Category Archives: Inspiration

SOCIAL MEDIA – A MEANS FOR DISTRACTION or A TOOL TO SPARK CHANGE?

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I am amazed at how so many people are afraid to face the realities of what is happening around them and how they don’t want to get involved in issues that inflict injustice on other people, animals and the environment.  I scan the Facebook pages of friends and acquaintances and am awestruck at the meaningless posts they want others to read.  Here are some examples (without mentioning names, of course):

  • a friend liked a page dedicated to ‘hot guys in sweat pants’
  • someone posted a link to pictures of ‘people of Wal-Mart’ obviously to ridicule their look and weirdness
  • people bragging about how great their lives are (without being humble)
  • people bragging at how great their make-up or haircuts look

I know…..why is it so wrong for people to post these things – they are only sharing these things for laughs or because they are proud.  Maybe it’s me – but I don’t enjoy poking fun at people anymore or telling everyone on Facebook that I love porn.  Maybe I am making too much of an assumption – I have posted pictures of concerts I have attended and of authors I have met.  Why do I feel that the posts most other people make are not as authentic?  Why should I care?  I don’t know what contributions these people make to social, political or environmental causes.  Here’s why I care…..

I know some of these people and I know their personalities and their habits…..when someone tells me they don’t recycle because their landlord doesn’t supply them with the resources to recycle, why should they bother?  They would rather surf the net for pictures of hot guys or follow the lives of porn stars than engage in a conversation with their landlord about setting up a recycling station in their building.  That’s the reality.

I have also engaged in pretty heated debates on Facebook because of what someone may have posted.  I stand behind everything I post – because I believe whatever I post 100%  I try not to judge the lifestyle’s of others but will stand up for what I believe in.  Many people have commented on many of my Facebook posts telling me “why do you post those, they are too violent”, “I don’t want to see that”, “Facebook isn’t for activism”.  I guess Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites are only for ‘hooking up’, porn, making fun/judging others or to post meaningless crap that continues to distract people from the realities and injustices BIG corporations, BIG oil and our governments are creating to ensure we don’t ‘remove our blinders’.

I may not be able to go to the Arctic to make a point that Shell/Exxon/BP or any other oil company should not be drilling there – but I can certainly post and blog about it to get the message out.  I may not be able to afford an electric vehicle right now but if I keep spreading the word to pressure our governments and the automobile industries, maybe I will one day.  I may not be blocking transport trucks from delivery animals to slaughter houses but I can surely share the horrors these animals go through and possibly making someone think twice before they purchase factor farmed animals.

I know and understand our need to be desensitized to social, political and environmental issues – life is difficult, but if we continue to leave our blinders on, imagine what the world would look like tomorrow?  Think about it for just one moment – if people didn’t advocate for the environment and sustainable energy, what would our environment look like today?  If people didn’t advocate for equality or human rights, what would our world look like today?  Imagine if we didn’t have PETA or individuals who actually care about the pain and suffering animals go through, what would our world look like today?

Social media is a powerful tool – with it, we can send messages across the globe instantaneously and start revolutions, we can ignite the spark and let the flames of positive change engulf the planet.  Are you ready?

Together, we can make the world a more positive one.

IS THE PLANET TAKING ITS LAST BREATH?

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Let me tell you what I am not……I’m not a scientist, physicist, a climatologist, or an expert on environmental issues.  I like to weigh the pros and the cons of any situation and do enjoy a good debate.  In terms of the planet and our environment - there is no need for debate.  Scientists have been warning us that if humanity continues to rely on fossil fuels and dirty oil instead of thinking about sustainable energy, we would cause a shift in climate change that would have a devastating effect on our planet and humanity forever. 

I am 44 years old and I have always had a love for nature and our environment.  As a teenager, the extent of my environmental activism was wearing t-shirts about saving the planet and protecting our forests.  At that time (nearly 30 years ago) I didn’t understand the severity humanity’s actions would have on the planet – whose fault is that?  I don’t know.  Should I have taken more of an interest, should our government and politicians taken this issue more seriously, should we have relied on the educational system to put emphasis on environmental issues?  Scientists warned us over 25 years ago that our dependency on fossil fuels would have a devastating effect on our climate but the urgency of their message was ignored and now we are in a ‘do or die’ situation and we must get involved.

So many of us fear the knowledge of climate change and don’t want to disrupt their lives with this knowledge.  Many people think “what’s the point, there’s nothing I can do about it now”.  Thoughts like this are so dangerous because when we close ourselves off from the reality of what is happening – we close ourselves off to potentially finding the solutions to those same issues.  If and when we understand the severity of the problem and what the problem may cause in the very near future – shouldn’t that knowledge engage people to seek the solutions to those problems?  I understand life is very difficult enough and that we have our own personal problems….we think – “let’s rely on the experts to fix this”.  Well, experts need the support of the masses to challenge those who don’t believe there is an issue and only care about profit margins.

Here are some interesting statistics:

  • NASA completed a study to find out how much carbon in the atmosphere is too much – they indicated 350 ppm (parts per million).  In 2012, readings of carbon in the atmosphere were 395 ppm
  • Arctic ice shield has been reduced by more than 50%
  • Oceans are 30% more acidic than they were over 30 years ago
  • Fossil fuel industry is allowed to pollute our environment without financial repercussions  
  • Top 5 oil companies (Exxon, Chevron, BP, Shell, ConocoPhillips) had record profits in 2011 – over $130 billion dollars or $375 million dollars/day
  • Top 5 oil companies received $6.6 million/day in federal tax breaks
  • Top 5 oil companies spend $444,000 thousand dollars/day lobbying congress
  • Rex Tillerson CEO, Exxon made $100,000/day

Here are some key issues from the WMO’s (World Meteorological Organization) 2012 Climate Statement summary:

  • 2012 in the top 10 warmest years ever on record
  • Above average temperatures were observed in most of the globe’s surface area
  • Greenland ice sheet had the largest melt since satellite records began 34 years ago

What can we do?  Call your legislator’s and ask them to support sustainable energy.  Demand high performance/affordable electric cars.  Join a global movement and help them take the fight to parliament.  It is our obligation to do whatever we can to save our planet but we must act now.

Here are some great links to connect you to a global community of environmental activism:

DO THE MATH – YouTube video

http://350.org/

http://wwf.org/

http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/

A detailed version of The Statement on the Status of the Global Climate 2012 report summary and additional information about The World Meteorological Organization can be found at:  http://www.wmo.int/pages/mediacentre/press_releases/pr_972_en.html

If we all work collectively – we can ensure that this planet will never take its last breath.  We may not be able to stop climate change but we can make changes today that will be positive for our environment, animals and for humanity tomorrow.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

ACT NOW TO SAVE OUR PLANET.

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Please take off the blinders and ACT NOW to save our environment, planet and humanity!  We must stop saying that we can’t take on the big oil corporations like Exxon, BP and Shell – but WE CAN!  Scientists have indicated that we must drastically cut our dependency on fossil fuels and we must do so in the next 5 years. 

Please watch and share this video with everyone you know….we all have an obligation to the planet to ask our government and oil companies to invest in sustainable energy that will SAVE OUR PLANET…..

This video shows us exactly what we can do to create positive and effective change in the world.  It is time to show the BIG OIL companies that we can hurt them were it counts – their bottom line.

For more information and to advocate for the planet on a grass-roots movement….please join http://350.org/

Together, we can make the world a more positive one.

JASON COLLINS IS GAY!

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I am sure that many have heard the news that pro NBA player – Jason Collins has proclaimed that he is gay!  Here are comments that people have made about this news:

“I’m proud to call Jason Collins a friend.” – Bill Clinton (via twitter)

“When I see you I’m gonna hug your knees so hard.” – Ellen Degeneres

“This is what role models are made of.  Here’s to a time when it’s no big deal.” – Ricky Gervais (via twitter)

“Thank you for not being afraid to speak up and speak out.  Thank you for your courage.” - Representative John Lewis (via twitter)

“Hey @JasonCollins34 I’m still gayer than you!” - Rupaul (via twitter)

“So proud of you, Jason Collins!  This is a huge step forward for our country.  We’ve got your back!” - Michelle Obama, FLOTUS (via twitter)

“Collins has led the way to freedom. Yes, freedom — because that closet is completely and utterly suffocating. It’s only when you come out that you can breathe properly. It’s only when you come out that you can be exactly who you are. Collins’ action will save lives. This is no exaggeration: Fully one-third of suicides among teenagers occur because of their sexuality. Collins will truly affect lives, too. Millions of kids will see that it is OK to be gay. No need for shame, no need for embarrassment, no need for hiding” – Martina Navratilova (Sports Illustrated column)  – Martina came out in 1981 at the height of her pro-tennis career.

Not all of the news was positive though…..here are what non-supporters have said (again, hiding behind religion to justify their bigotry and ignorance):

“Personally, I don’t believe that you can live an openly homosexual lifestyle or an openly, like premarital sex between heterosexuals. If you’re openly living that type of lifestyle, then the Bible says you know them by their fruits. It says that, you know, that’s a sin. If you’re openly living in unrepentant sin, whatever it may be, not just homosexuality, whatever it maybe, I believe that’s walking in open rebellion to God and to Jesus Christ. So I would not characterize that person as a Christian because I don’t think the bible would characterize them as a Christian.” – ESPN sportscaster Chris Broussard

“I will guarantee you if the ownership of whatever team is thinking about bringing him back or thinking about trading for him – and they go to the players on that team and they say ‘how do you feel about an out, active homosexual being in the same locker room sharing the same shower facilities with you’ they’d say ‘no way. I don’t want that. I don’t want some guy, a teammate eyeballin’ me in the shower and my wife does not want that.” -  Bryan Fischer (AFA – America Family Association)

Here is Jason Collins first interview after ‘coming out’ on Good Morning America:

I focused on the positive comments because it is that feedback that matters.  Those who make negative comments are hiding behind their fear of what they don’t want to understand.   Some of my (gay) friends have made comments such as;  “big deal, there are many courageous individuals that are not in the public eye that ‘come out’ every day and don’t even receive half as much attention”.  Yes, many individuals come out everyday – which is also great.  However, it is not everyday where a pro-athlete decides to risk their future career by announcing to the world they are homosexual.  Jason Collins coming out IS a big deal.  As Martina Navratilova indicated in her Sports Illustrated column (see comments above).  In addition to this giving our LGBT youth the courage and strength to come out and live their true authentic lives – it may also inspire other pro-athletes to stop denying their right to live their true authentic selves.

Looking back – I wonder how much earlier I would have come out had some of my role-models made such an important and public statement.  Never-the-less, Jason Collins news is wonderful, inspiring and important for reasons that heterosexuals may not understand.  One such reason is that gay youth, men and women may not feel a disconnect and alone when there is such a high-profile role model in the public eye and that there are others that are just like them.

Jason Collins did not come out to seek attention – he come out to truly live his authentic life and in doing so, has probably saved the lives of so many who are struggling with their own sexuality.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

WORDS FROM A FOURTH GRADER…..

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This is what happens when we don’t brain wash our children with religious doctrine or our own prejuidices….

4th grader on marriage equality

Children don’t see that prejuidices and stereotypes until we teach them those things…..it is refreshing when children speak from the heart and without any adult corruption or brainwashing.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

I AM GAY, AND I AM NO DIFFERENT THAN YOU ARE!

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Why is the world obsessing over homosexuality?  I don’t understand the constant debates about gay marriage, being an ‘out’ boy scout, being a gay politician, teacher, celebrity, athlete, preacher or garbage collector.  People need to face the facts – GAY PEOPLE EXIST and we are tired of being treated as if we are second class citizens.  We have jobs, we pay taxes, we have hardships and families and go through the same life experiences as everyone else on the planet go through.  So what is the difference between homosexuals and heterosexuals besides the same-sex attraction?  Let’s look at some of the things that heterosexuals can do that homosexuals can not (in most places) – Let’s also look at some of the stereotypes people have about homosexuals.

  • Heterosexuals can marry – homosexuals can not (in most countries)
  • Heterosexuals can adopt – homosexuals can not (in most countries)
  • Heterosexuals are not discriminated against because of their religious beliefs
  • Everyone is born a sinner – but in the eyes of religion, homosexuals are damned because of whom they love
  • Homosexual athletes will try to hit on you in the locker rooms if they are open about their sexuality (said very sarcastic)
  • Homosexuals can’t play sports – they are not manly enough (said very sarcastic)
  • Lesbians want to be men and gay men want to be women because one partner has to be effeminate and the other manly
  • There is a gay agenda 
  • Gay teachers only teach homosexuality so that they can recruit your children to that lifestyle
  • Homosexuals can not be ‘out’ while serving and possibly dying for their country
  • Homosexuals can not have visitation rights if their partner is hospitalized for any reason (most parts of the world)
  • Most religions condemn homosexuality even though the basic message of religion is to love all and show compassion to all (possibly interpreted by a homophobic male)
  • Homosexual parents will try to convert their children to their lifestyle
  • Homosexuality is not natural because – man and women are put on earth to procreate (like there isn’t enough people on the planet)
  • If you listen to Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Liza Minnelli, Barbara Streisand and like show tunes – you are gay!
  • Homosexuals are put to death in some countries for being gay (I don’t think a heterosexual has ever been put to death because they love a person of the opposite sex)
  • All homosexuals practice bestiality (no heterosexuals practice this)
  • All homosexuals are promiscuous (there are no heterosexuals who are promiscuous)
  • All homosexuals have HIV/AIDS (heterosexuals can not contract HIV/AIDS)
  • All homosexuals are pedophiles (there are no heterosexual pedophiles)
  • All homosexuals are interior decorators (although we are great at it…lol)

I think I have covered everything.  Looking at this list – it’s no wonder gays and lesbians consider it a hardship to live their authentic lives.  Many lesbians and gays don’t ‘come out’ because they know that society doesn’t have a positive perception of them.  Many choose suicide because they want to end the constant bullying from those who believe all the stereotypes and prejudices listed above.  Many gays and lesbians don’t want to live their authentic lives because of the threats of violence they may face.  Many don’t want to live their authentic lives because they may face death – Imagine, being put do death because of who you love. 

I didn’t ‘come out’ until I was 21…..why did I have to come out?  I had to come out because I was tired of being called a faggot, ass-muncher, fruitcake and fairy.  I had to come out because I was tired of being told that homosexuals are not capable of having loving and committed relationships.  I had to come out because I was tired of living a life that was making me miserable.  I had to come out because I wasn’t living my true authentic self.  I had to come out because I didn’t want to see another gay or lesbian endure violence just because they were born gay.  I needed to come out because I wanted to stand up to those punks who threw a bottle at my head (they missed by inches) from their car as they drove by yelling ‘die faggot, die’.  I needed to come out because I could potentially be a positive influence for those who may have struggle with their sexuality in the future.  Most of all – I needed to come out so that I could start to live.  I wonder if heterosexuals have these struggles……

Gay marriage will not destroy the world.  Why do I know this?  Well – if the institution of marriage was so important to heterosexuals why all the divorces?  Why the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th marriages – are you not supposed to be happy with the first partner you choose?  Didn’t you have the opportunity to ‘scout’ potential life mates when you were single?

Gay scouts will not destroy society.  Why do I know this?  Well – there have been gay boy scouts since the boy scouts inception and those people who think otherwise, are fooling themselves.

We are not trying to convert anyone – there is no gay agenda, we don’t want your babies so that we can convert them to our lifestyle.  We don’t become teachers, politicians, preachers and police men and women so that we can push a gay agenda.  We do the exact same things you do – we do the best we can with the lives that are given to us by living, loving and by being compassionate towards others.  I can’t change my attraction to the same-sex, that is a composition of how I was born – so why would YOU want to change me?  If it was that easy for me to choose my lifestyle, then the same holds true for you – the only difference is that I don’t want to change who you fundamentally are, I only want to remove the stereotypes that you have towards me and those who were born like me.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one!

 

IT’S TIME HUMANITY TAKES A STAND ON PROTECTING OUR ENVIRONMENT and OUR PLANET

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How many of us have really looked at the impact we have on the environment and our planet?  Do you know how many coffee cups you put in the trash bin daily?  How about all carbon dioxide that is released into our air as you sit in a drive-thru waiting for food that will only cause you sickness?  Have you thought about the amount of garbage we produce on a daily basis?  Will we have enough food and water to feed 9 billion people in the very near future when there isn’t enough food already?  Will you continue to turn a blind eye to the devastation humans are creating on animals, the environment and our planet?  It’s time to wake up and demand better for the planet, for the future and for our existence.

In Ontario – Justin Trudeau just won the Liberal Party Leadership vote – Justin is considered to be the voice of a new generation.  A generation whose priorities are not about capitalism but activism and sustainability.  The future generation has a daunting task – to save the planet and humanity from extinction.  Hopefully, this generation – along with Justin Trudeau’s leadership, can and will act to protect the planet and work towards sustainable and renewable energies.  It is said that if humanity continues to deplete the earth’s natural resources as we are today – we will need 9 earth’s in order to survive.  We don’t have an additional 9 earth’s.  What we need to do is engage the future generation to demand better of our governments and to act to ensure the survival of the planet and of humanity.

Rob Stewart – award-winning director of the amazing and inspiring documentary – Shark Water, spoke at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto Canada about the devastation we are creating on the environment and our planet.  He asked the youth of today to become engaged and to be inspired to create positive change for the planet.  Here is that presentation:

Robert Stewart and Gus Van Sandt have created a new documentary called, Revolution about the plight our planet and humanity faces.  Here is the official trailer and interview with Rob Stewart about this very important documentary:

I urge everyone to watch this film and become inspired to act.  Demand better of our government!  Remove the blinders and understand the consequences that your actions have on our planet and do better.  Stop allowing media and BIG CORPORATION to lull you into a false sense of security – they only want your money.  Education is the key – educate and know what is happening and then be inspired to act for our future and for the future of generations to come.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one.

THANK YOU – TORONTO METROPOLITAN POLICE!

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I am so proud of our police force for creating this video!  Thank you for standing up for all those who are/have been bullied throughout their lives.  Having the support of the Toronto Police is a true testament to how far society has come in support of the LGBT community.  Watch this great video from the Toronto Police:

The Toronto Metropolitan Police has always ensured the safety of the LGBT community and their allies during Gay Pride Parades past and present in Toronto. 

Thank you for your support!

Together, we can make the world a more positive one.

 

 

 

THE POWER OF LOVE and WHAT PEOPLE CAN DO WHEN THEY WORK TOGETHER

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My faith in people and humanity has been restored…..despite all the horrible things that we hear on television and all other media sources, it is nice and inspiring when good news is reported.  Here is a story I came across on YouTube that filled my heart with joy.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did:

I believe this incident happened on a beach in Rio, Brazil.

This is a true testament to the love and compassion people have for others in need.  For all the people who acted out of love, compassion and concern for these dolphins – I ask that the universe sends you all that love, compassion and concern right back to you.  Positivity creates positivity.

Together, we can make the world a more positive one.