Travelers

Travelers

© 2009 A. Miles

Pencil drawing by Helene M Weiss

Have you but a moment for a quick glance, a hello

to share with a weary traveler on a journey of like

Perhaps a smile, a brief good day

Some small token or gesture that we are but the same

Both you and I travelers, on earth this day

Right here right now embarked on a journey

on this block, in this city, on this planet, in this universe

Together yet separate, travelers both

I seek nothing of you, no friendship, no romance

just a simple salutation, a reassuring nod that although we are separate we are not alone

Can we share in this moment, a kindly exchange

on this block, in this city, on this planet, in this universe

You and I, together yet separate travelers both

The Art of Asandra

By: Mary Damiano
Miami ArtZine
www.miamiartzine.com

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Photo: Ricardo Cora

Name: Asandra

City: Aventura

Birthplace: New York

Artistic Medium: Acrylic on canvas or paper

How did you get started?
I have been painting as far back as I can remember—probably as early as kindergarten. When I was 12 years old, my mother arranged for me to be a part of a small painting class that met on Saturdays in Long Island, New York. I continued to do this for four years, and then went on to Parsons School of design in New York City. Read more...

The man who would be priest - Part III

In Part One of "The man who would be priest", Christian de la Huerta spoke honestly of the strict catholic upbringing dominating his youth and of his transformative college years, raising questions, leading to a separation from God and the catholic worldview of his youth.
In Part Two, Christian awakens to a newfound reality, free from the projections and interpretations of organized religion and "a God created in their (man’s) image, rather than the reverse." We also glimpsed his life outside of the spiritual community and learned of his call back home, a journey “within” inspiring his own contact and direct experience of the sacred, a new understanding that “we are not separate from God”

The man who would be priest - Part two

The man who would be priest - Part two

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The man who would be priest

A candid four-part conversation with author, speaker and spiritual leader, Christian De La Huerta as he shares his thoughts on religion, spirituality and the notion of what it means to be a man of God.


The man who would be priest

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Welcome to the health industry circus… the greatest lie on earth!

After some 25 years of an acknowledged health care crisis Americans find themselves partnered with an administration committed to fixing or at the very least attempting to fix the health care system in the US. Yet even before the healing begins, fractions of those same Americans, duped by health industry tactics, assume the role of clown in a special-interest-created circus designed to disrupt & stall the very reform they seek.

An obscene strategy to be sure, one sacrificing dignity & pitting ordinary Americans against their own best-interests, but also one calling attention to the power & deceit of industry ringmasters determined to maintain the status quo & the protection of their own self-interests… even at the expense of the health & well-being of the American people.

While this tactic is nothing new in the world of special interest, its use in this instance is particularly troubling as it deliberately confuses those vulnerable Americans who would most benefit from reform.

The health care industry has successfully turned what should be a human issue into a political purpose benefiting their own agenda, & in the process making it abundantly clear, their interests lie not with you or your family but rather their own interests, a move leaving the American people behind in favor of profits.

Yet despite what you may believe or may have been led to believe the power is yours to decide… The Obama administration has effectively reinstated the notion of government by & for the people.

Health care is in crisis, but for industry insiders it is a crisis of conscience.

Come on America, you see thru this… don’t you?

Sheep protect wolves, wolves slaughter sheep

As the sheep protect the wolves in the form of consumer funded bailouts, (to the tune of $1.1 Trillion), the wolves vow to slaughter the sheep & the proposed agency that would protect them

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Wolves Gone Wild:

Why would the banking industry so vehemently object to the Obama administration's newly proposed Consumer Financial Protection Agency, an agency tasked with only one mission... to protect consumers, & let's be honest, to protect the banking industry from itself.

The proposed agency, made necessary by the actions or inactions within the banking industry itself is proof positive that just such an agency is not only warranted but desperately needed. In fact, it is the banking industry that not only set the stage for such an agency but undoubtedly served as the, "what not to do" model under which the new standards were created, thus ensuring safety, soundness & transparency, by setting new standards for ordinary mortgages, restricting & prohibiting risky loans & preventing deceptive financial practices... including, industry favorites like hidden fees & pre-payment penalties, & ironically, despite the banking industries vow to kill the proposal, the agency itself would protect both consumers & banks alike.

Contrast Obama's proposed agency to that of existing "watch dog" agencies, which leave a hole the size of Texas of unregulated financial institutions & questionable practices

Wolves in Sheep's Clothing:

What would motivate such an action on the part of banks? Consider these industry statements & the intense lobbying battle already underway.

Leader of the Pack:

Edward L. Yingling, president of the American Bankers Associaton:

"It's going to be a huge fight",

"This agency would have broad powers that go beyond every consumer law that has ever been enacted"

(Eddie, Eddie, Eddie... Big Brother scare tactics? FYI, Big Brother is now a reality... show & guess what, not so scary!)

The Pack:

Banking Industry Executives:

"Vow to fight Mr. Obama's plan with everything we have"

A Herd of Questions:

What do these actions say about an industry that would take such an unequivocal stance, an industry prepared to spend millions, billions of dollars (undoubtedly taxpayer dollars) to ensure that transparency & fairness never see the light of day? Why is the banking industry willing to protect a system that adversely affects its own customers? What or who is the banking industry really concerned about?

Let's be clear, to object & vow to fight with everything you have, a proposal that would protect not only your interests, but the interests of your own customers leaves no room for doubt as to intent or motive... & this despite the $1.1 Trillion Dollar Customer/Consumer-Funded Bailout for the likes of such banking industry giants as:

Bank of America: $52.5 Billion, Bank of America Mortgage: $804.4 Million

(By the way, this year, B of A raised the maximum number of times customers can get hit with overdraft fees from 5 a day to 10 & began charging a one-time overdraft fee of $35 if the account remains in the negative for more than 5 days. BofA also raised the monthly fee on "My Access" checking accounts from $5.95 to $8.95. (Bank of Opportunism)

Citi Group Bank: $50 Billion, Citi Group Mortgage: $1.1 Billion

Wells Fargo: $25 Billion

Suntrust: $4.9 Billion

PNC: $7.6 Billion

Chase Home Finance: $3.6 Billion

Wolf Den:

Of the soaring number of homeowners facing foreclosure, a recent survey of the largest mortgage companies participating in the administrations foreclosure prevention program shows that most have focused their efforts on the most delinquent borrowers first, which explains why troubled borrowers, not yet in default but eligible for the program say they've found it hard to get their mortgage providers to modify their loans.

Cry Wolf, Cry:

Scott Talbott, Senior VP for government affairs at the Financial Services Roundtable, an industry lobbying group wined... "If you are against a consumer regulatory agency, then everybody will say you're against consumer regulation"

Hey Scotty, keep crying... the sheep out number the wolves!

Predestination vs. Free Will

Predestination vs. Free Will (theological implications)

At birth, we know we are predestined to die.

The question of either has less to do with religion & everything to do with universal principles. The religious implication, as presented (click title for original essay) is humankind’s interpretation of the words & their written meaning.

Predestination is merely another way of saying “natural state, natural path, natural gift, etc. It is a universal truth about whom each of us is & what each of us can contribute to the world and ourselves. If we decide to follow this truth, we will fulfill our individual desires, i.e. purpose & meaning, leading to a life of true fulfillment, but predestination in and of itself does not affect individual decision-making. Your life is your decision.

Free will within the context of universal principles is always ours to control; we can choose to decide or not decide anything, anytime, anywhere. Ultimately, the road we travel is of our own free will. As we navigate thru life, we are open to many influences… popular culture, family, friends, the world, our own egos, but we innately know our predetermined path, by virtue of who we are, however that path will only lead the way when we choose to follow & exercise free will.

Predestination & Free Will are not separate from us they are us; we bring them to life… predestination & free will are like aging, with it, come wrinkles, a predestined occurrence, however some, thru free will, choose to erase those wrinkles, but in the end it doesn’t change their age or any real truth about them.

The Crucifixion of Adam Lambert ~ An Easter Story

Easter Sunday 2009

In an eerie resemblance to Easter, American Idol contestant Adam Lambert ascended into my life in the form of this affirmation-seeking question, “Don’t you think Adam Lambert is gay?”

My answer to that question would ignite a war of biblical proportions so heated & intense, even Judas would find his resurrection! But, before I begin, allow me to confess two things.

Forgive me American Idol for I have sinned
Confession #1: While I do consider myself a fan of American Idol, It has been, hmm… at least 3 seasons since I last, (faithfully) watched the show

Forgive me Adam Lambert & Gossipmongers of America for apparently I have sinned against you as well
Confession #2: Until that Easter Sunday morning (thank you NY Times… I think!) I’d never heard of Adam Lambert nor the earth-shattering brew ha ha aroused by his ascension.

The Immaculate Conception ~

A casual gathering of good friends, good conversation & good eats an Easter feast to rival the last supper.

In The Beginning ~

A beautiful Easter Sunday on South Beach. The gathering began much the same as any other, warm greetings, flowing red wine (a heavenly Australian Shiraz) & lively adult conversation. While our host lovingly labored over the sacrificial lamb, a casual but spirited exchange of personal antidotes on such adult topics as real estate, fashion & the state of our world served as entertainment. As we sat to enjoy our feast giving thanks for our many blessings, our grown up conversation took a decidedly unholy turn!

And so it began ~

The question that would label me a blasphemer, a Judas & turn our peaceful Easter celebration into Hell’s kitchen.... Don’t you think Adam Lambert is gay?

Note: to protect the identities of those in attendance, “my friends”, will, henceforth be referred to as the “Apostles of South Beach”

My response, which by the way I had no idea would illicit the level of outrage & disbelief it did, was quite simple… Do I think Adam Lambert is gay? “I don’t know, I don’t know him, he has never stated that he is & I don’t care to speculate about it, because truthfully It’s none of my business & more importantly I don’t care”
As the Heavens thundered & lightning bolts took aim from every direction, the Apostles of SoBe, I phones in hand presented their judgment, week’s worth of internet searches on all things Adam, everything from BAI performances (before American Idol) to an endless stream of pictures of Adam “looking gay” “acting gay”, etc. Regardless of their findings, I stood firm, neither affirming nor denying the holy judgment.

Heresy & the resurrection of Judas ~

My condemnation was swift! And while my sentence did not involve being forced to carry a cross on my back & walk Lincoln Road to jeers & curses of other judgment followers, the sentence was painful none-the-less. For in this increasingly bizarre alternate universe, in which I found myself, the Apostles of SoBe judged me to be the unholy resurrection of Judas in this psycho re-enactment of the last supper! Well, at least my last supper invitation.

American Idol contestant

Adam Lambert gay by popular judgment!

So say eth the Apostles of South Beach, so say eth America

Which begets the question ~

Why is everyone so concerned with the question anyway, especially given the fact that those asking it, including the Apostles of SoBe agree the answer would not matter nor would it change the way they see him (how generous, shall I call off the stoning!)

A better question… And Judas went on, and on, and on ~

Of Adam Lambert, I say… In this moment, HIS moment, why is it that we do not honor the magnificence of his light, his rise & his gift, why is that we do not marvel that against all odds this young man, this one person in a world of billions overcame fear, circumstance & any other obstacle to reach for his dream? Why is it that we don’t feel a sense of pride for a fellow human being fulfilling his divine purpose, why is it that we are not inspired by his willingness to share his gift?

The Apostles of South Beach, like their followers, deny any ill intent or harm…calling it “the price of fame”

What say thee now, Judas?
The price of fame? The price of fame is being famous, the price of fame is not being able to walk down the street without being recognized, the price of fame is constant interruptions by strangers seeking autographs or photos. The price of fame is not speculating on sexual identity, it is not dissecting ones past as fodder for personal amusement. That price of fame is a price we assigned, we are responsible for…& let’s be honest we use it to stroke our own egos in a fruitless attempt to mask our own missed opportunities.

The second coming of Judas… tell us more oh unholy Judas
To all the Israelites…I mean gossipmongers who feel the need to judge Adam’s personal life rather than his talent, I say, brethren, sisteren, have thee not seen him perform, have thee not heard him sing… if you prick his finger does he not bleedeth? For his is not talent it is a gift & Holy #*!? - Part the Seas... the reason why he is a contestant on American Idol & as far as I am concerned, the only thing open to judgment.

Philosophical Judas
In ourselves, we confirm the existence of the devil… for each time we tear down another… the devil rears its ugly head & guess what, the devil is us.


The Devil Inside
Excerpts from actual Adam Lambert headlines

- More Proof that Adam Lambert is gay

- Is American Idol’s Adam Lambert Gay? Is there any question?

- Is Adam Lambert Gay? We could argue that in a modern age, Lambert’s sexuality really does not matter, but there is a simpler answer. Adam Lambert is gay.

- Clip of Adam Lambert gyrating with men while dressed like a tranny.

- Adam Lambert dry humps a male dancer

- UPDATE: more proof that Adam Lambert is gay, including pics of him making out.

- If he isn’t gay, then he’s doing a damn fine impersonation of being an extremely camp gay person

Parting words Judas

Wow, really... Is this who we are?

A truly united, United States of America

The election of Barack Obama is now history; his presidency will change history, but it is you and I who hold the key to his success. Stand up and be the change you seek; collectively we can be the world we deserve.

Division-our common truth and the answers we all seek-Unity

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between

the differences that divide us;

lie the differences that unite us

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Diversity = unity

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Real-sad-Estate

The sharks turn on one of their own

when real estate investors

gamble and win big... they’re savvy,
when they gamble and lose big... they sue.

Fort Myers, January 2009. Federal prosecutors, armed with losing investors, angry business partner(s), a depressed economy and not much else try and win a case that at its core, amounts to nothing more than gamblers remorse and a partner(s) vendetta.

U.S. v Cabrera - The players
• Bear market shark (plaintiff): losing investors & angry business partner(s)
• Pseudo justice shark: prosecutors
• Bull market shark (defendant): Real estate agent, Samir Cabrera
• Jaws: The press
• Unwitting participant: The economy

Spawned by economic fear, investors adopt an all too predictable witch-hunt mentality in hopes of soothing bruised egos and ailing bank accounts by sacrificing one of their own.

The charge of real estate fraud brought on by remorseful investor(s) and a disgruntled business partner(s) against Samir Cabrera is the latest act of cannibalism in an industry based almost entirely on greed, and while I do not support the notion of personal gain derived thru questionable actions or in actions, I do believe it is important to acknowledge the system and mindset that have allowed this type of behavior to flourish. Having said that, I strongly encourage everyone, particularly real estate professionals and stakeholders to review the Cabrera case and as you do substitute Samir Cabrera’s name with yours or that of someone you know. While the events may not be the same, I would venture to guess you might draw some parallels to your own life and business dealings.
The sad truth is Cabrera’s real estate transactions and those of many others, not only exist, but are also accepted and (quietly) condoned in the business as usual landscape of American capitalism.

If we are to hold one accountable, we must hold all accountable.

I also encourage reading the local press coverage (Fort Myers & Naples) fueling the case with blatantly irresponsible third party he said she said type statements and outrages miss-representations of Mr. Cabrera, inciting anger and assigning victims in exchange for increased readership.

There are few “real victims” in real estate investment cases. We cannot and should not hold one person accountable for the deeds of an entire industry, or its high stake investors, each of whom quietly condone the pay to play rules leading to great fortune or great loss, rules founded on industry cracks that go mysteriously overlooked by those responsible for its transparency & integrity.

As the real estate market continues to suffer the ravages of this economy, cases like this one will continue to “OUT” those investors who would cry foul when their investments do not pay off, resulting in further investor remorse suits. Note to those investors… “To invest is to gamble, albeit with the expectation of controlled or limited risk, but risk none the less”. To be Blunt, when you gamble sometimes you win and sometimes you lose, how much depends on your level of greed. Investing in real estate, much like other high stake ventures is not for the faint of heart.

A great many Americans are victims of the real estate collapse, however the real estate investment community through conscious choice gambled… and lost, there is no blame to assign. With complete awareness, everyone played in the same flawed arena, fully aware of those flaws and to their credit or discredit, some enjoyed great gains. To lose and turn on one another now, is simply not an option.

As for Mr. Cabrera, unfortunately he is a big shark in a little pond… the kind prosecutors can safely go after, creating the illusion of law and order… as the great white sharks are granted safe passage and swim away.

Mr. Cabrera’s wrongful indictment and subsequent guilty verdict belong to every realtor and investor alike. Either we indict everyone or no one, anything in between is nothing more than scapegoating and a gross injustice.