Censorship

Some of you may recall when I first started blogging on 360, it's nice to know that some of you still follow the blog. Not much has changed with the way I write since I've moved to a wider audience; I'm still just as blunt and opinionated here as I was there.
It has come to my attention that SOME people feel I am too opinionated, well, that's too damn bad. This is a blog, my blog to be specific. This blog originates in the United States of America where I excercise my constitutional right to express myself.
The last time I checked there were no laws that forced individuals to read blogs, namely my blog; doing so is done by your own free will. In case you are unsure as to what that means, it means you read because you want to, not because someone makes you. With that said, if my blog offends you, there is a simple solution, STOP READING IT! IDIOT!
Yep, I said idiot, my blog remember? I can say what I want, its a beautiful thing!
This blog does not exist on the basis of advertisements, endorsements, etc. It exists because I choose to sit and use my creative mind in writing. It will exist whether you read it or not. It will exist whether you like it or not. I write for myself, not for other people. It is a nice thing to know that other people take an interest in some of the things that I write, however, I will continue to write regardless of whether anyone reads or likes it. Writing makes me happy, it's a wonderful outlet. Censorship of this blog is futile. You do however have control over ever seeing it again... STOP READING IT!
It warms my heart to know that the mere writings of little ole me could spawn such an uproar! I'm a success!

Censorship, like charity, should begin at home, but unlike charity, it should end there. –Clare Boothe Luce

My 2 Cents

Life is good dude. Know it!

Simple is not always good. Sometimes, but not always.

Be free. Who needs underwear.

You pay for a college education over time. You pay for being uneducated forever.

Dogs are cute. Dogs stink. I don't own a dog.

Greed is a disease. I think I have it.

Lonely is boring. Make friends.

I'm laughing at this moment for no reason. It feels great. Try it.

Just my 2 cents... :-)

What's Playing

Music is my medicine, no matter what the ailment, I can get a dose of music to aid in the healing process.
Music is my aphrodisiac, nuff said on that!
Music is at the very core of me.

It's Friday and I LOVE Fridays, who doesn't right?? Anyway, I have the music pumping as I'm going about my daily to-do's, What's Playing you ask, well, let me share with you... I'm in a soulful old school mood today, anybody remember these...

• The More I Get, The More I Want - Teddy Pendergrass
• Holding On When The Love Is Gone - LTD
• Flashlight - Parliament
• Fire - Ohio Players
• September - Earth Wind & Fire
• Darlin' Darlin' Baby - O'Jays
• Got To Give It Up - Marvin Gaye
• One Nation Under a Groove - Funakdelic
• I'll Take You There - The Staples Singers
• Higher Ground - Stevie Wonder

Things We Should Know

Sometimes the simple is not always the obvious. I am a person that likes to watch other people and their actions and reactions, in doing this, it becomes apparrent that there a many simple things that we should know and/or do that we overlook in our daily lives.
I doubt that there could ever be a conclusive list of these things because each of us could always add just one more entry; the items below are just a few oddballs that I have noticed seem to get overlooked frequently.

• If you stink, please take the stairs. Smokers, we all stink. Please stay out of the elevator. If you pump your cologne or perfume bottle more than twice, your scent is no longer subtle, its now intrusive, you too should stay out the elevator. The universe thanks you in advance.
• If you weigh a good 400 pounds, and you are enthusiastically licking an ice cream cone in each hand, expect a few amazed stares and don't return and offended glare.
• The yellow light - it means CAUTION people! You can still proceed through the intersection, just do it cautiously! Those of us behind you would appreciate it.
• If you had cod fish for dinner last night, it is not appropriate to bring it to work and heat it in the community microwave that the rest of us have to use. The stench remains for hours and it has a tendency to venture over into what the rest of us are having for lunch. (this also applies to other foods that have a distinct long-lasting odor)
• Remember please and thank you? Yes, they still apply and yes they still work, use them.
• There are sinks in the bathroom for a reason, and no its not so you can get a sip of water. WASH YOUR HANDS!
• Just for MARTA (atlata bus/train system) riders. Those large seats with all the extra spaces that are adjacent to the doors, they really are for persons with disabilities and the elderly, the sign is not there for giggles.
• Folks with dogs, these are your pets, not your neighbors pets. Please keep their waste in YOUR yard and don't let it venture into the yards of your neighbors.

Enough! But as you are pondering these, I'm sure you will have your own to add.

Goodbye Artful Monday

One of my favorite blogs to create is Artful Mondays, unfortunately, it seems to be a favorite blog to steal. After only two postings of the Artful Monday blog, I have found my art on more than 13 sites where someone is claiming it as their own.
I know that imitation is the strongest form of flattery, but theft is theft. When art is created, it becomes an extension of you, albeit, its an extension you want to share with others, its still your and a very personal part of you.
Due to the theft of intellectual and creative property, I will no longer be posting the Artful Monday blog.
Thanks to all who responded to the blog entries during their short run.

Artful Monday - Up Close

Up Close

In Times of Depression

It's that time again, all my regulars know we take a minute to ponder God's word on Sunday, and I hope that on your own, you spend some time during the week in study of the bible, koran, etc.
Today, we are pondering "In Times of Depression". As always in this blog, each person is encouraged to apply words, phrases, and the blog as a whole to their lives and experiences in a way that it best serves them. Depression can be an emotional, financial or even physical state; regardless of the state, God's word has a message for us in response to depression.
At some point, all of us have been depressed in some form. Many people suffer silently from severe depression, never going for the professional help from man or the spiritual help from God. In all things that we experience in life, God has given us the tools we need to survive and to overcome obstacles, depression in no different.
Although its natural and human to be afraid and get discouraged, especially in times when we might be depressed, God has supplied us with a roadmap to make it through the darkest of hours. In Deuteronomy 31:8, the bible tells us "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged". This scripture lets us know that all of us can expect some trying times and some depressing times. It is in these moments when we must trust in God and in his word. He has assured us that he will not leave us alone in our darkest hour. Sometimes when the times are the toughest, it is only God that remains with us, even when our closet friends and family have withdrawn.
When you are depressed, do you draw near to God and lean on his word and the promises he has made? Even though your faith is tested and it seems depression has overcome you, can you still feel the hand of God supporting you through the toughest of times? For You To Ponder...