Kony 2012

WHERE YOU LIVE SHOULD NOT DETERMINE IF YOU LIVE ~Invisible Children

If you are one of the millions of people on Facebook or Twitter, no doubt you have seen this video “shared” or “retweeted”. Some of you have taken the time to watch the video, but many of you have not.

We live in a fast paced society these days, one where reaching out to someone takes seconds instead of days. Information is processed effortlessly and is always at your fingertips. A half hour to sit and pay attention to a video clip may seem daunting, but it’s nothing compared to the travesty going on in Uganda. So please, get yourself something to drink, maybe a snack, and watch the video I’ve embedded below.

KONY 2012 from INVISIBLE CHILDREN on Vimeo.

For those of you who just can’t bring yourself to watch it all the way through, I understand. I watched with a friend of mine last night, and I was thoroughly transfixed on the information I was being given. As soon as the 30 minutes was up, the first words out of my mouth were “I’m in.” Right then and there I knew I’d be writing this very post. What was it going to say? I didn’t plan that far ahead, but this post HAD to be made.

The information below I have gathered from Wikipedia. The specific pages will be linked at the bottom of this post, if you are interested in more information.

WHO IS JOSEPH KONY AND WHAT DOES HE DO?

Leader of the guerrilla army Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda. The LRA works for no cause other than for Kony’s power to hold fear over Africans. He builds his army in the most horrific of ways; he abducts children and forces them to fight and kill and strike terror on their families, friends, relatives.

The number of children he has abducted is estimated to be in the 30,000 range since 1986. These children are forced into truly senseless combat, killing innocent people because Kony believes God is telling him to. Their first kill is often their families. They are forced into sexual slavery. Young girls are abducted for “rewards” to his commanders. Night after night, children walk miles to city centers to avoid abduction. The children of Africa live in fear of the LRA, and then live in fear IN the LRA.

Kony is moving, swarming countries and areas near Uganda, getting stronger by the minute as he abducts more and more child soldiers and child slaves.

WHAT HAS BEEN DONE?

2001- After September 11, the United States declared the LRA a terrorist group.

2003- After visiting Uganda to document genocide in Darfur, three young filmmakers stumbled on large groups of children traveling to avoid capture by the LRA. Knowing they could not stand idle, the 3 film makers jumped into action and created a documentary about these children to gain awareness. The film was called Invisible Children. From the film stemmed a non-profit organization of the same name, dedicated to stopping Kony, the LRA, and helping victims.

2005- October 6th: The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for 5 key members of the LRA for crimes against humanity. Those members were Joseph Kony (Leader), Vincent Otti (Deputy), Raska Lukwiya (Commander), Okot Odiambo (Commander), and Dominic Ongwen (Commander).

2005- October 13th: Indictment details are released. Kony is indicted for 12 counts of Crimes Against Humanity (including murder, enslavement, sexual enslavement and rape), 21 counts of War Crimes (including murder, cruel treatment of civilians, intentionally directing an attack against a civilian population, pillaging, inducing rape, and forced enlistment of children). 33 counts total.

2009- Invisible Children Inc. organizes supporters to lobby senators and representatives to gain their support for the “Lords Resistance Army Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act”. This is the largest lobbying ever on sub-Saharan Africa to date. Organizations “Resolve Uganda” and “The Enough Project” supported Invisible Children in coordinating the event.

2009- November 18th: “Hometown Shakedown” is initiated by Invisible Children Inc. Supporters were asked to attend meetings with local government reps to co-sponsor the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act. Hometown Shakedown succeeded in 15 members of Congress adding their support within 48 hours of the meetings. In the end 65 Senators and 202 Representatives would co-sponsor the Bill.

2010- May: President Barack Obama signed the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act into law. The bill was passed unanimously in the Senate on March 11, then unanimously again in the House of Representatives on May 13th.

2011- October: As apart of the LRA Disarmament and Northern Uganda Recovery Act, President Obama authorized deployment of combat-equipped troops to provide assistance, information, and advice to regional African forces. Obama states in a letter to Congress that U.S troops “…will not themselves engage LRA forces unless necessary for self-defense”

When first approached after the 2003 documentary, United States officials originally told members of Invisible Children Inc. that they would do nothing, because it simply did not affect the best interests of our citizens. Invisible Children Inc. did not give up, and for the first time in history, the government took action, only because the people demanded it. They took action because it was RIGHT.

WHAT NOW?

Before this post was published, before the “retweets” and the Facebook “shares”, before the video was released, did you know who Joseph Kony was? Did you know about these Invisible Children? I didn’t. Most of you didn’t either.

The video embedded above is the latest campaign by Invisible Children Inc. to bring a stop to Joseph Kony and the LRA. The purpose?

IF THE WORLD KNOWS WHO JOSEPH KONY IS, IT WILL UNITE TO STOP HIM.
IT STARTS HERE.

KONY 2012 IS A FILM AND CAMPAIGN BY INVISIBLE CHILDREN THAT AIMS TO MAKE JOSEPH KONY FAMOUS, NOT TO CELEBRATE HIM, BUT TO RAISE SUPPORT FOR HIS ARREST AND SET A PRECEDENT FOR INTERNATIONAL JUSTICE.

~Kony 2012 Website

People cannot stand up against what they are not aware of. People cannot fight a war they cannot see. People cannot support a cause they don’t know exists. People cannot save invisible children if they don’t become visible.

In December of 2011, it became known that Joseph Kony was aware of the U.S. involvement to stop the LRA. A young boy who had managed to risk his life and escape advised that Kony would be changing his tactics to avoid capture. His new tactics are unknown, and now international support is in danger of being withdrawn, allowing Kony to continue his rein of terror upon Africans.

Kony is out there. He needs to be stopped, arrested, and held accountable for his crimes. We need to save these children, these families, and help them build a future beyond being child slaves to a senseless army. 2012 has to be the end of the line for Kony and his child army.

In order for the government to continue to allow the troops in Uganda to stay, officials have to be aware that the people DO care and DO want our troops giving their support. How will the government know? We have to tell them. We have to make Kony a household name, his face needs to be plastered everywhere. The more you know about Kony, the more prepared people are to take a stand against him.

Invisible Children Inc. is campaigning for the support of 20 Culture Makers and 12 Policy Makers.

Celebrities have long decided the trends of our culture. What we wear, who we like, and what we talk about. If we target 20 of these celebrities, and get them on board, they’re voices will carry, and Kony and the fight against him will spread.

Politicians have no choice but to fight for what we want. They take the issues we care about, make a stand, and use this to get our votes. Regardless of political party, we need to target these politicians and policy makers and let them know that we want Kony stopped. Remind them that this is what the people want, and they will take notice, and help us keep support in Uganda, using every day and every opportunity to get closer to Kony and stopping him. The more we call, the more we trend, the more we spread the word, the louder these policy makers will hear us.

If we can trend lyrics to Justin Beiber songs, if we can trend internet memes by the dozen, if we can make videos of people dancing go viral, then we can make Joseph Kony and his child army a topic we won’t ever forget.

WHAT CAN I DO?

Step 1: Visit these websites and educate yourself. The more you know, the stronger you are.

• Kony 2012 - Sign the pledge
• Wikipedia for Joseph Kony
• Wikipedia for Invisible Children Inc.

Step 2: Visit these Facebook pages and “like” them, and “share” them with your friends list. Follow these people on Twitter.

• KONY 2012 Facebook
• Invisible Children Inc. Facebook
• Invisible Children Twitter Page

Step 3: Watch the video I’ve embedded above, and share it. Post it on Facebook, Twitter, Pintrest, About.me, your blog, anywhere you can. Use #StopKony and #Kony2012 . The more people see this, the more curious they will be.

Step 4: When the list of 20 Culture Makers and 12 Policy Makers is released, target them. Tweet, DM, Wall Post, write letters, emails. And don’t stop at those 20/12 on the list. Contact your favorite celebrities, contact your local government representatives, get your friends involved. We need voices, we need to be loud.

Step 5: Visit the Invisible Children Shopify Store. Grab an action kit, or a bracelet, or a shirt, or just posters. Use these supplies to promote the cause.

You can also donate directly through StayClassy.com and for a minimum donation of $15 recurring monthly, you will receive an action kit for free.

The most important thing you can do is be dedicated to spreading the word. We cannot let Kony be forgotten, he can’t be a flash-in-the-pan trend. We need staying power.

2012 is the year that these Invisible Children will go home.

Parenting 101: You Failed

By now I’m sure everyone has heard about the father that posted a video on his “ungrateful” teenage daughters Facebook wall, showing him scolding her and then shooting her laptop. If you haven’t seen the video, check out the boat load of crazy below:

Wow. Parenting Fail.

Now, while his daughter did seem ungrateful, I’m not surprised. Hello, you have a TEENAGER. Did she deserve punishment? Well, that isn’t really what is questionable about his method. I can’t say she should or shouldn’t have been scolded for her comments. In my opinion, yes, she should have.

What is crazy about this video is the use of a gun. Gun’s are not toys, everyone knows that. They are dangerous and serious weapons. Let me say that again. Dangerous and serious WEAPONS.

From Dictionary.com:

weap·on   [wep-uhn]
noun
1.
any instrument or device for use in attack or defense in combat, fighting, or war, as a sword, rifle, or cannon.

In no way, shape, or form should a weapon be used to teach your kids a lesson.

What if he also has a pre-teen son in the house? His son see’s this video, and what does he learn? He learns that is is OKAY to use a gun when you are angry, and it is OKAY to use it to punish someone.

Now, lets say the boy has seen this video, and a few months down the road, Dad punishes him for something. He’s upstairs in his room, stewing with anger about being punished, and you know what? That young kid is going to remember this video, this gun. And in remembering, he could go to his parents room, get that gun, and shoot the crap out of Dad’s big screen TV. Because Dad taught him that was okay to do.

In a more serious scenario, what if someone at school angered him? He could take that gun to school and shoot for some kid’s backpack or laptop or whatever. But because he’s not mentally and physically equipped to handle a weapon, he misses. He shoots the kid who has angered him. What if he doesn’t stop there? What if he loses his temper, and his entire English class is peppered in bullets? BOOM. Within minutes, several lives are destroyed forever. And we all know the police won’t shoot his laptop and send him to his room for what he’s done.

I am fully aware that the Second Amendment in the Constitution is the Right to Bear Arms. I’m not saying this guy had no right to HAVE a gun. (Well, BEFORE he shot the crap out of his daughter’s laptop. Now, he should probably have all his weapons confiscated and be forced to use a plastic butter knife for his steak, but that’s just my opinion…)

It’s not about the RIGHT to have a gun, it’s about PARENTING, not threatening. It’s about teaching your kids about gun safety, about how it’s NOT okay to use guns as punishment, or when you’re angry! It’s about being a MATURE and RESPONSIBLE adult who handles difficult situations appropriately.

This guy had a multitude of choices on how to punish his daughter, which he had every right to do. He could have simply locked the laptop away. More severely, he could have sold the laptop and donated the money to charity, or hell, use it to catch up on bills, no judgement there.

He wanted to teach his daughter a lesson, I get that. Instead of just teaching his daughter a lesson, the video went viral, and he’s taught so many impressionable young kids that weapons are for punishment, and it’s okay. That’s the scary part, folks. It wasn’t just HIS CHILDREN he taught this lesson to.

Just because you have the RIGHT to something, doesn’t mean you are excused from treating that right responsibly, maturely, and reasonably. And last time I checked, there is no “Right to be an Idiot” in our Constitution.

Someone shut this guy up…

Dancing to the Beat of Your Own Drum

As many Julien-K fans were, I was blind-sided by Elias’ decision to leave the band. His reasoning was fair an understandable, and I am so happy for him and his family, and wish him nothing but the best. But it left many of us wondering “Who will take his place?”. Elias is one-in-a-million. He fit so well with Julien-K, I couldn’t imagine anyone else stepping in.

A few days later, the band announced Frank Zummo as their new drummer. Having never heard the name, I did a little research (i.e. asked my girls who the hell he was) and discovered he was a drummer in a group called Street Drum Corps. My friends had seen them play, and insisted they were awesome.

Saturday night, I had the pleasure to experience Street Drum Corps live in Hollywood at Bar Sinister.

Ho.Ly.Shit. What I saw on Saturday was unexpected awesomeness, and I was blown away. The only way I can think to describe SDC is it is a complicated recipe of so many factors that sound weird and bizarre but marry perfectly and uniquely.

Start off with Stomp. Add Blue Man Group (minus blue people though!). Throw in street performers, electronic, rock and pop music, costumes, and some power tools. Pour in awesome video presentations (not powerpoint crap!). Sprinkle with recycled trash. Shove on stage for 2 hours, and you have the perfect SDC experience.

Comprised of Adam and Bobby Alt as well as Frank Zummo, these guys take everything they do, and turn up the creativity factor to 11. These guys are NOT some average “edgy” Stomp-esque knock-off. What SDC does onstage is so unique, and so energizing. They push the envelope to what music is, and tie it all together with drums that are just so… primal. Watching them live is like watching the creative thinking process in action.

You all should DEFINITELY check Street Drum Corps out. Which you can do here: Street Drum Corps

And as for you, Mr. Frank Zummo… my boys made a wise decision, welcome to Julien-K.

Okay, I’ll shut up, stop reading, and go check out Street Drum Corps!

What I’m Listening To: “Knock Me Out” Street Drum Corps

What I’m Reading: “Mile 81″ by Stephen King

Yes, you are here with me. Always.

Now that I’ve had time to recover from Saturday night, and fight off the plague that hit me on Monday morning, I’m ready to sit down and put my thoughts into words on the new Julien-K album “We’re Here With You”!

On release day (January 23rd, 2012), we watched it climb up the Electronic Albums chart on iTunes, and it peaked at #2!!! And listening to this album over and over again, I can’t quite figure out why it didn’t hit #1. It’s a truly amazing album. (Click the song title to preview songs on amazon.com, and to buy them a la carte. Links to purchase the album can be found at the bottom.)

1- We’re Here With You ~ I LOVE the guitars on this track, it’s got a raw, honest tone that I wasn’t expecting. The beat gets you from second one, and I can’t stop moving when this song is on. It’s not a dance-y track, but definitely one you can groove to. The lyrics are amazing; vague without too much mystery. Makes me feel like this song was written about me, and I’m sure others can find that connection to this track. 5/5

2- Surrounded By Cowards ~ This was the track I was the most excited for. Hearing the snippets while they were recording it, I had pegged this as an early fave. The guys did NOT disappoint. While I’m not SUPER excited about the high notes Ryan’s hitting in this track, it doesn’t ruin the song, or take away from it at all. The beat (and hook!) is absolutely addictive and catchy. Definitely a “stuck-in-your-head-all-day” song. 5/5

3- Cruel Daze Of Summer ~ Another highly anticipated track that was worth all the hype. The melody on this song is just so… DEEP and resonating, I couldn’t help but fall in love with it. Great beat that flows well throughout, hooks you early and keeps you going, however the song runs a WEE bit longer than it probably should. This song is electronic music at it’s finest! 5/5

4- Breakfast in Berlin- Free Download! ~ This is the first single off of “We’re Here With You”. I have to say, NOT my favorite track. The beat is gritty and dirty (in a good way), but the vocals just don’t… click with me. And all the “ah ah”‘s. Too many “ah ah”‘s. Good song, just not great, and not in my top 10. 3/5 (Authors Note: The free download is from the band themselves, so say thank you!)

5- Palm Springs Reset ~ Another favorite off the album. My personal favorites are always the ones that are raw emotion with a great beat. This track is really what these guys do best, if you ask me. The drum track on this is really strong and the lyrics are so pretty. Ryan’s vocals are so soothing and it’s the perfect “chill out” song, almost… cleansing. Very Depeche Mode-esque! 5/5

6- Colorcast ~ Pure electro heaven! I love the beat and the overall feel of this song. The vocals are a bit… higher than I like, but it DOES suit the song well. This is a perfect club/dance song. In fact, I’m dancing a little right now as I write this as I listen along. 4/5

7- Close Continuance ~ Definitely the darker tune on the record, and NOT a favorite of mine. The beat is good, I just dislike the vocals, too “talky” for my liking in the beginning. Once we get into the hook, I’m down to listen, but still a little too high for me. I’ll most likely skip over this one when I’m listening to the whole album. 2/5

8- Nights Of Future Past ~ This track makes up for “Close Continuance”! It’s a darker, deeper song, and I love the way it was put together. Ryan’s vocals are super smooth, and the melody gets me. I LOVE the hook on this song! This song reminds me of Orgy… amplified by 10, with more awesome on top… if any of that makes sense. 5/5

9- Flashpoint Riot ~ I didn’t THINK I would like this song, but I was surprised when I heard it all the way through. I do like this song. Heavy guitars, saturated with electro beats, the perfect fusion of rock and electronica. This is the song that proves the guys know what they are doing, and they know how to pave the way. The vocals are a little too… processed for me, but it suits the song well. Another great club/dance song, and I can see this being played live at a club like Voyeur in San Diego (hint! hint! LED Wall! Hint!). 4/5

10- I’ll Try Not To Destroy You ~ Another song I was really anticipating. While I don’t typically like Ryan’s high notes, this song is the exception. Love love love the beat, the flow, and the melody in this song. This song is pure seduction, beginning to end. Easily my favorite track on the entire album, and I pegged it as a favorite as soon as I heard the whole CD. The vocals in this track are absolutely FLAWLESS, and all the elements they used to compose it, fit like a puzzle. Everything marries so well here, if a song can be absolute perfection, this is the one. 5/5

I had such high hopes for this album, being such a long time fan. And with 100% honesty, this album does not disappoint at all. The evolution of this band is so organic and smooth. An overall lighter tone than Death to Analog, it really suits the band, and it suits me just fine. I LOVE the guitars used throughout the whole album, and the way they’re soaked with the electro elements, sounds like it SHOULDN’T work, but it does. All in all, job well done. Now get to work on #3!

Click the image below to buy the album, which I HIGHLY suggest you do!

A Life Worth Living

Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.
~William James- American Philosopher

7 days ago, to the hour, I sat in an airport. Unseasonably warm for January, I gazed out at the tarmac of Logan Airport, and watched in wonder as the staff loaded luggage off and then on the airplane. Clutching to my lifeline, my phone, I quickly tweeted a somewhat witty joke about lobsters as I watched boxes upon boxes of live crustacean be roughly loaded into the airplane.

When I relive that moment in my head, I close my eyes. I can smell the disinfectant that permeated the airport. I can feel the rough, well-used faux leather of the seat and armrest. I can taste the remnants of the iced coffee I sucked down swiftly before heading through security, sweet and familiar. I can hear the hustle and bustle of every day travelers, the excitement of the newcomers, and the weary sighs of the veterans. And out on the tarmac, I can see the belly of the beast being stuffed full. The beast that will carry me to my new adventure, deliver me to my clean slate.

As the beast ripped and tore through the air as we took flight, I sat in my seat and thought to myself, “Will I land?”. I quickly push this thought out of my head, instead allowing logic to sweep in. “Of course I will land, I always do. I’m alive, I’m well, and if there is a God, he cannot punish me again. I don’t deserve that, and I will land.”

As my carrier floated through the clouds, I could feel pieces of myself falling away. Slicing through the metals and innards, and falling to the ground. The dirt and the grime of my life in Massachusetts, free-falling to the unsuspecting and clueless people below. Busy with their own lives, no one realizing the rebirth occurring 37,000 feet above their heads. Chunks of hurt and anguish, clumps of insecurities and pain, blocks of heartbreak and fear. They all lay in the mud, the grass, the lakes and ponds below.

As we descend to the ground, I feel my breath catch in my throat. This is it, this is my time. My lungs force the air through my throat, burning to fill themselves again. And they do. And, just like I told myself, God or not, I landed.

The past week has been exhilarating and amazing. I’m exploring my surroundings, but also exploring myself as well. A new me is pushing through my old skin, and I am nurturing her, and helping her seep through in the most natural way possible. I’m learning something new about myself everyday. My old habits are fading, and new ones are forming.

The old me would never enjoy an overcrowded night club, pulsating with sweaty bodies and deafening beats. Massachusetts me would have balked at the thought, and stayed home, curled up in front of the computer. If forced to go, I would be a wall-flower. Feeling ugly, feeling out-of-place. I would have been desperate for someone to find me worthy of a dance, worthy of a look. I would drown myself in booze, and cry heartbroken when I went home alone, no one to hold me and tell me how beautiful I’m not.

Saturday night, I was in that crowd of people. I was ONE of those sweaty bodies. Pushing even further beyond my old self, I danced. I danced without insecurity. I danced with a boy, not to seduce him into “loving” me, not to prove my worth, but JUST to dance. Just to have fun. I didn’t search for validation in the eyes of the people around me. Old me needed that to feel loved, to feel welcome, to feel like I belonged. New me just LIVED in the moment. I danced without fear, I drank without drowning, I enjoyed. And I loved. Not another person for validating me, but I loved… me.

I find facination in the simplest things. From losing my Voyeur* Virginity, to sitting at home on the couch, my friends, my new family beside me. Everything is new, and I can’t wait to discover more and more.

As the new me settles in, I can’t wait to learn more and more about her. I don’t yet know who I am, but instead of dying, I’m LIVING to find out. Because this is MY life, and I say it’s worth living. I just hope that she won’t shut up…

 

 

*- Voyeur is the club in downtown San Diego my friends and I went to on Saturday night. While my friends are regulars, it was my first time there, and my first time in a REAL night club. You can visit the Voyeur website by clicking here.

 

What I’m Listening To: “Marry the Night” by Lady Gaga ~ Amazon MP3

What I’m Reading: “The Last Living Slut: Born in Iran, Bred Backstage” by Roxana Shirazi ~ Paperback – Kindle

California Dreaming

For the first time in a long time, I woke up with a smile on my face.

Yawning, stretching, peering around to familiar yet unfamiliar scenery, my face felt weird… different. I was smiling. I was happy, BEFORE a cup of coffee.

Even though I don’t know where anything is, or how to get anywhere, this was truly my homecoming. This is a place that breathes new life back into me. It’s familiar, yet unexplored. Strange, yet so comfortable. New, but… home. Just… home.

As I lay my head down for sleep last night, I had to convince myself that when I wake up, it will all be the same. I’m not dreaming, I’m not fantasizing, I’m here.

This is my chance to get it right. To give myself what I deserve, and get rid of what I don’t. To be the person I’ve always wanted to be, and not bog myself down with misery and despair.

I am surrounding myself with people who I love, and love me back. I will not waste my time, my energy, or my life any longer. Being here doesn’t negate a perfect life, I’m not letting myself be naive, but it is a BETTER life. Only because I will make it one. I’ll have to work hard, but that has never scared me. I’ll have to keep myself in check, but I’m a big girl now, I should be able to handle that.

I miss those I love back home, but I hope they know, me being here doesn’t make me love them any less. I’ve found my happy. It was in Southern California all along…

 

Authors Note: Everyone who reads this blog knows the obvious. I’m not so good at keeping up with things I start. Once again, I’m going to attempt to breathe life back into this blog. I’m hoping someone will help me. You know, cattle prod me or something. Shutting up now…

Always Use Protection

I know I’ve mentioned on here before that I am a BuzzAgent for BuzzAgent.com, a website that connects companies with consumers to get honest opinions, and launch word-of-mouth campaigns.

As an Agent, I recently received a free one-year subscription to Trend Micro Titanium. Considering I was in the market for a good anit-virus software, this came at the perfect time. My awesome hook-up included coverage for 3 different computers, too. Great bonus!

The features on this software are really amazing. First of all, the installation is smooth sailing. It will automatically detect old anti-virus software, and then uninstall it if prompted. Something my previous anti-virus didn’t do. And installing it on a second and third computer? NOT the hassle I was expecting. It was honestly really easy!

This software runs on half the memory and disk space as other anti-virus software, so really, you set it up and forget it. No more waiting for your software to load while sludging your computer up. It’s fabulous!

Social Network security is another awesome feature. Non-intrusive, it simply highlights each link it detects on Facebook, Twitter, Google, and tons of other websites. Green for Good, Red for No Bueno, and Gray if it can’t really tell. It’s not distracting or annoying, and really helps you pick out the good links from the bad quickly and easily. My GRANDMA could tell what a bad link is, and she still calls the computer a microwave…

SmartPhone Protection- who the hell thought of this?! I never thought about getting a virus on a smartphone! But, apparently it can happen, and Trend Micro has you covered. While I don’t have a smartphone, I did offer it to my friend. Unfortunately, they did not offer protecting for his system, which is about the only complaint I have. They don’t offer service for ALL smart phones, but they do have a good sized list.

As far as file protection goes, Trend Micro offers a way to lock up, even erase, all files if your device or computer ever gets stolen or hacked. It’s super simple too, all you have to do is go on the website, log-in, and BAM! No one will find those embarassing pictures of you knee deep in a bucket of tequila wearing a sombrero. What? Just me? Oh…

Moving on, the quick scan for your computer is great, and the full scan is even more awesome. Again, it doesn’t sludge up the computer, making it crawl for 6 hours while it scans. I did a full scan on both my computers, and each were done relatively quick!

Honestly, Trend Micro is so packed full of features, I haven’t had the time to play with all the bells and whistles it comes with. However, I can truly say I love this software! I know that come next August, I’ll be renewing my subscription.

Interested in getting a copy of your own? I’ve got an awesome hook-up for you!

Compliments of BizzAgent.com, I’ve got 2 ways for you to save!

1- Head on over to Trend Micro and enter the code ” BZZ30 ” for a discount or…

2- Print out This Coupon for $30 off at Best Buy!

Let me know how you guys like it!

Pixie’s Guide to Public Transportation

For those of you unaware, I am currently not a licensed driver. Even if I were to be one, however, I have no access to a vehicle. Since I work, that leaves me with two options. Bum a ride or take the bus. Bumming a ride isn’t always feasible, so I resort to daily use of public transportation.

It’s very easy to empathize with those who loathe, and even fear, the city bus. You really never know what you’re gonna see, find, smell, taste (yep, taste), or experience on your trip from Point A to Point B. Since I travel on several buses a day, 5 days a week, here is my handy guide to riding (and surviving) the public transit system, and a guide to good bus etiquette.

• Check the bus schedule - Listen, we all run late sometimes, we understand. But when you chase after the bus every single day because you were “running late”, it’s time to re-evaluate your routine, home girl. When the bus has to stop and wait for you to haul ass over to the door, and then wait while you proceed to dig out your change, it holds up EVERYONE on that bus. We have shit to do, get your shit together. They have the schedules right on the bus, and if you’re not sure, just ASK SOMEONE at the bus stop, providing you get your ass there ON TIME. On time is 5 minutes earlier than when the bus is due to arrive, by the way, and not running out the door when you see it drive by your house.
• Be prepared- If this is your first time riding the bus, you’re excused. If not, dude, you KNOW how much it costs to ride the bus. Have your money ready. It takes up so much time while the 5 other people waiting to get on the bus who have their pass or money READY have to stand outside while you dig through your pockets for a quarter. If you’re not ready, get in back of the line, don’t rush to be the first on the bus and hold everyone up!
• Respect the bubble – If the bus you’re on seats 20 people, and there are 5 other people on the bus, there is NO REASONABLE NEED to sit RIGHT NEXT TO ME. In general, when space allows it, a minimum of one seat separating strangers is the social norm here, space invader. And when I move because you’re all up in my bubble, don’t look at me like I’ve personally offended you. I don’t know you, so I have no need to try and figure out what you had for breakfast by smelling your breath. Speaking of breath…
• Hygiene matters- You never know when a bus is going to be crowded. And even if it isn’t, stanky people need to walk or cab it! You’re in public, inside a closed space. People will notice if you decided deodorant wasn’t important that day! Nothing ruins a day like then smelling your B.O. from the back of the bus.
• I do not care- More and more, people are throwing old school cell phone etiquette out the window. Do not be THAT person. You know the one. The person who shouts, loudly, on their cell phone about what was for dinner last night, that their boss worse brown shoes with black pants, or that D’Andre done just got outta lockup and guuuuuurl he was wantin’ him some last night! While the other person on the phone may care, no one else on the bus could give a damn. Cell phones aren’t outlawed, but don’t abuse the privilege! Oh, by the way, welcome home D’Andre.
• Unce, Unce, Unce – Music is awesome, I’m sure many people agree with me on that. However, what is awesome to you, Mr. Eminem fanatic, is not so awesome to me, the girl at the other end of the bus who is trying to ignore your ignorance. I’m pretty sure the 80-year-old sitting next to you that just turned off her hearing aid isn’t impressed either. Keep it to yourself.
• If they’re crazy, they don’t need encouragement- It’s no secret that crazy-ass people ride the bus. I’ve seen the most interesting things in the world riding the bus. If you see something crazy, just look away and distract yourself. Since what you see cannot be un-seen, that is the best way to keep the brain scabs to a minimum and to survive without brain bleach.
• Pay Attention, Mary Poppins - I know what it’s like to have to do your shopping without a car. It’s not easy. However, if you have bags and bags of crap, and the bus is full, PUT YOUR SHIT ON THE FLOOR. You do not need a seat for your ass, and 4 seats for your stuff. It’s in bags, it will survive! Put. It. On. The. Floor. Someone else needs the seat more than your milk and bread.
• Hey, Rudeness- On every single bus I have ever been on, there is a sign proclaiming that the front seats are to be surrendered if, at any time, an elderly or disabled person boards the bus. This is to provide them with a seat close to the entrance and exit. That means, get the fuck up! That does not mean watch the poor old lady hobble to the back of the bus and try to find a seat quickly.
• Do you ALWAYS Drive Like This? – Bus drivers, this is for you. You do know you are operating a multi-ton gigantic metal tube full of people, yes? Do you NEED to whip around corners and ride the ass of the guy in front of us? Or how about slamming on the breaks? Necessary? Methinks not. Also, we get you are a public service employee. In case you haven’t looked at your license in awhile, there is not a Class D for Dick. You don’t have to be an asshole when someone asks you a question, or even knocks on the door before you pull away. Unless they’re #1 on this list, then by all means, drive off.

All in all, if you just keep to yourself and be respectful to those around you (and the driver, too!) you will survive your journey on the public transportation system. Now, I have to shut up, and pray for the best for my bus ride tomorrow.

Loser

I am a loser.

Before you jump to conclusions, it’s true. As I do every Sunday morning (read: afternoon when I get up), I step on the scale. For the past 12 weeks, I’ve watched that number slooooowly creep down. Today, when I saw the digital display, I squealed with delight!

For 12 weeks, I’ve watched every bite of food that goes into my mouth. I’ve diligently calculated the ramifications of each meal. I’ve painstakingly kept track of what I eat, and how I’ve felt while eating, and after. I’ve made healthier choices. I’ve made efforts to be more active. I’ve done the work, and today, I saw the results.

I have lost 10% of my entire body weight. That may not seem like a lot to you, but you have to consider, I was a lot of person 12 weeks ago. I’ve lost a total of 24.5 lbs. To put that in perspective, here is a list of things that weigh approximately 25 lbs.

• A typical 18 month old baby.
• triple bulk candy vending machine when empty
• 3½ gallons of milk
• 5 large bags of sugar or flour

This is just the motivation I needed to keep plugging on. Hopefully in the next 12 weeks, I’ll hit my next 10 % goal, which is another 21 lbs away. It’s not easy, but I’ll get there, and I feel great about having stuck with it! My goal weight no longer seems daunting, it no longer seems unattainable. I WILL get there, and I WILL look, and feel, great when I do. Just another step in revamping my life, and getting to where I need to be!

I guess I’ll shut up.

I Speak No Japanese…

I don’t believe anyone in this world is unaware of the devistating tragedy that hit Japan earlier this month.

The ground shook, and not only buildings were damaged, but lives, families.

 The tsunami was massive and unforgiving, and not only farmlands were washed away, but the hard work and dedication of the no doubt calloused hands that worked the soil year after year.

Right now, as I type, tears are forming and stinging my eyes, even weeks after the devestation. It pains my heart that anywhere in this big great world would have to succomb to this.

In multiple interviews with survivors and former Japan residents, most told their interviewer “We knew this was coming. We’ve always been told to be wary of ‘the big one’.” This is what kills me the most. They were prepared.

They put months and months of engineering and thought in each building they constructed to make them “quake proof”. They spent hours upon hours or preparing their residents, teaching their children how to react, how to survive. They were prepared, and they still could not escape from wreckage.

Maybe I should have posted this weeks ago, immediately following the tragedy. But, in all honesty, I think now is the time. People who were unaffected are back to their normal routine, and this horrible event is far from their minds. Right where it should not be.

Let us not forget that in this great big world, people are all the same. We are all human. And it is our duty as humans to help others when they are in peril.

Help Japan today. Donate. Click any of the links below to find out how YOU can help Japan by donating, time, money, or even buying Relief-related products. This is a short list of places to donate, choose whatever you are comfortable with, whether it is listed here or not. It doesn’t matter where you learn about the efforts, all that matters is effort is given. Be a human.

American Red Cross  
Also, Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 instantly.

Music For Relief

Lady Gaga Japan Earthquake Relief Bracelet Even Monsters can be Human.

#SINGItForJapan by My Chemical Romance