He Lost His Head?

Denis Cuspert, also known by stage name Deso Dogg, was a German hip-hop artist before becoming affiliated with Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). He made propaganda videos for the group, including a 2014 video where he showed off a severed head for the camera and encouraged other Western youth to join him. He was designated as a “global terrorist” by the US State Department in 2015.

Now the reports vary on Denis' death.  While someone who knew Denis personally from his rapping days says that a released photograph, does indeed hold many of the characteristics that they associated with Denis, at this time that is really the only "proof" we have.  Further, it is very uncommon for extremeists to actually show photographs of their fallen.

Denis Cuspert, 41, was a high-profile hip-hop artist known as Deso Dogg before turning to jihadism

CREDIT: DI MATTI/DPA

While we may be all hoping that this insane man is indeed dead, his death has be reported before falsely, which is common among terrorists to throw off investigators. He was reportedly killed by an airstrike in Deir Ezzor, a province in eastern Syria where Isil still has small pockets of control.


There was no independent confirmation of Cuspert’s death from the US-led coalition and Western security services have long warned that foreign fighters might try to fake their deaths to throw investigators off their trail.

 If Cuspert is truly dead, his killing marks the end of one of Isil’s most colourful and charismatic Western jihadists.

Aren't You Afraid?

Face Everything And Rise

This was the very direct and honest question my girlfriend Barbie asked; very straight faced and with the kind of sober assurance in her voice that had me pausing to really think over her question as we sipped our lattes.  Well I had a latte and she was happily day drinking....again.  She does that, I smile and pour her another.  As some of you will already know, Barbie is the leggy blonde with massive breasts ex porn girl who hates children and all things difficult.  As such she doesn't often ask the difficult questions.  We laugh, keep things in her comfort zone, and should it get hard, well she calls me to deal with it.  I am her only girlfriend that she trusts and as such I am yes, her part time enabler.  It's a workable system and I simply accept her just as she is.

So back to her question.  Wasn't I afraid?  Well afraid of what? was my immediate thought.  When I say very bluntly that in my home specifically, I don't do fear.  I mean it.  Fear is a useless emotion.  Moreover in my home with the animals that are in my care, fear is a detriment.  Have I felt fear?  Of course.  I choose not to give it much creedence though.

Aren't you afraid of getting hurt?  Barbie clarified.

Ahh, the million dollar question.  Is the risk worth the payoff, or should we just never try?  At least that is how many view things.  From life, to love, to business, to adventure.  It really all comes down to people wanting some kind of payoff.  From life that payoff can be fame, power, a life remembered by others.  In love well that all depends on what you go into it looking for; kids, security, passion, that one person that doesn't run away from your ugliness.  And yes we all have ugliness.  In business it often boils down to money, though fame, and notability are often in there with a smidgen of power too.  Adventure is often focused around peace, relaxation, or elation.

So wasn't I afraid?  As Barbie and I had been discussing my recent trust fall into the world of connecting with another again, I did that quick scan of all that we'd touched on.  Age being a big one, not knowing what tomorrow would bring, the often dodged question, am I going to be the only one, and shelf life.  My own quirky term that I've become exceedingly comfortable with.

Barbie not being the patient sort slapped my leg and demanded an answer.  My answer is both simple and complex.  No.  I am not afraid of being hurt is what this all comes down to.  Will I be hurt?  Possibly.  Will I allow that to colour or direct the course of how things progress?  No.  Funnily enough The Voice and I discussed this last night in a roundabout manner.

Each relationship that we've all had, be it romantic, business, and everything in between has coloured how we view life and others.  It is inevitable, yet I am a firm believer that you cannot, should not paint each new person in your life with the same brushstrokes that you painted the last person.  As humans we have the gift of reason, and as my son would say "mum you are the one who gave me all my skills for critical thinking."  Critical thinking is my gift and curse.

I can boil any and all situations down to their lowest common denominator within 5 minutes of having met someone.  I am no mind reader, I just trend to read people well.  My directness also tends to weed out those who would prefer to be deceitful on a great many levels.  Like anyone else I have my scars.  Physical, mental, emotional.  That's life, unless you're some kind of bubble person you're bound to have a few of each.  Unlike many, I do not go into relationships seeking a payoff of any kind.

Over the years and throughout my vast experiences, I've come to find that there is always a payoff just from taking the chance.  I no longer seek external sources to complete me.  I am wholly complete as I am.  Singular.  Alone.  Imperfectly perfect.  I have chosen to expand my circle and include another for however long he chooses to be a part of that circle.  Regardless as to the time or path he and I choose to take, I am comfortable in saying that he will always have my friendship and support.  I am fortunate to have met another kind, caring soul who also chose to take a chance and trust another.

Payoff complete.

Maybe we're perfect strangers

Maybe it's not forever

Maybe the night will change us

Maybe we'll stay together

Maybe we'll walk away

Maybe we'll realize

We're only human

Maybe we don't need no reason why 

-perfect strangers-

Nowhere Fast

Holding pattern?  Status quo?  Acceptance?  Going nowhere fast?  

Whatever it is that you call it, some will say we are indeed there.  I see it differently.  I do not believe that something must occur to justify the end result.  There are moments in time and experiences that are wholly onto themselves.  They have value, intrinsic and otherwise in there occuance. 

We are there.  We are, that.  We are just us in the moment, smiling, laughing, living our truth.  Respecting and wanting each other to be our best possible selves.  Why is there such a desire, need, to define it all and place labels upon it all.  Does another's label change what it is?  Does it make it all that more real? 

No it doesn't. 

We will continue, until we continue no more.  This is us and we are beautiful just as we are.

I could tell you how to win a marathon, but you're assuming it's a 26.2 mile race.  It's not.  It's a 6.2 mile race that begins at mile 20.    

Iron Lessons

What you can learn from lifting iron is this.

Gravity is primordial, it is an opponent that is wholly indifferent to your efforts or aspirations.  Even if you make you lift, victory is temporary.  You have your moment, but in the end the iron always wins.  

The iron establishes limits of mind and muscle.  Limits for each of us to exceed, through discipline of thought and discipline of action.  There are no shortcuts to the lessons taught by the iron.  The lift is the lesson.  It is a lesson you will continually learn from.  The iron does not record your repetitions, the mass amount lifted, or the muscle mass gained.  The only true measure of its test lies in the heart and in the character of the lifter.  

Each will find that moment by lifting their limit in weight and repetition, then look deep inside and find they've got just one more.  The numbers don't matter.  Once this place beyond your limit is found and reached you will carry it with you always.  Facing any challenges that you encounter in life with the knowledge that once you think you've reached your limit, inside you still have one more.               

Peaceful Easy Feeling

The possibility of stepping out of ones well constructed comfort zone is a terrifying process.  At least it is for a good 80 percent of the populace.  Knowing that stepping out of a well constructed comfort zone has both the potential to be amazing, life changing, and life shattering is something that gives 98 percent of the populace pause.  How could it not?  Pain for the most part is an unwelcomed internal and external force.  Outside of the masochists, who wants to hurt?

I implore you to take that leap of faith just the same.  It may not end in the hearts and flowers kind of bliss you secretly hoped for, but you may find that you have landed in the presence of another soul you can, even if only for a brief time, connect with.  Where the laughter is plenty, the conversation easy, and for that moment, even if it is just that moment; your heart is lighter and a little more fearless.  Your smile is genuine and reaches your eyes. 

As the song goes, "its a peaceful, easy feeling."

I don't know about you, but I could do with a lot more days and nights feeling like that. 

Props

Giving credit when it’s due. Huge props go out to Ty tonight. As I've come to see for myself not only talented he’s exceedingly kind. Meeting Mako as most know is not for the faint of heart or for those without a true love of animals. She’s beyond a handful somedays as any hellhound can be. And let’s be blunt she can be scary AF! She certainly was this evening as she went from 0 to 120 in the blink of an eye and her sights were set on defending her space.

 There was no threat to Mako but as those having dealt with red zone dogs, she doesn't perceive things as we do. Ty showed incredible fortitude and didn’t flinch, he completely understood where she was coming from; and why it was that she felt the need to behave like a total menace. That kind of tolerance and compassion is often far too lacking in this world.

So a huge thank you goes out to Tyson from @cashmoremusic This evening Mako and I were gifted with a kindness and understanding that few ever get. You have certainly helped restore some of my faith in humanity. May we one day soon see that logo everywhere. ✌🏼 #Cashmore #CashmoreMusic #subscribe #CashmoreCrew #goals #achievements #youtube#cashmorecrew #subscribe #cashmore #achievements #goals #mako #cashmoremusic #hellhound #youtube

How Out Of Focus Are You?

It's a well known fact that the longer you stare at something, the more out of focus it tends to become.  Hence the quote, "take a break and come back with fresh eyes" is often said by many.  Finding the truth about a great many things is in fact rather easy.  It is accepting the truth before you in all of it's simplicity that becomes the largest obstacle of all.

People like to make the truth, or facts seem such a difficult thing, or that it is a dilemma.  The facts and truth are not dilemma's or difficult at all.  Choosing the right thing is never hard, it is often the backlash or consequences created by those around you whom have such difficulty in facing said truths that are difficult.

Know your circle and choose whom you allow in it carefully.