The Top 10 quotes of 2008, as compiled by the editor of the Yale Book of Quotations:
1. "I can see Russia from my house!" — Comedian Tina Fey, while impersonating Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin on the TV comedy show "Saturday Night Live," broadcast Sept. 13.
2. "All of them, any of them that have been in front of me over all these years." — Palin, responding to a request by CBS anchor Katie Couric to name the newspapers or magazines she reads, broadcast Oct. 1.
3. "We have sort of become a nation of whiners." — former Sen. Phil Gramm, an economic adviser to Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain, quoted in The Washington Times, July 10.
4. "It's not based on any particular data point, we just wanted to choose a really large number." — a Treasury Department spokeswoman explaining how the $700 billion number was chosen for the initial bailout, quoted on Forbes.com Sept. 23.
5. "The fundamentals of America's economy are strong." — McCain, in an interview with Bloomberg TV, April 17.
6. "Decisions by the Secretary pursuant to the authority of this Act are non-reviewable and committed to agency discretion, and may not be reviewed by any court of law or any administrative agency." — the Treasury Department's proposed Emergency Economic Stabilization Act, September 2008.
7. "Maybe 100." — McCain, discussing in a town hall meeting in Derry, New Hampshire, how many years U.S. troops could remain in Iraq, Jan. 3.
8. "I'll see you at the debates, b------." — Paris Hilton in a video responding to a McCain television campaign ad, August 2008.
9. "Barack, he's talking down to black people. ... I want to cut his ... off." — Rev. Jesse Jackson, overheard over a live microphone before a Fox News interview, July 6.
10. (tie) "Cash for trash." — Paul Krugman discussing the financial bailout, New York Times, Sept. 22.
10. (tie) "There are no atheists in foxholes and there are no libertarians in financial crises." — Krugman, in an interview with Bill Maher on HBO's "Real Time," broadcast Sept. 19.
10. (tie) "Anyone who says we're in a recession, or heading into one — especially the worst one since the Great Depression — is making up his own private definition of "`recession.'" — commentator Donald Luskin, the day before Lehman Brothers filed for bankruptcy, The Washington Post, Sept. 14.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Christmas Carols For The Disturbed.
Merry Christmas!
CHRISTMAS CAROLS FOR THE DISTURBED
* 1. Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?
* 2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are
* 3. Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas
* 4. Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
* 5. Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and.....
* 6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me
* 7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire
* 8. Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why
* 9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooh look at the Froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?
* 10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - - - Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle,Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
CHRISTMAS CAROLS FOR THE DISTURBED
* 1. Schizophrenia --- Do You Hear What I Hear?
* 2. Multiple Personality Disorder --- We Three Kings Disoriented Are
* 3. Dementia --- I Think I'll be Home for Christmas
* 4. Narcissistic --- Hark the Herald Angels Sing About Me
* 5. Manic --- Deck the Halls and Walls and House and Lawn and Streets and Stores and Office and Town and Cars and Buses and Trucks and Trees and.....
* 6. Paranoid --- Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Get Me
* 7. Borderline Personality Disorder --- Thoughts of Roasting on an Open Fire
* 8. Personality Disorder --- You Better Watch Out, I'm Gonna Cry, I'm Gonna Pout, Maybe I'll Tell You Why
* 9. Attention Deficit Disorder --- Silent night, Holy oooh look at the Froggy - can I have a chocolate, why is France so far away?
* 10. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder - - - Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle,Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells,
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Monday, December 08, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
Devotees Say Teen Is Buddha Reborn
This is so rad...
http://news.aol.com/article/devotees-say-teen-is-buddha-reborn/244051
Devotees Say Teen Is Buddha Reborn By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA,AP - posted: 5 HOURS 24 MINUTES AGO
RATANPUR, Nepal (Nov. 12) - The teenage boy revered by many as a reincarnation of Buddha sat silently in the jungle as he blessed his devotees Wednesday with a light tap on the head, which they consider the touch of the divine.
His face was still, his long hair spilled over his white robe, and he never said a word.
Thousands of devotees have been flocking to a remote area of southern Nepal to see this teenager, whom they believe to be a reincarnation of Buddha. Ram Bahadur Bamjan emerged from the jungle on Monday. Followers believe he has spent the last three years meditating without food and water.
The followers of Ram Bahadur Bamjan, 18, believe he has been meditating without food and water since he was first spotted in the jungles of southern Nepal in 2005, when believers say he spent months without moving, sitting with his eyes closed beneath a tree.
Bamjan re-emerged this week to meet his followers, who have come by the thousands to see him in the jungles of Ratanpur, about 100 miles south of Katmandu.
"I got a chance to see God today," Bishnu Maya Khadka, a housewife, said after receiving Bamjan's blessing Wednesday. "They say he is Buddha, but for me he is just God."
Bamjan was expected to address his followers on Nov. 18 and then retreat again into the jungle for meditation, said Kamal Tamang, a Buddhist priest.
Bamjan received the pilgrims from atop a podium covered in yellow cloth and placed before a massive tree. He looked healthy and strong and showed no signs of starvation or dehydration.
Buddhism, which has about 325 million followers, mostly in Asia, teaches that every soul is reincarnated after death in another bodily form.
The Reincarnation of Buddha?
A teenage boy revered as a reincarnation of Buddha sat silently in the jungle as he blessed his devotees Wednesday with a light tap on the head, which they consider the touch of the divine. (Nov. 12)
But several Buddhist scholars have been skeptical of the claims that Bamjan is a reincarnation of Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in southwestern Nepal roughly 2,500 years ago and became revered as the Buddha, or Enlightened One.
"Being Buddha means the last birth and the highest level that can be achieved. There can be no reincarnation of Buddha, even though Buddhists believe in life after death," said Rakesh, a Buddhist scholar in Katmandu who goes by only one name.
"Meditating without food does not prove that he is the reincarnation of Buddha," said Min Bahadur Shakya of the Nagarjuna Institute of Exact Methods, a Buddhist research center in Katmandu. "There is much study needed to be done."
Bamjan has never addressed the subject in any of his speeches.
The devotees who have flocked to visit him have fewer doubts. Colorful prayer flags fluttered and incense filled the air Wednesday as the pilgrims silently approached Bamjan, who was surrounded by a line of Buddhist monks.
"I have no doubt in my mind he is a god," said Meg Bahadur Lama, a local farmer. "He has been meditating without food and water and no human can achieve such a feat. I used to hear about such miracles in the past but now I got to see one."
Also, this is VERY scary...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1954933468700958565&hl=es
http://news.aol.com/article/devotees-say-teen-is-buddha-reborn/244051
Devotees Say Teen Is Buddha Reborn By BINAJ GURUBACHARYA,AP - posted: 5 HOURS 24 MINUTES AGO
RATANPUR, Nepal (Nov. 12) - The teenage boy revered by many as a reincarnation of Buddha sat silently in the jungle as he blessed his devotees Wednesday with a light tap on the head, which they consider the touch of the divine.
His face was still, his long hair spilled over his white robe, and he never said a word.
Thousands of devotees have been flocking to a remote area of southern Nepal to see this teenager, whom they believe to be a reincarnation of Buddha. Ram Bahadur Bamjan emerged from the jungle on Monday. Followers believe he has spent the last three years meditating without food and water.
The followers of Ram Bahadur Bamjan, 18, believe he has been meditating without food and water since he was first spotted in the jungles of southern Nepal in 2005, when believers say he spent months without moving, sitting with his eyes closed beneath a tree.
Bamjan re-emerged this week to meet his followers, who have come by the thousands to see him in the jungles of Ratanpur, about 100 miles south of Katmandu.
"I got a chance to see God today," Bishnu Maya Khadka, a housewife, said after receiving Bamjan's blessing Wednesday. "They say he is Buddha, but for me he is just God."
Bamjan was expected to address his followers on Nov. 18 and then retreat again into the jungle for meditation, said Kamal Tamang, a Buddhist priest.
Bamjan received the pilgrims from atop a podium covered in yellow cloth and placed before a massive tree. He looked healthy and strong and showed no signs of starvation or dehydration.
Buddhism, which has about 325 million followers, mostly in Asia, teaches that every soul is reincarnated after death in another bodily form.
The Reincarnation of Buddha?
A teenage boy revered as a reincarnation of Buddha sat silently in the jungle as he blessed his devotees Wednesday with a light tap on the head, which they consider the touch of the divine. (Nov. 12)
But several Buddhist scholars have been skeptical of the claims that Bamjan is a reincarnation of Siddhartha Gautama, who was born in southwestern Nepal roughly 2,500 years ago and became revered as the Buddha, or Enlightened One.
"Being Buddha means the last birth and the highest level that can be achieved. There can be no reincarnation of Buddha, even though Buddhists believe in life after death," said Rakesh, a Buddhist scholar in Katmandu who goes by only one name.
"Meditating without food does not prove that he is the reincarnation of Buddha," said Min Bahadur Shakya of the Nagarjuna Institute of Exact Methods, a Buddhist research center in Katmandu. "There is much study needed to be done."
Bamjan has never addressed the subject in any of his speeches.
The devotees who have flocked to visit him have fewer doubts. Colorful prayer flags fluttered and incense filled the air Wednesday as the pilgrims silently approached Bamjan, who was surrounded by a line of Buddhist monks.
"I have no doubt in my mind he is a god," said Meg Bahadur Lama, a local farmer. "He has been meditating without food and water and no human can achieve such a feat. I used to hear about such miracles in the past but now I got to see one."
Also, this is VERY scary...
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1954933468700958565&hl=es
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
So Inspired
Wow...
BEST Quote:
Tonight we gather to affirm the greatness of our nation - not because of the height of our skyscrapers or the power of our military or the size of our economy - our pride is based on a very simple premise.... summed up in a declaration made over two hundred years ago - "we hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights - that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness..." that is the true genius of America. of faith in simple dreams of insistence on small miracles...
Love this too..
They [his parents] gave me an African name - Barak - or blessing, believing that in a tolerant America your name is no barrier to success.
BEST Quote:
Tonight we gather to affirm the greatness of our nation - not because of the height of our skyscrapers or the power of our military or the size of our economy - our pride is based on a very simple premise.... summed up in a declaration made over two hundred years ago - "we hold these truths to be self evident that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights - that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness..." that is the true genius of America. of faith in simple dreams of insistence on small miracles...
Love this too..
They [his parents] gave me an African name - Barak - or blessing, believing that in a tolerant America your name is no barrier to success.
Monday, September 15, 2008
Full Moon in Pisces
........CURRENT MOON....moon cycle........
Full Moon in Pisces
Harvest Moon
Monday, September 15, 2008
2:13am PDT
The Full Moon in Pisces is a celebration of tireless dedication to the enlightenment of all sentient beings. This effort is undertaken through two paths of action: the Bodhisattvic vow to seek wisdom and apply compassionate action toward self and others. Two truths: We are all connected and there is no security; for all things are uncertain. We are nothing and everything; full and empty.
It is time we relearn to care for each other and start living communally in love and peace. Pisces wants to transcend all perceived separations. This is an evolutionarily demanding Full Moon. But you tell me, what huge challenges in your life have not, in the end, provided the most profound growth? So I ask each of you to consider the necessity of rising to the challenge of this Full Moon by reading on with serious intention.
The Bodhisattvic intention represents a revolutionary call to bring awareness to the condition of your emotional mind in an effort to uplift all other minds on this planet. With Mars/Venus/Mercury conjunct in Libra, trine the transpersonal conjunction of Neptune/Chiron/North Node in Aquarius, the great triune of personal action, love, and intelligence can be applied from a spiritually awakened concern for the welfare of the other. Add the Uranus (awakening)/Moon conjunction in Pisces, and we have ideal conditions for natural enlivenment of the awakened, compassionate mind.
This awakened compassionate mind requires that we understand the true nature of our emotions. Every emotion is sourced in the mind and mediated primarily through the production of neurotransmitters and enzymes in the brain. Thankfully, the human body is wired so we feel our emotions in the heart. But actually the quality of what we feel rests solely with how the brain’s synaptic and neuronal pathways are wired. The good news is the brain is plastic. Mindfulness opens the pathway to the wise heart, through the moment-to-moment recognition of our internal condition and it’s interaction with eternal causes. So mindfully attending to the quality of our thoughts, feelings and interactions actually enlivens compassion, empathy, and depth of intention—and rewires the brain.
In fact, the Uranus/Moon conjunction creates the conditions for a beautiful ritual to direct the power of mind toward the most evolved form of the Pisces/Virgo axis: sacrifice, service and enlightenment. Pisces is known for its desire to let go of self-identification thereby allowing the soul to merge with its source; pure consciousness. What a finish to the last two weeks of waxing Moon work on our individual desire for health, healing and service to others. This is the night to put into action all of your intentions for health and well-being and to offer this effort in service to the enlightenment of all other sentient beings.
So, no messing around with those devolved Neptunian/Piscean hedonistic fantasies of getting wasted on drugs or alcohol. This is the Full Moon to join with others and be lifted out of denial and ignorance. The world is suffering and we all need to wake up and do what we can to relieve suffering. Take responsibility for your own suffering and the suffering of others. Love yourself by loving others. Do what you can to stay in the present and in your heart.
This Full Moon comes at the height of our harvest season. On this Full Moon it is important to recognize the fundamental relationship between gratefulness and non-attachment. Use this Full Moon to look at what you cling to and your fear of letting it go. Do you spend most of your time grabbing and craving for more things; trying to fill your inner emptiness with a multitude of possessions? We come here with nothing and leave with nothing. Why then do we hold so tight to things that will not last? This is a great time to ask, “What can I freely give away? What can I share?”
Tackling the issue of non-attachment makes a great group ritual. Ask your guests to bring something they truly love that they feel ready to give away. During the ritual allow each person to openly express his or her desire for, and attachment to the object they brought, and talk about what it will mean to no longer have it in their lives. Some groups decide to exchange items with each other, while others donate everything to a favorite charity or thrift store. Either way, this giveaway ritual becomes a wonderfully freeing and very Piscean experience for everyone involved.
Use this Full Moon to create a group ritual for your family, friends, and/or community that centers on healing anger and pain. Acknowledge your own anger and pain, take it in your arms like a baby, wrap it in compassion and let love work its healing magic upon your soul. Know that your pain does not define you. Find your true self in your compassionate heart and create the conditions for peace to grow within and without. Then seek to acknowledge the pain of others while acknowledging your part in causing them to suffer. Wrap them up like a baby with your compassion, allowing love to work its healing magic. Go to them; tell them how sorry you are. Allow them to reciprocate these compassionate feelings to you. Realize that what is done to one is done to all, and create the conditions for peace to grow.
The Pisces Moon uses an intuitive recognition of truth; a direct (finally!) Jupiter in Capricorn gives us the ability to face our fear of what is painfully true about ourselves and our relations with others.
This is the Full Moon to practice compassion and selflessness by radiating peace and calm through group prayer and meditation. Unlike Virgo, its opposite sign, Pisces knows no distinctions or differences: it perceives the unity within the diversity. Pisces acknowledges our essential connectedness and realizes it through the practice of unconditional love and unwavering compassion. Because Pisces represents unconditional love and compassion, it must also deal with anger and hatred. If we waste our lives holding onto anger, resentment, and hatred, we will continue to create a world that reflects our own inner violence. Be aware that the hatred and anger in your heart is helping to feed the violence we see all over the world.
It is time to stop the senseless killing we create all around us. Give up the label of victim and embrace your own part in continued killing. It is the first step to becoming a peacemaker. If you fearlessly open your heart and let compassion be your guide, you will automatically become an active peacemaker. Love is the language of selflessness. If each of us would practice this language daily, violence would surely end.
Here is the Bodhisattvic practice of the Eight Verses of Though Transformation to help open your mind to the full meaning of compassion and humility. If you wish to read more about it, I recommend the book “Transforming the Mind”, by HH the Dalai Lama ©2003. The Eight Verses Soundartwork ©2007 Lisa Dale Miller can be downloaded for free.
The Eight Verses on Transforming the Mind
With a determination to achieve the highest aim
For the benefit of all sentient beings,
Which surpasses even the wish –fulfilling gem,
May I hold them dear at all times.
Whenever I interact with someone,
May I view myself as the lowest amongst all,
And, from the very depths of my heart,
Respectfully hold others as superior.
In all my deeds may I probe into my mind,
And as soon as mental and emotional afflictions arise,
As they endanger myself and others,
May I strongly confront them and avert them.
When I see beings of unpleasant character,
Oppressed by strong negativity and suffering,
May I hold them dear—for they are rare to find—
As if I have discovered a jewel treasure!
When others, out of jealousy,
Treat me wrongly with abuse, slander, and scorn,
May I take upon myself the defeat,
And offer to others the victory.
When someone I have helped,
Or in whom I have placed great hopes,
Mistreats me in extremely hurtful ways,
May I regard him still as my precious teacher.
In brief, may I offer benefit and joy
To all beings, both directly and indirectly,
May I quietly take upon myself,
The hurts and pains of all beings.
May all this remain undefiled
By the stains of the eight mundane concerns (gain and loss; pleasure and pain; praise and blame;
fame and obscurity)
And may I, recognizing all things as illusion,
Devoid of clinging, be released from bondage.
Can you imagine if everyone committed to practicing this humble, heart-opening, mind-transforming way of being in the world? So much would change. The Eight Verses Soundartwork can be downloaded for free.
So on this Full Moon, join with others to pray and work for peace. Allow Uranus, the awakener, in Pisces, to open your mind to alternatives. Utopia is a mindset that finds it source in the transcendent bliss of the nothingness/everythingness. This is your source; call it what you wish, but use this Full Moon to dive deep into source and open yourself to the interconnectedness of all things.
©2008 Lisa Dale Miller
All rights reserved
Also, this is hilarious:
http://www.hulu.com/watch/34465/saturday-night-live-palin--hillary-open
Friday, September 12, 2008
Political Rant... haha... Rare coming from Jess.
So I know everyone is so "politically talked out" but I was so confused when I watched Gov. Palin (republican VP candidate) interview on ABC last night. By the way, if you haven't watched this yet... you should...
Anyway, so she was talking about her opinions about war and such and the guy interviewing her really had a lot of great questions like why does Gov. Palin say that we are fighting "God's war" in front of her church?
I mean, I may be REALLY stupid, but isn't there supposed to be a separation between church and state? And she said, "our country deserves the right to *LIFE*. Liberty. and Freedom." Well why the hell are we going against one of the ten commandments that says *THOU SHALT NOT KILL?*. If she is going to bring God into this whole political argument then I don't understand why she is deliberately going against one of the ten commandments?
I don't know how I feel about war... I know it's important for us to be protected as a nation - but is war really the answer? Or does it make everyone more hostile and aggressive?
Are all politicians hypocrites?
Sincerely,
Confused political observer
a.k.a Jessica Faulkner
Anyway, so she was talking about her opinions about war and such and the guy interviewing her really had a lot of great questions like why does Gov. Palin say that we are fighting "God's war" in front of her church?
I mean, I may be REALLY stupid, but isn't there supposed to be a separation between church and state? And she said, "our country deserves the right to *LIFE*. Liberty. and Freedom." Well why the hell are we going against one of the ten commandments that says *THOU SHALT NOT KILL?*. If she is going to bring God into this whole political argument then I don't understand why she is deliberately going against one of the ten commandments?
I don't know how I feel about war... I know it's important for us to be protected as a nation - but is war really the answer? Or does it make everyone more hostile and aggressive?
Are all politicians hypocrites?
Sincerely,
Confused political observer
a.k.a Jessica Faulkner
Monday, August 04, 2008
I Believe
A birth certificate shows that we were born; a death certificate shows that we died; pictures show that we lived!
Have a seat . . . Relax. And read this slowly.
I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I believe - That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I believe - That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I believe - Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different
I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
I believe - That you should send this to all of the people that you believe in. I just did. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
Have a seat . . . Relax. And read this slowly.
I believe - That just because two people argue, it doesn't mean they don't love each other. And just because they don't argue, it doesn't mean they do.
I believe - That we don't have to change friends if we understand that friends change.
I believe - That no matter how good a friend is, they're going to hurt you every once in a while and you must forgive them for that.
I believe - That true friendship continues to grow, even over the longest distance. Same goes for true love.
I believe - That you can do something in an instant that will give you heartache for life.
I believe - That it's taking me a long time to become the person I want to be.
I believe - That you should always leave loved ones with loving words. It may be the last time you see them.
I believe - That you can keep going long after you think you can't.
I believe - That we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.
I believe - That either you control your attitude or it controls you.
I believe - That heroes are the people who do what has to be done when it needs to be done, regardless of the consequences.
I believe - That money is a lousy way of keeping score.
I believe - That sometimes the people you expect to kick you when you're down will be the ones to help you get back up.
I believe - That sometimes when I'm angry I have the right to be angry, but that doesn't give me the right to be cruel.
I believe - That maturity has more to do with what types of experiences you've had and what you've learned from them and less to do with how many birthdays you've celebrated.
I believe - That it isn't always enough to be forgiven by others. Sometimes you have to learn to forgive yourself.
I believe - That no matter how bad your heart is broken, the world doesn't stop for your grief.
I believe - That our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.
I believe - Two people can look at the exact same thing and see something totally different
I believe - That your life can be changed in a matter of hours by people who don't even know you.
I believe - That even when you think you have no more to give, when a friend cries out to you - you will find the strength to help.
I believe - That credentials on the wall do not make you a decent human being.
I believe - That the people you care about most in life are taken from you too soon.
I believe - That you should send this to all of the people that you believe in. I just did. The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have.
Monday, June 23, 2008
"Ya’ll Be Cool" - A Tribute to Kevin McCallum
I’ve had a really hard time writing anything about this or talking about this with anyone, but I figure I should get some thoughts written down just for venting sake and so that all of you don’t just think I am sad or not responding to you for no reason. I had a very, very close friend pass away about two weeks ago. He was my mentor, my hero (and yes, he was and has been listed in my hero’s section on Myspace for four to five years).
I worked for this man as his administrative assistant for two years and in that time got to know his family and his work ethic well. The more I knew Kevin, the more I wanted to be just like him. He was incredibly optimistic, strong, passionate, loyal… his work ethic matched the work ethic of a thousand men combined. I graduated with my undergraduate degree after working for him for two years and immediately told him I wanted more responsibility. He mentored me into a new position at work and helped me deal with moving up in the organization. He always wanted my skills to grow and change and above all, always wanted me to be happy.
He truly has helped me reach all of my goals… whether it be graduating with my undergraduate degree then with my master’s degree… I always had Kevin in mind when completing these goals. Whenever I wanted to go after a new goal, I’d go sit down in Kev’s office and chat with him about what I had in mind… he’d give me his honest opinion and tell me that I can achieve any dream I set my mind too. He’d tell me that he believed in me and that he never wanted me to change the person I am today.
Five days before he passed away, I sent him this clip (which I may have sent some of you) and said… “Thanks for making me a dreamer…” because he truly did help me dream on a day to day basis:
When I started my MBA at Westminster three years ago, it was truly inspired by Kevin… Like I said, I wanted to be just like this man! I would read books about dynamic leadership and leadership that beats out all leadership and I would think of him… this man was charismatic, inspirational… he was one of the best men I will know in this life. I gave him the book “Good to Great” and told him that he reminded me of how the book described GREAT leaders. He was a great leader, a level five leader.
The main thing I loved about Kevin is that he was real… he didn’t let the every day robotic hum drum of work make him something he wasn’t. He was still himself… he was still an imperfect, perfect man about town. I loved that he was from Georgia and had this accent that made me laugh every time he said “ya’ll” – he liked to make people laugh and he hated to see people work to hard or be sad. He would always walk by our desks and say “Ya’ll Be Cool.”
He made this mix called Kevin’s Southern Funk Party that I thought you’d all enjoy ( I know I sure love listening to it ) … here are the tracks:
1-Love Rollercoaster
2-In my House (12 Inch Mix)
3-Jungle Boogie
4-Let It Whip
5-Proud Mary
6-Mustang Sally
7-Tell Me Something Good
8-I’ve Been Everywhere
9-It’s Not Unusual (The Wise Guy Remix)
10-French Connection
11-Shattered
12-It’s Your Thing
13-These Boots Are Made For Walking
14-I Can’t Wait
15-I Will Survive
16-If You Try to Save This Marriage Again
17-Keep Your Hands To Yourself
18-Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)
19-Liquid Love, Pts. 1 & 2
20-She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)
21-You Never Even Call Me by My Name
22-Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line
23-Call Me the Breeze
24-I Feel For You
25-Shakin’
26-Machine Gun
27-It’s Raining Men
28-Got to Be Real
29-No Parking (On the Dance Floor)
30-Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Single) [Short]
To the family… you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you.
I will never forget you Kev.
I worked for this man as his administrative assistant for two years and in that time got to know his family and his work ethic well. The more I knew Kevin, the more I wanted to be just like him. He was incredibly optimistic, strong, passionate, loyal… his work ethic matched the work ethic of a thousand men combined. I graduated with my undergraduate degree after working for him for two years and immediately told him I wanted more responsibility. He mentored me into a new position at work and helped me deal with moving up in the organization. He always wanted my skills to grow and change and above all, always wanted me to be happy.
He truly has helped me reach all of my goals… whether it be graduating with my undergraduate degree then with my master’s degree… I always had Kevin in mind when completing these goals. Whenever I wanted to go after a new goal, I’d go sit down in Kev’s office and chat with him about what I had in mind… he’d give me his honest opinion and tell me that I can achieve any dream I set my mind too. He’d tell me that he believed in me and that he never wanted me to change the person I am today.
Five days before he passed away, I sent him this clip (which I may have sent some of you) and said… “Thanks for making me a dreamer…” because he truly did help me dream on a day to day basis:
When I started my MBA at Westminster three years ago, it was truly inspired by Kevin… Like I said, I wanted to be just like this man! I would read books about dynamic leadership and leadership that beats out all leadership and I would think of him… this man was charismatic, inspirational… he was one of the best men I will know in this life. I gave him the book “Good to Great” and told him that he reminded me of how the book described GREAT leaders. He was a great leader, a level five leader.
The main thing I loved about Kevin is that he was real… he didn’t let the every day robotic hum drum of work make him something he wasn’t. He was still himself… he was still an imperfect, perfect man about town. I loved that he was from Georgia and had this accent that made me laugh every time he said “ya’ll” – he liked to make people laugh and he hated to see people work to hard or be sad. He would always walk by our desks and say “Ya’ll Be Cool.”
He made this mix called Kevin’s Southern Funk Party that I thought you’d all enjoy ( I know I sure love listening to it ) … here are the tracks:
1-Love Rollercoaster
2-In my House (12 Inch Mix)
3-Jungle Boogie
4-Let It Whip
5-Proud Mary
6-Mustang Sally
7-Tell Me Something Good
8-I’ve Been Everywhere
9-It’s Not Unusual (The Wise Guy Remix)
10-French Connection
11-Shattered
12-It’s Your Thing
13-These Boots Are Made For Walking
14-I Can’t Wait
15-I Will Survive
16-If You Try to Save This Marriage Again
17-Keep Your Hands To Yourself
18-Burn Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)
19-Liquid Love, Pts. 1 & 2
20-She’s a Bad Mama Jama (She’s Built, She’s Stacked)
21-You Never Even Call Me by My Name
22-Only Daddy That’ll Walk the Line
23-Call Me the Breeze
24-I Feel For You
25-Shakin’
26-Machine Gun
27-It’s Raining Men
28-Got to Be Real
29-No Parking (On the Dance Floor)
30-Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (Single) [Short]
To the family… you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you.
I will never forget you Kev.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Prague, Vienna, Budapest MBA Trip
All the pictures are at the bottom of this in a slide show : )
Europe was so amazing. Our first day was spent in Prague where we immediately go on the subway and went downtown. We saw so many amazing statues and the streets are full of beautiful architecture that can only be described in pictures (see below). We walked the streets for hours, took pictures and ate at a cute street café.
Since we were on an MBA business trip, our trip was full of many business visits. I must say, although business isn’t conducted TOO much differently than in the U.S. in Europe (besides our different currency conversions and inflation rates) – they seem to move at a much slower pace and actually leave work after an eight hour day over there. If business is done, they close up the doors (even if you are in line for a bus ticket!) haha. The second day in Prague we visited an old school steel factory that had huge pieces of steel swinging back and forth over our heads. These huge steel blocks were put in heating rooms then formed into things such as trolley cars, buses, trains, car parts, etc. It was pretty neat (we couldn’t take pictures in most of the business visits though – understandably).
We went to a beautiful cathedral in Prague (which was my favorite part of the whole trip). The cathedral is in the Prague castle complex and is called Cathedral of St. Vitus. It’s seriously the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen! And ironically enough, my camera completely lost battery for the first and only time on the trip right when I stepped in. I did manage to steal some pictures from other people on the trip though, see below. The stained glass windows and art within the building is something that you could look at for days. I’ve been studying art history for years, so seeing a Gothic church is one of my dreams. The architectural design is so amazingly ornate – it’s not really something you can explain unless you are actually there. Check this out Prague St. Vitus Cathedral.
While we were in the cathedral we climbed this massive tower which was quite the adventure because a) it was over 500 steps (OK, I may be exaggerating a little) b) there were people going up and down in very tight quarters within the tower which made for a quite uncomfortable trip up and down the tower c) you are going in circles for about ten minutes in small, tight quarters haha! But when you get to the top – it is sooo worth it. What a beautiful view of all of Prague!
The culture in Prague (and in Europe in general) is interesting…It was nice to be in a place where people are so free spirited. FYI though, Prague people don’t have much of a tolerance for people from the U.S. that don’t speak Czech.
We went on another business visit to Amati-Denak, who manufactures wind and percussion music instruments and parts. That was interesting, but we didn’t get to tour their manufacturing factory, so that was kind of a let down. We did gain some interesting business incites as to where they stand in the marketplace and what their competitive advantages (or lack there of) are.
The next place we went, after spending four days in Prague, was Vienna, Austria. We spent a lot of time on the bus on this trip because we had many business visits to go to and we traveled by bus to the other countries within Europe. So, I got to see a lot of the European countryside and forests and I have to say, the country sides are soo amazingly beautiful.
When we got to Vienna we had a business visit at Pitney Bowes where we discussed their European business ventures. It was interesting to learn that they don’t have much competition in the mail sorting business. They said they own above 80% of the market share in their industry! Amazing.
We went to an adorable restaurant (with way to many koo-koo clocks in it) in Vienna. The lady who owned the restaurant was extremely hospitable and bought us all drinks. It was such a nice dinner with all the great friends I met on the trip. It was quite a delight to come in contact with someone who actually liked Americans in Europe haha! After dinner, we mainly just walked around, took pictures and went with whatever adventure fell into our laps.
We went on another business facility visit in Vienna – AKG Acoustics (they manufacture U.S. brands such as JBL speakers and headphones and many many other electronic items for European and other markets). We had the opportunity to take quite an extensive tour of their manufacturing facilities and their marketing and research and development executives gave quite extensive presentations. It was the most detailed business visit we went on. Very neat.
We arrived in Budapest, Hungary for our last four days in Europe and I was just thankful for plugs that actually worked (we stayed in a much nicer hotel) haha! We went to a bank called ING which was really interesting. They are number 13 in the top 20 global financial institutions. We got to learn about banking in Europe which didn’t really seem TOO different since they mainly work in a global market anyway. But, as mentioned above, they’re economic situation is much different from the U.S. We also visted the U.S. Embassy in Hungary which was pretty interesting – we mainly learned about the history in Budapest (Amazing to hear about the Stalinest era (1949-1956) Stalinest Era 1949-1956
That night, we went to some Romanesque style bathes that were soo relaxing and beautiful. It was one of those nights where you sit back and say “Wow, I am in one of the most beautiful places on earth.” and really being soo thankful for it. The bathes are kind of like Lava Hot Springs in Idaho except they have amazing architecture around them and statues that look like they were formed in the 13th century (and probably were). You must do this if you go to Budapest.
We went to a really fun pub in Budapest with really cool signs and just a really neat atmosphere. Many of us sang karaoke which was fun. Hungarians seem to take karaoke very seriously haha. They sang many songs from the U.S. with a few Hungarian songs mixed in now and then. It was just a great night.
I didn’t get to go to too many art galleries (which I expected I would do the entire time). But art is literally everywhere on the streets, in the buildings, everywhere you go – so I think I got a fair share of that. I really hope to return to Europe one day and I suggest everyone go! It’s an amazing experience you will never forget and you can’t really understand until you go. So seriously, book your trip now! You could die tomorrow!
I am so thankful for all the people I met and all the experiences I had. Thanks to all of you who made it amazing!
Also, research this - Prague Astronomical Clock you know how much I love astrology!
Europe was so amazing. Our first day was spent in Prague where we immediately go on the subway and went downtown. We saw so many amazing statues and the streets are full of beautiful architecture that can only be described in pictures (see below). We walked the streets for hours, took pictures and ate at a cute street café.
Since we were on an MBA business trip, our trip was full of many business visits. I must say, although business isn’t conducted TOO much differently than in the U.S. in Europe (besides our different currency conversions and inflation rates) – they seem to move at a much slower pace and actually leave work after an eight hour day over there. If business is done, they close up the doors (even if you are in line for a bus ticket!) haha. The second day in Prague we visited an old school steel factory that had huge pieces of steel swinging back and forth over our heads. These huge steel blocks were put in heating rooms then formed into things such as trolley cars, buses, trains, car parts, etc. It was pretty neat (we couldn’t take pictures in most of the business visits though – understandably).
We went to a beautiful cathedral in Prague (which was my favorite part of the whole trip). The cathedral is in the Prague castle complex and is called Cathedral of St. Vitus. It’s seriously the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen! And ironically enough, my camera completely lost battery for the first and only time on the trip right when I stepped in. I did manage to steal some pictures from other people on the trip though, see below. The stained glass windows and art within the building is something that you could look at for days. I’ve been studying art history for years, so seeing a Gothic church is one of my dreams. The architectural design is so amazingly ornate – it’s not really something you can explain unless you are actually there. Check this out Prague St. Vitus Cathedral.
While we were in the cathedral we climbed this massive tower which was quite the adventure because a) it was over 500 steps (OK, I may be exaggerating a little) b) there were people going up and down in very tight quarters within the tower which made for a quite uncomfortable trip up and down the tower c) you are going in circles for about ten minutes in small, tight quarters haha! But when you get to the top – it is sooo worth it. What a beautiful view of all of Prague!
The culture in Prague (and in Europe in general) is interesting…It was nice to be in a place where people are so free spirited. FYI though, Prague people don’t have much of a tolerance for people from the U.S. that don’t speak Czech.
We went on another business visit to Amati-Denak, who manufactures wind and percussion music instruments and parts. That was interesting, but we didn’t get to tour their manufacturing factory, so that was kind of a let down. We did gain some interesting business incites as to where they stand in the marketplace and what their competitive advantages (or lack there of) are.
The next place we went, after spending four days in Prague, was Vienna, Austria. We spent a lot of time on the bus on this trip because we had many business visits to go to and we traveled by bus to the other countries within Europe. So, I got to see a lot of the European countryside and forests and I have to say, the country sides are soo amazingly beautiful.
When we got to Vienna we had a business visit at Pitney Bowes where we discussed their European business ventures. It was interesting to learn that they don’t have much competition in the mail sorting business. They said they own above 80% of the market share in their industry! Amazing.
We went to an adorable restaurant (with way to many koo-koo clocks in it) in Vienna. The lady who owned the restaurant was extremely hospitable and bought us all drinks. It was such a nice dinner with all the great friends I met on the trip. It was quite a delight to come in contact with someone who actually liked Americans in Europe haha! After dinner, we mainly just walked around, took pictures and went with whatever adventure fell into our laps.
We went on another business facility visit in Vienna – AKG Acoustics (they manufacture U.S. brands such as JBL speakers and headphones and many many other electronic items for European and other markets). We had the opportunity to take quite an extensive tour of their manufacturing facilities and their marketing and research and development executives gave quite extensive presentations. It was the most detailed business visit we went on. Very neat.
We arrived in Budapest, Hungary for our last four days in Europe and I was just thankful for plugs that actually worked (we stayed in a much nicer hotel) haha! We went to a bank called ING which was really interesting. They are number 13 in the top 20 global financial institutions. We got to learn about banking in Europe which didn’t really seem TOO different since they mainly work in a global market anyway. But, as mentioned above, they’re economic situation is much different from the U.S. We also visted the U.S. Embassy in Hungary which was pretty interesting – we mainly learned about the history in Budapest (Amazing to hear about the Stalinest era (1949-1956) Stalinest Era 1949-1956
That night, we went to some Romanesque style bathes that were soo relaxing and beautiful. It was one of those nights where you sit back and say “Wow, I am in one of the most beautiful places on earth.” and really being soo thankful for it. The bathes are kind of like Lava Hot Springs in Idaho except they have amazing architecture around them and statues that look like they were formed in the 13th century (and probably were). You must do this if you go to Budapest.
We went to a really fun pub in Budapest with really cool signs and just a really neat atmosphere. Many of us sang karaoke which was fun. Hungarians seem to take karaoke very seriously haha. They sang many songs from the U.S. with a few Hungarian songs mixed in now and then. It was just a great night.
I didn’t get to go to too many art galleries (which I expected I would do the entire time). But art is literally everywhere on the streets, in the buildings, everywhere you go – so I think I got a fair share of that. I really hope to return to Europe one day and I suggest everyone go! It’s an amazing experience you will never forget and you can’t really understand until you go. So seriously, book your trip now! You could die tomorrow!
I am so thankful for all the people I met and all the experiences I had. Thanks to all of you who made it amazing!
Also, research this - Prague Astronomical Clock you know how much I love astrology!
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