to stay where you are.
You're not a captive of your environment.
If you don't like where you are, you can make some changes.
You're not planted permanently in the ground like a tree.
Don't say, "You would, if you could,"start saying, "You will, because you can."
When you become a part of anything it becomes a part of you.
YOU ARE YOUR ENVIRONMENT
Always be mindful that you're a product of your environment.
So choose an environment that will best develop youtoward your objective.
Analyze your life in terms of your environment.
Are the things around you helping you toward your success,or are they holding you back?
The first step toward getting somewhereis to decide that you're not going to stay where you are.
You're not a captive of your environment.
If you don't like where you are, you can make some changes.
You're not planted permanently in the ground like a tree.
Don't say, "You would, if you could,"start saying, "You will, because you can."
When you become a part of anything it becomes a part of you.
The article
seems like a lot of people went to my article- in fact more people than I had originally sent it out to...hardly any responses though.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
To Liberal or not to Liberal
An interesting thing happened to me on the way back from a BNI meeting this morning, I changed the radio station from the sports station, TEAM990 to this new news station, 940NEWS, that I saw advertised in the Montreal Gazette. This is fascinating for two reasons: one, I always listen to sports radio; and two, I have been completely disinterested in the political process during this election cycle.
I mean look at the choices:
MARTIN, The Right Hon. Paul Edgar Philippe, P.C., Hon. B.A., LL.B. (most of us refer to him as Prime Minister Paul Martin)- Liberal Party, which means scandals, corruption, and more damn scandals. The liberals want to maintain the high tax pressures on Canadians; living up to the creed of Liberals worldwide, which is to tax and spend, bigger government, scandals, more scandals, and more damn scandals.
HARPER, The Hon. Stephen Joseph, P.C., B.A., M.A. Stephen Harper- Conservative Party, which means that though the message seems to make sense- smaller government, and less taxes- we need only to look a little south of us to see where those promises actually lead- higher deficits and more poverty.
DUCEPPE, Gilles Gilles Duceppe- Bloc Quebecois. An interesting party, the Bloc, hand in hand with the Parti Quebecois, the message is let us use the federal government to try to break up this beautiful country called Canada. Gilles Duceppe is the only politician I know campaigning not to be a federal politician anymore; unless of course the Bloc has finally abandoned the notion of separation and is now working to make Canada an even better place to live.
LAYTON, The Hon. Jack, P.C., B.A., M.A., Ph.D. Jack Layton- NDP. If you thought the Liberals like to tax and spend, you ain't seen nothing yet if an NDP government becomes elected. Matter of fact, the NDP would probably bypass the whole taxing part and simply spend, spend, spend.
As previously mentioned, I was completely disinterested in the process this time around, since I find the whole process disingenuous- politicians lie to us, we believe it, and then we complain that they lie to us- it can become quite discouraging. I figured I would just simply vote Conservative again as I did in the last election. Some of you may be shocked by that, but in the last election, I felt that the Liberals were getting a little too comfy and too arrogant with the power that we Canadians had given them for so long- some may say too long.
I like the Liberal Party, actually had a card in my pocket when I went and voted for the Conservatives; it felt a little traitorous, but it had to be done. I reasoned that the only thing my vote would do is force them into a minority government where they would have to pay closer heed to the wishes of Canadians, over and above the needs and wishes of the Liberal Party. That reasoning seemed to work out well, kind of- we did get that minority government, but did they really hear the message?
This time around, I thought to myself- self, vote Conservative again. If they win, it will be a minority government: Harper would have a window of opportunity to prove that he is not "that kind" of Conservative, and the Liberals would need to fight to win back my vote. Then, I changed that radio station, as previously mentioned to 940NEWS.
It was an engaging conversation between the Hon. Marlene Jennings and the Hon. John Reynolds moderated by Aphrodite Salas. The discussion was about attack ads and there were a few striking exchanges, with one being the key. John Reynolds had mentioned to Marlene Jennings, in his defense of Stephen Harper, that the words and positions attributed to Stephen Harper were taken out of context. She gleefully responded that if that is the case, here is the opportunity for him to tell us, the listener, how those words and positions were taken out of context and to place them in what he felt were the correct context. His response to that made me question my semi-made up mind to vote Conservative. It was in fact a non-answer, and also forced me to listen a little closer to the Harper message.
Part of that message soon came out in an exchange a short time later, when Reynolds tried to attack Jennings as an America-hater; asserting that the Conservative party loved America, loved Americans, and would pretty much embrace/cozy up to the US administration. Now my mind is semi-made up to vote Liberal.
The Conservative party is using a few of the same divide and conquer tactics that made George Bush, the Republican Party, and conservatism a success in the USA- the politics of division. Cast the other side as evil, immoral, and depraved, while casting your side as the exact opposite- the saviour of the people. Who would want to be on the side of the bad guys? The time has come to expose this tactic for what it is- brutally dishonest, unethical, and fiendish.
What Reynolds and Harper fail to realize, is that disagreement, does not equate to hate. Mistrust does not equate to evil. Caution does not equate to abandonment. What Reynolds and Harper fail to realize is that Canadians want a government that will look out for the interests, morals, and well-being of Canadians first and foremost. Canadians do not need a government that will cast aside our moral clarity in pursuit of appeasement of our powerful neighbour. Above all else, is that they fail to realize that not having faith in a US administration does not translate into a rabid hatred of all things American.
The last few years have proved that we do not always agree with our friends to the south, but it has also proved that our neighbours to the south have no problems abrogating treaties, reneging on contracts, and ignoring world courts if the political motivation is to extort our support for something we, as Canadians, feel is unacceptable. This continuing tactic of a powerful oppressive force, attempting to use that power to coerce a smaller less powerful neighbour is nothing short of shameful. It is a tactic more suited to despots and dictators than for a country which used to be known as holding the moral high-ground over the aforementioned despots and dictators.
The US does not unjustifiably attack people, the US has historically defended the attacked. The US does not wage war for the sake of waging war, the US has historically protected the world from others who would commit such grievous sins. The US does not lie, cheat and steal its way into conflict, the US historically has stood up to those that do. So much for the world's policeman, say hello to the world's- you are with us or against us, war causing, war waging, bully machine.
Don't get me wrong, I do not dislike President Bush- I don't really know him on a personal level- but I have witnessed what his administration has wrought since 2001, and the results are unacceptable to Canadians. I will admit, that I may be the first casualty of the attack ads in this dirty political war but really, when it comes to the US, do Reynolds and Harper really want to cozy up to what is arguably the most corrupt, the most distrusted, the most lying regime in US history? If yes, why; if no, why not?
I mean look at the choices:
MARTIN, The Right Hon. Paul Edgar Philippe, P.C., Hon. B.A., LL.B. (most of us refer to him as Prime Minister Paul Martin)- Liberal Party, which means scandals, corruption, and more damn scandals. The liberals want to maintain the high tax pressures on Canadians; living up to the creed of Liberals worldwide, which is to tax and spend, bigger government, scandals, more scandals, and more damn scandals.
HARPER, The Hon. Stephen Joseph, P.C., B.A., M.A. Stephen Harper- Conservative Party, which means that though the message seems to make sense- smaller government, and less taxes- we need only to look a little south of us to see where those promises actually lead- higher deficits and more poverty.
DUCEPPE, Gilles Gilles Duceppe- Bloc Quebecois. An interesting party, the Bloc, hand in hand with the Parti Quebecois, the message is let us use the federal government to try to break up this beautiful country called Canada. Gilles Duceppe is the only politician I know campaigning not to be a federal politician anymore; unless of course the Bloc has finally abandoned the notion of separation and is now working to make Canada an even better place to live.
LAYTON, The Hon. Jack, P.C., B.A., M.A., Ph.D. Jack Layton- NDP. If you thought the Liberals like to tax and spend, you ain't seen nothing yet if an NDP government becomes elected. Matter of fact, the NDP would probably bypass the whole taxing part and simply spend, spend, spend.
As previously mentioned, I was completely disinterested in the process this time around, since I find the whole process disingenuous- politicians lie to us, we believe it, and then we complain that they lie to us- it can become quite discouraging. I figured I would just simply vote Conservative again as I did in the last election. Some of you may be shocked by that, but in the last election, I felt that the Liberals were getting a little too comfy and too arrogant with the power that we Canadians had given them for so long- some may say too long.
I like the Liberal Party, actually had a card in my pocket when I went and voted for the Conservatives; it felt a little traitorous, but it had to be done. I reasoned that the only thing my vote would do is force them into a minority government where they would have to pay closer heed to the wishes of Canadians, over and above the needs and wishes of the Liberal Party. That reasoning seemed to work out well, kind of- we did get that minority government, but did they really hear the message?
This time around, I thought to myself- self, vote Conservative again. If they win, it will be a minority government: Harper would have a window of opportunity to prove that he is not "that kind" of Conservative, and the Liberals would need to fight to win back my vote. Then, I changed that radio station, as previously mentioned to 940NEWS.
It was an engaging conversation between the Hon. Marlene Jennings and the Hon. John Reynolds moderated by Aphrodite Salas. The discussion was about attack ads and there were a few striking exchanges, with one being the key. John Reynolds had mentioned to Marlene Jennings, in his defense of Stephen Harper, that the words and positions attributed to Stephen Harper were taken out of context. She gleefully responded that if that is the case, here is the opportunity for him to tell us, the listener, how those words and positions were taken out of context and to place them in what he felt were the correct context. His response to that made me question my semi-made up mind to vote Conservative. It was in fact a non-answer, and also forced me to listen a little closer to the Harper message.
Part of that message soon came out in an exchange a short time later, when Reynolds tried to attack Jennings as an America-hater; asserting that the Conservative party loved America, loved Americans, and would pretty much embrace/cozy up to the US administration. Now my mind is semi-made up to vote Liberal.
The Conservative party is using a few of the same divide and conquer tactics that made George Bush, the Republican Party, and conservatism a success in the USA- the politics of division. Cast the other side as evil, immoral, and depraved, while casting your side as the exact opposite- the saviour of the people. Who would want to be on the side of the bad guys? The time has come to expose this tactic for what it is- brutally dishonest, unethical, and fiendish.
What Reynolds and Harper fail to realize, is that disagreement, does not equate to hate. Mistrust does not equate to evil. Caution does not equate to abandonment. What Reynolds and Harper fail to realize is that Canadians want a government that will look out for the interests, morals, and well-being of Canadians first and foremost. Canadians do not need a government that will cast aside our moral clarity in pursuit of appeasement of our powerful neighbour. Above all else, is that they fail to realize that not having faith in a US administration does not translate into a rabid hatred of all things American.
The last few years have proved that we do not always agree with our friends to the south, but it has also proved that our neighbours to the south have no problems abrogating treaties, reneging on contracts, and ignoring world courts if the political motivation is to extort our support for something we, as Canadians, feel is unacceptable. This continuing tactic of a powerful oppressive force, attempting to use that power to coerce a smaller less powerful neighbour is nothing short of shameful. It is a tactic more suited to despots and dictators than for a country which used to be known as holding the moral high-ground over the aforementioned despots and dictators.
The US does not unjustifiably attack people, the US has historically defended the attacked. The US does not wage war for the sake of waging war, the US has historically protected the world from others who would commit such grievous sins. The US does not lie, cheat and steal its way into conflict, the US historically has stood up to those that do. So much for the world's policeman, say hello to the world's- you are with us or against us, war causing, war waging, bully machine.
Don't get me wrong, I do not dislike President Bush- I don't really know him on a personal level- but I have witnessed what his administration has wrought since 2001, and the results are unacceptable to Canadians. I will admit, that I may be the first casualty of the attack ads in this dirty political war but really, when it comes to the US, do Reynolds and Harper really want to cozy up to what is arguably the most corrupt, the most distrusted, the most lying regime in US history? If yes, why; if no, why not?
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Busy Times
It's going to be a real busy time over the next few weeks: I have to make my way down to Connecticut; trade show in Toronto; and maybe out to Quebec City. Need to find some investment capital and get product out to the world. Have a ton of designs to work on, and a lot of printing to order.
Monday, January 09, 2006
What I want
People always ask me what I am looking for in a woman/wife- this song by Depeche Mode pretty much sums it all up:
I want somebody to share
Share the rest of my life
Share my innermost thoughts
Know my intimate details
Someone who'll stand by my side
And give me support
And in return
She'll get my support
She will listen to me
When I want to speak
About the world we live in
And life in general
Though my views may be wrong
They may even be perverted
She will hear me out
And won't easily be converted
To my way of thinking
In fact she'll often disagree
But at the end of it all
She will understand me
I want somebody who cares
For me passionately
With every thought and with every breath
Someone who'll help me see things
In a different light
All the things I detest
I will almost like
I don't want to be tied
To anyone's strings
I'm carefully trying to steer clear
Of those things
But when I'm asleep
I want somebody
Who will put their arms around me
And kiss me tenderly
Though things like this
Make me sick
In a case like this
I'll get away with it
I want somebody to share
Share the rest of my life
Share my innermost thoughts
Know my intimate details
Someone who'll stand by my side
And give me support
And in return
She'll get my support
She will listen to me
When I want to speak
About the world we live in
And life in general
Though my views may be wrong
They may even be perverted
She will hear me out
And won't easily be converted
To my way of thinking
In fact she'll often disagree
But at the end of it all
She will understand me
I want somebody who cares
For me passionately
With every thought and with every breath
Someone who'll help me see things
In a different light
All the things I detest
I will almost like
I don't want to be tied
To anyone's strings
I'm carefully trying to steer clear
Of those things
But when I'm asleep
I want somebody
Who will put their arms around me
And kiss me tenderly
Though things like this
Make me sick
In a case like this
I'll get away with it
Sunday, January 08, 2006
The day after
mu
The party was a lot of fun and considering that I am still here at Manny and Marika's, I guess you could say that it is still going on. Figured I'd check to see if there were any available networks over here...and, lo and behold, a connection.
Jean seemed to enjoy herself- very cute and precious all night. She was a little tipsy: a little hung-over this morning :) She was wearing this stunning new outfit she bought, black pants that flared at the bottom, pink top, a black shirt, and some very interesting looking stockings. Her hair was cut and straightened for the event, and her new gold hoop earings looked fabulous. Everybody else paled in comparisson.
Marika, Jean's sister, did a great job as usual decorating the house. There were streamers everwhere that said 30, banners, little confetti like pieces on the table that said 30, all kinds of stuff. There was a lot of booze, and a lot of food.
Pictures http://pokerpal.multiply.com/photos/album/4
Who was there:
Jean- it was her 30th afterall
Marika- the woman knows how to throw a party
Manny- Marika's husband
Jessica- friend
Cynthia- friend
Diane- friend
Valerie- friend
Anka- friend and co-worker
Mike- Anka's husband
Ted- friend
Gery- friend
Blandine- friend and co-worker
Alberto- friend and co-worker (Italian, born in Zambia, grew up in the UK *and Scotland*)
Arolin- friend and ex co-worker
Zeyno- childhood friend
Chris- Zeyno's husband
Ayse- childhood friend (pregnant- whoohoo, I'm going to be an uncle! ;)
The party was a lot of fun and considering that I am still here at Manny and Marika's, I guess you could say that it is still going on. Figured I'd check to see if there were any available networks over here...and, lo and behold, a connection.
Jean seemed to enjoy herself- very cute and precious all night. She was a little tipsy: a little hung-over this morning :) She was wearing this stunning new outfit she bought, black pants that flared at the bottom, pink top, a black shirt, and some very interesting looking stockings. Her hair was cut and straightened for the event, and her new gold hoop earings looked fabulous. Everybody else paled in comparisson.
Marika, Jean's sister, did a great job as usual decorating the house. There were streamers everwhere that said 30, banners, little confetti like pieces on the table that said 30, all kinds of stuff. There was a lot of booze, and a lot of food.
Pictures http://pokerpal.multiply.com/photos/album/4
Who was there:
Jean- it was her 30th afterall
Marika- the woman knows how to throw a party
Manny- Marika's husband
Jessica- friend
Cynthia- friend
Diane- friend
Valerie- friend
Anka- friend and co-worker
Mike- Anka's husband
Ted- friend
Gery- friend
Blandine- friend and co-worker
Alberto- friend and co-worker (Italian, born in Zambia, grew up in the UK *and Scotland*)
Arolin- friend and ex co-worker
Zeyno- childhood friend
Chris- Zeyno's husband
Ayse- childhood friend (pregnant- whoohoo, I'm going to be an uncle! ;)
Saturday, January 07, 2006
Jean's Birthday party
Tonight is Jean-Helen's birthday party- her 30th birthday party; I guess she's a big girl now :) Celebrations will be held at her favorite home away from home, her sister's house. All of her closest friends will be there to help fete the milestone. I am in the process of getting ready, and will be there in a very short while.
Friday, January 06, 2006
From Kulwant Jutla
The less you associate with some people, the more your life will improve.
Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity.
An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people.
As you grow, your associates will change.
Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you.
Consider this: Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how.
Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person.
Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere.
With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it.
Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life.
Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights.
"A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kindof friends he chooses." The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whomyou closely associate - for the good and the bad.
Damn these all sound familiar :)
Any time you tolerate mediocrity in others, it increases your mediocrity.
An important attribute in successful people is their impatience with negative thinking and negative acting people.
As you grow, your associates will change.
Some of your friends will not want you to go on. They will want you to stay where they are. Friends that don't help you climb will want you to crawl. Your friends will stretch your vision or choke your dream. Those that don't increase you will eventually decrease you.
Consider this: Never receive counsel from unproductive people. Never discuss your problems with someone incapable of contributing to the solution, because those who never succeed themselves are always first to tell you how.
Not everyone has a right to speak into your life. You are certain to get the worst of the bargain when you exchange ideas with the wrong person.
Don't follow anyone who's not going anywhere.
With some people you spend an evening: with others you invest it.
Be careful where you stop to inquire for directions along the road of life.
Wise is the person who fortifies his life with the right friendships. If you run with wolves, you will learn how to howl. But, if you associate with eagles, you will learn how to soar to great heights.
"A mirror reflects a man's face, but what he is really like is shown by the kindof friends he chooses." The simple but true fact of life is that you become like those with whomyou closely associate - for the good and the bad.
Damn these all sound familiar :)
Thursday, January 05, 2006
My Grandma
My grandmother Beryl White, we call her Aunt B.
I just had an interesting talk with her earlier today. Like I said, I don't know enough about those that are closest to me. Here is what I now know and will need to update her site with:
Father- Richard Francis White
born appx 1879
moved to Panama in 1905 to help build the Panama Canal
Mother- Sara Crawford White
born 1884
Siblings:
"Rose" born in Jamaica 1903 (Aunt B was unsure of her name)
Arthur born in Panama 1907 (may have been born in Jamaica, Richard had gone to Panama and then sent for the family after)
Lucille born in Panama 1909
Fitzgerald "Fitz" born in Jamaica 1910
Cyril-Alphonso born in Panama 1912
Altimont born in Panama 1914
Ethel (Aunt Peggy's mom) born in Jamaica 1917
1920 twin boys were born, names unknown, both passed away at a year old *what is that story*
Beryl Veronica White (Aunt B) born in Jamaica 1923
Twins Iris "ChiChi" and Ivy "Tiny" born in Cuba appx 1925
Aunt B's children with Zacharia Campbell
Derek George Campbell born in Jamaica 1943
Cavell Theresa Doreen Campbell born in Jamaica 1945
http://www.auntb.doreenjones.com/index.html
That's it for now.
I just had an interesting talk with her earlier today. Like I said, I don't know enough about those that are closest to me. Here is what I now know and will need to update her site with:
Father- Richard Francis White
born appx 1879
moved to Panama in 1905 to help build the Panama Canal
Mother- Sara Crawford White
born 1884
Siblings:
"Rose" born in Jamaica 1903 (Aunt B was unsure of her name)
Arthur born in Panama 1907 (may have been born in Jamaica, Richard had gone to Panama and then sent for the family after)
Lucille born in Panama 1909
Fitzgerald "Fitz" born in Jamaica 1910
Cyril-Alphonso born in Panama 1912
Altimont born in Panama 1914
Family returned to Jamaica in 1914 before emigrating to Cuba appx 1925
Ethel (Aunt Peggy's mom) born in Jamaica 1917
1920 twin boys were born, names unknown, both passed away at a year old *what is that story*
Beryl Veronica White (Aunt B) born in Jamaica 1923
Twins Iris "ChiChi" and Ivy "Tiny" born in Cuba appx 1925
Aunt B's children with Zacharia Campbell
Derek George Campbell born in Jamaica 1943
Cavell Theresa Doreen Campbell born in Jamaica 1945
http://www.auntb.doreenjones.com/index.html
That's it for now.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Manny and Marika's New Year's eve party
I think I said I had a lot of fun at the party, but if I didn't, let me say it again, I had a lot of fun at the party. Anyways, here are some pics from the event
http://www.garfieldjones.com/photosnye2005.htm
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
Body and Mind
This years focus will be body and mind. I don't necessarily want to lose weight, I just want to be healthier- emotionally, physically, psychologically. The social theme as I already mentioned is history, specifically, family and friend's history. I know too much about the outside world, but not enough about the people that are closest to me.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Down Time
I need to engage all the rage;
Spitting it out on this page;
Tightrope walk through insanity,
Wrestling the calamity;
In this new darkness, recklessness,
In a whirlpool of distress.
I really want to love you well;
and I want to love you to hell.
The source of so much love and fear;
And hope, anger, joy and despair;
I hurt with you and without you,
A hard melancholy tune-
Plucking fibres of sanity;
A soul without warranty,
As my God surely intended;
He was surely offended,
To have created you and I;
For through His disgust and spite,
Created my object of love,
And everlasting turmoil.
Spitting it out on this page;
Tightrope walk through insanity,
Wrestling the calamity;
In this new darkness, recklessness,
In a whirlpool of distress.
I really want to love you well;
and I want to love you to hell.
The source of so much love and fear;
And hope, anger, joy and despair;
I hurt with you and without you,
A hard melancholy tune-
Plucking fibres of sanity;
A soul without warranty,
As my God surely intended;
He was surely offended,
To have created you and I;
For through His disgust and spite,
Created my object of love,
And everlasting turmoil.
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Jan 1
A new year, new outlooks, new hopes, new aspirations.
Anyways, checkout my classmates from 20 years ago
http://www.lhs85.everythingmontreal.com
Hopefully, we'll all be able to stay in touch this time around.
Garfield
Anyways, checkout my classmates from 20 years ago
http://www.lhs85.everythingmontreal.com
Hopefully, we'll all be able to stay in touch this time around.
Garfield
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