For Love Of Money

By The O’Jays

"Money money money money, money
Some people got to have it
Some people really need it
Listen to me y'all, do things, do things, do bad things with it
You wanna do things, do things, do things, good things with it
Talk about cash money, money
Talk about cash money- dollar bills, yall

For the love of money
People will steal from their mother
For the love of money
People will rob their own brother

For the love of money
People can't even walk the street
Because they never know who in the world they're gonna beat
For that lean, mean, mean green
Almighty dollar, money

For the love of money
People will lie, Lord, they will cheat
For the love of money
People don't care who they hurt or beat

For the love of money
A woman will sell her precious body
For a small piece of paper it carries a lot of weight

Almighty dollar

I know money is the root of all evil
Do funny things to some people
Give me a nickel, brother can you spare a dime
Money can drive some people out of their minds

Got to have it, I really need it
How many things have I heard you say
Some people really need it
How many things have I heard you say
Got to have it, I really need it

How many things have I heard you say
Lay down, lay down, a woman will lay down
For the love of money
All for the love of money

Don't let, don't let, don't let money rule you
For the love of money
Money can change people sometimes
Don't let, don't let, don't let money fool you
Money can fool people sometimes

People! Don't let money, don't let money change you,
it will keep on changing, changing up your mind".

There are lines in this 1960's song that really should be considered.

"You wanna do things, do things, do things, good things with it"

"People will lie, Lord, they will cheat - for the love of money"

"I know money is the root of all evil - do funny things to some people"

"Got to have it, I really need it"

"Don't let, don't let, don't let money rule you"

"Don't let, don't let, don't let money fool you"

"People! Don't let money, don't let money change you"

 

Most people don't want to do bad things for money or with it.  However, how many of you want to do good things with it?  Giving money to get a tax deduction or giving money because you were invited to a charitable event is not really doing good things if you don't care about the cause.

Thinking about how you plan to use your money to do good things and then executing the plan is right.  Knowing who you're giving the money to and how it will be used for the good of people or animals is right.  Thinking about how you will benefit from giving money for good things is wrong.

Little cheating is cheating.  Stealing a little money from the government on your taxes is stealing money from most of us.  Do you love that money so much you will feel good about stealing a few hundred from the government?  Do you love money so much you will even consider not paying back a loan from a friend or a family member?  Do you love money so much you would lie to a friend to get what he or she worked so hard to get.

Money is only the root of all evil if it makes you evil.  Everybody should prefer to have money.  In a capitalistic system money is freedom of choice.  Being addicted to money will get you to do things that will affect your moral compass.  You will become the kind of person you used to hate.

I hate when people say "got to have it - really need it."  If you're reading this blog you're at least middle class financially.  You don't "got to have it."  You can build a happy and rewarding life without more than you currently have.  Feeling you "got to have more" will never lead to more happiness.  An addiction is something you'll never have enough of.  Once you get more money you'll want even more if you're addicted to it.

Don't let money rule you, fool you or especially change you. I know it's not always fair that some people who don't deserve to have more money, have more.  You're smarter, work harder and deserve more than "them."  However, if you live your life happy while giving positive energy out to the universe you don't have to have as much as them.  Being jealous, angry, frustrated because they have more will mean that happiness is the forgotten ingredient in your life.

You're great just the way you are.  More money will not make you greater.  If the money shows up because you earned it or it was given to you, you will only be happy with the extra money if you appreciate it. You will only be happy with the extra money if you use it for good.  You will only be happy with the extra money if you don't become addicted to it.  You will only be happy with the extra money if you "don't let money change you."

In a previous blog I made this statement:

 

You Will Always Have Enough Money If You're Happy.

You Will Never Have Enough Money If You're Not Happy.

 

 

 

Happiness Is Meeting New People

People like to do things in Packs.  This was and is true in the animal world and the early human era.  Even today we still form Packs with friends and family.  Too many of us don't go outside the Pack to enhance our happiness.

A close Pack is comfortable.  A close Pack makes us feel safe.  A close Pack makes us feel wanted.  A close Pack enables us to show more of ourselves.  A close Pack usually has people in it that view the world politically, religiously and emotionally the same or near the same.  A close Pack takes less effort.

Animals need a close Pack mainly for safety.  Humans don't need a close Pack.  We choose to form or be included in one for the reasons stated above.  That choice limits our knowledge.  That choice limits our understanding of different cultures, religions, politics, etc.  That choice limits us from sharing our emotions and view of the world to all that will listen.  That choice limits our happiness.

Last night I met three new people.  Each of them had very interesting things to say about a variety of subjects.  I learned more new things in a few hours with these people than I've learned from my "pack" in the last two weeks.  They on the other hand got to see me and my views which I believe was interesting to them.

We learned serious information and, once we became comfortable with each other, found many things to laugh about.  I left the bar happier for the experience.  Will I ever see these people again - maybe - maybe not.  That's not the issue.  Having new knowledge and a positive fun experience was the reward.

Happiness is not something given to you.  Happiness is something you have to seek.  Waiting for happiness never works in the long run.  Making an effort to find or create happiness is our job if we want to get the most we deserve out of life. 

Giving positive energy out to the universe and getting positive energy back will make us happy.  Making an effort to meet new people who you can share your knowledge and positive energy and get some of it back is a great way to enhance your happiness.

Some of you will say that too many times meeting new people is boring.  I say, maybe you're not asking the right questions.  Maybe you're not sharing your true emotions and beliefs to the new people you meet.  Maybe you're not listening because those people aren't saying what you want to hear.

A boring party is only so if you make it so.  If you're willing to be "out there" with the crowd, I assure you the party won't be boring and you'll probably meet new people that will enhance your knowledge and happiness.

Showing yourself to people you never met before can be scary, but with no risk there is no reward.  Always ask yourself "what's the worst that can happen?"  I say, the worst that can happen is these new people will never talk to you again.  So what!!  You still have your Pack to go back to.

Letting people see you as you are is fulfilling.  Doing so to only your Pack is reducing your potential for happiness to a handful of people.

Sooo, get your ass out there and go to any place where you have the chance to meet new people.  When you meet them, don't hold back.  Let them have all of you.  Don't do it for them, do it for you.  I promise you and they will have a great time.

Remember, the more you resist the more they will resist.  The more you expose yourself and your beliefs the more they will expose themselves.  This give and get will bring more happiness to everyone.

Ain't No Woman Like The One I Got

By The Four Tops

(Ain't no woman like the one I've got)
(Ain't no woman like the one I've got)
(Ain't no woman like the one I've got)

Every day the sun comes up around her
She can make the birds sing harmony
Every drop of rain is glad it found her
Heaven must have made her just for me
When she smiles so warm and tender
A sight for sore eyes to see

Oooh, (ain't no woman like the one I've got)
Oh, no, they don't come better
(To make her happy doesn't take a lot)
She don't ask for things, no diamond rings
(So together, like a hand in glove)
Like pages in a letter
(Ain't no woman like the one I love)

She can fill me up when it's down I'm goin' (I'm goin')
Put a little music in my day
Wouldn't be surprised if my love keeps growin' (it keeps growin')
Bigger every minute that she stays away

I would kiss the ground she walks on
'Cause it's my word, my word she'll obey, now
Woo-ooh. (Ain't no woman like the one I've got)
Well, I kiss the ground she walks on
(To make her happy doesn't take a lot)
She's a real good friend right to the end
(So together like a hand in glove)
A lonely man when she's gone
(People, ain't no woman like the one I love)

Oooh, what a good, good thing I've got
She means to me a lot

(Ain't no woman like the I've got)
No, no, they don't come better
(To make her happy doesn't take a lot)
She don't ask for things, no diamond rings
(So together, like a hand in glove)
Like pages in a letter
(Ain't no woman like the one I love, people)

(Ain't no woman like the one I've got)
Well, I kiss the ground she walks on
(To make her happy doesn't take a lot)
I'm a lonely man when my baby's gone

Of course I'm talking about my wife. She reads my blogs ya know.  Those of you who know me know my wife.  Those of you who know us know I truly feel what the Four Tops words say.  "I'm the luckiest one you see."

It's hard to be with someone (actually anyone) for almost twenty eight years and still feel lucky.  Your appreciation meter goes way up when you've had two bad marriages, however, there are people who have had many more than two marriages or close relationships and still can't say they're lucky.

What's the trick?  I wish I knew.  If I did I would give it to everyone I come in contact with.  However, I do know a few things. 

One, if you don't know yourself you will never be able to choose the right match. 

Two, if you don't love yourself just a little more than the person in your life, the relationship will eventually crash.

Three, if you're angry, frustrated and full of negative energy, you won't see the good right in front of you.

Fourth, if you choose someone who gives negatives energy out to the universe, don't be upset or surprised if you both wind up hating each other.

Fifth, if you choose someone who likes to laugh, the relationship has a chance.

Sixth, if you choose someone who has family, friends and even past lovers who love the one you chose, now you're on to something.

Seventh, if the two of you can go somewhere together (without any friends or family) for a week and don't fight, this is definitely a good thing.

Lastly, trust your heart.  Does this person make you feel safe?  Does this person make you feel loved?  Does this person want you to get all you can and deserve out of life?  Does this person feel happy when you're happy?  Does this person love you just the way you are?  Do you believe this person will be there for you? 

It took me a long time and many failed relationships to be able to write the list above.  After four years, I used every one of the items on the list to ask Ellen to marry me.  Twenty eight years later "I'm the luckiest one you see" because there:

Ain't No Woman Like The One I Got!

Tragedy In Connecticut

Where do I start?  What now?  Who is to blame?  How can this happen in a civilized society?  What can be done?  Will it ever be fixed?  Should I worry about my Grandchildren?  What should I believe?  Does God have a role in this?  Should I be angry or sad?  Should I be numb or active?  Should I be depressed or hopeful?  Should I cry for the dead or smile for the survivors?

After watching this tragedy unfold this morning, my head is full with all of the above thoughts.  If you don't know what this is all about, you can't be reading this blog.  This is no longer a one off event.  These last six months have been the worst and without some action, this won't stop.

Do I believe this is the straw that breaks the camel's back - I hope so!  However, waiting for the outside world (in this case the government) to fix this is the wrong course.  Taking action, being vigilant and keeping a positive attitude is the right course.

If you believe in gun control - take action.  If you believe our schools, theaters, places of worship and the workplace should make changes - take action.  If you believe in community watch - take action.

Being vigilant takes many forms.  The most important form is being open to the fact that there are troubled people in our society. Being open means you see someone that is not right you get help immediately.  That includes getting help even if it's your own children, family members or friends acting out. 

You know when something or someone is just not right.  However, we hesitate because we're afraid, don't trust our judgment, don't want to get involved or don't want to deal with the fallout from neighbors, friends or family if we're wrong.  I say better be wrong than wait for the tragedy to happen.

There is one critical thing you must do - keep a positive attitude.  Getting depressed, getting angry, worrying, blaming anyone (even God) or crying for the dead is not the answer.  Negative energy will never fix this problem.  Negative energy will not allow you to take action or be vigilant.  Negative energy will bring you down.

There is good in this world.  Good things are happening to you right now even in the wake of this tragedy.  Your thoughts and your prayers (if you're into that thing) are projected to all when you give positive energy out to the universe.

The people who are going through this horrible experience don't need your "woe is me" attitude. 

What they need most is your positive attitude for the future of those who survived.

68 And Loving It

Yesterday was my birthday.  I'm 68 and loving it.  When I was a kid, I believed when I got to be 68 I thought my life would be over.  The family and friends I grew up with seemed old, tired, in poor health and just not loving life. 

Being poor required 68 year olds to keep working in jobs their body was not designed to do.  My grandparents didn't have pensions or Social Security.  They didn't have the medicines or the cures they have today.  Even if they did, they couldn't afford it.  Their friends were in the same boat so they didn't love life either.

Basically their life consisted of work, eat, sleep and taking a shit (which sometimes was the highlight of their day).  They did enjoy their grandkids that were able to put a smile on their face when they visited.

For some seniors today nothing has changed.  However, for many, like me, life at 68 is great and appreciated.  These are my reasons for loving life in my senior years. 

• My stress level is ninety percent less since I retired.  I have much more control of my life.  I can wake up when I want, sleep when I want, work at the things I love doing when I want, say things I truly mean, see the friends and family I want to see, go to Vegas and not be concerned bad things might be happening at work, get drunk when I want, call bullshit on people that make shit up, never have to do things or buy things just to look good to others, not get angry, frustrated or start a fight when things don't go my way or when someone intimates I'm not good enough and best of all, have all morning to take a good crap when the urge calls for it.
• I feel safe.  Medicare and my supplemental pays for all my doctor and hospital bills.  I get great care and don't have to worry I could lose everything do to an illness or injury.  I have a pension, Social Security and some savings.  I will always have food to eat, air to breath and shelter.  I don't have to worry about making ends meet.  I drive a car that's safe not flashy.  I have the time to eat right, work out and generally take care of my health.
• I have great friends and family.  Getting older gets you to appreciate everything more.  That's especially true of friends and family.  My son calls me all the time to check in.  I received Happy Birthday greetings from all my friends and many other people I haven't seen in many years (Facebook rocks).  I'm going to a Bar tonight because friends and even the bartenders want to wish me Happy Birthday.  My wife loves me and I feel her warmth deep into my heart.
• I feel great.  Not so much physically, but mentally.  I not only enjoy every day I wake up, I also have a positive outlook toward the future.  My CEO once said to me that life is a journey not a destination.  I didn't really understand him at that time, but I sure do now.  I'm just loving the journey.

I hope, when you get to 68 you'll appreciate all the things I stated above. Now that I think about it, why wait? 

Why not start today appreciating everything that 68 will feel like when you get there.

Happy Holidays - Happy New Year

It's that time of year we all love and hate.  We love getting time off from work.  We love giving and getting presents.  We love seeing friends and family.  We love seeing other people happy.  We love seeing houses and buildings decorated with holiday lights.  We love the parties and the food.  We love the thought that the New Year will be better than the current year.  We just love the entire experience.

We hate the crowds pushing and shoving in the stores.  We hate the holiday car drivers.  We hate seeing people so poor they can't enjoy the holidays.  We hate listening to people tell of the new year resolutions they will never complete.  We hate the negative energy people who are ba-humbug about the holidays.  We hate the negative energy people who don't believe the New Year will be better than the last.

Happiness IS the forgotten ingredient in life.  If there is ever a time to find happiness in your life, the holidays and the New Year is it.  This is the time to enjoy all you've gotten.  This is the time to enjoy all you've given.  This is the time to enjoy everything that is about to happen.  This is the time to feel good about the New Year.

This happiness can only happen if you decide to make it happen.  That's right, you can decide to make the holidays and the New Year a happy time or a sad time.  You can be positive about all the things you love about the holidays.  You can also be positive about all the things you hate about the holidays.

It's up to you to ignore the pushing crowds, the bad drivers and the annoying negative energy people who don't like the holidays and believe the New Year will not be a happy one. 

The one thing we should not ignore is the poor people who can't enjoy the holidays and the New Year the way we can.  We can give something back to those people.  We can remind ourselves how lucky we are and all we have.  We can:

MAKE THE HOLIDAYS AND THE NEW YEAR THE BEST TIME OF OUR LIVES!

The Election Is Over - Now What

Now what?  Nothing has changed in Washington.  The House still has a majority of Republicans (some are Tea Party members) and the Senate has a majority of Democrats (some are left wing Democrats).  Therefore, gridlock is still in place.

What's bad about this is that the critical things that have to get done will not get done unless both sides come closer to the center.  I believe, if you look at the vote, the country wants our Politicians to come to the middle.

Yes, Obama won an electoral landslide, but the total people's vote was almost even.  Many who voted for Romney believed he was more moderate.  Many who voted for Obama believe he is a moderate.  The bottom line is, the people of America want policies and decisions made by a moderate Congress.

Will they ever get there - I sure as hell don't know.  However, as I've been pontificating, if they don't and the people aren't happy, we will eventually vote those naysayers out.   

Many Republicans are saying they didn't do a good job getting the women and Hispanic vote.  However, what they really didn't get was the young people, gay people, black people and the Catholic people's vote.  That's right, the Republicans put religion into their platform and the people they sought voted them out.  Why, because Catholics also want a moderate Congress.

I can only hope both houses are getting the message.  I can only hope they will make policies that affect the will of the people.  I can only hope they make policies that will enrich American's lives and lives around the world.  We have to remind them that happiness in the forgotten ingredient in life.

Before I close, I want to say something of a personal note.  Three states voted to allow gay marriage - Hooo-Ray!!!  If you haven't read my blog called "What Are They Afraid Of," please, pretty please, read it.

The next four years are going to be very interesting.  I believe the economy will get better and therefore, our lives will get better.  I do believe Congress will find a way to work together.  Not necessarily for us, but for them (if they want to stay in power two to four years from now).  I do believe the world will get closer to becoming more democratic.

However, even if none of those things happen, I will still have food to eat, air to breath and shelter.  Since everything else is cosmetic, I will continue to have a happy and positive energy life.

How About You!!

Sandy

Have you been affected by the storm Sandy?  Do you have family and/or friends affected by this horrible storm?  I have in both ways.

I have friends in different eastern states that have been affected.  Some more than others.  Some only lost power while others won't be able to get back into their homes for weeks.  For some it's just a major inconvenience.  For others, it could be life changing.

I live in Los Angeles California.  We don't get storms like Sandy.  We only get earthquakes.  Since I lived in Philadelphia and New York and chose to move to Southern California, I decided to live with the threat of earthquakes.  They do a lot of damage, but few people have died from Southern California earthquakes.

You're probable wondering why I've been affected by this devastating storm.  The reason is because I broke one of my happiness rules - I watch the TV for hours.  Doing that and stressing over my close friends, made me depressed.  I guess that's normal, but what good did it do me or my friends.

When I stopped watching the TV and was able to reach my friends, I snapped out of it.  Being in a more positive mind I was and am able to help my friends recover emotionally.  This is going to take a long time for some, but instead of them getting a friend who is giving them more negative energy, they're getting a friend who will encourage them to believe they will recover.

Many things are going to affect the people who are impacted by this storm.  Physical damage to their homes, businesses and themselves are just some.  In time, with the help of friends, support agencies and the Federal Government, the physical damage will be taken care of.  They recovered from the devastation of Katrina.  They will recover from the devastation of Sandy.

The mental impact of losing a friend, a relative, a pet, prized positions, stuff that have sentimental value and the financial problems this storm has caused (especially for retired seniors), will take longer and some may never recover.

I believe it is the responsibility of TV executives to stop their negative news now and show how people are recovering.  How brave first responders have saved lives and property.  How friends, family and neighbors are helping these families with their basic physical, personal, financial and mental needs.  How people can get through this mental anguish by focusing on what good will happen in the future (can you spell Doctor Phil).  By showing more positive news and shows instead of all the negative crap TV has been dumping on us for many, many years.

Also,  Newspapers and TV should show how the $20 billion of devastation will help our economy.  My wife's Uncle always said: "always make something good out of something bad."  Because of Sandy, roads, bridges, subways, homes, businesses, etc. will have to be fixed, repaired or replaced.  That means the $20 billion will be spent on jobs, jobs and more jobs.  Our economy needs the boost Sandy will give us.

I hurt for the people who are affected by this storm.  However, I strongly believe we will recover and become stronger.  They recovered from Katrina - they will recover from Sandy.  The more we believe we will recover the faster the recovery will become.

Some say this happened because of Global Warming.  Some say it's God's will.  Some say it's just the start of doomsday.  I don't give a shit why this happened.  You can't screw with Mother Nature.  She's going to do what she is going to do.  

What I do care about is how we respond.  Are we going to respond with more negative energy or are we going to respond with the belief we will make something good out of this mess.  

We can't completely control Mother Nature, but we can control how we VIEW the future.  

Your Right To Vote

This is an election year - are you voting?  I've heard the following excuses for not voting:

• I don't like either candidate
• I don't have time to read all the city and state initiatives
• I don't have time to go to the poles
• What's the difference - nothing will change
• If I vote they might call me in for Jury Duty
• I don't want to be in any government system

My blogs are about happiness.  Having the right to vote is one way to affect your happiness. Just ask the people around the globe who don't have the right to vote.

Women's happiness got better when they were given the right to vote.  Their issues have been heard not just because they're in front of the media, but because they make up a huge voting bloc.  Voting women have made America better.  

Because America is better, men have greatly benefited from the changes women have be able to obtain.  How different do you think the Mideast nations would be if women had the free right to vote - a lot!!!

It's unconscionable to me that such a small percentage of minorities vote.  They either believe the parties will take care of them or they don't believe anything will change or they don't want to be in the system or they just won't take the time to get involved.  If women took this attitude where would they be now.

It's also unconscionable to me that less than sixty percent of all eligible voters vote.  The right to vote is what makes America strong.  I stated this in an earlier blog: "if someone gets elected and screws everything up, the voting public will get rid of him or her and put someone else in who will do something different."

Will the next person be able to change everything - NO, but they did in the past and they will in the future, make changes.  Presidents have gotten us into wars and different Presidents have gotten us out of those wars.  Presidents have gotten us in financial trouble and different Presidents have gotten us out of financial trouble.

One thing is for sure, if a new President or a new Congress screws up, we, the people, will through him or her out - BECAUSE WE HAVE THE RIGHT TO VOTE!

Please don't take this election lightly.  Please don't make up all these bullshit excuses.  Think about what you want in life.  Think about what changes the government could make that will enhance your happiness.  Think about the people you love and how different policies could add to their happiness.  Think about the underprivileged people, the people who are outcast because of their different lifestyle and most of all the children who would benefit the most from either keeping the same people in charge or replacing the current cast. 

After you take some serious time thinking about it, get off you ass and use one of the most precious capabilities in your control:

YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE!!

Sports

It's NFL Sunday.  I'm sitting on the sofa, in my Man Cave, while my friend Hank is sitting on the chair next to me.  We're both watching football on my fifty inch TV.  I have the Direct TV NFL Football package that enables me to watch all fifteen games being played that day. 

Hank is a staunch New England Patriots fan and I'm a long suffering Rams fan.  Hank is in a betting pool where he and his partner pick winners of each game.  If he wins the pool, he and his partner get to split hundreds of dollars each week.  They can win thousands if they win the whole year.

I took a different approach.  I love football and I wanted to get my wife involved.  She could care less about football until I suggested we bet on six games a week.  Now, she has become a rabid football fan.  To win thirty dollars a week (6 x $5) she has learned the game, learned the teams and screams holy hell if her team screws up. 

As of this writing she is up on me by twenty dollars.  Two years ago I got her for twenty dollars for the whole year.  However, last year she got me for a hundred (she's really good at this).

The important thing here is now football is fun for the both of us.  Football Sunday has become a special day because we both hate to lose.  She doesn't have a favorite team, but she does have a few teams she hates.  The only reason I can assume she hates those teams is because she loses when she bets on them.  

I'm always very competitive.  My wife is not because she hates to lose.  However, she becomes very competitive on football Sunday.  Even though I also hate to lose, I love seeing her smile when she wins.  She doesn't rub it in when I lose, but I can see how proud she is when she beats me.

I love football, but it doesn't define me.  Hank loves football and buys hats, helmets, shirts and jackets that have a Patriot's logo on them.  Even though he gets upset when the Patriots lose, they don't define him.  My friend Kenny is a major Yankees baseball fan, but they don't define him.

I mention this because there are people who are defined by their sports team.  In many countries outside the United States, football (Americans call it soccer) is a major pastime.  Fans around the globe have died fighting because the home team loses to the visiting team.  To those fans, football is almost a religious experience.  They are defined by their team.

We are seeing more of this problem in America.  Some people are so defined by their team that they will fight someone wearing a jersey with another teams logo on it.  This happens more when their favorite team loses.  

Sports should be fun.  Win or lose it should be entertainment.  Feeling depressed, angry or frustrated for more than a few minutes after a game is not normal.  There is something else going on inside these people than just the sport.  Their team losing is just bringing out the bad stuff inside them.

Happy people don't fight, get depressed or get angry when their team loses.  People who give positive energy out to the universe love the entertainment of the sport and the team they love.  People who love life see sports as another positive element in their life.

Unhappy people get their negative energy button pressed when their team sucks.  These are the people who need the outside world to be good to them.  These are the people who don't love themselves.  These are the people who blame everyone and everything for their unhappiness.  These are the people who are defined not only by their sports, but by their politics, religion, etc.

Sports are important in my life.  I enjoy watching my favorite football team, basketball team and sometimes baseball team.  Sports make me happy.  However, I'm defined by the number of times I laugh.  I'm defined by the life I love.  I'm defined by the positive energy I get from the universe.  

I'm Defined By The Good I see In Myself And Other People.

Doom And Gloom

The Rolling Stones just released their first new single in seven years.  It's called "Doom and Gloom" and it got me thinking about all the media promoting doom and gloom.

Iran is going to have a nuclear bomb and destroy Israel and the Western world.  Israel and the US won't let that happen so there will be a huge war that will lead to a world war because Russia, China, Syria and all radical terrorist groups support Iran.

Syria is going to drag Turkey into a war and the Arab nation will begin to fight each other which will disrupt the world's oil supply and lead to a world war.  Africa is in melt down and terrorists are going to control the nation.  To stop that from happening, the Western world will get into the fight which will lead to a big war.

Mexico is in a drug war and the drug lords will win and ship so many drugs to the world that everybody in America will become junkies.  The United States and the European nations are going to create a financial disaster and the world economy will fail and everyone will be poor.

Roe Vs Wade will be overturned and the states will make abortion illegal.  Women will be arrested and charged with murder.  Women will then rise up and overthrow the government.  The rich will get richer and the middle class in America will be gone.  Everyone will be either poor or rich (mostly poor) and the poor will rise up and overthrow the government.

Genetically engineered foods will give all of us health problems.  Fast foods are going to kill us and make healthcare not affordable for most Americans.  Everyone will become obese and die of heart disease and diabetes. If fast foods don't kill us global warming will.

Unless you've been locked up in a small room in your basement, you've been bombarded with TV and the press pushing these doom and gloom opinions down your throat.  So called "experts" talk about this bad stuff like they know something.  Radical TV hosts almost guarantee all this is going to happen.  Even nationally trusted publications write about worse case scenarios. 

The impact of all this doom and gloom has got to affect our mental well being.  The impact of all this doom and gloom is making many of us depressed.  The impact of all this doom and gloom is making many of us see the future as negative instead of positive. The impact of all this doom and gloom makes us angry, frustrated and scared. The impact of all this doom and gloom could lead to a self fulfilling prophecy (WAR). 

What are the facts here?  World war three is not going to happen.  We're not going to blow up the world.  We will not take away women's rights.  The middle class will always be here because they vote in the people that make policy.  Drugs will always be around, but the majority will not let them affect their productivity.  

Genetically engineered foods will not make us sick.  Obesity will become unpopular and only effect the few not the majority.  The health industry will raise costs even if we shut down every fast food outlet.  Pharmaceutical companies will eventually have a pill to fix all these problems because that's the way they make a shit load of money.

How do I know all this doom and gloom will not happen - just look at history.  We've lived through two world wars and came out stronger.  We lived through the great depression and came out stronger.  We lived through the drug days of the seventies and productivity increased.  We gave women the right to vote.  

Once fifty percent of the voters (women) were able to vote, women obtained more and more rights.  In the long run, the people in power will not be able to take away all they gave to women.  Women will eventually run this country.

Before all the current health rules came into place, most people's diet was terrible.  They didn't live as long as us, but they did live and prosper.  We've been eating genetically engineered foods for over twenty years and we didn't die.  Global warming is really bad, but it's not going to affect our lives.  I assume the generations after us will figure out a way to fix it.

Sooo, STOP worrying about all this gloom and doom.  If possible STOP reading, watching and listening to all this doom and gloom.  Create a happy life for yourself and live it to the fullest.  Believe the future is full of positive energy and everything will work out for the better. However, just in case the media is right:

Focus all your energy on today.  Today is the day to find all the happiness you deserve.  Don't let doom and gloom control your life.

Is It Fate Or Destiny Or Does Shit Just Happen

Although the words are used interchangeably in many cases, fate and destiny can be distinguished. Traditional usage defines fate as a power or agency that predetermines and orders the course of events. Fate defines events as ordered or "inevitable" and unavoidable. Classical and European mythology features three goddesses dispensing fate, known asMoirai in Greek mythology, as Parcae in Roman mythology, and as Norns in Norse mythology. They determine the events of the world through the mystic spinning of threads that represent individual human fates.

Destiny is used with regard to the finality of events as they have worked themselves out; and that same sense of Destination, projected into the future to become the flow of events as they will work themselves out. In other words, fate relates to events of the future and present of an individual and in cases in literature unalterable, whereas destiny relates to the probable future. Fate implies no choice, but with destiny the entity is participating in achieving an outcome that is directly related to itself. Participation happens willfully.

How many of you believe when shit happens it's just fate?  How many of you believe when shit happens it's just destiny?  How many of you believe when shit happens it's just shit happening?  I believe shit just happens.  

I really don't believe in fate.  Fate assumes something is controlling what happens and how it turns out.  Fate assumes I have no control over what happens nor it's outcome because the thing that's making it happen is not of this world.

I also don't believe in destiny.

"Fate implies no choice, but with destiny the entity is participating in achieving an outcome that is directly related to itself. Participation happens willfully."

Look, I've been preaching to you that you're in control of your happiness.  I agree with that because you can make choices to be happy or sad.  You might not like the choices, but you can make them.  Poor people can be happy.  Money can help, but it's not necessary.  A paraplegic can be happy.  Nobody wants that to happen to themselves or anybody else, but if it does, that person can choose to find happiness or give up and be miserable with the life they have left. 

However, saying you have control of your destiny is bullshit.  You can control what you do, but you can't control what "it" does.  "It" is the outside human world and Mother Nature.  You can't control the people you know.  You can't control terrorism, bigotry, arson or some nut blowing something up.  You definitely can't control Mother Nature.

Sooo, for these reasons, I believe shit just happens.  Once you accept that as fact your life will get better.  Believing in fate will never make you happy because you'll have given up all control.  Believing in destiny will frustrate you because the things you can't control will find a way to make you unhappy.

Accepting that shit just happens enables you to think about what you're going to do about it and then take action.  Somebody smashed my car.  Was it fate?  Was it destiny?  No, it was just some asshole talking on his cell phone.  Now that you've accepted that there are assholes in this world and shit just happens, what are you going to do about the smashed car.

It's wrong to live your life counting on fate or destiny.  It's wrong to live your life blaming fate or destiny. 

"It's right to enjoy living in a chaotic world where you never know when shit will just happen because you can then decide how you want to react to the chaos." 

Immigration

Immigration is a sensitive subject no matter what country you live in.  The United States was built on immigration.  Without it we would be a British Colony with a few Indian tribes sprinkled around.  With it we were able to create the life we have today.  Good or bad, life in the USA is a lot better than many other countries.

Immigration was always a emotional and political issue from the time it started.  If you didn't look like or sound like the majority, you were someone others didn't really want into their country, state, city or neighborhood. 

There were times when immigration was considered a serious problem, but we worked through it.  However, today immigration an issue so deep rooted in people's minds that it's a major issue in the upcoming Presidential election.

One reason is the fear Hispanics will become the majority.  To stop that, some people portray Hispanics as criminals, uneducated, lazy, people who are just taking advantage of our social systems and Democrats. 

The attitude is Democrats like illegal immigration and Republicans hate all Hispanic immigration because they will vote for the Democratic party.   

The truth is Hispanics are none of the above.  All they want is to have a better life.  We brought the blacks to America to be slaves.  When slavery was abolished we wanted them to go back to Africa.   All the black people wanted was the opportunity to create a better life.

Guess what, in most cases they have achieved their goal.  Sure there are some bad black people, but no more so than white people.  The bottom line is black people have made America a stronger country.  I contend that if we give freedom to Hispanics eventually they will make America an even stronger country.

If Republicans want Hispanics to vote for their party, they need to support them the same way Democrats have done for many, many years.  Hispanics, blacks, etc. are not born Democrats.  They vote for the Democratic party because they believe that party cares about them.  Republicans can do the same, but they have to start now.  

Making Hispanics feel that all the Republican party wants to do is send them back to their original country is not the answer.  Yes we have an illegal immigration problem with Hispanics, but there must be a solution that reduces more people from coming into this country WHILE ENCOURAGING THE HISPANIC PEOPLE, WHO ARE ALREADY IN THIS COUNTRY, TO BE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS.  If we can find that solution, Hispanics will make America a stronger country.

I assure all Republicans that if you really care for the Hispanic people and be the party that creates a solution to illegal immigration WHILE ENCOURAGING THE HISPANIC PEOPLE, WHO ARE ALREADY IN THIS COUNTRY, TO BE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS, over time the Hispanic people will become dedicated Republicans.

I can also assure both Republicans and Democrats that if they open their hearts to all people who just want a better life, they will become happier in their life.

The French believe they have a Muslim immigration problem.  Many for the same reasons as the Hispanics (the fear they will become a majority and the other reasons stated above).  Would they feel the same if the attitude toward Muslims was overwhelmingly positive?  

The fact that the Muslim radicals and terrorists have destroyed the name "Muslim" has led to the fear of allowing more Muslim people into any Western country.  We, in America, don't feel that same way about the Asian people.  Would the French feel they have an American immigration problem if hundreds of thousands of Americans started become French citizens?

I don't know the answer, but I do know Americans would make France a stronger country.  I also believe that if the French ENCOURAGING THE MUSLIM PEOPLE, WHO ARE ALREADY IN THEIR COUNTRY, TO BE PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS, France would become stronger over time.

In my opinion, the immigration problem in all countries would not be so serious if we believed legal immigration is a good thing.  I also believe that if we helped people who want a better life by being productive citizens, our life would be better.

Making immigration an issue out of prejudice and/or politics is not a solution that will lead to a stronger country and happier people in that country.  America lived with all different Nationalities and colors.  When I was young those Nationalities and colors were segregated.  Now there is much less segregation.  Peoples lives are much more intertwined.  My white Jewish son is married to a fabulous Asian woman and I have two beautiful and smart mixed race grandchildren.

Integration is making America stronger.  Integration is making many people's lives better and happier.  Immigration is a good thing if we all are determined to integrate all people into our country and our lives.

Integration is positive energy.  Positive energy is happiness.  Don't make immigration a problem - make it a positive energy enabler.

Happiness IS The Forgotten Ingredient In Life

If you've been reading my blogs you know my focus is happiness.  Not their happiness - YOUR happiness.  Why do I say it's the forgotten ingredient in life - because it is.  let's break down what I believe is important in your life.  If I missed anything, please comment back to me.

Money

In my earlier blog I stated:  "If you're happy, you'll have all the money you need.  If you're unhappy,  you never have enough money."  Sooo, why are so many people willing to trade off their happiness to get more money?  The answer is simple.  Most people value money more than they value their happiness.

You might say: "I'd be happier if I had more money." Or, "don't give me that bullshit, everybody wants more money." Or, "I need more money to pay for all the things that make me happy."  Or, I don't value money more than happiness. I want more because money makes me happy." Or, "more money will make me feel secure."

None of the statements above are true. On the other hand, "money is NOT the root of all evil."  People who will compromise their moral compass, take advantage of other people, lie, cheat, steal and put their happiness in second position are the root of all evil.

Even the very poor can be happy if they appreciate friends, family, the beauty around them (yes even in poor neighbors you can find beauty if you look at your environment with positive energy eyes instead of negative energy eyes).  If the very poor can be happy without a lot of money, think about living your life with a positive attitude.  More money is not the source of positive energy - YOU and your appreciation of life is what creates a positive attitude.

There is nothing wrong with having money.  What's wrong is having the feeling you have to have more money to be happy.  Therefore, stop making money the ingredient in life - make happiness the ingredient in life


Stuff

We are a society that accumulates lots of stuff.  How many times have you cleaned out the garage or your closets of stuff.  Do you say things like: "when did I buy that?"  "I didn't even know I had that."  "What was I thinking when I brought that."  "I have to make more room because I'm going to buy more stuff."  "These clothes are out of date, I need new ones."  "I no longer fit into these pants, so I'm getting rid of them and get ones that fit."

Happiness IS the forgotten ingredient in life because we value "stuff" more than happiness.  More stuff creates the need for more money.  It becomes a vicious circle of wants verses need. Could you be happy with what you have instead of getting caught up in a catch 22 of wants where happiness is taking a lower priority?  

Too many people are caught up in this situation and have forgotten that happiness is their main goal not more stuff.  Their friends and family keep getting more stuff so they believe they should have more stuff.  Before they know it, they have a lot of stuff, but it hasn't made them happier.  

Somehow they believe if they just had even more stuff that would make them happier.  It just doesn't work because happiness doesn't come from stuff.  Happiness comes from appreciating the stuff you already have and feeling good that you you can still be happy even though others have more.


Ego

One reason to have more stuff is to look good to others.  Many say: " I don't buy expensive things for them, I buy it because it makes me feel good and that makes me happy."  That statement is mucho, mucho  bullshit.  Too many people don't even realize what that statement means.  First, it states you don't love yourself just the way you are.  Second, it states the only way you can feel good about yourself is if you're wearing a Louis Vuitton bag, shirt and shoes.

The other part of that statement which is so not true is, you do care what others think about how you look.  Too many care so much about how they look, they are willing to make happiness a second thought.  Buying expensive things means you accumulating more stuff and that makes you spend more money.  If doing so doesn't really enhance your happiness, what good is it - absolutely nothing!

Happiness IS the forgotten ingredient in life because too many people value ego more than happiness. They believe they're not good enough unless that look good to others or to themselves.  They don't feel beautiful inside so they believe they need a beautiful facade.  Then they realize they need more stuff and more money to get the expensive stuff.  This vicious negative circle get's them caught up on a focus where there is no room for happiness taking first position in their life.


Security

The need to feel secure has been drilled into all of us by our parents and their parents before them.  Nothing wrong with making security a priority.  However, happiness winds up being the forgotten ingredient in life when people will make security a higher priority.  "If you're addicted to security you will never have enough.  If you prefer being secure you will be able to balance your need for happiness with your need for security."

"I need more money to feel secure."  I need more stuff to feel secure."  I need the outside world see me as successful (ego) to feel secure."  If you're making any one of those three statements you're addicted to security, you're insecure and you will trade your happiness to get more and more and more security.

Worrying about security is negative energy.  It can make you become depressed.  Depression is not a happy state.  Worrying about the security things you can't control (war, Iran, terrorist attack, earthquakes, stock market or just a negative future, will never make you happy.  

If you focus on the security things you can control (how much money you need to have food to eat, air to breath and shelter, how much insurance you need to protect your house, car, health, etc or believing the future will be positive not negative), will enable to you to make happiness your first choice not security.

Happiness IS The Forgotten Ingredient In Life because we make it so.  If you really want to change your life, make a poster, put it into an beautiful frame and place it somewhere in you house or workplace where you'll have to see it every day.  The poster should say:

"I Will Make Happiness The Most Important Focus Of My Life!"