Star Fades & Vanishes

Today is Ash Wednesday...a day of humility and repentance. Today signifies a day when we are reminded that we were created from dust and dust will will once again become.

This meaning came all too loudly recalling the situation of my faith and a call from a friend that a previous owner/manager passed away this morning. As I type this entry and reflect on all the great times I had at Valentine Video (trying to payback student loans) I recalled some awfully funny adventures. We had some zany customers, wacky staff members, and terribly late evenings closing up the shop. Those experiences nor the man who made my reality be forgotten.

Although his star has faded and vanished from visible sight, his legacy will continue on and on. Today, I realized and was reminded that we are never promised tomorrow and each day we are alive we are given the chance to learn something new and amazing...we are expected to make a positive difference in our neighbors lives.

Yes, I am still upbeat, Yes, I am still excited, and Yes, I am still moving forward...

We must CELEBRATE OUR LIFE! We must CELEBRATE THIS MOMENT! We must Celebrate everything - the challenges, the struggles, the laughter, the tears, celebrate the fact that you can still experience this vast array of amazing emotions.

Our buddy Charlie was there for us when we were not sure why. Everything in he did or touched influenced everyone he met. This is the glorious facet of life. Because of Charlie - I can say that I put my education to work, I saw real life business practices, I experienced the weight of a small business owner, and I was part of a Kansas City legacy.

In 10-years, when I again recall the fun at the store - I will smile because I am a product of the experiences I learned from someone I worked with, people I believed in, a local store that I participated - in my neighborhood!

Thanks Charlie - Now and forever, you will always be a blessing to me.

You Can Change the World

You can change the world,
-But, I can't do it by myself

You can touch the sky
-It's gonna take somebody's help

You're the chosen ones
-I'm gonna need some kind of sign

If we all try at the same time tonight...


We can change the world
There will be no more wars
And when God calls
He will answer all our prays!!!

SHOW THE WORLD!
Try with me!

Happy New Year!

Bienvenido a 2009!

What are you going to achieve this year? What are the results you would like to see? What are going to do today to prepare yourself for tomorrow?

Now is your chance -make your goals your reality!

I'm out like shout....

The 44th President of the United States

This historic evening, US citizens voted for Barack Obama as their 44th President. The details of tonight's results were phenomenal, inspiring, and amazing.

As we had two great candidates Senator John McCain from Arizona and Senator Barack Obama from Illinois, Americans longed for a change.

Tonight, that change was solidified with a proclamation that the first African-American president of this great country was named. Let God give him wise decision-making abilities, use our influence to protect our country, bring us hope in a time of despair, lift us up when we have been beaten down, and inspire a great nation to be better. This is why I voted, this is why I took action and got involved, this is why I am passionate.

God Bless our President, God Bless America, and God Bless our World.

My President!

See latest stories on Yahoo! News

ME, YOU, & EVERYONE WE KNOW

This past week has reminded me of something I've lost...something I once held so close, but somehow I let it slip away.

As I've grown up, I forgot the first thing I learned in my life -

Do you know about communication?

Communication is an exchange of information between people. It's an exchange of words, feelings, expressions, sounds, messages, etc. - it's a shared venue. There should never be fear to communicate given the proper timing.

Ironically, I found myself victim of not being a good communicator. I kept my communication sheltered - protected - secluded - but those feelings were ejected as I proclaimed I am important, I am somebody!

Know your worth
Me, You & Everyone we know are important too.

Sweet Dreams

If I was an animal, I'd be a lion
If I was a car, I'd be an Aston Martin
If I was a genius, I'd be Isaac Newton
If I was a hero, I'd be Martin Luther

If I was an actor, I'd be Marlon Brando
If I was a painter, I'd be Frida Kahlo
If I was a drink, I'd be a lemon drop
If I was a song, I would be Dirrty Pop!

If I was a star, I WOULD BE WHO I AM TODAY!
If I was a fighter, I'd be Casius Clay
If I was in motion, I would be intense
If I was Republican, I'd be the President!

If I was the President, I'd be different...


Seek Change & Balance

Vote Barack Obama 2008

* * * * * * ONE LOVE to COEXIST * * * * * *

The testimonial from the past from a child's point-of-view. As mentioned previously, a statement that can be referenced to a wise and powerful person of today, peace is not defined by the absence of war.

Far from the battle field, far from war,
We've got to look for an open door,
All of us working, all of us searching for peace.

We dream of a time when we all are one,
Clinging to hope under Earth's bright sun,
So lets get together, things will be better if we try, hear our cry.

Someday the pain of war will be healed,
Someday we'll mean and speak what we feel.
Let the wall come down, tumble to the ground,
and love will live in peace all around.

So lets raise our voice so they all can hear,
Over the wall, they will raise a cheer,
All of us clinging, all of us singing the cry, we will try.

Someday the pain of war will be healed,
Someday we'll mean and speak what we feel.
Let the wall come down, tumble to the ground,
And love will live in peace all around.
Let the wall come down, and tumble to the ground,
And love will live in peace all around.

If any day goes by and you did not learn something, it was done in vain. If you want to make a change, you got to start with ourselves and love will live in peace all around!

The Return of the 4DSC

Introducing the RETURN of the 4-door sports car!

What do you think? My first impression was, "Now that is divinity standing still." Nissan has brought forth a vision of excellence. Being a long time car enthusiast, the first snap shots of the all new Nissan Maxima increased my heartbeats and peeked my interests instantly.

Gaze over the sleek, flawless, form-fitting sheet metal; Nissan calls it "liquid metal" and you can see why.

The sedan sits wide, fierce, and awaiting the driver's anxious foot command. With the Maxima's estimated 290-horsepower controlled by the award winning 3.5L V-6 engine - this car is ready to take on the open road with sophistication and aggression.

Elegance?
Yes!

Character?
Definitely!

Excitement?
Undoubtedly!

We are privileged to experience this tenacious design originated by Nissan Motor Corporation. A powerfully loud round of applause to the inventive design teams who created this marvel of automotive brilliance.

In a world full of mediocre ideas, nondescript designs, and lackluster innovations, Nissan has reclaimed it's position as the maverick with this dynamic and radical strategy.

The new 2009 Nissan Maxima.

DRIVEN to the edges of the world and beyond.

Impressive Instant

It's been quite a long time since I made my last entry, but I am still alive, doing well, and continually moving forward.

As I sit here tapping away at the keyboard, I constantly ponder some key questions. One question is, "What CAN I DO to make someones day?"

I know and realize it so worthless and uncool in a world full of "what's in it for me" but I genuinely like to make someones day.

Why, you ask???

I experienced the same feeling as when I volunteer, when I give to a worthy cause without reciprocation, or when I wake up in the morning. Doing something positive and nice makes me feel better, improves my perception, and solidifies I am a testament of God's love.

Many of us are consumed about dollars, materials, commodities, etc. I realized early in life that that's not who I am. I am truly overjoyed by being there for a friend, helping a stranger, paying a compliment, or sharing a positive experience.

We all fall victim to negativity sometimes, but yesterday I had a amazing time sitting out in the middle of Kansas reading, thinking, focusing on me and what my purpose is this life. Funny, I already knew it.

So, today, tomorrow, and beyond - ask yourself, "What CAN I DO to make someones day."

As a free gift, I will let you in on a little secret, the outcome is instantly impressive.

So today, right now - step out into the world and MAKE IT A GREAT DAY! EVERYDAY!

In and Out of Time

This is a beautiful testimony of love, true love that inspires, that fills, that completes, that lifts, that boosts, that breathes life into all whom read:

The sun has come.
The mist has gone.
We see in the distance...
our long way home.
I was always yours to have.
You were always mine.
We have loved each other in and out of time.
When the first stone looked up at the blazing sun
and the first tree struggled up from the forest floor
I had always loved you more.
You freed your braids...
gave your hair to the breeze.
It hummed like a hive of honey bees.
I reached in the mass for the sweet honey comb there....
Mmmm...God how I love your hair.
You saw me bludgeoned by circumstance.
Lost, injured, hurt by chance.
I screamed to the heavens....loudly screamed....
Trying to change our nightmares to dreams...
The sun has come.
The mist has gone.
We see in the distance our long way home.
I was always yours to have.
You were always mine.
We have loved each other in and out
in and out
in and out
of time.

- by Dr. Maya Angelou

How much do you know about God?

I rather like this God fellow. He's quite theatrical, you know. A pestilence here and a plague there.

OMNIPOTENCE!

Got to get me some of that.

The Cost of Fuel Spring 2007

Greetings Citizens!

"We are living, in an age in which the pursuant of all values, other than Money, Success, Fame, Glamor, has either been discredited or destroyed" eloquently spoken in a very disturbing movie titled, Party Monster.

Now, I am sure you are wondering, what does this have to do with the price of fuel in America? I will tell you, these words are evident as the land we walk.

OK, so I am not the only one who has noticed the price of fuel when I fill up my gas tank. Today, I paid $3.1499 for a gallon of fuel, for 11-gallons my total Visa card purchase was $34.65. Ouch! Did you or your company's annual "pay increase" budget for this? Probably not.

So, now I pose the question, why are we paying so much for fuel? I will be glad to openly and honestly tell you! Reflecting back to your economics class, remember, "Supply & Demand"? Basically, when you have a high demand for a product/service and a limited supply, prices will rise. When there is an overabundance of supply, with limited or no demand for the product/service, prices will fall.

Now that you've been reminded, let's think more about why we are paying so much. Define fuel demand. Demand can be defined as a strong need or desire for something (like bathroom tissue, paper, food, shelter, etc.). It has been reported that we (humans) use 1.6 Million barrels of oil a day. That's a lot of oil! Granted supply is limited (damn limited number of dinosaurs), at what point does someone think, "Hey, how can I profit from this?" Using the lesson we just learned about Supply & Demand, they (OPEC) decided "let's cut supply and call it maintenance or something". The result would be record earnings for oil companies AGAIN and record fuel prices AGAIN.

What about previous reasons for higher costs like increasing demands for fuel, hurricanes, terrorism, an overturned semi-truck, or a raccoon caught in a trap in Alaska? That must be the reason for higher fuel prices right? I heard it from some no-name fuel analyst or "talking head" on CNN.

I pray that we are not that disconnected, granted I do not doubt we use a lot of oil (1.6 MM barrels daily) but the other reasons were minuscule that may have had very limited if any impact on the cost we pay for fuel today. Those scapegoats were just statements to appease the public. The real reason is ** the American dream, to have the most money, to be the most successful, to be the most famous, and wear glamorous clothes. ** I mean, why not exploit a traded commodity that can make a lot of people MORE WEALTHY. Let's be honest, if we were benefiting from the healthy dividends, we would not be complaining. I mean, Tiffany has to drive her Range Rover for safety and Tyler needs his Yale education, he got all C's this semester - we are so proud! He will make a brilliant President!

In the real world, which I and most of you live in, we do not have that luxury. So, now I ask:

WHAT CAN WE DO?

We can reduce our fuel consumption by maintaining our vehicles, we can minimize our vehicle trips, we can use mass transit in our cities, we can even car-pool. This being said, what if we are already doing that? What else can I do? The reality is NOTHING! The oil industry has something we need, not want. If we want to get to work, go to school, visit our family, heat our homes - we need fuel...AT ANY COST and they know it.

Referring back to economics, what can help drive down the cost of something? Competition. We have many different oil companies and manufacturers in the world; however there is only one agenda - to make more money. Real competition would be another resource readily available to use instead of gasoline/diesel - that is the only way to reduce costs.

What has been done to get us to that point in time to have alternative fuel sources? Pretty much the same thing as mentioned above NOTHING! There are too many people fully invested in oil to actively pursue something else. Could you envision if our current gasoline/diesel powered vehicles could easily accept something renewable like hydrogen without having to buy yet another $30,000 car? I am probably going to be killed for making these claims, but it NEEDS TO BE SAID.

You know what sucks the most? The average American family has enough issues and debts to deal with and with business people obligated to impress their shareholders, we have are subject to their rules and game. Sorry everybody, what they are doing is not illegal (unless you say gouging), but it does lead to questions of ethics. Is it ethical to cause financial hardship on people for your own personal gain? I strongly believe most would say yes.

Come on, it's American Capitalism - great concept- especially if you are the one profiting from it!

Love Me or Hate Me

Love me or hate me, it's still an obsession
Love me or hate me, that is the question

If you love me then, Thank You!
If you hate me then, F*ck You!

Go on then, go 'head report me
I'm English, try and deport me.

Starbucks Experience

I just got home from Starbucks, where I was greeted by a very lovely voice with tons of energy and excitement. I was so impressed with her attitude, I engaged her and started responding with tons of happiness and energy.

Then she mentioned as I was smiling, "You have a beautiful smile!" I was just about to say, "Do you have a camera" when she piped up and said, "Yes we do have a camera and u do have a very beautiful smile." I was starting to turn red, but moved up to the drive thru window to pay for my Tall Carmel Apple Cider w/o whipped cream ($2.30).

When I got to the window the same lovely voice accepted my Visa card and another guy w/ a lot of energy handed me a my drink in a Venti ($4.08) cup, not a Tall. On the side of the cup, was written "To the guy w/ a great smile." Followed with a smiley face (see example --> :-)

That definitely created a WOW factor for me and despite their expensive price tag, I will continue visiting that Starbucks because they know how to dazzle and amaze their clients.

Clarity through Feeling

It's not what you say, before we start to play. It's what you say after that makes me want to stay.

Blame it on the rain?

The title reminds me of fraud, lies, and false-hoods. If for a moment you can recall the Milli-Vanilli scandal that rocked the American public in the 1990's with the discovery that they lip-synced their way to winning a Grammy. Talk about sketchy. YIKES!

That is exactly how I feel about every story related to "Global Warming". If it's too cold outside, it's because of Global Warming. If it's too hot outside, it's because of Global Warming. If I sneezed because my nose itched, it's because of Global Warming. GIVE ME A FREAKING BREAK! I do not dispute our global climate is changing because of the things we as humans are doing, but seriously...can we find another "thing" to blame?

The US Northern plain states are experiencing a warmer-than-normal winter. Seasonal birds have not migrated south for the winter, blah, blah, blah.

To make a change, there has to be smarter people making valid, reasonable, and concrete suggestions, correct? Obviously, we are not smart enough to stop making gas-guzzling cars and SUVs, so why not teach our future voters/tax payers/drivers to be more efficient? But since we are all wrapped up in appearances and perceptions - who would look cooler a 16-year old driving an economical Toyota Prius or a sexy full-sized Land Rover? Where is the incentive to leave gasoline powered cars behind and opt for something more efficient?

True, there is a tax credit for the 1st buyer, but what about the family who cannot afford a $25K new hybrid (which may not include the dealer mark-up)...what if they can only find a used one? The RESPONSE IS "Sorry folks, nothing for you. Enjoy your over-priced used Hybrid!"

So, rather than just target "Global Warming" as a newly discovered token word of the week - Let's shoot for a global overhaul on vehicles. I know the technology is expensive, but if large oil companies can get tax-credits and not pass them to us, why can't car manufacturers get huge tax-credits and say pass them off to purchasers as well? It's merely a suggestion.

Dawn of a New Day

So, here we are - another year behind us and birth of the New Year 2007. What will this new age mean to you?

All the statements and resolutions mean absolutely nothing unless you actually believe in them. Often, I am perceived as shallow and impervious to feelings less than skin deep, but I am determined to make someone else feel proud!

"I am stepping out of the ordinary. I can actually feel my soul ascending and you can do the same."

Welcome 2007 - may we all have an amazing & dynamic year.

One of these mornings

One of these mornings,
it won't be very long.
You will look for me,
and I'll be gone.
I'll be gone.
I'll be gone.


Everything. Everyone. Everywhere. Ends.

"Ascension" was painted by John Pitre

Life is a Journey.

I saw a great movie this holiday, Cars. I know, I'm probably the only person in the world who has not seen this movie, but I must say it was, SPLENDIDLY DONE.

Cars has a great story, great characters, and great soundtrack. I admit, I am not a country fan, but hot damn Rascal Flatts are some bad ass guys! Their cover of "Life is a Highway" is brilliant. I first heard these guys as their song "Bless the Broken Road" played at a friend's wedding.

My point is about the movie - sorry, I tend to get side-tracked often.

Impressed by the words of Nissan Motors North America founder and race-inspired "Father of the Z car", Yutaka Katayama:

Love Cars. Love People. Love Life.

See ya on the road of life...Enjoy the Ride!!!