Thoughts for today, by John Lennon

In honor of John Lennon's memory and message, I chose quotes by him for today's thoughts.

Enjoy!

“You are all geniuses, and you are all beautiful. You don't need anyone to tell you who you are. You are what you are. Get out there and get peace, think peace, live peace, and breathe peace, and you'll get it as soon as you like.”

“We've got this gift of love, but love is like a precious plant. You can't just accept it and leave it in the cupboard or just think it's going to get on by itself. You've got to keep watering it. You've got to really look after it and nurture it.”

“A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.”

Videos of James Taylor and Carole King's singing live on The Today Show

There may be a few readers who aren't familiar with the fact that there are a few people that I am a little tiny bit obsessed with. James Taylor is DEFINITELY one of them. Now when I say obsessed I mean hands down, over the top, would do anything, obsessed with him and is music for as long as I can remember!

So when James Taylor appears on The Today Show with Carole King (who I love too!), and personally sends me the videos from their appearance, I wanted to share them with all of you. Oh and just so we're clear......by personally, I mean me and every other fan who follows him on facebook! :-)

What's Ralph Macchio so angry about? (video)

Wax On, F*ck Off with Ralph Macchio

This has got to be one of the BEST parody's I have ever seen! I love Ralph Macchio when I was a teenager and I love him even more now. "Wax On, F*ck Off" is so unbelievably well done and I can't believe it. The ideas that the people at Funnyordie.com come up with never ceases to amaze me. Every time I think they can't do something any funnier another video comes out and I'm laughing even harder.

"Walking" by Henry David Thoreau audio book Part 2

"Walking" by Henry David Thoreau audio book Part 2

The audio book is in two parts with each one being about 90 minutes or so. I am posting them both at the same time just in two different posts.

Click here for part one of "Walking". They both can be listened to and downloaded from my site for one month, so tell your friends!

"Walking" by Henry David Thoreau audio book Part 1

One of the things that that appeals to me about many of the writings I've been reading/listening to is the time when they were written. Because most of them were written at least 100 years ago, they allow us to have the opportunity to do more then just 'learn' about the subject of the book. We are able to feel what it was like to live in another time and experience the subject then and now simultaneously. What's amazing is just how much (or little) the difference between the times is and why.

A video of Robert Thurman speaking about Buddhism at City Arts & Lectures

The following is a video of Robert Thurman speaking about Buddhism courtesy of Fora TV. I think it's a very interesting overview of some of the beliefs and teachings of Buddhism as well as some other things. The topics are: The Growing Popularity of Atheism, Buddhism's Stance on Deism, Buddhism and the meaning of life, the Chinese occupation of Tibet, why The Dalia Lama matters and more.

As A Man Thinketh by James Allen, the complete book on audio, listen to now and/or download.

I have been listening to audio books a lot lately and it gave me the idea to post them on my sites so that others can listen and enjoy them as well. I'm going to try to add at least one a week between both this blog and my other one, People Who Inspire Change. So don't forget to subscribe to both sites to receive automatic updates.(If anyone has suggestions, please leave a comment to let me know)

I decided to start with James Allen's book, "As A Man Thinketh" published in 1902, is possibly one of the most incredible books I've ever read/heard. I have listened to it a few times now and I'm sure will again, It's that good.

Both The Original and The New We Are The World 25 for Haiti Videos...........Please Donate

I remember 25 years ago sitting in front of the TV and even though I was just a teenager I knew I was watching history being made. I sit here now a 40 year old mother of two and I know I am watching history being made again.............

"The Myth of American Exceptionalism", video of a lecture by Historian Howard Zinn at MIT

Howard Zinn (who very recently passed away in January 2010 at 86 years old) was Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Boston University. He was a decorated war veteran, born and raised by an immigrant family in Brooklyn, and flew bombing missions in Europe during World War II, an experience that shaped his opposition to war. He attended New York University on the GI bill, graduating with a B.A. in 1951, and Columbia University, where he earned an M.A. (1952) and Ph.D. (1958) in political science.

His most recent work was a documentary feature film titled The People Speak on the history channel:

Using dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries and speeches of everyday Americans, the documentary feature film THE PEOPLE SPEAK gives voice to those who spoke up for social change throughout U.S. history, forging a nation from the bottom up with their insistence on equality and justice.

This is a video of Howard Zinn speaking at MIT, "The Myth of American Exceptionalism", in March 2005. In my opinion this video is not only incredible but still very, very timely and important as well.

Howard Zinn, The People Speak and Changing The World

“Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world.” Howard Zinn



I was only recently introduced to Howard Zinn through the History Channel's The People Speak, but his work impacted my life so strongly that I have been sharing with as many people as possible his work and philosophy.
 Howard Zinn, Boston University historian and political activist, author of A People's History of the United States among many, many other books, lectures, etc.

John Lennon Quotes

The following quotes are from John Lennon:

"I believe in everything until it's disproved. So I believe in fairies, the myths, dragons. It all exists, even if it's in your mind. Who's to say that dreams and nightmares aren't as real as the here and now?"

"Time you enjoy wasting, was not wasted."

"As usual, there is a great woman behind every idiot."

Who I'd like to meet and why

As I have already said, I don't really have heroes. What I do have is a list of people I'd like to meet. Each is someone I respect and admire because of, in my opinion, their exceptional ability to express themselves in areas I am passionate about. I want to talk to and ask them questions about their chosen field. Most of the people on this list I have admired for more years then I care to admit because it would really show my age. :-)

I have always said that if I could meet this person or that person I would just want 5 minutes with them to talk to them. Its so hard for me to explain my feelings about this so I thought if I give one question as an example you may be able to understand why they mean what they do to me. They are listed in no particular order, they are all equally talented in their fields to me.

1st is James Taylor,

Stephen King's House

May be I should start with this...

"My name is Colleen and I'm obsessed with Stephen King. Its been 29 years since I read the first book of his". hehe

Ok, now I feel better. I went to see his house in Bangor, Maine in 2007 and it was awesome! The fence and gates were the best part. The details were very subtle. Unless you were really looking it just looked like a regular fence!
He has lived in that house with his wife Tabitha (who is a great writer too) for pretty much his entire career, I think. It has the offices and everything in it. He had just bought the house next door to it and was having it renovated to move the offices there.
Aside from his brilliant writing, what I love about him is that he has never forgotten where he came from and he gives back to his community and profession.

And Now...........
Here are a few pictures............

Michael Jackson's greatest accomplishment

I am a Michael Jackson fan, always have been, always will be. When people think of Michael Jackson's greatest accomplishment, 99% of the time they try to choose one of his many artistic and humanitarian achievements. However in my opinion, NONE of them were his greatest accomplishment.

His musical genius is legendary, his pioneering in ALL areas of music and performing are forever documented not just in history, but our minds. There are only a few events that a person remembers where they were when….for me at least FIVE of those things are Michael Jackson events. Off The Wall, the moon-walk, Beat It, Thriller, We Are The World, Heal The World…….the list goes on and on and on.

Bon Jovi

I just wanted to do a quick post about another of my favorite bands I grew up with.
I was flicking through the channels and came upon VH1 classic rock.....the show on was about Bon Jovi and their top ten videos and the host was Mark Goodman (who was my favorite original MTV veejay). It was so great to relive those moments in time each of the songs brought back. I can remember my friend and I saying who we wanted to marry.....silly I know but hey we were teenage girls.....she always said Jon who secretly I wanted to...
I love just about all of their songs but if I had to pick a favorite it would be, "Wanted Dead Or Alive". The lyrics are so amazing but the vocals ROCK!!!
Whats your favorite Bon Jovi song?

Peace and Take Care!

PS don't get me started on the fact that my music....the music I grew up listening to.....is now on a channel labeled CLASSIC....when did that happen??? But that is for another post.....

Journey with Arnel Pineda on CBS Early Morning Show Videos

I watched the CBS Early Morning Show and I was absolutely amazed and excited when I saw Journey with their new lead singer, Arnel Pineda! It was absolutely incredible!!! I'm trying to think of words to express how awesome it was! Amazing, stupendous, WOW and every other word anyone wants to add!!!!! I seriously sat crying and had goosebumps when I heard the band perform, Don't Stop Believing.

Arnel's personal story as well as how he came to join the band were extremely moving to me and I'm sure

Michael Jackson's "This Is It" single release & the estate suing the HTWF

Today I read that Sony Music is releasing "This Is It" online at midnight Sunday night on Michael Jackson.com. Its the first single from the limited edition two-disc set which contains music from both the documentary coming out for a limited release October 27, 2009 along with some of his biggest hits. The other items coming out this month are The Official Michael Jackson Opus, which will be the "Only Brand New Authorized Tribute To The King Of Pop On Holiday Shelves", along with the re-release of the 1988 autobiography Moonwalk.
A few weeks ago I read Michael Jackson's estate was suing the Heal The World Foundation because they