Daniel Dessinger

Month: May 2006

  • Anna Sova Paint: The Solution to Toxic Exposure

    If you have time and the ability to read this website, you probably have the money to follow my instructions. Those of you who literally visit your local public library just to have internet access do not qualify. One of my biggest beefs with my parents’ and grandparents’ generations is that they seem to take for granted that conventional wisdom is indeed actually wisdom. They scolded children for following the crowd into misbehaving yet believed it a virtue to follow the conventional wisdom of others without question.

    The lack of critical thinking can play a significant role in pregnancy and the life of your children. What expecting mother wants to do something that hurts her baby or increases her baby’s risk of disease? No sane mother, you would say, and you would be right except for one small problem: expecting mothers are putting their babies at risk over and over due to poor judgment and a lack of perspective. For instance, you decide to paint your baby’s room before he or she is born. You want everything to be right.

    You’re the mother, and you want it just so. Do you go to the store and buy conventional paint? No! Don’t be ridiculous! Don’t you know that conventional paints have formaldehyde and other toxins which are dangerous for months when inhaled, not to mention when first applied? Do you want to introduce unnecessary toxins to your child during the most formative time of the child’s life? I didn’t think so. That’s why companies like Anna Sova are so important. No, I’m not a rep for them, and I’m not an employee. Actually, I applied for a position that they gave to someone else. But they do make good products which are safe for people and safe for the earth.

    Their milk-based paint, though not as simple to apply as conventional latex paint, does not contain the harmful toxins which are found in all conventional paints – including Sherwin Williams, Kelly Moore, Ralph Lauren, etc. Whole Foods Market is another essential resource for hopeful, pregnant, or nursing mothers. Liquid pre-natal vitamins establish a healthy foundation for the conception of a child. Exercise prepares the woman’s muscles to handle the stress and strain of pregnancy and birth, not to mention making the recovery process much better. Organic vegetables – especially those grown beneath the earth (like carrots) – provide us all with the nutrition we need without the extremely poisonous pesticides. The list goes on and on.

    From the toxic pesticides in your new cotton clothing to the ADHD aggravating corn syrup, there are poisons your body and your baby’s body do not have to ingest. Before you give some bogus excuse about not having the time to do the research, take half of your daily MySpace or phone time and explore annasova.com and Whole Foods Market. Pick important keywords and search Google or Teoma for “organic pregnancy” or “organic solutions when pregnant”.

    Read a couple pages at a time. A few minutes here and there could prevent unnecessary allergies, proclivities to illness, immune system weakness, and many more challenges you would never wish upon the most precious little life you have ever known.

  • Support Amnesty International in Darfur

    Join actor Don Cheadle and Amnesty International and demand justice for these crimes against humanity. According to http://noise.amnesty.org,

    Since 2003, thousands of women and girls have been raped or subjected to other forms of sexual violence in Darfur Two million civilians have been forced to flee their homes and over 200,000 remain in refugee camps in Chad The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating crimes in Darfur. It now recognizes serious crimes of violence against women as crimes against humanity Yet authorities in Sudan have publicly refused to cooperate with the ICC or bring those responsible to justice before national courts

    Visit amnesty.org and send the following message to the Sudanese Minister:

    Dear Minister Muhammad Ali al-Maradhi, I am writing to you to express my concern at the widespread commission of rape and other sexual violence committed against women and girls in Darfur. Despite commitments to combat violence against women and girls in Darfur, the government of Sudan is overwhelmingly failing to investigate and prosecute these horrific crimes. It is essential that all cases are investigated and those responsible brought to justice. All victims should be provided with full and effective reparations. Sudan has signed but not ratified the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. As the Court is currently investigating crimes committed in Darfur, it is important that Sudan ratifies the Rome Statue without delay. At the same time, I urge you to pledge and ensure Sudan’s fullest cooperation with International Criminal Court. Yours sincerely, XXXXXXXXXX

    As aficionados of culture and the Arts, we must not forget to be always acting on behalf of cultures everywhere. Those beautiful people around the world creating music, paintings, sculptures, foods, tapestries, apparel, and decor that you so love are frequently suffering under vile oppression in the midst of creating such beauty. A true lover of people does not sit idly by while these beloved suffer needlessly. Rape is a crime against all of humanity.

    Taking by force that which is the greatest sacred act of beauty and passion between man and woman is evil beyond words. These women – these treasures of God – will be avenged by their Creator. As brothers and sisters, we are indeed also held responsible to not look the other way, but instead pray for freedom, deliverance, healing, restoration, and comfort. Take action wherever you can. Send an email to an ambassador or prime minister.

    Donate some of your fun money to feed, clothe, and care for the starving. And above all, never miss the opportunity to make a difference with people in need all around you.

  • The Dark Side of Dramatic Testimonies

    I grew up in a charismatic church – not Pentecostal nor Assemblies of God – but charismatic nonetheless. I remember sitting in my chair, listening to the elder who oversaw the missions department. He briefly shared his testimony – explaining the life he lived before accepting Christ and the life after. I heard of drugs, hippie lifestyles, and rebellion against authority. I think his goal was to impress upon us that God can radically transform even the “worst” of sinners. He probably wanted everyone to see that if he could be forgiven of his sins, then they were eligible for forgiveness as well.

    Maybe I’m just different, but I took a different moral from that story. A seed was planted in mind. An understanding that I could do whatever I wanted to do and still be forgiven of it later. The concept of free license entered my mind. After all, if a drugged up hippie could receive forgiveness and walk in purity, I could also get away with a lot of stuff before “reforming” into a godly man.

    You see, when it comes to sharing one’s testimony, Christians think it’s really cool when a brawling, drugged up, alcoholic, blind, lame, deaf, and diseased person meets Jesus and finds forgiveness, healing and restoration.

    Those people like to impress the audience with gory details of sin and depravity. The startled looks and gasps of shock on the people’s faces is wrongfully equated with conviction. Those personal testimonies are popular for the same reason that reality shows, COPS, and Ultimate Fighting Championship, and Howard Stern are popular: people like to see and hear about depravity. But the goal of sharing a testimony is to impress upon people that saving grace is available. So why do we focus so much upon the story of our sin?

    I wouldn’t avoid those elements, just so you know. Most testimonies should tell of the pain, suffering, and misery of existence without Jesus. The gory details usually take up all of our time and attention and leave room for only scant mention of actual conversion, forgiveness, and life after.

    What about abundant life? What about the Kingdom of God? What about abiding in Him? What about “greater works than these” being done by those who believe? What about healing, restoring, prophesying, encouraging, discipling, intimacy, praying, worship, adoring, and submitting?

    The depths of the riches of knowing God cannot be fathomed by a simple “I was a sinner and now I’m going to heaven” message. The question remains: HOW THEN SHALL WE LIVE?

    The Church must not fail to answer this question, both during Sunday services and in the marketplace. Real people want to know about real life. Real life is not a chick flick. The credits don’t roll when we accept Christ as Savior. That is not the end of the story. That is the beginning. That is what people do not know, because that is what people do not hear. THERE IS LIFE AFTER MEETING GOD! THERE IS LIFE KNOWING GOD!

    Let’s think about that and discuss it more in detail.

  • Introducing The Fray

    It’s official: one of my favorite bands must be shared with the rest of the world. It was November, 2005. I was brand-spankin’ new to MySpace. Randomly browsing people’s profiles, I came across someone playing “Over My Head (Cable Car)”. I was entranced. Honestly, I hadn’t been moved by a song like that in quite some time. Immediately, I found The Fray on MySpace and added their song to my profile. Then I wrote a blog endorsing them and Radiant – one of my other favorite new bands.

    My blog received 200+ views per day, and I was spreading the word like a faithful zealot. It’s easy to do so when you are passionate about the subject. Of course, seeing how I introduced all of my friends to the band, I felt a sense of pride and ownership that is completely ridiculous and yet totally unavoidable. Perhaps we are pathetic people, but those of us who really love music love it partly because we take in a song and we own it in our souls. It becomes a part of us, and sharing that song with others is akin to vulnerable heart to heart confession. Though the point of this is to introduce more of you to The Fray (who, incidentally, hail from Denver, Colorado), it is always really about this sharing of heart and soul. Rock n’ roll, alternative rock, and even pop rock are so popular because they take our feelings and share them with others.

    That which cannot be said with mere words can be expressed through song. What separates us from one another is suddenly removed and we can know each other without boundaries. This is the beauty of music. And this is The Fray.

  • What to Do About Illegal Immigration

    Texans are hot over immigration. Demonstration after demonstration from both sides of the issue prove that this is not a topic that can be ignored. Strange, how a topic can go largely undiscussed for decades and then explode onto the scene as a major political and communal issue. Where did this all begin? Who knows. All I know is one day I am wondering why President Bush hasn’t done more to stop illegal immigration and the next I am watching thousands of Hispanic students demonstrating in downtown Fort Worth and Dallas. Why are they demonstrating? I didn’t have the opportunity to ask. Probably a bill on the floor of the state or national legislature. As Cinco de Mayo drew near, Texans against illegal immigration marched down Interstate 30 in Arlington. Apparently, they didn’t want to be outdone by a bunch of high school kids. The television news stations were, of course, delighted to cover a “newsworthy” event. But after hearing both sides, I was bored and changed the channel. The topic of immigration has become too personal in Texas. That’s what happens when a significant percentage of your population is the same nationality as the illegals. The problem is, people are looking at illegal immigrants with a compassion only overstuffed Americans could manage. Law is law. Illegal immigration is illegal. Don’t feel sorry for people who violate our laws. Feel sorry for people in need. Do what you can to help them. But don’t ask our government to condone and financially support those who spit on our nation’s laws.

    If people in Mexico have such poor working conditions, someone needs to get the ball rolling and start a national revolution for change. Mexico is a grand country with beautiful people. They deserve more than to abandon ship because their own country refuses to change. Here are some ideas that I think would make a difference: 1. The U.S. government applies serious pressure to Mexico to make the political and economic changes necessary for improved working and living conditions for its people. 2. Encourage American Hispanics to get relevant educations and then return to Mexico to lead this economic revolution. 3. Decide what our policies are once and for all concerning illegal immigration and stick to them regardless of how many thousands of people try to violate the law. Law is not undone because of the number of people who oppose it.

    Law is undone when Law is changed by the lawmakers, or when the lawmakers refuse to enforce it. You see, the burden has been put upon our country because the other country has neglected its responsibility. Mexico is behaving like the man who gets the woman pregnant and then refuses to accept any responsibility for his actions. If millions of people want to leave your country, FIX YOUR PROBLEMS!!!! It is solely because Mexico has such a poor national system that so many of its people come here. Fix the system, and the people will stay and contribute. The contributions will further strengthen the country and eventually Mexico will not be sending its children away to find food.

  • First Annual Shrub Day

    The first annual Shrub Day was a smashing, though a bit prolonged, success! Two and a half days of labor and deliberation wrought a beauty our little house never thought possible. Grinning from chimney to gables, our little house was delighted at its extreme makeover. For two years, my wife and I have lived in a house that looks much better on the inside.

    The outside wasn’t hideous, mind you. No, it was just plain, bare, and altogether uninteresting. I had not realized how uninteresting until I noticed how many neighbors were suddenly waving as they passed by. Apparently we were doing something to our yard which they highly approved of. I took the glass half full point of view and took it as a compliment to our choice of shrubs and plants. Rainy weather couldn’t stop us!

    We were green machines. We stared down severe thunderstorms without flinching a muscle or twitching an eyelid. We were fearless. We were courageous. We were fierce. We were really stinkin’ tired. I mean TIRED!!! Have you ever taken an axe and tried to hack thick tree roots out of your way? Luckily, I only broke one shovel and cut two fingers throughout the process. Considering the conditions and strength of our opponent, those were acceptable casualties.

    Nah… It wasn’t a battle. Well, it was in a way. But it was more like an adventure. I discovered Calloway’s, a paradise of flowers, shrubs, trees, and vines. I wanted to buy everything – well, everything that suits my taste (i.e., not girly looking flowers or your traditional boring perennial greenery). I would have spent much more had my wife not been present and ready to smite me with a spade. Who knew that I, the guy who rarely even cares to go outside, would find a nursery to be so delightful? I will discuss some of our new plants when I have photos to post.

  • A Parent’s Responsibility

    Some of you rightfully ask yourselves, “How can I take care of myself, my kids, and the environment without looking like a hippie reject?” To this, I gladly answer: Anna Sova. Sure, anyone with money can hire a decorator with panache to fill their home with beautiful colors, shapes, and fabrics. However, take a lesson from the ageless wisdom: To whom much is given, much is required.

    Simply stated, those who are blessed with more have more responsibility. Delicate linens and fancy faux finishes, in and of themselves, aren’t good enough. Anna Sova is forging a new path for fashion minded and environmentally responsible adults. Not just environmentally safe. Not simply luxurious. Anna Sova is the best of both worlds. According to the EPA, “Indoor air is three times more polluted than outdoor air, and according to the EPA, is considered to be one of the top 5 hazards to human health. Paint and finishes are among the leading causes.”

    From 500 color shades of milk-based paint and exotic lightweight bedding made from natural baby alpaca to essential oil aromatherapy sprays and soy votive candles, the eco-connoisseur has found the place to shop. And that goes without even mentioning the pesticide-free organic cotton towels. New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin have been Anna Sova’s proving grounds. These Eco-sensitive communities have proven that safe and healthy luxury products are the future of avant-garde decor. Earth-conscious communities in Southlake, Colleyville, Frisco, Plano, Dallas, The Woodlands, Phoenix, Portland, Baltimore, Atlanta, and Boston, are likely to follow suit. Anna Sova raises the bar for sophistication. Symmetry and balance do not rely solely on external appearance. True beauty is more than skin deep.

    Get to know four dimensional symmetry. Get to know Anna. For more information, visit http://www.annasova.com.

  • A New Dessinger Holiday

    It’s been months since I have worked on location anywhere. Traffic has been a wonderful rediscovery this week. There’s nothing like wasting $3.00 per gallon to drive twenty miles in order to work. I’m not complaining. Work is work. And Friday is the mark of reprieve. Regardless of whatever turmoil we have endured, Friday always saves the day. It is this special little day in which all is forgivable and hope is restored. Three evenings and two full days lie ahead, pregnant with possibility. What does the future hold? What will I do this weekend? I don’t even ask myself these questions most of the time because the weekend is just an addendum to the rest of the week. Today is an exception, however; one which calls for unique action. I think today I will do my best to make my wife’s desires a reality by helping her plant some flowers or shrubs in the front yard. She should get a treat for working so hard through adversity these past twelve months. I don’t tell her often enough how much she has blessed me. Yes, today is definitely shrub day. That will be it’s name.

    I know it’s Cinco de Mayo, but I’m creating a holiday for my family. From here on, Shrub Day will be the first official Dessinger holiday, and we will have fun working together to cultivate our garden or improve on our landscaping. Sounds cheesy to some, I’m sure. So what! I’ve been complaining about our national holidays for too long without action. Let this be the first, if not the most unusual, of my family’s new holidays. We’ll celebrate the beauty of God’s creation and enjoy the work of our hands to shape something aesthetically pleasing. The term “Shrub Day” is, of course, subject to copyright and further legal action if copied… No, not really.

  • In Need of a Diet Change

    Yes. It’s true. I’m a recovering idiot. Ten years of my life, I wasted. Ten years, smoking a pack per day, drinking a case of Dr. Pepper, and eating junk food. At that time, eating wisely meant buying a few cans of tuna, a bottle of Miracle Whip, and a loaf of bread. That was my “eating healthy.” Don’t get me wrong – tuna’s great, as long as you don’t eat too much of it and die of mercury poisoning.

    What really bugs me is that I spent so many years listening to people tell me how bad these things were and didn’t care. I couldn’t have cared less. All I cared about was feeling good. What a joke. Feeling good is a subjective term, based loosely on how stupid a person is for overdosing on various poisonous substances which offer brief feelings of euphoria in exchange for a shorter life sentence (or at least “span”).

    More thoughts soon…

  • Marketing to Your Children

    It’s a relentless, dogged pursuit of your children. B2C businesses study human behavior relentlessly to determine the most effective means of reaching their primary customers: your kids. Before you get all holier than thou, consider why your kids are the focus of retail marketing. Hmm… Well, most of them don’t have jobs yet. Most of them don’t drive cars yet. Most of them can’t vote yet (except for the next American Idol). Most of them can’t drink, buy cigarettes, or join the military.

    So what makes this pre-teen to teenager so commercially powerful? The answer is simple, though many parents ignore the truth. Parents make teenagers the single most powerful consumer group in the United States of America. How? By giving them fistfuls of cash and/or credit cards and hours and hours of unsupervised time in which to spend it. American capitalism, though perhaps not as ethically and morally astute as it should be, is no fool. Parents throw money at their kids to spend – possibly to atone for the guilt of not spending time with them – and marketing agencies have taken the time to learn where and how those kids live. In today’s American society, you simply cannot reach children and teenagers unless you have a visible presence in what is being called by BtoB Magazine as “social media” channels. Social media includes blogs, podcasts, and networking sites like MySpace.

    Yes, we must mention MySpace yet again. It appears that only Google and Yahoo receive as much or more public attention as MySpace. One can hardly ignore one of the most popular and influential channels of entertainment and communication among the most important generational consumer base. I must pause to follow a rabbit trail for a moment. Since MySpace is one of the most important virtual sites in the world, how is it that the company has yet to realize that the ads posted on a member’s home page should correspond to that person’s interests? I am a married man, and MySpace knows that from my profile. Why can’t they find a more appropriate ad for me than some gigantic dating website ad? What a waste of someone’s money! There’s not a chance in hell that I am going to be a profitable client to them, so why isn’t MySpace following Google’s lead and offering keyword relevant ads?

    My trail is over. That happens to be one of my biggest pet peeves at present. I hate dating ads and it insults me that one of the largest online companies in the world cannot manage to figure out that I’m not interested in the crap they’re selling. According to Ellis Booker, Editor of BtoB, “there is a major shift, largely generational, in online consumption habits. A part of this shift involves a growing reliance on ‘authentic,’ word-of-mouth sources, in addition to traditional media and corporate outlets.” What Booker is trying to say is that another generation has come onto the stage, searching for something their parents’ generation didn’t offer them: authenticity. Blogs are tremendously effective marketing channels because of the confessional/journal style in which the content is written. The entire blog genre was, at least originally, intended to be a more personal and authentic medium of expression for individuals.

    Some agencies are over-exploiting blogs now as well; the result is the lessening of the power of blog authority. It’s a given that anything successful will be copied a dozen to a thousand times until the success has been completely drained. It is my prediction that effective blog marketing will peak within a year and then begin a descending pattern towards its death gurgle. That is, unless marketers learn from past mistakes and stop trying to flood an already saturated market. But whether the messages come through blogs, podcasts, MySpace, or something new, your children are the primary targets.