Last Week's Rant


Rant Response

As expected, I received a lot of email after last week's newsletter. All but one were completely supportive. Many folks, other than me, apparently don't understand this madness, either.

Let's address the one that wasn't so supportive. The fact was pointed out that I was railing about all the pervasive hatred and rage in the world right now. I was asked how that was different from my own rants - past and present.

That probably deserves a response ...

When I write a “rant,” I'm not necessarily emotionally involved in it. Although, if humans or other living beings are being harmed, i.e. pharmaceutical companies killing people for the BIG BUCK - then I AM mad.

I speak my mind and feel I've lived on this planet long enough, and have enough experience - in enough areas - to do that. But, the truth is most of my rants are basically show business.

Much of it is done for entertainment, since it rarely changes anything. It just makes folks think - and maybe chuckle. That doesn't mean I don't mean what I say. I'm just not as angry as I probably “sound.” I can stand outside it for the purposes of the article.

I may refer to types of people as pond scum, bottom feeders, jack-legs, etc., but that isn't usually personal. Although I do remember one guy who referred to himself as a jack-ass and I heartily agreed with him. And, I seem to remember calling some politicians criminals, but that's just a fact. Apparently, it's a requirement for any political position.

Real anger is about the only thing that can make me physically ill. Anger is death energy - it kills. And, yet, I feel myself soaking up these energies of rage and anger. Frankly, it gets harder and harder for me to stay centered - even when I see what's going on.


There was a time when I didn't believe in evil; I thought it was just misguided behavior. Well, in the overall scheme of reality, it may be, but now, I'm not so sure, any more.

Pedophilia being supported by religion is flat evil. Yeah - I know the perp is wired that way. But adulthood brings the ability to control your actions. If pedophiles won't control their actions - it's evil. Period.

I do NOT understand what would make a person so fearful of their church that they would continue to participate in, and support, it knowing this is the case with their leaders. I've heard, “Well, it's only a few, and it is not condoned by the church.”

Oh yeah? Then, why does the church maintain an entire department of a huge risk-management firm in this country to deal with their lawsuits? I know that for a fact because a family member of mine was put in charge of that department.

As soon as she saw what she was involved with, she refused to do that job. In fact, she no longer works for that company. Raised that one right! But, I digress ...

When these types of behaviors are simply accepted, what does it say about our humanity? When we accept - and we DO accept as long as we don't put a STOP to it - these types of horrendous crimes against children, why are we surprised that our world is turning into one giant crime scene?

That is one of the extremes. Just one! I've come to expect it in any large organization. The crap that truly STUNS me are the small things ...


Martha Raye

Last week, I received an email with a story about Martha Raye. Some of you will know who she was - others won't. She was a magnificent and well-loved entertainer.

The article talked about Ms Raye being a Bird Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, as well as a nurse with a surgery specialty. She helped out in the Army Field Hospitals, and is the only woman buried in the SF (Special Forces) cemetery at Ft. Bragg.

I never knew any of that, and I imagine a lot of other folks didn't either. It was a neat story!

However ... whoever wrote that email had to add at the top:

“Most of the old time entertainers were made out of a lot sterner stuff than today's crop of activists and whiners.”

And, at the bottom:

“Martha Raye was CLASS! Not what we have today in Hollywood.”

The entire article was cheapened and detracted from by those two unnecessary and nasty comments!

Never mind the tremendous number of those in the entertainment business who do fabulous things for others in the world. And, I mean hands-on help!

If it isn't specifically for our troops - and WAR and DEATH, instead of humanity in general - and PEACE and LIFE, it's to be slammed. Ask me if I'm surprised!

This idiot, who obviously thinks all folks in the entertainment business, today, are “tree-huggers” just couldn't pass up a chance to take a shot. Two shots.

I couldn't think of anything more disrespectful to Ms Raye. I'm sure she'd have rather skipped the accolade if it had to tear down her fellow entertainers.

And, dear hearts - this is the NORM, today - NOT the exception!


I know some folks who refuse to see anything but the positive. That's commendable, and we don't need to expect the worst. But, if you aren't realistic, things you refuse to see can sneak right up and bite you in the butt. Not seeing them doesn't mean they aren't there!

Fun Stuff


"Cow Speed"

A farmer was helping one of his cows give birth when he noticed his 4-year-old son standing wide-eyed at the fence, soaking in the whole event.

The man thought, "Great... he's 4 and I'm gonna have to start explaining the birds and bees. No need to jump the gun, I'll just let him ask, and I'll answer."

After everything was over, the man walked over to his son and said: "Well, son, do you have any questions?"

"Just one," gasped the still wide-eyed lad: "How fast was that calf going when he hit that cow?"


Thanks to "Wings Over The Mountains of Life"
www.MountainWings.com

News From the Lake


Rageaholics Reign

The Lake
Okey-dokey - so I missed yet another week's publication of the Trade Journal. I really have no excuse other than June and July have been crap months. And, I have no business complaining since many others have had a worse time of it than I have. So, we'll skip the whining.

I will say, though - it's very difficult to keep a positive attitude in a world so filled with hate. I've been on this planet for a lot of years, and I've never seen it this bad. Good sense has gone right out the window; the only important thing is who, or what, people hate and trying to make everyone agree.

Unfortunately, I suspect the arrival of the internet has made matters worse. The internet is a wonderful thing - until it's used to spread vitriol and hatred. It's perfectly possible to express our thoughts and feelings without all the disgusting, poisonous venom coming from every direction.

And, you know, we've always had people who wouldn't hesitate to lie if it would further their cause. But, seems to me, the media used to be required to show some restraint. Now, it's gone. We no longer have the Evening News with trustworthy newscasters we could depend on to tell the truth.

Now the “News” is nothing but a carnival with its barkers spewing the hatred de jour. Truth in journalism is ancient history. In fact, journalism is ancient history. Now, we have a bunch of clowns who have made so much money spreading lies, they don't even need to worry about being sued.

I'm not pointing my finger at any specific news channels. It doesn't matter what side they take, they all seem to work in the same unacceptable fashion. They don't report the news, they simply instigate and agitate. And, laugh all the way to the bank.

Shame on people for being so stupid and blind as to believe anything they hear just because it falls in line with what they want to believe. What the hell ever happened to fact checking?

In case you think I'm exaggerating, the latest ratings say ABC, CBS and NBC "Evening News" ratings are DOWN across the board. Of course they are - everyone's watching the hate mongers - and eating it up!

It isn't just the verbal accusations, either. I've heard audio tapes and seen videos that are 100% total FAKES! Amazing what a little digital work can do. You would swear they were real.

If nothing else, PLEASE check snopes.com to fact check every accusatory email you receive - and as many videos as you can. That web site is NOT going to screw up!

Apparently there is NO requirement on YouTube that information posted there must be true. Not that is being enforced, at any rate!


The way people make decisions, today, is terrifying. You can't even have an intelligent conversation with anyone in this day and age. Folks I once liked and respected have turned into blithering idiots!

In case you aren't aware … hatred and rage are addictive. We have become a world of rageaholics! It truly is frightening.

It isn't just the USA, either. This evil (and it IS evil) has spread all over the planet. It's in every country: the educational systems, the political systems, the governments, the business world, the medical fields, the internet - everywhere!

It's even in the “religious” (and I say that sarcastically) communities. We don't have churches any more - we have cults! When folks use God to further their ungodly behaviors, it literally makes me sick.

All this evil comes directly from people's refusal to insist on - and deal with - truth. Lies are so much easier - especially when no one is required to back up their claims with facts. Lies are so much easier when people actually prefer to be lied to rather than put forth the effort to learn the truth about anything.

It's come down to who can tell the biggest lies and get away with it. Not to mention who can show the cruelest behavior toward others. It seems the only consideration left in this world is how much money can be made. Never mind who is hurt. People seem to have lost their value. They're expendable.

Getting the most money - or, getting it “my way” - has become paramount. Common decency seems to have disappeared! It is so very sad.

No wonder Jesus wept!

Okay - enough of that. Now, I've had my say - and I'm sure I'm going to hear from you about it. Don't bother to try to figure out who I'm writing about. There's no longer a specific enemy. This is so pervasive, it could be anyone or anything.

I read last week that New Zealand is considered the most peaceful country in the world. Based upon those I communicate with in New Zealand, I don't doubt it. Hooray for them! They may be the only sane people left on the planet!


To Lighten the Mood

Here's something so awesome, it blew my mind. You gotta see this shopping penguin!

www.flixxy.com/pet-penguin-goes-shopping.htm


Today's “Freebie” is EraserDrop Portable

“An easy-to-use secure data removal tool. It is a drop target (a floating icon on your desktop) that you can drop files onto to quickly erase them so they can not be recovered. EraserDrop does away with the standard Eraser Portable interface and is packaged as a portable app so you can easily delete files on the go.

… EraserDrop's target accepts any combination of files and folders. … EraserDrop also includes the ability to wipe the Recycle Bin and wipe drive free space.”

Get all the details - and download your copy here:

www.portableapps.com/apps/utilities/eraserdrop_portable


Thieves on the Web

The subject of today's article is a problem that has become more pervasive online. But, I'm not going to just talk about the problem. Barring any interference, next Thursday, I'll be delivering something that will correct it for you. Be sure to watch your email on July 22nd!


PLEASE have a loving week, and ... Keep on Keepin' On!

     Smile jl

Join me on Twitter - twitter.com/jlscott_iCop

Business Notes


"Thieves on the Web"

Sometimes I wonder if it's possible for any organization to make a dent in cleaning up the internet. So many scams - so many "business owners" who have no intention of treating their customers with anything other than contempt - so much BS ... And, so much theft!

In just a short period of time, I have personally known three online business owners who have had their web sites stolen! Their entire web sites - good GRIEF!

This is only the tip of the iceberg. You can also find your articles, sales copy, ad copy, ebooks and reports, software, other products, graphics and images, and even your ezine stolen!

Unfortunately, the theft itself is only the beginning of the problem. One victim was advised by several people to, "just leave it alone ... let it go."

In a pig's wazoo! For one thing - why do we bother to put a copyright mark on our work if it isn't going to mean anything? For another - she could soon find her own products stolen right along with the site design.

If your intellectual property is stolen - you need to get that stolen material off the Web! In one of the instances mentioned above, the product WAS actually stolen - right along with the entire web site - and was being sold by the thief. He even used the same credit card provider as the real owner!

In addition to all this, the thief then proceeded to market the product using "spam." Is this something you should just "leave alone?" I don't think so!

A thief is a thief is a thief. This person isn't going to have an ounce of ethics. You can bet you're dealing with someone whose reputation will soon be in the toilet. Do you want your property associated with this? Believe me, sooner or later, it will rub off on you!

In this case, the thief's web host refused to ban the stolen site. Even with undeniable evidence that the owner had both his domain name and his site up first! Even though the thief had been reported for "spam" by an outside source! What do to next?

Even when the web host cooperates, the job isn't finished. In fact, your job starts before something is stolen. And, it isn't over just because one web host shuts the pirate down. He could simply get a new web host and put it all back up.

Now granted, getting rid of this guy can take some work, energy and stamina on the part of the victim. But, let it go?

Well, I suppose you could. But how much are your web site - your products - and your reputation - worth to you?

Fun Stuff


"Priceless"

The light turned yellow in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn. She screamed in frustration as she missed her chance to get thru the intersection. She dropped her cell phone and makeup on the floor.

As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with hands up.

He took her to the police station. She was searched, fingerprinted, photographed, and placed in a holding cell.

After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

He said, "I'm very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you and cussing a blue streak at him.

I noticed the 'What Would Jesus Do' bumper sticker, the 'Choose Life' license plate holder, the 'Follow Me to Sunday-School' bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, so naturally ... I assumed you had stolen the car."

Priceless!


Thanks to Kent Butler
www.Personal-Puzzles.com

Article Copyrights


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To re-publish articles by jl scott from this site, please include the following byline - with live links - after each article you use.

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* dr. jl scott is the Founder of the International Council of Online Professionals (iCop™) http://www.i-cop.org - and also the publisher of the Online Business Trade Journal™ - the blog that keeps you up to date with online business coming of age. Visit: http://www.OnlineBusinessTradeJournal.com

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