As we get older the years just seen to start flying by. And when we get to a certain point things on our bodies just seem to stop wanting to cooperate as well as they did when we were seventeen.
   I have Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, a Fatty Liver, Liver disease plus a few underlying conditions lurking around in the background that I don’t even know about.
   It seems the older we get the less and less we get to see people it seemed we used to see every day or at least every week. All of the sudden we start to realize that people whom once so readily called us their friend start to disappear. It all of the sudden becomes abundantly clear that we were never their close friend after all. Most of those people were just there because where we were in life at the time.
   As I slowly ease into my 65th year on this earth I awaken to the fact that those whom I can truly call my friends I can now count on one hand. Some are as needy as can be and others are far less pretentious, keeping a distance but truly being there when I need their help the most. Either way I am grateful for each and every one of you.
   I am even more grateful that somewhere along the way I found a partner who loves and cares about me for who I really am. One that stands by me in spite of the fact that I tend to be an ass at times. One who I know ill be there at my bedside when I’m ill just as much as be there by my side when I am victorious in life as well. Finding such a person is a GOD Send in itself.
   There are so many things I have learned along the way and perhaps the most important is that sometimes GOD uses us to reach other people. At times when things are turbulent, we may wonder, why is GOD testing me this way but, we must learn to not be so selfish and realize that GOD may just be using us to test someone else.
   If along the way my light has changed Even One person’s life for the better, Even if by accident I have opened their eyes and their path to salvation, I thank GOD for giving me that opportunity.
   Until our final breath, we must strive to be there for our loved ones, our family, and our friends as GOD intended.
May we all live long, healthy lives and as always GOD Bless and GOD Speed.
Just another Point of View.

It was the 5th Century and the pagans knew how to celebrate.
In mid February the Romans would throw a huge festival that celebrated the ringing in of a brand new spring and fertility rites and the pairing of women with men by lottery. What? It was feast of Lupercalia.
As was customary in those days our friends the Romans celebrated by getting drunk and being naked. If you can believe this, during the festival, young women would allow themselves to be hit by men in belief that this would make them more fertile.
There was a match making lottery as well in which men would draw a number from a jar and be coupled, if you will, with a young women for the duration of the festival and may longer.
Some believe that St Valentine was a priest from Rome in the third century AD.
According to the BBC’s Newsround, “Emperor Claudius II had banned marriage because he thought married men were bad soldiers. Valentine felt this was unfair, so he broke the rules and arranged marriages in secret.
When Claudius found out, Valentine was thrown in jail and sentenced to death.
There, he fell in love with the jailer’s daughter and when he was taken to be killed on 14 February he sent her a love letter signed “from your Valentine”. Other stories of the day’s origin abound but regardless, at the end of the 5th century, Pope Gelasius I, replaced Lupercalia with St. Valentine’s Day.
Now it’s all about notes of love, flowers, chocolates and if your luck a little hoochie woochie.
Long live St Valentine and the celebration in his honor. Just Another Point Of View.

As a new year rapidly approaches many of us take a moment to reflect on the past year and how our life is going. Is everything ok? Are we doing enough to help others and to help ourselves for that matter?
It all reminds me of the old story about a bar of iron. By itself it may be worth as much as FIVE DOLLARS.
If you take a bar of iron and turn it into horseshoes, it’s worth increases to $12.
If you take that very same bar of virtually worthless iron and use it to make needles, it’s worth goes up to $3500 Dollars.
Oddly enough, if you take that bar of iron and make it into balance springs for watches it’s value shoots up to $300,000 Dollars.
So the point of the story is, Your Value, Our Value is determined by what we are able to make of ourselves.
Just as an almost worthless Bar of Iron that may cost as little as $5 can somehow or another turn itself into an item worth a Quarter of a Million Dollars.
We Too can make something extremely valuable of our lives as well.
So use every day to mold that Bar of Iron we call our life into something that will make it and the lives of those around you the very best that it can be.
Just Another Point of View.
Happy New Year, best of wishes and Blessing.

No matter who you are I’m sure at one time or another you’ve heard the phrase, “Money is the root of all evil” but did you know that the actual saying is “The Love of Money is the root of all evil”. Stop and give it some though and you may wonder, is that indeed the Truth?
   Two of the greatest Falsehoods in modern day Christianity are the Prosperity Gospel and the Poverty Gospel.
   If we do a little research we’ll find that the Bible does not condemn wealth and neither should we. The Bible does not uphold poverty either as the pathway to righteousness so, Nor should we.
   In fact in Hebrews 11, you can read of heroes and martyrs, rich and poor, who made up the fabric of what we’ve come to know as Christianity and it’s history.
   What made them distinctive was not their wealth, but how they obediently used their blessings and opportunities to further the work of GOD on earth.
   If we have to do is look hard enough and we’ll see that clearly, the problem is not being rich or wealthy. The issue exists with the attitude towards wealth in our hearts.  
   Remember GOD gave us the Ten Commandment? Let me direct you to number 10 which is a law against coveting.  
   We should have NO animosity towards anyone who has been entrusted with greater possessions than us. When it comes to material things and earthly wealth, GOD never condemns it or the wealthy but warns that SIN enters the equation when money becomes the ultimate goal. When the love of money becomes our main objective and pursuit in life.
   In Matthew 6:24, JESUS points out “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve GOD and money.”
   Something we should all never forget, Clergy and lay people alike is that JESUS himself talks about how hard it is for the rich to remain untangled by the trappings of their wealth saying, “For it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of GOD.”
Rich or poor, we all have the same responsibility: To avoid wasting our lives on things that won’t last into eternity and to be good and faithful stewards to those around us who have less than us.
Happy Holidays and GOD Speed.

Preface: I Am Not A Doctor or Medical Professional. All Medical info posted herein has been given to me by a Doctor or Medical Professional.

It’s been an eye opening year for me healthy wise. Early in the year I found out by accident that I was having Kidney issues after applying to do a Fatty Liver Study. Just recently they did confirm my Liver Enzymes were Up and told me it could be a precursor to cirrhosis.
On top of the fact that I already suffer from Diabetes and High Blood Pressure I am now a walking Time Bomb. Needless to say I have immediately embarked on a plan to learn all I can about how to control and possibly reverse my diagnosis if possible. Prior to finding all this out I had wanted to embark on a KETO Diet. After an eye opening talk with my Kidney and Liver Doctors they nixed that idea telling me that a High Meat Protein Diet over taxes the function of both the Kidneys and the Liver and not in a good way. They suggested I eat a more plant based diet and told me there were plenty of veggies that were as high in protein if not higher than meat. The difference being that plant based protein did not tax the Kidneys or Liver the same way Meat Protein does.
There is a wealth of information on line to help us live a healthier life BUT we can’t just talk the talk WE MUST Walk the Walk as well in order for any of it to do us any good.
So it’s obvious we all need protein to live but what many of us do not know is that there are plenty of vegetables that ares high if not higher in protein thank meat. Watercress is a cruciferous plant that grows in water and has a high protein content.
One cup (34 grams) of chopped Watercress contains 0.8 grams of protein and 100% of your RDI of vitamin K. Spinach is one of the most nutrient-dense leafy green vegetables you can eat. Protein accounts for 30% of its calories and it contains all the essential amino acids. A 1-cup (30-gram) serving provides 1 gram of protein and 181% of the RDI for vitamin K.
Among others are Alfalfa sprouts, Chinese cabbage, Asparagus, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cauliflower and quite a few others.
Yes, it is a huge struggle, more so for us that love to eat than others but if we plan to live a longer and healthier life It Is Something We Must Learn To Do. Think about a healthy Plant Based Diet. Just Another Point of View.

Happy October and rapidly approaching Día de Muertos or Day of The Dead.
You would think with a daunting name like Day of The Dead you would think the
Dia De Los Muertos would be a day of horror or fright But No.
The spooky celebration originated in Aztec tradition deep in central and southern Mexico.
Celebrated on November 1 and now combined in many places with Halloween. A tradition that honors the dead with festivals and lively celebrations these days typically in most of Mexico and Latin American.
According to National Geographic, “Assured that the dead would be insulted by mourning or sadness, Dia de los Muertos celebrates the lives of the deceased with food, drink, parties, and activities the dead enjoyed in life. Dia de los Muertos recognizes death as a natural part of the human experience, a continuum with birth, childhood, and growing up to become a contributing member of the community. On Dia de los Muertos, the dead are also a part of the community, awakened from their eternal sleep to share celebrations with their loved ones.”
Belief is that at midnight on October 31, the souls of all deceased children come down from heaven and reunite with their families on November 1, and the souls of deceased adults come visit on November 2.
Believers make colorful altars in their homes in honor of their deceased and the altars are decorated with flowers, candles, their loved one’s favorite food and Pan de Muerto, a Pan Dulce, a slightly sweet bread specifically made for this occasion.
Dia de Los Muertos is a time honored tradition that has been celebrated for 3000 years now.
Not even the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th Century who thought the tradition was sacrilegious was able to extinguish it.
So this year think about inviting people to your house for Pan de Muerto, Go to the cemetery where you can eat rich food, drink Tequila or Mezcal, and have a celebration. Don’t forget to leave your door open because a stranger may just bring a spirit of one of your loved ones along.
Feliz Dia de Los Muertos Amigos.

Is the solution to the mass shootings going on these days as easy as “Open Carry”?
After carrying a sidearm, as a law enforcement officer myself for quite a few years, I often wonder if the solution is really that simple?
If we give everyone the opportunity to “Open Carry” a Side Arm (with special training and certification of course), several things will happen. First, It Will Be So much easier to SEE who has a gun. Second, as crass as it may sound, the BAD and Stupid Ones Will Kill Themselves Off right away.
I totally agree that No One needs an assault weapon. I also believe that “The Right To Bear Arms” as written into the constitution came at a time that our government still thought there was a real threat of being overthrown by another governments militia and therefore provided the average citizen like you and me the right to arm ourselves and our households to prevent such a take over. Those days, however, are long gone.
The need to amend and clarify that part of the constitution has been needed for a long time now because NOW it is being used by gun fanatics way beyond it’s intended purpose.
I was born and raised in Texas. Texas the land where cowboys roam on horses and everyone carried a shotgun or deer rifle in the gun rack in their truck for years without any issue at all.
For all my youth and into my adult life I NEVER saw anyone take one of those shotguns or deer rifles and start shooting people at random until recent years. We need to Pin Point the root cause of that and go from there.
The problem in America today is that there is little or No Respect for the Law and others and their property. These days everyone believes they can get away with anything they want until they get caught and then they believe they can just argue their way out of it.
When confronted by The Law they have No Respect for their Authority and start talking back to the officers and disputing their command from the get go.
Yes, your right, there are way too many Police Officers that take their authority way to far these days and that is part of the problem. Some many officers these days believe that They Are Martial Law and In Total Control No Matter Where They Arrive. Nothing Could be Further From the Truth. State constitutions clearly define the law and authority of a police officer BUT many of them purposely go beyond what the law allows and abuse their authority.
Both of the last two paragraphs define what has led to us to the situation that we are in today. Politicians believe that Gun Control will cure the entire problem. WRONG.
Several things need to happen to correct all this. Police need to Stop Abusing Their Authority and Citizens need to to start Respecting The Law, Others and Others Property. PERIOD.
Yes, OUTLAW AND STOP the sale of assault weapons. Strictly control their ownership and possession and Immediately start seizing assault weapons not in compliance.
Yes, even allow Open Carry so that the average citizen can protect themselves.
Just Another Point of View.

So many people gone just all of the sudden. It’s not like we should be surprised , after all we know from the start that there will be an end at some point.
Still it seems like we’re just never prepared for someone passing no matter how evident it’s meant to be. Dog, The Bounty Hunter just lost his wife Beth Chapman not long ago and to anyone that watched any of their shows she was an icon.
Luis Alvarez was a former New York City detective who was a first responder on September 11, 2001 at the terrorist attacks.
Nipsey Hussle was only 33 when he was killed in shooting outside his Los Angeles store several months ago.
Luke Perry died March 4th at the age of 52 after suffering a massive stroke and sadly the list goes on and on as it will until the end of time for all of us.
But do we ever stop to think that those who died yesterday had plans for this morning. Those who died this morning had plans for tonight. In fact everyone that has passed had future plans the certainly did not involve dying.
The point being is that we can Never Take Life For Granted. In the blink of an eye everything can change. So we must Forgive as often as we can. We must Love with All Our Heart. Every single day like it was the last day of our life.
Reason being is our time here is a gift. One which we may may never get a chance to live again. So no matter what yesterday or the days before that were for you make every day from here on out count.
As someone one so much smarter than I once said, “None of us are getting out of here alive so stop treating yourself like an after thought. Eat delicious food, walk in the sunshine, jump in the ocean. Say the truth your carrying in your heart like hidden treasure. Be silly, Be Kind, Be Weird as if there was no time for anything else.” and Live Like You Were Dying.
Just Another Point of View and GOD Speed.

As the years keep rolling by I can’t help to think from time to time, “Have I turned into my Grandfather” ?
Aside from my girth, all our family have always been a bit on the heavy side, the answer to that question is very simple. NO. Not anywhere close.
When my next birthday rolls around, if GOD willing I’m blessed enough to make it that long, I’ll be turning the BIG 6-5. At or near this age my Grand Dad sat in his rocker most of the day and ventured out every now and again to buzzed at the neighborhood which by the way was owned by a close friend of his.
When I stop to think about it, back in those days, there wasn’t much more for him to do. He was retired. My Mom took care of all the bills so my Gramps’ just hung around an chilled. He had a great Native American wife who cooked all his meals and washed all his clothes so, really, what else was there for him to do. Sadly and eventually, I think it was what killed him as it does so many others.
Not the case with me at all. My how times have changed. As I round that BIG 6-5, Yes I am retired but I try to find plenty of things to keep me busy. I am heavy into Social Media and have been so for the past 15 or 20 years. What can I say, it keeps me both In touch and busy.
My latest relationship has been going on for 5 years now and my better half is turning 32 next birthday. Holly age difference Batman, that’s HALF my age but, what can I say it keeps me young. We happened to stumble across one an other while neither of us were looking for a new relationship and we hit it off. So we have been together, happily, ever since.
I spend a certain time of my day at my computer since being a social media influencer requires it. Other than that we’re either out eating or jutting around scouting places to the next episode of a video show I direct and produce on a weekly basis.
I read somewhere once that unless your having a new adventure your not living. Teetering on that BIG 6-5 or anything after that we can’t help but wonder how many more there will be after that. That being the case I’m trying to decide what to do with the rest of my years. I can start to sit around like my Gran Dad did or I can choose to live the rest of my days, how ever many more GOD Blesses me with, experiencing a new adventure every week.
So you see, at this age, I am not my Grandfather and it’s easier for me since I have no close family to tie me down anywhere and I am not committed to being buried any one place in particular, sounds like a life of adventure it will be.
Now to try to figure out the logistics of that and put it all together by September when our lease expires. Stay tuned I’ll keep you posted right here and please follow me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hollywoods411

Another Major election will be upon us soon and so many candidates have thrown their hat in the ring BUT are we really focusing about the right things that keep our United States of America from truly becoming a better country?
We don’t don’t have to look very far to realize that Our Word and along with it Our Country has some huge issues at play. In the United States of America there are so many things that are somewhat of an easy fix that sometimes, I wonder if politicians just keep us fighting among each other so that we don’t demand a change on things that could really make a difference?
What are a few of those things you ask? Well, to start with, let’s do away with the antiquated Electoral College which now a days has become outdated and does not serve it’s original purpose. Whom ever wins the popular vote should win the election. Period.
Then we can set terms limits both in Congress and the Senate so we can Stop Creating Career Criminals ah I mean Politicians. The salaries that we pay Politicians may not seem like a lot BUT what they pocket from side deals is outrageous. Was I the only one that saw that movie where Eddie Murphy becomes a congressman. I think it was called “ The Distinguished Gentleman”. Check it out you’ll see what I mean.
Then, let’s put a Cap on how much money raised by Candidates Can Be Used For Their Actual Campaign. What ever they raise above and beyond that should be put in a Special Fund to use for Free Healthcare, Education and a Basic Housing Voucher for Ever Citizen that has a true financial need.
Let’s get rid of the outdated IRS and go to a Sales Tax on Everything Across the board. This way Everybody Pays Tax no matter what financial bracket you may fall in.
I could go on and on so don’t get me started BUT Isn’t It Time We Started Changing The Things That Matter Most and Do It Now.
Just Another Point of View.