volution

Here's a spam message I received just today... (They really are trying to vie for the crown of king of spam as well as king of scam!)

I just want to let you fellow poem meisters know about link removed, and the scam that it is... They claim to offer big prizes and rewards to people who submit poems. You are encouraged to submit a poem for free (most genuine poetry competitions have an entry fee of between $5-$25 - which pays for the REAL prizes) that is a maxmium of 20 lines. If that doesn't stifle creativity then I don't know what does! Every poem that is submitted will be accepted, no matter how ridiculous. It is a shame that they catch out so many genuine poets, conning them into sending off a large sum to get a book in which their poem has been published. ($60+) If you don't believe me, look at this poem that was 'selected for publication because of it's unique perspective and your artistic vision': link removed In addition, they 'invite' you to their 'awards ceremony' where you pay to 'win' your prizes. They do everything to try and get as much money as they can out of you. Since link removed is the most typed-in website for people thinking about Poetry, they catch thousands of people out. I did sumbit a poem some years ago to them before I knew they were a scam. But now I know better. And I feel sorry for all those unsuspecting individuals that get caught out. There ARE genuine poetry competitions out there - there's a good magazine in the US called "Poets and Writers" which has a list of real ones: link removed Here are some links on the link removed scam: link removed link removed link removed

Something I have learned in my experiences in a handful of jobs is this: * It's not what you know, or do... But who you know Unfortunately, even if you are more qualified, more moral, more reliable, more trustworthy, more good-looking (well sometimes this goes out the window), more everything than another person, sometimes that person can get the job, solely because they know someone (ie: the director). * Money is king in virtually all jobs Since most companies are accountable to shareholders, they have to legally do everything in their power to make sure they can make lots and lots of money, even if it means cutting corners, treating employees like dirt, and the like. * Most companies will do immoral (and illegal) acts if the fines/cost of those acts is less then their proceeds from them This is something that the vast majority of people in the world don't realise. Check out a documentary on DVD called The Corporation - you will be shocked and in disbelief by the end of it. * In most companies, the higher up you are, the less intelligent you should be (or pretend to be) - most companies want people that follow orders blindly, not work on their own initative (even though they claim the opposite). I have personally seen this in most of my companies, either indirectly or directly. My sister has also observed this at her company too. This ties in with the previous point - if you are a moral/compassionate person and intelligent, companies will see you as a threat in the upper echelons - because they are thinking "Would YOU take part in their immoral acts and practices... Or would YOU blow the whistle?". It's all why a lot of people prefer to work for themselves - since they can work by their rules, and morals. You don't have to put up with the nonsense and backside-licking that most jobs entail. Personally, I hate those companies which make you watch these 'Confidence Building' videos which say "You are so important to the success of your company... Your toilet cleaning position is crucial to the multi-national infiltration of global markets and corporation synergetics of our world-beating company, and we couldn't do it without you... We will be providing a multi-facet team-oriented goal-based retraining schedule taking place over the next 6 months which will decide on completion with a panel of experts the most effective toilet brush for improving effective productivity under the Faraday quotient.." Lol... Corporate bull is something I like to have fun with! The most important thing I have learned is DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE... Even if it doesn't pay much money... You won't get these years back... Because, by Job, most companies don't care about you at all... Put in 45 years of work, and then get a clock to show at the end of it all? What about all those days you could have spent with your wife and family? Instead spent at the office, giving all your love to the company... Sorry for the rant... Hope it opens some people's eyes though

Ode to Galatea Sweet goddess, borne of the Earth's Finest treasures – in my mind, long Have my hands traced your nebulous Beauty; your body was supple and Pliant to the gentle tendings of my Palms. Since my birth, the echo Of a heavenly maiden has stirred Within my soul. Restlessly have I Scoured the hills, and the lands to Find this gentle creature, precious More than a universe of diamonds; Tender more than angel's wings. Sadness clothed my essense in a dark Veil, as the years poured past me, And her image wasn't betrayed by Time – only strengthened inside. Many princess pretenders danced accross the sands of my life, all Trying to capture the bejewelled Crown of my heart, but their faces Never spoke as loud as yours, my Beloved sylph. Your eternal form Was forever sculpted into me, and The aching paleness of your skin Sent my soul cartwheeling along The very edges of passion's reach. Yearning to feel the pulsing of your Lips so close to mine, that the air Is charged with a potent electricity, An inescapable attraction; restless Nights, unending days, searching For you, every when, every where. But as the miles began to take their Toll, the dawning came that never From without would you come, Only, from within. So I turned away from the world, Making mine the space where I Brought my dreams to life, Where two lovers would meet. Tirelessly my hands weaved about Your clad frame, intent to spurn Sleep's wasted moments, so that I could reveal your true beauty. And so, it was done… But as the last touches of my fingers Slipped down from your pure, naked Body, awake's enemy finally tore Down my swollen eyelids. I wasn't even blessed with a filling Glance athwart your faultless figure. Yet in slumber's nourishing reverie, You visited me. Astep from your Pedestal had you ventured, and My hair your fragile hands stroked. From your heart's hand, you offered Me the gift of a delicate black rose. Entranced by your capturous gaze, I shook as you came closer, and Offered me the gift of your lips. Our moment was stolen away by Reality's fading return – so near To ecstasy, but it's denial could Never be assuaged by the second Hand memory of 'almost'. For the first time, my eyes fell Upon the glorious radiance of Your heaven-reaching form; I fell to my knees at your feet, My heart falling too, wishing To exchange my life instead Of spending it lonely, lamenting Your lifeless body, my love. As I prayed to Aphrodite to Take my soul and invest it's Relics into you, so that you Might live, I felt a glowing Presense descend from above; In your eyes a quiver of life Stirred through, and a light Gasp came from your mouth. Tears fell from my eyes as I reached out to hold on to your Virtuous feet, for I wished you To take me with you, to paradise… Galatea, my beloved, I am yours…

There is a good book that I have been reading recently, entitled "Man's Search for Meaning" - it is by a doctor/psychologist called Viktor Frankl who was held prisoner in a notorious concentration camp. He developed an entirely new branch of psychology called 'Logotherapy', which deals with people who are severely depressed, or considering suicide. He often asked people "Why don't you just commit suicide?" - it is a radical way of thinking, even now. But it can shock people into thinking about their life in new ways, to find meaning and value even in the smallest ways... This is a fantastic book, which is not just an account of psychology, but a genuinely inspiring tale of the human spirit, which can shine through even in the most difficult of situations. I recommend this book to everyone, especially those that have stared into that dark abyss...

Friendship comes before love - so many people forget this... Often it isn't love that we fall in with someone, but lust... Sometimes, lust can be more destructive than love when it ends, as it is a physical attraction, rather than love which is a spiritual attraction (and understanding, patient etc.)... We never 'get over' someone, if the feeling was true and genuine (ie: real love, not lust), we simply change, we move on...

Bright Eyes & Interlude - Art Garfunkel (from Watership Down OST) Blood of Eden (Special Mix for Wim Wender's Until the End of the World) - Peter Gabriel Just Another Day Without You - John Secada An Ending (Ascent) - Brian Eno Feels Live Heaven - Fiction Factory

If more men embraced their innate tender (feminine) side, then don't you think the world would be a better place? Just today I read a story about Sharon Stone going on a 'Kiss for Peace' - she will kiss anyone if it helps to bring about peace. In a more serious note, she spoke of how she would like to see more women on the tables of peace/negotiating groups - as women FEEL more with their thinking than men...

Evangeline by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow It's a great long prose/poem of love lost and regained... link removed It is a probably a bit longer than 10 minutes - but you could always use an excerpt...

My best advice, is not to rely your whole life on Horoscopes - take them with a pinch of salt.. I was guilty of following horoscopes too closely a few years back - I used to get so frustrated when the 'Good Times' and 'Wonderful Love' that they promised never materialised... All I can say, and all I can believe anyone can say, is just follow your heart... Follow your heart... What does it say... You can get a feeling within, when you ask a question to yourself... If it is a warm feeling, then usually that is the answer... Your situation is difficult, and not too unreminiscent of someone in my life... Follow your soul....

Because he's one of the guys who thinks that he can win a woman over by behaving like an idiot... ...anyone that's decent, intelligent or caring wouldn't do this...

Love is a process, not a destination... ...that is a lesson I learned this past year... ....so many believe in the latter, that once love is reached, then it doesn't have to be nurtured, inspired, cared for, worked on, tended to... There is a quote I particularly like: It takes a minute to like someone, an hour to love someone, but to forget someone takes a life time. Some people fall in love within minutes, some people over many months.... HOWEVER... And I'm not being cynical here... BUT.... Many men tell women what they want to hear, just so they can use them... They learn the words of honest hearts, and use and abuse them, so that when a honest heart comes along, the lady has been through enough lies to have a defence up against the words... Sometimes it's hard to break through that defence.... It is in the actions that we show someone we love them... Not just the words... This again, is something I have learned in the past year... That we must do more than just say "I love you".... Actions can speak louder than words... At first, words can be intoxicating, and the most hurtful and cruel men use beautiful words to woo the gentle hearts of unsuspecting and tender ladies... But love is more than words... Love is being a friend, love is listening, love is understanding, love is offering compassion, love is patient, love is showing someone you will be there for them, love is showing that you are willing to take care of your life for them (not just because they ask you, but because YOU want to)....

Thanks Shy... ...sometimes I find that poetry helps get some of the depression and gloom out of my soul, and away... away hopefully forever... It's tough when you've been in depression for over 10 years... But I am determined once and for all to fight against this demon, this demon that affects many of us... To take it head on, by the horns and discard it from my life... I believe only love can heal fear, hope heal worry, trust heal doubt... The End of this depression, is coming... Only love, hope and trust can replace it...

What happens if the man that can support himself financially treats you like crap, but the man who might still be at home treats you like a princess?

I believe the women that really want love first don't tend to post Personal Ads....

The End The darkness still has work To do, whilst the last traces Of gentleness and hope remain. Mirrors reflect a youthfulness Deceived, dissembling the Withered crookedness beneath. Fretfully stumbling around, Not designed for this world - Corroded by old age of the soul. Compassion and love are long Lost friends - a heart left Abandoned by their ineffect. My palms despise the frame From which they're borne, Battering it with despair. Once they used to flow with Beauty and tenderness, now Bitterness and regret. A life already shortened by The broken heart it was Assigned - I seek to Shorten it more still, Misery is my keeper, Depression my ill. Jealously watching torments That come daily, reminding What once I might have known; An empty hatred is all that My corrupted spirit can manage To entertain. A moment's weakness, fear Mistaken for anger, can Undo a lifetime's work. Images of the beloved Defiled and destituted By older filth. Choices have always been What changes the world, Do I choose to wait For the end, or do I find It myself? Why do I feel That I'm the one who must Suffer the short lingering Years, in loneliness and pain? Why will I be alone when I die? Death is but a release from This mortal hell - where hearts Once pure, are ruined habitual. Is it too late, to choose the Gentleness, and tenderness Again, before my end? I want to escape from this jail, Before time slips by irretrievable, But who will be my friend?

Age is but a number... Hearts and Souls are not... Many of us blindly trundle the wastelands of dating, believing that compatibility rests solely in physical factors - age, money, physical beauty... So many possible relationships go unexplored, for one or the other had a hang-up on a physical factor. This 24-hour world causes us to take things at face value - to make assumptions often about age, experience etc. Sometimes, people in their 30s or 40s can be more immature than someone in their 20s. It is NOT the physical age that is the indicator of maturity - only the heart, the soul, and the words, the actions, the feelings that come from that heart and soul. I've known of many scenarios where the younger man was better for the woman, yet she still chose someone who was older, 'just because'...

I agree - it's sad the world in general has got like this. Most people seem to put Money/Career as #1 and Relationships #2 these days... Many men might put Relationships even lower, judging by how many women complain they don't pay them enough attention or spend enough time with them (eg: they are at sporting events, drinking with friends, golfing etc. far too much)... I'm glad to say that I'm one of those who still believes as love and relationship as being #1 no matter what....

Valentine's Day doesn't have to be just about Romantic Love... It should be about all the forms of love... I'm sure a lot of women would appreciate a man who helped someone out (perhaps even a stranger), than just a token box of chocolates or roses...

This is a difficult situation - but it is clear that whoever this company is, they don't give a damn about their workers... It's not WalMart is it? $100 a week is clearly ridiculous... I'm not sure what I can suggest, but don't become depressed - please-, look for another job - hard as it might seem... I don't know your situation or your area, so I don't know the prospects... But would you want to continue giving yourself to people who don't give a damn about you?? In the UK, our Contract workers laws are almost as bad as the US... It's slowly changing, but it's still not good... Perhaps if you let us know where you're from, someone on the board here might live in your area and could advise better...

It's not wrong to want a spiritual connection - in fact, I believe it is essential for a deep relationship. Someone who can only see the physical act of sex as the only form of intimacy, will never be able to satisfy someone who craves the intimate communion of a deep connection... Trust me - there are guys out there who WANT something that is deep and spiritual... Plus they will want to love you forever no matter what... "Multiple partners" kind of answers your question/worries... Someone that loves, truly loves, believes in deep relationships, they probably won't ha - this is only coming from experience... But those who feel deeply - they just can't move on between people easily, so they will tend to have had very few partners... I've only had one relationship in my life so far... I want the next one to be the one that lasts for the rest of my life... I don't think I could survive otherwise... I know how it is to fall into the trap of believing growing closer physically means growing closer emotionally, spiritually... In the only relationship I had, the woman (much older than me) was the one who seemed to be interested in sex all the time, and not really interested in the spiritual side... It was very cold... I believe it is the other way round... Emotional and spiritual closeness fosters an even more intense physical closeness and union... Unfortunately, most men don't even recognise spiritual or emotional issues, nor are mature enough or willing enough to explore them (they take time, friendship etc. and their primary goal is sex)... Not all men are like this... But it's important not to try and change someone... They have to change (I prefer the word learn, or grow) for you and for themselves if they are willing... If not, then no amount of love or desire on your part will bring you together closer...

The mind is a funny thing.. It helps us to think, helps us to learn, helps us to get on in the world... Yet, it can also tear us apart, and cause us great damage... There are voices in our minds that say many things (and I'm not talking about schizophrenia!) - critical voices - depressing voices, that tell us we're not worth being alive, we're useless, that things are too much to do. When we want to do something, somehow the voice quietly echoes a disparaging - "I can't do that", "It's too difficult", "It'll never work", "It'll take too long..."... And after a while the easiest and simplest of tasks seem like unconquerable mountains that only seem to be there to crush us down... It all starts with the mind... I know this first hand... For years I've suffered a crippling depression that at one time meant I used to wear sunglasses all day long whenever I went out of the house - I was afraid for people to look at me, I didn't want to talk to anyone... I thought it was something wrong with me, something my fault that caused all the 'bad luck' as I saw it conspire against me - the world seemed a cold, terrible, dark, gruesome place - a place where only evil lying scumbags of men won the fair hand of a gentle maiden... Sometimes, I used to lie in bed all day, no reason to get up... I found that everything seemed to be in my mind - if I thought I was going to have a bad day... Of course everything would be bad... But then I had a revelation 2 years ago... One day, I got up for work, and decided, no matter what, I'd just be happy today, happy even if things got bad, happy even if the world came to an end, just happy and not worrying... And you know what??? The first time ever in my life, I had a conversation with a woman, a real conversation where there was an energy shared between us... A deep attraction... Nothing came of it, but it proved to me, that somehow the mind, it affects our reality... Because I was happy and not worrying, happy things were drawn to me... This also happened later in the year, when I went through a few weeks of not worrying (because I had fallen in love with someone), and everything seemed remarkable, rosy, happy... Things started to become attracted to me... My car broke down, but while it was being repaired I was given a sports car I had always wanted to drive! Things organised themselves perfectly - I had to take my dad to a hospital in the morning before work... But the most curious luck meant that I had to go back to the hospital FOR WORK later in the morning, and I finished the exact moment my father was ready to go home. Other things happened, like rainbows (I believe in these as signs we're on the right path) spontaneously appearing... What I'm trying to say, is that the mind - the mind is what we should work on... Somehow, what we think creates our reality... If we dwell in darkness, we will attract scenarios that will compound that feeling of darkness and despair. If we dwell in happiness (sometimes it takes blind faith - it really does), then happy things will start to come towards us... When we let go of worry, things don't seem so hard, so cold, so difficult... Sometimes, it might take someone else to help us make the first steps, but depression, I believe it really is 'all in the mind' - and we all have the power to change it... "Depression makes us believe that we don't have the power to beat it..."

Q... What's a foxhole??

"Hell hath no fury like a man scorned by a woman..." Sorry... I couldn't resist... Just a funny quote I coined a few years back.... Have you thought about writing a story? A murder mystery maybe... lol...

Ode to Psyche A thousand smiles echo A thousand graces. The soul of an angel, With a goddess's face. Words impoverish thou Beauty to describe, Artists sigh at their Works, and hide. Your blessed path is With flowers strewn, Men and women pay Homage and tribune. Even the ground weeps At the tender falls, Of your gracious feet Upon Earth's sprawls. All mouths can speak Nothing but praise, Even the sun sings, With it's morning rays. Skin as soft-white as Spring's blossoms, Hair as radiant as Summer's columns. Tender hands betray The youth within, A hope and desire No mortal can win. Your butterfly wings Carry you silent, Through the noise Of the world's lament. Zephyrs lift you With beauty's song, Sing you of love's Ecstasy and belong. Yearning to feel Love's truth deep, Human lies have set Burning tears a-seep. A pure heart and soul Tempered by pain; Passion's roses, healed, Bloom red once again. Searching long and Steadfast - adieu, Waiting and hoping For reunion anew... Sleep no more in Darkness's faze; Awake, my love, To Cupid's gaze...