How the Murder of Emmett Till can Still Change the World Decades Later

As we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King on this day, many states around the country are once again fighting for justice, freedom and civil rights. Not to dismiss the battle that fueled MLK’s passions and the injustices faced by African Americans in that time, but if anything, today is a day to learn from all of it. People of all races are in a civil rights battle today in America. Earlier today, law abiding Virginia citizens  exercised their right to protest as they did so peacefully to protect the amendment rights they are in jeopardy of losing. 

mlk
Dr. Martin Luther King

In recent months, Americans all over the country have been protesting, fighting for their freedoms and liberties, against vaccine mandates that remove their religious exemptions and force medical mandates on our children to attend public school. Some mandates have also been set for adults, depending upon their career choices. Why are we trading our liberties for false security?

But back to Emmett Till. In researching and writing about our current climate in this country, I was reminded of this very public story in 1955. I’ll give you a refresher or a lesson in case you never heard of Emmett Till.

In August, 1955, Emmett Till, a 14 year old black boy from Chicago, was visiting family in Mississippi. On August 24, Till went into Bryant’s Grocery and Meat Market in Money, Mississippi, to buy candy.  Carolyn Bryant, a white woman who ran the store with her husband Roy, alleged that the young boy whistled at her. This accusation, in a time when prejudice against blacks was prevalent throughout the South (still highly segregated), sealed Till’s fate.

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Emmett Till in a photograph taken by his mother on Christmas Day 1954

August 28, Roy Bryant and his half-brother, J.W. Milam, abducted Till from his uncle’s home in the middle of the night. The men were arrested but maintained their innocence. On August 31, Till’s decomposed body was found in the Tallahatchie River. Till’s mother held an open-casket funeral for her son, in order to bring attention to his murder. It was estimated that 50,000 mourners were in attendance.  Jet magazine published graphic photos of his corpse.

The kidnapping and murder trial of Bryant and Milam was held in Sumner, Mississippi. Five days later, the all-white, all-male jury acquitted the men of murder after deliberating for little over an hour. That acquittal sparked international outrage and ignited the civil rights movement.

The two men later died of cancer without ever being brought to justice for the murder. In 2004, the case was reopened by the Justice Department. It has been alleged that others had been involved in the murder, some of whom were still alive. Unfortunately, after having Till’s body exhumed, no further charges were brought and the case was closed in 2007.  In 2017, Bryant made a stunning admission. She had lied. Her claims that Till grabbed her inappropriately (in court) and whistled at her were in fact, not true. Her white lie killed an innocent black boy.

Till was brutally beaten for this lie. His eyes had been gouged out, he’d been shot in the head. His body was then strapped to a 75-pound cotton gin fan with barbed wire and dumped into the river.  All for whistling at a white woman. Worse, for being falsely accused of whistling at a white woman.

But what was the result of this horrific crime? No one was prosecuted and the murderers were never held accountable. Instead, the world saw graphic photos of this boy’s lifeless body in his coffin in various publications.

Instead, the Civil Rights movement came to life. The loss of this young boy, for a lie, because of the extreme racism of our country, led to the birth of a powerful change. MLK and others like him rose up to fight the injustice of segregation, racism and hate. Laws changed. Minds changed. America changed.

Most often, the things we really need to see, as brutal and raw as Till’s beaten body, are hidden from us. But what if there are more lessons, more justice we can serve in honor of this senseless tragedy and others?

What if the same media outlets that forced those raw images into the faces of the ignorant and racist America did the same today? What if the media stopped covering up for an industry that is injuring and killing our children without repercussions, without liability? What if our media did it’s job and reported the stories of the thousands of lives destroyed by vaccine injury? What if people were told the truth and properly educated on vaccines, given the informed consent they are actually entitled to?

Till’s mother, in the wake of losing her child, made a decision that forever changed the course of history in this country. She let her grief fuel her desire for her son to make a difference in his death. She publicly shared the horrific photos of his beaten body and in doing so, became an advocate for civil rights.

Parents all over the world have faced horrible losses of their children to vaccine injuries. They are speaking out, speaking up and bravely fighting an industry with limitless resources, risking humiliation for their stories, in attempt to change the world and be advocates for other children. We’ve become so trusting of an industry that is in the business of making money off our illnesses, all because of a media that also makes profit off the same industry’s advertisements. What if, like these brave parents, our media stepped up, spoke out and shared the dark side of vaccines? What if they shared the brutal and painful photos and videos of these children suffering, dying?

Wouldn’t that be an amazing thing? It could even set in motion another great and historical movement that saves lives.

For those of you who don’t know, there is a Vaccine Injury Fund in the US that has to date, paid $4.2 billion dollars to families in settlements for vaccine injuries and deaths. “The Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) is a national vaccine safety surveillance program co-sponsored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The purpose of VAERS is to detect possible signals of adverse events associated with vaccines.”  – Source, FDA.

“The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (NCVIA) of 1986 (42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-1 to 300aa-34) was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan as part of a larger health bill on Nov 14, 1986. NCVIA’s purpose was to eliminate the potential financial liability of vaccine manufacturers due to vaccine injury claims in order to ensure a stable market supply of vaccines, and to provide cost-effective arbitration for vaccine injury claims.”

Sadly, many still promote vaccines as “safe and effective” although the evidence shows otherwise. The US Supreme Court declared vaccines to be “unavoidably unsafe” during a hearing regarding a vaccine injured child, Hannah Bruesewitz. Source – US Supreme Court

While I could write chapters upon chapters about this very sensitive topic, instead I will leave you with a request to research for yourself. Whatever your thoughts or beliefs, research as if you are trying to prove or disprove your theory. Remember the young boy whose brave mother chose to make sure his death was not in vain. When you see parents standing bravely in the cold, fighting for your rights to safe vaccines, informed consent and your constitutional rights, think of how brave they are in the face of their own pain, to fight to protect your child, even if you don’t know it yet.

In NJ, the parents of Holly Stavola have advocated for other families since losing their daughter. Holly passed away from adverse reactions to her second MMR shot. Holly’s Law was passed unanimously in NJ in honor of her. Robin Stavola is still an active advocate today for vaccine safety. NJ is also one of many states trying to remove religious and many medical exemptions to mandate vaccines for public school attendance.

Also in NJ, the parents of Nicholas Catone have been advocating since his passing in 2017 from vaccines.  MMA fighter Nick and his wife, Marjorie, a nurse, have spent the past few years learning, educating and fighting for safer vaccines.

In California, Karen Kain has been advocating for safer vaccines for decades. At just six weeks old, her daughter Lorrin suffered a permanent injury from a vaccine “hot lot.” Lorrin succumbed to her injuries at age 15. In 1998, Kain was awarded compensation in the vaccine injury court. Karen has since written a book, done numerous interviews and travels the world to advocate for families and our rights to safer vaccine products.

These stories are just a few of thousands I have heard directly from parents who have lost children from vaccine injury. Now in the wake of new laws being introduced and passed in some states that eliminate parent’s rights to say no to these vaccines that come with such heavy risk, we are seeing a rise up of citizens who are once again fighting to retain the rights others have sacrificed their lives for.  So many mothers, like Mamie Till, find themselves grieving the unimaginable loss of their children, fighting for justice that many never come but also turning their loss into a life of advocacy for others.

In closing, I’ll let Martin Luther King’s words speak for those still fighting for a variety of rights, in America and all over the world. I’d like to believe if he were still alive today, he’d still be heading up the fight for civil rights and justice for all.

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
The time is always right to do what is right.
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Ocean Organics Cafe in NJ Receives Sensory Inclusive Certification

Ocean Organics (with locations in Toms River, Seaside Park and Jackson, NJ) is Certified Sensory Inclusive

“Today, our business launched a partnership with KultureCity. This endeavor has trained our staff how to recognize potential sensory ‘meltdowns’ and offer families support with a sensory bag and a quiet place for the person to regain themselves. If you’ve ever been in a situation where your child or someone else was in a sensory meltdown, it is no fun. Often they are met with lots of stares, whispers and all around discomfort. Not in our space. We are a place for everyone. I’m so overwhelmed with emotion to be able to support this ever growing population,” stated Ocean Organics Cafe owner Lisa Wacha.

As the parents of a non verbal son with autism, owners Jason and Lisa Wacha are very passionate about inclusion for all. Lisa is also the daughter of a parent with early onset dementia so this program is near and dear to their family in many ways. They are not only local business owners, but also strong activists for families affected by autism. They truly, on a personal level, understand the need for sensory inclusion.

KultureCity has partnered with Ocean Organics Cafe and Juice Bar to make their Restaurants and all of the programs and events that they host to be sensory inclusive. This new initiative will promote an accommodating and positive experience for all guests and fans with a sensory issue that visits the restaurants.

The certification process entailed the staff at all Ocean Organics locations being trained by leading medical professionals on how to recognize those guests with sensory needs and how to handle a sensory overload situation. Sensory bags, equipped with noise canceling headphones, fidget tools and verbal cue cards will also be available to all guests at the restaurants who may feel overwhelmed by the environment. They will also  have use of a dedicated sensory room designed by medical professionals for those who may need a quieter and more secure environment.

Sensory sensitivities or challenges with sensory regulation are often experienced by individuals with autism, dementia, PTSD and other similar conditions. One of the major barriers for these individuals is sensitivity to over stimulation and noise, which can sometimes be a  part of the environment an eatery  like Ocean Organics Cafe and Juice Bar. With its new certification, Ocean Organics Cafe and Juice Bar is now better prepared to assist guests with sensory sensitivities in having the most comfortable and accommodating experience possible.

You can check out the great offerings at Ocean Organics Cafe online before you go at their Website or Facebook page.

Prior to attending Ocean Organics Cafe and Juice Bars, families can download the free KultureCity App where one can view what sensory features are available and where they can access them. Also, on the App is the Social Story which will provide a preview of what to expect while enjoying eating at Ocean Organics.

“Our communities are what shapes our lives and to know that Ocean Organics Cafe and Juice Bar is willing to go the extra mile to ensure that everyone, no matter their ability, is included in their community is amazing.” Dr. Julian Maha, Co-Founder, KultureCity.

KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using their resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs; not just those with Autism. Since the program’s inception, KultureCity has created over 200 sensory inclusive venues in three countries; this includes special events such as: NFL Pro-Bowl, NFL Super Bowl, MLB All Star Weekend. KultureCity has won many awards for its efforts: NASCAR Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award in 2017, Cleveland Cavaliers’ Quiet Space Sensory Room at Quicken Loans Arena was a finalist for the 2018 Stadium Business Award, and the 2018 Clio Sports Silver for social good in partnership with Cleveland Cavaliers/Quicken Loans Arena. Recently, KultureCity was awarded one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies for 2019 by FastCompany.

Social Media Censorship is Dangerous for All Americans

Evidence of Vaccine Dangers Censored on Facebook

evidence

I experienced my first very real censorship by Facebook today. A post filled with very credible links for reference was flagged. So I tried to repost it. They are calling it spam. I tried to save it as a note, they say it’s violating community standards. So now I’m sharing it here and I’ll link my blog everywhere I can. People need to know this information. Why are vaccine truths being censored? If the vaccines are safe and effective, they should have no worries about information to the contrary, right? Censorship is a result of fear. Fear of truth getting to the masses. People are rising up. People are uniting. They’ve had enough and they are fighting back. The industry doesn’t like that.

Take a look at my information for yourself. I believe in informed consent. Everyone should have the right to choose what is injected into their bodies and their children. No one should ever have forced medical treatment.

This is a screenshot of my post being flagged and censored. This is not ok!

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Why are they doing it? Well glad you asked. Look at this letter that was sent to Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg and others. It seems Congressman Adam Schiff wants Facebook to censor vaccine information! Take a look: https://childrenshealthdefense.org/uncategorized/congressman-adam-schiffs-letter-to-facebooks-mark-zuckerberg/

Below is my post in full from a friend who did research and posted government links!!! They still removed it!

From a friend who did the research: If there is no evidence vaccines are dangerous or cause autism why does all this information exist? Why have I found over 500 additional published studies documenting the dangers of vaccines and their adjuvants?http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3878266/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21623535
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25377033
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24995277
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12145534
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21058170
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22099159
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3364648/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17454560
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19106436
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3774468/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3697751/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21299355
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21907498
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11339848
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17674242
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21993250
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15780490
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12933322
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16870260
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19043938
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12142947
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24675092Causal relationship between vaccine induced immunity and autism
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12849883Subtle DNA changes and the overuse of vaccines in autism
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3364648/

Vaccine and Autism- a New Scientific Review
http://www.cbsnews.com/…/vaccines-and-autism-a-new-scienti…/

Summary of previous Journal of Immunology

Click to access AR-10-12-rata-AUTISM-VACCINE.pdf

Autism and Resulting Medical Conditions:
http://www.tacanow.org/…/2…/09/autism-studies-april-2008.pdf .

Mercury toxic encephalopathy manifesting with clinical symptoms of regressive autistic disorders. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17454560

Relation of mercury to high autism rates in boys
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16264412

Elevated levels of measles in children with Autism
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12849883

Abnormal MMR antibodies in children with autism
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12145534

Tylenol, MMR and Autism – A parent survey study
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18445737

A Positive Association found between Autism Prevalence and Childhood Vaccination
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/…/2011/000…/00000014/art00002…

Peer reviewed study on fetal cell contamination with retro virus associated with autism and cancer
http://www.globalresearch.ca/new-study-in-journal-o…/5402912

Study documentation- Dr Deisher
http://www.ms.academicjournals.org/…/article1409245960_Deis…

Autism and mercury poisoning
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11339848

Hypothesis: conjugate vaccines may predispose children to autism spectrum disorders
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21993250

Rise in autism coincides with rise in vaccines
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21623535

A two-phase study evaluating the relationship between Thimerosal-containing vaccine administration and the risk for an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis in the United States
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3878266/
Elevated levels of measles antibodies in children with autism. – PubMed – NCBI
Pediatr Neurol. 2003 Apr;28(4):292-4. Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov’t
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A study published in the Journal of Biomedical Sciences determined that the autoimmunity to the central nervous system may play a causal role in autism. Researchers discovered that because many autistic children harbour elevated levels of measles antibodies, they should conduct a serological study of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) and myelin basic protein (MBP) autoantibodies. They used serum samples of 125 autistic children and 92 controlled children. Their analysis showed a significant increase in the level of MMR antibodies in autistic children. The study concludes that the autistic children had an inappropriate or abnormal antibody response to MMR. The study determined that autism could be a result from an atypical measles infection that produces neurological symptoms in some children. The source of this virus could be a variant of MV, or it could be the MMR vaccine.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12145534

Doctors who explain clearly why vaccines aren’t safe or effective.

1. Dr. Nancy Banks – http://bit.ly/1Ip0aIm
2. Dr. Russell Blaylock – http://bit.ly/1BXxQZL
3. Dr. Shiv Chopra – http://bit.ly/1gdgh1s
4. Dr. Sherri Tenpenny – http://bit.ly/1MPVbjx
5. Dr. Suzanne Humphries – http://bit.ly/17sKDbf
6. Dr. Larry Palevsky – http://bit.ly/1LLEjf6
7. Dr. Toni Bark – http://bit.ly/1CYM9RB
8. Dr. Andrew Wakefield – http://bit.ly/1MuyNzo
9. Dr. Meryl Nass – http://bit.ly/1DGzJsc
10. Dr. Raymond Obomsawin – http://bit.ly/1G9ZXYl
11. Dr. Ghislaine Lanctot – http://bit.ly/1MrVeUL
12. Dr. Robert Rowen – http://bit.ly/1SIELeF
13. Dr. David Ayoub – http://bit.ly/1SIELve
14. Dr. Boyd Haley PhD – http://bit.ly/1KsdVby
15. Dr. Rashid Buttar – http://bit.ly/1gWOkL6
16. Dr. Roby Mitchell – http://bit.ly/1gdgEZU
17. Dr. Ken Stoller – http://bit.ly/1MPVqLI
18. Dr. Mayer Eisenstein – http://bit.ly/1LLEqHH
19. Dr. Frank Engley, PhD – http://bit.ly/1OHbLDI
20. Dr. David Davis – http://bit.ly/1gdgJwo
21. Dr Tetyana Obukhanych – http://bit.ly/16Z7k6J
22. Dr. Harold E Buttram – http://bit.ly/1Kru6Df
23. Dr. Kelly Brogan – http://bit.ly/1D31pfQ
24. Dr. RC Tent – http://bit.ly/1MPVwmu
25. Dr. Rebecca Carley – http://bit.ly/K49F4d
26. Dr. Andrew Moulden – http://bit.ly/1fwzKJu
27. Dr. Jack Wolfson – http://bit.ly/1wtPHRA
28. Dr. Michael Elice – http://bit.ly/1KsdpKA
29. Dr. Terry Wahls – http://bit.ly/1gWOBhd
30. Dr. Stephanie Seneff – http://bit.ly/1OtWxAY
31. Dr. Paul Thomas – http://bit.ly/1DpeXPf
32. Many doctors talking at once – http://bit.ly/1MPVHOv
33. Dr. Richard Moskowitz – http://bit.ly/1OtWG7D
34. Dr. Jane Orient – http://bit.ly/1MXX7pb
35. Dr. Richard Deth – http://bit.ly/1GQDL10
36. Dr. Lucija Tomljenovic – http://bit.ly/1eqiPr5
37. Dr Chris Shaw – http://bit.ly/1IlGiBp
38. Dr. Susan McCreadie – http://bit.ly/1CqqN83
39. Dr. Mary Ann Block – http://bit.ly/1OHcyUX
40. Dr. David Brownstein – http://bit.ly/1EaHl9A
41. Dr. Jayne Donegan – http://bit.ly/1wOk4Zz
42. Dr. Troy Ross – http://bit.ly/1IlGlNH
43. Dr. Philip Incao – http://bit.ly/1ghE7sS
44. Dr. Joseph Mercola – http://bit.ly/18dE38I
45. Dr. Jeff Bradstreet – http://bit.ly/1MaX0cC
46. Dr. Robert Mendelson – http://bit.ly/1JpAEQr
47. Dr Theresa Deisher https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=6Bc6WX33SuE
48. Dr. Sam Eggertsen-https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8LB-3xkeDAE

Hundreds more doctors testifying that vaccines aren’t safe or effective, in these documentaries….

1. Vaccination – The Silent Epidemic – http://bit.ly/1vvQJ2W
2. The Greater Good – http://bit.ly/1icxh8j
3. Shots In The Dark – http://bit.ly/1ObtC8h
4. Vaccination The Hidden Truth – http://bit.ly/KEYDUh
5. Vaccine Nation – http://bit.ly/1iKNvpU
6. Vaccination – The Truth About Vaccines – http://bit.ly/1vlpwvU
7. Lethal Injection – http://bit.ly/1URN7BJ
8. Bought – http://bit.ly/1M7YSlr
9. Deadly Immunity – http://bit.ly/1KUg64Z
10. Autism – Made in the USA – http://bit.ly/1J8WQN5
11. Beyond Treason – http://bit.ly/1B7kmvt
12. Trace Amounts – http://bit.ly/1vAH3Hv
13. Why We Don’t Vaccinate – http://bit.ly/1KbXhuf

I am not anti-vaccine. I am anti-forced vaccines. I am for safe and effective vaccines and for INFORMED CONSENT. It’s time to remove immunity from liability of these manufacturers so they are forced to create safer vaccines.

Patton Oswalt’s Response to Twitter Troll is Brilliant and Beautiful

Today, Patton Oswalt was attacked by a man on the Internet slinging insults. Instead of lashing out, Patton took a minute to look at his profile and find out about the person behind the trolling behavior. Then, he responded. We can all learn from this response because it is exactly what the world needs more of.

Here’s how it went down. Twitter user Michael Betty posted this response to a tweet by Patton.

Patton then decided to take a look at Michael’s account and found a man who needed help.

Patton donated $2000 and got his followers to join in on the giving. In record time, Michael’s GoFundMe reached beyond his goal and the anger of his words were washed away by the tears shed in overwhelming emotion from the kind act.

Twitter witnessed a beautiful transformation firsthand today. Imagine how much more beautiful our world would be if those lashing out in hurt, anger and suffering were met with the same kindness. There’s be a lot less suicide, a lot less violence and we’d teach a lot more empathy. Thanks for the reminder Patton.

Thanks to Patton’s generosity and the kindness of his followers, Michael’s GoFundMe campaign went from a few hundred dollars to over double the goal in just a few hours. See it here, read the medical issues that caused the need and see Patton’s generous donation that sparked a movement of kindness today. Michael’s GoFundMe

I always tell my children that people who hurt others are most in need of love and compassion. It always ends up being spot on. Be kind, especially when it’s hardest.

Jersey Girls & Guys Unite Against Gas Tax

This is a quick little blog post to help my fellow New Jersians get their voices heard in opposition to the proposed gas tax hike being voted on now. We need to unite against this obscene tax hike and tell our representatives how we want them to vote. They do, after all, represent us, right? Well, they are supposed to at least.

Let’s not forget the reason for this tax hike. The transportation fund is depleted. Why? They do collect an abundant amount of tolls on the parkway and turnpike, which was supposed to end years ago, by the way. Well, they want more of our hard earned tax dollars because they mismanaged all the money they’ve already taken from us. Yep, the fund is broke because our representatives can’t manage money. But, they want more. Ironically, if any of us managed our households the way they manage our state, we’d be homeless. They still get a paycheck on our dime. There is a lot wrong with this. ALOT.

So, find your representatives, email and call them. Tell them #nogastax and if they don’t vote NO now, you won’t vote YES for them ever again. Click HERE to find your legislators and for links to contact them easily.

Share this post on your social media and let’s get this tax voted down.

 

“Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night, sweet prince; And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. ”

~William Shakespeare, Hamlet

This quote immediately came to mind when I opened this page to write this post. Today it has been confirmed that music legend Prince has died at the age 0f 57. Children of the 80s all over the world are in shock and reliving their fondest memories of the musical genius. I’m one of them.

Today “this is what it sounds like, when Doves Cry.” Now we know the sound. It’s deafening.

Celebrities pass away all the time. In fact, 2 more this week alone. However, when losing one feels so personal and heavy in your heart as Prince does, you truly realize the impact he has had on a generation, an entire industry and the world. Maybe the word genius is overused in some capacity but there really are very few deserving of that adjective. Prince is absolutely one of them.

Today marks the second time I’ve felt deep sadness and emotion in reaction to the loss of a celebrity. The first was when we lost Robin Williams. Today is the second. Today is extremely heartbreaking.

There isn’t much I can say that hasn’t been said already about Prince. His music evokes memories for all who grew up living it while it was being created. I explained to my kids today what he meant to me. I described my walkman and how music was on cassettes when I listened to Prince over and over again. I wore out my cassettes so when CDs came out, I upgraded my Prince collection. I remember how badly I wanted to see Purple Rain as a teen. I wasn’t allowed to watch it at first and when it finally came out on network TV (you know, edited for all audiences) I was finally allowed to watch it. I watched it so often after that, I’ve lost count on how much. From that first view, the color purple became meaningful for me. Even my kids know that is my favorite color and now they understand how Prince is the reason why. Purple Rain.

I spent most of my teenage years hanging out with musicians and writing music with many of them. I wrote so much poetry growing up and the next logical step was lyrics. Prince was such an inspiration for those of us who loved to create with words and song. He was just…wow. Really if you are a creative brain and grew up in the 80s, Prince just blew your mind. Purple Rain directly inspired a song I wrote in the early 90s. His lyrical and musical genius has forever impacted countless artists and opened the floodgates of imagination and other great works.

I’m actually in tears writing this because his influence on my world is so deep, personal, emotional, inspirational and unforgettable. I really can’t describe it any better so I’ll let Prince take it from here.

Purple Rain in the rain decades later.

1999 seemed so far away when this song was released. “Party like it’s 1999” has become a catchphrase that still hasn’t gone out of style. In fact, ironically today, I saw a commercial that used this very phrase. Prince coined the phrase of a century that will continue live on.

Love everything about this solo guitar set. Everything.

And because he made another song I love even better by covering it, I have to share this. Radiohead can always hold an honor not many other artists can…being covered by a legend.

“How could you just leave me standing, alone in a world that’s so cold…”   “Why do we scream at each other? This is what it sounds like when doves cry.”

Good-night, sweet prince.

Robert DeNiro Just Might Be the Advocate Parents Need, Even If He Doesn’t Know It Yet.

I watched the interview with Robert DeNiro on the Today Show as it aired LIVE. Within about 2 minutes, they asked him about Vaxxed, the documentary that he originally allowed into the Tribeca Film Festival and defended, then subsequently pulled from the festival line-up. Those who are advocates for the film and the right to safe vaccines all suspected that DeNiro was pressured by the CDC to do so.

“I think the movie is something people should see…But definitely there is something to that movie…I as a parent of a child who has Autism, I am concerned. I am not anti-vaccine, I want safe vaccines… The thing is to shut it down, there’s no reason to. If you’re scientists, let’s see, let’s hear. Everybody doesn’t want to hear much about it, it’s shut down…There’s more to this than meets the eye, believe me…There’s something there that people aren’t addressing and for me to get so upset here today, on The Today Show with you guys, means there is something there. That’s all I wanted was for the movie to be seen, you can make your own judgment, but you must see it… There is a link [between vaccines and autism] and they are saying there isn’t and there are… other things there. I don’t know, I’m not a scientist but I know because I’ve seen so much reaction about just ‘let’s find out the truth.’ … Everyone should have the choice to take vaccines, some places it’s becoming mandatory but it does benefit the big drug companies…”  ~ Robert DeNiro

Today, he proved that the pressure was weighing heavily on his conscience when it comes to the questions of vaccine safety and the possible link to Autism. DeNiro took a huge step on the Today Show. He stepped out from behind the heavy hand of the CDC and into the light of advocacy. He may very well be the advocate that every parent in this country needs, even those who don’t know it yet. He may very well be the voice that speaks for those who have been silenced in their fight or worse, who’s lives have been cut short due to vaccine injury and death.

From all the parents of children who have been injured or lost their lives from vaccines, thank you Robert DeNiro. Thank you for helping them be heard. Thank you for giving them a voice. From all the parents who feel the weight of guilt for this, thank you. For all the parents who live with Autism in their families and lives, thank you. Thank you for sharing your personal experience with having an Autistic child and letting us know we are not alone.

Robert DeNiro took a huge step today for all parents and used his opportunity to do so with conviction. Almost immediately, the mainstream media scrambled to discredit his stance, but he opened an important door today and I hope he fights to keep it open.

If you would like to learn more from someone who has become an advocate for all parents after watching her baby daughter suffer from vaccine injuries, then years later passing away as a result, please visit my friend Karen Kain’s website here. You may not know it, but she’s fighting for all parents and their children’s rights to safe vaccines. Even yours.

 

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Karen Kain and her daughter Lorrin, who was vaccine injured as an infant and passed away at age 15. Photo courtesy of karenkain.com

 

Here’s a trailer of Vaxxed. You can visit their website to learn about screenings in your area or request one.

**It is important to note that the medical community and media are working overtime to make Robert DeNiro sound like he is clueless (yet he is a father of a child with Autism). That is how they treat parents who question the safety of vaccines. Belittling and bullying are part of the tactics that force vaccines on us without any real guarantees or answers. I know people who have lost children to vaccine injuries. Before you are willing to believe everything the mainstream media tells you, I ask that you do some research, learn about “Hot Lots,” The Vaccine Injury Fund (why does the government have a fund to pay out if they are safe?) and check out this documentary for yourself. Be willing to do research before you assume and be open minded to the possibility that vaccines that once were intended to prevent disease have become much more than that. We all have a right to know what is in the needles going into our children. IF a government can cover up poisoning thousands through the water supply, why would you assume they’d never do it through mandatory shots? I know this is a heated subject with people on both sides but it would not even be in question if there weren’t so many reasons to question it.

These are not anti-vaccine advocates. These are pro-safe vaccine advocates. There is a huge difference.

There are many medical professionals who have come forward and refuse to bow down to big pharmaceuticals. K Paul Stoller, MD is one of them and his latest blog post on the Bolen Report here also has a link to his website.

 

Grammar Nerds Rejoice as Word Crimes Exposed

This short and sweet blog post is on a subject near and dear to me: grammar. I am a stickler for proper grammar. As an English major and professional journalist for most of my life, I know other Grammar Gurus will understand when I say that social media posts make me cringe daily. I am always so distracted by careless misspellings and bad grammar to fully enjoy reading newspapers and online news sites as well.

When I met my now boyfriend of 3 years, it was grammar that got him that first reply. The first text he ever sent me was a paragraph of full sentences, proper grammar and spelling. There were no text abbreviations. I noticed immediately and thought it was so unusual, especially in a text from a man. I loved it! True story. He even uses proper punctuation in text messages. Good grammar can serve a purpose in all aspects of your life, even love.

Thank you “Weird Al” Yankovic for giving the grammar nerds everywhere an outlet for our frustrations. If you struggle with proper grammar, bookmark this link for a handy little guide and the bonus of a catchy tune to bop around to at your desk! 

Enjoy and share!

Honor Thy Veterans Everyday – A Comprehensive Guide

If you watched last night’s debate, there was a lot of talk about war in places like Iraq and Syria, but very little about how to care for the men and women who serve after they return home. Today is Veterans Day. This went unmentioned during the Republican Debate.  America spends the most money on its military and does very little to care for those soldiers when they return home.

Veterans-Day

Veteran’s Day has become a commercial holiday where you find the biggest promotions in Veteran’s Day Sales from various retailers. While many restaurant chains offer free meals to Veterans on this day and their honoring of our Veterans is greatly appreciated, it’s not enough. It’s not their job to take care of our Veterans. It’s our government’s job. Our government spends billions of dollars to put our soldiers in harm’s way and send them off to wars that in most cases, never should even exist. Our brothers, sisters, sons, daughters, moms, dads, grandparents, friends and family members sacrifice their own comforts of home to secure ours. The politicians who decide their fate rarely have experienced life as a soldier.

I have my suspicions on why our government fails our Veterans. Today I want to take the time to not only honor them with appreciation, but also with ways we can all go further than just acknowledging them on designated day.

I’d first like to address a very serious condition among our Veterans.  P.T.S.D. (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is taking the lives of our Veterans every day in the form of suicide. It is reported that 22 Veterans and 1 Active Duty Soldier per day are committing suicide. With only 22 states actually reporting Veteran Suicides, this number is already astounding and one can only imagine, may even be double or more if we were to get reporting from all 50 states.

Stephanie Lembo released this heartbreaking video on September 1o in honor of World Suicide Prevention Day. In it, she reveals that her husband Anthony killed himself in 2010 after months of not sleeping or eating and refused to get help for his trauma because he would lose his security clearance. It has been viewed over 23 million times since she posted it.

Stop Soldier Suicide is an organization that focuses primarily on saving our heroes from taking their own lives.  Many Veterans fear asking for help and that needs to change. We, as a nation, need to encourage them and make resources easily available. I’ve been told by some of military friends that the lack of reporting symptoms is in fear of repercussions on the job. Soldiers face losing security clearance or other job related responsibilities.  Many feel the risk is too great for them to ask for help. So they go untreated and when it becomes too overwhelming, it is often too late. Patriot Outreach is another organization that offers soldiers and Veterans help with anger, stress, pain combat stress and P.T.S.D.

USA, California, San Francisco, Homeless man with all possession on bicycle
A Homeless Veteran in San Francisco, CA, with all of his possessions on a bicycle.

Another serious problem in this country is homelessness among Veterans. According to the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans, 12 percent of homeless adults are Veterans. On any given night, there are approximately 50,000 homeless veterans on our streets. If the US can afford to send people off to war, it can absolutely afford to take care of them when they come home. There’s no excuse for the number of veterans living on America’s streets. As we commemorate the service of our Veterans, we must also remember that our society has failed them in so many ways. We can and must do better by them.

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I’ve researched the best non-profit organizations that are aimed at helping Veterans, if you are so inclined to donate to them. I am also including links on how you can get more involved and instead of donating money, you can send packages to our troops and see your donation reach its recipient.

IVAW logo

One organization that I advocate for passionately is Iraq Veterans Against the War. The group’s website explains their mission:

“Iraq Veterans Against the War (IVAW) was founded by Iraq war veterans in July 2004 at the annual convention of Veterans for Peace (VFP) in Boston to give a voice to the large number of active duty service people and veterans who are against this war, but are under various pressures to remain silent.”

From its inception, IVAW has called for:

  • Immediate withdrawal of all occupying forces in Iraq;
  • Reparations for the human and structural damages Iraq has suffered, and stopping the corporate pillaging of Iraq so that their people can control their own lives and future; and
  • Full benefits, adequate healthcare (including mental health), and other supports for returning servicemen and women.

I encourage all Americans to do a small part in helping with this large problem. We can no longer tolerate the inhumane treatment of our heroes who sacrifice so much for our nation. It’s unacceptable and it needs to change. Please, show your support to our Veterans by joining some of these organizations and being active in demanding better from our leadership.

Homes for Veterans Charity Event
Homes for Veterans Charity Event

A wonderful Charity Organization right in my home state of New Jersey is Homes for Veterans. They do fundraising events to build handicapped accessible homes for our war heroes and work to keep our Veterans off the streets. Please take time to visit their website and donate to their cause or volunteer if you are able.

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Some great organizations to send your donations to that received top ratings from Charitywatch.org:

Armed Services YMCA of the USA A
Bob Woodruff Family Foundation A
Fisher House Foundation A+
Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind A
Homes for Our Troops A
Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund A+
Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund A+
National Military Family Association A
Operation Homefront A
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors B+

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If you would like to send care packages to our active duty military, here are some links to guide you. This is a great way to get kids involved and even entire classes at schools. A great project for local groups and organizations would be collecting items to send to our soldiers. I have done this often and also enjoy sending care packages to friends when they are stationed overseas. I hope many of you will do the same.

OPERATION GRATITUDE

ANY SOLDIER

SUPPORT OUR SOLDIERS

For a great list of resources on helping our Veterans, check out Veteran Service Organizations listed at Operation We Are Here. They also have links for active duty military organizations.

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Another issue facing our nation is the suggested privatization of our veterans services. In an email statement from Senator and Presidential Candidate Bernie Sanders today, he wrote:

“Last year, as Chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, I authored and passed the most comprehensive veterans’ legislation in decades, reaching across the aisle to team up with Sen. John McCain. Amid reports of unacceptable wait times and calls to dangerously privatize veterans health care, we actually authorized funding for 27 new medical facilities and hired more doctors and nurses to care for the surging number of veterans returning from wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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After two wars over fourteen years, never before have so few been asked to do so much for our country. I voted against the Iraq War, which I think will go down as one of the worst foreign policy blunders we have ever seen, but I have never wavered from my commitment to caring for the women and men who served, and continue to serve, in that conflict.

You may not have heard much about it from the Republican candidates last night, but how we care for our veterans is going to be a central issue this election. The Koch-connected Concerned Veterans for America are prepared to spend untold millions of dollars supporting the privatization of veterans’ health care. And almost every Republican candidate running for president supports their plan to place the profits of private corporations over the promise made to our veterans.

I believe we should take a different approach — that we should stand with the majority of veterans who believe we should continue strengthening the VA. Now I want to know that you’re with us.

Sign my petition if I can count on you to help me continue fighting against the Koch-connected plans to privatize veterans’ health care.

The United States has spent trillions of dollars sending our young men and women to fight in Iraq and Afghanistan. Surely we can come together to ensure the Department of Veterans Affairs has the resources needed to care for them when they return.” ~ Senator Bernie Sanders

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Senator Sanders has and continues to fight for our Veterans. To see more about his efforts, visit his website here.

Happy Veteran’s Day to all of you who have served, currently serve and will serve our nation in our armed forces. Thank you.

I’d also like to note that I have many friends who are active duty and retired military personnel. This article is dedicated to all of them. One in particular, my dear friend Chris, recently made a huge step toward getting the help he needed in battling P.T.S.D. Chris went untreated for years for many of the same reasons a great amount of other Veterans do. I am not only proud of Chris for his service, but for his bravery here at home in battling the effects of war in his life. Thank you Chris, this is for you.   ~JerseyGirlBlog

My friend and Veteran Chris Bray, pictured with my son, who honored him last year at school for Veteran's Day.
My friend and Veteran Chris Bray, pictured with my son, who honored him last year at school for Veteran’s Day.

Why Mike Rowe Very Much Represents The Perfect Guy

To all the men out there, I advise you take notes. Ladies, if you aren’t yet old enough to appreciate the traits I am about to explain, bookmark this page and come back when you are in your mid-thirties. It should hit you by then.

Mike Rowe is probably best known as the star of the hit TV show, “Dirty Jobs,” in which he traveled to all 50 states and completed 300 of the world’s “Dirtiest Jobs.”  Unfortunately, he somehow ran out of dirty jobs, but has found a new place on TV with “Somebody’s Gotta Do It” on CNN, 10 p.m. Eastern, Sunday nights.

What makes Mike Rowe the perfect guy? It has a lot more to do with Mike Rowe off camera than it does with his on screen personality, although I adore that side of him too. Mike is also known as the narrative voice behind “Deadliest Catch,” “After the Catch” and many more.  Mike wrote a great biography on his website if you want to enjoy learning more about his career as the “Dirtiest Man on TV.”

Now that you are up to speed on Mike Rowe’s resume, here’s my list of what makes him a fine representative of the “Perfect Guy.” These are not in any particular order because to me, they are all equally valuable qualities that we should strive for.

1.  Mike Rowe is a “man’s man.” In his logged hours on “Dirty Jobs,” Mike has gotten down and dirty with the most disgusting and nauseating creatures, excrement and just about anything else you can think of. While most men are known to gag when changing the diapers of their own spawn, Mike Rowe would handle the task with ease. He’d be the dad that doesn’t run and hide from vomit, feces and the grossness of his children. Women, this is a rare and winning trait!

BONUS: He will be the guy who catches the mouse or spider for all of you ladies who stand on chairs squealing in fear. (Plus he’ll probably just relocate it instead of killing it.) While Mike doesn’t have any children of his own, he would be a great to have on hand during the infant and toddler stages of life for sure. A man who isn’t afraid to get his hands wet, dirty, smelly and well, you get the picture…that’s one you want by your side.

Black with bone and holding plant production Manager Jeff Booms’ son, Colin, is “Dirty Jobs” host Mike Rowe at Ebonex Corp. in Melvindale. The company specializes in using charred animal bones to create other products. (Photo courtesy of Ebonex Corp.)
(Photo courtesy of Ebonex Corp.)

2.   Mike Rowe is outspoken about his passion to keep our future generations working and learning trades. Again, he doesn’t have children of his own, but he cares about yours. He knows the importance of skilled workers and even started a foundation to help keep these trades alive and thriving. As Mike’s website states, “The Skill Gap is widening. The mikeroweWORKS Foundation started a campaign to challenge the absurd believe that a four-year degree is the only path to success. ” Mike auctions off various items of C.R.A.P. (Collectibles Rare And Precious) to raise money for scholarships and other programs funded by his non-profit. This guy is truly dedicated to passing down the traits that we love about him. He wants our kids to stop being afraid of getting dirty! He wants them to build, create, fix and make shit happen! Ladies, you all know that a man that can work hard, muscles flexing, is quite attractive. (This goes for women too…manual labor shows our hidden strengths!)

3. Mike Rowe is genuine and funny. This may be two of the most important traits in a man. You need a guy who is going to be honest, even if it isn’t what you want to hear (yet have tact). A guy who can make you laugh through it all is golden. Men love to see us happy, smiling and laughing because of them.  A man who can make you laugh just by being himself is a gem!

He'll make you laugh

4. Mike Rowe is humble. He loves his fans and appreciates the platform he has to share messages promoting his humanitarian efforts with lots of laughs along the way. He uses his powers for good and does it with ease. He doesn’t take himself too seriously most of the time and he answers his fans personally. He doesn’t avoid any feedback, good or bad, and addresses them all with a style that this writer truly appreciates. Mike is the author behind all of his own social media posts from his blog to his Facebook page. His Facebook page is one of the best reads on the internet, without a doubt. He may have shown up to the scene a little bit later than most of us, but he’s more than made up for it!

5. Mike Rowe is not afraid of politicians and big corporate interests. He’s also not oblivious to them. This may be an extension of the last reason, but still another reason to love Mike Rowe. A man who not only stands up for what he believes in but goes to battle for it is one you want in your corner.

Click image to see entire post.
Click image to see entire post.

6.  Mike Rowe is a gentleman. Have you ever seen a tabloid story about him behaving otherwise? No? That’s because he is. He’s lighthearted about it but he makes it clear to his fans about what he will and will not tolerate on his social media pages.  I’m pretty sure his parents are proud!

7. Mike Rowe cleans up nicely! Sure, you want a guy who isn’t afraid to get dirty but it’s nice that he’ll clean up for a night out with you too. It’s always fun to enjoy your guy all dressed up and out on the town with you on his arm!

Cleans up nicely

8.  Mike Rowe loves his parents and allows the rest of the world to adore them too. Seriously, they are adorable! How could any woman not want these two as their in-laws? I am writing my plea of adoption as we speak. You never can have too many amusing and fun parental guides in your life. I am lucky to have quite a few beyond the ones in my bloodline who give me a lot of material for future posts. I love how much entertainment and joy they exude and how Mike brings them along for the ride of his unique career. They deserve every second of admiration! Yes, those are his parents in the commercial spots for his current show as seen in the clip above. Love!! For the record, the commercial spots are re-creations of actual conversations Mike had with his parents leading up to the new show. You can see where he gets his sense of humor from! The way a man treats his parents (especially his Mom) says a lot about how he’ll treat you.

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9. Mike Rowe loves the little dogs too. He’s an animal lover. But there is something adorable about a big guy who adopts a little lap dog and isn’t afraid to share his love for his pooch with the world. Perhaps the most golden posts on Mike’s Facebook page occur at the end of every work week when readers check in to read “Fridays with Freddy.” Mike turns the page over to his spunky little roommate and what comes after is always delightful. His willingness to take a back seat as Freddy’s “Biped” and hand over the spotlight is endearing. Freddy has become a celebrity in his own right as obvious by the fans who call his name when he’s out with his biped.  A big, strong tough guy who melts for his little dog is just…well, perfect.

Mike and Freddy
Freddy and his Biped

10. Mike Rowe represents the everyday guy we know and love. We all know that guy we can rely on to be there for many reasons, whether it’s to fix something we broke or help us through a heart break, he’s the good guy we are thankful to have in our lives.

Everyday guy

If you have a man in your life like Mike Rowe, you’re a lucky gal. I am proud to say I have a Dad who has influenced this list and made it immediately clear to me why Mike Rowe is the type of guy ladies should appreciate. I also have a great guy who makes me swoon with every dirty job he tackles around my house for me and with me. So ladies, I encourage you to not settle, encourage your kids to learn some life skills and don’t be afraid to get a little dirty too! Men, if you are a hard working hands on guy, thank you! Share your talents with your kids. Someday, they will appreciate it!

If you enjoyed my list, please feel free to share. Most importantly, I ask that you all check out The mikeroweWORKS Foundation and see what you can do to help get involved. In all seriousness, he’s doing great things for our kids and the future of our skilled trades.

Hopefully someday I’ll get to interview Mike for this blog and ask him about all the traits in this list as well as his amazing foundation!

~JerseyGirlBlog