KazooDiver's Universe

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 19:54:00 +0000

After posting a hatefilled post on his facebook page, local Smashburger owner Terry Henderson apologies I found out about this post from this article.
http://www.queerty.com/kalamazoo-smashburger-owner-bashes-marriage-equality-defends-boy-scout-ban-20130327/
I then applied a twitter storm to let the local Smashburger know how upset I was at this action.

Kalamazoo WMU KVCC K @KalamazooMich2 AprKalamazoo @SmashburgerWMI Owner Bashes Marriage Equality, Defends Boy Scout Ban http://bit.ly/XVViA4 @wmulbgt Retweeted by kazoodiver
kazoodiver @kazoodiver3 Apr@smashburgerwmi so is it true ur ownr bashed Marriage equality? If so I can NEVER stepfoot in ur restaurant again! @wmulbgt @KalamazooMich
kazoodiver @kazoodiver3 AprI sent a letter of the National Smashburger with my outrage of @SmashburgerWMI 's owners statements toward the LGBTQ Community @wmulgbt
kazoodiver @kazoodiver3 AprI will NOT spend any money @ @SmashburgerWMI until the owner is no longer owning the store! Hate does not get my $ @KalamazooMich @wmulbgt
kazoodiver @kazoodiver3 Apr@KGLRC_KZOO did you see the article about @SmashburgerWMI owner?http://www.queerty.com/kalamazoo-smashburger-owner-bashes-marriage-equality-defends-boy-scout-ban-20130327/ …
kazoodiver @kazoodiver3 Apr@SmashburgerWMI I should hope not but I need a public apology in the from of an official press release!
kazoodiver @kazoodiver3 Apr@SmashburgerWMI depending on the senserity will I accept but I will NEVER FORGET! of the hate that was spewed! @YourAnonNews
kazoodiver @kazoodiver3 Apr@KGLRC_KZOO please share the apology from @SmashburgerWMI ASAP! But the true apology is to Sell!
kazoodiver @kazoodiver3 AprI feel really bad for the GREAT employees of @SmashburgerWMI always treated well by them & enjoyed going in for their service-theOwnerSucks!
kazoodiver @kazoodiver3 Apr@SmashburgerWMI I agree the team at the Kalamazoo Smashburger is Fantastic, they provide great customer service!
kazoodiver @kazoodiver3 Apr@constanzz they have responded with an apology but I have not received the actual text they said they would send @SmashburgerWMI
RT if u agree that @Smashburger should SMASH the @SmashburgerWMI owner's LGBTQ hate!@wmulbgt @glaad @YourAnonNew

After the twitter storm by myself and other twitter users, SmashburgerWMI closed their twitter account.

I did receive an apology from the local Smashburger (Terry's wife):

Jean Henderson

Apr 3 (2 days ago)

Dear Kzoodiver and valued Smashburger customer:

Your feelings are thoroughly understood and we are very, very sorry for all of the hurt that Terry Henderson's comments have caused. Terry is working through these hard times and asking for forgiveness knowing that his words were, as he has said, "not treating others in the way the he would want to be treated". He has personally apologized to our staff and is sorry for the hurt it has caused them. As you mentioned, they are are an amazing team who give outstanding service.

The Smashburger national office is handling most of the communications regarding this issue. You might hear from them as well, but you have always been such a great supporter of our team, that we also wanted to respond locally and share with you some of the interactions that we have had with the LGBT community. You can also share this information with your friends.

This is a note from Terry:

“I sincerely regret the comments that I recently made on my personal Facebook page. The comments were inappropriate and frankly un-Christian and I would like to apologize to the gay and lesbian community and all those who were offended. I have taken down my Facebook page as I realize the hurtful impact my comments have had.”

Sincerely,

Terry Henderson

This is a response from the KGLRC:

Dear Community,

This morning the Kalamazoo Gay Lesbian Resource Center received an apology letter from Terry Henderson, Co-Owner of Smash Venture LLC. He expressed his “sincere apologies for any and all who were affected” by his posts regarding his position against marriage equality. He wanted us to know that his apology was not motivated by a desire “…to prevent any economic harm” to himself or his business but rather his desire to be more Christ-like in his actions

It takes a big person to stand up and admit that your actions could have had an adverse impact on the community in which you serve. We commend Mr. Henderson for that. We hope for a day when people like Mr. Henderson don’t think that we’re trying to force our beliefs on them, but are only trying to protect what we hold valuable – our families. Marriage equality does not require anyone to compromise their religious beliefs. It does not force religious institutions to change their doctrine around their deeply held beliefs about the institution of marriage. The marriage equality movement is solely focused on the federal recognition of families that have not been the “traditional” model, but are still the foundation of loving households in our community. And let us not forget that we were also at one time debating this in 1963, when the question of interracial marriage was being discussed in Loving v. Virginia.

A point of clarification: we never stated we were boycotting Smashburger. We were just encouraging people to sponsor a lunch for volunteers who are working hard in Kalamazoo county to make sure that we are celebrating the diversity of our community that makes us one of the best places in Michigan – heck, in the world. We live in a marketplace of ideas, and it is our responsibility to determine what ideas we choose to support – both with our vote at the ballot box and with the hard earned money that we spend in our communities. That comes with where we choose to take our families for lunch, who takes our garbage from the curb, and who replaces the transmission in our 2005 Jeep Wrangler.

Thank you for the outpouring of support you showed during this week. We are so proud of the community of Kalamazoo for showing that we are on the right side of history.

Very Best,

Zach Bauer, Executive Director

As mentioned, you may also receive an email from our national office. You honestly and concern are both appreciated. We are grateful to you for your business.

The Smashburger Team

And here is the apology from the national office:

Ferris, Christine

Apr 4 (1 day ago)

Hi Christopher,

At Smashburger, we see the world through the eyes of people looking for a great burger, a great experience and great overall energy. We are a place for everyone. Recently, comments made by an independent franchisee were brought to our attention. Since then, the franchisee, on his own accord, has retracted his comments and apologized. His comments in no way reflect the point of view of Smashburger. We value all our customers and employees and are committed to treating all with dignity and respect.

Thanks,

Christine Ferris

Social Media Coordinator

smashburger^®

1515 Arapahoe St.

Tower 1, 10th Floor

Denver, CO 80202

303-633-1553

email: cferris@smashburger.com

web: www.smashburger.com

It's Official -World Oceans Day!

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:59:00 +0000

UN Resolution 63/111, paragraph 171 reads:
Activities of the Division for Ocean Affairs and the Law of the Sea Resolves that, as from 2009, the United Nations will designate 8 June as World Oceans Day…

We now have a day to celebrate the wonder and awe of our oceans...they provide food, entertainment and much more for the world!

Photos Published

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:58:00 +0000

Some of my photos of Palau that I took have been published in a magazine for "culture-adventure-perspective". The issue is out now, it is The Compass- march 09. http://thecompassculture.com/subs/current.html

Seven New Species Of Deep-sea Coral Discovered

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 21:37:00 +0000

It is fascinating how much of our earth we know very little about! Too bad these new corals are too deep for diving!

ScienceDaily (2009-03-06) -- Scientists identified seven new species of bamboo coral in the deep waters of the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. Six of these species may represent entirely new genera, a remarkable feat given the broad classification a genus represents. Scientists expect to identify more new species as analysis of samples continues.

Octopus causes flooding.

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:56:00 +0000

An octopus causes flooding at an aquarium, by playing with a value in it's tank....How typical that an octopus would do this...those things are so darn smart and playful! I remember diving in Yap and the octopus we encountered played hide and seek. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ7xVDuwhRU
If you want to read the article here is the link. http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574,25114190-13762,00.html

MRSA on our beaches?

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:00:00 +0000

While I have known about MRSA (a class of supper bugs, which are difficult to treat with antibiotics as they are resistant to many of them) for a long time...more information about it comes out just about everyday. When I ran across this article I thought it would be great for everyone to read about it. Basically the article states:
-MRSA likes moist wet places
-MRSA lives and can be isolated in salt water
-MRSA can live on sand (actually it can live on most surfaces for up to 90days)
Since many people enjoy going to the beach, this should be thought about...one simple solution to this potential problem- Wash with soap and water after visiting the beach.
For us scuba divers- I would think about this-
Conjunctivitis has been known to be transfered from one person to another by the use of the mask rinse tank. I would bet that MRSA could also be transered in this way as well. It would be smart to shower after diving. Washing wetsuits with soap after each trip (beside you really need to sink the stink!) and washing all of the diving equipment such as snorkles, gloves, regulators and masks makes sense as well.

Google Earth

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:14:00 +0000

Google Earth has added an Ocean feature to it's database...pretty cool stuff on there...and as a scuba diver...they even have dive sites flagged! Oh I can't wait to see the stuff added.

I have heard of underwater pumpkin carving...but...

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:50:00 +0000

Now I have heard of underwater pumpkin carving, but his is something else...

A Boo

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:28:00 +0000

I think it was quite interesting that Obama's pick to do his invocation at his inauguration, Rick Warren, got a half hearted applause and a boo! Seems to me that I am not the only one who thinks that some one who spews hate should not be doing the invocation for this president!
Anyway-

CONGRATULATIONS Barack OBAMA! I look forward to a new America!

And finally good bye Bush!

2009 and Money

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 20:24:00 +0000

Everyone has at some time is stressed about--MONEY!
Money can be your worst nightmare or your best friend (but it could turn and stab you in the back if your not careful). In this economic times it certainly has turned to stab folks in the back and has defiantly become some folks worst nightmare.
Suze Orman has been preaching some good solid money advice for a while, at least as long as I have been watching her. I will admit I don't follow every word she says. I don't have a huge reserve of cash encase things happen. But I feel I can weather 4-6 months of living with out going into huge debt- how-cut back. Who realy needs cable TV? Internet? I could shop for groceries more wisely (I know I can). I could easly cut out $200-300 off of my bills every month. Plus, thank goodness I work in a profession that is in hot demand even in this economy, Nursing.

For those of you who don't watch Oprah, and I cerntainly don't watch all the time, Suze Orman is a regular on the show. This past week was Oprah's Best Life week...and ofcourse money was one of the topics. Suze Orman is giving her latest book away for a free download (till 1/15, I think). The book Suze Orman's 2009 Action Plan.
I downloaded it and plan to read it. You can never get enough ideas about what to do with money as the rules are always changing, and folks seem to aways get caught up and get screwed!

http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20081119_tows_bookdownload

Psych

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 06:47:00 +0000

I just love Psych. I don't know how USA Network does it but they have some good shows on.
I for one think Psych is a hilarious show! Let all the Pineapple fans unite!

What a great way to bastardize a song!

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 22:54:00 +0000

What an oxymoron Clean Coal. Now they taken a song and bastardized it!

Movie and Dinner Review

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 20:57:00 +0000

I don't usually review stuff in my blog but, I think I will today.
Dinner- Had dinner on Friday at a brand new restaurant in town-Thai Cuisine on Drake Road, near the AT&T store (across from Lowes). The folks who owned Bangkok Flavor sold that restaurant to open this one...Now I loved Bangkok, but it was way on the other side of town for me. I am so excited to have this new resturant so close. Food was yummy and the leftovers I took home were so good the next night, I wanted to go get more. If you live close to Kalamazoo, try it out!

Movie- I went out to a movie on Saturday nights. Yes I know totally out of character for me, as I hate full theaters (usually someone talking and irritating me during the movie), but I had a chance to go for free. We went and saw Marley and Me. Such a good movie, just make sure your bring some thing to wipe the tears.

Merry Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 22:15:00 +0000

Just wanted to wish everyone who celebrates...a MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Free Upgrade on Shipping at Sea Squirrelproductions

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 22:52:00 +0000

Free Upgrade on Shipping*- Get It By 12/24, At Sea Squirrel Productions-Scuba Designs by an Avid Diver for Avid Divers.
www.seasquirrelproductions.net

* Choose Standard Shipping, and at no extra cost we’ll automatically upgrade you to 2-Day Shipping (when needed) to ensure delivery by December 24. Delivery address must be within the United States and cannot be a PO Box. Promotion starts on December 16, 2008, at 12:00 a.m. (EST) and ends on December 17, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (EST). This offer may change, be modified or canceled at anytime without notice.

Free Shipping This Weekend at Sea Squirrel Productions.net

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:24:00 +0000

Free Shipping on Scuba Diving Apparel at Sea Squirrel Productions.net 3 Days Only~ For apparel only, your order of $50 or more earns Free Shipping. Coupon Code FEMHOL8
Free Economy or Standard shipping for Apparel purchases of $50 or more, excluding shipping charges and applicable sales tax. Includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, jerseys, jackets, polos, denim shirts, tank tops, camisoles, under garments, bags, headwear, aprons, bibs, and infant bodysuits. Delivery address must be within the United States and cannot be a PO Box. All orders will be Economy shipping unless the order is not eligible for Economy shipping (e.g., order exceeds Economy weight restrictions). Coupon code must be entered at CafePress.com check out. Promotion starts on November 21, 2008, at 12:00 a.m. (PST) and ends on November 23, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (PST). Cannot be combined with any other CafePress.com offers, discounts or coupons and this offer may change, be modified or canceled at anytime without notice.

Free Shipping on Home Decor at Sea Squirrel Productions

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:58:00 +0000

Time to Scubasize your home! Now you can get great Scuba Diving Themed Home Decor with free shipping at Sea Squirrel Productions.net
Free Economy or Standard shipping for Home Decor purchases of $50 or more, excluding shipping charges and applicable sales tax. Includes posters, prints, clocks, ornaments, tiles, throw pillows and keepsake boxes. Delivery address must be within the United States and cannot be a PO Box. All orders will be Economy shipping unless the order is not eligible for Economy shipping (e.g., order exceeds Economy weight restrictions). Coupon code (FEMHOL6) must be entered at CafePress.com check out. Promotion starts on November 19, 2008, at 12:00 a.m. (PST) and ends on November 19, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (PST). Cannot be combined with any other CafePress.com offers, discounts or coupons and this offer may change, be modified or canceled at anytime without notice.

Our direct links to:
Posters : http://www.seasquirrelproductions.net/cgi-bin/store/seasquirrel.cgi/all_posters
Prints: http://www.seasquirrelproductions.net/cgi-bin/store/seasquirrel.cgi/all_prints
Clocks: http://www.seasquirrelproductions.net/cgi-bin/store/seasquirrel.cgi/all_clocks
Ornaments: http://www.seasquirrelproductions.net/cgi-bin/store/seasquirrel.cgi/all_ornaments
Tiles: http://www.seasquirrelproductions.net/cgi-bin/store/seasquirrel.cgi/tile_coaster
Throw Pillows: http://www.seasquirrelproductions.net/cgi-bin/store/seasquirrel.cgi/throw_pillow
Keepsake Boxes: http://www.seasquirrelproductions.net/cgi-bin/store/seasquirrel.cgi/tile_box

Save $10 on Pet Products Today Only

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:33:00 +0000

Save $10 Today Only on Pet Products at Sea Squirrel Productions.net

$10 off purchases of $50 or more, excluding shipping charges and applicable sales tax. Excludes Gift Certificates, Flip Minos and bulk orders. Coupon code (DEMHOL5) must be entered at check out. Promotion starts on November 18, 2008, at 12:00 a.m. (PST) and ends on November 18, 2008 at 11:59 p.m. (PST). Offer cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or coupons and may change, be modified or canceled at anytime without notice.
Direct Links to Our Pet T-Shirts:
http://www.seasquirrelproductions.net/cgi-bin/store/seasquirrel.cgi/dog_tshirt
Direct Links to Our Pet Bowls:
http://www.seasquirrelproductions.net/cgi-bin/store/seasquirrel.cgi/all_bowls

Marine Dead Zones

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:00:00 +0000

An article on Nature News talks about how rising temperatures and increase in CO2 in the atmosphere effects the worlds oceans by depleting O2 levels. The increase in CO2 will feed the algae growth and increase bacteria grow as it feeds on the increase in biomass, which will decrease the O2 level. Any one who has ever had an aquarium you now you need to make sure you have an air source in the aquarium or you could kill your fish because of exactly what is described in this article. If our severely depleted fishing stocks start dying because of lack of O2 on top of our over fishing we will have a collapse in the fishing stocks. Not to mention how boring it will be to scuba dive in a dead ocean!

You can find the article here: http://www.nature.com/news/2008/081114/full/news.2008.1230.html

A Powerful Article

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:22:00 +0000

I ran across an article on CNN that I really think folks should read. http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/11/11/acevedo.pow/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

This article got me thinking about Washington DC., had gone there a few times, but the most recent trip I was able to go to the Holocaust Museum. This is one place that I really believe every American should go. Washington DC- most of the museums are free or low cost, it is a very powerful city, not only because of the fact it is the seat of power for the US, but because we have so many treasures in museums and monuments to the past.

At the very lease read this story, think about our soldiers and what they have done for us and the world.
Thank You!

Google-Escher

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:52:00 +0000

Google is trying to duplicate the work of MC Escher....
http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=40.758156,-73.977664&spn=0.002913,0.005997&t=k&z=18

Disgusted!

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:47:00 +0000

[rant]
As most of my friends and coworkers know, I am quite liberal. But as I have been getting older (yes, another year will be flying by this month) I am getting more cynical about my "fellow" Americans. I have watched how folks have become more about them selfs then about watching out for others. I see this every day while driving, shopping, and reading the newspaper. Then yesterday there was a historical election. We finally voted in a president who is not "white"! It has been a long struggle for equality, and I hoped that we Americans would have learned a lesson about oppression and inequality. The results of yesterday election came as this 3 states voted to ban marriage, and one state to block adoptions. Apparently we are not the land of the free nor the brave! I am utterly disgusted at my "fellow" Americans. It is quite obvious that America has not learned any lessons from the past. I know I for one will not be as kind hearted to others as I have found this is a new America one that is out for only it's self. I guess it is time for me to adapt, and to take advantage just like everyone else.
[/rant]

New Video uploaded to YouTube

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 23:15:00 +0000

I am finally getting around to upload some more of my videos from my trip to Palau and Yap earlier this year. This video is from Yap, the current was really kickin and making the channel very murky, then this Manta Ray swims over my head, I could have touched him. So exciting!

Voted

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:15:00 +0000

I voted! Only took me about 20mins or so....I was voted 321 in my precinct, which is pretty good because I was there at 9am.

Update

noreply@blogger.com (KazooDiver) — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 19:59:00 +0000

I have one week left on my disability...I should be back to work next week :)
I seem to have come down with a cold...and wouldn't you frickin know it but Meijers was out of Sudafed, not the new crap but the good old kind that works! Boy was I pissed, they had NOTHING in thier pharmacy with sudafed in it...that pharmacy really ticks me off.

Started a Facebook account because Dawn said I had to...so Dawn it is up. Hopefully I will add more to it later.

Just remember to go and Vote tomorrow!