National Health: A New Heath Care

A Few Current Problems

With the "new" Affordable Care Act, every citizen is required to have health care coverage, or pay a fine.  It is well debated if this was a good option or not.  I personally think that everyone should have some health coverage.  However, I don't like the cost.  Any type of insurance is simply a gamble.  Am I going to get sick or not?  I haven't for many years, so why pay for something that won't happen this year?  If I have great insurance one year and don't use it, I might lower my premiums for the following year.  Then I get sick and bear the brunt of the bills.

A difficulty with health insurance is who pays the bill.  The cost of health care is surrounded around the health of the individual.  It is true that more wealth grants better health.  But, this is only due to circumstance.  With more money you live in a better place, with good food, and health care when you need it.  And in most markets, if you need more of a service, you should pay more.  This is not fair for health care.  The cost depends upon health.  If you are more healthy, have good genes, and are not prone to sickness, you don't pay as much.  Sickness is not always chosen.  Sometimes it is.

Government Aid

The government has provided many programs and incentives to help people, communities, and companies grow.  The idea behind this is it supports the greater good, economy, etc.  I think this can be a great thing.  The government provides public transit that gives everyone a means of transport.  This gives the poor better access to work without the cost of owning a vehicle.  It assists people in finding and having access to jobs.  There are soup kitchens to help the poor, so they can theoretically focus more effort on contributing to society.  Many companies help in these regards as well.  Shouldn't the government focus on helping every citizen have good health?  Isn't health a human right?  Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness?

If someone is poor, they already have a higher chance of being sick.  When that individual is sick, they probably can't afford proper nutrition and health care.  Next, they can't work.  They are caught in continual downward spiral.  We cannot condemn others because of their status.

Finding A Common Factor

The only way to make health care fair is to find a common factor.  Clearly wealth and natural health complications have no relationship.  Location, birth, nationality, etc.  None of these correlate.  The biggest factors I can see have to do with diet and personal habits.  People who eat more junk food, do drugs, and smoke will likely have more health problems.  There are also other events that take place like atomic bomb testing that affects a region that will later struggle with cancer.  Cities with high pollution can affect respiratory problems.  These are the factors that will be addressed to support a new National Health initiative.  

The Solution: National Health

The government is OK to create a new health care that they own and regulate, as long as it is done correctly.  I will not discuss everything in full.  This is merely an idea that the American people should discuss and build on their own.  There are four areas that I will discuss: Who is covered, The Funding, A New Health Council, Charitable Contributions, and Acceptable Health Providers. 

Who Is Covered

Every American citizen with a social security number will be given access to these benefits.  Nobody should be excluded.  If someone lives here, and is not an American citizen, they should have a visa or green card.  These forms of identification will give them access to the national health system as well.  

If someone is living a poor diet or has bad habits, they will be required to go through a rehab program.  For instance, if someone is a heavy smoker and is battling lung cancer, they will need to stop smoking to receive full coverage.  It makes no sense for a health care system to pay for something that is preventable like this.  You cant help others that won't help themselves.

The Funding

Currently, health insurance is funded by either individuals or their employers.  The intent of this National Health system is to make health care free.  However, if someone is not willing to change their ways, or if they are not an American citizen with a form of ID, they might be required to pay a fee.  However, this fee should not be more than a typical copay of $20.  The employer will be required to pay a small portion for each employee and their family.  Again, this will amount to no more than the copay for each individual a month.  This amount may be lowered depending on how the rest of the funding pans out.  All the money for the National Health program will go into one large pool that will be used for each citizen.

The majority of the funding will come from those companies that make up the "common factor".  Cigarette companies will pay a fair amount to compensate the health complications they give to their customers.  Junk food companies will pay a certain percentage towards the fund.  Any company that affects the health of American citizens may have to face a fee to contribute to National Health.  

A New Health Council

A new health council will be organized and made up of health professionals from both the traditional and natural health practices in America.  This council will create a set of rules that will give each company a numerical score that determines how healthful they are for the nation.  This score will be converted to a percentage of revenue that company will be required to pay to National Health.  This council will apply to companies based on their size.  For example, a fast food company will be given a rating, which will be divided by the number of states it operates in.  The more widespread the company, the more influence it has on the nation's health. 
The health score will be based upon the weighted average health of the company's products.  The more unhealthy products they sell a year, the more fees.  If there is a health breach, such as E. coli, and the company does not make adequate changes, they will be fined for their negligence and health consequences.  if a company was found to have leaked hazardous waste, etc. they will be fined as well.  Any company that affects the nation's health may pay a fine.  These fines will be associated with the potential health problems that could be affected and/or created.

The benefits of these fees and ratings are great.  It matches the cause and affect of most health problems in the United States.  And, if a company wants to decrease their associated fees, they will have to change their products to be better fit for the American people.  All products will become healthful and advantageous to every citizen.  As the years go by, there might be fear that less money will be going into National Health.  This is true, but the nation's overall health should also be greatly improved, with less overall cost.

Charitable contributions

Companies love to give money to improve their image and decrease their taxes.  The National Health initiative is not exempt from this.  Any company may pay more than the required amount, per employee, to National Health.  And each company can claim the full amount paid to National Health as a tax deduction.  Companies may still pay to charities, build schools, and help the world the way they currently do.  But, wouldn't it be great if more companies put money towards something as great as National Health?  This helps every citizen, no matter what their social status is.  This builds a greater America.

Acceptable Health Providers

One of the most important things of any health insurance is who the providers are.  Where can you go to treat your illness, get your annual checkup, etc?  With National Health, you can go anywhere, as long as they are a registered health provider.  This is true for natural and holistic practices as well.  

What About The Insurance Companies

If National Health came to be, all other insurance companies may keep operating as they wish.  Nobody has to get rid of their current provider.  However, it would make no sense for anyone to stay with any provider.  For an operation such as National Health to exist, it will need countless employees to give the expertise and customer service that everyone interacts with today.  Therefore, it is expected that National Health would absorb most people that are currently working for a health insurance company today.

What Are Your Thoughts of #NationalHealth ?

I want to hear your thoughts.  I believe that National Health could change America in a profound way.  Please share this post with all your friends.  Make National Health a conversation today.  As you talk about National Health, please use this hashtag #NationalHealth

Should Lincoln Have Kept the Split-wing Grill?

2015 Lincoln MKT

Before Lincoln made their debut with the Continental concept, featuring a new grill, I thought Lincoln could resurrect their Split-wing grill.  BMW has been able to keep their grill in style while still being easily recognizable.  Pontiac also had a dual grill that worked well for them.  In Lincoln's case, however, I think most people desired a change.

2016 Lincoln MKZ

With the updated MKZ, Lincoln updated the grill.  They got rid of the waterfall look and adopted a new feathered look.  In their advertising campaigns, they called the MKZ a phoenix, the rebirth of the Lincoln brand.  I personally didn't like this look.  It was better than the past, but not enough for a new car.  The 2016 MKC adopted this look, but it translated into a much more cohesive look.

2016 Lincoln MKC

Last year, before the Continental's preview, I was forming my own ideas.  I tried my had at a few designs for a new Split-wing grill that would bring this old style into a new light for a new generation.  I think the Lincoln logo is very elegant and suited for a luxury brand.  In my concepts, I wanted the Lincoln logo to stand out more.  I wanted it to be larger, and nicely framed.

My rendering of the Lincoln MKZ before their most recent update for 2017.  So, I tried making the chrome outline different.  I find some companies overdo the chrome.  I made it only go across the top, and have the middle connect in a low overhang.  When I look at this now, I think it has a little bit of a Nissan/Renault look to it.  I think Lincoln is on a better path now that what i drew.

What do you think?  Should Lincoln have kept the Split-wing grill?

2015 MKT: http://www.lincoln.com/crossovers/mkt/gallery/photos/popup/photo:12/
2016 MKZ: http://www.lincoln.com/cars/mkz/gallery/photos/popup/photo:6/
2016 MKC: http://cars.axlegeeks.com/l/5810/2015-Lincoln-MKC 

2017 Lincoln MKC

 In my last post I created a rendering of the 2017 Toyota Corolla.  That was made using a spy shot (Autoblog) and a series of Toyota vehicle pictures.  Here, I took Lincoln's new corporate look and applied it to one of their newer vehicles: the MKC.  

When the MKZ was updated in 2013, I was not fond of the "Phoenix" styling.  I wanted to like it, but it never grew on me.  I admired their desire to resurrect the dual grill.  However, I found their efforts on the MKZ poorly implemented.  Then the new 2015 MKC came out.  I really like the look of this car.  The exterior that is.  Now I admit, although this design is a large step forward for the Lincoln brand, it still doesn't say full-out "Luxury".  

With the new 2017 Lincoln Continental revealed and MKZ following suit, the luxury automaker has a future.  The new design is elegant with presence.  Now, two questions emerge.  How long will it take for the rest of the vehicle lineup to receive the new Jaguar-esque grill?  And, what varieties will it come in?

Here, I created a rendering using the 2016 Lincoln MKC and added elements from the MKZ (grill and inner headlight accents.)  I made the grill taller and wider than on the MKZ to give this a stronger more muscular appearance, since it is a crossover.  The headlights were already very similar to the MKZ, I just really liked the inner accents and implemented those.  I also made the lower grill slightly more narrow to accommodate the larger grill.  

If I were to redo this rendering, I would make the grill a little smaller (larger space around the sides) and more angular (pointing to the bumper).  I can't wait to see Lincoln unveil the future lineup.

These are my thoughts.  Let me know what you think.

Images

2016 Lincoln MKC: http://cars.axlegeeks.com/l/5810/2015-Lincoln-MKC 

2017 Lincoln MKZ elements: http://www.lincoln.com/2017-mkz/ 

The 2017 Toyota Corolla

When spy shots of the  2017 Toyota Corolla came out, websites such as Autoblog and LeftLaneNews suggested it to be taking styling cues from the Mirai.  I never saw this.  I saw more of the Camry.  Now, I will admit, those crazy dimples that most likely hold some stylized led's hold strong ties to the Mirai.  But, I doubt they will be as prominently featured here.  Now, here is where I present you with my rendering of the 2017 Toyota Corolla.

I had to pull several images of three cars to pull this off.  The headlights and a good majority of the grill come from the Avalon (though I had to reshape these items quite a bit).  Part of the inner grill and fog lights come from the Camry (though I admit I got lazy with the fog lights).  And the faux grill that holds the Toyota symbol comes from the most current Rav4.  I pulled the same old taillight, since I have not studied the tail end yet.  All in all, I think this gives a pretty good glimpse of what is to come.

Spy Shot Image: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/01/2017-toyota-corolla-spied-will-get-mirai-inspired-look.html 

Toyota Copied Mazda

Car manufacturers have been copying each other's designs for ages.  This is not new.  Here I present my case where a company shamelessly copies another.  Toyota vs. Mazda.  The car in question: The 2011 Corolla.  For as long as anyone can remember, Toyota has been known for their unoffensive design strategy.  Make something mainstream, otherwise known as boring.  

The 9th generation model brought the Toyota's compact into the modern age.  Although it was highly successful, it's bulky design was due for an upgrade.  Yet again, Toyota wanted to play things safe with design.  Make it slimmer, but make it say "Corolla".  They took may of the same design cues and updated them for a "new" generation.

I think the design was poorly implemented, but the vehicle was still successful.  Toyota quickly made modifications for 2011 to give the Corolla a sportier look.  This is where Mazda comes in with the 2003 Mazda 6.  This shows how far behind Toyota was with their 9th generation.  Typical for a mid-cycle upgrade, Toyota kept the main structure and interior, only updating a little of the front fascia (headlights and grill) and the back end (taillights and bumper).

Above: 2011 Toyota Corolla and 2003 Mazda 6

As you can see, the headlights were mildly upgraded to give a slimmer appearance, similar to the Mazda.  The most apparent copy was adding a couple bars across the grill to imitate the 6's distinctive look.  They also opened the lower grill more to give it a sportier feel, and added a bar across the side of the vehicle to minimize door dings, both found on the Mazda.

Above: 2011 Toyota Corolla and 2003 Mazda 6

In the back, the most prominent change in the Corolla is the taillights.  Although they are not an exact copy, they give a similar impression as the 6 by adding silver accents to the middle.  The taillights were also slimmed to provide a more uniform shape, like the Mazda.  The lower reflectors on the bumper even got slimmed down similar to the 6.

Conclusion: I believe that Toyota shamelessly copied attributes of the 2003 Mazda 6 to update the poorly envisioned 2003 Toyota Corolla.  I don't see anything wrong with manufacturers learning from one another, but not in a fashion like this.  I believe automotive design to be a form of art, and therefore should not be copied.  Flattery can be great, but not for merely increasing sales.  Toyota is now creating their own distinctive, although confusing, design.  I look forward to what they produce.  Hopefully something better looking than the Mirai.

This is just my opinion, but I will let you be the judge.

Photo Credits
2003 Corolla: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E120)#/media/File:2003-2004_Toyota_Corolla_CE.jpg 
2009 Corolla front: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E140)#/media/File:09_Toyota_Corolla.jpg
2009 Corolla back: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E140)#/media/File:2007-2010_Toyota_Corolla_(ZRE152R)_Ascent_sedan_01.jpg
2011 Corolla front: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E140)#/media/File:2011_Toyota_Corolla_Altis_1.8E_in_Puchong,_Malaysia_(01).jpg 
2003 6 front: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda6#/media/File:2005-2007_Mazda_6_(GG_Series_2)_Luxury_Sports_hatchback_(2011-01-13).jpg
2011 Corolla back:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Corolla_(E140)#/media/File:2011_Toyota_Corolla_Altis_1.8E_in_Puchong,_Malaysia_(02).jpg 
2003 6 back: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda6#/media/File:2006_Mazda6_(GG_Series_2)_MZR-CD_hatchback_(2015-08-07)_02.jpg 

2017 Toyota Corolla

What is behind the Corolla's mask?  Camry with a touch of Mirai?  

Stay tuned to find out.

Image: http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2016/01/2017-toyota-corolla-spied-will-get-mirai-inspired-look.html 

The All New Cadillac Sentra

Automotive design is a tough business.  Creating popular design trends and guessing the consumers needs proves difficult to achieve.  When the sixth generation of the Nissan Sentra came out in 2007, I was not sure what Nissan was thinking.  I found the car to be visually unappealing.  A small car should be small and sleek, not bulky and boxy.  This is exactly what Nissan delivered.  However, It wasn't until the latter half of 2011 that I realized what this car resembled.  Nissan, which has been trying to bring an upper class design to the middle class, had copied major design cues from Cadillac.  Every exterior feature matched.  The upper and lower grill position and shape, as well as the headlights.  The boxy, angled lines were a dead giveaway.  To better visualize things, I have provided the picture below.

Please comment below.  What car mashups would you like to see?

Photo Credits: 

Nissan Sentra: http://zombdrive.com/image-model/1647-2010-nissan-sentra-12.jpg.html 

Cadillac STS: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac_STS 

Starting some Photography

I have begun my hand/eye at photography recently.  I am working on finding my niche.  But, you can see some of my work in the following links.

www.muellerarts.weebly.com

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/haley-mueller.html?tab=artworkgalleries&artworkgalleryid=623004

oregon photographs

Completing the Book of Mormon

I have completed the Book of Mormon, what I believe is the fourth time.  I read it once before my mission, and understood little.  I read it during my mission as a challenge when President Hinckley passed away.  I may have read it another time during my mission, but I would need to look at my old scriptures.  I read it again after my mission as a family challenge/Christmas present.  And today, 1/6/2016, I have completed it again.

I believe the Book of Mormon to be true, and surely a book to bring you closer to God than any other book.  As you are consistent with your reading and study out the words and meanings, it will change your life for the good.  The eyes of your understanding will open, and the truth of the world around you will be better understood.  The ignorance of the world you live in is not held by the understanding of all things, but by the understanding of God.

Read, study, and write what impresses you.  This will enable and further your true progress toward God.

Book Ideas - 2015

Current Ponderings:

1) "Operators Manual: Of Life"

This book is structured like an owners manual for a car or vehicle. The drawings are of vehicles as well.  However, the descriptions of each part, system, etc. pertain to the human's spiritual existence.  Each element is designed to teach doctrine and eternal principles that can be applied on a daily basis.  A parable of life.  Many notes and outlines have been written for this book.  If I am able to publish one book, this would be the one.

1) "The Word and The Life"

A seven book series written in a more "Chronicles of Narnia" style, using symbolism to describe doctrinal beliefs.  Each book would cover a portion of the seven dispensations described in the Bible and other sacred works. The first book would revolve around the story of Cain, while the last book would describe the restoration of all things and the end of the world.  Many notes and ideas have been written on this series.  All seven books will need to be heavily outlined and written before the first book if the first book is to be released.

2) "Modern Conspiracy: Ancient Methods"

This book would be written in a Facebook feed style, following various people, groups, public figures, etc.  The story would surround a future soldier of an old America and the upcoming new world order.  The messages would be written to his brother, a more conservative, individual who believes in the ways used to be.  The soldier would believe everything the government says and is a big proponent to the direction of things.  Topics to be discussed could be: Gun control, plastic temporary guns, all in once vaccine for each year, loose definition of marriage, not for children, roommate theory, easy divorce, artificial womb, etc.  

3) Book of Theories

A book of a bunch of BS theories with a disclaimer in the beginning of them being false.  Written as if the author believes all these things.  The author has visions, dreams, etc.

4) "Time Trapped"

A man prepares for bed and kisses his wife on the cheek as she lays asleep in bed.  As he backs away, he discovers he is in a different place at a different time, and that is not his wife.  The story follows the character as he travels from place to place, with no intention of his own.  Some of the characters he encounters might follow him as well.  Through the travel, he learns things about his life, about himself, and how to be better.  His greatest hope is to return to his wife and family.

Past Contemplations:

1) "The Ultimate Video Game."

The main character, Jake, was a creator of an incredible video game system. More advanced than any others. It has a huge hard drive and a ton of ram. It is almost like a different world that is all digital. Right before the game system is about to come out a man comes to meet Jake. Bartholomew Caswell, aka Chad, drops by to talk to Jake. Chad has been funding Jake's video game company. Chad told him of a theory that he had. "What would you say if we lived in a video game?" His theory was that we live in a computer. And the people in the real world are extremely advanced. They were so advanced that they needed an ultimate reality show. So, they created a computer with a different world in it. It was so advanced that is was able to support human life. They placed two people in the system, an Adam and Eve type of couple. Thousands of years later Chad comes out with this theory, which turns out to be the truth. They have to decide whether they should stay living in the computer, or find a way out. The story would have ended with Chad , and Jake constantly running. An ending exactly like "Fahrenheit 451" which is the reason why I stopped writing the book.

2) "Brothers of the Stars"

The son of a farmer witnesses a UFO crash near his childhood home.  Later in life, while he is teaching at a local college, a UFO crash happens in his town.  He is involved in talking with the pilot of the UFO with the police, because of his profession in Anthrapology.  This changes the course of his life.  He makes a connection with this man, seeks to protect him and change the political view on earthly and celestial aliens.  To learn more, please see the other post.  One of my ideas was for this book to become a three book series.

3) "Father and Father"

A boy is raised by two fathers.  He is physiologically and emotionally damaged from his childhood.  As he grows up, he befriends a female teacher in elementary school and high school that helps him through his life.  She fills a motherly role for him.  As he continues to grow up he meets a good girl that teaches him the value and importance of traditional marital relationships.  They date and marry.

4) "Life Above the Strip"

A girl grows up in a very worldly home where her family drinks, swears, and is involved in a lot of immorality, etc.  She is different, and very innocent.  The family thinks she is a bit odd.  To help her get her senses, they send her to Las Vegas, Nevada to college, where she can live a college life in the fast lane and get a grasp of life in this world.  While there, she refuses to partake of the Las Vegas life.  She meets a return missionary.  They date.  At some point they get in a fight, probably after he meets her family.  She tries to take on her families lifestyle.  They return together again and marry.

5) "He is a Civilian" or "I am a Civilian"

A man works for the army, undercover in a middle eastern community.  He is stationed there to blend in and keep an ear out for any terrorism acts, and anything that would lead him to the Taliban leader.  While there, he meets a lady who is poor, living on the street, and abused.  He saves her, perhaps from an attack, and protects her.  As life goes on, he loves and marries her.  Eventually he is captured, believed to be undercover, as he is.  They hold him for ransom and contact the US government.  During the call, they have him at gunpoint,and say they will kill him unless the US sends money, or aid.  The man claims he is a civilian, and to leave his family alone.  The tension rises and the government officials state, he is a civilian.  My original intent was for him to be killed, but the idea was very bare to begin with.

The Legends of Sir Joshua - Refurbished

The Legends of Sir Joshua

By The Power Pointer Brothers

Version 2.0

Once upon a time, 
In a fertile country lived a noble night, named Sir Joshua.  He received a letter from the king and queen requesting him to go to the castle.  As he journeyed to the castle on his noble stead, he ran into an old friend, Bartholomew Caswell.  He usually goes by the name Sir Chad.  Sir Chad was riding a donkey with his apprentice, Lancelot, following close behind.  Sir Chad had many years of schooling, for he had gone to Harvard with a man named Mr. Clark.  When Sir Chad saw Sir Joshua he said, "How are you doing my friend?  What Brings you this way?"

Sir Joshua replied with much apprehension saying, "What is the meaning of this?  I come all this way with no food or water and I don't even get a 'thanks'.  I pity you."

Sir Chad replied in astonishment, "Why art thou so grumpy my good friend?  I was just wondering where thou wert going."

Sir Joshua got very angry.  He turned around and shot Sir Chad in the back of the chin.  Lancelot stared at Sir Joshua with amazement.  Lancelot and Sir Chad were connected, like a rider and his dragon.  Because of this connection, Lancelot soon died.

As Sir Joshua was searching through the clothing of the two cadavers, a the fair princess Mary Jane rode towards him escorted by her royal guards. 

"I am the Princess Mary Jane, but I usually go by the name, Kings Men.  What about you?"

Sir Joshua looked into her eyes and fell madly in love with her.  He said, "I love you Obi Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope.  I have always wanted to say that."

Kings men suddenly passed gas saying, "Never let me eat Salt and Vinegar Chips Again.  It passes the gas like the kings Jester, Cosby, cracks jokes.  Let me see your Knight ID."

Sir Joshua handed the fair Kings Men his ID.

"It looks like you have to laminate it," Kings Men stated.

Sir Joshua quickly took out his trusty nickel and threw it at Kings men, killing her instantly.

One of the guards pulled out his light saber and force jumped off his stead, landing five feet away from Sir Joshua.  Luckily the guard did not know that this nickel had boomerang capabilities, and it came back killing him with the rest of the other royal guards, except for the one with false hopes of becoming the kings lawyer.

Sir Joshua looked through the princess's pockets and found a shopping list, which included: Ginger Ale, Beer Bubbles, and Double Bubble Cola.  The lawyer got very excited seeing the cola.  It was then that he reminisced of the time he had first had Flamethrower Burgers in LAW 101, at Boise State University.

As the lawyer and Sir Joshua talked, the lawyer revealed that the princess had a zygote in her system for nine days.  The Lawyer got a brilliant idea saying, "She is dead with this brilliantly placed Zygote free of charge.  All it is at this point is Embryonic Stem Cells.  It is my belief that if we were to harvest these for the future and sell them on the black market, we could make millions, which is equivalent to $100 in our days."

The lawyer offered a bag of Salt and Vinegar Chips, that were cooked in hydrogenated oil.

The Lawyer asked, "Could I be your squire?  I know many secrets of the land and would be willing to share my knowledge with you."

Sir Joshua said, "Yes, but you need a new name then.  I will call you Hydrogenation, Son of Razac."

Hydrogenation replied, "Thank you master, I know where we can get free copies of the video game Oblivion.  Shall I lead the way, or do you want to go somewhere else?"

"I do have an idea Hydrogenation.  You give me all your knowledge of the underworld and I will save your castle from a certain death.  I will save Padme's life.  That is an odd name for a castle.  Why did you name it that?"

Hydrogenation said, "My biceps hurt, but i really do not know why it is named that.  The underworld is easy to understand all you need to know is that everything is 42."

"All of a sudden it makes sense to me," Sir Joshua exclaimed.  "The number 42 is not the Meaning of Life.  For it is your age.  You have lied to Sir Joshua, Son of a Woman.  It is now that I realize that you have a sucky name.  Why did I call you that.  Some time in the future they will understand what a terrible name that is.  You shall fall under the curse of the lawyer.  From now on, the lawyer will be known as the scum of the earth.  And there is nothing you can do about it.  Now you shall die."

And so he did.  Josh hurried to the castle and said the password, "Four Letter Word."  The castle guards opened the gate to let Sir Joshua in.

The Kings men opened looked at Sir Joshua saying, "Hello though great and noble knight Sir Joshua.  This parchment is given thee to strengthen your armies and villages.  We have found thee worthy.  The parchment needs taken to a mountain of fire in the dark lands of Lord Rogers.  We give thee a query of journey.  Will you go out through the lands of the dark lord?  And, will you deliver the parchment to the depths of the flaming mountain?  If you choose not to you will be burned by the steaks."

Sir Joshua, "What type of steaks?"

The Kings Men replied, "New York."

Sir Joshua, "Oh, ok.  Well, I see that thou hast given me no choice.  I will go out and deliver the parchment to the fiery tongue of the mountain named Satin!"

Kings men, "Are you sure you are?"

Sir Joshua, "As my underwear says my name on them, YES."

Kings men, "That does not compute.  But there is some where else you need to go."

Sir Joshua, "Where else do i need to go?"

Kings men, "Washtin States!"

Sir Joshua got really mad.  There was not a state that went by this name.  There were no states at this time in history.  There would never be a place called Washtin, ever; past, present, or future.  Sir Joshua gave Kings Men the lazy eye.  In all of history, and history itself, there had never been given a more powerful and concentrated Lazy Eye.  A great wind came from the South picking up Sir Joshua as if he were a leaf.  He rose in the air 35 feet, when suddenly the whole castle turned into the city Bronx.

The guards turned into Vulcan, which was not very logical.  They picked up Sir Joshua and took him to their leader.  The leader of the city Bronx had an odd African named, Kaki Lambe, meaning Protector of the Harvest.  This disturbed Sir Joshua.  He wanted not to see this sight.  So, he started up a new, never before tried, laziest eye.  Something unexpected happened.  The wind came in from the North, not the south, picking him up an amazing 36.521 feet.  He turned into a magnificent Body Building Stud.  And the city of Bronx was wiped clear out of the third dimension to a forbidden area of the non-existent multi-verse.  There was a wide gap of nothing that would later be called Owasso, Oklahoma.

The nothingness was an Inheritance of a city called Orem, Utah.  Utah inherited it from some alien called Telituby.  But Sir Joshua did not care about this, for he left for Afghanistan.  He was on a quest to destroy the evil Osama Bin Laden.

As he reached the coast he looked for a ship in which to travel to Afghanistan.  There were none to be found.   He went to the city of Ricardo, the biggest port city in the Kingdom.  There he found a ship, The Lucy, which was captained by a man named Ricky.  The journey took five months.  Three days later they arrived in Afghanistan.  They were greeted by a welcoming committee named Al'queda.  They gave Sir Joshua three stones with many names.  These names were: Plant, Tree, Starry, and Fortify.  He took them proudly and ate the one named Fortify.  Something miraculous happened.  The stone that said Plant started shaking.  Sir Josh dropped the stone, and a huge talking tree grew from it.  

The tree spoke, "My name is the Great Kleenex, it have a quest for you.  If you succeed I will unlock the secrets of the other stones.  They will make you the strongest man in the multi-verse, and become a Wurm.  Will you take my quest on?"

Sir Joshua thought hardish.  It was a difficult thing to query.  He had never considered being a Wurm.  Just then, a squirrel fell out of the tree.  And he spoke, "You are the chosen one, yes.  You be well favored in mine eyes that do see glory.  You want to join me?  The answer is, Yes.  The tree can wait.  The life of a Wurm can be achieved in many ways."

Sir Joshua started to talk to himself, "Whoa, that squirrel just talked to me."

Squirrel, "Yes I did.  You are much bad at talking to yourself.  I can teach you the way."  He looked at Sir Joshua with much anticipation.  He had the eye of Jonathan.  It made him strong and convincing.

Sir Joshua, "Yes I will join you, Fred.  Whoa, how did I know your name?"

Fred, "I used the eye of Jonathan.  I teach you the way it work, say yes.  The eye of Jonathan is explained as this, it comes from drinking 5,000 cans of Dr. Pepper and eating acorns."

Sir Joshua, "Who did you drink 5,000 cans of Dr. Pepper?"

Fred, "I was inspired by the Wurms.  If one must become as they be, you must obey everything they tell.  Yes it is true, I have much indigestion.  But that is expected.  That tree there talks because of the toxic gases that pass through me."

"Wow, that sounds like fun.  But where, oh master, can I find this great supply of Dr. Pepper?"

"You first eat the green rock you hold there."

Sir Joshua ate the green rock.  His heart gave a jump.  He bent over and began to throw up.  After an hour he got back up, wiping his mouth.  He looked down at his barf to find Tiny, the Tyrannosaurus Rex.  Sir Joshua asked, "What on earth happened to me.  Where is the Dr. Pepper?"

Fred looked embarrassed, "Sorry, I am color blind.  You ate the Starry named one.  You must eat the next one.  Well, I am not sure much.  I would say that eating the rest of them be good."

"Whatever you say Fred," Sir Joshua stated.  He ate them proudly and began to jump up and down saying, "I need to relieve my bladder."

So Sir Joshua urinated on the big tree.  All of a sudden his urine started eating away at the tree until there was an opening large enough for him to walk into.  Fred said, "You have opened the way to the Trump Dr. Pepper Chamber.  We must both enter into the chamber, but be wary, there are many danger that await us in the chamber."

Sir Joshua said, "Whatever dude.  You know that I am unable to be killed.  If anything threatens me the author will kill them off."

"You need a girl, man."

They entered the trump hole.  Inside there was a large cavern.  They had never seen anything like it before.  The walls were covered in a thick slimy orange peel.  Sir Joshua walked over to the walls.  Fred cautioned him, "Be careful, the walls are not to be trusted."  Suddenly the walls started to move.  The orange peel started to gather into balls.  They became one large mass with no eyes.

"Its the Avatar!" Fred said to Sir Joshua.  "You must urinate to save yourself."

Sir Joshua started to work with his pants, "My zipper is stuck!"

"You don't have pants, kid!  Just do it," said Fred.

Sir Joshua said, "I thought I felt a draft in here."

Sir Joshua urinated on the Avatar.  The Avatar melted into a puddle of orange goo.  In the middle of the puddle there was a Timex watch.  Sir Joshua noticed this and walked towards the watch.  Fred yelled, "Don't do it kid, that puddle will turn you into an orange!"

Sir Joshua halted and as he turned around to talk to Fred he heard a gurgling sound.  The puddle was reforming into something, something unknown to Sir Joshua, a seductive female homo sapiens.

She was tall about the Author's Height, with long blond hair, sky blue eyes, and a figure any women would envy.  She opened her mouth and a weird gurgle sound emanated from it.  The sound then changed to the most seductive female voice, she said, "I am the keeper of the unlimited supply Dr. Pepper.  If you want it you will have to marry me, and give me children."

Suddenly a figure fell into the cavern, landing on all fours.  It was dark and covered with cockroaches.  It slowly crawled towards them.  The closer it got, the louder the chirping was.  It stopped ten feet away from them.  One of the legs broke out of its socket and lifted up forming an arm.  Another soon followed.  From the belly of the creature rose a distorted head with no face.  There were two bumps on the fore of the head.  They were getting bigger, and the skin stretched thin.  Soon the skin started to break to reveal two eyes.  More skin stretched and broke to make a nose and a mouth.  The hunch in the back started to shrink as the creature became more upright.  It looked somewhat human.  Hair started to sprout from the back and head.  The strands of hair braided together and wove to make clothing.  There it stood in a long silky brown robe.  It closed its eyes and took in a deep breath and roared.  When the last bit of breath was gone it opened its eyes, looking down at Sir Joshua, Fred, and the Keeper.

Sir Joshua and Fred spoke together, "It is the Dark Lord Rogers!"

Lord Rogers spoke in a deep voice, "I will Marry you, and make thee fertile with child."

The Keeper said, "I did not ask you, I hate you.  We have been enemies ever since you lost my Rubik Cube."

Lord Rogers said, "I never had your Rubik Cube, so I never lost it."

The Keeper looked at Fred saying, "So, will you marry me?"

Fred said, "Of course my darling.  I have loved you forever and the past, which will continue in future times."

"You have always had a way with words, my love."

Fred picked up a rock and placed it into his mouth.  He looked up to the Keeper and said, "For you, love, I will do anything."  He closed his eyes holding his arms out to his sides.  A low rumble commenced along with a bright green glow of Fred.  A cool blue fire immersed Fred.  The flames began to grow large and tall.  There was a bright flash and the fire was gone.  Fred held out his arm to the Keeper with his hand closed.  His fur had changed into a bright glowing gold.  He opened his hand that relieved a white gold raven ring embedded with diamonds.  "I will marry you, just as the gold ravens fly," Fred said.

The Keeper picked up the rings and said, "I will always love you, my darling Fred.  With this ring I thee wed."  As she placed the ring on her finger, she passed gas, and brown grass began to blossom.  And Fred got down to eat it.  Soon after there was a bright flash and Fred was human.  Only, he was still 11 inches tall.

He spoke saying, "I may be small, but my heart is large.  Metaphorical speaking."

Lord Rogers said, "I will make thee human size, if thou kills the dread Clown Food Face."

Fred said, "Where can I find him?"

Lord Rogers reply's "Say his name three times and he will appear."

Fred said Food Face three times and spaghetti fell from them the sky.  The spaghetti formed into Food Face the Clown.  Fred looked over at the dreaded Food Face, "Hello again Food Face."

Food Face, "Helloweh.  Weh shawl dwell."

"Dwell?"

"Dwell, you know, two peepeel faght to death."

"Duel, you mean.  Whatever.  You have never been able to speak well.  Well, it is time for me to kill you.  Then I will become beautiful like a man."  He closed his eyes and said, "I call upon the powers of the ancient rulers of Mosby Twins.  Akakatu!"

Food Face then fell into a plate of spaghetti.  The light went out and there was a strong circling wind.  A voice spoke, "Behold the holder of stones.  Fred."  The darkness cleared to reveal a beautiful old lady.

The Keeper spoke, "Fredisha, my love."  The two women embraced and kissed.  They then left to get married.

Sir Joshua, "That was disturbing."

All of a sudden the walls disappeared, revealing a huge refrigerator.  As Sir Joshua opened it he heard the a famous phrase from Rocky, "Astlela!"  Joshua looked in the fridge, there was a squirrel. The squirrel looked at Sir Joshua and said, "Hi, I'm Fred."

Sir Joshua yelled, "Why is the rum always gone?  You dumb squirrel, are you a lesbian too?"  He tore off the squirrel's head and ate it.  He put the rest of the body in his back pocked.  "Well, it is time for me to urinate again.  Where is the bathroom, I need to go to the gym?"

Lord Rogers said, "Use the refrigerator."

Sir Joshua did as Lord Rogers said.  All of a sudden 10,000 cans of Dr. Pepper appeared in the refrigerator.  An Oldsmobile pulled up with a good paint job.  "Ooooh, you are a dark lord aren't you.  You think you can out smart me with your temptations powers?  I am the trydarian.  Mind tricks don't work on me, only money.  No money, no parts, no deal.  And nobody else has a 314 Hyperdrive generator I promise you that.  You are evil, I call you Knight of Catan."

Lord Rogers replied, "I tried to make a deal with you but, I guess that you are too smart for my tricks, I am a Frisbee champ.  I will leave you here until you agree with my deal."  As Lord Rogers said this he disappeared along with everything else, except Sir Joshua."

Sir Joshua, "Lets see . . . Lord Rogers said this he . . . with everything . . . except me.  Uh, that was not in the script you Snicker Salad.  Go back and say the right lines."

Lord rogers then replied, "I tried to make a friend with you but, I guess you don't want to play with me.  I am not a Frisbee champ.  Why cant I make any friends?"

Sir Joshua, "Here is a friend."  He took out the headless body of the squirrel and gave it to Lord Rogers.

"Oh, Thank you so much.  My life is complete.  Is there anything I can do for you?  You have given me something that I cannot make up for."

"Well, you can THINK FAST!"  Just then the nickel, with boomerang capabilities came by and killed Osama Bin-laden.

"Thank you for killing my arch-rival Osama.  For this I consider you my friend," said Lord Rogers as he reappeared along with a fridge.

Just then Lord Rogers grabbed his chest and said, "Friends are forever, arteries aren't.  My heart is dying, and so am I.  Drink the Root Beer in the fridge to become a Wurm."  Lord Rogers fell to the ground dead as a door nail.  And then he was resurrected to his immortal Wurm body, which to this day nobody can describe.

Sir Joshua walked over to the camera man.  "What do we do now?" he asked.

The Camera man whispered to him, "It is time to go and join any Clique you want.  This will show that you are noble.  For, we are forever.  And when we go out to battle, it doesn't matter who we are against, because we will win.  We are on the authors side.  But, this does not make us weak.  We fight strong and hard.  Only when we are about to die are we saved.  For, it is the last days, we need not fear.  For Fear Factor is only a television show of the future.  We should concentrate and work on Feer Factor.  Together we can unite.  Together we can become one.  It is together that we prevail.  Now, who's with me?"

Sir Joshua yelled, "I am, all the way!"

"I expected more, but that is fine.  Now lets go to Disney Land, there we can start our resolve."

"Hold on, I'm thirsty.  I'll just have this root beer," Sir Joshua said as headed towards the fridge.  He popped the bottle cap, put it up to his lips and chugged the whole thing in on fell swoop.  He burped so loud the fridge broke into millions of pieces.  He felt his body changing, he felt like he could win any competition, even the toughest winter jump rope committees competition.  His body started to glow, and change into its Wurm form.  He felt like his organs were on fire, including his gonads.

Sir Joshua, "Whoa! I am a Wurm.  I did not know what to expect. -- Well duh, what did you expect? -- What is going on? -- You are a Wurm now -- I know -- You should know what a Wurm is like, why else would you study to become one and one -- What do you mean one and one? -- You are one, a Wurm, and one, for we all are one. -- I don't even know who I am talking to, where am I -- You are here and there, past and present and future, you are now and forever, you are infinite in all things ways and forms. -- So, when you say that I am one you mean -- I mean that we are one together, you are part of me, I am part of you, I am the leader of the Wurms, the Wurms speak as one voice -- Oh -- So are you ready? -- Yes."

The Wurms moved on in their life.  They went and conquered all that was peaceful and good, including rocky mountain oysters.  For whenever there was one pure soul, it would be taken into the Wurm and they became one.  But, as for the camera man.  He inherited a new name. 

"I am Cam, The Arignot!"

THE END

15 Things to Give Up the Need, for Happiness.

This is borrowed from another website as found bellow.  However, I thought they were very important not to mention.  I altered them for some uniqueness.  So, without further adieu, if you are seeking happiness ... don't forget to GUN it (Give Up the Need).

1. Give up the need to be right.  The happy seeker humbles not mumbles.
2. Give up the need for control.  Why control others if you can't control yourself?
3. Give up the need to blame.  Blame skips accountability, and leads to loneliness and depression.
4. Give up the need of negative self-talk.  The overly humble only punish themselves.
5. Give up the need of limiting beliefs.  If you limit yourself, you limit your predestined potential.
6. Give up the need to complain.  Set aside your complaints, forget yourself, and joy in the small things.
7. Give up the need of criticism.  For who is better to criticize but the critic.
8. Give up the need to impress.  The only one you need to impress is yourself, and do it silently.
9. Give up the need to resist change.  Everything good in life requires much needed change.
10. Give up the need of labels.  Let God deal with the labeling, and build up your own.
11. Give up the need to fear.  Set aside the restricting fear, and stride to your ambitions.
12. Give up the need of excuses.  Excuses have little worth but to avoid using.
13. Give up the need of the past.  The past is as important as the first mile-marker of a journey.
14. Give up the need of attachment.  Don't attach with fear or anxiety, but attach with love.
15. Give up the need of others' expectations.  Forget what others think, they don't know where you are going.

15 Things You Should Give Up To Be Happy

The New Power Pointer

Welcome to the new Power Pointer.  We hope you enjoy the new look and layout.  Feel free to explore the tabs up top to discover what we are now about.  Thank you.

-Powerpointer

The Prophesy of the Ruby Kings

By The Power Pointer

Chapter 1

A Night at the Junkyard

It was late one night 
when John Bal John heard a loud noise out of his bedroom window.  “Great,” he said, “Hey Bow Les, we’ve got another cat.  It’s your turn tonight.”


Bow Les leaned foreword in his bed feeling around for his glasses. His first two steps off his bead felt like walking on a large boat.   “Why tonight,” he muttered as he walked out the door to the hallway.  He stopped at the refrigerator.  The fridge was divided top to bottom between his and his brothers food.  Bow Les peeked over the fridge door as he grabbed one of John’s Pepsi’s.  Taking a sip he opened to door to the junkyard.

John and Bow Les were half owners of the junkyard in Labrit, France.  Their uncle Brice Barton was the proud owner of all the junkyards in South Western France.   He had told John and Bow Les that they could keep it if they worked as if they owned it for five years.  They had been living there for a month and hated it.

“Five years,” Bow Les said looking over a quarter mile of trash.  He reached behind the open door pulling out an old green broom.   “Here kitty,” he said under his breath.  Bow Les started out the door looking left to right.  “Which one,” he said looking at the rows.  The junkyard was made of thirteen long rows of piled trash that ran the length of the quarter mile.  “Aisle G, the lucky G,” he said.

The brothers knew of three places that cats usually would look for food.  The end of aisle G came from the township of Garein.  The trash there wasn’t any different from any of the other towns, but for some reason the cats loved it.


Having only walked ten feet down the aisle Bow Les stopped by an old rusty bike.  It was very exhausting chasing around cats especially at this late hour.   He dropped the can of Pepsi and kicked it to the side.   It was a junkyard.  He stooped down and picked up the bike and started down towards the cat’s possible kitchen.

Why did he have to do this?  When his uncle first approached him and his brother with the junkyard he thought it was a good way to stay out of school.   He never liked the idea of learning a profession.  But after chasing cats every other night school didn’t sound like a bad idea.  Just the thought of staying there for five years was bad enough.   He didn’t want get stuck with it forever.

There was a noise up ahead.  Bow Les stopped the bike just in time to watch a tin can roll in front of him.  He jumped off the bike holding the broom like a sword and began ascending the pile of trash.  He reached the summit and scanned the yard.  He saw four black cats running, following a brown leader.
“John,” he yelled, “I need back up!”

Bow Les heard an echoing moan from the house.   “What,” John replied in the distance.“They are headed for Brocas town in aisle M,” he yelled.   Bow Les ran across the ridge of the pile another three yards jumping fast at a heap of banana peels.  They had set up a slimy slide down the hill for just an occasion for a quick descent, though this had never been attempted before.  It worked almost too well.  Bow Les found himself thrown with great momentum across the bottom of the aisle at the adjacent trash wall of aisle H.


John came running out the door with two shotguns.  He was running along the head of the aisles looking for Bow Les.  After a few moments with no success he yelled, “Bow Les, where are you?”

He walked past aisle H just in time to see his brother fall down from the wall of trash.  John ran down the aisle toward his brother.  “What happened to you,” he asked.

Bow Les pointed, shaking, at the slide of slime they had created.  John then looked behind him to see a perfect imprint of his brother in bean dip and motor oil.

“Get up,” he said pulling Bow Les to his feet.  He handed him a shotgun and started to ascend the trash hill.  Wobbling back and forth Bow Les fell back to the ground.

John raised up his shotgun scanning the horizon of trash muttering to himself, “Mautoire, Hourats, Branenx, and Brocas!”  He fired watching an explosion of trash.  Just right of the explosion three cats ran across the ridge.

“I’ll stop them,” Bow Les yelled riding on his bike to head them off.

John began descending and ascending adjacent trash hills to get a closer shot.  He stopped at the top of aisle K.  He could see Bow Les running to the top of aisle M.  The cats turned around running the other way on the ridge.


Bow Les stopped and raised his shotgun.  “I’ve got you,” he said taking aim.  The cats were heading towards a hump in the hill.  “Oh no you don’t,” John yelled raising his gun.  The cats jumped for safety behind the hump.  The brothers both fired.  A huge explosion erupted red throwing both brothers down their respective hills of trash.

Bow Les found himself lying upside down at the bottom of the hill.  Something was dripping on his face from above.  It was an old toilet cracked in two.  “Oh, yuck,” he yelled rolling out of the way of the drip.


“What is that,” he heard John yell.

“What is what,” Bow Les responded.

“That red glow from where we shot at,” John yelled back.

“I’m on my way,” Bow Les yelled.  He ran limping up the hill stopping to kick the toilet.   It broke and one half of it crashed down to the bottom.  As he approached the summit he could see a red glow in the dusty air.


“What is that?  Looks like some sort of box from here,” John yelled.

“I’m coming,” Bow Les mumbled.  He started to jog across the ridge.  The closer he got the less sure of himself he became.  What was that thing?  What could make such a red glow?  He slowed his jog clutching his shotgun tight.   The explosion had caused a fifteen-foot crater in the pile.  The glow was coming from the middle of it.  Set in the bottom of the crater was an old refrigerator.

“It’s a fridge,” Bow Les yelled.  He pulled the gun back up in case a cat came out of it.  The fridge door was open away from him.  He could see the old stained inside of the fridge.  But the glow was coming from the other side of the door.  He was four feet from the fridge.  He took a couple other steps and reached out to the door still holding the gun.  He pushed the door shut.  He looked over at John one ridge over, “You’ve got to see this.”

It took John a few minutes to make his way over and up the hill.  Just before reaching the gaping hole of a crater a cat ran past him.  “Aaah! Stupid cat,” He yelled throwing the nearest object at it, which happened to be his gun.

“Nice throw,” Bow Les said.

“Yea, thanks,” John said.

The two of them sat next to the old fridge looking at a red glowing ruby that was set in the handle of the door.  “What should we do with it,” Bow Les asked.

John reached to touch it and said, “Do you think it comes out?”“Do we dare,” Bow Les asked.

Just as John’s hand touched the ruby, it fell out into his hand.  “That’s a strange feeling,” he said.  He handed the ruby to his brother.

“Oh my gosh,” Bow Les said in amazement.  Just holding the ruby filled him with a great feeling a peace and power, though he never thought of himself as being anything that special.

John took the ruby from Bow Les.  “We need to hide this,” He said, “put it somewhere safe.”

“What if someone comes looking for it?” Bow Les asked.

“I don’t know, make a fake one,” He said.

Bow Les looked to his left and picked up what looked like the bottom of a broken glass bottle.  “I hope this works,” He said looking at it.  He then held it hear the hole in the handle.  “I don’t know why it would work,” He said.  Just as the glass touched the handle it transformed, looking as though it was melting.  Bow Les let go pulling back his hand.  The glass now looked like a non-glowing replica of the true ruby.

“Wow,” John said, “How did you know that would work?”

Bow Les touched the fake ruby and ran his finger down the handle.  “I didn’t,” He said as he read an etching in the handle:

“Ruby of the Kings”