Dealing with Comcast

Comcast has a reputation as one of the big Boogymen of corporations and I do understand where that reputation ccmes from. But if you learn how to talk to the minions of the Boogyman, it can show some humanity:)

My last bill was close to $90, 88 and change. I have very high speed internet and that's all. They sent me a cable box but I have never hooked it up. TV is a dangerous drug and I spend too much time in front of a screen as it is, but that is not what this post is about.

I called their maddening customer service on Sunday and after jumping through the digital hoops to get to a live person, they recommended I call back on Monday, and they even told me what codes to press once you got to the main menu; they said 5 and then 1

Ok so Monday AM I am on the phone. Turns out the rate was so high because my yearly promotion was over and this was the regular rate. I said, OK, this is unaffordable so bottom line, they put me back on another promotion where the monthly bill will go back down to less than $60. Now we're talking!

The lady with the thick accent even suggested I could only pay $70 this month without penalty and next month I would get a prorated rebate, blah blah blah.

So the old saw about catching more with honey instead of vinegar applies. Talk nice to the lady, explain that you need their best deal, and surprise, surprise, they will give it to you. Perhaps it helped that Jupiter was conjunct the Sun today, I dunno but I'll take it.

Smart Shopper

I have some interest in internet marketing and I have recently run across a few businesses that make a profit from being a middle man. Now of course this is nothing new, the broker is a standard part of the business world.

But to my eyes, it seems a bit strange and bizarre. For instance, one business that was started by a Titanium seller on EBay exploits the price differential between Ebay and Amazon. Things are often cheaper on Amazon and all that someone does with this business model is cut and paste merchandise from Amazon to Ebay.

When something sells on Ebay, they simply fulfill the order by ordering it from Amazon and make their profit from the differential in prices. Apparently this can be a very profitable business. If you don't quite get it, you might do a bit of research yourself and you will easily discover this price differential.

This begs the question, why doesn't the Ebay buyer go to Amazon himself? Good question, and I don't know the whole answer. It may just be habit, laziness, or whatever. Some people hate to shop so when they find an item that they need at what seems like a reasonable price, they just buy it. Perhaps they consider shopping a waste of time. But this is exactly what keeps these guys in business.

In another model, they have developed some software that finds people with a certain skill on Fiver. Fiver is the website where people will do services for $5. They use the example of someone who needs a logo for their business. You can easily find someone on Fiver who will design you a logo for $5.

Then all you do is go to craigslist, using another software program and have it look for someone who needs a logo done. You negotiate to do it for say $100 and once you have made the deal you have your Fiver guy do the job. You just made $95. This is not a far fetched example.

So the question is again, why didn't the guy who needed the logo done just go to Fiver himself? Obviously he didn't know about that option. So the middle man exploits his ignorance and makes a profit. Or perhaps you think of it as providing a valuable service. I guess its all a matter of your perspective.

This is why I won't ever make a good hard core capitalist. To me this just smacks of people taking advantage of one another. I like what I am doing now, being the truth teller. And encouraging people to be smarter shoppers. One would think in these difficult times that more of this is happening. And it probably is.

In the meantime, I need to find a better way to monetize my truth telling :) I got expenses too, ya know :)

Morning Beverage

One of the most healthful and useful habits I have added this year is a morning beverage; either lemonade or ACV mix. They are both inspired by the ancient practice of Ayurveda.

The lemonade is my preferred mix. I just take a big glass of spring water and squeeze a half a lemon into it, including the pulp. Then I sweeten with a dropper full of liquid Organic Stevia. It is fast and easy to prepare and is delicious first thing in the morning, or as a drink for the day.

The alternative is the Apple Cider Vinegar mix. This is surprisingly pleasant tasting if your thought is otherwise :) Of course it too is sweetened with Stevia. I use the Bragg unpasteurized ACV which has all the beneficial enzyme activity, just a tablespoon in a glass of water. You could use double that if you can handle the taste, but I settled on a single tablespoon. Then sweeten with a dropper of Stevia.

The beneficial effects of either of these morning drinks is well documented. You can do further research on the subject if you need to convince yourself of that. They both help to alkalize the body through some mysterious chemistry that I don't pretend to understand. They say they are both helpful for weight loss, although obviously in order for that to be the case, their have to be other significant behavior modifications.

Anecdotally, they make me feel better, help to avoid colds, etc. I recommend you try adding either or both (on alternate days) of these to your morning regimen; you will be pleased with the result.

Fracking

To me the idea of Fracking is so crazy that it is hard to believe that it is real and people are actually being allowed to inject toxic chemicals into the earth just to extract some oil and natural gas. Can you say, poisoned water supply? Most of us have seen the videos of tap water that you can ignite. Total insanity.

I am really feeling inspired to do everything I can to oppose this insanity. Just as a way to reassure myself, I will sometimes consult the Tarot. Long ago I abandon the need to do this, once I established a direct connection with Spirit, but occasionally it is helpful to come back to the old Tarot just to see what it has to say.

So here is my reading: http://www.tarotgoddess.com/cgi-bin/tarot/tarot.cgi?TarotDef=..%2F..%2Ftarot%2Fyesno%2Fyesno%2Fvars.cgi&Name=stan&Question=Is+it+safe+to+say+Fracking+is+bad+news+and+should+be+stopped%3F+FTGOTW&Submit1=get+reading

So let's be Strong and persevere until we stop this desecration of our precious mother earth and the poisoning of the water we all depend upon.

If you are looking for a place to start, you might read this blog post, which also was the source of the illustration I used above: http://1bog.org/blog/how-to-become-a-fracking-insurgent-beyond-going-solar/

Swanson Vitamins

If you are like me, you order supplements every month, at least. I tend to spend about $50-60 a month on vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc. My default source has tended to be Amazon although I have tried many, many others. Puritan's Pride, Vitacost, Nutrition Geeks, etc.

I think Swanson maybe the best. Their quality is consistently high, their prices are at least as good as Amazon's and sometimes way better, and they have lots and lots of house brand products that are really excellent.

As an example, they offer a formula to help you sleep that is very effective and downright cheap. Since I am an insomniac this has been a big help. Of course what often happens is that I get a good two hour nap, but believe me, when you have a hard time sleeping, even that can be a boon.

They are always offering promotions too. This one gives you $5 off your first order, and I get a kickback too. So check 'em out, I think you will like them. And I would love to hear your feedback!

PS. I got an unexpected package the other day which turned out to be a fine demonstration of Swanson's integrity. I had bought some Ceylon cinnamon in capsule form. A little back story: The stuff you buy in supermarkets that is labeled Cinnamon is actually Cassia, a relative that taste a lot like the real thing but is actually a cousin. Since real cinnamon has beneficial qualities, ie, helps to regulate blood sugar, you want the real thing. Well it turns out Swanson had sent me capsules of Cassia that were mislabeled and they sent the real thing to correct their error, with a letter of explanation and an apology for their error.

The point of course is that a company with less integrity would have been glad to sell you the cheaper Cassia as cinnamon. The taste differences are so subtle that unless you have a highly trained palate, you wouldn't notice. So, good for Swanson! http://www.swansonvitamins.com/referral/friend.html?id=d311473d-8ab1-430f-b004-e9c9012b234d

Jupiter in Cancer

I successfully completed a day long focus group on Monday. One of the fun things about these groups is that you often get paid in cash. So nice to see these two crisp Benjamins at the end of a long day. It really was a full day where we worked hard. We signed confidentiality agreements so I can't tell you too much. But if you are interested in doing this kind of work, you might use the phrase "mock trial" in your Google search.

If you are curious, the wonderful sculpture was done by my late friend, Gary Fey. Those of you that knew him will recognize him in his street performer/clown persona.

In about an hour I have another group scheduled. This one is online, 1/2 hours work and I get a $30 Amazon gift card. If you gotta work for other people, at least it is decent pay, right?

Of course I prefer to be self employed. Since I have retired, I want to develop my new career as an author and public speaker. I also am going to play around with poetry and performance at some open mics to see where that leads. I did discover a great open mic in my 'hood, at Beans and Leaves, a cool coffee house in Long Grove.

When I was born, Jupiter was in Cancer. Jupiter, the planet of abundance, has returned to Cancer and I am getting showered with abundance from all sides. Cancer is the sign of the home. Its rising in my first house which governs your appearance. Unfortunately I have also gotten very fat which you could say is another manifestation of this passage. But I'm working on correcting that!

I put up a gofundme page recently and I already have my first donor so I am excited about that: http://www.gofundme.com/3quo14

One of the principles of prosperity is you have to ASK for what you want. So overcome your pride and do so yourself. The thing is, like with this gofundme project, its win/win/win. I get helped to do work which benefits and is of service to others. Those who contribute get all the warm fuzzies that come from supporting worthy causes and underdogs. So everyone wins!

Revolver Map

You have probably seen this widget before. I love it. It shows who has visited the blog and lots more 21st century statistics. Perhaps I will learn now to install it on the sidebar instead of in a post. Do you know how? If so, please tell me:) Thanks!

Merkaba Market

This was the Grayslake, IL Farmer's Market this perfect summer afternoon. It felt like the best of America as I bought organic produce and some Artisan cheese, strolling among the happy throngs of families, parents pushing strollers, lots of dogs on leashes, many seniors and kids, lots of commerce and everyone just happy to be there and enjoying the glorious day.

Merkaba got into the title in honor of the rare cosmic event that is occurring now in the heavens, where the planets are forming a Grand Sextile that looks like a Cosmic Six pointed star with the planets at each tip. There is too much information about this to include in this brief blog post, but it is a fascinating topic for research. Here is one very juicy perspective:

http://galacticspacebook.com/profiles/blogs/this-is-the-big-one-we-ve-all-been-waiting-for-the-grand-sextile

I would also recommend you look up the work of Laura Magdalene Eisenhower who had this to say about this time we are living in right now:

"This week, many energies might try and keep us from what is available to make our dreams, hopes and deepest longings come true - start with self love and deep gratitude for this whole experience to stay on track.

Self love is choosing to give to yourself rather than engage in any form of self destruction - whether it be an addiction, a lower way of relating to others or engaging in endless distractions to avoid our inner world.

Self-love is choosing to embrace rather than reject and to feel deeply, rather than deny.

This enhances how we communicate with others. It gives them love because you first gave it to yourself. If we seek it externally, we require the validation of others to have self worth, rather than feel our own worth. When we feel our own worth, we recognize the treasures that we have to offer and without effort, they fulfill us and they are shared.

In that moment you could reach for alcohol, a cigarette, a drug, a depressing outlook or an escape - reach for nourishment from food, a creative outlet, a walk in nature or an embrace from your own heart.

Every aspect of our journey counts in helping us to emerge as our true divine self, from the most awful experiences to the best. The wisdom and love that we embody frees us from sinister forces that want us to choose our destruction rather than our elation, transformation and joy... Be that force and watch the magic happen...

Those who have really lived on the edge of death to serve their mission or passion, know that the little things don't need to get the best of us, it's enough to just breathe, persevere and feel Spirit and the Earth beneath our feet.

Let's not take anything for granted."

Grasshopper Musician

This graphic had this blog's name on it:

the HU

http://www.sourcetext.com/hupage/

New Grateful T-shirt

A friend of mine on Facebook wrote a post: GRATEFUL, GRATEFUL, GRATEFUL. She was talking about a visit from her kids. She got all choked up she loved them so much and the kids laughed at her. I wrote that I had been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt. That old joke, right? It occured to me that this would make a brilliant T-shirt in fact and so I created an instant manifestation which I hearby invite you to enjoy. And if that doesn't strike your fancy, look around my store (UPLIFTING) maybe you'll find something that does. http://www.zazzle.com/grateful_rainbow_finch_shirt-235190277236160005

Epiphanies about STUFF

Someone on Freecycle was offering two years worth of current issues of Architectual Digest. I couldn't resist; I have always loved that magazine and so I requested them and was invited to pick them up.

The house where I picked them up was located in a stylish community not far from me, no surprise there. Prarie Crossing has traditional style houses and organic gardens and a nice community theatre and meeting place, an area of hip shops and the whole thing is put together with a refined sense of design. Where you would expect to find AD readers. But I digress.

The shopping bag with two years of magazines was waiting for me on the front porch when I got there. It was actually double bagged with a plastic bag and and a paper shopping bag. I found out why when I picked it up by the paper handles and they almost immediately snapped. Too heavy! The bag must have weighed 35 or 40 lbs. The plastic bag held though and I shlepped the load back to my car and home.

Something about the weight of that bag of magazines spoke to me though. In ECK we call it the Golden Tongued Wisdom. I had thought about possibly using the pictures in the magazines as a resource for making a treasure map. And I would certainly enjoy just relishing all the eye candy in those delicious expensive houses...

The thought was: "Be careful what you wish for!". I'm sure I have had incarnations with great wealth. Living in the relative poverty that I do now, I admit I do dream about having more space, and more nice things.

The weight of that bag reminded me that there is a price to pay for having more stuff. A big house and wonderful things can be a blessing but they can also be a burden. And at the very least they are a big responsibility.

The siren call of materialism surrounds us. I know better though. Somewhere there is a balance. That is what I eternally strive for:)

What I really want is more focus and simplicity in my life. I need less stuff, not more:) What do you really, really want?

Water4gas

There is a system that I have been studying for several years that can save you significantly in the gas cost dept. The technology is proven, it's called water4gas. There is a kit available to suit the size of your vehicle. The investment costs can be recouped by gas savings and performance boosts in your vehicle in months, depending on the amount of driving you do. Anyone who does a serious amount of driving will benefit by this technology. Please check it out. This is my affiliate link; I wouldn't be promoting this if I didn't believe in it 110%: http://www.water4gasstore.com/?Click=354

NEW! The Venusian Trilogy

Omnec's new book is finally out! It's called the Venus Trilogy; I received my copy in the mail last week. Here is the link to the website where you can order it: http://www.omnec-onec.com/index_en.html

Receiving my copy of this book in the mail has been like a benevolent bomb going off in my life. Everything has changed. Just last night I did a two hour interview on a internet radio show where I talked about my life with Omnec. Here is the link to the station; you can find the show in their archives. It was recorded from 9 to 11 PM Central time,Monday Sept. 3, 2012 Eva Moore was the Host: http://www.wolfspiritradio.com/

There is so much to say about this book. It is like the manifestation of forty + years of effort in this life. It is an elegant hardback book, with lots of full color illustrations and pictures. The publisher is a very conscientious ECKist who did a first class job.

Go get a copy of the book. I will be writing a lot more about it but what I say will be a lot more meaningful if you know the context, so read the book and watch this space:)

Survive and Thrive

Self Growth.com offers a series of excellent freebies when you join their mailing list. One was particularly relevant for my readers, in fact they use the same language I used in describing the purpose of this blog. The full title of the excellent free PDF is: How to Survive and Thrive During Our Financial Crisis. Here is the link: http://www.selfgrowth.com/products/SurviveandThrive.pdf

Joe Vitali Prosperity Affirmation Audio

I'm very interested in learning how to create and distribute a podcast. In beginning to explore the necessary technology, I made this recording of a Prosperity Affirmation that Joe Vitali wrote. Let me know how it sounds to you, thanks!

http://www.filefactory.com/file/c188132/n/prosperity_affirmation.Joe_Vitale.mp3

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Once in a while, when I am feeling ambitious, I make little improvements in mine. This is what I had this AM: Organic rye flakes boiled for 5 minutes than poured over thawing organic raspberries and blueberries. Also, while the flakes were heating I added a tablespoon of organic virgin coconut oil.

The little extra I added this AM was some grated fresh Ginger. Yum! Not only did this add some healing properties, but a great flavor too. I am going to have to make this a regular addition. Love Ginger! Finally this was all topped with a generous sprinkle of organic cinnamon. Cinnamon is another highly benevolent herb with great healing qualities and a fabulous flavor.

In conclusion, Sugmad (God) is Great!

Electric Sheep

This is a very sophisticated screen saver that uses all the best qualities of the internet to create a constantly evolving work of art. In a practical sense it functions as a free screen saver that cranks out constantly evolving abstract, moving art. I have had Webshots as my screen saver for years and was hesitant to download this, but it just adds another layer of beauty, detracts not at all.

This is contemporary art at its best, check it out: http://electricsheep.org/

On Being an Artist

A fellow Eckist and a Facebook friend posted recently: “I wish I could be an artist full time.” Since that wish was painfully familiar to me, it is one I held for years, it inspired this essay. I spent most of my working life as a professional driver, mostly cabs and limos. I enjoyed the work but I felt most myself, most free and liberated when I was painting or doing collage or making mobiles. I longed to do the work full time but I could not sell artwork consistently enough to make a living. I struggled with this conundrum for years.

I also loved to play the recorder and got good enough at it that I performed in front of large audiences. I even did some interactive music with audiences. I really enjoyed making music, improvising and also playing with friends. Over the years I was involved with groups, some with strings, some with other recorders.

But my real passion was the visual arts.

During all this time I also was very devoted to my spiritual life. I did regular spiritual exercises, went to Satsang classes, and talked endlessly with friends about spiritual topics. One of the most important things I learned was that my real identity was Soul, a Spark of the Divine. All the rest was transitory, my gender, my health, my status in life, my occupation, my interests.

So I learned that it was not smart spiritually for me to get stuck in identifying myself as an artist, businessman, white man, or any other limited identity. All these categories were limited and what I was in my true identity transcended all that. I still felt pretty attached to the point of view of the artist:)

What really helped to break this loose was a conversation I had with Don Ginn one day. He told me about the attitude of people from Bali who would declare:”We have no art, we try to do everything well.” So finally, Life itself is the real art. Living life.

This year in ECK has the theme of the year of Living Gracefully. This is a perfect expression of living life as an Art!

Coming back to the individual that inspired me to write this essay, I believe she is a grade school teacher. Can there be a more sublime art than the instruction of children? As wonderful as her visual art is, as her singing is, perhaps the work she does with children may be the most sublime Spiritually.

I also have to give Don Ginn credit for really helping me to understand the value of gratitude for what you have in your life now. Appreciating what you have is the most direct path to having it expand. We know what we put our attention on is what grows in your life.

May we all grow in our appreciation of the Art of Graceful Living.

More Important Pieces of the Puzzle

A friend sent me a link to an article that I wanted to share. Its about the time we are in and the coming changes. There is much being written now about this subject but this has the ring of authenticity to me. Within this article is a link to some You Tube videos produced by a pair of Russian scientists. Be sure and check out those videos if the article speaks to you. These are remarkable videos which give a very viable interpretation of what some recent crop circles are actually saying. Very juicy and important stuff.

My ex Omnec has become good friends with Maria Popovich, and has told me about their remarkable connection. Maria is the legendary but still living Russian Cosmonaut. All this adds to the authenticity of this:

http://www.ufodigest.com/article/ets-warn-cataclysms-will-unify-human-consciousness-cosmonaut