An Eye Opener

"The Host and the Parasite" by Greg Felton opened my eyes to political matters I had never seriously considered. For example, the author's analysis regarding Israel having become the US's top priority in the Middle East, instead of oil, I found very persuasive. 

Mr. Felton's observation that during World War II, the Zionists were in bed with the Nazis, is something I had heard before, from the  "True Torah Jews"  no less. Both they and Mr. Felton present strong arguments in support of that position. 

Agree also with Mr. Felton that being anti-Zionist does not make you anti-semitic, despite what many Zionists say. 

Cannot agree with the author that the US military "is the best hope for ending the fascist reign of terror" that exists today (page 494) since I have no idea who in the military would be in control, how they would go about changing things, or what the ultimate result would be. I think a better solution would be to end rigged voting (somehow), and give reformers and the voters a chance to change things. 

Another top priority would be to bring the real culprits behind 9/11 to Justice. As of this writing (2/8/2019), the only hope I see for that scenario is the grand jury action initiated by the Lawyers Committee for a 9/11 Inquiry. 

Here's hoping.

[A version of the above review has been posted on Amazon - 5 Stars.]  

Hey! It's 2019!

It’s 2019!  And the writings below have been initially crafted as of the original date of this posting, but edited later, on occasion.  It's up to you to catch where or when.  Not that anyone is reading this anyway.  Unless...there's a "conspiracy theory" investigation underway. By the way, you can't get "Conspiracy Theory" now on Amazon.  I wonder why?  Prime Video
Currently unavailable. 

And this Blogger thing is acting weird.  (True, I haven't been here in a while.)  The links below may not link, but the url's should be accurate.  If interested, cut and paste the url's into your browser, view, listen, and enjoy!

Looking back on 2018, the birth of my granddaughter Ailis in February was such a magnificent highlight, I cannot see fit to complain (too much) about the 2018 things that did occur, and that could be classified as “negative.”

For example, I refuse to complain about my (now ex-) employer’s eliminating my (and so many others’) position(s) via “streamlining,” which came about after a big-time “merger.”  I wish the surviving corporation great luck going forward (they will need it, from what I’ve seen).    

In September 2018, my employer congratulated and rewarded me for 35 years of service.  Two months later, they advised me that my position had been eliminated.  Things can change on a dime, you know? 

Still, needless to say, but saying it anyway, health is the most important thing.  Here’s hoping all of you are healthy. I feel fine (knock kwood!). https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-adk-adk_sbnt&hsimp=yhs-adk_sbnt&hspart=adk&p=beatles+i+feel+fine#id=1&vid=00f59b8a6a5699d1614741a67dd747e4&action=click

By the way, how is it that this brilliantly coined phrase of mine, “Knock kwood!” has not caught on?  My middle brother says, “Because it sucks.”  Can’t be that.

I feel like a fish out of water not going to work. Admittedly, I do at times like not having to go to work, but I miss working.

Sleeping more lately.  Way more.

Some  “No Caller ID” nitwit woke me up three times last night.  Had to learn how to set “Do Not Disturb” on my iPhone.

Being out of work, I’ve taken to Twittering.  I really don’t have that much to say except that…the right to Freedom of Speech is eroding, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laws_against_Holocaust_denial

here, there, and everywhere.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdcSFVXd3MU

The Lawyers Committee and the response they received from the US Attorney for the First District, Geoffrey Berman (see link to follow), re-ignites hope (mine, at least) that some semblance of justice may prevail regarding 9/11.  See https://www.lawyerscommitteefor9-11inquiry.org/

Wondering whether the US Attorney for the First District, Geoffrey Berman, can act independently, and in accord with the letter of the law, and within his own conscience, regarding the allegations made by the Lawyers Committee regarding 9/11 (see above).  Where is Trump on all this?  Anywhere?

Wondering also, what percentage of the US (World, etc.) population values Truth, anymore? 

9/11/2001 is a key moment in time. If you are not aware of that, take two red pills and call someone other than me in the morning.

Recently learned (4 years after the fact) that my city’s mayor had decriminalized possession of 25 grams of marijuana (about 88% of an ounce, according to my website calculations). See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cannabis_in_New_York .  Holy smokes!  Didn’t know the mayor had that power!  Maybe I should read the newspapers and/or watch the news, once in a while.

Growing up, Jimmy Cannon was my favorite newspaper columnist. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Cannon

It has been reported that, on Dick Clark’s 1950’s+ TV show, American Bandstand, the only music artist allowed to perform LIVE was Jerry Lee Lewis.  Everyone else had to lip sync.  However, this video (across which, I have recently stumbled) seems to capture a LIVE non-Jerry Lee performance by The Champs doing Tequila.  Imbibe, if you will.à https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uyl7GP_VMJY

Not sure why I feel the need to say this but. . . When the Brooklyn Dodgers finally won the World Series in 1955, it was a dream come true, for those of us who can still remember. http://www.attheplate.com/Brooklyn1955/index.html

Three years later, the “Bums” left for the West Coast, a living nightmare that would spur the decline of the borough of Brooklyn for 50 years or so.  We’ve emerged from that cycle now, thankfully.  Brooklyn is happening, and has been, for over a decade! https://www.realclearhistory.com/historiat/2018/05/30/whos_really_to_blame_for_dodgers_leaving_brooklyn_316.html

A Down to Earth Spiritual Journey

Garry Gewant’s “…Journey from Atheism to Spirituality” is a wonderful nonfiction work that discusses mystical topics in a down-to-earth fashion.  All of the narratives are quite intriguing and entertaining.  I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Spirituality, mediumship, reincarnation, metaphysics, the workings of the Universe, and the like.

Interestingly, the pages of the book are not divided into chapters, but into “Life Lessons,” e.g., “Life Lesson 5,” instead of “Chapter 5.” I especially like how the episodes within each “Life Lesson” are at times broken up into short (non-fiction) stories that you can usually finish even if you only have a tiny period of time to relax and read.

Garry’s perspectives regarding the third eye, sixth sense, “skeptic vs cynic,” the Universe, etc., are all, in my view, highly accurate.   I also found Garry’s philosophical statements to be in sync with the core shamanic beliefs that form a cornerstone of my own spirituality.   Further, the author’s descriptions of the experiences he’s had with Spirit contact, synchronicities, hearing voices, and feeling those “familiar chills,” all ring true.

Garry’s accounts of how he goes from a tortured super market employee and smoker, to teacher, hypnotherapist, medium, author, and non-smoker, are unique and enjoyable.   The stories about Garry’s father and the ramifications of his (and Garry’s own) smoking—are moving.    The narrative about the metaphysical school trip (page 18 et seq) is spectacular, a showstopper. There are other showstoppers as well, but I can’t get into all of them here.

One fascinating account I must mention is the story of Garry’s connection to Brian Weiss, the penultimate past-life regression expert. It was at an upstate New York Spiritual education center called “Omega” where Garry met, and studied with, Dr. Weiss.  It was also at Omega that Garry and I met, as you can read beginning with “Another Life Lesson - # 57.”  I remember that event very well, and Garry’s description of the event is wholly accurate—providing more evidence of the honesty and integrity that is an essence of Garry as I know him, and that comes thru in his book.

 “THE END OF THE BOOK But not the journey” wraps things up nicely on page 317, but Garry continues on to discuss the importance of family, providing further insight to who he is—a wonderful family man, who also just happens to be a gifted medium. 

"The Freedom Model..." -- An Empowering Perspective on Substance Use

"The Freedom Model for Addictions: Escape the Treatment and Recovery Trap" is a book that has a unique, intriguing, and ultimately empowering perspective. The work is very much worth reading especially for those with an interest in the recreational use of alcohol and drugs, and the treatment and recovery processes prevalent in our society. 

I found the statistics on how many so-called addicts resolve their problems on their own, e.g., upward of 90% for alcohol, marijuana and cocaine, quite surprising. (page 22) 

Of course, you have to want to moderate or quit. (page 31 et seq.)  That is the basic message throughout this book.

Some other key concepts contained in the book follow:

·     "Moderate use [of alcohol and drugs] is possible for anyone, because loss of control is a myth." (page 11)

·     "The Freedom Model says...that people are actively and freely choosing each time they take a dose of drugs or alcohol, and that one simple thing motivates them to do so: the pursuit of happiness." (page 18)  Also referred to as the Positive Drive Principle (PDP). (page 121)

·      Pleasure "is the primary reason people prefer to be intoxicated." (page 67)

·     Determining whether your current substance use makes you happy enough or you'd be happier with some level of change is everything." (page 140)
·     With regard to the terms “problematic,“ heavy,” and “moderate/adjusted” substance use, the authors note that “we haven’t defined what levels or frequencies...fit those descriptions...These are all subjective terms, the definitions of which will vary according to everyone’s personal judgment.”  (page 207)

I didn't agree with all that the authors said.  This statement, for example: "[C]hoices are made in the pursuit of happiness and that there are no exceptions."  (page 125)  This statement ignores the fact that sometimes we are forced to choose between the lesser of two evils—not to be happy but to be less unhappy.  To cite a drastic example, consider a man on death row choosing between hanging or firing squad.  Or as happened to many during the Viet Nam War, go to jail or join the Army.  Is either seeking happiness?  Obviously not.  The are deciding on the less painful choice.

I also found the chapters (17 and 18) on Questioning Drug Effects, and The Illusion of Emotional Relief (respectively), often unpersuasive, especially regarding the authors' reliance on a pharmacological analyses.  The authors’ seeming indifference to catalytic impact also bothered me.  However they did allude to catalytic impact on page 293 where they noted, "The emotional stress relief some people feel at some times while using substances is coming from their own minds."

Another problem I found was that there was much repetition in the book which tended to detract.  Perhaps the authors were just trying to hammer things home.

However, I especially liked that the authors suggest at the end of Chapter 9 that some people will by the time they read through the first nine chapters (the first 172 pages of 469 pages total, including 90 pages of Appendices), they will be able to see through the treatment and recovery ruse, and feel free to change.  In other words, for some, the book ended there.  Those "caught deeper in the trap of recovery mythology" were encouraged to read on.  I would describe myself as NOT being in the latter group but kept reading anyway and was not disappointed for having done so.  There was much more worthwhile reading that followed.

Chapter 21, on The Benefits of Adjusted Substance Use, I found somewhat perplexing.  After referring to “moderation” numerous times previously throughout the book, in Chapter 21 the authors used a different term in its place, i.e., “adjusted substance abuse.” This seemed like a matter of semantics, but the authors disputed that notion saying, “This term, adjusted substance abuse, is not about just a matter of semantics [sic]. The point of it is to get you to think of what you would have to adjust to get better, happier, more satisfying life results for yourself.”  (page 343)

Fair enough.  And I did appreciate the list that immediately followed regarding the “potential adjustments” that can be made to change substance use habits, e.g., using less per occasion, using safer substances, etc.

In a segment discussing the pitfalls of goal setting toward the end of the text (page 370), the authors express their message very effectively, essentially advising readers to ask themselves “one simple question.  Do you believe that you can be happier reducing/quitting your substance use than you can by continuing as it is?  That’s it.  That’s all you need to know.  If you don’t believe you will be happier [or less unhappy, in my view], then you will not be motivated to change.”

Agreed.  It’s a question that those folks wondering whether they should quit, moderate, or adjust their substance intake, need to ask themselves.  No doubt about it, you’ve got to WANT to change.

David Ray Griffin on How the World Is Run—Recommended Especially for the Uninitiated

The title of this work by Professor David Ray Griffin—the most prominent and reliable author of books on 9/11—is: “Bush and Cheney, How They Ruined America and the World.” Which might lead one to believe that, in Dr. Griffin’s eyes, the Bush and Cheney crew are wholly to blame for the world’s current state of affairs.  However, as they say, “Never judge a book by its cover.”  For President Obama is also highly criticized throughout the book, especially in the Epilogue.  Additionally, Donald Trump is at times indicted, but given the timing of the book’s publication, what is written about “The Donald” is comparatively brief.   Nevertheless, this scholarly work should be mandatory reading for every student of current events and recent history, for the book reveals how the stage was set, and became the platform for, where we are today—via the ghastly nightmare of September 11, 2001.

Part One of the book begins with the accusation that the Bush and Cheney administration knew that 9/11 was about to happen, and did nothing to stop it.  This took me back for a moment, for it is a LIHOP perspective, LIHOP being an acronym for the idea that Bush and Cheney “Let [vs. Made] It [9/11] Happen On Purpose.” 

When I first tuned into 9/11 Truth, in August 2008, there was much ado about whether you believed that the apparent powers that be were in the LIHOP or MIHOP category.  I started with the belief in LIHOP and was ridiculed for thinking so on an alleged “Truther” cite.  Later, as my independent research and analysis of what really happened on 9/11 progressed, I could see quite clearly that 9/11 was an inside job—perpetrated by Americans, upon Americans, to create a “New Pearl Harbor” which would form the basis for the never-ending war OF terror in the Middle East, to the benefit of the military industrial complex, and Zionist Israel. 

On a website recently, someone chided Dr. Griffin for engaging in a LIHOP perspective.  However, as becomes clear in the second part of the book, Dr. Griffin has determined that members of the Bush II Administration, specifically Cheney, Rumsfeld and other neocons, “planned” 9/11 to advance their own political agenda.  Interestingly, Dr. Griffin adds, “we do not know what role Bush played that day” (see pages 298 and 299). 

As outrageous the conclusion—that US neocons planned 9/11—may seem to the uninitiated, the proof is there for those who have eyes to see. For those of you who have doubts, I strongly suggest that you read this authoritative work, and examine the evidence—unless you would prefer to continue to rely on gatekeeper entities, and remain deceived.

Dr. Griffin’s detailed discussions (always footnoted) of the War On Terror, the Afghanistan and Iraq Wars, and the issues of military spending, preemptive war, and regime change, put the state of the world into its proper perspective.  As do the chapters on Islamophobia, Global Chaos, and Drone Warfare and International Law.  All very well done.

Some of my favorite parts include: discussions on the corruption of the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency); mentioning that Bush Sr. had referred to certain neocons—Cheney, Rumsfeld, Perle, and Wolfowitz—as the ‘crazies in the basement’; and the observations (a) that the Bush-Cheney administration was hostile to Syria “partly”  (I would argue “mainly”) because Israel was hostile to Syria, and (b) linking the USA’s neocons with Zionism (aka, “Ziocons”).  I also was pleased to read Dr. Griffin say that “a discussion of Israel/Palestine…is arguably second in importance to none.” 

I must admit, however, that I did have problems with some passages in the book.  For example, I would have preferred that Julian Assange and his Wikileaks organization not be cited as authoritative sources, mainly since Assange is on record saying that he is ‘annoyed by false conspiracies such as 9/11.’  Ditto the references to Noam Chomsky who has stated publicly that ‘9/11 and the assassination of JFK don’t matter.’   However, that is my own personal preference.  Indeed, Dr. Griffin’s citing of these two sources—whose opinions carry such weight with so many—may help lead some portion of those who believe in Wikileaks and Chomsky, into the light.

I especially enjoyed the chapter on “Shredding the Constitution” where the actual parts of the Constitution that have been shredded are identified and discussed.  You don’t usually see that level of specificity when the destruction of the US Constitution is mentioned.  (A similar detailed approach regarding “sanctions,” discussed later in the book, would have been welcome.)  In the Constitution-shredding chapter, and the book’s introductory chapter, Dr. Griffin’s analysis leading to the conclusion that Dick Cheney “was essentially the president” during Bush II’s first term, is quite persuasive.

Dr. Griffin’s perspectives presented in the chapters on Nuclear Holocaust and Ecological Holocaust ring true, and thus in me, triggered depression. In fact, I had trouble getting through these chapters, wondering all the while, “Will the Earth as we know it continue to support human life?”  Other than these two chapters, I found the book to be an easy read.

I very much appreciated Dr. Griffin’s assessment that, “Given the overwhelming evidence that the regime change in Ukraine was a false-flag operation, organized by members of the Obama administration, it was outrageous that the other G7 countries used the 2013-14 events in Ukraine as an excuse to put sanctions on Russia.”  In that same chapter, Dr. Griffin writes with authority that, “The intelligence community essentially told Trump [that] if he was to succeed as president, he would have to get tough with Russia.”  And that “Trump soon got the message, fired his Russia-friendly national security advisor, made military strikes on Syria and Afghanistan, reversed his view that NATO was obsolete, and reported that he was not getting along with Russia at all…Trump also announced that he was delegating decisions about military actions to the Pentagon.”  Which is a lot like delegating the foxes to watch over the henhouse.

Part II of Dr. Griffin’s book begins with the title “9/11: A Miraculous Day.”  In this section, Dr. Griffin discusses 15 major “miracles” that the writers of the official account of 9/11 rely upon to try and convince us that 19 Arabs with boxcutters outwitted the most sophisticated military defense system the world had ever known, four times in one day, on 9/11.

Having been brought up a Catholic (but long since lapsed), I initially took issue with Dr. Griffin’s use of the word “miracles.”  As I was taught, and always understood, the term “miracle” conveys a positive result, e.g., Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus changing water into wine, the Assumption of Mary into Heaven, etc. 

But in his book, Dr. Griffin, a preeminent theologian, defines the term “miracles” simply to be “violations of the laws of nature” (see e.g., page 248). This definition removed from my own mindset the idea that a miracle necessarily results in a positive result.  Of course, for the perpetrators of 9/11, these 9/11 “miracles” did in fact result in a happy ending, i.e., the never-ending war OF terror, regime change in the Middle East to the delight of Zionist Israel, the shredding of the US Constitution, the advancement of the New World Order, etc.  Thus, in context, the term “miracles” was better than any other word I could come up with, and so I came to accept Dr. Griffin’s use of the term “miracles,” and kept reading.  No way I could not continue to do so since this book is so informative, and so well written.

It is in the subtext of the chapter on “Why Bush and Cheney Should Not Be Trusted” that Dr. Griffin advances from a LIHOP view, to a MIHOP perspective, which should bring along those stragglers who have not yet woken up to the truth about 9/11, and calm those 9/11 Truth advocates troubled by Chapter 1’s LIHOP perspective. 

In the chapters on the miraculous destruction of the Twin Towers and Building 7, Dr. Griffin concisely and authoritatively destroys the official story.  The chapter on “The Miraculous Attack on the Pentagon,” I found less formidable, but an adequate presentation is made. However, Dr. Griffin doesn’t really say anything about the ridiculous official story of Flight 93 that allegedly crashed in Shanksville PA without leaving any plane parts or victims’ bodies behind.  Would that not be another “miracle?”  Coverage of this topic would have been most welcome. 

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In sum, this is another excellent book by Dr. Griffin that I believe will be especially appealing to those who are unaware of the past and current condition of the United States, and the world.  How we get these folks to actually read the book and awaken, I don’t really know.  Perhaps the marketing division of Dr. Griffin’s publisher, Olive Branch Press, can provide some answers.  A heavy promotional campaign is what I would most strongly suggest.  For the more people who become aware of the realities of 9/11 and related political Truths, the better chance we have of reversing the insanity that permeates our world, and threatens its existence.