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REAL PROOF of psychic energy (Amazing footage)!!! - BBC documentary TV (VIDEO)

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 16:51:00 +0000

This is was an un-staged program aired on BBC several yrs ago, with legitimate researchers and journalists capturing actual footage and experiencing first hand the reality of a healer's powerful abilities to do many amazing things (including BURNING THINGS) with pranic energy or "chi". Enjoy:

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Those referrals really add up; finding referrals for Redgage

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 16:51:00 +0000

So, you want to make a few friends, some money and – at least occasionally – win the daily drawing (I've won it three times myself)? Good.

Friends on Redgage are easy to make. Just accept the friend requests you get, make a few requests of your own and be active. Those connections will happen.

As for making money from the content you share, well this is easy too. Be active with sharing links, blog posts, images and videos and the money will begin to add up. One member here is already up to THOUSANDS of dollars. I'm shooting for the same, if not better, myself.

Now, the fastest way to get entry points to win the daily drawing is via referrals. But how do you find those? I've come across some easy ways to find a few.

1. Set your referral link as your signature in your email browser. The more you send and reply to emails in general, the more people will get curious and visit the sign-up page. (Side-note in case admin reads this: It might be helpful if the sign-up page had a little more details and information on it for visitors. We members are the ones answering everyone's questions. Throw us a bone and help us here, okay?)

2. Link your referral page from Facebook and other sites. Don't be spammy with it. Place it where it's appropriate and let the natural curiosity of your friends and contacts do the rest. It helps if your about page is visible to the general public.

3. Use free advertising sites. There are a variety of websites built strictly for the purposes of advertising. Although they're not always so popular with Google (Those folks have major sticks up their butts about everything) but they are shared a lot by the people who want their ads seen.

Now, for the big question: What is your referral link? That's simple. It's this link here, but instead of “USERNAME” you place your Redgage username on the line with no spaces. http://www.redgage.com/?refby=USERNAME There's also http://www.redgage.com/c-gheaa a tutorial if you want more details, wherein they also explain the invitation tool. It's not complicated at all. (Here's how it should look but with YOUR username: http://www.redgage.com/?refby=Oldoctober)

If you're new and want a little bit of help, feel free to ask me or really anyone on the site. Admin will answer questions too but since they're dealing with literally thousands of members, sometimes it's just quicker to ask a more experienced member.

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A Much Better Boiled Egg

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 17:53:00 +0000

I love to eat. I bet you do too. And of all types of food, I find the common egg to be one of the most versatile and affordable food to enjoy. Were I ever stranded on a deserted island but able to have one food item available, I would hope it's eggs.

A friend told me about this on Facebook and via Pinterest, how to make a better-tasting boiled egg, which is also easier to peel. I never realized there was a need to improve the boiled egg but I gave this a try anyway. It works great.

The flavor is improved since the taste isn't boiled out through the rather porous eggshell. That much I understand. I don't yet understand the mechanics of why they're easier to peel. But who cares how it works. This is worth doing anyway. Here's how.

Rather than boiling your eggs in water, place them either in a muffin tin with no water so they don't move around, or just place them straight onto the rack. Bake them at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for 25 to 30 minutes. That's all it takes.

At first, I thought they would explode. But that doesn't make sense. If they were going to explode from heat, wouldn't they explode in boiling water, since water is much denser than air?

Even with “taste” being as subjective as it is, I do detect a more pronounced and very enjoyable flavor. And yes, they're much easier to peel. I hope you enjoy this tip. Mucho gusto.

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From Ms. Magazine: How Some Men Harass Women Online and What Other Men Can Do to Stop It

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 15:00:00 +0000

I'm hoping today to give a little bit of link juice and general support to a brilliant piece. It's a topic we all need to think about. In this day and age, we're too intelligent to let the stupid, angry and violent mind-sets win the meme wars. This topic doesn't really need much of an introduction, since it's affected all of us already. So, let me bow out of the way and...
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(Trigger warning: for abusive, woman-hating language and threats of violence)

When I write about feminism and men’s violence against women, I often receive supportive comments. While some of the praise is earned, much of it gives me a lot of credit for doing very little.

When women write about those same topics, it’s a different story. We men threaten women bloggers and writers with rape and murder. We call women “man-haters,” verbally abuse them, hack into their email accounts and stalk them. We alter photos of women, putting cuts and bruises on their faces. Then we excuse ourselves, saying we were “just joking–can’t you feminists take a joke?”

Racists harass people online; so do homophobes. Most people agree this is harassment. But my gender’s online harassment of women seems to go unquestioned, even defended, in most circles. Yet men’s online abuse of women has been well-documented by women such as Laurie Penney, Jennifer Pozner, Emily May and many other women.

“The sad part is that it works,” says feminist blogger Soraya Chemaly. “I have spoken to many, many women writers who ‘tone down’ their voices or stop writing entirely as a result of threats. … I mean, who wants to wake up in the morning to ‘Stupid, cunt’ or ‘I’ll go from house to house shooting women like you.’”

“The death threat was pretty scary,” says HollaBack! cofounder Emily May. “And there have been several rape threats. But it’s mostly...Go here for the rest.

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Negative Thinking: Some Tips to Help Combat Self-Criticism

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 21:36:00 +0000

We all need it. We may not like it, but, negative thinking has saved our patooties more times than we know. Negative thinking isn't always so negative. Self-criticism can be your best friend. But not every situation in life requires self-criticism. Sometimes, a body needs to be a body's best friend as well as it's own worst enemy.
Those of us whose mind is somehow "flawed" or "imperfect," and we are in fact, not one of the fair-haired children of this world, see things a bit differently than most. Where most people see a challenge, we see a battle. Where most others get angry and then get over it, we see a reason to carry the embers of the cold fire of revenge, until it eats at our skin too.

It is all-too-easy to slip into the default mode of anger and negativity towards ourselves, sometimes to the point of not being capable of even supporting our own efforts, as well. It's been known to happen that, even mundane activities, such as housekeeping-even basic hygiene-can be seen as futile in the light of the self-critic. Excessive self-criticism can develop into full-blown clinical depression.

Controlling negative thinking is a bit like living with a food addiction. We need to think in order to live, just as we must eat and while the food addict wrestles with their addiction with each bite, we wrestle our self-criticism with each memory...each action. Some folks get to a point that the assistance of a doctor or a therapist might be needed.

I've been fortunate to have acquired some good information over the years, and as my own life has occasionally tanked, I've found ways to struggle back against my own self-defeat. That information has come from as varied of sources as Anthony Robbins, Napoleon Hill, Lao Tsu, Sun Tsu, Donald Trump, and Norman Swarzkopff. There have been others...many others. But these particular individuals seem specialized with self-understanding.

Before presenting these to you, it's necessary for me to point out the fact that this is not exhaustive. I believe no one could cover every possible scenario. There will always be an exception to a rule and some folks might be in need of professional help. However, most others are quite capable of negotiations with their own minds. So for those who need the ability to see your own achievements, as well as your flaws, here are a few tools I've been fortunate enough to have learned and would like to share:

Tips to deal with chronic negative thinking and excessive self-criticism tip number one:

Question your thoughts

All too often, a thought-pattern can become so ingrained, like a tradition if you will, that we continue using the phrase (I.e., "I need a cigarette," "I hate my life," or "Nobody loves me.") without ever questioning it's validity.

At the time the phrase was first used, it might have actually even been valid. Since it worked then, a person might continue using it, like a crutch whether it's still valid or not. Upon questioning that negative thought pattern or belief ("Do I really need that cigarette?" "If I really hated my life, wouldn't I be dead?" or "Even if I am so ugly even a mother couldn't love me, there's still me, and I'm a value."), it'll be so obviously invalid.

The power of these negative, self-critical thoughts rests within our beliefs of their validity. Challenging our own beliefs negates their strength because it causes us to step out of "auto-pilot" mode, and to see that, our habitual thoughts might not really apply to reality at all.

Oftentimes some of these self-criticism and negative thought patterns are simple universal generalizations that, we picked up as children, long ago. While we were children, those adults influencing us, were just as screwed up then as we are now.

Challenge your own negative thinking honestly. Your answers will always be in silence. No one will know what you really tell yourself unless you share...and who's listening anyway?

Tips to deal with chronic negative thinking and excessive self-criticism tip number two:

Reverse your thoughts

This method almost sounds too simplistic to be effective, until you try it, and see what the word "effective" really means! It's been my experience with this method, to almost feel the exact moment, when my state-of-mind changes. Let me tell you: It's pretty exciting to experience a change so immediate and drastic as to know when it occurs. You'll be a believer in controlling your own brain the first time you try it.

Anytime the old "tapes" of negative thinking and self-criticism start playing, as soon as the messages normally ran go, just reverse them!

As an example: Let's say you always tell yourself "I'm not good enough," when it comes to the idea of a new job. Make it a point that the first words out of your mouth next are to the effect of "You'd be crazy to not hire me," and look the new employer right in the eyes while you say it.

At the very least, reversing any habitual thought will make you pause in your motions to consider whether what you normally say is even true here in reality. Do it right now, in fact. Take any negative, self-critical thought you normally have and tell yourself the exact opposite, even if it feels ridiculous at first. Be as blatant and extreme as it takes. The statements you tell yourself now, are blatant and extreme, are they not?

Say the exact opposite, at least to yourself, of any negative, self-critical thought you normally encounter. Don't knock it 'til you try it. Sometimes, the corny stuff, works better than the fancy methods. Give it a try. There's no equipment to buy. No membership fees are due. There's no monthly contract! You already have everything you need to do this! So do it!

Tips to deal with chronic negative thinking and excessive self-criticism tip number three:

Replace your thoughts

The first two methods shared are really just variations of this one method. I just wanted you to see those two examples before you saw the third method, so you'll have something to begin battling self-criticism, and negative thinking by the time you finish this piece. How's that for a sweeping statement?

The first two methods of doing what we're talking about, here in the third, are tools to help you through those "on-the-spot" moments in life. When you're facing a moment that might not allow, or accept, you taking a few minutes for a one-hour chant. But basically, with the first two methods, you're doing a "band-aid" version of this step.

Once a day (I recommend mornings because less drivers are out and you set your metabolism for the day) take the time to get some walking, jogging, yoga, or other form of exercise in. While you're out and about, pick a simple, catchy, and memorable phrase to repeat to yourself. I like "Every day in every way my life is getting better and better." Repeat this for the duration of your exercise.

Use your personal chant after each round of a breathing exercise I learned from Anthony Robbins that was once researched by MIT. While walking or exercising, inhale in four shorts gasps, and exhale in four similar, short bursts. "In-in-in-in, out-out-out-out. Every day in every way my life is getting better and better!" Don't listen to any music, have any coffee, or focus on anything other than your breathing, and your chant, until you're done.

This isn't just self-talk. It works because you picked up your negative thinking, and self-criticism in much the same way. Most people mope about in the morning, thinking of all they're worried over, and afraid of. Eventually, as they focus only on the negative and self-critical, that's exactly what they lead themselves to.

All thought patterns are habitual after they've been used long enough. Another way of saying it is you've grown comfortable in their usage. Replacing negative thinking requires the development of new habits. So...develop some new habits...on purpose! Be proactive. Pursue your happiness.

Giving yourself these chants are simply re-focusing, from the negative thought patterns normally shared, onto the new one. Even if all you have is as little as fifteen minutes in the morning, start this, and watch it grow into an entirely new perspective instead of the normal self destructive pattern. Daily practice is crucial...and this works.

Eventually, the new, happy thought pattern will replace the negative thoughts of self-criticism. It sticks because the breathing pattern combined with the chant helps it stick in the mind. You'll still be able to access the self-criticism skills as needed. But now you know how to put them back when done.

The key is consistency. Someone needs to be as consistent and as stubborn in giving themselves a break as they are in giving themselves a hard time with negative thinking and self criticism.

Originally published on Yahoo! Voices.

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If you don't laugh at this, there's something wrong with you - From Facebook

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 19:58:00 +0000

Feeling a little blue, sometimes? Well, when you need a pick-me-up, here it is!

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How to Make Homemade Marijuana Butter for all of Your Edible Marijuana Medicine Needs

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Sun, 30 Dec 2012 10:14:00 +0000

First off, I'm not encouraging anyone to do anything illegal. If you're not legally allowed to use marijuana – whether in edible medicine form or not – then I'm going to ask you to visit somewhere else on the web. Perhaps another article on our blog or perhaps to a friend's website (Make a donation while you're there too. Help the guy out). Anywhere but here.

Also, if you're a minor, please just go away now. Anyone who remains on these pages, bears their own responsibility and I'm not holding a gun to anyone's head and making them read. Here in the free marketplace of ideas, it is the closest thing to a religious believe of mine, that all information shall be readily available. In any case, I would only recommend – even to those who are legally allowed to consume edible marijuana medicine (or recreational) – only make what is personally consumed. Personal consumption is a safer threshold even in those communities where the government is stubbornly ridiculous and enforce ineffective, antiquated laws known as “crimes against the state.”

That being said, edible marijuana is a viable option for those who need the marijuana wonder drug but can't – or simply don't want to – inhale smoke and hot ash into the lungs. If you're able to buy it legally, great. But if you're needing to save a few dollars on your edible marijuana medicine then, I'm your boy and my brain is your toy. *meow bat bat* It's easy to do and only requires the most basic things.

What you'll need to make edible marijuana medicine for your own, personal use of a 1 lb. marijuana butter batch:

One lb. salted butter
One oz. marijuana (bud, clipping, small stems), finely cut up
a double-boiler of some sort (a large saucepan within a larger saucepan works as long as you can keep the water filled. Some people use a crock-pot on low filled with water and a metal bowl)

Clean, new pantyhose for straining

What you do to make your own edible marijuana medicine (Told you this was easy. Okay, even if I forgot to, it is.):

1. Place both the butter and the finely chopped marijuana bud and/or trimmings into the bowl.
2. Cook for a minimum of 24 hours. MINIMUM!
3. Strain through new, clean pantyhose into desired container and let cool. Squeeze the drippings through the pantyhose. Remove all the liquids possible. Work patiently.

4. Discard strainings as you wish. Some will recommend a mulch-pile. Some will recommend using them in a salad.
5. From this point, use – pound-for-pound – as butter in any recipes. Popular options are brownies or cookies.

And in conclusion; knowing how important it is to be good to others, remember to be good to yourself too. Thank you for reading.

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From Cracked; 4 Dangerously Influential Dimwits

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Sat, 29 Dec 2012 16:21:00 +0000

It's terribly possible that, even though they're owned by the meth-heads of Demand Media, Cracked.com may very well be the single, greatest website to ever exist other than Snopes and thousands upon thousands of other equally awesome websites.

The writers of Cracked don't just make me laugh. They also make me think, question myself and occasionally cringe from the type of realizations which give me feelings of embarrassment and awkwardness even though I'm alone in the bathroom at the moment I realize whatever it was at the time and my only hope for saving face is that at least 80 percent of the world isn't bright enough to ever notice my countless faux pas during my life of painful ignorance for which I then determine myself to no longer continue in my fuckuppery.

With the piece I'm leading you to now, within this post, the brilliant Felix Clay shares his list of four of the most undeserving, incredibly dishonest, crooked, evil influencers in the world today. I gotta say this: He NAILS it! Look, it's such a great piece, I'm even going to shut up now and let you enjoy the read. You're welcome to read my snippet introduction, of course. Or, you can just go ahead and skip to the link reading "Read the rest here." Okay. OKAY! I'm shutting up now. Please stop yelling at me.

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Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. That's a popular belief that pervades society these days and is born of a curious and unearned entitlement, sort of like the way we all think a bus shouldn't have urine on it, but of course it does. It's also terribly untrue due to its lack of completeness. Everyone can have an opinion, but you have to be ready to accept that it may be wrong and misguided and in need of correction. That's not an opinion. That's a stone cold sexy fact.

Unfortunately, too many people have beliefs that are rigid and not open to change. Like trying to pee with a boner, they are difficult to manage and can be disastrous when forced in another direction. No one likes to hear that the things they strongly believe are wrong, but it's a disservice to all of us if we can't be open to the idea that we are wrong, and open to learning something new. And while it's true that no one is right all the time and no one knows everything, that's natural. What's unnatural are those people who have been elevated to a position of authority, rightly or wrongly, who use their power and influence to spread their wrongheaded beliefs, not just to the benefit of ignorance, but to the dangerous detriment of those who believe them. Basically I mean...Read the rest here.

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From DrHurd; Why the "Fiscal Cliff" is Really a Myth

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Fri, 28 Dec 2012 16:45:00 +0000

Lately, we've all heard the "debates" over tax increases here in the US. And while the media is hyping Obama's plan as our one and only means of salvation - and while even Republicans are avoiding the harsh truths of our economic conditions - at least Dr Hurd is still speaking out.

So, I'll share him with you, my dear readers, in the hopes that at least some of you will pull your fingers out of your ears and stop with that silly "LALALALALAAAAA Not LISTENING" bullshit so many of us are doing. Enjoy:
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All the talk of a “fiscal cliff” come January 1 is misleading.

It implies that there’s something politicians can do to avert disaster in the new year – and that if they do it, all will be well.

The fact is: All is not well. The reason isn’t the sequestration law with supposed spending cuts and tax increases to take effect.

The reason is that the government is spending and borrowing way, way beyond what the private economy has the ability to produce – even if taxes are raised.

You can debate whether it’s worse to let America “go over the fiscal cliff” or to make some kind of bipartisan deal (stacked in favor of pro-Big Government spending and taxation, as always).

It doesn’t matter. Either way, Americans are left with the reality that its government spends and borrows way beyond its means. Tax increases will not help this. Tax increases on “the rich” will help this least of all. This is because “the rich” are the ones who disproportionately spend and invest in the economy, whether it’s job creation, investment in stocks or private enterprises, or spending on luxuries. The more you take away from those with the most wealth, the less...Read the rest here.

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Flood Insurance: Some Things to Consider

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:36:00 +0000

The United States has its fair share of natural disasters, and flooding is no exception. The federal government established the National Flood Insurance Program in 1969 to help protect homeowners against food damage. If you are not covered by flood insurance, you could suffer catastrophic losses during a flood.

Price of Coverage

Your flood insurance premium is determined in part by the risk of flooding to your area. Homeowners who live in high risk flood zones will pay more for flood insurance than those living in low-risk flood areas. You can find out what flood zone your property is located in by typing your address in at www.floodsmart.gov. There is no predetermined price for flood insurance. There are several factors that affect your cost for coverage including what flood zone your home is located in, the age of your home, your deductible amount and the amount of flood coverage you buy. The best way to determine the cost of flood insurance is to get a quote from an insurance agent approved by the NFIP.

Lowering Your Cost for Flood Insurance

There are some ways for you to lower the price you pay for flood insurance. If you live in a flood zone, elevating your home could reduce your rates. If possible, you could also relocate your house to an area of your property that is on higher ground and above the flood base elevation. Of course, choosing a higher deductible will also lower your flood insurance premium.

Do You Need Flood Insurance?
Flood insurance is not just for homeowners in high risk flood zones. Flooding can occur in areas that do not normally flood when rivers and streams overflow banks. If you are buying a home, your mortgage company may require you to purchase separate flood insurance. Your homeowner's policy provides no flood coverage.

Eligibility
Your local community must participate in the NFIP program for you to purchase flood insurance. Communities participating in the NFIP program must implement measures to reduce the risk of future flooding. When a community enters the NFIP program, FEMA conducts a yearlong study to evaluate flood plains. The results of these studies are used in rating flood insurance policies. If you are not sure if your community participates in the NFIP program, ask for FEMA's Community Status Book which gives a list of communities participating in the program. It also lists communities that have been suspended from the program or withdrew from the program voluntarily. Your local insurance agent is a good resource to find out more about your community's NFIP status.

What is Covered
Damage to your dwelling structure caused by flooding is covered by your flood insurance policy. A mobile home is an eligible structure as long as it is anchored to a permanent foundation. Contents and personal belongings kept inside your home can also be covered but you must purchase contents coverage separately.

What is not Covered

Structures not attached to your home including sidewalks, driveways, lawns, gardens and other land are not covered against damage by your flood insurance policy. Automobiles, business personal property of others and floating structures, such as houseboats, are not covered.

Where to Buy Flood Insurance

The NFIP allows insurance agents who are certified in flood insurance to sell policies to homeowners. You can locate an approved insurance agent at the NFIP website, www.Floodsmart.com.

References:

Floodsmart.gov: Residential Coverage
Floodsmart.gov: Policy Rates
Floodsmart.gov: What's Covered

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How to Reach Alpha Level Visualization

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:19:00 +0000

For those not yet familiar with the power of alpha level visualization, allow me to share just a bit on the topic before going into this easy-to-follow tutorial. Alpha level visualization is a state of mind between full-blown consciousness (beta level) and sleep (theta level). It's been described by some authors – such as Shakti Gawain – as something similar to “lucid dreaming.” It is the ideal state of consciousness for anyone using either creative visualization or simply wishing to relax and meditate on good things in this life. It is, in fact, self-hypnosis and accessing your brain at alpha level is the programming station of the human brain.

Personally, I used it to have imaginary conversations with my late father after his death and to help myself with the grieving process. Others swear by using alpha level visualization to fight disease and program the mind for serious challenges.

While there are many aspects of alpha level visualization, a simple Google search will help neophytes in their quest for knowledge. Be careful though, to avoid the charlatans. Anyone who discusses the topic as anything more than the programming of your own brain, may very well be a fraud – or even harmfully ignorant of reality. I'm only sharing here the method I've learned over the years to attain a state of alpha. I hope it will help my readers, for whatever goals they hope to attain.

My method will require you a total of thirty days to master and simple patience. But, what a small investment of time and effort for all that the reader will discover. If you begin this, finish it. If you have no intention of finishing this, do not begin. Are we clear on this? Once you've finished this basic tutorial (which will be focused on an early morning daily schedule) you will then be able to go into alpha level at any time of the day or night – and even with your eyes wide open. Remember to bookmark this page for return visit and refreshers on the steps. I also recommend this be read three times through completely, due to the all-too-common tendency we humans share to miss small points. Let's begin, shall we?

Ideally, the best time of day to train yourself to reach the state of alpha is in the early mornings. Those with small children and/or hectic morning schedules may find it difficult to try this if you stay with the usual routine. So, at least for these first thirty days, wake yourself up a half-hour to hour earlier than everyone else in the household. This will require self-discipline on your part and yes, the very first phase has some level of difficulty. I'll keep my instructions as simple as I can, but very few things worth doing are easy in the beginning.

There are five stages of this lesson, each consisting of six days apiece. Each day's routine will be thus: On waking up, reset your electronic rooster to go off again in a half-hour. Then, lay back down – but not to full sleep. In your “mind's eye,” imagine yourself seeing a great big, all-encompassing sheet of blank white paper. If other thoughts try to “creep in” simply acknowledge them as the logical part of your mind trying to return you to your normal routine, thank your mind for doing its job and then get back to focusing on the blank sheet of white paper.

On this sheet, imagine seeing the number 40 being written (Either by hand or paintbrush or even imagine them as digital numbers. Whatever. The human mind is so creative.). Silently say “40” to yourself, take a deep, abdominal breath and feel yourself as if you're sinking just a bit into your bed. Allow the number 40 to fade away or disappear or scatter as if it's blown away by a breeze as you exhale. Let your entire body lay limp and relaxed.

Do the same routine for the numbers 39, 38, 37, and so on, until you reach the number 1. Upon reaching the number one, say to yourself, “I am here. I am rested, refreshed, happy and feeling better than ever before.” Go ahead and visualize something good on your sheet of paper (or screen, as some refer to it.) Let it be something good for you or others. There is no rule saying precisely what it should be but I highly recommend it be something good, since you are in the programming portion of your brain, while in alpha state.
Be patient, relax and resign yourself to the knowledge that these steps will take several minutes. If at any time, you feel an itch or twitch, take care of it and relax completely again as soon as possible, all while leaving your eyes closed.

Now, begin taking yourself back up, visualizing each number, saying it to yourself and letting it go. As you come back to 38 and 39, say to yourself, “on the count of 40, I will open my eyes, awake, rested, refreshed and feeling better than ever before.” On the count of 40, do so. Then go about your day as usual. Follow this ritual for the first six days.

Beginning with the seventh day of alpha level training, Follow the exact same procedure. Only, instead of starting at 40, begin at 30 and go though the same routine each morning for the next six days. On the thirteenth day, begin at 20 and follow the same routine. On the nineteenth, begin at 10 and of finally, on day 25, begin at 5. At each stage, allow yourself to count down completely, unhurried and relaxed. At the point of “1” and “I am here” allow yourself to visualize something good and helpful. It can be anything good.
What's happening here is you are conditioning yourself to relax to the state of alpha level thinking and practicing the ability to visualize something as realistically as possible. When you visualize something, allow yourself to see it as if it's actually occurring, even though you know it is merely your imagination.

After day number thirty – and from then on – you will be able to attain alpha level visualization with merely the countdown of five. You will also find you're able to attain the alpha level of your mind even if your eyes are open and you're fully awake and at work or shopping. If you're driving, please pull over first, simply because of the fact that you're behind the wheel of a 2,000 lb projectile.

But at the completion of this basic training over 30 days, you'll find yourself able to clearly visualize anything you desire as if you're actually there. You can use this to stay calm during a crisis. This can be used to tap into the creative forces of your mind, formulating business plans or even just working up the desire needed to attain a challenging goal. There really are no limits to what you use this newly-trained ability for. But I do recommend you use it to only program yourself to do the good and beneficial things.

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It Seems 2012 is the Year of the Internet Newbie

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 00:14:00 +0000

While it seemed for awhile there, the most searched for term during 2012 might have been “apocalypse” or even, “end-of-the-world,” no, it isn't either. The number one search term for the year 2012, in searches on Google.com is the word “Facebook.”

Not only have more people looked up the word Facebook, than any other (dominating at 4.13 percent according to Experian) the term itself is now the top searched term for the past four years running. Might they remain on top from now on?

On the business horizon, it doesn't seem like any enterprise is soon to take the position from “the kingmaker,” Facebook. But ultimately, all good things do – at the very least – change. One possibility is that the social network will perhaps become an integrated part of the background scenery of life. If society were only a bit more wired, Facebook could end up becoming the central hub of daily life. Civilization will refuse to become so hum-drum as to constantly stay connected to the computer. The mobile market is already heavily-integrated with Facebook, as it is – and we're only now discovering our new reliance on these latest toys called smart-phones.

Another two points byexperian , mentions also how, during 2012, one-word searches increased as a trend as well. Along with this, the second-most searched-for term is Google. Next, it was YouTube and Yahoo! - all search engines of a sort. With this input, it seems logical to assume the 33 percent higher inquiry for the term “Facebook” might be at least partially due to “newbies” logging on for the first time ever and only now learning how to find the social network on their own, without the help of any engine.

Out of the top ten search terms, only one was not either a search engine, email or YouTube – and even it is a search engine of sorts these days – eBay. Factoring this in leads for a fairly reasonable conclusion is that most of the search engine activity for 2012 is inexperienced novices learning how to find their way around online. But, once these newer, inexperienced Internet surfer learns their way around online more comfortably, we'll get back to tracking the true, popular attraction of the Internet to now-mainstream America: kitten videos.

Source, for those who missed the link: http://www.experian.com/blogs/marketing-forward/2012/12/20/facebook-was-the-top-search-term-in-2012-for-fourth-straight-year/?WT.srch=PR_EMS_TopSearchTerms_122012

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Having the kids over for Christmas 2012 (Video)

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 19:52:00 +0000

Janet's kids and their significant others came over to open gifts and eat. Not included in this was the excellent ham dinner and half of the laughs Johnnie gave his mom. Check out how many gifts surround these four young 'uns. Sorry my sound is wonked.

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Our Christmas Tree for Christmas 2012. (Images)

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Sun, 23 Dec 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Well, the world didn't end with the last Solstice, so here's to enjoying another year alive at the beginning of the new year and Christmas. Our tree's up and we wanted to share the shots with family, friends and strangers alike. We hope you like it and Merry Christmas, everybody.

The first shot is so we can show off Janet's mad decorating ninja skilz. In the foreground, there's Amanda's stocking photobombing, as usual.

Then, of course, there's the gifts. Janet and I already exchanged ours but we still have those of the kids to go. Stockings, set on the floor with care, the tree taking over the television's place in the living room and all of the smiles waiting to happen when they see what she picked for each of them. (They're making out like bandits this year.)

Anyway, here's to everyone having a wonderful, peaceful, prosperous Christmas. And if you celebrate something else, we hope you have a wonderful time too, this holiday season. Thanks for visiting.

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Use White Vinegar for Easy Mold Removal

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 01:37:00 +0000

Mold, especially the nefarious black mold, causes problems ranging from just looking bad, to allergic reactions, and sometimes an asthmatic response, which for some, can prove fatal. So the need for mold removal is understood. The questions now remain of how to effectively remove the mold without using the harsh chemicals. The answer is white vinegar.

Yes! Use white vinegar to eliminate household mold! Some of us might suffer an allergic reaction to the chemicals used in most commercial cleaners available today. Others are simply more concerned about the long term effects of those chemicals on their families and pets. While others see said chemicals having an overall detrimental effect upon "Mother Earth" and their fellow denizens.

All that's well and good, but, will white vinegar work for mold removal? It most certainly will! You'll want to make sure you're using white fermented vinegar for the cleaning job, and you'll need to do some touch-up work every couple of days, but vinegar has been shown to effectively kill 80% of spores found in a home. Nothing kills 100%. Even modern-day chemicals can get all of those microscopic spores. They've even been seen to survive fire.

IMPORTANT! If you have allergies to mold, it is advisable to use a professional mold removal service. The risks simply aren't worth the savings.

For removing mold from household surfaces with white vinegar:
A) Fill an empty, clean spray bottle with undiluted, white vinegar. (It's recommended to use a new bottle for each different chemical in a household to avoid bad reactions from accidental combinations. Yes. Vinegar is a chemical.)
B) Spray the vinegar onto any flat surface desired. For applications such as sinks make sure and get the seals on the faucets, behind the faucets, or anywhere that low-levels of light reach. Making vinegar application part of a daily cleaning regimen is easy.
C) Dry the surface(s) thoroughly. Mold loves moisture.
D) Repeat about every other day or so.

White vinegar does more than removing mold from walls and surfaces! White vinegar and water in a spray bottle can be applied to bathroom walls, shower stalls, and other flat surfaces. But you'll be glad to know white vinegar is also effective at getting mold and mildew out of laundry. With the prices of clothing these days, anything that'll save someone from needing to throw out a $20 shirt, is a good thing.

Here's how to use white vinegar for laundry:A) Make a mix of one part water, and one part vinegar. Laundry may require multiple gallons of each. Just make enough for the job.
B) Soak the clothing in this mixture overnight. Keep all small children away from the container preferably with a lid. Vinegar is edible. So this warning is based more on a fear of drowning than anything.
C) Rinse the vinegar out of the material and then wash as normal. If all of the vinegar isn't rinsed out it's not usually a problem and may even help clean the washing machine itself.

Sources:
http://www.allergyconsumerreview.com/mold-removal-mildew-control.html
http://moldremovalfacts.com/vinegar-mold-removal/vinegar-for-mold-removal/
http://www.mold-removal.biz/natural-mold-removal-for-safe-and-healthy-home.htm

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Children are Quick! Pass this around and share some laughter)

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:42:00 +0000

Just received this in my email from a friend. Usually, I never share these. But having seen kids in action before (and allegedly I was one myself once long ago) This one struck a chord with me. Enjoy:

Children Are Quick!

TEACHER: Why are you late?
STUDENT: Class started before I got here.
____________________________________
TEACHER: John, why are you doing your math multiplication on the floor?
JOHN:You told me to do it without using tables.
__________________________________________
TEACHER: Glenn, how do you spell 'crocodile?'
GLENN:K-R-O-K-O-D-I-A-L'
TEACHER: No, that's wrong
GLENN:Maybe it is wrong, but you asked me how I spell it.
(I Love this child)
____________________________________________
TEACHER: Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
DONALD: H I J K L M N O.
TEACHER: What are you talking about?
DONALD: Yesterday you said it's H to O.
__________________________________
TEACHER: Winnie, name one important thing we have today that we didn't have ten years ago.
WINNIE: Me!
__________________________________________
TEACHER: Glen, why do you always get so dirty?
GLEN:Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.
_______________________________________
TEACHER: Millie, give me a sentence starting with ' I. '
MILLIE: I is..
TEACHER: No, Millie..... Always say, 'I am.'
MILLIE: All right... 'I am the ninth letter of the alphabet.'
________________________________
TEACHER: George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree,
But also admitted it.
Now,Louie, do you know why his father didn't punish him?
LOUIS:Because George still had the axe in his hand.....
______________________________________
TEACHER: Now, Simon , tell me frankly, do you say prayers before eating?
SIMON:No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a good cook.
______________________________
TEACHER: Clyde , your composition on 'My Dog' is exactly the same as your brother's..
Did you copy his?
CLYDE : No, sir. It's the same dog.

(I want to adopt this kid!!!)
___________________________________
TEACHER: Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on talking when people
Are no longer interested?
HAROLD:A teacher
__________________________________
Try telling me you didn't nearly bust a gut!

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The Strangest Dream - How Much Better Does It Get?

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 11:16:00 +0000

Here it is, nearly 4:30 am as I write this. I recently awoke from the strangest dream, unable to get back to sleep and not really feeling as if I need to anyway. I've started a new mantra of saying, “How much better does it get?” instead of worrying about how much worse it can get and it seems the shift in thinking has my brain telling me some previously unrealized information. (Thanks for the mantra, Eli Rook.) I highly recommend using this new phrase.

In my dream, I find myself walking around a strange town looking for work. At one point I notice a particular character following me as I go from business to business, where I ask them if they need window-cleaning services. As I leave each place, this character is outside of each place, just waiting.

As I go through the town I cut across a muddy field to get to another business strip. But along the way, this character finally approaches and somehow tricks me into his home. (Ever notice how in dreams you sometimes do stupid crap for no explainable reason? Oh DMT. You are such a trickster.) In his home, I find myself a prisoner and being physically assaulted. At first, there's only this one character. Three others show up later but we'll get to that.

This first guy somehow has me down on the floor and even though he's obviously weak, he's doing his best to beat me. I'm not really scared – more hesitant to hurt him than anything since he's obviously pretty weak. But after I've had enough I find myself fighting back. With his next punch I grab each of his arms and just snap them. Then I grab him and bite him on his lateral abs, just beneath his ribs (Yeah, because that's how I roll in the non-dream world too, don't ya know. LOL!)

He immediately begins protesting, asking me why I'm hurting him. As if I'm wrong somehow for defending myself against a wannabe violent, sadistic kidnapper. I give him one more solid punch right in his whiny mouth with every ounce of strength I can muster - all the rage I can summon. He disappears immediately and I am again calm.

Next, three of his associates/friends enter the room. Two of them are silent but supportive of the third who is very obviously an “authoritarian” sort. I come to realize in my dream (while still not realizing this is all a dream) that, just like the authoritarian type represents those who like to bark out orders and be obeyed, the other two represent the passive/aggressive coward types you can almost always find orbiting around dominant personalities.

The authoritarian type tries to keep me sitting in the bath-tub. (Bear with me. Remember, this is a dream. How I ended up in the tub makes no sense to me either. Odd things happen in dreams.) I tell him, “Come on man. I gotta take a dump.” (Forgive me for that image please. Dream, remember?) He says, “Alright. You can get up for number 2.” (This is when I realize that this is something stemming from childhood, rooted to abusive personalities I encountered back then. Why else would the "number 2" reference be used?)

But in getting up, I decide to go ahead and fight. (This is where it gets really strange. If you have a weak stomach, quit reading now. I mean right now. Stop. Go away. Okay, you've been warned.) Since there are three of them, I have to use what's available. Being, somehow, in the nude and weaponless (Not even a towel-bar on the wall – oh they make lovely weapons) I decide to use what I have available – feces, as disgusting as that sounds.

I smear it all over my body to be as offensive and as distractingly disgusting as possible. I then tell the three, “I'm leaving. Don't try to stop me. The first one of you who does – no matter what else happens to me – I'm taking him out. This will be that man's last few breaths. I promise you. Who's it going to be to die today?” They leave me alone and I make my escape, naked, covered in feces, but glad to be free. This is when I wake up.

I see all sorts of symbolism in this. Of course, we have the emotionally manipulative. They attack and then try to use “guilt” as a defense to discourage defense. I'm guessing I first encountered this one since I recently shook off a false friend who used emotional manipulation to control the behavior of others. Thanks Drew, for helping me realize what I must.

The extreme measures to fight off the authoritarian and his pets (Yes, you passive/aggressive types who play sycophants to your authoritarian masters are little more than pets to them. Let that thought sink in you fucking loser wimps. Haha) came from the knowledge that they fight dirty and always out-number their targets. Covering myself in feces is my way of realizing I might have to make myself look bad in order to defeat them/escape. But it's worth it. I'd rather look bad to others who don't know the back-story than to take one more goddamned second of abuse. In my waking life, I'm not sure if authoritarians and abusers have any clue what's in store for them the next time they ever try fucking with me or any of my friends ever again.

The emotionally manipulative, the passive/aggressive and the authoritarian abusers have held me captive for a long time. At 42, I see now that I've been subjected to their sadism all of my life. Family, “friends,” random strangers, all of them have done me wrong for no other reason than that I let them. Ultimately, I'm responsible for my own abuse because like the first character, I followed them thoughtlessly into their den.

I will enjoy the crocodile tears of the emotionally manipulative. The authoritarian will find their abuse shoved back in their fat faces and they will never lay another of their ham-fists on me again, figuratively or literally. As for their little sycophant fucking pussy friends? They'll not only get a fight out of me, I'll show those cowards what embarrassment and shame is all about. I'm liking this new me. It's about time I came along. How much better does it get? We shall see.

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Why I want Officer Christopher Webb of the New Mexico State Police fired, now

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Fri, 02 Nov 2012 04:12:00 +0000

COMMENTARY | According to a lawsuit reported on the Smoking Gun, Officer Christopher Webb, a member of New Mexico State Police's Motor Transportation Police Division, tasered a10-year-old during career day at his school, for saying he didn't want to wash the officer's patrol car. But that's not the only reason I want him fired.

And I also don't just want him fired for his arrogance and his abuse of power in trying to intimidate a little kid, for having given an honest answer by the very act of pointing a taser and saying, “Let me show you what happens to people who do not listen to the police,” as if he didn't like the kid not acting like a good, boot-licking servant, like all of his dumb kid friends. It's not just his being an armed abuser on a power-trip that has me wanting him fired.

As well, I don't just want Officer Christopher Webb fired from his position of public trust for failing to offer medical assistance to the unconscious child, instead choosing to take the boy to the restroom to “clean him up,” which causes me a very strong suspicion Officer Christopher Webb was more than likely hoping to revive the little guy, in hopes of keeping himself out of trouble.

No, those aren't the only reasons I want Officer Hogg – I mean Officer Chris Webb fired. I also want him fired because in his report to his superiors, he lied through his nasty, gritty, fecal-matter-covered teeth about the incident, as also revealed by the Smoking Gun website. And if an armed idiot like Officer Christopher Webb - member of New Mexico State Police's Motor Transportation Police Division - will lie in a situation involving the health and safety of an innocent 10-year-old kid, he is undeserving of the trust placed upon him by the public, when dealing with the less desirable members of society. How many other situations has he chosen to tell lies in during his career?

I'm not one of these people who feels that no cop is a good cop. I've had my ass pulled out of the fire – so to speak – on more than one occasion by a couple of the finest, bravest men I've ever met, which we all know as a “police officer.” I have family members and friends working in law enforcement in a variety of capacities. I don't hold a grudge against police, in general. In the right situations, they're the first people I call. I'm like many millions of other Americans, in that I trust the average law enforcement officer with my life.

But Officer Christopher Webb, of the Motor Transportation Police Division under the New Mexico State Police does not deserve our trust, for every reason listed above – one atop the other - especially his willingness to lie in order to cover his own ass. That's truly not acceptable.

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Rats Invade Streets of New York After Sandy Storm Damage

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Wed, 31 Oct 2012 22:27:00 +0000

COMMENTARY | As if New York residents weren't facing enough trouble with the massive storm damage from Hurricane Sandy. According to National Geographic Daily News, the city is now besieged by droves of rats looking for food and possibly hoping to re-establish themselves on drier ground. The news is enough to make most of the rest of us cringe but it should come as no surprise. Rats have adapted to live around humans over thousands of years. They do well by how we live and conditions created by the storm have emboldened these amazingly survivable creatures.

It appears the rats were flooded out by the torrential rain from the super-storm which hit the East Coast over the last few days. Under normal conditions, rats can actually burrow deeper in the soil than water can seep. But, in addition to the flooding of their usual habitat, the tempting lure of trash strewn all about the city, which the rats consider a food source, has lured the hungry creatures out into broad daylight. New Yorkers can expect to see rats by the thousands until they're able to return to their usual habitat. City workers and residents certainly have their hands full in re-building their lives.

During the rainfall, rats reportedly escaped the subways in the same manner as humans would exit - the stairs. Many sought shelter behind garbage bins and under parked cars until the storm let up. Now, a veritable smorgasbord has come to their feet. A major concern for New Yorkers now is the obvious risk of disease with thousands of rats roaming the streets.

While the residents of the East Coast - especially New York City and New Jersey - those of us in the rest of the US need not sit by idly, feeling helpless. The Lookout offers a list of charities through which donors can help with donations towards hurricane relief.

We can give more than just money too. Churches, groups and clubs can also contribute donations of food, clothing, blankets and other basic necessities. Additional items readers might consider donating are batteries, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, diapers, baby wipes, hand sanitizer and even toys. Pretty much anything which those of us fortunate enough to not live in the Northeast take for granted every day could help the people of the New York City and New Jersey.

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How to win over stray kittens

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 21:40:00 +0000

Any animal lover will occasionally encounter stray kittens and sometimes – either to get them spayed/neutered or just to adopt them as pets – it might become necessary to gain their trust and win them over. While it can be complicated, even difficult, it is do-able. The greatest tool we humans have is food. In the animal world, food is love. It should be noted, only try this with weaned kittens. Never approach nursing kittens of a feral cat.

The biggest obstacle is, of course, momma cat. Domesticated cats are protective of their young as it is - to the point they will even attack people they're accustomed to over their young. A feral cat will try to kill you if you get too close to their offspring. This is no laughing matter since a stray cat in defense mode truly is a deadly force. In order to even have a chance to approach wild kittens, you must first win over the mother cat. It will take weeks of regular feeding and gentleness to win over a stray cat. If you're lucky enough to have a cat see you protect it from a barking dog or a scary toddler, this will earn you fast points. Cats remember these small things.

If you're not successful in winning over the momma cat, you might want to consider asking for help in trapping them from the local humane society, which will probably also include having the cat spayed and then released. Be prepared to pay a fee for their services, still, they're reasonable.

If you've any sort of rapport with momma cat, half of the battle is already won. Now it becomes a matter of getting the mother to allow her kittens to eat, at least for short intervals. In our case where I live, we have a particularly gluttonous momma cat who seems to think she needed every single crumb of food before the kittens – now fully weaned – had even a chance at getting a bite. The solution is easy enough.

Since momma cat cannot be in two places at once, we would leave multiple piles of cat food so that the mother could eat to her piggish little heart's content and the kittens would have at least some access to some of the food too. They saw that we were the providers of their kibble. And out-smarting momma cat also allowed the little ones to become accustomed to our scent. Sometimes, it took three or four small piles of cat food for the kittens to get so much as a bite. But soon, she realized that she was getting enough herself, even though the young ones were also eating too. This effort might take a few days to accomplish.

But some cats are just pigs. No matter what approach you take, they will not let their young eat. In those cases, you'll need to physically separate the momma cat from the kittens before they have any opportunity to get even a single bite. Sometimes, you might consider letting momma cat into your house and closing the door. It's probably better though, if you have a garage she can be closed into for a few minutes while the kittens eat. After they've eaten their fill and after you've taken small steps to let them become accustomed to your scent and presence, let the momma cat back out so she knows her babies are safe. As obnoxious as a cat can be, she still deserves as much, at least. They are her young, after all.

In addition to feeding them, you'll also need to let the kittens see that you're no threat to them. If you sit outside while they eat, make no sudden moves toward them. It probably won't hurt if you were to soothe their over-inflated cat egos with soothing talk from a distance. Once they've discovered you're not going to eat them and that you'll probably protect them should they need you, you can begin feeding them gradually closer to your door each day. It's just a matter of time before their curiosity has them eating out of your hands, literally.

To see pictures of our stray momma cat the big pig, visit here.

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Why most people can't be the boss or work for themselves

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Wed, 24 Oct 2012 13:49:00 +0000

Years back, I was told a story explaining why most people can't handle being the boss or working for themselves. In fact, when most people assume the boss has an easier job, they don't really know what they're saying and are just whining. I hope you enjoy it:

There was once a potato farmer who had a small crew of workers on his farm. Most of them did a decent job and earned their pay, farming being so much work and all. One day, the farmer took on a new hand who said he desperately needed work.

For the first month, the new hand was amazing. He did the work of any two hands. Although the other hands resented him somewhat, the old farmer just loved him. He secretly wished he had ten men just like him. But the resentment from the other hands grew to being a problem.

Well, the farmer didn't want to let such a good worker go. He decided to simply put this excellent worker into a new, easier job, to reward his good work ethic.

The farmer told the hand, “I have a new job for you. It's much easier.” The hand was happy to hear it as the farmer continued, “All I need you to do is work here in the barn sorting potatoes as they come in. You decide whether they're small, medium or large and separate them into the appropriate bin.”

The worker seemed happy for the new opportunity and set right away to work. The farmer was pleased to do right by such a good worker.

But within the first couple of hours, the hand stormed out of the barn yelling, “I QUIT! DECISIONS! DECISIONS! DECISIONS!”

And that's why most people can't stand being the boss. Decisions.

Have a wonderful day.

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Discover the three-word secret to more money!

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 13:47:00 +0000

Millions of people every day turn to the Interwebz thingies looking for an additional source of income. The action usually follows along this line: Jane needs an extra $300 a month to “make ends meet,” to make sure she runs out of month before she runs out of money. So, in addition to her regular job, she does an online search for income opportunities.

She finds literally hundreds and hundreds of offers with a simple search of terms like “make extra money” or “work from home.” They promise her the moon and the stars, all with just an investment of $49. After looking at a few, and knowing she truly needs a financial break, she commits herself to doing without a few simpler pleasures one month in order to invest her funds and takes the plunge.

Often, the purchase she made is into some sort of network marketing or multi-level-marketing type of opportunity, where the “plan” seems to be to sell some over-priced product of average quality, at a ridiculously low profit margin and to find hundreds of others to do the same. Maybe she even goes so far as to even commit to some impossible-to-cancel monthly auto-ship program in order to keep herself at an optimal percentage bracket.

At this point, the reality sets in for Jane. She hits up her friends and family to get some orders (and out of love for her, a few do place an order). Perhaps she even has the guts to talk to a few strangers. If she's rare, she might even go so far as to have some business cards printed up and hands them out to a few dozen strangers, in an effort to drum up some business.

What often happens for so many of these Janes is, at the very best, perhaps they make a $100 check for their investment of $350 altogether (counting all expenses like their own purchases of products, business cards, gas going to and fro, “business lunches,” etc.,). It seems like all she needs to do is keep trying. Most don't even end up doing this good.

But, after a few months, she finally realizes the plan she was offered on the company's website isn't what she's experiencing. She starts noticing the very same product she's trying to market for $50 is available at the local Wal-Mart for $20. Sometimes it's at the local dollar store.If she's fortunate to have good, caring friends, they point it out to her, hoping she'll drop the company like a hot potato and quit wasting her time. The smarter Janes of the world, do. Jane is crushed. Jane realizes her product is over-priced and she can't compete.

Jane also realizes the profit margin on her product is ridiculously low. Wal-Mart usually runs a minimum of 30 percent profit margin. So, if they're making 30 percent minimum on a $20 item, why is she only earning 5 to 25 percent of a $50 item? Then it hits her: The company she's working with is full of crap. They designed their marketing plan, not as a way for her to profit, but for them. While they assured her in conference call after conference call of their “commitment to her success,” all they're really interested in is their success.

She also then comes to learn how many thousands of others just like her have been promised those same moon and stars as she was. It's then that Jane sees that the real plan for the company is to get as many suckers to order their product - at a huge mark-up - as possible. Jane is crushed emotionally. And she's not the first.

All that passion, all that energy, all that work, all that money invested and here she is now, worse off than before. It seems the “Great American Dream” is dead. But it's not. Jane just fell victim to a bullshit line. She's no different than the rest of us who've been burned. She's not a “failure” at all. She just learned a valuable lesson. If Jane's a fighter, she'll come to realize a wonderful secret to making the kind of money she needs and having the kind of life she wants.

It's three little words and it's my hope that some Jane out there has kept reading this far. Here's the secret, free of charge to you, my dear readers, after having spent so much of myself to learn it for my own life: Find your passion!

All that work, energy, blood, sweat and tears selling someone else's dream enriches them. If you're going to put so much hard work, late hours and money into anyone's dream, let it be your own. This way, you're in control of prices, special deals, the rules and how you go about building the business, whatever type of business it is.

I once worked with a company (I won't say their name but their initials are A-M-W-A-Y) who had a crappy little rule that said you weren't allowed to market your product off of store shelves. So, there went any chance to build up volume bonuses intelligently. You also weren't allowed to order products in large quantity containers, such as 55-gallon drums, so there went another opportunity for me to market one particular product of theirs to friends who worked in the various oilfield industries.

Other companies I've tried working with had similar rules in place which kept their profit margins ridiculously high, while stifling every creative approach I tried for, myself. It was almost as if they didn't want me to find any real success! I've since learned this wasn't just my perception. If they limit any one individual's success, they keep more chumps on the line.

Working for yourself, on your own, personal, passionate plan also keeps anyone else from screwing you over on commissions. The closer you are to the hard, nitty-gritty details of your business operations, the more control you enjoy overall, and the less chance there is another person can find some bogus reason to not pay you what you've earned.

It doesn't matter what your passion is. Figure out how to turn what you have an interest in and go for making it profitable. As you grow your business, you'll learn all the finer details. Just start living your own life now - and not that of someone else. Otherwise, you may very well just be better off sticking with a regular 9-to-5. The world needs factory workers too. So there's no shame in it.

If you want to succeed on a long-term, real-world basis, find your own passion! Sell YOUR DREAM, not someone else's. Find what YOU love doing and do it. It's really that simple. It might actually be more work, harder stress (in some situations) and even longer hours. But, being your own baby, it's more of an act of love than a struggle. Why put all of that effort into continuously enriching someone “over you?” It's not foolish to benefit those who deal with you (In fact, I highly recommend you always strive for the mutual-win scenario in all arrangements) But to spend your days achieving someone else's dream, is. Find your passion. Sell your own dream.

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Getting ready for some new jalapeno plants

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Tue, 23 Oct 2012 02:47:00 +0000

I'm preparing to grow at least one nice jalapeno pepper plant. While folks in other parts of the country with colder climates might have to wait for Spring, this is Cajun country. Nearly everything can grow year 'round down here. Heck, last Christmas I was in a t-shirt, shorts and barefoot all day long.

To get the seeds, I'm drying three selected peppers (pictured here) to get the seeds. Some folks just save a few seeds from their preparing jalapenos. But I want my seeds to get all the nutrition they can from the fruit within which they developed. The more mature the seeds, the better chance at a successful germination, anyway.

Each pepper makes as many as hundreds of seeds apiece, so I'm certain I'll have enough to work with for myself, and plenty to share with friends too. I'm even considering starting a few seedlings as gifts. Jiffy pots and soil are fairly cheap and I'm going to have WAY more than I need. It seems a shame to waste them all. If nobody accepts them, I'll drop them in a nearby creek and who knows, perhaps a few will sprout wild somewhere downstream. But I'm pretty sure someone around here will want them. They might even sell for a buck a seedling down at the local farmer's market.

Anyway, after the peppers dry, I'll pull the seeds out then, rather than taking the seeds out while the jalapenos are still fresh. Dry seeds are so much easier to work with, as opposed to drying the seeds themselves. Just as soon as the peppers dry, I'll be back with an update on the steps for a good planting. Thanks for dropping in!

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So, let me tell you a little about kratom

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Mon, 22 Oct 2012 20:13:00 +0000

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a leaf harvested from a large tree native to Southeast Asia. It is in the same family as the coffee tree. Although using kratom has been common throughout its native range of Southeast Asia, this amazing plant has remained virtually unknown outside of that area until the last few years. In Southeast Asia, natives chew the leaves fresh after removing the stems and veins. But users in other parts of the world are discovering the benefits of the dried or powdered leaves as well. Harvesters and farmers of this wonderful plant work under special guidelines and licenses of their respective governments.

Kratom offers a distinctly pleasant relaxation experience without any of the usual intoxicating effects of other plant substances such as marijuana, which also carries the unfortunate risk of being illegal at this time. Some people also use kratom for its amazing pain management attributes.

Small doses of kratom are known to have a simultaneously stimulating effect as well as relieving anxiety and depression. Larger doses of kratom can have a sedating effect. Some users say that not only does a larger dose of kratom help them go to sleep, it's also said to give the user pleasant dreams – sometimes achieving the lucid dream state. While smaller doses of kratom make physical labor easier, even after a long day already filled with hard work. Taken later in the day can keep the user awake.

When using kratom, as with any substance the user is unfamiliar with, it's not wise to operate a motor vehicle or operate machinery, at least until the user becomes familiar with the dosage amounts for the desired effect.

Kratom is being investigated by researchers for its supportive role in treating opiate addicts and alcoholics finding it difficult to be clean and sober. The most desirable quality of this wonderful substance is how it seems to relieve the addict of withdrawal symptoms without creating a new dependency itself. Long-term users might experience a craving similar to the yearning a coffee-drinker might experience, were they to miss their morning cup. This yearning might last only a day or two, even for heavier users – and is far more preferable to the withdrawal symptoms of an opiate or alcohol addiction.

How do you take kratom? Most people simply take it in two capsules of 500 milligrams each, per dose. If it's in a crushed leaf or powdered form, some might prefer to make a tea by bringing a mug of water to a very low boil and steeping the powder or crushed leaves for 20 to 25 minutes and then straining the tea out through a coffee filter, along with some honey for flavor. The taste of this tea is very “grassy” and some might find it unpleasant. Others do not and rather enjoy it.

Those who neither have capsules nor like the flavor of tea find it's easily ingested by being stirred into applesauce or a serving of tomato juice or V8. Beginners might want to stick with one or two grams at a time until they're familiar with the blissful effects. Kratom, again, will NOT get users “high.” So, if this is your intent, be aware, you're simply throwing your money away. At most, its effects are similar to a strong chamomile tea.

More detailed information on kratom, along with pricing and shipping information (Perhaps the best prices and service to be found, in fact) is available through this link. If you like, feel free to browse around the site and see what is available there. The admin of the site is responsive to questions from interested parties.

The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, nor has the FDA authorized kratom for use to treat any illness or condition. All statements made are based on the experiences of the author as well as other contributors. Anyone considering using kratom is advised to check with their healthcare provider first. Readers bear responsibility for knowing whether kratom is legal where they live, or not. This posting is sponsored.

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us!

Want to have some fun? Try a game of Uprising Empires! They'll even tutor you on how to play!

noreply@blogger.com (Donald Pennington) — Sun, 21 Oct 2012 23:33:00 +0000

Need a little fun and pizazz in your online life? Are you ever going to love this game! It's called
“UprisingEmpires” and not only is it free to play, the brilliant minds behind the game (Targa Limited, NOT Zynga!) will help you learn how to play it with a quick 10-step tutorial! UprisingEmpires is one of the fastest-growing games on the interwebs thingies for a reason: It's a whole lotta fun!

The theme behind the game is you're leading a small, ancient Roman village. You ensure your village has the resources needed to survive,of course. But the REAL FUN begins when you go up against other villages in raids to win resources, treasure and prisoners in combat. All in good fun.

Players from all English-speaking countries are welcome to join in on the fun and your computer will not be bogged down from playing (unlike other companies which shall remain nameless here, unless you look up a paragraph or so.). As mentioned before, there is no fee to join and play UprisingEmpires.

Registration is quick, easy and you can even register via your Facebook profile with just one click. There's no download required to play UprisingEmpires. And you'll have plenty of other players to go up against for fun!

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