The Sky is Faling

Sometimes I am amazed at the lack of common sense in our society. We believe everything we see on TV, read in the newspapers, or get off the Internet. Today I am talking about the Swine Flu. Now don't get me wrong, if you want to go get this shot, or any other shot, by all means go for it! Personally I am not interested in trusting my body to modern chemistry, especially on the recommendation of our government (none of their business).

Before writing this I checked on the CBC News site for some statistics. As of July 21st 2009 there had been approximately 700 deaths from H1N1. This figure is worldwide. Let's assume that this stat had gone up 100 times in the last 4 months, this would make 7000 deaths. The population of the earth is approximately 6,706,993,152, so your odds of catching and dying from this are .00010. This is as close as my calculator will go. Your odds of heart disease and cancer are far greater. Let's not forget car accidents.

The drug companies and lobbyist as making some big money here. These shots aren't free, we all pay from them. But that is not the point I am trying to make. I don't care how much money these people make, more power to them. What concerns me is the general population's lack of thinking for themselves. We are being manipulated by the media and the government, as they try to protect us from ourselves.

Someone posted somewhere about this virus killing healthy 18 years old's. With the number above that is not very many healthy 18 year old's. How many has drug abuse killed? All I am saying here people is that the sky is not falling and the H1N1 is not going to wipe out the planet contrary to what any official may say. The choice is 100% yours, just make the choice using common sense and not in fear!

Our natural state is HEALTH. But the way you think will influence this more than you can imagine. For more information on STRESS see http://artmason-blog.info/?p=556

This is what can happen

Why do we listen and believe the things that the government and doctors tells us? The video below is an example of a side effect of someone who got a flu shot. Are you happy President Obama? You are the one lying to the public about the need for it? Where did you get your MD, Lobbyist University?

Good health is our natural state! Take care of your mind and body and dump the chemicals!

7 Lies in under 2 minutes.

This is very impressive. This many in lies in so short a time. This includes the applause from the people who believed him too!

We don't need more laws

Here is a classic example of too much government. YES, there is a cell phone and car use problem, no this is not the solution.

Bill 118 Passed
Please make sure your staff are aware as may be required.
FYI - As of Tuesday

The Legislative Assembly of Ontario carried Bill 118, an amendment to the Highway Traffic Act now bans drivers from using handheld devices with display screens while operating a vehicle on the road. The bill has undergone several revisions during its consideration, but the new rules of the road will be as follows:
- Holding or using a wireless communication device (a cell phone) or a portable electronic entertainment device (iPod) while driving is prohibited.
- Commercial GPS units along with similar dashboard-mounted devices that provide gauges and displays relating to logistical or navigation uses are fine.
- Using a cell phone or wireless communication device in hands-free mode, as long as you're not holding it during use, is fine.
- Using any device while pulled-over or parked in a way that you are not disrupting traffic, is fine.
- The systems used by Ambulances, Fire Departments, and Law Enforcement are exempt.
The ban is in effect as of September 1 2009 and will carry a fine of $500. Demerit points will not be included, but depending upon the violation, police will have the option to also use existing careless driving laws for additional penalties.

I watched a Windsor Cop sail through a red light the other day while talking on a cell. No lights or sirens. We don't need another law, we need to enforce the ones we have.

How Modern Liberal Think

Listening to the Preident in the Classroom?

Here is a funny little video about Obama in the classroom. Nice to see the American people beginning to wake up and smell the BS.

A Great Man

Here are some clips from one of the greatest US presidents of all time.

What have we become?

" A person with great wisdom is someone with extraordinary common sense"

Each and every day I hear the same complains. Taxes are too high!! The government is not doing enough to help us out!! I believe that common sense is dead, because these 2 statements are contradictory.

What is happening right now in the USA, as their government is headed toward socialism is an example of the thinking of the masses. They are getting what they are asking for. More government, less freedom and nobody sees it!

Now I know what some people are thinking, we need to help those "in need'. Agreed! But in need should not last for generations! Right now Canada's taxes are going to pay for a family to go to the ER because their kids have got colds, yet Mom and Dad smoke like chimneys, drink constantly and feed the kids at McDonald's every night, wondering why they are sick and want the government (TAXES) to pay for their medical.

Now it is your right to smoke and drink and abuse your body(this is a free country), but you need to be responsible for the consequences of YOUR actions, not the government. Need better health care? Private sector, lot's of competition, solid regulations that are enforced, with people to taking responsibility to take care of themselves!

Where can or does the government come in? Catastrophic accident and illness ONLY! This would cut costs, cut government involvement, and make sure no one is left out! But there I go with that common sense thing again. (Washington and Ottawa won't get this)

People it is time to become self sufficient and independent. The government's job should be to fix the roads, protect the country by securing the borders and provide certain services like garbage collection. Other than that stay out of our lives.

I encourage everyone to take charge of their lives. Watch what you are putting in your body on a daily basis, and what you are feeding your mind. Help others to do the same. We will then create a strong and healthy nation, were everyone enjoys prosperity.

How do you start?

1. Quit smoking!
2. Cut down on the booze
3. Remove drugs from your life
4. Watch the crap you are eating. Try cooking, it works
5. Turn off the TV - Read!
6. Get out and go for a walk, bike, run, try martial arts, do something!
7. Quit complaining, you'll feel better!
8. Stop looking for others to solve your problems
9. Eliminate hate from your life
10. Work on being HAPPY, no matter what!

All of these things my friends are common sense. You will see a dramatic difference in your life very soon!

Martial Arts and Health

I was watching CNN yesterday as Senator John McCain was talking about Health Care reform. Now common sense will dictate that the US health care proposals are a disaster, I am a Canadian and we have been enduring the affects of socialist health care for years!

Anyone who knows me is often surprised about the fact that I don't get sick. What do I attribute this to? My life long quest in the martial arts. Martial Arts training when done properly will bring the mind and body into harmony. Between the exercise and the breathing control your cells are nourished and given oxygen. Combine this with proper diet and water and you have a mix for optimum health. Martial Arts training not only tones the muscles and makes your bones stronger, but the MIND element brings calm and peace of mind to the practitioner.

One of the most important aspects of health is what the mind is doing. Parents will bring children to the martial arts to help the child with focus. What is the child learning to focus on? His or her own BODY. The mind is learning to control the body, which helps improve focus everywhere.

So where am I going with all this? If the US really wants to do something about people health give people 100% tax breaks for joining a gym, martial arts program etc. They must however participate to get the break. This called prevention :) This will be far less expensive in the long run and help people live longer, happier lives. The system needs repair, not government control.

Start today, take charge of your health NOW. Don't wait till you need outside help!

MMA - UFC - Real Life

I will often read posts, mostly made by MMA fans about how REAL it is. Now I have several friends who have competed professionally (I am not going to name drop here), who are coaches for fighters, all tell the same story. MMA is not real street fighting.

First understand, that very few people want to be MMA fighters. There are a 1000+ times more fans than fighters, but these are usually the people who are most confused by the SPORT. Very few people really enjoy getting punched in the head :)

In an attack on the street there are no rules, and contrary to what the Gracies preached for many years most fights do not go to the ground. When they do, someone is seriously injured (stabbed, shot etc). When 2 drunks in a bar fight, the Gracies theory is true. If you don't believe me, head to south Chicago and pick a fight. While you are bleeding on the ground, your attacker is not going to get on top on you!

Skills needed for real attackers and for sport are completely different. If a guy has a knife and you try to do the SHOOT and take him to the ground you are going to die.

Flaming - Welcome to the Internet

I have not ranted in a while, but today I have to. Yesterday I was checking out a site on the net called Bullshido. The reason I went to check it out was I saw a video on Youtube with their logo and information on it. The video was a shot at the art of Kyusho Jitsu. The one below is very interesting, called Karate Sucks. I wonder if they got permission to use the music?



After viewing this I went and checked out their website. It reminded me of the BBS days of old when teenagers would get on and FLAME each other. This site pretends to be a watchdog site for martial arts. I was intrigued so I created an account to look further. The site allegedly investigates martial arts and school to tell of their legitimacy. Interesting, I wonder what THEIR credentials are for doing so? As I read further there was a direct attack on a friend and colleague, Grand Master (Doctor) Steve Stewart of London On. They were trying to discredit not only his martial arts background, but his medical education as well. Doctor Steve IS a doctor of acupuncture and runs a clinic in London. Follow the links provided for more information.

Now not only did they try to slander his good name, but they also stole and posted intellectual property (video) and pictures. (isn't integrity a tenet in martial arts?)

Now this site is founded and hosted by a man named Neal Fletcher. Mr Fetcher spends a great deal of time knocking every martial art he sees . He calls anyone running a commercial school a McDojo, while he solicits and accepts advertising on his site. He says that Tae Kwon Do sucks, Ninjitsu sucks, karate sucks, etc, etc, etc. He even has a forum called your martial arts suck!

There are also post after post about inferior martial artists and masters , that this instructor is a fake and that instructor is a loser etc, etc.....

Well here is Mr Fletcher having his ass handed to him in his only MMA fight.



Mr Fletcher, take down your site and do something positive for the martial arts world. Your missing the target with this one... How do you spell WANNABE?

Obama's Plan

This is an interesting video I was sent this morning. Take a look and form your own opinion.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVN2MMuiedI

You need to follow the link as embedding has been disabled.

Why don't some people think?

Why is it that people love to turn to the government to handle things? Can you name one time were the government got it right? I can't think of any off hand.

Obama wants to protect the American people from themselves and FIX the health care system. It does not seem to matter what the people want, he does what he likes. That is the liberal mindset. I know what you need, so I will fix it for you.

Last night I had a brief discussion with a young man about the US health care system. After telling me he was more or less conservative he said he thinks that the government should pay for everyones health care. Interesting, a conservative socialist?

Like most liberal minded people he had a nice story about taking care of everyone, (the government taking care of everyone) so they did not need to think or act for themselves. My questions was; how are you going to pay for FREE health care?

I didn't get an answer. He then went on to talk about the great system Cuba has....I think he watches to much Michael Moore BS. Guess he doesn't know any Cubans?! So I asked the question - name something the government has ever done well or right?

His answer, the Autobahn in Germany. Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia on the German Autobahn. (link to whole article)

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Main article: German Autobahns
A German autobahn in the 1930s
The original, two-lane autobahn, with no emergency lane (Germany)
Typical section of modern autobahn near an exchange, with overhead direction signs.

The idea for the construction of the autobahn was first conceived during the days of the Weimar Republic, but apart from the AVUS in Berlin, construction was slow, and most projected sections did not progress much beyond the planning stage due to economic problems and a lack of political support. One project was the private initiative HaFraBa which planned a "car-only road" (the name autobahn was created in 1929) crossing Germany from Hamburg in the North via central Frankfurt am Main to Basel in Switzerland. Parts of the HaFraBa were completed in the 1930s and early 1940s, but construction eventually was halted by World War II.

Upon assuming power in January 1933, Adolf Hitler enthusiastically embraced an ambitious autobahn construction project. On 27 June 1933, the Reich government (Reichsregierung) enacted the "Law on the Establishment of a 'Reichsautobahn' Enterprise" (Gesetz über die Errichtung eines Unternehmens "Reichsautobahnen"). In accordance with Section 5 of this law, Hitler appointed Fritz Todt as Inspector General of German Roads (Generalinspektor für das deutsche Straßenwesen). Soon, over 100,000 laborers worked at construction sites all over Germany. Sections 1 and 5 of the same law assigned responsibility for the oversight of the "Reichsautobahn" enterprise to the German railway company, the Deutsche Reichsbahn-Gesellschaft (DRG). However, this arrangement was terminated on 23 January 1935 by a decree transferring control of the enterprise to Todt, on the grounds that the DRG had not given the necessary priority to the project.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I guess maybe he likes Hitler, but the truth is that the project was designed by engineers, not the government. Once again the government just spends the money. OK if they have, not OK if they don't. I wonder how much they overpaid for that project???

I guess the example of failed health care systems around the world means little to Obama. Some people just don't think.

Debt - Video

This is great. Gotta love Obama!

How the Governent loves to spend our Money!

Well today I watched the Ontario Premier Dalton McGinty talk with pride as to how anyone in Ontario who purchases a GREEN car like GM's Volt will receive up to 10,000 in rebates from the Ontario Government.

How liberal of you Mr McGinty! Spend more money that does not belong to you, without our input to help out a company that you have a stake in (GM or Government Motors as it is now referred).

Please get out of the private sector and leave us alone. We don't need the government telling us what to buy or wasting tax payers money with these special interest group incentives.

If you really want to help drop the HST idea and eliminate the PST. That will inspire consumers to purchase. They can decide what car on their own, they don't need you to tell them what car to buy.

This will give the government something to do too. Figure out how to save money rather then spend it!

Sharing an Essay

I have a l little essay I wrote yesterday because of my irritation with people who cannot seem to mind their own business. I wrote this essay because of my own personally nature.

I would like to offer this to my friends who are living and dealing in the land of deception. Formerly known as the USA.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I had an interesting discussion with an old friend the other day. We talked at length about conflict, and how it should be handled. Most people - students - know the Master Art Mason who teaches class on the floor, and talks with students about different issues. I am always available to talk with people who need help with techniques or even personal matters. The Peaceful side of me.


However as the school name does imply there is a warrior side. This is the side that very few people in the school have ever seen. My children have seen it, as have a few of my closest friends. Other who have seen it are those on the opposing side. Many of these people would leave the room if I entered.


So what is a Warriors Side? Here is a basic rundown of a battle plan.


* Deal with the problem swiftly and without emotion
* Timing is EVERYTHING.
* Chose you battles wisely. Deal not with those not worth dealing with!
* Once engaged finish it quickly
* Keep your friends close and the enemy closer. Be wise enough to know the difference
* Never take is personally

Because of what I once did for a living, and the vocation I chose for my life, conflict is a fact. It requires a strong inner being to do what is necessary, when it is necessary and without remorse. The most dangerous person is the one you underestimate.

A true warrior must have a keen sense of impending conflict. Not paranoia, but a sense and understanding of the nature of the animal. In my martial arts career there have been many conflicts. Those with other instructors, students and business people. I lost a few battles, but always won the war!


In closing I will add that blood is thicker than water. I sense a storm coming, if you decide to chose sides, chose wisely.


Master Art Mason

Palin Resigns

Interesting.....wonder what she is up to?

The Obama Nation

Winston Churchill said this "Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery."

Stand up America! The tracks ahead are broken. Our school systems refuse to teach children real history. If they did, Obama would not be president.

For those who believe socialism is the answer. Watch this video.

Something Positive

Here is a link to something very positive going on in the world. Take a look and help if you are able.

What'sNext?

Free Cell Phone service in the US for low income people. What is going to be next? I saw the commercial yesterday on CNN and I could not believe my eyes. So what is next? Government supported internet and computers? Wait, has that already happened?

Now I am a personal safety guru, and the TV commercial is shot from a personal safety aspect but give me a break! The people in the commercial are talking about finally being able to call all their friends and family, on the tax payer!

A cell phone can be a great self defense tool. You can call the police from anywhere with it. However the way most people walk down the street talking on them makes them 100 times more vulnerable to the criminal elements.

If we really want to help the out of luck Americans, and the unemployed let's give them new skills so they can get jobs! They don't need government supported cell phones.

I've got an idea. Recycle old phones on a pay as you go basis. Keep the government out of it!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to all those father's and soon to be fathers. Being DAD has been one of the greatest experiences in my life. My kids are all grown, but the experience says a lifetime.

If you are a father, but not necessarily a good one, it is never to late to chance. You won't be sorry you did!

Where have all the Leaders Gone?

Several months ago I read Lee Iaccoca's book "Where have all the Leaders Gone?". This, like his previous book is outstanding. But I must also ask this question. Where have all the Leaders Gone?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIouq2u9kUo

The link provided is perhaps to the last great US leader. There are certainly none right now.

Ronald Reagan on Terrorism

Hey Obama, are you watching? This is a real stand on terrorism. No ass kissing here.

Parents & Children

I had an interest talk with a friend the other day about raising kids. I have 3 children, all grown up, who turned out very well. All are reasonably happy, no drugs, and have never been in trouble. All are Black Belts in Hapkido.

The conversation was about how in some homes it is the children who are running the show. The parents are almost afraid of the kids. Sad, but often a reality.

I have also heard parents talk about having a strict upbringing when they were young, and how they did not want to make the mistakes of their parents. "I will never do the things my dad did!" Now before you say this, ask yourself how you turned out? Are you a happy, successful, well adjusted adult? If so, I would say Mom and Dad did a good job. Follow that lead!

My parents were strict and loving. They prepared me for adult life. Parents that is your job! Giving in to the politically correct BS being taught now does not work. Teach your child well and prepare them for their life ahead. Don't give in and prepare them for failure.

The Global Warming BOMB

During WWII the greatest propaganda was creating by Adolf Hitlers Germany. Today it is driven by the Liberal US Government and political loser Al Gore. Check this movie out on Global Warming and forget it! This year was the coldest winter I can remember!


And my tribute to Al Gore......



But I will give him credit, he does know how to make money!

Suggested Reading

If you walk into a house of someone who is successful in life, you will find BOOKS, and in some cases a library of books. If you enter the home of someone on welfare, there is always a TV set!

Americans watch on average 8 hours of TV per day! This is most alarming! The average American child will have watch 7 years of TV by their 18th birthday. And we wonder why are world is in such trouble!

Develop your mind, start reading today! Here is a list of a few of my favorite recent reads. You can follow these links to Amazon or check them out in your local book store.






Check these out! They are all worth the reading!

Black Belt Patriotism

I just finished reading Chuck Norris' latest book, Black Belt Patriotism: How to reawaken America. What a fantastic book! Both Canadians and American's like should read this one.

So what is Chuck writing about? How his country is moving backwards because of the way the government is running, and the general thoughts of the people that are citizens of it.

I have lived in a prosperous country all my life. I have on occasion fallen into the trap that this lifestyle can bring with it. The trap of EXCESS.

Pickup this book today. It is a must read for anyone concerned about the direction of our great nations.

Born Free - Taxed to Death

Don't get me wrong, I love Canada and everything about it! All except our governments and their idea of fair taxation.

It is a fact that the only way a government can operate is with money, paid to them in taxes. The problem however is when government gets so big, and becomes involved in things that are none of their business, that our tax rates go through the roof.

Example in point. Premier Dalton McGinty is going to HARMONIZE the PST (Provincial Sales Tax) & GST (Goods & Services Tax) into one TAX.

So what does this mean? Well not all things sold in Ontario (this is a provincial thing) are subject to the provincial sales tax. However under the new law these items, which are already subject to GST will now be harmonized and therefore subject to the new tax. This will raise the tax on many things from 5% to 13%!

An great example of this is FOOD, WATER and BOOKS!

You know what else? It is being done against the wishes and without permission of the citizen of the Province of Ontario!

Hopefully in the next election the residents of Ontario will toss this Liberal CLOWN out of office.

Are the Liberals Nuts?

There are so many things going on right now that I could rant about it is not even funny. We have the things going on at the local government level, then we have a premier who is so out of touch he is going to harmonize the sales taxes and do even more damage to the economy. But this one is my favorite!

The Federal Liberal Party lead by Michael Ignatieff is planning on motioning for a NON-CONFIDENCE vote in parliament to bring down the current Conservative Government. WHY? For the LIBERAL Political agenda and not the good of the country.

With a minority government Prime Minister Harper has had a great deal of difficulty doing much in or for the country. He did lower the GST as promised, but everything he does is attacked by the Liberals and the NDP (more liberals).

Now my attitude may seem to be very anti-liberal. At one time I was a member of the NDP and helped out with local elections. As I have grown older and I hope wised my views have become much more conservative. Basic common sense will tell you that increasing taxes and more government will not help our economy and country to grow. This is the Liberal agenda. So is the entitlement mentality.

Lets get back to the grass roots and change the idea that we should prize mediocrity. We need less tax, less government and more motivation for people to go out and start businesses.

This is not the time for a federal election and I hope that Canadians come out in droves and send this clear message to Mr Ignatieff and the Liberal Party. I am voting Conservative for the 1st time!

Dear Mayor Francis

Enough is really enough. The strike between the City of Windsor and it's inside and outside workers has gone on long enough. The union has requested going to binding arbitration and the City Council and yourself have refused. WHY? Are you afraid of losing?

We have a garbage problem, a problem with grass in the parks (which will lead to mosquito issues) and all the other services being paid for with tax dollars not being addressed. But you know what, there ripple effect goes further.

I am a small business owner, martial arts, and this is how I eat and live. Many of my members are on strike, thus not paying their bills with us currently. And I am not an isolated case.

Mayor Francis this city is dying and you can council are watching it happen! We need people working not striking! They ARE AFFECTING the LOCAL ECONOMY.

Also, let quit spinning our wheels on the Parkway project. We need the road and the jobs that go with it!

An ODD Rant

My Rant for today is a rather odd one. People who were never taught to FLUSH toilets. Yep, you heard me.

My school is located in a large facility, and we share locker rooms with two different fitness facilities. I spend a lot of time at my school (so that phones get answered and other work gets done). I make the trip up the stair to the locker rooms several times per day. Everytime I go up, I need to flush the toilets because someone has left a surprise in them.

The ladies are as bad as the men too!

I am thinking it is time to hold a seminar, tape it and broadcast it on the web. I could call it Toilet Flushing 101????

Later we will talk about socialism coming to the USA.

Windsor - The City of Trash

Welcome to Windsor Ontario, the city with no garbage collection because of a strike by city workers, no negotiations from the city and lotsa uncollected trash.












Windsor has been the Automotive Capital of Canada since cars first rolled off the assembly lines, now thanks to our mayor and city council, we are becoming the Unemployment and garbage Capital of Canada.

The City of Windsor needs new life! Is this how we want the world to see our city? I don't think so! We need to attract new investment into Windsor and we will never do it with senseless strikes, the city won't deal with, uncollected garbage in the downtown, empty buildings, and the Windsor / Essex Parkway project on hold while the children in council fight about it!













Windsor has been called the City of Roses, Automotive Capital of Canada, The Sun Parlor. How about a new name. The City were nothing gets DONE! And don't bother to brag about the WFCU Centre (arena) either, it took 30 years for that to happen!

Citizens of Windsor......call City Hall everyday and complain about these situations! And remember these people when the next election comes!

Progress is the key

I know this blog is read by a lot of martial artist and school owners. I know that I am always reading posts and article from other martial arts professionals. So what I am ranting about here? Simple, far too many martial art school owners and teachers stop progressing in the arts themselves.

Bruce Lee once commented that only in the martial arts will the master be an overweight slob. This happens in no other profession.

Sadly he is right.

I have been in the arts now for 25 plus years. I have studied 4 different arts, all to the Black Belt level. My root art is Hapkido, but my current passion in the arts in Kyusho Jitsu. Kyusho is an eclectic art, that once learned can be applied to any root system to make it far more effective. Plus is is fun to learn!

Learning is one of the great gifts of life. When the learning stops, we stop also. Are you currently still progressing in your profession, or have you stopped the progress.

Take some time and learn something new today. Then repeat it tomorrow. Martial Arts is a great thing to take up at any age. Below are some links to my website.

1) My School
2) Kyusho Jitsu

Become a student again of something, you won't be sorry you did!

An Ounce of Prevention

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure". I heard my mother say this over and over again as I was growing up. Why don't we believe it or ever follow it? What am I referring to here? Self Defense.

Now I am a martial arts teacher by trade and have taught hundreds of self defense workshops and classes outside of the normal martial arts / karate program, but it is a hard sell.

Why? These simple words - "It will never happen to me". The sad truth is that statistically, if you are reading this, the odds are it will. Violent crime, be it from a stranger, friend or acquaintance is on the rise. With the current economic situation it is going to get worse and worse long before it gets better. What can you do about it? Unfortunately most people simply revert back to the original phrase - "It will never happen to me".

Prevention is a hard sell, period. People worry about illness after they are sick. (Just look at cigarette sales). Over the years I have done many public workshops teaching simple and effective techniques to help you defend yourself in a bad situation. The response has never been great. These workshops are endorsed by local radio, which helps, but I have never seen a huge turnout like I would expect. We have also tried different price points from FREE to $100 and the results were always the same.

My suggestion to readers. Get some friends together and approach a local martial arts professional who specializes in self defense training. (not a sport or MMA club). Most will do this as a public service as we do, or charge a small fee for the service. Check out our self defense website for some tips on keeping safe also. Feel free to email me with any questions.

The City is costing me money

Local, Provincial and Federal Governments really should be doing everything they can to help business succeed. Now I don't mean by giving them money directly like they are with the banks and the car companies. I am referring to running in such a way as to not impede the progress and profitability of business. Sadly in Windsor Ontario Canada right now this is not the case.

At this time in history the inside and outside city workers are on strike. One of the big reasons is pensions. I won't go into all the details here, but the general public as well as myself believe that Mayor Eddie Francis and city council are trying to take advantage of the current situation in the city and save some money on these services (Garbage pickup etc).

Now aside from the lives of these city workers, who if they did not strike were going to be locked out, this entire mess is affecting the City of Windsor and it's image. Plus being the Automotive Capital of Canada, which is currently a dead industry, this does not look good. We need to convince other business to invest here, and with the current situation, it is not very appealing to other companies.

The loss of income by these families is starting to show in the local economy, my business included.

Mayor Francis it is time to get down to business and end this strike! City Counsel and the Mayor need to get their collective heads out of their &&&es and get down to business. You are costing me money as well as countess others and I guarantee we don't like it! END THIS STRIKE NOW!

I am looking forward to the next election when all of you can go! I voted for Bill Mara anyways.

Swine Fu - More BS

I was going to write today about how complacent people are about Self Defense (I am a Self Defense Instructor), but instead we are going to talk about Swine Flu.

Now my friends and family often talk about my conspiracy theories, however they are founded in logic. Have you ever noticed that when the government is trying to distract the people from what they are doing we have a new epidemic? Back in 2002 and 2003 it was SARS. The USA was pissed off with Canada because we were not helping in Iraq, Bush was under a great deal of heat over the missing weapons of mass destruction, suddenly SARS!

Now we have swine flu, with the source being in Mexico. Clinton decided it was the USA fault for the drug and violence problem in Mexico, now Mexico, like Canada was back in 2002-2003 is off limits because of Swine Flu. Do you see the pattern?

Approximately 36,000 people per year in the USA die of FLU. The government never talks about this because it doesn't matter to them. As of this writing one person in the US has died of Swine Flu. So why the panic? Because they are covering up and distracting the people from what the government is doing!

Don't buy into the Swine Flu BS.

Bad Service - ENWin SUCKS

If you are old enough to remember the days of good service you very likely feel the way I do whenever I get terrible customer service. I recall as a child milk being delivered to the door in the morning, bread being delivered, real service at a gas station etc, etc. Those days may be a thing of the past, but I am beginning to think that so is any kind of customer service.

Yesterday I spent the day in London Ontario with my Kyusho Jitsu instructor. London is about a 90 minute drive from here and the class lasted about 3 hours. I got home last night about 9:00pm with a case of beer (warm) to discover that the electricity (hydro in Canada) had been off for about 3 hours. (So much for COLD Beer)

I went down the street to get some chips and see how far the black out went. At the store I discovered that a transformer had blown and everyone was surprised that it was not yet repaired. I took a quick drive to the place were the damage was, and you guested it, no repair crew. Power was restored about 3:00am, almost 9 hours after the fact.

ENWin Utilities proved once again that they lead the City of Windsor in BAD SERVICE. This is the problem when there is no competition available in an industry. Free markets rule and monopolies like ENWin SUCK!

The auto world

The stories with the car companies is really starting to get very old. Each and everyday the fingers are pointing at this person, the unions, the government etc, etc, etc. Big YAWN!

The drive by media is focused on the bailouts for the car companies and how many of them will end up going under. God, we are still talking about bonuses paid years ago!

Now aside from the fact that this is really getting boring, I am wondering why so many people don't see the problem. It is simple, they are not selling cars. PERIOD.

All the loans and bailouts won't do anything until someone starts to buy cars again. Now back in the 80's when it looked like Chrysler was going to tank, Lee Iaccoca spend tons of money on advertising and rebuilding the image of the car company. Too bad there are no leaders like him anymore!

Do you remember this? Time to get back on track. Mr Iaccoca we miss your vision.

Time to reflect

For the past few days, almost a week I haven't been posting very much. With all the silliness going on in the world right now, make sure you take a few minutes and reflect on the really important things in life.

When we become stressed out we become part of the problem and not part of the solution. Take some time to step back and reflect on what is important to you, and aim your desires in that direction. Everything in our lives is temporary. Remember that and keep moving forward.

As Tony Robbins always says - "Live with Passion"

Becoming Conservative

I don't care what people think. Everyone can become successful. The problem is the way we think. In the words of Henry Ford, if you think you can or you think you can't you are right.

Back when I was young and got hired by Chrysler Canada to work on the line at the Van Plant (Now closed and torn down) my views were very liberal. In fact I become a member of the federal NDP here in Canada. I believed everything the union told me and thought I was entitled to certain things in life. By June 2003 when I left Chrysler my views were beginning to change.

My views started to change when I opened my martial art school in March 2000. I saw the red tape and obstacles that the government had but in front of anyone wanting to own a business. My views were becoming conservative.

The truth, many of you with liberal views will change as you grow older and mature. You become a conservative when you begin to have something to conserve.

Pirates - not on the Caribbean

Here is a link to the latest in the pirates holding an American Captain hostage while the Navy looks on. This situation has been going on for 3 days and meanwhile the pirates are seizing more ships. Plus the Obama Administration is doing little to nothing about it. In the news conference the other day they seemed cold about the entire incident.

Why is this type of terrorism being put up with? Do you remember the Iran hostage crisis in the early late 79-80? I remember a local US radio show called "American Held Hostage". What a disgrace that incident was. President Jimmy Carter tried to get the hostages release with negotiation and even tried to send in some covert ops to get them out, but all failed.

The hostages, 52 of them, were held for 444 days, and were release minutes after Ronald Reagan took the oath of office. Why, because the Iranians knew that Reagan would not put up with this situation for a minute! Carter was given credit, but he really did not deserve it.

Do any of you remember Muammar Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi, the Libyan leader of the 80's? His name was in the papers daily for his terrorist actions. President Reagan ordered air strikes on Libya that effectly shut Gaddafi up for good.

If President Reagan was alive, the situation with these pirates would be finished. Right now the pirates believe they can do whatever they like. I find it hard to believe that the Navy does not have a marksman who could pick these guys off were they stand.

Now I am not a big fan of George W Bush, but if he was in office I also think the problem would have been resolved.

Are CEOs Paid Too Much?

How can I put this diplomatically? Oh well, the answer is that it is NONE OF OUR BUSINESS! The Obama Government has done an excellent job of creating an anti-capitalist sentiment in the USA and to some extent in Canada. He is doing so by blaming business for sinking the economy when the truth is it is from excessive taxes, both personal and business and the fact that the 'baby boomers' have stopped consuming.

I am a business owner and what I pay myself and my staff is NONE OF ANYONE'S BUSINESS including the Government unless I am violating labour laws. I provide a service, and if I do a good job I am rewarded by having customers or clients. What I do with that income has nothing to do with the general population, nor are they ENTITLED to a kickback from it!

Now do I think that these bank CEO's (Not the same as owner) are overpaid? Well considering the current situation at American Banks, yes I think so. But that has nothing to do with the general population. It is only the concern of the stakeholders of the company involved. For the salaries and bonuses being paid, and the results they are getting, they have made some very POOR choices.

Now I know what many of you are thinking. The TAX payers have money in these banks and companies now, so it is our business. But the truth is that these companies should never have gotten any money from the Government in the first place. They should have been allowed to fail and seek bankruptcy protection! (AIG included). Hey a million dollars from the government would help me to upgrade my facility, and hire a few people, but the government would laugh at me if I asked.

What should you be screaming about? The governments involvement in business. They have proven time and time again they can't profitably run the country, so how do we really think they are going to be able to run a bank or car company? Would you personally finance a failing business? Well guess what, you are now! And it wasn't even your decision.

General Motors is going to end up in bankruptcy, despite billions of dollars from the US government. Why? Because they could not solve their problems with money. They need sales. Loans are temporary fixes, band aids.

And since I like beating a dead horse.....President Obama - Prime Minister Harper....Stimulate the economy by CUTTING TAXES. This will work, bailout will not!

As a final thought. Stop believing the Drive By Media. They lie as much or more than our officials do.

If we Keep Thinking what we are Thinking

If we keeping thinking what we are thinking, we will keep getting what we are getting.

Media is a business, government is a business, both want to make money (the media anyways) and both definitely want to protect their jobs. I remember when I was a kid and the news on TV (Black and White) was on at 6:00pm and 11:00pm. The segments lasted for about 18 minutes, then sports and weather. With today's technologies and internet, news is a 24 hour per day business concerned with only rating, not necessarily accurate news reporting.

Our Governments? Well nothing has really changed there. They are nothing but self serving politicians, pretending to do what is good for the people. I see no evidence of this anywhere.

So what is the purpose of this article? It is time people to change our FOCUS. Stop watching the lies on TV (Let the news stations go under) and focus on designing our lives, rather than what the media and government want which is for us to just fight to live.

What are we talking about here? Changing the way we think! And when we do this, everything in OUR lives will change with it! It is time to stop living other peoples BULL$$ realities and create our own fantastic life.

Are you aware that success psychologists say that 95% - 97% of the people in the world do NOT have written goals and fail, while 3-5% have written goals and succeed.

Now is the time to start. Change the way you are thinking and set goals to create the life you want and deserve. Take a look at this Tony Robbins video to help yourself started.

Remember what the Buddha and other avatars said "We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts we make the world."

Out of a job yet? Keep buying foreign!

I saw about 10 of these bumper stickers today while I was shopping at WalMart. I don't know if these are available anywhere else but here in Windsor, but there are lots of them.

First, buying Canadian is an interesting idea. I wonder if all these people at Walmart with the bumper stickers are checking the products they are buying to make sure they are only and entirely make in Canada, or better yet locally in Windsor....

Now lets get real. Yes Windsor is an automotive town, but the parts used to assemble minivans and engines are from across the globe. So, are you really buying Canadian?

Welcome to the global economy, right or wrong, it is a fact and is here to stay. It's time for people to stop crying about it and get on board! Nothing lasts forever and all of us in the car industry who enjoyed the good times knew full well that they could not last forever, but how many people prepared themselves for it?

If I had remained at Chrysler I would have 25 years and if the company closes the doors, would have been without a pension. I saw the writing on the wall in 90's and got out in 2003 to run my own business and life.

So how do we fix the problem? It is not by giving failing business' tax dollars and hoping for the best. Use the money to re-educate works for other fields, encourage people to open new businesses and get the government out of the way! How do you remove the government barrier?

CUT TAXES, CUT TAXES, CUT TAXES, CUT TAXES

This will make Canada and Windsor more appealing to investor and encourage new business growth. And people, tell your MPs and MPPs what you think! If you don't stay on them, they will think they can run the country anyway they like!

More to come.

Liberty and Tyranny

This is a fascinating book on Conservatism in the USA. I have just finished reading it and I highly recommend it to anyone interesting in learning more about the conservative viewpoint. Below is the Amazon description of the book and a link to it.



Product Description
Mark Levin, radio host and the #3-bestselling author of Rescuing Sprite delivers a new manifesto for the conservative movement, Liberty and Tyranny.

About the Author
Mark R. Levin is a nationally syndicated talk radio host and president of Landmark Legal Foundation. He has also worked as an attorney in the private sector and as a top adviser and administrator to several members of President Reagan's cabinet. The author of the New York Times bestselling books Rescuing Sprite and Men in Black: How the Supreme Court Is Destroying America, Mark holds a B.A. from Temple University and a J.D. from Temple University School of Law.

Visit Mark Levin on the web at www.marklevinshow.com.

Is Captialism Dying?

President Obama, you are beginning to scare me!! (And I am not an American). As I sit and watch what is going on across the border I am becoming alarmed. Americans are being encouraged to hate corporations and demand their fair share even though they have not earned it.

Barney Frank is telling the world that the evil AIG is using tax payers money to pay bonuses to employees after he and other members of congress approved TARP to used for this. Allowing and encouraging people to protest at the homes of those receiving bonuses and then wanting to TAX them for it. He also made it very clear he does not care about the safety of AIG employees and their families. I can't believe someone voted for this moron. Do you remember McCarthyism?

The President telling GM that they must fire Rick Wagoner, but saying they are not getting into the auto manufacturing business. What does President Obama and his crew know about running the auto industry? Nothing, but we can now call the company Government Motors. Let's not forget they are going to stand behind the warranties! Now that would really make me feel better....Yeah right, like we can believe anything they say.

Economists are warning that the budget and the stimulus plan are disastrous for the country and may even lead to bankruptcy. Obama says they are WRONG. Do you see a problem?

People of the USA, wake up and smell the BS. What is going on in the United States is so much the start of the Chavez rule in Venezuela it is not even funny. Once in office he Nationalized everything including the Oil Companies and even the Beer! (Polar).

Socialism, like Communism is only good for the rulers. Capitalism is what make the USA great. Make your government follow your Constitution before it is too late.

No one needs more government, we all need less.

Unbelievable!!!

When I was told about this I was SHOCKED. The USA has always talked about Liberty and freedom, after all that is what the country was founded on! But it seems that each and everyday these rights are taken away from people.

The latest is that the US Customs and Border Patrol can seize any personal electronic device without cause. They are inspecting laptops, iPods, cell phone etc, etc, all in the name of security. You may be asked to prove ownership of any and all materials on the devices and charged with a crime if they feel something is wrong. They can mirror and download all contents for further inspection. All in the name of national security. What a pile of $%^#.

If you want to inspect for bombs, drugs etc that is understandable, however anything else is a violation of privacy.

I will never cross with any electronic device again! The reason? I don't trust these power tripping clowns!!! Absolute power corrupts absolutely, and this is absolute power.

President Obama should be ashamed

Here is a LINK for more information.

Limbaugh billboard debuts in Florida

The US Democratic party seems more worried about Rush Limbaugh than taking care of the issues that face the country. If they are truly correct in their views they don't need to worry about Limbaugh bashing them on the radio. But if their views are correct then they need to worry and defense them.

Take a look at this link and judge for yourself.

See the story here.

Health Care Reform in the USA - Are you NUTS?

I realize there are Health Care issues in the United States. They have a multitear system were some people have problems getting the medical care they need. Note I say SOME people. They want to have a system like us in Canada, paid for by the government....ARE YOU NUTS!!!!!

Canada's heath care system is a JOKE. Back in the 70's and 80's it was a great system. After the government was finished with it, it became a travesty.

I have been in our emergency rooms for 12-14 hours and not seen a doctor. It is as much as a 1 year wait for some specialists. MRI's and CT scans can take months. Is this really what you want?

Here is a true experience I had several years ago. I got a call from my daughter's school. She had fallen in the playground and hurt her ankle. It was very swollen and she needed medical attention. I picked her up and took her to one of the 3 hospitals in my city. This was about 9:30am. We got to the hospital quickly and began the wait. It was about 3 hours before a triage nurse saw her. From there I took her up to x-ray (the hospital had me do it since they didn't have anyone free to take her). I waited there for the x-rays and returned to EMERG.

Now at around noon another girl was brought in by her Mom. She had fallen at school and hit her head. She was not bleeding but was dazed and drifting in and out of consciousness. Soon she began to vomit. If you know anything about head injury this is serious. She waiting in that room for several more hours before seeing a doctor of any kind.

At 9:00pm I took my daughter home without seeing a doctor. She was beginning to feel better.

So, is this what you in the USA want? I know some people have problems over there seeing doctors, here everyone does! Funny we go to your country for medial attention.....

Nuf Said.....

Too Much Government!

When I look at the news in the USA each day I see the government becoming more involved in private business and peoples personal life. They have appointed a CZAR to control the auto manufacturers and have so much money in AIG and other companies they now own them.

Now I own and operate a business. With my sons I own a martial arts school. We are a small business working at being prosperous. If something were to go wrong I would not want the Canadian Government involved trying to save me. If we fail that is what bankrupcy protection is for! However we are not going to fail.

Giving tax payers money to save corporations that are in trouble is STUPID. You cannot get out of debt by creating more debt. (Hmmmm, wonder if the government knows this). No company lasts forever. Some have been around a long time (GE), but eventually they all disappear.

In Canada and the United States we live in a democracy and a capitalist state. What President Obama and the other Liberals want to do is turn it into a socialist state, with government controlled this and that. We don't need the government to protect ourselves from ourselves.

Everyone in our countries can become prosperous! The Law of Attraction proves that. The problem is so many people have such bad thoughts on a day to day basis. We have about 60,000 or more thoughts each day, the problem is they are mostly the same ones as yesterday.

If you have never read Ayn Rand's book Atlas Shrugged I would add it to your list. You will be shocked at how a book written in the 50's portraits so much of what is going on in our countries today. You should be able to find it easy in your local book store or at Amazon.

In closing take a good look at the policies being created today. They are not the policies of a FREE Nation.

My rant, your turn....

US Customs - What a pain in the @%$

Last weekend I made a trip to the USA as I do pretty much each month. I was going to see my business coach to help develop my business and make it strong in this or any other economy.

Now, I do understand the need to tighten up security at the US Border, especially since the 911 incident. However better security does not mean incompetent and arrogant guards / border patrol.

My wife and I hit the US border at 7:00am, for the express reason of getting across before they became really busy. My wife travels to the USA using a Visa, since she is not yet a Canadian Citizen. When she crosses she is required to get an I-95 card put in her passport (that cost $6 by the way). Now since Windsor / Detroit is one of the busiest crossing in North America you would think they would be good at issuing these i-95. ......NOPE!

It took 45 minutes for the officers to figure out how to do them. And this happens every time we cross! Now the officer who handled us was very nice and polite, which does help with the wait. I did this time make the mistake of asking a question in the hope of making things easier the next time around. I was quickly informed by another officer that we should consider ourselves fortunate to be able to cross and they did not have to let us in.

Well that is true, they don't have to let us in, but does the US not want our money and tourism? I know they do! The US government need to take a serious look at their border patrols. From what I can see, they are not making their borders any safer or secure. They are only pissing off the people who use them.

My rant...your views?

More on the Harmonized Sales Tax in Ontario

I head an update on AM800 in Windsor Friday with regard to the Harmonized Sales Tax in Ontario coming in 2010. Our Premier is going to issue cheques to all Ontario Household with income under $160,000 per year of $1000. First I am not going to hold my breath waiting for this to happen.

Second;

This $1000 payment is like sending flowers to someone after you have raped them!!!

Premier McGinty - Stimulate the economy, REMOVE THE TAX completely!

We don't need more taxes or more government!!

When is the election anyways???????

Chrysler Canada and the CAW

Chrysler and the CAW, the two biggest children I have ever known. Fight, fight, fight with neither side wanting to give in first, but knowing they both need to. Well it is good for the media, but not the workers or sales.

As everyone is aware the company and the union are currently trying to hash out a concession contract to help save Chrysler's future in Canada. Without an agreement there will be no bail out money and possibly the end of Chrysler in Canada.

Before the negotiations stated Chrysler Canada President Tom LaSorda opened his BIG MOUTH and started making threats that if the union did not give back $19 per hour then they might loose all production to another country. I wonder if Mr LaSorda thinks he will still have a job if this happens? But he can't seem to see past the end of his nose, so I doubt he sees the writing on the wall for his long career with Chrysler. Being a 20 year employee of Chrysler I was frankly surprised at his promotion. Well enough said on this one.

Now Ken Lewenza is another story. I remember Ken as a committee man at Windsor Assembly. I considered him at that time to be an excellent rep. But as the years went by he lost touch with the men and women on the line. I was outside of Plant 6 in Windsor in 2003 when Ken made the statement he would resign if they closed the plant. Well the plant closed, but Ken Lewenza is still around. How political.

Gentlemen it is time to stop pointing fingers and get down to business. Mr LaSorda you need to start thinking about the future of Chrysler Canada. I hope you don't believe that even with all your dedicated years of service to Chrysler you are more than JUST A MASTER NUMBER. They will eat you up and spit you out like they have everyone else. Quit being so naive!

Ken, welcome to the 21st Century. Things have changed and the days of Charlie Brooks are gone forever. Stop the ranting and raving and get down to business. If you don't the CAW might be looking for bailout money.

Finally, I read Lee Iaccoca's last book - "Were have all the Leaders Gone". Looking at Chrysler and the CAW I am wondering that myself...

Just my thoughts, what are yours?

Hamonized Sales Tax in Ontario

Ontario's Liberal Premier Dalton McGuinty has decided it is time to kick Ontario residents in the ass by harmonizing the Provincial Sales Tax (PST 8%) and the Goods And Service Tax (GST Federal 5%) as one tax. Under the current two tax system not all items are subject to PST (Children's clothing, groceries, books, services etc), but as of July 2010 everything will be taxed.

It is funny how this cycle works. Big business who become so big that can't run themselves properly (Yeah GM, I am talking about you) go to the government for bailout money. The government, the most incompetent business there is, bails them then we have to bail the government out with higher taxes.

There will be no economic gains by futher raping the tax payer. Remove these two taxes and let us spend our money freely and we will stimulate this failing economy that government created because they can't mind their own business!

I worked for Chrysler Canada for 20 years. I was a good union supporter. Once I opened a business and started seeing both sides of the coin my view changed from left to right. We live in a free enterprise system that when allowed to work, without government constantly putting obstacles in from of it, works perfectly. Our country was founded on small business not big government.

I urge Ontario residents to contact their MPP's and tell them to tell Dalton McGuinty NO, NO, No harmonized tax. Also, no taxes without residents voting on them!

We don't need more government we need less!

My rant for today...

How to Stimuate our Economy - For REAL!

Bailout and stimulus packages. According to our Government (Canada for me & USA) this is going to get our economy moving once again. Do you believe them? The huge deficit's the governments are creating to stimulate the economy is a false economy. This money needs to be printed and them circulated in order to be used. The problem is it will drop the true value of the dollar on the world markets and at home.

So how do we really stimulate the economy? Let's say starting April 1st 2009 until July 2nd 2009 (the day after Canada Day) we eliminate both the PST and GST from all purchases. This will save the consumer in Ontario about 5-13% on every purchase. Unlike store sales the consumer will spend money, because it is a TAX CUT, which everyone loves. The added spending will stimulate the economy and cause jobs to be created because of the increase in spending. The increase in jobs will increase the income taxes paid and help the government with the hit they are taking. (But then they are spending the money poorly anyway). We would create a cycle upward rather than a spiral downward as we now have.

What happens July 2? The taxes return, but the economy is on the road to recovery. Spending will continue. Now I am not an economist, but this seems pretty obvious to me.

Just my thoughts. I welcome your comments.