TheNiceLife.com Blog

Using the Past and Future as Creational Tools

2012-04-05T16:09:15Z

Just 30 days ago, there were approximately 180 different blog posts on my website. Now there are just 20.

What happened?

The main focus of my philosophy entails living in the powerful moment of NOW. The past and future are merely figments of our imagination -- they're not real. Unfortunately, these two places are where most people spend a majority of their time. They reminisce about the past, and often hold thoughts of regret. They replay the events of their past and think about what they should've or could've done differently.

There are no "should'ves" or "could'ves" in my reality. There is only what IS.

If humans aren't wasting their present-moment, creative thought-energy reminiscing about the past, they're wasting it worrying about the future, thereby, creating anxiety within. They begin to hallucinate about the "what ifs" and "might bes" of life.

However, should'ves, could'ves, what ifs, and might bes are destructive wastes of time. There is no creative power in any of those past or future mental projections. Creative power, or the ability to consciously create your life as you see fit, exists only in the eternal moment of NOW.

I'm not saying to never spend your mental energy reminiscing about the past or contemplating the future, I'm simply encouraging you to not spend a majority of your time there. The past and the future are merely imaginary mental "workshops," or "tools" where we can consciously create from the powerful moment of NOW.

Use the past and future as they tools they are.

In other words, carefully consider the lessons of your past. Apply that wisdom to your present, whereby, you consider the path that will lead you to the future you wish to create.

With that being said, in an effort to stay "present-moment-minded," I made a decision to delete any blogs that were posted before 2012. Although I had to make tough decisions in relation to some really good blogs, I pulled the plug anyway. Blogs like "Denise from Taco Bell Was Playing Me," and "Real Ballers Eat Green Leaf Lettuce," and "Pathological Pennzoil Divas" are now a part of my past. They were good, but they were old. I believe in my ability to create equally funny and/or potent blogs in the present.

You have to cultivate the power to let go of yesterday -- even if yesterday's memories were good. Believe in your power to create more good moments today.

During the months of January and February, I blogged every weekday, which created five blogs per week. Some of these blogs ended up becoming chapters in my latest book, Observations of a Rational Mind. They too, have been taken down from my website, so if you weren't able to read them, you can do so right now by purchasing the paperback or downloading it to your Kindle.

Do you see how I used today's wisdom in my own life? I took the lessons from my past (some of my old blogs), used my present-moment creative energy (to organize them into book form), where they can be purchased for the rest of my life (which will generate income in my future).

Use the past and future as tools to create in the present.

Click HERE for a Kindle, i-Pad, or Smartphone download of Observations of a Rational Mind.

Click HERE for a Kindle, i-Pad, or Smartphone download of Your Truth Will Set You Free.

Click HERE for a Kindle, i-Pad, or Smartphone download of Follow The White Rabbit.

Don't forget to click the "SHARE" button below!

Yahweh Has Graduated From God School

2012-03-22T20:00:37Z

Behold: I come bearing great news.

My Father, Yahweh, who art in Heaven, hath graduated from God School. The details are described in the video below.

The video was written, animated, and produced by my brother-from-another-mother, DarkMatter2525 (on YouTube). I found this guy a couple weeks ago while surfing through YouTube during my 30-day Facebook & Twitter detox. I could watch his videos all day.

I say he's my brother-from-another-mother, but we're so much alike, I'm beginning to question whether or not we're actually related. We even look alike. Just two alien-human hybrid brothers-from-another-mother trying to save the world from the stupid people.

The video above is 10-minutes of absolute brilliance. It completely dismantles the paradoxical qualities that are attributed to Yahweh.

Please watch it.

The video below simply highlights the hypocritical nature of "believers" who still choose to use medical science to cure their ailments, as opposed to following the "faith prescriptions" projected by their Holy Book.

It's only 3 minutes.

In other news, the first ever "Reason Rally" will be held this Saturday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm on the National Mall in Washington, DC. Guest speakers include Richard Dawkins, Adam Savage of Mythbusters, and James Randi.

If you're interested in evolving as a species, whereby, we continue to expand our scientific awareness -- leaving behind outdated superstitions -- with the intention of improving our lives and our planet, consider attending.

Click HERE to visit the Reason Rally website.

Click HERE for countless enlightening & entertaining animated videos from my BFAM.

Click HERE for actual human-form commentary from my BFAM.

PS. I honored my commitment to shave my head razor-bald on St. Patrick's Day. It really didn't look that much different, because I can still grow hair, so the "hair-shadow" remained. It has since grown back. =)

PS2. My new book, Observations of a Rational Mind, will be on sale at Amazon.com on 03-30. You can order the paperback or the instant Kindle download!

Observations of a Rational Mind

2012-03-12T16:59:38Z

Greetings Earth Creatures,

I come with good and bad news.

Here's the good news: My new book is coming together beautifully. It's funny how you can be inspired with an idea two years ago, write about it, and it fits together with something you've written just two days ago. It's almost like you're putting together a puzzle -- one piece at a time. As you pick up the latest piece, you remember the piece from two years ago, and you instantly know they fit together.

And then you can step back and view the beauty of the entire puzzle.

It's like that when you're writing a book; you sit down with a frame and a bunch of little puzzle pieces. And then you lay down the first piece. After that, "The Force" seems to take over and you just have a "knowing," in relation to what piece is supposed to go next. So you just lay one piece at a time until you get a beautiful picture.

With that being said, I've finished laying all the pieces of my latest book's puzzle. Now I have to deal with the arduous task of editing the final draft. This can be very time-consuming. It's tiresome to both the eyes and the brain. Because of that, I've elected to suspend the daily blog during this process.

That's the bad news.

However, if I've done my job correctly (I have), you should be fully equipped to handle this temporary tragedy. Your mental fortitude should be strong enough to get you through the storm.

Composing a new blog each day takes more effort than you think. I have to mentally prepare via coffee and meditation. Then I have to search for the perfect quotation to start the blog. Finding and uploading the perfect photos takes time. All-in-all, the daily blog takes about 60 to 90 minutes.

After the blog's completion, I feel mental fatigue -- similar to what you experience after a physical workout at the gym. I'm then forced to take a break, and it can be challenging to get motivated to "work-out" again the same day; your brain and eyes shout "No!"

So there you have it. I won't be composing a daily blog until I've finished the final edit of my new book, which I plan to release on 03-30.

My latest book is looking to be about 270 pages, whereas, YTWSYF was 240 pages.

If you find yourself feeling symptoms of withdrawal, please spend ample time re-reading the chapters of my two other books. You can read 33 of 66 chapters of FTWR or YTWSYF at www.TheNiceLife.com.

Click HERE for an instant Kindle, i-Pad, or Smartphone download of Your Truth Will Set You Free.

Click HERE for an instant Kindle, i-Pad, or Smartphone download of Follow The White Rabbit.

Don't forget to click the "SHARE" button below!

Mitt Romney: The End of Coffee, Alcohol, and Tobacco in America

2012-03-08T19:12:02Z

One man's theology is another man's belly laugh. ~ Robert A Heinlein

Of course, crazy Mormons (like Mitt Romney) believe the Jews and Muslims are the crazy ones. Muslims believe the Christians and Jews are the crazy ones. Atheists and Naturalists (like myself) believe all the religious-minded humans are the crazy ones.

Urr-body iz mad crazy and junk.

I take that back; everyone isn't crazy. Some people evolve out of it. I used to be a delusional, crazy, religious-minded person. I, like most religious folk, wanted to believe in the magic of it all. If Criss Angel lived 2,000 years ago, we'd likely be praying to the God of "Angelism."

Hell, it doesn't even have to be 2,000 years ago. Humans were gullible enough to believe in magic and superstition just 200 years ago!

Enter Joseph Smith -- founder of the Mormon religion.

Enter Mitt Romney -- potential President of the United States of America.

Most Americans consider themselves Christians. When they think about Joseph Smith being a Prophet of God, who was directed by an angel to a buried book of golden plates that told the story of Jesus kicking it in the good ol' US of A not long after he was resurrected ... they dismiss the claims as ridiculous.

"Those Mormons sure are a crazy bunch," the Christians exclaim. At the same time, you can find Christians nodding their heads every Sunday, while agreeing to stories about "talking snakes," or "God testing Abraham's faith" by telling him to murder his son. "Oh, yes," they'll agree. "Sometimes the Lord will ask you to do things that don't make sense. He just wants to make sure you trust him."

Yet, when they hear a story on the news about a mother murdering her children, by drowning them in the bathtub, "because God told her," they rationalize that "it must've been the voice of Satan."

Um, okay.

Doctors would say that persons who hear voices inside their head are schizophrenic. But if you wanna label the voices "God" or "Satan," based on your particular brainwashing program, be our guest.

Muslims listen to stories of "talking snakes," and "walking on water," and conclude that "those Christians sure are a crazy bunch."

You can ask any religious group to express their opinion about an opposing religious group, and they'll all tell you that the "other" group is the "crazy" group.

If you call yourself a Christian, Mormon, or Muslim, please watch this short video that will prove you are delusional. We're not saying you're delusional to be mean, we're saying you're delusional based on the definition of the word "delusion."

delusion: a fixed false belief that is resistant to reason or confrontation with actual fact.

The video will simply prove -- using reason -- that your beliefs are fairy-tales. At the very least, it will prove that the "other" religions are fairy-tales. By realizing how silly their beliefs are, you may finally -- rationally -- take a look at your own.

The reason why this is so important is because we're considering electing a delusional man to be President of the United States. Granted, we've elected delusional, religious-minded men as president for decades. Just look at George W. Bush saying "God" helped him with his decision to invade Iraq.

However, at least the Founding Fathers, especially the great Thomas Jefferson, were rational enough to implement a separation of Church and State. Jefferson even went so far as to create the Jefferson Bible, whereby, he eliminated all the hocus-pocus and supernatural elements contained therein.

Doesn't America deserve a leader who thinks rationally? They will have one soon. In 2020, I will win the presidential election.

VOTE MERHOUT. 2020: The Perfect Vision.

Until then, we must refrain from electing delusional men like Mitt Romney. Here's why: Coffee, Alcohol, and Tobacco will be illegal in the United States.

You see, my fellow Americans, Mormons aren't allowed to smoke tobacco or drink alcohol or coffee. If Mitt Romney becomes president, we run the risk of his ego -- and personal beliefs -- affecting his policy. For the first time ever, a Mormon will have the ultimate power. This will inevitably increase curiosity about the Mormon religion. It will begin to grow. Romney will see this as his "great chance" to "change the world forever." He will consider himself "The Great Mormon Hope." In four years, America will be overrun with Mormons.

Then we will have no coffee, cigarettes, or alcohol.

However, there is an upside. The Mormons agree with the Muslims in one respect: having multiple wives. I can get down with that one.

Hmmm. Maybe I should become a Mormon. I don't smoke cigarettes, because only losers do that. I do like to drink beer, but I abstain for 30 days pretty much every other month, so I could probably do away with it. I drink coffee every morning in the winter months, so I could probably eliminate it permanently.

But I dunno, even if I had three hot wives: one Hispanic, one Indian, and one Asian, I'd probably need to drink a beer from time to time, so they wouldn't drive me crazy. So, I guess that's the only payoff to being a Mormon: multiple wives. And they'd eventually get on your nerves; so I guess I'll stay a non-Mormon, and just never get married.

So there you have it, America: If Mitt Romney becomes your president, you will no longer be able to drink alcohol, smoke cigarettes, or drink coffee.

Therefore, you must vote for Ron Paul.

The end.

PS. Don't forget to watch the short video.

Click HERE for an instant Kindle, i-Pad, or Smartphone download of Your Truth Will Set You Free.

Click HERE for an instant Kindle, i-Pad, or Smartphone download of Follow The White Rabbit.

Don't forget to click the "SHARE" button below!

Stupid American Cows

2012-03-07T18:18:53Z

A fool and his money are soon elected. ~ Will Rogers

The American Presidential race is heating up. Mitt Romney, a crazy Mormon, seems to the the frontrunner for the Republican ticket. You do realize, that if Romney is elected, it will be the end of coffee and cigarettes in America? I'll explain that in tomorrow's blog.

Personally, I don't care much about politics; at least, not the present political structure. It really doesn't matter who you vote for, you're gonna end up with the same results. The System is already in place. No one man is powerful enough to change The System. And let's face it: the candidates Americans have to choose from are wealthy men who are fully entrenched in the "Good Ol' Boy" Fraternity of looking out for their brothers' best interests.

The American Presidential election is merely a tool of distraction that's used to make the stupid sheep believe there's a possibility for some type of future "change." I mean, look at all the "change" Obama was supposed to bring to America. He was the "hope" and "change" many Americans were searching for. The first African-American President in US history? Surely, he was the "poor man's" savior!

Nothing has changed.

Mitt Romney is a multimillionaire. Do you really think he's going to tell his rich buddies "No," so he can make radical changes that will trickle down to the average American?

Of course not.

Politics in America is a joke. We're given the illusion of choice. The powers-that-be have created a two-party system that divides Americans into "Us" versus "Them."

That way, we spend all of our emotional energy "fighting" the enemy, instead of realizing that the real enemy is The System, which is corrupt and tyrannical. The large corporations donate money to their candidate in exchange for future favors when he gets elected. While trying to "get elected," the candidate makes promises to the American people, but when he gets in The White House, he doesn't have the backbone to follow through; he has too many corporate favors to repay.

Alas, Americans are much too stupid to grasp this concept. They spend their time worshiping reality television stars, thereby, sinking themselves into debt as they try to "keep up with the Kardashians."

They then become slaves to their debt, and drown their misery in brain-numbing activities like gorging on fast-food while watching more television.

The Dumb becomes Dumber.

As they embrace lifestyles of envy and gluttony, their overall physiology begins to decay. Now they pick up the habit of "sloth." They become more and more lazy, thereby, losing their will to move. When a human loses their will to move, they're incapable of taking action. They simply graze in the field, very much like the cows they consume on a daily basis, just waiting until their number is called for slaughter.

Stupid cows.

Alas, this is the "American Way." Over-consume as much as you can. Hurt anybody who tries to get in your way. Manipulate the system to your advantage. Do as little as possible. Give zero thought to the future. Stay lazy and stupid. Listen to plenty of Toby Keith.

Wash. Rinse. Repeat.

George Carlin explains it beautifully in the video below.

With that being said, I hope Obama "wins" the election. Mainly because I'm an Equality-Advocate, and America just seems like a more harmonious place with a Black man as president.

Plus, Obama is cool. He's got the gift of gab. And he's funny. And he can hit the notes on Al Green songs. Those qualities should be good enough for Americans. Most of them are too stupid to know any different.

The only candidate out there with a real set of balls is Ron Paul. He's the only one who would really implement strategies that create effective change. But Americans are too stupid and lazy to take action to ensure he gets elected.

Go USA!

Click HERE for an instant Kindle, i-Pad, or Smartphone download of Your Truth Will Set You Free.

Click HERE for an instant Kindle, i-Pad, or Smartphone download of Follow The White Rabbit.

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Thou Shalt Evolve: Kindle Will Change Your Life

2012-03-06T18:06:52Z

I just invent, then wait until man comes around to needing what I've invented. ~ R. Buckminster Fuller

It was a beautiful Christmas morning in the year 2011. The much anticipated 2012 was just mere days away. I tried to tell her "No," but my resistance was futile.

Life in the 21st Century has changed drastically from my days growing up in the 80's. I remember playing Atari. That it evolved into, what became, a household item: the Nintendo NES.

Holy cow, Beav! It has Super Mario Brothers and Duck Hunt on the same cartridge! Games like Excitebike, Kung Fu, Mike Tyson's Punchout and Contra were considered friends.

UP, UP, DOWN, DOWN, LEFT RIGHT, LEFT RIGHT, B, A, START.

Then came Super-Nintendo and Sega Genesis -- when I was dead broke, man, I couldn't picture this.

Those consoles evolved into what we have today: Playstation, X-Box, Nintendo Wii, etc.

Learning the new gaming-systems and corresponding controllers was slightly inconvenient at first; but once you got the hang of it, playing the latest systems was a much better experience than the antiquated ones.

Enter books.

As I unwrapped my gift that Christmas morning, I didn't know what to expect. Across from me sat a beautiful angel, with whom, I'd been affiliated for nine months. She seemed excited about the gift she bought me.

After determining what it was ... I wasn't.

Knowing I love to read, she decided to get me a Kindle e-Reader. At this point, I was still a "real" book man. My two books (seen above) were made of good ol' paper and ink. I told her I'd likely be exchanging her gift for credit to buy "real" books on Amazon.com.

I know what you're thinking: What a dick.

Don't fret, though, my dearest judgmental human. I was completely compassionate as I expressed my appreciation for her kind gesture. I told her I could understand how she would think I'd want an e-Reader, and the thought alone was gift enough.

She understood; her feelings weren't hurt.

I even posted my dilemma on Facebook, and the overall consensus was "Keep it!" A few people reminded me about how rude it would be to exchange it, and the others praised the device, pointing out how convenient it was.

I still wasn't convinced.

The previous month I had been reading the Steve Jobs' biography. It belonged to someone else. That someone sinned against me, and was forced out of my magical kingdom. I returned the book. So now I was left to consider forking over $35 for the Steve Jobs' biography, so I could finish reading it.

Knowing the "Kindle version" of books were cheaper than the paperback or hardcover versions, curiosity compelled me to look up the Steve Jobs' biography. The Kindle version was only $14.99. I thought to myself, Self, You should give this Kindle a try. You have 30 days to return it if you don't like it. You already have it; it was a very thoughtful gift. Not to mention, it'll save you $20 on the Steve Jobs' biography.

I took it out of the box.

I plugged it into my computer. It magically synced with my Amazon account. "Brandon's Kindle" appeared on my screen. I then used the "Buy With One Click" feature in relation to the Steve Jobs' book. The website told me that the book had been sent to my Kindle and was ready to read.

I looked at my Kindle, and holy smokes, there it was! In that moment, my life changed forever. The Kindle had instantly become one of the greatest gifts of all time. Not only could I save lots of money on the costs of books, but I could also get any book at any time -- in an instant!

Well, any book except my own. This prompted me to consider making my own books available on Kindle. I researched the process, took the appropriate action, and now my books are available on Kindle!

Now that I have a Kindle, I have instant access to any book I want -- at a cheaper price. I used to hate waiting for days for a book to arrive. Now I no longer have that problem. Keep in mind, I was the last person who wanted an e-Reader. So much so, that I was willing to potentially break the heart of the sweet human that bought me one for Christmas! But now that I've experienced its awesomeness, I'm so glad I made the leap.

When I go out of town or on vacation, I no longer have to lug around the three or four books I'm reading. I can now potentially store thousands of books on my Kindle. And the way they created the "read-screen" makes you feel like you're reading a page from an actual paperback. I could be reading the Steve Jobs' biography today, decide to read a Don Miguel Ruiz book tomorrow, and the Kindle will automatically save my place on whatever book I'm reading!

It's a pretty amazing device. I have the most simple version, which sells for $79.

However, if you want to spend a little more, you should think about the Kindle Fire (on the left), which sells for just $199. The reviews I've read compare it to an i-Pad; only it's half the price! It serves as an e-Reader, but you can also watch movies, read magazines or newspapers, surf the web, and pretty much everything else a tablet can do.

Again, the Kindle Fire is just $199. I thought about upgrading, but fear I might get distracted with all the other features. When I'm reading books, I like to stay away from distractions, so I'll likely stick with my basic $79 version of the Kindle (on the right).

So that's my story. I'm sticking to my e-Reader. I absolutely love it; even though I was a hard-nosed supporter of "real" books.

I'm confident if you give it a try, you will be overjoyed with your decision. =)

You can purchase the Kindle of your choice at any Walmart.

P.S. You can also download countless books for FREE! This includes classics like Huck Finn by Mark Twain. There are thousands of 99 cent books and a complete listing of books under $3.

Click HERE to learn more about your new Kindle.

Click HERE for an instant Kindle, i-Pad, or Smartphone download of Your Truth Will Set You Free.

Click HERE for an instant Kindle, i-Pad, or Smartphone download of Follow The White Rabbit.

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Never Compromise Your Integrity

2012-02-29T18:10:57Z

Compromise: An agreement between two men to do what both agree is wrong. ~ Lord Edward Cecil

When I'm bartending, there are few things that ruffle my panties more than the following: "Hey man, make my drink strong!" Or "Make it a good one!"

Case in point: There's a newbie who started frequenting my bar a couple weeks ago. He's your typical red-blooded American. He owns a mechanic shop, and pops in with his buddy after their day's work is done.

I get the feeling that he's used to intimidating people -- especially bartenders -- into giving him "special" treatment. And I'm inclined to believe that most bartenders compromise their integrity because they don't want to lose their tip. For me, a $5 tip isn't going to make or break my bank account -- and its certainly not something worth losing my job over.

"Gimme a bourbon and coke," demanded the weathered mechanic.

"Ok," I respond. "Would you like a single or a double?"

"I want a strong one," he murmurs.

"Ok, sir. Well, would you like a single or a double?" I continue.

"I wanna pay for a single, but I want a strong one," he barks.

"Ok, sir. I make all my drinks the same. If you want a single, that'll be $4. If you want a 'strong drink,' you should get a double, and that'll be $6."

"Just gimme the damn double," he cries.

As I'm making his drink, at the other end of the bar, I can hear him bitching under his breath.

Long story short, after spending about an hour with this guy, I proceeded to school him on proper restaurant and business etiquette, even asking him to "tell me about your successful restaurant business" (which he couldn't, because he'd never owned one). He finally understood my perspective and was very friendly the next time I served him; he didn't ask for any special privileges.

And here's the funny thing: The next time he came in was not long after a snowstorm. He was telling me a story about a lady being stranded because her windshield wipers had frozen. He went to the shop, grabbed his tools, and got her back on the road.

When it came time to pay, she didn't have any cash. He told her to just bring it by his shop that week. The following day, she stopped by the shop and told him she didn't have the money to pay. She felt like any normal passerby would've helped her, and that she shouldn't be charged for something so simple. She spoke about being active in church, and told him she was one of "God's people," and that "God teaches us to help others."

He responded, "Well God doesn't pay my light bill."

He told me how frustrated he was. After arguing with the lady for a while, he told her to get the hell out of his shop and never come back.

I mean, how dare this woman expect something for free!

I was chuckling on the inside. Oh, the absolute beauty of karma. I felt compelled to point out his hypocrisy, but resisted the temptation. However, if he ever pulls that "Gimme a double for the price of a single" nonsense again, my story about the church lady is cocked and loaded.

So what have we learned today?

Bar Patrons: The highest form of insult is to request that the bartender make special accommodations for you.

The owners of my bar pay for all of their beverages and don't expect special privileges, so why in the hell would you think you're entitled to cheat the system? When you ask a bartender to "make your drink strong," you're essentially asking them to steal. And you're also saying that you're more important than every other patron who does play by the rules.

In other words, get over yourself. Stop being an accomplice to a crime. If you want a "strong" drink, pay for a double -- just like everyone else does. If you want it "really strong," we can put it in a smaller glass. It can taste as "bourbony" as you'd like.

Blog Readers: As Janis Joplin once said, "Never compromise yourself. You're all you've got." Five-dollar tips will come and go. Customers will come and go. Boyfriends will come and go. Girlfriends will come and go. Friends will come and go. Enemies will come and go. Everything will come and go.

But you have to live with yourself for the rest of your life.

Create a set of standards and honor them. And in doing so, you honor yourself. =)

Click HERE for an instant Kindle, i-Pad, or Smartphone download of Your Truth Will Set You Free.

Click HERE for an instant Kindle, i-Pad, or Smartphone download of Follow The White Rabbit.

Don't forget to click the "SHARE" button below!

My 30-Day Facebook and Twitter Detox

2012-02-25T05:35:09Z

When you waste a moment, you have killed it in a sense, squandering an irreplaceable opportunity. But when you use the moment properly, filling it with purpose and productivity, it lives on forever. ~ Menachem Mendel Schneerson

When I read about guys like Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Edison, etc., I marvel at the many things they were able to accomplish. In many ways, I think the geniuses of the past were more intellectually sound than the humans of 2012. Nowadays, the human mind is constantly distracted by brain-numbing elements like Facebook, Twitter, and Television. Whereas, back in the 1800's, for example, a human being was forced to fill his "free time" with activities that sharpened his mind.

2012 humans spend their free time checking the Facebook and Twitter status-updates of their acquaintances. And 95% of these status-updates are of little value. You now know that Kelly "is thinking of getting a tattoo on her belly." You've also learned that some guy named Joe (that you barely know) is going outside to play in the snow.

Wow. That's some really earth-enhancing information. Years from now, the human species will look back and contemplate the significant changes in the human experience -- all because Kelly got that tattoo on her belly.

Not long ago, I composed an article entitled "Diagnosing Your Facebook and Twitter Addiction." I like to rationalize that my addiction isn't as severe a problem as the addiction "regular people" experience. And by "regular people," I'm referring to non-marketers: folks who have nothing to promote or sell online. I mean, at least I'm using Facebook and Twitter to market my books and generate new visitors to my website. But even I find myself sucked-in to the black hole that is social media.

I know I could be using my time much more effectively, creating significant positive contributions to my life and the lives of others. I'm a huge proponent of the "30-Day Challenge," where you pick something out-of-the-ordinary and stick to it for a period of 30 days. I do these experiments all the time; they keep life interesting and break up the monotony.

With that being said, I'm about to embark on my 30-Day Facebook and Twitter Detox.

Beginning Monday, February 27th, I'll deactivate my Facebook account for a period of 30 days. Same thing with Twitter. During this period I plan to finish writing and organizing my new book. My goal is to have it ready for purchase on Amazon.com (via my website) on March 30th. My first two books were released on perfectly symmetrical dates, and this one will be available on 0330. =)

I'll return to Facebook and Twitter in time to promote the details regarding the release of my new book. You will then rush to buy the paperback copy or download it instantly to your Kindle, Tablet, or Smartphone device.

During the 30 day detox, I still plan to blog every day; so it will be your responsibility to visit www.TheNiceLife.com, in order to enhance the quality of your mental cognition, by absorbing the highly-advanced arrangement of letters that can be found in my illuminating blogs. Failure to do so will be highly detrimental to your overall well-being.

I challenge you to join me in this 30-Day Facebook and Twitter Detox. But we know you won't. You're too much of an addict. You'd rather goof around on Facebook and Twitter than actually do something worthwhile and productive.

You could spend that hour working on your summertime six-pack abs. You could spend that hour learning a new language. You could spend that hour writing "thank you" cards to the important people in your life. You could spend that hour organizing your office. You could spend that hour donating your old clothes to charity, thereby, cleaning out your messy closet. You could spend that hour in meditation by the river, which would fill you with serenity and inspiration. You could spend that hour taking your dog on a much-desired walk. You could spend that hour having lunch with one of your real friends.

Or you could spend that hour learning that Fred is really tired and going to bed.

You are, hereby, challenged.

Don't forget to visit www.TheNiceLife.com every day for the newest blog.

Click HERE for an instant Kindle, i-Pad, or Smartphone download of Your Truth Will Set You Free.

Click HERE for an instant Kindle, i-Pad, or Smartphone download of Follow The White Rabbit.

Don't forget to click the "SHARE" button below!

Will Facebook Destroy Your Marriage or Relationship?

2012-02-22T18:07:47Z

I realized Facebook was a drug when I caught myself sneaking into the bathroom just to use it. ~ Unknown

In December of 2011, a study in the U.K. found that 33% of all divorce petitions contained the word "Facebook." Most cited "inappropriate messages to members of the opposite sex" as the reason petitioners wanted to end the marriage.

I recently composed an article entitled "Diagnosing Your Facebook and Twitter Addiction," in which, I discussed my experience at an NBA game, including the annoying antics that were projected by the ladies in attendance.

Aside from the urge to check pointless status-updates from humans you don't really care about (while sitting beside humans you do claim to care about), Facebook creates another liability in regards to your relationships: the temptation to easily connect with members of the opposite sex.

If you're single, Facebook is the ultimate "wing-man." People no longer have to go through the ritual of approaching you, saying something clever/intriguing, causing you to want to continue the conversation, scoring your phone number, and dialing you up the following day. Nowadays, all one has to do is find you on Facebook, send a friend-request, do a little research (stalking) in relation to your hobbies/interests, send a quick instant-message, and you're off to the races.

"OMG, you like Family Guy too?! Did you see the episode when Peter kept singing 'the bird is the word?"'

The next thing you know, you're going to lunch, meeting up for drinks, taking it back to your place, making-out on the couch, heading to the bedroom, etc.

Facebook hook-up ... complete.

Wouldn't it be as easy for persons who are married or in committed relationships to reach out to potential flings?

Of course it would be.

Harry and Sally have been married for seven years. Sally has been feeling unloved, because Harry would rather spend his time on the golf course than in the bedroom. While Harry's away, Sally decides to play ... on Facebook.

She starts poking around, and finds an old friend from high school. She sends an "innocent" message to John, "Hey! It's so good to see you! How have you been?!"

And it begins.

Sally's emotional and physical voids will be nourished through her new connection with John. This will slowly erode the connection she feels with her husband. And this phenomenon is nothing new -- it's been going on for centuries. But Facebook makes it much easier. Any time two people find themselves in a dispute, or take a "break" from the relationship, Facebook makes the "lonely" time not-so-lonely.

Instead of taking time to process the issues any particular relationship may be having (through self-reflection while alone), the human jumps on Facebook to alleviate the symptoms of loneliness, and in the process, finds solace in communication with another. This communication plants a seed that will usually lead to some type of fruition.

If not this week, then next month.

That's why Facebook is so potentially dangerous for persons who are in serious relationships.

Which of the following is more important: staying connected to the time-wasting, full-of-temptation Facebook Matrix ... or ... managing healthy relationships with the "real" persons in your life?

Consider these truths as you manage your relationship -- and your Facebook account.

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How to Manage a "Friends With Benefits" Arrangement

2012-02-10T19:56:39Z

Sex without love is merely healthy exercise. ~ Robert A. Heinlein

Last night, I watched the new Justin Timberlake/Mila Kunis movie Friends With Benefits.

Everything started off okay, but eventually emotions started to change and things became awkward. Of course, they eventually fall in love and live happily-ever-after, which is the typical Hollywood ending. Unfortunately, these fairy-tale endings leave women hoping that they'll be able to create a similar experience in their own lives.

Don't complicate it.

If you're lucky enough to have a FWB (Friend With Benefits) in your life, you should just leave it at that. When you start to shift your original arrangement by sprinkling the confusion-dust known as "emotions" onto your FWB-Platter, you run the chance of ruining your dessert.

In fact, in Chapter 33 of my book YTWSYF, I suggested that FWB's sign a contract that would clearly define the terms and conditions of their arrangement.

Here it is:

I, (name of participant), do hereby enter into this agreement for physical purposes only with (name of other participant).

I agree that we will take the necessary measures to prevent pregnancy and STDs (including the use of birth control and/or condoms).

This partnership has been created for the sole purpose of expressing our natural (lustful) desires. If done properly, I understand that this is intended to be nothing more than a form of mutual physical exercise.

If my feelings start to change, and I feel myself becoming romantically attached to the other participant, I will inform him/her immediately. We will then sit down and discuss the terms of this contract. If mutually desired, we will then make the proper amendments.

I understand that I cannot hold the other participant responsible for my feelings, if they do not feel the same way. I intend to remain professional while under the agreements outlined in this “for physical purposes only” contract.

I accept full responsibility for my actions throughout the duration of this contract.

I understand that this agreement can be terminated at any time, by either party, for any reason.

I commit to maintaining a professional disposition after the contract ends.

I understand that any violation of this contract could result in legal action.

Signed _____________, on this, the _____ day of 2010.

Creating a quality FWB relationship can be extremely difficult (from what I hear). Remember, it should simply be a form of mutual physical exercise. It's similar to having a work-out partner at the gym -- only a bit more invigorating. When you start going to dinners, movies, zoos, and spending the night, etc., you start to walk that fine line that leads to confusion.

Keep it simple.

Do your work-out.

Shower.

Get back to your life.

Most important rule: Never discuss your FWB arrangement with anyone! The private activities between two consenting adults should remain private. The quickest way to add drama to your life-experience is to share the information with your girlfriends or homies.

FYI: I'm unable to process any applications for potential FWB's at this time. Stay tuned to TheNiceLife.com for any future openings.

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Training Lazy Smokers to Properly Dispose of Their Cigarette Butts

2012-02-08T17:49:35Z

If somebody invented cigarettes today, the government would not legalize them. ~ Loni Anderson

It's no secret: I'm no fan of cigarette smokers. I used to be one. However, I took control of my mind and decided to not put cigarettes in my mouth anymore, because it's an unhealthy and expensive habit.

So now I just run around preaching my self-righteous non-smoker sermons, hoping to get through to these humans who use cigarettes to pacify their moments of stress and/or anxiety. I've already written a blog explaining how cigarettes are just "Adult-Pacifiers." Whenever the baby feels a moment of stress, the baby lights up a cigarette to calm its wuddel nerves.

I understand that some folks enjoy their smoking; they've done it so long that its become a part of their routine -- just like brushing their teeth or shaving. They've trained their brain to expect this "smoke-break," and it has become an unconscious habit. They're on auto-pilot; they've forgotten that they don't have to put cigarettes in their mouth anymore. My dad is a pack-a-day smoker; so are several of my friends. They're not immune to my preaching about cigarettes.

But I'm not delusional. In Chapter 29 "You Can't Save Everybody" of my book YTWSYF, I elaborate on this truth. Some humans like their self-destructive habits. And that's fine. It's your body; you can do whatever you want with it -- as long as it doesn't affect my well-being.

That's why I'm happy that most restaurants are now completely smoke-free. Having a "Smoking" and "Non-Smoking" area under the same roof is like having a "Pissing" and "Non-Pissing" section of a swimming pool -- it just ain't gonna work.

However, we need to train the smoker-babies even further.

A couple days ago, I was meeting my pal at Hooters. As usual, he was a few minutes late, so I elected to wait outside on the bench. There were several smokers out there inhaling cancer-causing smoke into their lungs, and I just sat back and observed -- trying to remember why I felt compelled to smoke cigarettes back-in-the-day.

As I looked around, cigarette butts were scattered all over the pavement; it looked terrible.

So like, what gives cigarette smokers the notion that it's okay to flick their cigarette butts wherever they want? I mean, there are designated ashtrays outside for the proper disposal of your cigarette, yet you still choose to flick it on the pavement?

Why are you so lazy? What causes you to be so inconsiderate?

If you choose to be a slob at your own house, and want to flick cigarette butts in your own yard, that's your business. But why should restaurant patrons be subjected to your trash when they're trying to enjoy a night out? We're already forced to walk through your potentially hazardous second-hand smoke.

Grow up.

If you're going to choose to destroy your body by smoking cigarettes, you need to also be mature enough to properly dispose of your cigarette butts.

Place them in the designated ash tray.

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Mirror on the Wall: Preventing the Pending Meltdown of Lil Wayne

2012-02-07T18:48:31Z

Fame and tranquility can never be bedfellows. ~ Michel de Montaigne

Weezy is cracking up; I think he's about to break. Take a look at his latest video, "Mirror."

Let's take a look at some of the lyrics. Wayne's words are in bold.

Uh, With everything happening today
You don't know whether you're coming or going
But you think that you're on your way
Life lined up on the mirror, don't blow it (Whoo!)

This portion highlights the fast-paced life of a celebrity. They think they're on the right track, but they're surrounded by drugs, and don't know whether they're "coming or going."

Look at me when I'm talking to you
You lookin' at me, but I'm lookin' through you
I see the blood in your eyes
I see the love in disguise
I see the pain hidden in your pride
I see you're not satisfied
And I don't see nobody else
I see myself
I'm lookin' at the ... mirror on the wall.

While "looking in the mirror," Wayne has to speak to his reflection as if he were talking to a child that is misbehaving: "Look at me when I'm talking to you!" It's as if he's trying to jolt himself out of his own slumber.

After he gets his own attention, he begins breaking down some uncomfortable truths: the bloodshot eyes, the love in disguise, the pain hidden in his pride, the fact that he's not satisfied, etc. In one of Wayne's other songs, he says, "I've been at the top for a while, and I ain't jumped yet." That word "yet" gives us a clue to Wayne's inner thoughts.

So, how can Wayne be "on top of the world," one of the most successful and loved rappers on Planet Earth, and still not be satisfied?

It's because he's reached such an astronomical level of success, that "normal" people put him on a pedestal, and he's unable to relate to anyone anymore. He's become an object of sorts, and this only serves to make him feel alienated and alone.

I guess that's why he says, "We are not the same, I am a Martian." He feels like an alien on his own planet; few humans can understand what it's like to be him. He has the word "MISUNDERSTOOD" tattooed on his face.

This inability to connect on an intimate level with your fellow humans makes you feel like you're a prisoner -- in solitary confinement.

I know; because I've dealt with my own brush of fame back when I was a radio star. I certainly didn't experience a worldwide scope of fame like Weezy, but the dynamics of what you experience are similar. You deal with groupies and haters. You feel increased levels of pressure to perform at high levels -- all the time. You feel compelled to accommodate requests from everyone -- hoping to make them happy. It's impossible to have a private life. You question which girls are really interested in you, and which ones are only trying to gain something from their association with you. Same thing when it comes to friends; you question their loyalty and motives.

I expand on this issue in Chapter 31 "The Prison of Fame," of my book YTWSYF.

You can also read my blog Living Behind Castle Walls: Life as a Celebrity.

Let's examine more of Wayne's lyrics.

I see the truth in your lies
I see nobody by your side
But I'm with you when you're all alone
And you correct me when I'm lookin' wrong
I see the guilt beneath the shame
I see your soul through your windowpane
I see the scars that remain
I see Wayne
I'm looking at the ... mirror on the wall.

This further illustrates how Wayne's "on-stage" persona is really just a charade; it's not the "real" him. It goes on to highlight how lonely he feels. He touches on the guilt and shame -- likely based on countless decisions to have meaningless sex with groupies. He likely feels more guilt and shame for not choosing to spend more time with his kids.

Life in the fast lane causes you to speed past what's really important.

Wayne alludes to committing suicide twice in the video. In the first instance, he makes the gesture of hanging himself with a noose made of his own dreadlocks. During the second suicide reference, he blows his brains out with his "finger-gun," splashing red paint (blood) all over the mirror. He goes on to reference Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror" song. We all see the prison of fame that MJ was sentenced to; we saw how much pain he was in.

Wayne is on the same path.

He doesn't like what he sees when he looks in the mirror. He doesn't like what he's become.

He's ready for a new life.

At the end of the video, Wayne demonstrates his desire to be "born again" by being crucified -- like Jesus Christ.

And maybe that's what Wayne needs. Maybe it's time to shed his old skin -- to step out of the limelight, so he can better address his inner demons.

Maybe he should spend some time with his family, reconnecting to what's real -- instead of being brainwashed by the illusions of fame.

Maybe Wayne will find this blog. Maybe the truths contained herein will give him the courage to take radical action in a different direction.

Maybe Weezy needs to be saved from himself.

Maybe he'll rise again, better equipped to handle his position of influence.

Stay tuned. ;]

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Algebra 101 : Why The Washington Redskins Are The True Superbowl Champions

2012-02-06T19:52:02Z

Pure mathematics is, in its way, the poetry of logical ideas. ~ Albert Einstein

Math is beautiful. You just can't argue with numbers. 1 + 1 will always equal 2.

Nearly one month ago, on January 9th, I predicted a Giants Superbowl victory (see my Twitter page for proof), and created the algebraic truth that I'm about to reveal today. Last night, that prophecy came true as the New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots to win Superbowl 46.

I was privileged to watch the Giants play on opening day this year, as they battled my beloved Washington Redskins on the 10th anniversary of the September 11th terrorist attacks.

The Redskins crushed the Giants 28 - 14.

Fast forward to Week 15, the Redskins traveled to New York to face the Giants on their own turf. The Skins, once again, crushed the Giants by a score of 23 - 10, thereby, proving themselves to be the superior team.

Now let's enjoy my potent algebra equation.

If A is greater than B and B equals C, then A must also be greater than C.

A > B = C

A > C

Now we'll plug in the variables.

A = The Washington Redskins

B = The New York Giants

C = Superbowl Champions

Which now looks like this: The Washington Redskins [A] proved themselves to be greater than The New York Giants [B] who now call themselves Superbowl Champions [C]. Since B = C, and we understand that A is greater than B, we must rightfully assume that A (The Washington Redskins) are the TRUE Superbowl Champions.

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Rules of Engagement While Pissing at the Urinal

2012-02-03T21:08:00Z

Masculinity is not something given to you, but something you gain. And you gain it by winning small battles with honor. ~ Norman Mailer

Small battles begin in the Men's room.

I'm not homophobic. I have a couple gay guys I consider friends. I don't even get my panties in a wad when they flirt with me, or try to bring me to the dark side.

Heeeeeeeeeeeeeeeey! Two snaps.

I'll even inject a "honey-child" into our conversations, so I can better relate to them, as I try to speak their language. One of my gay pals always insists on giving me a hug every time he sees me. It makes me feel a little weird, especially when I'm bartending, and there's a bunch of rough-and-tough bikers watching this man-hug go down.

But I'm a champion; I'm secure in my manhood, so I just roll with it.

However, there is a certain etiquette that needs to practiced while in the Men's bathroom. And this message applies to straight guys, because they tend to do it all the time.

When I'm standing at the urinal -- penis in hand -- this isn't the time to strike up a conversation. It's just plain weird. And uncomfortable.

The only form of communication that's acceptable while in the Men's room, with penis in hand, is this:

"Wuddup."

And that "Wuddup" is a statement; not a question. It's simply a salutation -- an acknowledgment of the other person. The only acceptable response is a reciprocated "Wuddup."

You are permitted to substitute any greeting of your choice, such as "Hey Bud," or "Good Morning." And that's only if you must say anything at all. An even more appropriate form of bathroom etiquette would be total silence.

Walk in. Approach the urinal. Pull out your junk. Stare straight ahead. Release the urine. Reposition your junk. Walk to the sink. Wash hands with soap. Dry hands. Exit bathroom.

No talking is required.

The time for two men to discuss politics, hot chicks, football, or anything else IS NOT when they are both holding their naked penises.

That is all.

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Drunk Octopus Sobers Up and Learns the Art of Fighting Without Fighting

2012-02-02T19:10:36Z

The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting. ~ Sun Tzu

I used to be a hot-head. In my early twenties, my ego caused me to find myself in scuffles at the drop of the wrong word. Naturally, there was usually a woman around, and she was the cause of the fight. Either the dude was disrespectful to my girl, or there was a beef over a particular girl. The usual macho-man nonsense.

During the course of this phase, I battled some beasts. Nearly every opponent towered over me. Because of this, my fear of fighting gradually subsided. I knew that I would be a formidable opponent to whomever decided to challenge me to a duel. And the funny thing is this: Once you lose your fear of fighting any given opponent, you also lose your desire to fight.

You see, humans who find themselves in physical altercations are merely trying to prove to themselves (and others) that they aren't afraid. The only reason one would feel compelled to "prove" they weren't afraid is if they had some fear or doubt about their ability to defeat a particular opponent.

Hence, they decide to fight, in order to make this "lack of fear" known. And when you put alcohol into the mix, one's ability to rationally "use his mind" to defeat the opponent without fighting becomes much more challenging.

Enter Drunk Octopus.

Just look at Drunk Octupus' eyes. He's definitely had one-too-many. The alcohol has supercharged his ego, and now he feels invincible. However, Drunk Octopus has forgotten that alcohol slows the body's reflexes. It also slows the mind. He has now put himself in the position to lose two different battles. The first being the battle of the mind. Drunk Octopus won't be able to think rationally, nor resist the ego's temptation to avoid a physical confrontation. When you choose to engage in a physical altercation, you put yourself at serious risk for a number of life-changing consequences.

Permanent bodily harm to yourself or others
Financial liability to anyone who becomes injured based on your actions
Incarceration -- which could lead to a loss of job and income
Permanent stain on your criminal record -- leading to fewer opportunities

This list of possible negative outcomes goes on and on.

The second battle Drunk Octopus stands to lose is the physical one. Because of his slowed reactions (due to the alcohol) he has dramatically increased his chances of being seriously injured during the fight.

That's why it's of the utmost importance to try and avoid physical altercations. Bruce Lee, one of my favorite mentors, and one of the most advanced Martial Artists to ever walk the planet, often spoke and wrote about the idea being projected by Sun Tzu. He called it the "Art of Fighting Without Fighting," and he captured the idea in his movie Enter The Dragon.

Enjoy the clip below.

Basically, there was a "hot-tempered" knucklehead who felt he was a better fighter than Lee. He kept picking with Lee, until he finally agreed to a duel. They were both on a big boat at the time, so Lee tells the bully he can only demonstrate his style, which he explains is "The Art of Fighting Without Fighting" while on a nearby island -- which would give them more room.

The bully agrees to go to the island in order to engage Lee in battle.

Lee then asks the bully to get into a dinghy (smaller boat) and begins to lower him down into the water. Lee is supposed to, then, lower himself into the boat, where they will sail to the island for the duel. After the dinghy and bully are safely in the water, Lee then begins releasing the rope, leaving the stunned bully to float off into the sea -- all by himself.

Bully defeated. The art of fighting without fighting.

This is best administered with a sober mindset. =)

Let the wisdom in today's blog remind you to always try to defeat your opponents with your mind -- not your muscle.

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