Vicky Christina Barcelona weaves a tale of transformation of two besties who visit Barcelona for the summer unaware that the trip will challenge their current belief systems.
Here is Joan Jett performing live on the Letterman Show. Love Is All Around was the theme song from the old Mary Tyler Moore show about a single woman trying to make it in the big city. Ahead of its time. Enjoy!
Love Is All Around Lyrics
Who can turn the world on with her smile? Who can take a nothing day, and suddenly make it all seem worthwhile? It's you girl, and you should know it With each glance and every little movement you show it
Love is all around, no need to waste it. You can have the town, why don't you take it. You're gonna make it after all
How will you make it on your own? This world is awfully big Girl this time you're all alone It's time you started living It's time you let someone else do some giving
Love is all around, no need to waste it. You can have the town, why don't you take it. You're gonna make it after all, You're gonna make it after all
You're the one most likely to succeed Just be sure you keep your head Cause girl you know that's all you need Everyone around you adores you Don't give up the world is waiting for you
Love is all around, no need to waste it. You can have the town, why don't you take it. You're gonna make it after all,
Who can turn the world on with her smile? Who ... can suddenly make it all seem worthwhile? It's you girl, and you should know it With each glance and every little movement you show it
Love is all around, no need to waste it. You can have the town, why don't you take it. You're gonna make it after all,
Jose de Jesus Mendez Vargas known as “The Monkey”, the leader of one notorious drug cartel “La Familia” was arrested in Mexico.President Felipe Calderon of Mexico was quoted in stating this was a great blow to organized crime.La Familia has caused an immense amount of violence throughout the country including kidnapping and murder of rival gangs.
Supreme Court rules in favor of Wal-Mart in its gender discrimination class action law suit which was filed against the multibillion conglomerates.In 2001 six women filed a law suit against the corporation claiming inequitable wages—Wal-Mart has denied such claims.The Supreme Court has ruled there is insufficient evidence to support the plaintiffs claim and ruled the case could not go any further.The Plaintiffs are not giving up in their discrimination case.
NATO Drone Helicopter crashed in Libya--Libya television stations aired the wreckage of an Apache Drone Helicopter.Wing Commander Bracken reported no attack helicopters were lost and an investigation had been launched.This is the first aircraft since NATO mission against Libya started back in March.
Greece Take One for the Team, Parliament Pass for Bail
Greek Prime Minister Papandreou’s cabinet wins confidence vote in Parliament. Greek Parliament voted to pass the bailout which will raise taxes, cut pensions, and sell Greek assets.As expected the bailout is unpopular among its citizen. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso declared Greece had no alternative--a default would have caused grave damage to the euro and even the world economy.The bailout is to reduce and help Greece’s budget deficit.
I feel so much better. No, nothing has changed, just my perspective.
The truth is, this man I'm sleeping in the same area with depresses me to no end. I literally FIGHT with him about our differing perspectives and I become so exasperated because he always chooses to see the dark side of life. He also makes me laugh. I tell him he's the worst (counseling) client I ever had.
I had to take a walk to get away from him for a little bit so I found a back alley and sat down on the ground. I called my sons and they made me laugh. They talked about summer camp and dinner and other stuff kids talk about. I relaxed after hearing their voices, knowing that they are doing very well.
There's a twinge of dissatisfaction in my heart over the fact that I am not a regular Mom who sits in the house making pies and planning up ice breakers for the neighborhood Moms meeting. Yuck. I hated doing all that socializing with Moms stuff. I don't know what kind of Mama I am.
I do know, I try to give what I always wanted to give to my sons, encouragement. My Mama didn't give that, she left me to my own and I'm glad she did that because I wouldn't have to UNLEARN her perspective of the world to create my own.
When I got back from my walk, I logged in to facebook and saw the face of another chick I know who has been on the same artistic journey that I've been on for years. She's out in LA trying to make it as an actress and comedian. She's been there for about 7 years. I think she's making progress. She's frustrated sometimes and whenever I can, I encourage her to keep going.
"Don't Stop." I posted on her facebook wall.
An hour later she wrote back, "I needed that!"
I needed that too.
Don't stop.
Don't stop.
I know in my situation I CAN'T stop, but the big dream is becoming hazy. At this point, all I dream about is having what I had before: my own place, a stable internet connection, privacy. Those are luxury items now.
Actually for the past 3 nights, I've been reading reader submitted stories from the book- THE SECRET. Remember when that came out?
I missed that boat intentionally because I don't like to follow the crowd, but then I was introduced to the same concepts through Florence Scovel Shinn's book- The Game Of Life and it literally changed my life. I became less depressed and blossomed through some unknown power and the feeling that I have some sort of control over my experience.
I have tested this philosophy out and it has worked for me. Whenever I "wish without worrying" I get what I want. When I pressure myself to get something, it doesn't happen. After studying many other philosophies like metaphysics and trying to understand the way energy flows and connects with other energies, I now understand that when I am perfectly willing to be WITHOUT the thing I want, I get it.
I'm going overboard though with my extreme non desire to be with a man. I'm so backwards that I have become disgusted by the thought of a man touching me. In fact, when a man smiles at me I want to roll my eyes.
If I use "The Secret" or energy work to change this belief that all men are out to hurt me I should start imagining that there is a man who will embrace me fully and appreciate me and protect me and blah blah.
Sorry, can't do it. If I could get through in this ONE AREA, I would be almost perfect. That's the only area I feel like I'm struggling in, my extreme disdain for men. The energy I send out when I'm with them is - Bitch get back! And they do.
Ah. When you're homeless, you have a lot of time to think about everything.
Sometimes I get into a slump but what quickly shakes me out of it is to notice my surroundings. Do I belong in a homeless shelter? No. Can I do something about it? Yes.
I have not met ONE person here with a positive outlook about life. Everyone complains and becomes depressed and tries to shoot down the dreams of others. Most people are nice, but at the same time, there is a lot of criticizing and backbiting, just like in the outside world.
So now I have a job and everyone makes a comment about how proud they are of me. I find this interesting because to people who know me FOR REAL, being a waitress is a disappointment but to the people in this shelter, I am doing big things.
I was in the trailor for mothers and children but a family became homeless and moved in about a month ago. I didn't want to stay in there with a family so I opted to move back out onto the patio and sleep on a mat. There's this 500 pound man who lives here and he's always saying that he doesn't want to be the creepy old guy but I tell him that he already is.
His "room" is a section of the patio that is closed off from the rest of the place and he can enjoy some sense of privacy. His roommate moved out and I have been sleeping in a chair in his room, where the internet connection is the strongest for some reason.
Everyday I listen to him complain about everything. He hates he food. He hates the weather. Everyone is crazy. Everyone annoys him. He hates his life. The only time he says something positive is when he's talking about me, which I don't believe because I can't be the only positive part of his equation.
So now I have two jobs and if I want to work them both I'll have to take taxi cabs or something. That's no problem for me, but there are others here who think I'll NEVER be able to get my own place while working at Denny's. They come up with all kinds of reasons why I won't be able to make it happen.
I know I can.
And even on those days when my faith becomes a little shaky, I just take a deep breath and make a new video. I lay another brick toward my success.
One of my old college friends posted a picture of an honor of being chosen as the top 40 under 40 professionals in our area. I wondered what she did to earn that and I wondered if my efforts will ever pay off. I'm not a professional but I take more risks than most. I take the risk of not being in situations that make me feel sad. I take risks of doing what I love NOW instead of waiting for permission. I take risks of being my authentic self instead of pretending to be who I think people want me to be.
So far, being ME hasn't paid off. I get nothing but head shakes and eye rolling and sighs of exasperation as people tell me I need to get it together.
My friend's fiance said that to me last week as I stood out in the sun collecting donations with my bucket. "When are you going to get it together?" he said with a disgusted look on his face.
And you know what? Even on those days as I watch others prosper or those days when men look at me in disgust, you know what I do? I just, decide to take another step toward my goal. I lay another brick. I write another article. I make another phone call. I read another book.
I try to do SOMETHING to keep the fire burning. As long as it's lit, I'm okay.
I finally finished training at work which means I get to keep my tips from now on instead of having to hand them over to my trainer; ah, the joys of hazing. She's a nice young lady who has the vibe that she will become a manager one day. It's the way she works and teaches. She seems like a leader to me.
This morning I went in and stood near the kitchen window waiting for customers to come in. I listened as all of the other female servers chatted and I felt kind of sad. They talked about their boyfriends and their drama and their kids and their friends and hanging out and other co workers and if at any point I could have chimed in, I would have but I have nothing to add about those topics.
I have not told anyone about my project because I don't want people to judge me by my lifestyle or be rude to me because I have to audacity to try something like this.
My friends? Well, I speak to them sparingly. They all know what I am doing and this is not something that is so outrageous to them because they know my capabilities. I haven't hung out with anyone besides my little sister since the project began and I have only seen her when she came to visit me while I was collecting donations on the street corners.
My kids? Well, It's been a month since I've seen them. A donation made our last visit possible and now I'm saving every penny to be able to move into my own place so spending money on a hotel room for us again is out of the question. They want to see me and I want to see them but as far as I can tell, they are okay. Their dad is taking excellent care of them and they are in summer camp and enjoying themselves.
Hanging out? Um. I went to karaoke for 20 minutes last week only to find that they changed everything and I don't want to go there anymore.
Boyfriends? Well, you know the deal. I've been single for 9 1/2 years and that makes me feel proud and safe, yet I long to make a heart connection with someone but I believe this environment won't allow it. I wonder if there's anyone out there who thinks like me and would understand me. So far, I haven't found it in anyone.
Believe it or not, today my thoughts lingered over my last crush. He was a nerdy man and he wasn't that cute and there was no way we could have EVER been together but I still liked him, in my mind. During that time I was in love with him in my mind, I was so happy. Everyday I would wake up thinking about him and when I got to see him I would walk away floating. I remember being so happy for all of those months and then, it ended, because it had to and then I enjoyed the pain of lost love for a while and then I began this project.
But today I allowed myself the time to remember back when I was in love with him in my head. It was so much fun to imagine all the ways I would seduce him and force him to do sexual acts and how he would be eager to please me in every way. I swear, being a dominatrix seems to be right up my alley as the days go by.
I miss that feeling. I miss the way he smiled at me. I miss the energy that flowed between us. I miss imagining him wanting me and smiling myself to sleep at night. Even though I knew it was all a fantasy, It still felt good.
What's my next fantasy? Well, my birthday is 2 weeks away. I know it's asking for a lot but somehow, someway, I'd like to get the rest of my 30 businesses to get on board to support women in distress and raise enough money to offer one month's rent as a grant to a woman in distress AND be able to move into my own place before my birthday.
In a world where there are 6.9 billion people in the world, 3 billion people live off of less than $2.50 a day and 80% of the world’s population lives off of less than $10 per day. In a world where there are 2.2 billion children, 1 billion of those children live in poverty. 70% of the worlds poor are women, and of the almost 1 billion people who are illiterate 2/3 of them are women. In rural areas, the numbers are even more staggering, 3 of out every 4 people live off of less than $1 a day. Today it seems as though the poor are mostly women and children, and as the income disparity among the world widens more and more people are falling into this category, I know I live off of less than $10 per day.
Water is the largest threat to the human population in this century, water effects almost half of the world’s population. 1.1 billion people do not have access to clean water and 2.6 billion people lack basic sanitation. Almost half of people in developing countries suffer from water or sanitation related illness’ every year. Millions of women every day spend hours collecting water. 12% of people living in developed nations use 85% of the world’s water. That is an extraordinary number, that 12% most likely includes you and I. The average person only uses 20 liters of water per day, while here in the U.S. the average water use is 600 liters per day. Wow!
As of 2011 there are 1,210 billionaires in a world where there are 6,925,847,078 people. These are the 0.13% of people who control most of the world’s resources and finances. These are the people who dictate policies, governments and corporations. Their bottom line is profit, profit at all costs, profit which does not have a face, a personality, a need or an emotion. These 1,210 billionaires could literally WIPE OUT poverty tomorrow if they wanted to. When I looked up the wealthiest companies in the world, there were over 200 companies that profited more than 40 billion dollars last year! Imagine if every one of these companies contributed a mere 5% of their profits to solving the problems of the world?
Poverty has nothing to do with being lazy, different, or weak. Poverty stems from years of bad policies, bad decisions and corruption. Policies and decisions which benefit a small group of people and corporations at the expense of the people of this world. For every $1 in aid a developed country gets, $25 is spent on debt repayment. Poverty stems from the bad policies of the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, World Trade Organization, other similar institutions and developed nations. Treaties such as the North American Trade Agreement and the Central American Trade Agreement should be repealed because they only benefit corporations.
This model is failing. The economies around the world have collapsed, middle classes around the world are disappearing, corporate profits and CEO earnings have risen exponentially while taxes for them have disappeared, it is as though the world has gone hay wire. As the old ways crumble and fall and the reality of what our world really looks like comes to light more people are disliking what they see. Thanks to the internet we are now realizing we are all the same, there are minor differences but we all share the same feelings, emotions and goals. As the old world crumbles we must give birth to the new world. A world I see that is free of poverty, hunger and suffering. It is time we each stood up to the machine; demand from your elected official, demand from your favorite companies, demand from your local providers, it is up to us the people to change things, and unless you do not want to make the world a better place it is time to stand up for humanity and make a stand.
With a bachelors degree in political science from Florida Atlantic University, Christina Fermin has always cultivated her love for history, politics, sociology, ancient knowledge and teachings, the outdoors, the ocean and the environment. Christina strives to make our world better by helping us all create a new reality and understanding of all taking place here and now.
I got tired of listening to the people here at the shelter complain about everything so I decided to take matter into my own hands. From the people who are around me consistently, I made them listen to me speak about thoughts becoming things and I asked each of them to speak out loud something that they wanted to happen.
The first lady said, "I want to get into school and get started with my education."
When I moved to the next guy and asked, "What would you like to happen?" He paused for a couple of seconds in thought and then the door opened. His eyes grew wide as a blonde haired young lady walked in to see him. Before she could say a word he looked at me and said, "That was it."
I laughed.
After she left he turned to me and said, "You're almost making me a believer."
I laughed.
I took my turn and said, "I'd like a really good laugh. I'd like to smile really BIG and I'd like my phone to ring with some good news."
Today I had a great day at work, ended my training and then smiled all the way back to the shelter. When I got back, I was talking to the women upstairs and one of them said, "Tee, when I was out vending (the newspaper) the other day, someone came by with a big bag of donations, clothes and things. I got this bag and it was pretty dirty but I cleaned it up."
She reached onto a shelf and pulled out a black Guess bag and handed it to me to inspect. My heart leapt. "Ooh!" I said. "I like it! But I don't have any money to buy it from you," I said.
"It's okay, Tee. When I saw it I said, 'I bet Tee would like this. I saved it for you!"
I couldn't stop SMILING!
Now I have a bag for my laptop and a smaller bag that I can use as a purse and I don't have to carry around that big bag anymore!
I am so happy to have a small bag for my personal stuff! So happy! So happy!
I know it's just someone's used bag, but it means a lot to me. I don't have much and this purse is a big deal.
I am sooo happy!
Then after I got the bag, the first lady I spoke with came to me and said, "Hey! My wish came true!"
"What happened?" I asked.
"Well, not the one from last night but the other day I was just saying to myself that I wished I had some KFC and today while I was working in the kitchen a man came by and said he had 20 buckets of KFC that he wanted to donate."
"Dayum!" I said. "That's crazy because just this morning I was wishing for some KFC too! I think we should make wishes everyday!
So today was my first day of work at my 2nd job. As I watched videos and filled out paperwork I couldn't understand what happened with my efforts. If I could walk up to a job and get one, well, get two, then why aren't the women I'm trying to help getting them?
I had to sit down and really think about the women that I've met since I've been homeless. I had to evaluate my own attitudes and I had to replay the many conversations that I've had. I came up with 7 obstacles that hold women back from rebuilding their lives.
1. Depression 2. Lack of confidence 3. Lack of support 4. Lack of direction 5. Poor coping skills for stress 6. Criminal backgrounds 7. Concern For Safety
I decided to try to come up with solutions for them in hopes that women will recognize what they are lacking and be able to become unstuck. I swear, I sure do wish I had videos like these back when I was feeling like a victim and I hated myself every day.
What IS the difference between myself and the women I meet who can't find work? Is it the type of work we're looking for? I mean, I have two jobs as a server (waitress) so the jobs aren't that different. I think it's in our mentality.
I believe that I can move up and change my life and I present myself as such. So now I have to figure out how to help shift the beliefs of women. How can I awaken them?
Maybe my hopes to help women are a little bit self serving. Now that I think about it, if more women woke up and rose to stand in their power, I wouldn't feel like such a freak because I KNOW that my life is worth something and I LOVE being my best in every situation I encounter and I am not AFRAID TO SHINE!
I want other women to shine with me. It's lonely sitting in the clouds by myself. I want to meet other women who love to shine and be their best all the time and aren't worried about sabotoging others or being fake and phony to climb to the top. These women already know they ARE the top, they're the best of the crop and they don't have to do anything but open their eyes and they already won.
I want to meet women like that. That's how I am in my mind. I try not to focus on fighting the fights that I can't fight. Why sit there and point out every horrible thing about the world when you can't do anything about it afterwards?
That's dumb.
I talk about things I can take action towards. I connect with women who want a real connection. Phony people hate me. Average people hate me more. I don't hate anyone because I'm too into my own little world to put that much effort into someone else's petty behaviour.
Which brings me to my work situation.
Hmmm.
One lady already came up to me at Denny's questioning me about my past. I was disgusted. I hate that shit. We're at work to WORK. Ewww. It's not like she was asking me what I like to do or what I hope to turn my life into. That chick was straight up asking me what I didn't like about my last job and all kind of negative crap and I had to stop her and say, "I just don't like when people at work come up to me talking about things that don't happen at WORK."
"Ok! I get it!" she said and jumped up, leaving the break room.
I hope she got it. I don't have time for that gossip shit. I'm the one who is usually gossiped ABOUT - I don't have time to listen to it too. They'll talk about me for the rest of their lives probably but I don't care, I'll be on to other things. If I had a dollar for everytime someone at one of my jobs said, "We were just talking about you yesterday," you know- I could buy a car right now.
It doesn't matter. I'm not that easy to get along with, basically because I see things differently. I don't follow the crowd. I don't like going along with the leader at work just so I can fit in. Fit in to WHAT? I'm not a follower. I don't wanna go to lunch. I don't wanna hang out on the weekend. I do care if you need a ride or are sad or in need but all the rest of that- you can have it. I have too much other stuff to think about. That's why most co workers don't like me. I don't play any of the social games required to be "liked" at work and I won't cuz it's dumb and I'm not THAT good of an actress to act phony all day.
So here's my video on releasing shame. I made it last night and I posted it today and I had a fit when I posted it because it has some WILD stuff on there but - man- it's just- fuck it.
Basically. I'm tired of having anxiety because I'm afraid to reveal who i am to people. I KNOW that my anxiety comes from being afraid to show my real self because I am always misunderstood and people become so ANGRY with me when I won't go play with them and hang with them. I never treat people badly but people get so ANGRY with me all the time because I won't join in their social activities but that's because I'm over getting drunk and high all the time. I don't watch TV- it's dumb. I don't listen to music for fun - Erykah Badu is for relaxation, Kanye for inspiration. I don't talk about pop culture because I don't care who won the game or American Idol. I don't even care about what happens on the news. It all seems to be about- Who died today and in what crazy way? I'm not entertained by misery.
See? Who'd want to talk to me. I'm no fun.
No fun, but I'm FREE.
sike. I'm a little nervous about putting myself out there like that but hell, it's done. I have to keep working.
That's what I'll do. No matter if it seems that no one is watching. Even if it seems that no one cares. Even if only one woman watches my videos, I'm going to keep making them until I think I'm done.
I'm just doing my part to help. For some reason, I feel like it's my responsibility. You can talk shit about me if you'd like.
It can be confusing to admit to yourself that you are in an abusive relationship. You may be thinking that you deserve the treatment and if you could just be better it would stop.The truth is, your abuser is only doing what you allow him to do. You have the control. When you are ready for it to stop, it will.
Signs You Are Ready To Stop The Abuse
You begin to wonder why your abuser is treating you this way.
You begin to fantasize about leaving.
You realize that you don’t deserve this treatment.
You start to notice and admire others who have supportive, healthy relationships.
Everything that you see, that is good, that is peaceful, that is right, is available to you as well. It won’t come if you stay where you are. YOU have to make the change and deal with the consequences. The struggle will not last forever. The beginning is the struggle, the breakthrough is the commencement of the evolution away from your current state and your final resting place will be peace.
You can not change your abuser. You can not make them stop. They have gotten into a habit of treating you this way because you accepted it once, twice and many more times. To change the behavior would take a complete remaking of your relationship. A counselor can not help you, only you can.
You have to let your abuser know that this behavior is unacceptable. This is not about words or threats, this is about taking action. You must leave this situation immediately. Breaking all ties is the only way. Even if you desire to be with this person again, it will never be what you want it to be if you do not break the cycle now. You can not force the healing process.
Your abuser will have to undergo his own personal transformation, on his own terms, in order for things to be different. Do not stop your life waiting for him because there are so many ways that you are going to grow during this period and focusing/praying for his recovery will stunt that growth. You are responsible for yourself. You are only responsible for your own growth. This will not be your last chance for love.
There IS help available. I used it once when I needed to get away and I received a grant to change residences.
Take a deep breath. Recognize that this is a defining moment in your life and fight through your fears right now. Move forward. Your peaceful life is waiting. You won't be a victim for long.
For My Savvy Sisters: Were you ever in an abusive relationship? How did you get out? What is your life like now?
Another Blow for Al-Qaeda; Fazul Abullah Mohammed Shot and Killed
Fazul Abdullah Mohammed was reported shot and killed by Somali Transitional Federal Government forces in Mogadishu, a city in Somalia.Mohammed was one of Al-Qaeda top militant in Africa --a bounty of $5 million was declared for his capture.Mohammed was suspected to be responsible for the US Embassy bombing in East Africa in 1998.An official was reported in saying"Fazul Abdullah Mohammed's death removes one of the terrorist group's most experienced operational planners in East Africa and has almost certainly set back operations."
32 people have been arrested in Turkey who is suspected members of the infamous hacker group Anonymous.The group is well known in Turkey for their disapproval against the government intentions to establish up a national net filtering system.Anonymous is allegedly responsible for hacking into the Turkish directorate of telecommunications.Anonymous showed their disapproval by shutting down Turkish governmental websites.
President Obama made a rare historic presidential visit to Puerto Rico on Tuesday—the last official president to visit Puerto Rico was President Kennedy 50 years ago.President Obama’s visit is suspected to help him with Latino voters in the 2012 Presidential Elections -- even though Puerto Rican American Citizens living in Puerto Rico who are not allowed to vote in the U.S. Presidential Election; however, there are more than 5 million who reside in the US that are registered voters.President Obama addressed a large crowd then attended a Democratic National Committee event prior to heading back to Washington.
The second presidential republican debate was held on Monday night in New Hampshire among those in attendance was Former Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty, Newt Gingrich former Speaker of the House, Former Pennsylvania Senator Rick Santorum, Representative Ron Paul of Texas, Herman Cain former CEO of Godfather’s Pizza, Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, and Tea Party candidate Representative Michelle Bachman of Minnesota.Michelle Bachman officially announced on during the debate that she officially filed papers to run president in the 2012 debate.Political analysts are awarding Mitt Romney and Michelle Bachman winners of the second debate.Officials are also stating that more candidates may announce their candidacy.
