Hope, Faith and Works

Twelve years ago this month, I was living Redding, a town 30 miles north of here with my former husband. I was bedridden with an illness neither I nor my doctors understood. There was no cure, they said, for CFIDS (Chronic Fatigue Immuno-dysregulation Syndrome) and it was not known when, or if, I would ever recover. All I could do was wait for the results to different types of medications they could try to lessen the symptoms - extreme exhaustion, fever, malaise, confusion and excruciating muscle and joint pain. In the meantime, the winter days of that El-Nino year were the most dark and despairing time I had ever known. The rain never stopped. "Yeah, merry fucking Christmas", I thought to myself. I felt as though even God had abandoned me.

There's a saying amongst PWC's (People with CFIDS)... "The good news is, you won't die from it. But the bad news is, you won't die from it."


Some days, I was so weak I had to crawl on my hands and knees to the bathroom. Sleep would have been a welcome reprieve if it weren't for the fact that sleep was one of the mechanisms affected by the viral war raging inside my body. My career, social life and ability to do simple things like go to the grocery store or do a load of laundry came to a screeching halt. My marriage was crumbling under an uncertain future, as then-hubby "B" had little patience with a debilitated spouse no longer bringing in a full paycheck and a poorly understood illness whose cause and cure were as elusive as chasing a ghost. Deep depression set in as a result, and I found myself contemplating suicide. I made it as far as the planning stage. The conflict of choosing escape over adherence to my spiritual beliefs only added to the misery. Things seemed hopeless - there was simply no easy way out.

One evening while aimlessly flipping through channels, I caught a glimpse of Christopher Reeve, intubated and paralyzed, giving an interview. "Superman" could not even breathe on his own, but there was a little glimmer, a sort of smile emanating from his eyes as he said, "as long as I'm alive, I have hope..." In that moment, I realized that if this completely helpless man, whose situation appeared absolutely hopeless, could keep hope alive, then maybe I could, too. Somehow, someday, I would make it out of this bed and be able to have a normal life again. I could have all the hope I wanted, and faith was there, albeit shaken. But still something was missing. If faith without works is dead, then hope without works is nothing more than empty wishing.

But what could I do? I could barely stay on my feet for more than a few minutes at a time (not even long enough for a stand-up shower). I was broke. I was living 30 miles away from my support system. Being too proud to ask for help was always one of my flaws, especially where my parents were concerned. My dad had passed away long ago, and my mom in 1997 was 73 years old and not in the best health, either. But I broke down on the phone to her, was honest about my state of desperation, and willing to let her help. I moved in with my mom, and gave "B" his freedom. (He had underestimated the difficulty of the "...in sickness" part of the marriage thing). I went to a different doctor, I went to physical therapy. On good days I would spend time with the friends that I so missed seeing while living in Redding. I fell in love with someone I had known for some time as just a friend. (We are still together!). I decided that somehow, someday, I was going to get better - I would worry about the "how" later. I signed up with the Department of Rehabilitation and was enrolled in a special distance-learning degree program for mid-career adults that I could do from home. I was able to get disability benefits. I slowly improved with time, a caring husband, two-steps forward and one-back, the right medication and faith in God. But it was faith WITH works - hope WITH a down payment of action. And just before the Christmas of 2001 - exactly 4 years after the most hopeless and miserable time of my life - I had my Bachelor's degree in Psychology. I went back to work, for the first time in four years. on Feb. 1, 2002.

Some days I still struggle. I come home exhausted and am in some degree of physical pain more often than not. Working full time, running a household and a revolution, and having a normal life were once just "hope". But it was both FAITH and WORKS that brought that hope to tangible fruition. God did his job, and I did mine. It's been a great partnership!

I totally believe that this same "formula" will work for our little revolution, too! With faith in God, hope that some good can come from despair, and with WORKS in DOING things differently and taking direct action for our country and our world- we are destined for awesome things!

MERRY CHRISTMAS - AND MAY GOD BLESS EVERY SINGLE ONE OF YOU AS HE HAS BLESSED ME!

God Is Awesome And Loves Us! (Exciting stuff in the works!!!)

TAX REVOLT COMING SOON! REALLY!

A little late getting my posts updated here, I know. Working my "day job" demands a big chunk of my available time and energy, and there is no shortage of customers in my business. However, I have managed to get quite a bit accomplished with the "Tax Revolt" plan, and the new website is in development. The best part of new website will be a full-functioning membership registration system that will be able to really mobilize all the Revolt Army Members that will truly be a force to be reckoned with! We need to have the website up and running before the BIG announcement in order to capture the energy I think it will generate. The REAL "change" we need is going to come from THE PEOPLE, not a politician or a tea party or the bankster enablers in Washington - not from a stim-u-LESS or a car-buying scheme or health-scare bill... But from YOU!

NOV. 25th RADIO APPEARANCE - WITH A TOTALLY AMAZING CO-GUEST!!!

I just got off the phone and I'm so hyped I nearly needed to breathe into a paper bag. I will be a guest on "The Sovereign Economist" internet radio show next week - and I'm already giving thanks because the other guest will be none other than BOB CHAPMAN, world-renowned author and publisher of The International Forecaster!!!!! For those of you who don't know who he is, you are in for an hour of fascinating education and insight you WON'T get from mainstream media. He is one of the people who I stumbled upon while surfing the 'net researching the financial collapse nearly two years ago. He has made startlingly accurate financial and geopolitical event predictions which (unfortunately) came true. His courage to speak out about issues that world powers would rather he not divulge helped inspire me to do the Debtors Revolt. Since I released the "Debtors Revolt Begins Now" video two months ago, I have been on CBS Evening News, Fox & Friends, The Shepard Smith Show, Inside Edition, Suze Orman, and many other big-name media. But being on an internet radio show with the likes of Bob Chapman is by far the most exciting yet! He is a true patriot and I highly respect his lifetime of work and wisdom. You can check out his website at
http://www.theinternationalforecaster.com/

DON'T MISS THE SHOW AT http://www.sovereign-economist.co/
Wednesday, Nov. 25th at 4pm Pacific time.
(If you can't listen at time of broadcast, don't worry - the site will have archived downloadable audio file of the show).

Listen to
The SOVEREIGN ECONOMIST
on the Texas Broadcasting Network
LIVE Every Wednesday
6PM Central Time
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(940) 825-1041
(940) 825-1042


NEW METAL ALBUM REVIEW: MEGADETH'S "ENDGAME"

On a heavier note (okay, I couldn't resist the metal pun) Dave Mustaine and Co. just released their new album "Endgame" which is a concept-album about the new world order and the frightening ramifications of it. I was really excited about this album, since the subject matter is so intense and the artistry possibilities endless. Something like this steeped in the broth of one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time was as intriguing as the new movie "2012". I downloaded the album as soon as it was available and gave it a listen. I was quite surprised - Megadeth has gone back to their hardcore speed-metal roots with a modernized charge that just blasted me right out of the water! The songs are fast and furious, though there are a few contrasting interludes and curiously the album's first track opens with a sizable guitar lead. I have to say I was a bit disappointed since I've never gotten really into the speed-metal thing. I have total respect for the difficulty involved in playing that style of metal and the incredibly precise timing and meticulous musicianship it takes to do it right - I just really don't like listening to it for more than two minutes.

IMHO I think that Megadeth could have done so much more with the NWO concept, although I did enjoy the track "1,320" somewhat. While totally old-school 'Deth fans will be delighted with the speed and fury of this album, I'll have to stick with the more melodic and dynamic faves like "Hidden Treasures", "Countdown to Extinction", "Youthanasia" and "Cryptic Writings".

It's OK though Dave - I still love you!

It's Now or Never

Our country is at the precipice of utter destruction. Anyone who has not been in a coma for the last two years knows we are headed completely down the crapper. This is evidenced by a failing economy, skyrocketing unemployment, deteriorating currency, government takeovers, higher taxes and our liberties being eroded on a daily basis in the name of "globalism" and "security". What's more, our government Representatives (whom our forefathers intended as citizens who would serve terms - not be professional career-politicians) have been systematically and completely possessed by global corporate interests.

In case you HAVE been in a coma, here's a newsflash for ya... YOUR GOVERNMENT NO LONGER WORKS FOR THE INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE. PERIOD. And anyone who denies this is either: a) lying, b) delusional or c), both.

Things are happening so fast, if we don't act now - we may NEVER BE ABLE TO. I don't know about you, but I will not enjoy being a slave-sheep living in a country that resembles something the former Soviet Union dropped off on the Salvation Army's front stoop!

WE THE PEOPLE have to do something... And not a moment too soon! I'm in the process of formulating a simple "4-point" plan that all Americans will be able to incorporate into their everyday decision-making. I'm calling it a "Tax Revolt", but it will have nothing illegal in it and will involve a more 'round-about way of choking off the corporate feeding tubes that have a greed-and-power stranglehold on our nation.

I'm NOT against Capitalism - in fact, just the opposite. I believe in it so strongly, that had government taken a hands-off approach in response to the banking crisis last year - the system would have been purged of the corruption and vomit created by Wall St. and the big banks. Would it be painful? Yes. Would our system be disrupted? You bet. But the banks who exercised more responsible practices and prudence would be well on the way to taking up the slack and helping us with a REAL recovery.

The government is too big, too corrupt, too expensive and too ineffective. There are too many alphabet agencies, too many regulations, mandates, taxes, taxes and MORE TAXES it is no wonder we are TENS OF TRILLIONS of DOLLARS in DEBT!!!

If you are coming from a Christian worldview, we know that the outcome may be predetermined. BUT NOWHERE in the bible say we as Christians need to just sit down and allow evil to run riot unfettered. Rockerchics don't put up with that, and neither should you. In fact, I'm going to piss Satan off every chance I get!

We have to stop it. It's now - or never.

Stay tuned and GET READY!!!

God Bless us and the United States of America.

WHERE'S A REVOLUTION TO TURN TO?

I've had several people write to me about the "Showdown in Chicago". As usual, our media is out to lunch and I wouldn't have even known about it if it weren't for the keen eye of fellow 'netters.

While such a protest as this sounds fun, I'll tell you the problem with these organized protests:

• First of all, an individual or organization that wants to do a protest is now forced to "Apply" for a "permit" from cities - a direct violation of our US Constitution but municipalities no longer think our constitution in relevant. If your application is "approved" your protest rally is usually confined to a park or obscure end of a street or downtown area, where the general public will not really see you. That's how protesters are now marginalized and why they get relatively scant media attention.

• Secondly, the Tea parties haven't worked. They're fun (I went to one on tax day), but again marginalized by the media and most are thousands of miles from any politicians or gov't houses/representatives meeting places. So there's a huge geographical disconnect there, making it easier for politicians to ignore us.

• Third, we saw phone-calling and letter-writing campaigns of UNPRECEDENTED NUMBERS to gov't representatives offices 300 to 1 against the bailouts - and they went ahead and voted 'yes' anyway. This proves the politicians really don't give a damn what we think and care even less about what we want.

So what's left... ??? THE INTERNET!!!

We have the power, in our very hands THIS INSTANT, to COLLAPSE these evil corporations that have ruined our once-great nation and it's people's future. We have the ability to cyber-organize people from every corner of the globe to the extent that we could bring BIG BANKS DOWN, choke off politician's bribe money from Wall St., and VOTE OUT every single incumbant in office!!! The internet is our last and best resort.

There's been lots of talk amongst some of the more extreme of us out there of "armed revolution" but how realistic is that??? What are we going to do - march make-shift militias 3000 miles to D.C. ? Hell, we wouldn't even make it out of town. Maybe that would work 200 years ago, but not now.

IT'S TIME TO REFRESH THE TREE OF LIBERTY...

THE NEXT BATTLEFIELD IS AT OUR FINGERTIPS - LET THE DRUMS OF WAR BEGIN!

Debtors Revolt and BEYOND!!!

Wow, I know it's been a long time since I posted on this blog. I decided it's time to blow the dust off and use this as my RANT page which will be linked to my Debtors Revolt website. So much exciting stuff is happening, I can't keep everyone updated fast enough with my YouTube videos or website (which is still under construction, but a temporary one is on my other blogspot page, http://www.debtorsrevoltnow.blogspot.com/ )

CHASE BANK HAS THE NERVE TO JACK ME!!!

After the hornets nest I stirred up with my "Debtors Revolt Starts Now!" video, posted on YouTube on Sept. 8th, you would think that any bank with my name in their customer database would flag it. But NOOOO.... Chase bank apparently doesn't know or doesn't care what I have done to their competitor, Bank of America, who a few months ago jacked my APR up to 30%. Since the release of that video, 455,000 people viewed that video and I appeared on dozens of national, TV and radio appearances. Not to mention front page news in HUNDREDS of blogs all over the 'net! Thousands of viewers wrote me, many of whom joined the Debtors Revolt and have refused payment on their credit card accounts which had the APR ballooned to usurious levels. As a result, the banksters are reporting record defaults. It appears they NEVER LEARN! You cannot screw good customers and expect them to pay you!

WATCH AS I ACTUALLY CALL CHASE BANK AND CONFRONT THEM:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_9mqj7jD0QE




TAX REVOLT COMING SOON

Yes, you read that right - a TAX revolt! Why? Because the government is in the back pockets of the banksters. Did you know that 40% of campaign contributions come from financial institutions? That's why the government has allowed banks to create this freakin' mess of an economy we have today.

CONSERVATIVE vs. LIBERAL?

Don't even go there!!! BOTH DemoCRAPs and RepubliCONs are co-conspirators of the big global banking cartel - you know it, I know it. The government knows it. Take for example, the fact that sound currency practices were ended under the Nixon administration when gold was unhinged from our currency in 1971. We had terrible inflation and a recession under Jimmy Carter, the fall of the savings and loans collapse started under Reagan and ended with Bush 1, banks were let out of their asylum under the repeal of the Glass-Stegall act under the Clinton administration, etc., etc., etc. Need I go on? The plain fact of the matter is BOTH DEMS AND REPS have SOLD OUT the American people, and good jobs and industries have been handed over to the globalists.

WHAT'S THE ANSWER?

Kick out both the major parties! Don't vote for another REP or DEM. Pick and independent, or choose one of the alternative parties. There's a bunch of 'em now, so you're bound to find one that fits your idealogy.

STAY TUNED...

Go to my YouTube channel page and subscribe at www.youtube.com/user/Rockerchic4God
Click the "Subscribe" button so you don't miss the big TAX REVOLT plan announcement.

ROCK ON, I'll be back... I promise!

Freedom and Liberty: R.I.P.

Most people in the U.S. think that Obama's stimulus bill is for fixing the train wreck known as the economy. WRONG. Most of the components in the 1,400 page bill are bits and pieces of spending that will have minimal, if any, impact on the economy. The house and senate are being pushed into voting on this thing immediately, though most of our representatives haven't even had time to read it! What's really terrifying though, is some of the "bits and pieces" tagged on to this behemoth are other bills that would not stand a chance of being passed if illuminated on their own accord. Just to name a few:

• The Holt Act, which will require every single gun owner in the nation to register with a new alphabet agency of the Federal Government. You will have to submit to re-licensing every 5 years, and forfeit your right to protection under the constitution against random search as seizure. In other words, the feds will have total control over how, when, where and why you own a firearm. They can take it away, any time they want, without due process.

• 
  The creation of a Federal electronic database of every American's medical record, including diagnoses, treatments, medications, who is treating you, etc. It will be used to determine whether your medical provider is giving you "appropriate, cost-effective treatments". This is mandatory for ANYONE who even steps into a doctor's office or gets treatment from a hospital. That means that the federal government will know all of your private health information and decide for you and your doctor what treatments you will or won't get! Aside from the invasion of privacy, just imagine what can be done when, (not "if "- we know NO electronic records ANYWHERE are completely safe) you are barred from certain jobs, insurance or health coverage because of your medical conditions!!!

Now, you don't have to take the word of a dumb blond if you think this information is hogwash. Do your own research. If a bubble-headed rockerchic can find this information with a little Googling, you can too.

The bottom line is, America is quickly transforming from a free republic into a hybrid socialist-fascist country. You, your children and grandchildren will no longer be FREE in any way, shape or form. The constitution is being thrown out the window. Every aspect of your lives will be molded, monitored and accountable to a totalitarian government.

REVOLUTION?

8 States, including New Hampshire and Oklahoma, have drafted resolutions that basically tells the Federal Government to butt-out of State business and State sovereignty. They are publicly stating that the Federal government is trampling on the Constitution, and won't tolerate any more of the feds bullying.

Counties within the State of California (where rockerchics are hatched) are organizing their own "tax revolt" and are either suing the State for forcing mandated programs without funding them, or shutting down said mandated programs - even though some may risk prosecution for doing so. These mandated programs include things like welfare, services for the elderly and disabled, etc.

I've even heard some rumblings among working citizens that they will change their W-4 withholding exemptions to "25", thereby eliminating most or all Federal withholding of their paychecks. (It's not illegal, but at the end of the tax year you had better come up with the money owed for that year's taxes or risk a spanking from the IRS). I suppose one who has financial discipline could put the equivalent of their "saved" withholdings in a savings account, then pay the taxes at the end of the year. It does make sense in that you won't be loaning Uncle Sam your hard-earned money interest-free. Hmmmm......

DECLARE YOUR OWN INDEPENDENCE!

With the continuing collapse of the economy, layoffs, civil liberties, and privacy being eroded on a daily basis the only way we can retain any sense of freedom anymore is to wean ourselves off government and corporate systems. To each our own abilities and resources, try to get "off grid" as much as possible. Plant a garden and store food so you need little or no income to survive. Downsize your life (do you really need to "own" a large home enslaved to an overgrown mortgage? You don't really own that house anyway - the bank does!) Get your money out of paper assets: Invest in tangibles such as gold, silver, storable food, emergency supplies, etc. Get off the credit cards and pay-as-you-go. The more we depend on the government to meet our needs, the more control they gain over you. Re-prioritize your values: Would you rather live as a slave to the corporate-government system to have the big house, newer vehicles, designer clothes, etc.? If we continue to consider this lifestyle as "success" we are living a lie. I would rather be free living in a rental or paid-for humble abode than enslaved to the banking cartel. Real success is family responsibility, helping others, serving God and our communities with our natural gifts. Look what a mess the government has created in managing itself. Do you really want them managing every aspect of your life?

THANK GOD! (IT'S RAINING)

California and other Western states have been really thirsty - facing one of the worst droughts in memory. 4 months ago, my hubby and I rocked on up to Grants Pass, Oregon for the a gig. Driving across the Lake Shasta bridges, we were horrified at how low the lake was. Those of us who remember the bad drought we had in the 70's remember the lake level at that time. It was way lower than it was back then! Entire docks were sitting aground, there was more bank than there was water. Thankfully, last week a series of storms came in, and supposedly will continue through February. This may help spare us from very strict water rationing down the road. Rockerchics usually don't like rain, but we do like flushing toilets, showering and a little extravagance known as a swimming pool. (Hey, greenfreaks - it gets HOT here in the summer. We can't all live in chilly, foggy San Francisco!).

(Photo credit: Thewhitebear of Flickr.com)

A TALK SHOW FOR THE REST OF US

On the VH1 Classic channel they launched a heavy metal talk show called, "That Metal Show". Hosted by Eddie Trunk (Founder of the channel's hugely popular "Metal Mania") and two other guys I've never heard of. They interview legendary metal musicians such as Yngwie Malmsteen, Lita Ford, Dee Snider (Twisted Sister front man), and many others. The trivia competition segment is "Stump the Trump", which I love playing along with. Eddie usually has my metal trivia beat by miles but I always learn something I didn't know before. Interspersed with lots of humor, practical jokes (usually on Eddie or some unsuspecting fan), album reviews, debates and tour info, this is a talk show I don't mind watching. They're gearing up for the second half of the season to start airing in March. Check your local listings for day/time.

BLAST FROM THE PAST

A digital family slide-show project I've been working on has stirred my nostalgic side. Besides missing my family members (most of whom have all passed). I found this photo of me in the 1980's, and found myself pining for the days when my biggest worries in life were, "what to wear to the concert?", or whether the drummer would ask me out. Living in L.A. in the mid 80's was the greatest time and place for a 20-something rockerchic to be living. Hair bands galore! Big hair! 24/7 nightlife! I did hair and makeup for some of the band members I knew back in the day. Quite an exciting time for a country girl from rural Northern California. Ahhh, those were the days...

Rockerchic - Circa 1988!

OMG!!! THE RIGHT-WING WHACK-O CONSPIRACY THEORISTS WERE RIGHT!

As I write this, the state of California (where I live, and was born and raised) is not issuing payments for student aid, tax refunds and some welfare programs. Banks are teetering on the brink of failure even after hundreds of billions of cash infusions (your money, 30% of which was used to pay out end-of-year bonuses to rich banking professionals P.S.-and-by-the-way). Massive layoffs are wiping millions off the job landscape, people are killing themselves and their own wives and children, unemployment funds in many states have run dry, subsisting only on federal "loans", retirement funds have been decimated and retail businesses large and small are belly-up by the thousands. You know, I'm not a history expert, but from what I've heard this sounds an awful lot like a depression to me.

THE PREDICTIONS - WHAT CAME TRUE AND WHAT DID NOT

Just six months ago, the "officials" and mainstream media finance gurus were not only calling a bottom, but insisted that we weren't even in a recession! They insisted that, "the fundamentals of our economy are solid." Now they claim that "no one saw this coming". Really?!?!?! There were DOZENS of economists, journalists, authors, historians, trend researchers and finance buffs who called this whole scenario years ago. When any of their predictions were presented to mainstream media finance "experts", government officials or banking establishments, the warnings were immediately dismissed or even ridiculed. We were told not to listen to "doomsayers". We were told they were crazy, on "the fringe", scaremongers. A little over a year ago, I stumbled upon the rantings of some of these whack-o, apocalypse fruit loops theories and predictions. I though it was outrageous, I really didn't believe it - but kept observing events and monitoring what these guys were saying just out of curiosity. To my horror and amazement, every single thing they said would happen came true!

--- But you don't have to believe me, I'm just a bubble-headed blond rockerchic. No, you can see for yourself by googling these people and referring to their published, audio and video testimonials from a year to many years ago: Peter Schiff, David Walker, Gerald Celente, George Ure, Max Keiser, Bob Chapman, James Kunstler, Kevin Denninger, "manoftruth" and "myspacesecrets" (YouTube channels), Eric Cedarstrom and Joe Jacquint (Patriot Radio News at allamericangold.com), and Dr. Lee Warren. These are just a few - there are many others you will find as you start looking.

THE BEST PREDICTOR OF FUTURE EVENTS IS RECENT PAST EVENTS


We were told that the situation was going to be "contained." Then we were told it was going to be contained with emergency loans from the Federal Reserve Bank. That didn't work, so then we were told it would be fixed at a price (the first bailout, 700 billion). That didn't work either. Now they are telling us that the economy will be fixed, for real, honestly, really this time... but at a much higher price (again, with your money). Do you really think that because there's a different president in office that this time, this Trillion, is really going to work? If you do, I seriously suggest you stop by my place of employment - the county mental health department - and be evaluated for a specific type of delusional disorder I like to call "The Charlie-Brown and Lucy Syndrome". That's where Lucy holds the football, and promises not to pull it away as Charlie kicks it with all his might. Of course, every time she does pull the football away and Charlie quickly finds the ground plastered to his aching rear-end. Charlie Brown continues to fall for Lucy's promise that this time, it will be different.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN NOW?

The tin-foil hat brigade now says that what we have to look forward to for the rest of '09 and several years out is not pretty. In fact, it's downright frightening. Here's just a brief rundown of what's most likely will occur - some of which is certain to occur - but in which order depends on many variables. So here goes:

- 15 to 20 percent unemployment
- Banking holiday (where the banks shut down temporarily, without notice, to keep the currency from collapsing)
- Currency collapse, if above does not work (google Iceland collapse for a little taste of that)
- Food shortages
- Riots, civil unrest (already happening in Western Europe and Iceland)
- Martial law (in response to above)
- Tax revolts
- Mass homelessness
- Middle class wiped out, all are thrown into severe poverty
- Rampant hyperinflation (google Weimar Republic or Zimbabwe inflation)

I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU, BUT I'M LISTENING TO THE WHACK-Os. THEY'RE THE ONLY ONES SO FAR THAT CALLED IT RIGHT AND HAVEN'T LIED TO US OR STOLEN FROM US AND OUR DESCENDANTS!!!

If the majority of the American public were smarter than a rockerchic, we would all be marching on Washington with torches and pitchforks this very moment!

STAY TUNED FOR NEXT WEEK'S POST ON WHAT YOU CAN DO TO SAVE YOURSELF, BECAUSE THE GOVERNMENT WON'T!


A ROCK LEGEND HAS DEPARTED FROM US

Billy Powell, keyboardist for the legendary rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, passed away last week of a heart attack. Lynyrd Skynyrd were the pioneers of "Southern Rock" with mega-hits such as "Sweet Home Alabama", "Freebird" and "That Smell". Billy was one of the last surviving members of the original band lineup, and was predeceased by Ronnie Van Zant (lead singer), Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines who were killed in a plane crash in 1977 shortly after the release of the "Street Survivors" album. That was my freshman year in high school, and that album was hugely popular - every kid I knew ran out and bought that album, which remains one of my favorites to this day. Thank the Good Lord for remastering audio technology, which will allow Billy and the band's legacy of great music to be shared with future generations.

I believe that God puts every single person on the earth for a reason. Whether we live up to God's plan for us is a choice. I believe Billy was put here to make great music for everyone to enjoy. God bless him for living up to that mission in his life.

Until next time, Rock on!

World Record: World's Lamest Blogger!

This is the first update for this blog since July '08!! What kind of blogger only updates every 6 months? Well, the excuses could be listed ad infinitum, but I won't waste time with that. There are a lot of important issues to cover, so I'll get right to it.

EVEN LAMER THAN MY BLOGGING NEGLECT: MAINSTREAM MEDIA'S REPORTING (or lack thereof)

While NBC, CBS, CNN, FOX, etc. focus on His Royal Highness, Obama's every move (I wouldn't be surprised to see a break-in special alert about Obama's daily bowel movement) a lot of very important things have been happening. Take for example this headline, which I've only seen on the LA Times website and the California State Association of Counties website:

"California Suspends Welfare, Tax Refunds and Student Aid Payments Beginning Feb. 1"

This is huge... HUGE!!! Given that there are literally millions of california residents on welfare alone, I'm dumbfounded that this hasn't been splattered ALL OVER the media of every type and source. Not that I agree with so many people on welfare (many of them are quite capable of finding a job, even in these tough times) but think of the ramifications of tenants not paying their rent, their electricity being shut off, not sending their kids to school because they can't gas up their cars, the already-overwhelmed food banks, increased crime, etc. The government created this generational pool of people completely dependent on the system - now they will spur a phenomenon of social "withdrawal symptoms" much like cutting a heroine addict off their drug supply.

WHAT ELSE IS THE MSM NOT TELLING US?

God only knows. But with what we already know, it doesn't take a theoretical physicist to logically deduct what is likely to occur. In regard to the U.S. financial crisis, I'll put it plain and simple - the wheels are about to come off, and quickly. Look for more sudden and profound decline around end of Feb or March, much like that of the month of Oct '08, only worse.

THE RECIPE FOR U.S. COLLAPSE

The nation's debt (actually around 8 Trillion) is completely out of control - literally. Combine that with insolvent banks and bankrupt states, add a sprinkle of high unemployment and four trillion cups or so of printing-press inflationary money, and we have a mondo batch of Sh:t stew that will GUARANTEE collapse. Optional serving suggestion: New war or acceleration of existing wars, or a natural disaster of some type to help things along. Don't believe it? Read your history. Read about Weimar, Germany in the 1920's. Read about the Soviet collapse of the early 1990's. Read about Argentina. Then read every word you can on www.endtimesreport.com. Lots of great info on food storage, self-sufficient lifestyle, etc. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst I always say.

Another trend not being talked about much is that the global shipping system has all but completely shut down. Shipping rates are nearly zero... That's ZERO with a capital Z. What do you think most of that cargo is? Well, if you don't know, it happens to be FOOD. Most people don't think about the fact that much of our foodstuffs are imported. There are anecdotal reports from shoppers reporting there is already less food on the shelves (especially at Wal-Mart). I have noticed some trends also, like the fact that a recent trip to the two grocery stores - there were absolutely NO Old Fashioned Quaker Oats on the shelves. It had been sold out a few weeks ago. I haven't been back to check it lately, but makes you wonder, eh?

ONTO MORE FUN TOPICS - REVIEW OF JUDAS PRIEST'S NEW ALBUM

My very thoughtful husband, who knows what a huge JP fan I am, bought me the "Nostradamus" 2-CD set for Christmas. It's their first ever concept album, based completely on the life and times of Nostradamus. Whether you think he's an actual prophet or not is a matter of debate, however, no one can deny that this man's writings continue to inspire curiosity and mysterious fascination to this day. Not bad for a dude that lived 500 years ago!

In general, I really like this album. It's a nice blend of traditional JP dramatic, hard-driving riffs and modern orchestral influences. Each song has it's own melodic acoustical prelude, beautifully and flawlessly done by guitar masters Glen Tipton and KK Downing. Following each prelude comes the majestic, grind-driving groove that only the vocals of Rob Halford can compliment. I did notice that he doesn't have the vocal range he used to, but given his age still a great job. The album is very long, 2 CD's full. I listened to the whole thing while cleaning house recently, and made the domestic drudgery bearable - even fun!

I definitely recommend "Nostradamus" for any serious metal connoisseur, but the sheer length and melodramatic mood swings might be exhausting for the average listener who prefers plain-and-simple good 'ol time songs like "Hellbent for Leather" and "Livin' after Midnight."

HOPEFULLY I WILL NOT WAIT SIX MONTHS FOR ANOTHER UPDATE!!!

GOD BLESS AND TAKE CARE