POLITICS - STAY OCCUPIED

Being a moderate, this whole, "Occupy Wall Street" situation is fascinating, because, for once, true conservatives and liberals don't know what to do about it. Liberals, at first, didn't want to issue their dissent for Washington DC while Obama was in the White House, but now they're stepping up. Obama is getting bogged down in more wars than George W. Bush, and liberals have had enough.

Joe Biden, in his best "Marie Antoinette" impression, at first, labeled the "occupiers" as the "Tea Party", but are they? Sure, there may be some from the Tea Party protesting Wall Street, but most Tea Party people I met are conservative Republicans. They're pro-Reagan, pro-Trickle Down, pro-Wall Street, pro-Corporate America. Doesn't sound like "Bolsheviks" to me. In fact, the Tea Party helped the Republican surge in the 2010 election.

On the other hand, conservatives don't know what to make of the situation, either. They dissented Obama, every step of the way, criticizing every move. Even when Seal Team Six put a bullet in bin Laden's eye, many conservatives were saying, "well, we lost a helicopter". We lost a helicopter? We killed the most hated man in America since Adolf Hitler, and you're bemoaning a helicopter? Are you serious?

Now, conservatives, have to eat their words, because they, along with liberals, have created a monster with their dissent.That monster, my friends, is the AMERICAN PEOPLE. An American people who are out of work, homeless, frustrated, and will not see a brighter future for their families, cause of partisan bickering and bullshit between Republicans, Democrats, television and radio pundits, and internet bloggers.

I hope you're happy, conservatives and liberals. Let's just thank God the protestors haven't resorted to Molotov cocktails...yet. Forget about God blessing America, he's already blessed us enough. We should be singing "God Save America" from the biggest collapse since the Roman Empire.

POLITICS - CONTRARY TO POPULAR BELIEF, NOT EVERYONE YOU DISAGREE WITH IS "HITLER"

This whole stuff of saying someone is "Hitler" just because you disagree with them has got to stop. Every time I turn on a talking head political show, listen to talk radio, or read another political blog, people are always calling their political adversaries "Hitler". Stop it.

At least, Hitler got Germany out of a Depression. Something Democrats and Republicans have failed to do. So stop pointing fingers and FIX OUR COUNTRY! I'm talking to you, Washinton, DC.

Or, if you don't, we may actually get a REAL Hitler. Sure, He'll probably fix the economy...but, at what cost?

QUOTE OF THE DAY - NOW, THAT'S CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN

What happened to America? We went from the "Country of Change" to the Country of "Can you spare some CHANGE?"

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT - "A THOUSAND PIECES" BY IAN J. KEENEY (MY BOOK REVIEW)

Ian J. Keeney is a fresh, new voice whose style is as varied as his young career. His lyrical range is immense, moving from personal and provocative to poetic and philosophical. Mr. Keeney's writing is stark and honest. Reading his novel is like discovering a private journal. His style is accessible, and he invites the reader to join him on his journey.

Mr. Keeney allows us to ask important questions about our own lives. As he takes the reader along on this intellectual, emotional, and spiritual path, he gives voices to multiple characters, and introduces us to different points of view. What begins as a story about marriage, parenthood, and relationships, suddenly transforms into an intense psychological thriller.

Mr. Keeney brings his film experience to his first novel, by creating visuals and ushering characters into suspenseful scenarios. His relatable style is so personal, it creates a visceral experience for the reader. If Mr. Keeney decides to crossover "A Thousand Pieces" into another medium, I would suggest a possible book on CD, with multiple voices to introduce us to the diverse narrators of his novel.

In closing, Mr. Keeney's first attempt at novel writing is a success, and I wish him all the best in his future endeavors. For someone who has been successful in movies, and music, he just adds onto his achievements with "A Thousand Pieces".

"A Thousand Pieces" by Ian J. Keeney is available on Amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com

QUOTE OF THE DAY - MY HEART WILL GO ON

Absinthe makes the heart grow fonder...

QUOTE OF THE DAY - DON'T REST ON YOUR LAURELS

Don't rest on your laurels....Or, your hardy's.

QUOTE OF THE DAY - OH, THE IRONY!

"Irony" is an atheist's way of saying, "God has a sense of humor".

9/11 - Ten Years Later

One album that I always listen to this time of year is "All That You Can't Leave Behind" by U2. It helps me cope with the whole "9/11" experience. The album came out almost a full year before 9/11, and yet, it has more meaning after 9/11, than any I can think of.

Pretty much, all the songs on this album speak to me. Beautiful Day reminds me of that Tuesday morning in New York, before the planes struck and our lives were changed forever. Everyone who worked or lived in NYC or DC, remembers the beauty of that morning, the calm before the storm. There's a song like "Walk On" that speaks to me on so many levels, on not forgetting the past, but also moving on with our lives.

Ironically enough, there are other titles on the album that have an eerie significance, like: "New York" or "Peace on Earth". Keep in mind, this came out a year before the chaos. But one song that has stuck out with me, all these years, is "Stuck in a Moment". This song speaks to me so deeply because for the days, months, and years after, I held on to the grief of that day, but, I know, now, those who have fallen, if they can trade one day with us, would they spend that day in grief, or in celebration of life?

I think, as we look back to that awful day, let's not forget the sacrifices that were made, but let's also, not forget the lives they lived before that day, or their spirits that live on to this day. Don't let one moment make or break the lives we hold so precious. And I'm not just talking about our loved ones, I'm talking about you, too. And U2.

http://allmusic.com/album/all-that-you-cant-leave-behind-r503435/review

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT – TOP TEN LIST OF THE DECADE

At first, I gave up the idea of writing a top ten list of the decade, but with Harry Potter, closing a big door on fantasy films, that started 10 years ago in 2001, I figured I'd make a list, ranging from 2001-2011.

Since, Friday, July 15th, will end the Geek Film Reign with the final Harry Potter, here’s my ten favorite "Geek" movies of the decade. Now, these may not be the "best" movies of the decade. There have been some great films this decade...and some better than the ones on this list... But, these are the films that have that "repeat" value. I can see these movies on a consistent basis, and, any mood I’m in, they have a way of lifting my spirits.

There are some movies that are absent from this. Obviously, dramas like United 93, and Passion of the Christ, were great for drama, but do they have repeat value as some other movies? I mean, how many times can you see a movie where Jesus is beaten for two hours? Or, another film, focusing on that awful day of 9/11? I can’t really put them on a top ten list cause I don’t see them at least once a year. The movies below are on that list of multiple viewings.

This decade has been great for romance movies like Once, or romantic comedies like 500 Days of Summer, but I chose a certain romantic film because I feel it has the whole package of romance, music, and that newness of falling in love.

Some might ask, why isn’t Pixar on the list? The truth is, there’s not one Pixar film I could pick. Monsters Inc.? Incredibles? Wall-E? UP? Toy Story 3? They just keep getting better and better. So I put Pixar on my BEST PRODUCERS OF THE DECADE list. I don’t think anyone would contest that title. Even their lesser movies like Cars and Nemo, are still fantastic. They have taken the torch passed down by Jim Henson, and ran with it to the finish line.

If I can pick one of the best directors of the decade, I would definitely say, Chris Nolan, without question. But I’d also mention Steven Spielberg, who has made some interesting movies, like Munich, a hidden classic from his catalogue. I'll go as far as to say Schindler's List was his Godfather I and Munich was his Godfather II. He was robbed, again, at the Oscars.

But, if I have to pick the MOST IMPORTANT FILMMAKER OF THE DECADE, that mantle would go to Michael Moore. Whether you agree with the man or not, (I probably don’t agree with him on everything), but, you have to admit, he has seriously stepped up his game, and he has eclipsed the small time director who made Roger & Me. He entered a different league, this decade.

Also, Michael Moore created a revolution in the film industry, and this last decade had some of the greatest documentaries ever made. Just look at the immense body of work that directors have put out. In a decade dominated by fantasy and comic book movies, this decade had some of the best "real" films ever made. Of course, as I stated above, when you’re dealing with movies of a serious subject, you must be in the mood. And since, I have to pick, my “favorite, repeat-value movies", I had to choose the list below.

Another great thing about this decade, there were some sequels that we’d never thought we’d see. They need some special recognition, here. Some sequels were great, some of them, let’s just say, should have stayed on the: "why would you ever make a sequel to this?" list. (Predators, anyone?)

Here’s a few sequels that we’d never thought would happen, but were, actually, not that bad: Star Trek, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Tron 2, Rocky VI, Jason versus Freddy, Rambo IV, Clerks II, Wallstreet 2.

Now, to my list...I picked some movies that were part of a series. Some might say, why did you pick THIS movie of the series and not THAT one of the series. But I had to pick my personal favorites. It’s arguable, especially with number 4 on my list, if I picked the "best" of the series. But, I will issue a disclaimer that all the sequels have an "honorable mention", but I had to pick the one that stands apart, for me. For one reason or another, for better or for worse, for richer or poorer...you get the idea.

And drumroll, please, here’s my list, in order of importance:

1. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

2. Batman: The Dark Knight (2008)

3. Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (2003)

4. Spiderman (2002)

5. Casino Royale (2006)

6. Moulin Rouge (2001)

7. School of Rock (2003)

8. Polar Express (2004)

9. Iron Man (2008)

10. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001)

......

I would love to hear what everyone has to say about my selections.

PS: Don't beat me up, hehehe.

QUOTE OF THE DAY - WORDS TO LIVE BY

People always tell me we should try to "build more bridges than burn them".

Even Saint Paul says, in Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."

Great words of wisdom.

And now, to comment on the subject, the Great One, himself:
"Be kind to the people you meet on the way UP. Cause you're gonna meet the same people on the way DOWN" -Jackie Gleason

So true, Jackie, so true.

When people see you coming, do they roll their eyes and say, oh no, here he comes? Yeah, if we can have less people do that, we're probably doing something right.

I would rather people say, "John's here, let's get this party started."

Just a bit of advice there.

POLITICS - OSAMA BIN WHO?

Well, Osama's "bin" dead for a month, yesterday.

I remember the euphoria many of us felt after he met his justice, Old Testament-style, son. I was there with you. It closed a chapter to a very long, and arduous subplot, if not the novel.

But, it's interesting how quickly we forget. After about two weeks, when we have to pay five dollars for gas and realize that we're still fighting three wars in the Middle East and may get into a fourth one in Yemen. Now, we're starting to say, wait, it took us how long to get this guy? Sure, we're glad we got 'em, but dang! And we invaded Iraq, because, why? And we've been giving Pakistan, how much money???!!!! And the U.S. Gov't wants to destroy public service jobs in America, while they're helping to indirectly fund terrorism, abroad? Is the U.S. Gov't that dumb?

That last question is rhetorical, you don't have to answer it.

Now, that "Arab Spring" they talked about is looking more like a "Russian Winter"...desolate.

Well, until we start seeing the Arab George Washington ride in on a white camel, I think it's about time to pull out of the Middle East.

Of course, that's a rhetorical statement, too. You know we're never gonna get out of the Middle East.

This whole Antichrist thing is starting to make sense. Anyone who could bring peace, even a temporary peace to the Middle East, would be followed to the ends of the earth.

I'm not saying I'm "John the Revelator". I'm just saying...know what I'm sayin'?

QUOTE OF THE DAY - IT'S SHOWTIME!!!

Don't be the understudy in the play of your life.

PERSONAL NOTES - HOW CAN SOMETHING THAT FEELS SO RIGHT BE SO, RIGHT?

So much has been going on in my life between jobs and career choices, etc, lately. All good news, thank God. But I haven't posted in quite a long time...consistently, that is. I hope to do so, soon.

Things are going well here, and I guess, it's that old idea that when there's no current "angst" in the writer's life, he/she has nothing left to write about.

My wife used to ask me, "why don't you write any new love poems for me?" To which I respond, when you find the love of your life, your true soulmate, like I have found in you, there's nothing more for you to write about. Only lonely writers write about love. When you are experiencing love in your own life, you want to bask in the warmth of that sunlight and experience it for yourself.

If you are a writer, and you're indoors on a truly gorgeous day like today, and you get to peek outside your house with all the windows closed. And yet you sit there and you claim to know what it feels like to be outside. You only get a glimpse of that beauty. You don't feel the warmth of the sun, or the coolness of the breeze, hear the birds singing, smell the flowers in full bloom...and the same with love, I used to think I knew what love was, but until I experienced it for myself, I didn't truly understand it.

Yes, I could bring my notepad with me to write the next great love poem or song. Or, if I was an artist, paint the beauty I see in front of me. Or, everyone today is an amateur photographer. Maybe I could try to freeze a part of heaven in my camera. Memorialize a glimpse of that fleeting moment...but you can't truly understand it unless you experience it.

There are down times...I felt this last year was a whole year of down times. But, now, I can say I am happy again. Should I feel guilty for being happy?

I guess the Generation Xer in me is looking for that "angst" again in my writing. The Grunge rocker can't write about rainbows and sunshine. Can he?

Well, let's just say, I'm not out there with a flashlight looking for my "edge". Ignorance is quite bliss right now. hehehe.

Happiness and satisfaction are fleeting, but joy and contentment are eternal. Like Saint Paul said: "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:11-13).

It is my nature to bemoan and complain bad situations, but, instead of being grateful for the GOOD situations, I start asking, "where did I go right?" Something must be wrong if I'm feeling this good. Instead of thanking God for bringing me through all situations, good and bad, and, yes, even providing blessings once in a while, I just sit there and try to figure out why I am feeling so good right now. I should be depressed. Shouldn't I?

Am I selfish, being this happy? I wish I can let everyone experience this with me. But then again, we will all experience it, in our own lives, in our own way. The idea is to be content, in all things, and be happy with yourself.

I think most relationships fail because we are looking to find our happiness in our significant other when we don't know how to be content with ourselves. You have to bring something to the table, before you even think about getting involved with someone. And that works for romantic relationships, as well as friendships.

So, you know what? Put on a happy face! A smile is contagious. Laughter is the best Ecstasy pill. And it's free, with no harmful side effects, either.

But you have to learn to laugh at yourself, when everyone else is silent. You have to be the life of the party. Don't expect others to make you happy.

Don't be the understudy in the play of your life.

In the end, I think what Paul was trying to say was that God is with you through the dark valley experience, but he will also raise you up to the mountaintop, once in a while. And I think I might stay here for as long as I can. The view is beautiful up here.

PERSONAL NOTES - BACK IN BUSINESS

Dear Friends,

I wish to thank you, all my friends and family, for all your prayers and well wishes. After almost a year of being unemployed from "steady" work, I am now working 2 jobs, one at Ocean County Library, and the other at Ocean County College. I am now employed for "steady" work because for the last few months of 2010, I was working an "on-call" job at the college.

It feels so good to be working again, I can't even tell you. I have been working since I was seventeen, and the longest time I had been out of work previously, was probably 2 months, at the most! But, that was when I was single and still living at home. It is a totally different situation now that I am married, and I have to provide for a wife and a household. Thank God, Unemployment kept me going through my vigorous job search.

Last summer was so rough because not only did I start Memorial Day weekend unemployed, (I was let go May 18th, after I returned from vacation), but, starting in July, my wife had a back injury and we spent the rest of the summer in physical therapy for her.

And I spent the rest of the time on my job search, interviews, etc.

I want to make this summer the anti-2010 summer. Everything Kat and I couldn't do last summer, I want to do this year. Which means, maybe some beach time where we can actually go swimming. I didn't swim last year at all.

Thank God, even with two jobs, my schedule allows for time to spend outside. And I work at a library right on the beach in seaside, I don't have any reason NOT to go to the beach.

I felt after a year of searching, interviewing, and sending thousands of interviews out there, I am finally getting back on the road to recovery. Not only monetarily, but physically, spiritually, and mentally. It feels so good to not have to be glued to a computer doing job searches 24/7.

Again, thank you for all your prayers, suggestions, advice, and well wishes, someone up there was hearing, and I thank God and you my friends,

your brother,

John

POLITICAL VIEWS OF THE DAY -OSAMA IS DEAD

OSAMA BIN LADEN IS DEAD!

I can't believe, I just said those words. I am thankful to our men and women of the armed forces. I hope this news brings closure to the loved ones who lost so many on September 11th, 2001. Maybe they can, FINALLY, begin the healing process. We know that 9/11 didn't just claim lives on that day. There are many brave souls, right here, many who are still losing their lives to respiratory sickness, and cancer. All, in all, bin Laden has affected so many, negatively.

But you know, as much as I hate him, in some strange way, his death brought Americans together like it did on that fateful day, 10 years ago.

For a moment, once again, we are united.

I know it's not stopping terror attacks or threats, and I know our brave sons and daughters need to come home soon, but for this one, brief, shinning moment, I'm happy. It gives me some closure for being there to witness 9/11 firsthand on that fateful day. And I think it gives the families some closure as well.

I know many who paid the ultimate price. I argued with many others who had their BS conspiracy theories, and now I feel a sense of relief.

So, naysayers, don't be a party pooper! Get off of my cloud! I'm happy, and I never knew this day would come.

Don't pinch me just yet! I'm finally proud of America again.

YES, WE CAN!

GOD BLESS YOU, AND GOD BLESS THIS WONDERFUL COUNTRY OF OURS!

AMEN!

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - UNIONS VERSUS CORPORATIONS

Unions are not perfect, but I am surprised at how many people would rather side with corporations than worker’s unions.

At least the ideals of the unions are just. If there's corruption, it should be dealt with. The problem is, when you privatize everything, it’s harder to sift out the chaff from the wheat. When there are public employees, if someone is not paying his/her fair share, they are seen and brought to justice. But, when it’s private corporations doing underhanded deals, it’s harder to regulate. But why should we stigmatize ALL union workers for the corrupt practices of a few?

I was turning around the channels the other day and they had a guest on CNBC complaining that unions are driving work overseas. He said most American companies move around the globe, and America didn’t catch up with the times. Then he said something, that I thought he was on a comedy news show...I thought he meant it to be sarcastic. He said, America just doesn’t get it, he said the future is “low wage manufacturing jobs”.

I was thinking, did I hear that right? So, are these the wonderful jobs that rich people are taking with them? People like Gov. Christie say, “rich people create jobs” But, what kind of jobs? I always wondered. Now I am glad to see the corporate world answered for me. "Low wage, manufacturing jobs".

That’s the future? I thought that was the past. Forget about doing better than my parents, I can’t even go past my immigrant great-grandparents (Wow, say that ten times fast).

Maybe I’ll be a fruit peddler, from Italy, like my great-grandfather. A true entrepreneur. :)

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - WAKE UP, AMERICA

I don't want to see a violent revolution in this country, but, sadly, we may be heading there.

The gap between the Have-Nots and the Have-Mores is becoming larger by the second. One in four children go to bed hungry in this country, people are becoming homeless, and our young men and women are coming home in body bags for oil that we can't pay for anymore, anyway.

I'm for peaceful resistance, but we need to wake up, people!

Who cares about Lindsey Lohan and Charlie Sheen?! Who cares about all these senseless distractions?!

Kids in Egypt are using technology to start revolutions, and we're downloading endless videos of drunken frat boys hitting each other in the crotch.

There's a time when we, as a people, have to look up from our TVs, computer screens, and cell phones, JUST FOR A SECOND, and just look around our neighborhoods. Look at all the "For Sale" signs, look at all the people out of work, look at all the people who are trying to do whatever they can to survive, look at all the marriages breaking up because of finances, look at all the children who will be homeless.

America, for all it's fault, does the most humanitarian work of any country, anywhere, anytime in history. If we can look inward and take care of ourselves, maybe we will be stronger to help the world even more...

But it starts in our home, then our neighborhoods, then our communities, and then our world.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - TEACHERS

I grew up in the NY public school system, and for every teacher who is not doing their job, there are thousands busting their ass, and risking their lives, everyday. You know why kids don't want to study? you know why they don't want to work hard to pass their test? because there is a kid next to them making more money selling drugs, then working a legitimate job. Or the kid next to them is loading a gun at their desk, hardly an atmosphere conducive for learning. Or, better yet, they see Snooki and her fellow metrosexual guido dregs on Jersey Shore making $120,000 an episode...

No wonder our kids don't want to learn. Where is the incentive? Yes, kiddies, drop out of school, get pregnant, get high, get drunk, get stupid, and maybe, you will be on TV. How can teachers stop that tide? it's like trying to dry out a tsunami with a tissue. 'Nuff said!

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - POLITICS

The problem with politics is Republicans have no brains, and Democrats have no balls!

No one fights for the working class people. Bush was Nixon and, unfortunately, Obama is turning into Jimmy Carter. You thought after, Nixon, there wasn't gonna be another Republican for another fifty years, but after four years of a weak Jimmy Carter we had 12 years of Republicans, and I fear we will go through that again.

And let's look at the "wonderful" Reagan-Bush years, shall we? We deregulated the banks and corporations, dismantled the workers unions, we kicked the Russians out of Afghanistan and made the Taliban take over, they "thanked" us with 9/11, we had Bush Sr as a Vice President which eventually led to 8 more years of his son ruining this country, we made enemies with Saddam Hussein and now have an 8 year war raging there for no apparent reason, etc. etc. Now we're fighting 3 wars in the Middle East and our kids are starving in the streets.

Ok, let's wage war on the working people after we just bailed out the corporations. Dude, something's gotta change or Canada is looking better by the day!

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - GOOD FRIDAY

Good Friday has always been a somber day. It's a very reflective day, of course, for spiritual reasons...

But, lately, this day has seen more sadness since last year on Good Friday...a friend of mine died, WAY before her time.

It really begs the question, why all this suffering? What is the point of it?

I know after Good Friday is Easter Sunday. I know after death is resurrection. I know after Holocaust is Israel.

But, why, in order to get there, all the suffering?

Why can't everyday be Easter Sunday?

I know there will be a day when God will wipe away every tear...but why can't that day be now?

I can't explain it. I don't know why my friend died last year on this day. I can't see any "good" in it.

All I know is that I created this blog because I don't have all the answers, but I share with you, my friends and family. I also love when you share with me. As long as we share our suffering with each other, let's also share our joy. Let's journey together and try to find the way to truth.

Though I don't know about many things, I believe in one universal truth: Love exists, and it is good.

So, before, during, or after our suffering, let's hold on to that universal truth and share the love with as many people as possible.

In the meantime, all the best to everyone on Good Friday, Earth Day, and Easter!

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT – CECIL'S WEBSITE

My friend Cecil Castellucci, is a talented, and quirky writer. I first came across her writings from her "Plain Janes" graphic novel series. My brother Dan and I immediately became friends with her on Facebook. She has a great heart and mind, and she is open and friendly to all. 

I usually don't "plug" on my blog (that doesn't sound right), unless I can definitely vouch for a person's writing, and character. I definitely can vouch for my friend Cecil, on all accounts.   

When you get the chance, check out her website: http://castellucci.wordpress.com/

QUOTE OF THE DAY - TAKE THAT, TYLER PERRY!

I can do lazy all by myself. 

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - "SOCIALIST" NETWORK?

I think all these social networking sites were created by the government in order to make it seem cool to give up privacy.

The government knows that we are a celebrity-obsessed culture. What better way to quench our thirst for celebrity than to let everyone THINK they’re a celebrity?

Why do I have to know where you are every moment of the day? I have to know when you’re on the toilet? The only people who need to know if you spend an exorbitant amount of time in the bathroom is you and your doctor…And maybe your wife, if you only have ONE bathroom. 

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT – CALL ME, TWEETIE BIRD

Yes, I gave in, I am now on Twitter. I went from email, to Myspace, to Facebook, and now, to Twitter…talk about depreciation.

I am still gonna blog, I'll still be on Facebook, however, my Myspace account is collecting dust.

Man cannot live by Tweets alone…I still need to blog, there’s no way I can say all I need to say in 140 words or less.

Unfortunately, people say we need Twitter, to “stay connected”, even though Twitter is part of the problem in our society today.

We narrow down complicated issues to little soundbytes, and then spend most of our time trying to reiterate what we were “really” saying. I say, try to cover your bases when you first say it, this way you don’t have to backtrack. Let your yes be yes and your no be no.

They said to give them a bio in 140 words or less, so I started out with this biography of myself in a nutshell:

Boy from New York City meets Jersey Girl and gets married. This is the story of the REAL Jersey Shore. Sort of like MTV's Jersey Shore, just less crabs. 

I always said these social networking sites are for people with a “messiah complex”, so to that, I say, “Follow me…and I will make you fishers of nonsense…”

http://twitter.com/Jseery77

QUOTE OF THE DAY - DEPRECIATION

One generation’s dirty limerick is another generation’s nursery rhyme...

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - WESTBORO BAPTIST CHURCH

If there’s anything that sickens me more, it’s the psychos at the Westboro Baptist Church. To hold up outrageous signs at military funerals, or any funerals, for that matter, is an atrocity.

Some may think it’s a stretch for me to say this, but I consider the Westboro Baptist Church to be a terrorist organization. If you can convince a congregation to hold up signs at a funeral of young men and women who sacrifice all for us…then, you can convince that congregation to do anything.

I just can’t wait till Pastor Phelps whips out the cyanide Kool-Aid for him and his congregation. When he does, I’ll appear in a giant Kool-Aid Man outfit and exclaim: “OH YEEEEAAAAAH!”

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - WHAT YOU CAN TAKE WITH YOU

I know it’s a morbid thought, but if you died today, and had a chance to have an “out-of-body”, front row seat at your funeral…what would it be like? Who would be there? How many will be there? Who will give your eulogy? How many people would be texting on their cellphones? Who would be paying attention?

I think it’s important to sometimes think about this, not to say you have to live every day as your last, because that gets old quick. But, sometimes, we should be mindful of our legacy, as I mentioned in an earlier blog.

What do you want to be remembered for?

If you have more people at your wake than your birth, I think you’ve been a success in life.

It’s not about how many possessions you win, or how many “toys” you die with. Everything burns, in the end.

The only thing that can’t waste away is the human spirit. If you invested in the hearts of others, that investment will reap the greatest return, in the end. 

SPIRITUAL WRITINGS - LEGACY: THE other, OTHER AFTERLIFE

With the news of a dear friend passing away, and the passing of so many dear friends last year…I have thought a lot about the afterlife.

Does heaven exist? What will it be like? Which path will get me there?

Some people believe we come back as another physical entity, multiple times, until we reach nirvana.

Others believe heaven is an orgy of sex and food. (Now, that’s my kind of heaven! Bring on the harem girls and Hostess cupcakes!)

I would hear Christians say that they want to follow Jesus’ example of “storing up, treasures in Heaven” (Matthew 6:20). Unfortunately, they had a materialistic spin on what Jesus had in mind. They went on to talk about how big their crowns are gonna be, and how luxurious their mansion will be. Really? Does it matter if you have the biggest mansion on your ‘block in heaven, even if you have no loved ones or family and friends to share it with? 

Jesus said, “in my Father’s house are many mansions” (John 14:2). Maybe that’s not the mansions we believe it to be in our carnal, materialistic mindset. If the body is the Temple of the Holy Spirit, than surely, our hearts can be a “mansion” for God, himself…His own true, dwelling place… 

…

So many people, of so many different religions, fight, lie, steal, kill, or die their way into a place we hardly know anything about.

It seems that most religious extremists will do anything to get into heaven, despite the cost of innocent lives that are trampled, under foot, in a “holy” crusading rampage.

So, I ask, what is the point of religion? Is it to reject selfishness in the world, only to be arrogantly driven toward a goal of an afterlife where we can play harps on our fluffy clouds?

I don’t know about you, but, if I make it to heaven, by God’s grace, I don’t want my cloud to be lonely. In other words, the ideal of religion shouldn’t be MY selfish pursuit to find the Kingdom of God, but, on the contrary, it should be about how many loved ones I can take with me, along the journey.

Our motives are all wrong. We’re thinking about how many points we can score for OURSELVES in the afterlife, rather than being mindful of those we leave behind.

There is another “afterlife” that we don’t hear enough about, and that is: LEGACY. When we go, what do we leave to others? And I am not just talking about material wills. I mean to say, what are we leaving, not only to our children, but the world, in general. Are we leaving a legacy of faith, hope, and love, or, are we leaving a legacy of fear, despair, and hate?

Even though I have lost many friends and loved ones, over the last few years, I am comforted by the fact that they were the kind of people who never thought of themselves. They weren’t trying to fight their way into heaven, so they can get their “pot of gold” at the end of the rainbow. They showed loved, and they shared so much with us. They left a legacy that is immeasurable. And in that fact, I believe, they won their way into heaven, without even realizing it.

They weren’t obsessed with the thought of getting to heaven someday, because they were too busy bringing heaven...here, on earth.

They brought heaven on earth, via heaven’s universal language: love.

And God honored their faithfulness by letting them into his kingdom. 

It’s a win-win, for everyone involved. Even for those, like us, who are left behind.

I think that’s a sobering and humbling thought for us so-called “religious” people, who think we have all the answers.

Even Saint Paul, who seemed to be an authority on everything, admitted, “Now, we see through a mirror dimly…For now, I know in part; but then,  I shall know…even as I am known” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Even Paul admitted, that he didn’t have all the answers, but, he knows about the power of love and forgiveness, as he used to be on a “witch hunt” for Christians, until the power of love intervened in his own life.

I am reminded of the blind man who was healed by Jesus in the Gospel of John. And the teachers of law, condescendingly asked him, “How can you say that a ‘sinner’ healed you?” The man answered and said, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I do not know. All I know is that I was blind, but now I see” (John 9:24-25).

We don’t know, as a scientific fact, that there is a heaven. We’d like to believe in heaven. We’d like to get there one day, and bring everyone with us.

But we do know, that love changes lives. This is the message left to us by those dear friends who have gone on before us. This is their legacy.

I am so grateful for having known Danielle, Anthony, Eileen, and Estelle, and I know that their legacy of love will live forever in our hearts and minds, just as I believe their spirits will live on in heaven, for all eternity.

Love,

John

SOCIAL VIEWS OF THE DAY - PRAYER FOR JAPAN

I am devastated when I see the constant turmoil that the people of Japan are facing. I haven’t written in my blog for a week because the material I planned to write about seemed to pale in comparison to the magnitude of terror that Japanese people are suffering through right now.

When I look at Japan, I look at a people who have suffered so much, but they have survived and shown themselves to be the most resilient people on the planet. They have survived not one, but two nuclear blasts in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, that claimed up to 80,000 civilian lives.

The terrorist attacks on 9/11 were catastrophic enough with 3,000 lives. As for Japan, let’s times that by ten, and then triple that number. Talk about a post-Apocalyptic society. They have been there, and lived through it.

I know that this current, and continuing devastation in Japan will be met with that same resilient and everlasting spirit that is a testament to the Japanese character and fortitude.

Japan is one of our last, best allies in Asia. And they are in our prayers and our hearts, in this time of need.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - CHINA’S OUT OF THE CLOSET

When I was a child, I remember going to my grandma’s house, and the stuff that was made in China, was confined to a small space called a “China Closet.” It seems, back then, the only thing that was made in China were porcelain teacups. Everything that was made in America, was seen prominently, throughout the house, like Hoover, Black & Decker, etc.

Think of your house today. IT’S REVERSED! All the stuff that’s “Made in America”, like the beer dispenser cap, is shoved into your closet. Everything else in your house is “Made in China”.

These people took over the world, one teacup at a time…

Now, THAT’S an effective Tea Party.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - MTV’S JERSEY SHORE…THE MISSING LINK?

I used to believe in Creation, but, after seeing MTV’s Jersey Shore, I have a hard time accepting: “Intelligent Design.”

Maybe we did evolve from apes…and maybe some of us fell out of the trees a little too late.

Or, maybe, just maybe, God has a sense of humor… :) 

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT - WHO NEEDS GAGA, I'LL TAKE ALANIS, ANY DAY

Anyone nostalgic for the 90's? I turned on Saturday Night Live a few weeks back and there was a new skit for Wayne's World! For one, Dana Carvey and Mike Myers didn't age a day: they look great! For another, we’re getting nostalgic for the 90's? I hear, even Beavis and Butthead are making a comeback. Gee, I guess this last decade was so bad, it made the 90's look like the 50's!!!

George W. Bush was so bad. HOW BAD WAS HE? W was so bad he made Slick Willy look like Ike. 

Just think about that for a second. A draft dodger being compared to the Commander of the Allied Forces. Man, the quality of everything has gone down in years. 

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT - PAY NO ATTENTION TO THAT PERSON BEHIND THE CURTAIN

Somebody on Facebook said we should have an "Ignore Sarah Palin Week". I said, what would be better is to have an "ignore ALL celebrities week". 

But the only way to truly ignore them is to ignore ignoring them. 

Hopefully then, they will go away...

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - IT'S A BLUE DAY IN GREENLAND

Unemployed in the Garden State. It's like being unemployed in GREENLAND! Now I know what Andre the Giant feels like. :)

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - THE MIDDLE EAST

You can’t ignore the Middle East. What would America do without the Middle East? Or their three biggest exports: religion, oil, and hummus. Well, two out of three ain’t bad. Think about the average American Sunday: we go to church in the morning, watch Nascar in the afternoon, and then snack on hummus while watching Spike TV, at night. 

Who doesn't watch Miss Hooter's America, while dipping celery in hummus? Am I the only one? 

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - TEEN MOM 2

Teen Mom 2: Mom Harder.

Remember the good old days, when women used birth control? It's sad that young girls are just getting pregnant today so they can get on TV. 

Things have gotten so bad, we long for the days of good role models for women, like Monica Lewinsky! At least Monica found the BEST form of birth control.  

"Ju-no" what I'm talkin' about, man?

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT - RUSSEL BRAND

Russel Brand: imagine Weird Al Yankovic as a British transvestite. 

QUOTE OF THE DAY - COURT JESTER

I wanna be a court jester in the Kingdom of God. 

QUOTE OF THE DAY - ONE

There should be no majority or minority. We should all be one. 

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - GAY MARRIAGE

I say, let Gay people get married. You want to stop hearing about Gay sex on every channel? Let them get married, they’ll stop talking about sex, real quick. 

Marriage: The Great Sexual Deterrent. 

This way they’ll spend most of their days deciding who takes out the garbage, who washes the dishes, or who pays the bills. 

So tell gay men, “you go, boy”, or, lesbians: “let them eat pie!” 

THAT'S ENTERTAINMENT - 2010 OSCARS

My favorite comment at the Oscars was delivered by Steven Spielberg, when he mentioned all the movies that didn't win best picture like Grapes of Wrath, Citizen Kane and Raging Bull. Basically saying, even if you don't win, you stand in very good company (sometimes even better than Oscar winners). 

Spielberg should know something about that since ET lost to Gandhi, Raiders of the Lost Ark lost to Chariots of Fire, and Saving Private Ryan lost to Shakespeare in Love. But which one is remembered, the Oscar winner or the loser? I would say the loser in those cases. 

Other than that, the Oscars needed to be seen with a triple espresso and five redbulls. I fell asleep, half way through, and only woke up to see my girl, Natalie Portman, win. 

“Hold me closer, Tiny Danc-ah”…but not when you’re the Black Swan—you might rip my head off…

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - JOBS

I was applying for a job, and this lady called me up to get into an online training program for $15,000. I told her, I don’t have that kind of money, until I get a job. 

But she said what about your future? Don’t keep all your eggs in one basket.

I told her, no thanks, but I should have said: “I don’t even have a basket to put my eggs in. Do I look like Peter Cotton Tail to you?” 

POLITICAL VIEWS OF THE DAY -STATE OF THE UNIONS

Contrary to popular belief, worker's unions are not terrorist organizations! Believe me, I know the difference. I worked downtown NYC on the morning of September 11^th. I know the difference between a terrorist and a union cop or fireman who charges up the buildings to save YOUR life, whatever political affiliation you might have.

My dad was a union electrician until he retired. He worked hard and provided for his family. So, for everyone who slacks off and tries to beat the system, there are hundreds of union workers, like my dad, who want to provide for loved ones. Oh, and I know this sounds crazy, but, maybe have some job security, too? This way they don’t have to get hypertension or bleed internally due to stress of inflation, unemployment, or gas prices going through the roof! 

If there is corruption in the unions, we have to bring those violators to justice, but, if we’re gonna weed out the unions, let’s also start with the corporations. I’m all for a free market system, but I am not for a system that bails out corporations and forecloses on working people.

It’s sweet to see the underdog Green Bay Packers win the Super Bowl, but, it’s not so sweet to see Wisconsin fall under the weight of billionaire politicians.

And Democrats are as much to blame as Republicans. Republicans are the bullies, and Democrats are the whiney little kids who get their milk money stolen from the bullies. I’m sick of both of them. I’m sick of their bullying, I’m sick of their complaining, and I’m sick of their blaming everyone else for their problems.

Who’s gonna fight for the working people? 

QUOTE OF THE DAY - MARCH 2011 - TEA PARTY

Lotta Mad Hatters in that Tea Party. 

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - "BUSH" CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE DICK - MARCH 2011

I heard the state of Vermont wanted to arrest George W. Bush and Dick Cheney for “crimes against the Constitution”. Where was Vermont, 10 years ago? Let's just find Bin Laden, get our oil, and get the heck out of the Middle East. We're in this current mess because of the Bush administration, but arresting him now would be like arresting OJ for stealing his own sports memorabilia...Oh, wait...

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - TWILIGHT MOVIES - MARCH 2011

God, help me, my wife got me into the Twilight movie series. So who is Team Jacob and Team Edward, out there? My wife is Team Jacob, no question. I am still on the fence…I like the poetic heart of Edward and his old school, chivalrous ways. Edward reminds me of my younger self: a hopeless romantic. Jacob, on the other hand, is cute, with or without long hair. I love dogs, and werewolves are cool. And he is Native American, which raises his coolness factor up to 11. And how about those abs? Flippin’ sweet! I am totally straight, but let’s just say I wouldn’t stop Jacob from humping my leg.  

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - MARK (ZUCKERBERG) OF THE BEAST - FEBRUARY 2011

Contrary to popular belief, Barack Obama is NOT the Anti-Christ. Mark Zuckerberg is the Anti-ChrIst. Any man who can teach our parents how to use the internet—THAT’S A MAN TO BE FEARED! You think I’m crazy? Ok, but when your parents start “poking” you with the Mark of the Beast...Don’t say I didn’t warn ye.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - RACHEL MADDOW - FEBRUARY 2011

I like Rachel Maddow, she’s got that whole Jamie-Lee-Curtis-True-Lies-thing, going on.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY - NAACP - FEBRUARY 2011

 I don't know why NAACP doesn't get with the times. It should be called National Association for the Advancement of African Americans. But then again, NAAAA, that doesn't sound like a good idea. :)

QUOTE OF THE DAY - FEBRUARY 2011 - BLACK HISTORY MONTH-MLK JR.

"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."

--Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

POLITICAL VIEWS OF THE DAY - LETTER - SHOULD POLICE AND FIRE UNIONS BE PRIVATIZED?

Below is a letter I wrote to a local New Jersey newspaper. Every Sunday, there have been letters sent about the working people in our state, and should our taxes go to fund certain public services, etc. 

I agree that I want to see an end to corruption in any system, and growing up in NYC, I saw the best and worst that worker's unions had to offer. But i think we are getting harsh on the workers themselves instead of looking at the politicians, the corporations, or people who are making money for nothing, like certain celebrities who have no talent. 

I can't believe some of the letters I read in this local newspaper. People saying that police and fire unions should be privatized? Are they crazy? That's a big Tea Party thing, everything should be privatized, and anyone who disagrees is a socialist. I guess FDR was a socialist. I guess Lincoln, was a "big government sellout" and a "union man". 

I thought I was conservative in New York, but these people in Ocean County, New Jersey make me look like Abbie Hoffman.

At a time where we see the chaos in the streets of Egypt, this is the last time Americans should turn against ourselves. America has to show the world, we can work together. Not just tell Egypt how democracy is done, but SHOW them how it is done. 

When you look at the chaos in Egypt, it's hard to believe that they were so united at one time that they built the pyramids, but, then again, it's hard to believe that we built the Statue of Liberty, or the Brooklyn Bridge, or the Empire State Building.  Or, a free country for that matter. A country that upholds freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and freedom of religion. What happened to our country? Let's try to find it again. 

But, I digress, below is the letter, I don't think they will publish it, but it is here for your viewing pleasure: 

Are Police and Fire Unions Paying Their Fair Share?

Dear New Jersey,

Some of us say we want to privatize police and fire unions? What’s next? Privatize the military?

The last people who wanted to privatize states were called the Southern Confederacy, and they started a Civil War.

Privatize all schools? If you can’t afford an education, tough luck!

Privatize fire unions? So, when a CEO of some company has his house on fire, all the fire trucks will go to his house while mine burns to the ground.

Privatize the police? Ok, when gang violence in Lakewood starts spilling over into Brick and Toms River, don’t complain to MY police. Didn’t you get the memo? You should have your own police force!

Let’s stop pointing fingers at American workers, today.

What about the “entertainment” industry? Should the cast of MTV’s Jersey Shore get paid thousands an episode, or get free trips to Italy? Should they even write books, or let alone, sign them, when they just learned how to sign their name, last week?

No wonder we can’t teach our kids to read and write. Why would they have any incentive to stay in school?

And why should teachers, police, and fire personnel have any incentive to educate, serve, and protect us, if we want to take away every last penny from them?

I’m sorry, but until Chris Christie can prove that he’s Batman, I’ll keep my police, and fire unions, public. Thank you.

QUOTE OF THE DAY - YOU DOWN WITH GOP?

I'm a moderate Republican...That means I'll torture you, but I'll cuddle with you afterwards. :)

POETRY CORNER - VALENTINE'S COLLECTION - MY MUSE

My Muse

There was always a deep longing within,

when my heart was young and alive.

There was a sweet restlessness

in the quiet times.

Nights spent of endless dreaming,

of passion unbound.

My heart,

faithfully pursuing her glory,

finding her;

surrendering to her song.

Our two joined souls,

converging, mystically,

as we danced, to the ancient hymns of Nature.

But those years of spring, 

slowly dissipated,

swept under the weight of the world.

Today we insist on the temporal life,

devoid of truth, devoid of the spirit.

We are efficient, yet hopeless.

Driven by worldly demands,

we strive for treasures

to place upon a mantle of ashes.

I still awaken nights to listen for her song,

and I remember her promise.

Hope of that eternal spring,

restore this distant heart.

by John Seery 

(Originally written 10/9/05, Copyright@Poetry.com)