Paul's "dot" on the web: Deep Thoughts

Many no-shows for Ford's Service???????????

Sun, 31 Dec 2006 23:17:45 GMT

Quote

WP: Many no-shows for Ford's service - washingtonpost.com Highlights - MSNBC.com

As with any country, the US has its fair share of faults. We are not perfect. We don't have all of the answers to the world's problems. Just like everyone else, we make mistakes.

However, after reading the above article I am more ashamed of our political leaders than I have been in a long time. Few of our political leaders bothered to attend former President Ford's funeral. Yes, as the article states, it is a holiday weekend. Yes, there are many football games going on (I can't believe someone wanted to know the score of a game!). Yes, Sadam Hussein was put to death. Yes, many of them were on vacation. Did the Supreme Court REALLY need to take a vote to decide if any or all of them would attend? Is that legislative body so incapable of independent thinking they can't make their own decisions?

But the worst of all is that our living former Presidents and CURRENT President could not be bothered to attend. People who have read various postings of mine know that I am not a fan of President George W. Bush, but even I was stunned that he felt the need to "clear cedar" on his ranch than to return to Washington for the funeral. It’s not like he has to pay the airfare - he has his own plane! On top of that he is quoted as saying about President Ford "He always put the needs of his country before his own." I find that ironic that Bush, who has a complete staff to take care of his ranch, felt that clearing cedar was more important than the needs of his own country. Mr. Bush (honorific intentionally left out) you should think about living up to your statements about others.

I fully admit that I was young enough when Ford became President, that I don't remember a great deal of what he did while in office. But I do know that he didn't ask for the position, he became president through succession during the ending of the Nixon (Watergate) scandal. But he stepped up to the plate and did his job.

Regardless of my personal opinion about a specific political leader in any country, one who does their job ethically, humanitarily, and to the best of their ability should be treated with dignity by their country's leaders upon their death. Not a "phone in eulogy" as Bush did. Not attending secondary services, and certainly not doing unnecessary yard work on their ranch.

Everyday people drop what they are doing, travel thousands of miles, and often go to extremes to attend the services of a deceased family member. While politicians are in a "profession" they are also an exclusive group - much like a family. They certainly can make the same efforts. Sorry, but it comes with the job you choose.

Mr. Bush, ask yourself. How will you feel if the current President stays home and does yard work when your funeral comes around. Not a pleasant thought is it?

Christmas is Almost Here

Sat, 03 Dec 2005 04:01:05 GMT

I realize that everyone knows this, but CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST HERE!!!!!! How did that happen so fast? I have no shopping done...although I swear I bought some things this summer, but I can't find them!! :)

Christmas is one of the strangest times of year. Everyone is supposed to be full of "Christmas cheer" but most people are stressed out, depressed, frustrated or worried about money or if they got the right presents for people.

I wish we could all get over that and take the Christmas cheer part and make it universal and have everyone feeling joy and enjoying the season (BTW I am using the word Christmas, but I am thinking about all of the holidays that fall around this time of year) caring about others, and just in general being happy. Probably another one of those dreams that I have that won't come true, but it is nice to think about.

So what do you do for what ever holiday you celebrate this time of year? Would love to hear from people around the world and different traditions!

Paul

International Response to Katrina

Fri, 02 Sep 2005 20:44:27 GMT

Today, as I was listenting to the news on the way to my vacation weekend, two things came to mind.

First, how fortunate I am that during this holiday weekend I am not trying to put back the pieces of my life, not looking for loved ones who are lost or possibly dead, that I will have a home to return to on Monday. It was a sobering moment that caused me to reflect on all of the things that I sometimes take for granted.

But in the news report on NPR (National Public Broadcasting - a non-profit radio station for those outside the US) I listened to a report that talked about many countries around the world commiting what every kind of aid to those impacted by Katrina.

As an everyday person who lives in a completely different part of the country, I want to say thank you to those countries who have come to the aid of those in need here in the US. Also, I know that there are individuals in those countries, and other countries who are also doing what they can to help. Again, thank you. You help maintain my faith in humanity.

The loss from Karina is so widespread it is almost impossible to grasp. There is the loss of life - we still don't know how many people have died. There is the loss of homes. The loss of industry. The loss of historical landmarks. The loss of wildlife. The loss of people's pets. The loss of burrial remains - in New Orleans people are burried above ground in crypts because the city is below sea level and these crypts have been washed away. There is the loss of culture. The loss of community. The list goes on.

One story I heard yesterday was a report about a gentleman in the area who took his barbaque to a street corner and started to cook all the meat he could get his hand on and anyone could come up and get a hot meal for free no matter who they were. It will be people like this, and others strong of spirit and compassion who will largely impact the rebuilding which is likely to take decades.

Again, my thanks to those around the world who have come to the aid of those in need.

Paul

London Terrorist Attack

Sat, 09 Jul 2005 03:33:59 GMT

Tragety has yet struck our world again. If you are someone, or know someone, who has lost a loved one, or they are injured, or missing, please feel free to use this area to write about your feelings. It is amazing how sometimes that can help.

If you are one of those people whose lives have been changed by this horrendous event, you have my sincere thoughts and sorrow for your hurt.

May we some day live in a world where I never have to think about writing something like thing like this again.

In sympathy

Paul

Do You Think God Hates You?

Thu, 07 Jul 2005 03:11:23 GMT

This entry was sparked by a comment someone left saying that this looks like a busy blog but its too bad that God hates you. I've deleted the comment as most of you know I won't leave a negative posting on the site when someone doesn't have the guts enough to leave their email address or if the link to their site is restricted. If you are going to attack someone you better be able to handle a considerate rebuttal.

So I thought I would pose the question. Do you think that God hates you? That is if you believe that there is a God. If you think that God does, and feel comfortable, it would be interesting to know why you feel that way.

Let me reiterate to everyone, if you feel necessary to post a comment that attacks or speaks negatively about an individual (including me) and do not have the courage to leave your email or have a restricted site, please don't waste your time in posting as it will be deleted. I believe 100% in free speech, but on my blog only if it is a 2-way street.

Paul

Daily "Something Nice"

Mon, 04 Jul 2005 06:50:20 GMT

Don't forget your "Daily Something Nice." Brighten up your day and someone else's with a kind word or comment.

http://spaces.msn.com/members/pecwebs/Blog/cns!1pq6E9fua7su2Ttr6Tqa1tzQ!904.entry

As I Have Always Said....Men are Psychotic

Sat, 02 Jul 2005 06:31:59 GMT

So I know you read something similar to this before, but it happened again so I thought I would blog it. Maybe it will help me make sense.

My ex-boyfriend sent an email this morning telling me how much he loves me and no matter what that will never change and misses our being together, never has had someone who loves and understands him as much as me. In the same mail he is telling me that he is celebrating his 1 year anniversary with his girlfriend (no not a typo) next weekend. He wishes he could be up here in Vancouver with me blah blah blah.

What is it with men? Are we really that psychotic?

Shouldn't the person you are with be the one who loves and understands you the most? It isn't like we split because of anything that would really cause animosity. We split because after a year he didn't know how to deal with being with a guy. Actually I think it really had to do with his insisting that I meet his mom when she was visiting and she figured things out.

What I think is odd is that after a year of not seeing each other neither of our feelings have changed for the other.

Ah well. One of the things that will probably never have an answer.

US Memorial Holiday Photos

Sun, 12 Jun 2005 05:20:21 GMT

As promised I finally got a few minutes to upload some photos that I took on my way home from Vancouver Canada on the US Memorial Day Holiday (the day we honor our fallen military personnel).

The first set of photos show a monument called the Peace Arch. This monument is on the US/Canada border. I took some close-ups of some of the writing, but there are 2 pieces that I don't think I was able to get. First says "may this gate never close." There is a small symbolic gate in the arch indicating an open and friendly border. Seconds says that as of 1841 the gate had been open for 100 years (so we are well beyond that now).

The rest of the photos are a tribute to the fallen in the Iraq war. They memorials are laid out in the same fashion as they are in Arlington Cemetery in Washington DC.

Makes one think......

Face up to Your Own Mortality

Sat, 07 May 2005 19:02:28 GMT

I think we often take everyday life for granted. I learned this last November when I became very ill and for the first time in my life I was forced to face my own mortality. This is from a person who has led his life without letting anything get in the way of accomplishing or doing what I set out to do.

Today I came across a posting on another site that talks about this. I think Lindsey puts into words very well the action of facing your own mortality, living each day to its fullest, and how we deal with other people in the following entry from her site.

http://spaces.msn.com/members/linzi2458/Blog/cns!1pLo2eR1UtAYCLLtpyPmsiag!629.entry

Take a few moments to read it - how are you doing with facing your own mortality? When you are "on your death bed" will you be thinking about the regrets in your life, or will you be thinking about how you lived up to your own expectations?

Microsoft and Diversity

Sat, 07 May 2005 01:10:03 GMT

Microsoft over the past few weeks has been looking closely at how it addresses diversity and in particular gay rights. You can see the text that Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, sent to all employees today at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/misc/05-06-05StevebPublicPolicy.asp. This statements reinforces the dedication that Microsoft has had to diversity and human rights in the past (they are often leaders in this areas) and will continue to do so in the future.

This has been posted from the perspective of a private citizen and not as a Microsoft employee. The above link is a public link available to anyone who visits www.microsot.com.

A Straight Person's View on Gay People

Fri, 22 Apr 2005 03:53:43 GMT

This is a wonderful posting I came across by a person by the name of Lisndey. I do not think I could have written a better statement.

http://spaces.msn.com/members/linzi2458/Blog/cns!1pLo2eR1UtAYCLLtpyPmsiag!409.entry

To my Mother - April 15

Sat, 16 Apr 2005 05:27:24 GMT

Today, April 15 is the 9th anniversary of my mother's death from lung cancer. Ironically happens to fall on tax day in the US (that was my mother for ya ). Her death came within 3 months of discovering the cancer.

It is odd that even after all these years now and then I will still get the urge to call her with some sort of news about what is going on in my life. The funniest part is that whenever it snow here that is when I almost always reach for the phone to call her. We don't get a lot of snow here and I love snow so I would always call her when it would snow being all excited just like when I was a kid.

My mom was not perfect, nor was she a bad mother. She was just right - who knows if she did right things or made mistakes - I don't think anyone can really say what is "right or wrong" with raising children (unless you get into the child abuse area).

She was mom the mother as I was growing up, and she was mom the friend as I became an adult. She supported me, even if her advice was different than what I wanted to do and I went a head and did it anyway. When she found out I was gay she made sure that I knew she still loved me no matter what.

During her illness I did all that I could to make sure she had the best medical care, was never in pain, and died with dignity. I hope (and I guess believe) that she knew and appreciated some of the difficult decisions I had to make towards the end, but it was always with her best interests in mind and the wishes she had expressed to me over the years.

To mom - I love you, miss you, and thank you for giving me what I needed to make my life what it is today!

There are a lot of younger people who visit my site. One piece of advice. Unless your parents are negligent or abusive, appreciate them every minute you can. You never know how much time you have with them.

To the Nice People Who Visit

Sat, 16 Apr 2005 05:11:44 GMT

I just wanted to say thank you to the nice people who visit and take a moment and leave a comment or drop an email. It never seems to fail that when I see or hear about something very discouraging going on in the world there is a nice comment or two or email from people who have visited here. These little things help me maintain my faith in humanity.

I don't think that I write or do anything particularly earth shattering, so the fact that there are nice people out there with kind words over such simple things makes me remember that the world over there are good people out there!

My heartfelt thanks!

I Am Missing You

Sat, 09 Apr 2005 04:44:38 GMT

Why can't I speak when i have so much to tell?
Why can't I write when i have so much in mind?
Why can't I sing when there's music in my heart?
Why can't I dance when there's rythm in the air?

Too many words left unspoken
Too many things left undone
Why can't it be and why can't I ?
For all I know this pain deep inside
Took the gladness from my heart.

Is this the pain of missing you?
Is this the reason behind it all?

Hear the agony of my heart
Longing for you and your touch
Feeling your lips, feeling your face
Missing your kisses and warm embbrace.

When will the waiting ever end?
For as long as were apart I can never whole
Oh! My dearest Love
I just want you to know
That my heart is aching because
I'M MISSING YOU

Another Life Phrase

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 04:59:14 GMT

Never give up what you want most, for what you want right now.

- Paul 1987

Simple Phrase That I Live By

Thu, 31 Mar 2005 06:11:44 GMT

"Change the things you don't like about yourself that you can. Accept those things that you can't change."

- Paul - 1984

Poem

Tue, 22 Mar 2005 00:44:43 GMT

For some reason this song comes to mind when I read this: If It's Hurting You

Missing you

Have you ever bothered to realize
how much you mean to me?
I care so much for you inside
and miss you so deeply.

My mind is always curious about
the way things might have been.
As days go by and time goes by,
I look back once again.

All the time held you in my arms,
I had the whole world right there.
There you were, comforting me with
all of your charms.

Every little kiss from you
was like a dream come true.
This love that I have inside my heart,
It all belonged to you!

It's funny, all those little things
I never thought I'd miss,
Like all those conversations we had,
or the first time we kissed.

I guess that what I'm trying to say,
is I miss you and love you more each day!
It hurts me not to see you,
or not to know if you're ok.

I want you to understand
that I loved you from the start.
And I want you to know,
no matter how many miles
we may be apart,
you'll always hold a special place in my heart

Please Read - Does Any of it Appply to You?

Mon, 14 Mar 2005 20:50:51 GMT

I admit this is not at all my own writing - I came across it on anothoer blog - and with the kind permission of that blog owner I am reprinting it here.

Please read this carefully and think about the people in your life and as you do...remember love comes in many different forms, and people come and go in your life. Do they know how you feel about them? We shouldn't feel uncomfortable about telling those who are special in our lives how we feel about them. Afterall, you may never get another chance!

Have you ever wondered which hurts the most? Saying something and wishing you hadn't or saying nothing and wishing you had?

I guess the most important things are the hardest things to say. Don't be afraid to tell someone you love them.

If you do, they might break your heart...if you don't, you might break theirs.

Have you ever decided not too become a couple because you were so afraid of losing what you already had with that person?

Your heart decides whom it likes and whom it doesn't. You can't tell your heart what to do. It does it on its own........when you least suspect it, or even when you don't want it to.

Have you ever wanted to love someone with everything you had, but that other person was too afraid to let you?

Too many of us stay walled up because we are too afraid to care too much...for fear that the other person does not care as much, or even at all.

Have you ever denied your feelings for someone because your fear of rejection was too hard to handle?

We tell lies when we are afraid... afraid of what we don't know, afraid of what others will think, afraid of what will be found out about us.

But every time we tell a lie, the thing we fear grows stronger.

Life is all about risks and it requires you to jump.

Don't be a person who has to look back and wonder what they would have done, or could have had.

* What would you do if every time you fell in love you had to say good-bye?

*What would you do if every time you wanted someone they would never be there?

*What would you do if your best friend died tomorrow and you never got to tell them how you felt? (even if it is that you don't care anymore)

*What would you do if you loved someone more than ever and you couldn't have them?

People live, but people die. I want to tell you that you are a friend.

If you died tomorrow (God Forbid) you would be in my heart. Would I be in yours?

If you care about me as much as I care about you will send this back.

You might be best friends one year, pretty good friends the next year, don't talk that often the next, and don't want to talk at all the year after that.

So, I just wanted to say, even if I never talk to you again in my life, you are special to me and you have made a difference in my life, I look up to you, respect you, truly cherish you, most of all I CARE about friends

Send this to all your friends, no matter how often you talk, or how close you are, and send it to the person who sent it to you. Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them, and tell new friends you never will.

Remember, everyone needs a friend someday you might feel like you have NO FRIENDS at all, take comfort in knowing somebody out there cares about you and always will.

What the World thinks of "Americans" or better said US Citizens

Fri, 04 Mar 2005 02:48:44 GMT

Today I'm writing because of a conversation I had with a friend of mine in a different part of the world about what people in his country thinks about "Americans" (which by the way I think is the wrong term - US citizens is more accurate but so often the term American is used that I thought I would identify it here).

He stated that a lot of the people in his country think that people from the US want to basically take over the world. Felt that Bush was trying to take over South America.

I have always had a strong desire to travel the world, meet new people, learn about their cultures, see their lands. But often I have been talked out of traveling someplace because of how the people there feel like toward US citizens.

I would like to say to the world if I may - please do not judge us all the same. Every US citizen is different, just like every person in your country is different.

Also please know that over 1/2 of us did not vote for Bush to be President of our country. So we are stuck with him for the next few year just as you are. We are embarrassed that he is our President, many of us disagree with him and wish he would leave office. We are happy that he can not be president again.

So when you meet an "American" or US visitor to your country, please try and remember these words. Those who are not interested in your culture, country, and people will stay home. Those of us who want to learn about you and hopefully have the chance to share for a moment in your culture will venture out and look at you as a friend.

I would really like to hear comments from non-US citzens about what you think about this entry.

Calling All Hetrosexual Guys

Thu, 03 Mar 2005 06:14:55 GMT

I want to take a moment and address heterosexual guys just for a moment. If a homosexual guy pays you a compliment - take it as just that - a nice compliment and be flattered that any human being gave you a compliment.

Should a homosexual guy compliment you don't think that they want to have sex with you or are even sexually interested in you. Again, think of it as a nice compliment.

Perhaps the person just thinks you have the possibility of being a nice person and would like to get to know you as just that...a person.

Believe it or not, we are not out to "recruit" more people. We don't want to F**k every guy we meet. We are every day people who try to be nice to other people.

So should I pay you a compliment - take it as just that - a compliment. If I wanted to have sex with you I will come right out and say that - you will never have to wonder what is on my mind.

If you think along those lines you’ll open your life to many people who can be wonderful friends.

To the ladies out there - this I know that this doesn't really apply to you because I would be surprised if you were uncomfortable when I leave a compliment on your site.

So that said - any straight guys want to have sex??? JOKE!!! :) Ya gotta laugh at life peopel!!!

Is Paul Serious About All He Writes Here?

Sun, 27 Feb 2005 16:02:00 GMT

I thought that would be a good topic for today as it is starting out to be a quiet morning. Is the stuff in write in by Blog 100% serious? Some of it yes, some of it no. For example when I wrote about my experiences with Brazilian & Portuguese guys on here that was true - I have talked with some great guys on here. Does that mean a straight guy needs to be worried that I am talking to him just because he is atractivo that isn't the case. There had to be something else I saw that caused me to comment - generally something they said that indicated they were a nice person. Besides – I like to learn about different people and hopefully learn parts of their languages! I am harmless - I look at a person as just that - a person.

If I am ranting like I did about UPS one day - that was totally serious. Been wanting to get that off my chest for years!! :)

So when you are here reading what I write read most of it with a smile - becuase that is the way I go through life - smiling!

Oh yea...things in lists that I recommend - I am 100% serious. These are things that I enjoy, or internet companies I recommend, or just general stuff that I think is fun!

Enjoy your day, afternoon, night, or morning depending on where you are reading this.

Paul

By the way - if you are going to the trouble of creating a Blog - at least add on blog entry or some way for people to contact you. You never know who you may meet or what kinds of compliments you may get!