painting, plus signs 2008, 16″x20″ acrylic on canvas, by alyse radenovic http://www.aelisheva.com/alyse.htm

Not sure if this makes sense, but I felt like I should take note.
Just in case I forget.

The data for the most likely ways of dying is based on the National Safety Council's(USA) Odds of Dying statistics.

10. Motorcycle Accident

Lifetime Odds: 1 in 1,020

9. Drowning

Lifetime Odds: 1 in 1,008

8. Pedestrian Accident

Lifetime Odds: 1 in 626

7. Firearm Assault

Lifetime Odds: 1 in 314

6. Falling

Lifetime Odds: 1 in 218

5. Suicide

Lifetime Odds: 1 in 119

4. Motor Vehicle Accident

Lifetime Odds: 1 in 84

3. Stroke

Lifetime Odds: 1 in 24

2. Cancer

Lifetime Odds: 1 in 7

1. Heart Disease

Lifetime Odds: 1 in 5

I had some friend (not a waking life person) that I went to visit in a city that was called Philadelphia but was apparently located in California. I took a plane there and had planned to stay for the weekend for some convention he was going to. Everyone in his family thought we were dating despite the fact that neither of us had said we were. I've forgotten most of the weekend except that I got bored and saw several members of my own family there. On a Friday I called my dad and said I'd fly home the next day but I forgot to buy a return plane ticket, which I was too embarrassed to tell anyone. So Saturday night I took someone's convertible car and started driving into the city.The car was unusually fast, I was lost on the freeway and I couldn't control the car well. As I came to a curve in a bridge the car went off the bridge into the air, skimming a powerline on the way out. First I grabbed the wire to save myself but was shocked. Electricity filled the car and it fell away from me. One of my boots slipped off. I took the other one off and threw it. As I fell, I saw the ground as a plastic model own from above and steered myself toward a row of trees. I grabbed tree branches as I came close to the ground which somehow slowed me down without ripping my arms off and I landed in a daze.

I got up and started to walk around aimlessly with bare feet. Around me it looked like Charlotte around Cedar and Trade and it was dark. There were lots of ads and scaffolding on the sides of buildings and over sidewalks which were full of people. As I walked, feeling pretty messed up, some guy walked up next to me calling my name. I turned and didn't recognize him. I told him I didn't know him. He asked if i was the same Ciara who was married to some guy name Karrim and had too kids and lots of pills to sell, to which I replied, "You got the wrong person." He looked really sorry for talking to me and went to an ATM. I wondered if I should've asked him where the hospital was. Then I woke up.

I also remember dreaming earlier about a trip to a lajke alone in a car. At some point I lost my mother's laser pointer in a ditch and felt really bad about it.

keeps falling

and washing clean

Waterfall

never asks

can it believe

Butterfly

is flying

for a little while

Butterfly

only knows

to be butterfly

Flower

unfolding

it's mystery

Flower

can only

bloom and be

Here are the real MONSTERS OF THIS HALLOWEEN 2008

Warns that a panic atmosphere is intentionally being nurtured to get bill passed

Steve Watson
October 3, 2008

A Democratic Congressman has warned that a panic atmosphere is being intentionally created in order to get the financial bailout billed passed, further stating that several members of Congress were told before Monday’s vote that martial law will be instigated in America if the legislation fails.

Congressman Brad Sherman of California’s 27th congressional district told the House in a speech yesterday evening that he personally knew of several Congressional representatives who have said they were threatened with the prospect of all out martial law should they vote in opposition to the $700 billion bailout.

Sherman essentially intimated that powerful forces who want the bill passed have attempted to blackmail elected representatives.

"The only way they can pass this bill is by creating and sustaining a panic atmosphere. That atmosphere is not justified." Sherman stated.

"Many of us were told in private conversations that if we voted against this bill on Monday that the sky would fall, the market would drop two or three thousand points the first day, another couple of thousand the second day, and a few members were even told that there would be martial law in America if we voted no." The Congressman continued.

"That’s what I call fear mongering. Unjustified. Proven wrong. We’ve got a week, we’ve got two weeks to write a good bill. The only way to pass a bad bill is to keep the panic pressure on." Sherman urged.

Watch Rep. Sherman speaking in the House yesterday:

Watch Rep. Sherman’s full speech at CSPAN.

Sherman has been a member of the House of Representatives since 1997 and also serves on the Committee on Financial Services along with Texas Congressman Ron Paul.

On the Eve of a second Congressional vote on the legislation, these revelations show that freedom in America is under direct attack. The Congress should instigate an immediate investigation into these serious allegations to uncover which private individuals and administration officials, if any, are involved with directly threatening a military takeover of the workings of the U.S. government.

Sherman’s comments follow those of Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX), who warned Monday that the only information he had received about the bailout was what talking points to use on the American people and that he had been thrown out of meetings for not blindly supporting the bill.

Ominously, Burgess also commented, “Mr. Speaker I understand we are under Martial Law as declared by the speaker last night.”

Rep. Burgess appeared on the Alex Jones show earlier this week to discuss his comments. Subscribers, listen here.

However, it must be stressed that the definition of martial law that Congressman Sherman is referring to is the full blown military suspension of the normal administration of justice, while rep. Burgess was referring to the temporary suspension of the rules and procedures of Congress by its leaders so that a bill can be passed quickly.

Sherman’s allegations of threats against elected representatives have also been echoed by outspoken political activist Lyndon LaRouche who told an audience "There are those in high positions who know that if they don’t allow this bill to pass, that there are people behind the Bush Administration who will force them to pass it or kill them…". LaRouche stated that well placed sources had told him that the use of armed troops to enforce the passage of the bill is "reality".

So get ready Inflation will rise astronomically!! jobs will dissappear, no money available, no credit available.  What do you think these Evil has done?  They created this willingfully and illegally and idiot Bush passed it by the end of a gun!  BANG!

I don't want to "again" post the Executive Orders that were created by John F. Kennedy, and passed into law by our other Catholic president, William J. Clinton. But for a quick run down this is what they entail. (If you want to see them, click here) These executive orders declare that the United States Government can, and will seize all communications media, electric power, fuels, minerals, food supplies, farmland, farm equipment, personal cars, trucks, motorcycles, boats, highways, seaports, water ways, health services, educational services, welfare services, postal services, banks, housing, railroads, and storage facilities. They will also round up as many American citizens as they wish for unpaid work forces under federal supervision and even split up families if they please. These laws are on the books as we speak.

What do you suppose will grant them the legal right do such things? Read Executive Order # 11501 which was placed under the list of orders I just summarized above. (By the way. This is happening in all countries. I am only reporting on the USA agenda)

This is why we see our economy failing. They need it to collapse so they can enforce the Executive Orders. Or in laymen's terms, enact martial law. Without it, the mark of Rome will remain forever out of reach. This is the exact same type of stranglehold Hitler had on his nation and the Jews before, what that Roman Catholic pawn termed, "a purifying of the races" began. This resulted in over six million dead.

These Executive Orders were put in place for a reason. When these laws were announced back in 1996 the economy was booming, and as sheeple usually do, they follow along with the herd thinking all is well. But in less then 12 years of passing these unjust laws, we now see the economy going from good to worse right before our eyes. What's worse is those of us that research this know all of it could have been avoided by simply blowing the whistle on the men that caused it all. This is not something that happened by chance. This was purposely planned. But then that would mean we would be able to stop the prophecied end result now wouldn't it? I am pleased to say, that won't happen! Our God is very capable of exposing such an agenda with crystal clarity long before that day arrives. This is "one" of the reasons the enemy of souls is so focused on ridding the earth of real Christians as Revelation prophecies.

• Revelation 12:17, "And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ."

Not only do we expose Satan's lies by keeping the Law of God as prophecy said in the last book of the bible true Christians will be doing right before the end. But it also declares we have the "testimony of Jesus Christ." What is that you ask?

• Revelation 19:10, "...the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy."

The true Christians understand prophecy with uncanny ability because we have drawn nigh to Christ by worship, study, and obedience. We know today, what the Vatican is planning tomorrow, and that get's their blood up. Usually we are just tagged "a cult" but the truth is, the REAL cult is the Roman Catholic church. Every sign attributed to a cult has been documented in this church yet most with power ignore this because of her political prowess. Since most people don't read or trust Bibles, thanks mostly to the Vatican's attack on the Word of God, they are none the wiser. So the Vatican plays the moral card and they all believe it.

• Revelation 13:3-4, "... all the world wondered after the beast. ...Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?" ."

So yes, they will do as they plan because it is prophecied to occur. These laws will help in forcing most of the world to follow Satan over Christ. Most of what the Executive Orders speak of won't be long lived in that they will try to make society appear as if it's moving along as normal. A false sense of security works wonders on large scales like this. Truth is, the bulk of the unjust laws will be focused on God's people anyway. The wicked won't realize much of what we see because of their prophecied blindness, as well as their willingness to accept the mark of the Roman beast. They will literally be "walking dead." Without drawing nigh to Christ by studying His Word each day, they will be very easy prey.

• Amos 8:11, "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD:"

Only those that understand prophecy will be wise to all that's happening. The rest will be pawns in the hands of Satan, who will convince them to do all they can against us to ensure their livelihood is kept intact. Nice thing about being a Christian is that we can handle such trials with smiles. We have been trained by the Master. Jesus has already overcome the world and educated us on that fact. Our duty is to recruit as many for Heaven as we can. So even as Rome was unable to stop the forward flow of the Gospel in her first prophecied hellish reign by killing hundreds of millions, they will still be unsuccessful in their final reign thanks to the Latter Rain falling more abundantly.

Many false preachers are proclaiming a seven year tribulation, or 1000 years of peace for their flocks. They will easily be deceived into a false sense of security by clamoring to the preachers that tickle their ears. But the Loud Cry we proclaim that brings their sins to the forefront, which in turn causes us to become a threat to Rome's agenda, will still cut some hearts for Christ. Yes, some of us Christians will have a hard row to hoe, but it's so worth it. And again, the wicked may not even be aware how bad it is, because Jesus plainly said...

• Matthew 24:37-39, "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be."

Life won't change much for them. In Noah's day before the floods came they were doing as they did every other day of their lives without a care in the world. But like back then, today when the wicked proclaim, "...Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape." -1 Thessalonians 5:3

Until the seventh plague comes, most of the wicked won't be aware of the prophetic changes all around them. Scientists and false preachers have already been making up bogus scientific excuses for climatic changes and strange disasters already. And yes, the majority are falling for their lies as if they are Gospel truth. So no, they won't realize the changes in their day to day lives. However, our lives will change for the better that great and dreadful day...

• 1 Corinthians 15:51-58, "Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord."

December, a wood print

in burnt patterns –

even the green Christmas trees, the reddest poinsettias

lose their vivid crayon colors.

The evening leaves

floating by a touch

of sunset, fall

to feed the earth, holding

summer’s warmth deep inside.

Is this the reason we rise

so that we might

remain alone

un-laden by love

and heavy as a tree with laden branches

loose our grip?

But the leaves adore the earth and the fall

and love themselves inside

when they can,

feeling their way

and with the wind’s kiss, and time,

finally completely

becoming skeletal remains

that glimmer under a fallen snow.

Browns, covered, not with that golden light

of jeweled summer, but the mirror

of icy winter moonlight

when the land becomes solemn and still

and forgets leaves.

Colors of the woods, of the ever-patient heart.

autumn’s glow, severe and delicate, pares the tree.

now, final rusts, golden leaves, the deep heat of reds,

in the heat of an hour, this evening,

tipsy on the wind, they lap loveliness

for one brief second, and live again.

Jump from the window ledge

leave behind the pain

Flying, falling

They're both the same

Spread your paper wings

Strive to fly

Sinking, slipping

It's just in your mind

Feel your wings ripping

with your heart, they tear

Shredding, breaking

But why should you care?

Now you know you're falling

But there's peace in your eyes

Mind as calm and clear

As your last view of the sky

*Thump*

okay, that last bit was macabre and uncalled for, but what can I say? It was too tempting.

Hoppas, tror och vill att du ska hålla fast vid mig.

Not the prettiest thing.

But ohhh so swweeet.

He can get me smiling for hours and it never gets old.

But he's a dumb shit.

And no I'm not joking.

He only has 2 credits, and he's in Grade 11.

He skips.

A Lot.

I want to make him better.

But I don't want this to be a motion picture.

I was never that kind of girl.

BELOW: Footage of the media conference

Although I do not like to admit it, I'm falling for the German guy. I don't want to, and I know there will never be anything there, but I find myself looking for him when I walk past the Great Hall or other places I know he might be. The thing is, I can never find myself so utterly in love with him as I am in A back home, but it freaks me out that I was capable of finding someone I so utterly fall for. I find that everytime I see him, I just wanna jump on him and drag him into his room. And on his birthday, a couple of days ago he was so wasted and I walked him up to his room, yet I didn't make a move, I know this is a good thing, and frankly, I'm not the kinda girl that will take advantages of those sceneries, but now, I wish I had made some kind of move, cause I really, really want him.

Most likely, nothing will happen ever again, we hooked up twice, so I guess that means something, but we had a chat and none of us want something serious, I guess that was the nail in the coffin.. Still, I don't want it to be.. He gives me looks, and I give him looks back..

<3 from California, Betty!

When we are afraid, we can find encouragement in God's Word. We have God's promise for every situation in life. We only have to trust in Him. Even thought the economy looks bad, we still have faith in God for He has promised to never leave or forsake His Children. God speaks with tenderness to us in His Word  "Fear thou not, for I am with thee." He will be faithful and just and always there to help us with His hand of righteousness.

 From God's Word we read ...

Fear thou not; for I am with thee. Be not dismayed; for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness.  -  Isaiah 41:10

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me; Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine

enemies; Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.  -  Psalm 23:4-5

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed;for the Lord thy God is with thee wherever thou goest.  -  Joshua 1:9

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, not for the arrow that flieth by day, nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness, not for the destruction that wasteth at noonday…for He shall give

His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.  -  Psalm 91:65,6,11

He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my Helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.  -  Hebrews 13:5-6

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NOT AFRAID

I'm not afraid to fall
I only have to call

Be not afraid my soul
All your troubles roll

On Christ the King
Our everything
 ©-Brenda A.

If you experience hypnagogic jerks it means that you are ‘normal’ – well, at least as normal as the 75% of people who also experience the phenomenon. It has been said that being exhausted, uncomfortable, or even dehydrated contributes to the occurrence of a hypnagogic jerk. I’m part of the ‘normal’ population and I’ve never noticed a pattern.  Please let me know if you have.

Often the hypnagogic jerk will be accompanied by a dream of tripping over, falling off a cliff, crashing a car, kicking a ball – there are a myriad variations. However, as true dreams are considered to occur only during rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, these ‘dreams’ could be more accurately described as hallucinations. It feels like you’ve been asleep for a lot longer than you have. Your brain has distorted time to explain the physical sensation.

But why do hypnagogic jerks happen at all? The rapid tensing and releasing of muscles is generated from the brain stem. This, the most primitive part of the brain is what keeps us our heart beating, our lungs breathing and it also regulates our sleep patterns It is the animal part of ourselves. When we sleep, our heart rate drops, our breathing slows and our brain stems panic. Well not always, but there is a theory that hypnagogic jerks happen when the brain stem misinterprets the normal slowing of bodily functions as… *ominous music* death.

Another theory, also related to our primitive selves, is that many evolutions ago when we lived in trees, it was advisable to make sure we weren’t going to fall and plunge to our deaths as we slept. The hypnagogic jerk functions as a last minute check that we are safe and sound.  This helps to explain the rapidly generated dreams that usually accompany the physical shudder. Arms and legs are at the ready to grab hold of any strategically placed branches in response to the vivid sensation of falling.

So next time your bed-buddy laughs as you hit the ground with a thud, catch your breath and say ‘hypnagogic jerk’.

this time i merely moved a pillow-top mattress, box springs, dog food, bed stand and dog up three and a half flights of stairs and resigned myself to words.

it has something to do, no doubt, with adrenalin and cosmic nostalgia.

1) When standing at baggage claim with Irishman upon arrival, I see a woman taking pictures and backing up to get a better shot.  She backed up right into the spinning baggage claim and fell - into everyone's suitcases and started moving along with it as well.  I immediately went into fits of laughter - FITS - while Irishman, who had until that moment, had not seen firsthand my reaction to people falling, stared at me in shock.  I would have apologized but talking was not an option at that point.  Eventually he shook his head, hugged me and laughed as well.

2) I go with Irishman to work, as most of you know. He's singing, I'm hanging out in the crowd having a beer or six.  Most of the times however, it looks like I'm at the bar alone.  Which in Vegas, practically means I'm wearing a red flashing neon sign that says "HIT ON ME".  I always, every time, politely inform everyone I meet that I'm there with Irishman.  Usually in the beginning of the night this is fine, they wander away in search of another woman.  Everyone is always incredibly friendly, as well.  However, at the end of the night?  Different story entirely.  This particular night, a man from England was heavy in his pursuit of me, and upon repeating that No, I'm not going to make out with you, and NO, I'm not going to your room with you, he drunkenly insists that he is in fact, MUCH better than Irishman and proceeds to pick me up, throw me over his shoulder and very intently tries to leave the bar with me.  I send a frantic look over to Irishman while yelling at drunk English Man to put me down, Irishman then makes a gesture to one of the bouncers, who immediately came and rescued me from drunk English Man - who was then promptly manhandled out of the bar. 

3) Tuesday night brought date night, and Irishman dressed in his finest suit and looked quite spiffy if I do say so myself.  And I do.  He took me for dinner at The Top of the World restaurant, which is located on top of the Stratosphere Hotel on the strip.  The view is stunning at night, as the restaurant is 800 feet above ground level and revolves 360 degrees to offer magnificent panoramic views.  WOW.  I was quite overwhelmed upon first arriving.  After we are seated and ordered our drinks, Irishman asks "What do you think?" and I looked at this awesome view of the city, looked back at him and said "I can't SEE anything from here, Jesus.  Can't we go somewhere where everyone doesn't look like ants?" I smiled and took a drink of my martini while he choked on his own drink and of course, I cracked up and he shook his head at me, yet again. 

4) After dinner, we headed out to a lounge to listen to some live music.  Of course, there was a bunch of old people dancing and one crazy guy - you know that guy, that one younger guy who was obviously a tad tipsy, who was in Vegas making the most of it, was trying to get every woman there to dance with him (including his wife who would have no part of it), was just running around on the dance floor making everyone laugh.  Irishman and I were grinning at him quite heavily when he spots us, and I swear to the heavens his eyes lit up.  I felt instant dread.  Crazy Drunk Guy then grabbed a chair from one of the lounge tables, slid it over to us, and asked that I sit in it.  I shook my head like crazy saying "NO Irishman, NO NO NO NOOOOOOOO" all the while he was laughing and forced me to sit in this chair, which was promptly pushed back out into the middle of the dance floor where Crazy Drunk Guy decided to give me a lap dance - in front of everyone.  The crowd was going crazy,  I was deathly embarrassed but I swear, had to laugh as Crazy Drunk Guy was just LOVING having his fifteen minutes of fame, when all of a sudden, Irishman runs up, waves a twenty dollar bill at the crowd, and sticks it in Crazy Drunk Guy's pocket.  The crowd went even MORE nuts, which I didn't think was even possible and Crazy Drunk Guy was in his glory. It was all together crazy fun, but the guy kept his clothes on and barely touched me, and it was all in good fun.  So, when my lap dance was over, I gave Crazy Drunk Guy a hug, the crowd cheered more, the waitress brought us two shots that someone had bought us, which we toasted and drank, and back to my Irishman I went.  Just another fun night in Vegas.

5) When Irishman is working, they do take 20 minute breaks in between sets.  He and I usually spend this time together, he away from the crowds and us usually just sitting together on the patio.  This one particular time, a gentleman approached us and told Irishman he was enjoying the show, etc.  I recognized this particular man, as he had made advances toward me earlier in the evening.  When I told him I was with Irishman, he was polite and respectful and that was the end of that.  This time however, he openly asked Irishman and I if we'd be interested in a threesome with him.  Just like that, completely open and out there.  I about fell off my chair!  No one has EVER asked me anything like that before, and believe me when I say I get asked a lot of weird shit.  Irishman blinked at him for a minute, I sputtered around after choking on my beer and Irishman said, "My lady and I are happy in our twosome, thanks."  When the man walked away, I was still staring in shock and Irishman looked at me and said "Wait!  Did you want a threesome with him?" I promptly thought about it, smiled, and said "Nah.  I'm happy in our twosome as well."

Yeah, Vegas is nuts.  But you gotta love it. 

Prada: At Fashion Week In Milan,

Oh Snap she busted her tush!!! LOL dude if i was there i would have been on the ground laffing my but of!! cuz im mean! na but i would have at least helped them.. why would you make a product when the models can't even walk on them i don't get it!! plz ! who's really gonna buy those shoes? the caption on the box should be (Warning!!!May cause a broken ankle) i mean really after this freakin runway show whos gonna buy those shoes i won't trust me!!  so below is a link to the video or just copy and paste it!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tFaVzHFc_CM

Ok this pic below makes me so mad!! just look at! what is that!a bag of bones wrapped in a poorly made outfit!

The clothes are nothing thrilling at all and that one girl's ribcage is so sad. I'm sorry, people are not THAT thin naturally!! that's a total lie!! and anyway That skinny girl looks pisssssssssssssssssed off (or hungry one of the two).

"and those are some huge platforms.

why didn't M.Prada just design the shoes with some kind of GRIP on the bottom instead of that slick wood that you can see when that poor model falls on her butt? I mean shoes were meant to be worn and walked in, right?

or, at least buy some of those self-adhesive shoe grips to slap on there so your models don't bite the dust"...

what happened to this collection it was much better!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2Kcp3RCK94   <copy and paste that link on ur browser k>

Im not saying the she's not a great designer it's just that  collection i did not enjoy and anyway who really wears that out in about? plz answer that!! ?

TURN ON THE LIGHTS BEFORE YOU GO DOWN THE STAIRS!!!

Wednesday I was in a hurry.  Our team was having a little potluck lunch and I had to make something.  I ran down the stairs, not bothering to turn on the lights because I didn't want to wake my 3 kids.   I got to the bottom of the staircase and missed the last step.  Now I swear some little elf came and took the step away during the night and then replaced it before my husband ran down to see why I was lying on the floor in tears, but hubby says not.   I spent much of the morning at the Dr's office getting x-rays to learn that nothing was broken, but I had done a lot of soft tissue damage.  Ligaments, tendons, the connective tissue btween the two bones in my leg were all torn; possibly even my achilles tendon.  I have been on crutches since.  Not my idea of fun!

I have since learned my lesson.  I now turn on the lights before going down the stairs and I try not to rush down them (ok, this one isn't hard since I can't "rush" anywhere right now.)  I have learned all about stupid things people have done to injure themselves, of course nearly every story is about someone else.  Which leads me to believe everyone thinks this is an eqally stupid way to injure oneself.  Hey, what could I do?!??  The elf stole the step!!!  I swear!!

Hot, hot, hot.

Poet is a voice, I say, like Icarus,
whispering to himself as he falls.

Yes, my life as a broken branch in the wind
hits the Northern ground.
I am writing now a history of snow,
the lamplight bathing the ships
that sail across the page.

But on certain afternoons
the Republic of Psalms opens up
and I grow frightened that I haven't lived, died, not enough
to scratch this ecstasy into vowels, hear
splashes of clear, biblical speech.

I read Plato, Augustine, the loneliness of their syllables
while Icarus keeps falling.

To pin and fix it like that does such injustice to his reading - the way the words we know were compressed and off kilter and reaching out and up. such foreign and natural music.

He talked of the black and white beauty of St. Petersburg in March.

He sings: "Lord, give us what you have already given."

This week we had the pleasure of Sitting down with Destune Recording Artist:

VANESSA CONDE  New Jersey, NJ

Listen to the Interview in its Entirety HERE:

[Audio http://www.8025alliance.com/DMA/dma confidential vanessa conde(128Kbps).mp3]

show length aprox 46. min. (All Tags below were topics of conversation during the interview.)

Vanessa Conde's Full Bio:

“THE PURE VOICE NEED NOT WHISPER-- In life, The sweetest dreams are made of what one desires most. Laughter, love and living among the blessings of the universe. It is the one true balance and essentials needed to grow, develop and progress. In a world where money fame and vanity enters and exit’s a stage faster than a flash of a paparazzo’s bulb, it is these dreams and desires that become a reality and a living antidote to the trails and tests of life. Although an average artist gets 15 minutes on stage in the spotlight to create an impact, it takes a lifetime to cultivate a legacy. To cultivate a legacy one needs to nurture oneself, evolve and let destiny take its course. At times, patience is the true virtue and in return life becomes a cocoon getting ready to burst , spread its wings and prepares to fly. These words are simple and could be used for encouragement, but simply reflect the life of a rising icon: Vanessa Conde.

Born to Dominican American parents in Washington Heights New York City, by the tender age of five, Vanessa Conde took singing lessons under much encouragement from her mom, Dr. Maredia Warren, an accomplished organist and music teacher who also was another source of Vanessa's personal and professional development. At age 17, Vanessa had been accepted into Westminster Choir College as a Vocal Performance Major, a prestigious music school in Princeton New Jersey. There she encountered exceptional teachers but faced many challenges. Her counselor discouraged her from becoming an opera singer, as the industry contained minimal representation of Hispanic American artists. This made Vanessa even more determined to succeed despite the odds. She studied exclusively at Westminster with Soprano Lorna MacDonald. She participated in the New Jersey State (National Association of Teachers of Singing) and placed 8th in the state as a Sophomore (1992) and 6th as a Senior Undergraduate (1997). Soon after She founded the Black and Hispanic Alliance Support Group for students. Its purpose was to support the dreams of the minority musician not discourage them. Before transferring to Montclair State, she was awarded the 1993 Campus Leadership Award. At Montclair State University, she majored in Vocal Performance and studied voice under former New York City Opera baritone Edward Pierson. Mr. Pierson was one of the first African Americans to perform at the New York City Opera. She performed stage versions of Hansel & Gretel as the mother, George Bizet’s Carmen as Carmen and Menotti’s The Old Maid & A Thief as Miss Todd. She was winner of the Oscar Ravina Vocalist Competition and performed with maestro Ravina and the University’s Orchestra. In addition she performed in two summer operas in central parks concert and was featured in the NJ Star Ledger along with other aspiring young soloists.

As a classical vocalist, Vanessa's voice has no limitations performing Italian arias and operatic roles such as: Delilah from Samson and Delilah, and as Carmen in Bizet's Carmen. Vanessa was featured in the January 2007 Issue of SKOPE National Music Magazine: “From the Opera Stage to the Dance Floor” by Jason McNeil available at Barnes and Noble book stores nationwide. Although Vanessa Conde was trained in the finer arts, as a child growing up in Washington Heights in New York , she also grew up on a musical diet of Latinhiphop/Freestyle/Dance and underground House music. Due to her personal social experiences and obstacles in her educational and professional life; she felt represented by pioneering American Hispanics opening new doors in uncharted musical markets for second generation 80’s Latin artist; such as Joey Kid, George LaMond, Safire, Sandee, and Expose. In the process, making it her life dedication to also follow in those footsteps and continue to keep that legacy alive.

Jump forward to 2008 and Vanessa can be heard in International Dance clubs and radio stations with her House club hit “Let The Music Play” with distribution through Shake Italy/Warner Brothers International . At the same time breaking new ground with another dance club release , also written by her, “Peace and Love” (Soundgroove records) with production by Midnight Society and Alma Matriz ( of Tribal Circuit anthem fame “Rapido” and “Music Electrica”). Already having cultivated a following from her previous Freestyle/Trance song “For You” on Detour records, she also has on her past belt several on stage cameo appearances and impromptu performances with fellow artist such as Amber, George Lamond and known for taking part in massive community events as the Jersey City Puerto Rican Festival, The Community Fair For Children and New Jersey City Gay Pride; just to name a few.

By late March 2008 Ms. Conde would wrap up her Winter Music Conference week tour in Miami and appeared in a line of showcases in Venues like Voodoo Lounge, Score, The world famous La Bodegita del Medio, Club BOOM and add them to her list of venues such as Heaven New York, Serena Night Club New York, the now defunct OZONE Miami, and even her performance on Telemundo “Despierta America” Channel 41 New York/Tri state area.

In the Summer of 2008 she gears up to release a line of new self written material on Miami’s DESTUNE records; with original traditional and Neo-Freestyle versions and remixes provided by a line of DJ/Producers including DJ Jorge Ojeda, DJ Connie Casserole, DJ Vidal , Maximus 3000 , and many more. In addition, Vanessa also will be debuting material with projects with Safire, Joey Kid, Alma Matriz and can also be found having label mates like CORONA (Shake/Warner) and SANDEE (DESTUNE). Praised by international producer Johnny Vicious as a “GRAND VOICE”, Vanessa is ready to bring her songwriting into another realm! As she continues to get club and radio play, including play on XM and Sirrius Satellite Radio, she will be making history in May 2008 as the first new generation NEO- Freestyle vocal artist to perform on the Pacha/DJ Peter Munch float during the New York Dance Music Parade, Alongside Major Recording Artists and DJs.

Astep not taken before, especially for a predominant “house” music event, but a reflection of the changing times and musical switch due to the “ELECTRO” awareness and preference of the current day. Although Vanessa Conde’s career is gearing into a higher chapter, her awareness of her position as a vocal dance artist and the positive influence she is now having on a new generation of independent freelance dance artist is what keeps her motivated, humble and well grounded. Vocal artist, BMI songwriter, Business Woman; It is her inner Love for Dance music she shares with her family and friends, the laughter she brings people and the joy of life which keeps her in balance as her dreams become real life blessings as she spread her wings from her cocoon.“

--JON PITO,2008

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Forest rangers confiscate smuggled logs in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue. About 231 of 11,000ha of forest has been destroyed in the province’s Huong Tra District in the past four years. — VNA/VNS Photo Ngo Lich

HCM CITY — Watershed forests of the Huong River in central Viet Nam have suffered rampant destruction over the last few years, but authorities are passing the buck on the failure to take punitive measures.

An estimated 231.6 out of 11,306ha of forests have been destroyed in Hue Province’s Huong Tra District during the last four years.

In 1993, the Hue People’s Committee had designated a team of forestry experts to manage the protected watershed forests of Huong River in the district.

However, many residents have logged trees in the protected area to augment their income and improve living standards. The destroyed area includes a buffer area of 94.9 ha maintained to prevent soil erosion along the embankment and coastal areas, and act as windbreaks in sandy areas.

Local authorities say that although the residents had been fined several times, they continued to destroy the watershed forests.

The destroyed area has increased from 82.7ha of forest in 2006 to 231.6ha in 2008.

Admitting that he had cleared the protected area to plant acacia trees, Nguyen Tu Quan says he did it because of "poor management from the local authority as well as forest management team".

Quan had been fined many times but he has persisted with the illegal activity.

As many as 100 households living in or near destroyed forest areas have participated in illegal activity. However, they all claim to be unaware it was illegal.

"With no land to farm, we have to exploit the forest to earn money," a villager said.

In fact, most forest area in Thua Thien-Hue is under the management of State-owned farms or offices while local villagers face a shortage of farm land.

Cao Vuong Thien of Hong Tien Commune illegally cleared 16ha of the forest in 2006 – 2007, but the provincial authorities have not taken due action against him.

The problem of illegal logging has increased as the management team denied they were to blame.

Over the last four years, no violators have been punished.

"The punishment is the responsibility of relevant agencies, not our duty", said Nguyen Van Vuong, deputy head of the management team. "Our responsibilities are only forest management and protection".

Meanwhile, Nguyen Xuan Ty, Vice Chairman of Huong Tra District’s People’s Committee said although the majority of illegal loggers were actually residents of the district, action against them must be the duty of the management team.

The violators are now fined just VND100,000 (US$6.06) each, not enough to deter them from continuing to fell the trees.

The 231.6ha of destroyed forest in Huong Tra District including protected and cultivated forest was under the management board of Huong River’s watershed forest.

Also according to the chief of the management board, Nguyen Huu Cu, a main cause of rampant destruction was that the board have no power to punish violators while the local people’s committee only dishes out light punishments.

Nguyen Van Anh, deputy head of Thua Thien Hue Province’s Forest Protection Sub – Department, told the Nguoi Lao Dong (The Labourer) newspaper that both forest protection and management duties had been assigned to the management team.

Therefore, it was responsible for the inaction on deforestation, he said.

However, local authorities are looking for the most sensible way of settling the problem. Current measures to demolish violated areas aiming at restoring original forest seem unreasonable.

Many households who took out bank loans to plant acacia trees on destroyed forest can harvest in the next two years.

Binh Dien Commune’s People’s Committee chairman Nguyen Dai Hoa said if local authorities demolish violated areas, these households would fall into massive debt. —