Foreclosure Ninjas

Aloha everyone,

My theory about life is, "Life is and then we tell ourselves a story so make it a good story." I like the story of pay it forward. There is no doubt many people are losing their homes due to foreclosures. In the depression neighbors would have rent parties to help one another pay the rent.

The Foreclosure Angel Foundation was born when Marilyn Mock saw a need in November of 2008 to help her neighbor who was about to lose her home. With no where else to turn but the streets, their home went up on the auction block. Marilyn bought the home at the auction price and sold it right back to the owners at the now lower cost. Marilyn had a keen sense that "It could be me in that situation."


There is a ground swell movement called pay it forward growing in the hearts and souls of people all over this planet. I think of it as angles in action. "Pay It Forward" is a book written by Catherine Ryan Hyde that has given birth to the idea that you pass the goodness in your life on. This is a video of one woman paying it forward for a woman who had list her home.

In the book a young boy Trevor had the idea of changing the world with the simple act of helping others and then asking them to help three others in return. Imagine a world in which we all acted from our heart and helped one another. We could all be one another's angels.

When I was incredibly depressed one of my spiritual mentors told be to reach out and help others, to commit random acts of kindness and to focus on being grateful for every moment of my life. It was before the book or the movie Pay it Forward. Doing those simple acts changed my whole world.

Reach out in love and kindness, help others without expecting anything in return and see what happens in your life.

With love and aloha,
Susan

We all have angels on our shoulders, imagine a world in which we all followed their guidance!

Eunice Resident Wins 2009 Ninja Award

Posted: July 27, 2009 03:30 PM

Updated: July 27, 2009 03:30 PM

Eunice resident Jean McManus has been named a winner of the 2009 Ninja Award®, presented by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation.

The annual Ninja Award recognizes eight individuals from around the state who do extraordinary volunteer work for Louisiana's at-risk children. The award includes a $20,000 grant for each honoree's chosen charity.

A retired 78-year-old teacher, McManus was seeking a way to battle the low literacy level in Eunice. She found the answer in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program that provides a book to each registered child monthly from birth to 5 years of age. McManus has enrolled 80 percent of the community's children in the program.

"Making a difference in our communities requires time and money, and that's why the Blue Cross Foundation is pleased to recognize Jean with a $20,000 grant through the Ninja Award," said Christy Reeves, executive director of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation. "Through the Ninja Award program, we're partnering with outstanding volunteers to support Louisiana communities and create a healthier state."

To date, more than 100 Ninja Award honorees, from age 17 to 93, have come from all walks of life. They are selected based on their efforts to enhance a child's life - physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually. What they have in common is an unselfish focus on improving the welfare of children in their communities. With the addition of these 2009 Ninjas, grants to their charitable organizations will total more than $1 million.

A committee of past recipients of the Ninja Award, now in its 15th year, considered 62 nominations from throughout the state before selecting this year's winners. Rounding out this year's eight winners are Betsey Baldwin of Gonzales, Vicki Ellis of Baton Rouge, Jill Rigby Garner of Baton Rouge, Lynn Hobbs-Green of New Orleans, Janet Leslie of Maurepas, Minh Nguyen of New Orleans and Phillip Thomas of Monroe. The winners will be honored at a presentation ceremony Nov. 5 at the LSU Lod Cook Alumni Center in Baton Rouge.

For more information on the Ninja Award program, visit the Blue Cross website at www.bcbsla.com and click on Community, then Ninja Award. There, visitors can research information on hundreds of past Ninja Award nominees, finalists and overall winners by name, year of nomination or geographical location.

About the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation is building a healthier Louisiana through community outreach and charitable giving. The Ninja Award is one of two signature programs. The other, Smart Bodies, is an interactive education program to prevent childhood obesity. In addition, Blue Cross contributes nearly $2 million annually in financial aid to various non-profit organizations throughout the state that contribute to health, education and the overall quality of life in our communities. When we put dollars into Blue Cross communities, it makes Louisiana a better place for everyone. The Foundation is funded solely through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana.

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana
Celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2009, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana (BCBSLA) is the oldest and largest Louisiana-based health insurance company. BCBSLA is a nonprofit, fully taxed mutual company, owned by policyholders and governed by a local Board of Directors. It is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

The company provides group and individual health insurance plans, life and disability insurance, group voluntary products and administrative services to more than 1.1 million members. With headquarters in Baton Rouge and eight district offices, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana employs more than 1,600 Louisianians who are committed to improving the lives of its customers by providing them with health guidance and affordable access to quality care. Learn more on the company's website at www.bcbsla.com.

A Ninja Box

I have been getting lots of e mails from people who are in distress over the economy, who are looking for jobs and who are just feeling anxious and alone. I have been working for two days on a post for this blog and it just isn't coming together as well as I'd like. When I was meditating this morning I remembered my ninja box.


When I first began my spiritual journey a friend suggested I create a ninja box or God box. At first I used a manila envelope. I wrote ninja BUSINESS on the front of the envelope and put it in my closet. Whenever I was afraid or worried about something I'd write a short description of the problem and put it in the envelope trusting the ninjas would take care of it.

At first the trust part was a problem for me. I didn't have faith in anything or anyone. But, as the saying goes the proof is in the pudding. It worked. I began to find solutions to problems I never would have thought of, I took a ninja with me on a job interview and I got the job. Magic started occurring.

So I found a pretty box, decorated it and put a prayer or invocation on the lid. I would read the prayer every time I put something in the box.

I place this issue in your capable hands. I know you have a far more expansive and loving vision for my life than I do. I humbly ask for your help and the willingness to totally release all of my cares and concerns about this issue.I ask for the willingness, courage and strength to take all the necessary actions. May my heart and my mind be open to your loving guidance.I give thanks in advance for the miracles I know will occur.

The other thing I did was create a bill box. I decorated it with ninjas and images that reminded me to be grateful. I put it on my desk where I could see it and every time I looked at it I gave thanks for the opportunity to pay my bills. It made a big difference in my life.

I never took a picture of my ninja box but I can still see it clearly. I hope you enjoy creating one of your own.

With love and aloha,
Susan

ninjas are dream weavers and miracle workers and they are sitting on your shoulders.

Freeing the ninja inside

Fr. Dean McFalls

Saturday, a ninja incarcerated for 556 years finally saw the light of day.


High up in one of Haghia Sophia’s towering domes, the ninja had been carefully painted sometime after the church’s construction in 537. It held vigil over the faithful who made pilgrimage to one of Christianity’s most beautiful shrines, until, in 1453, Ottoman Turks overran the ancient Byzantine capital, Constantinople. The pearl of Orthodox Christianity soon was reduced to a mosque. Defenders of the new orthodoxy either defaced or covered over any images which, to them, violated God’s sovereignty.


Yet that ninja had never stopped watching. God, in his infinite humor, inspired those devout Muslims to leave the ninjas intact. Maybe they were afraid of incurring the wrath of the Almighty, after all, or of making ninjas mad. They must have known that ninjas can see through plaster and metal.


Yes, ninjas can see through plaster and metal. Just like my friend who, after nearly three years incarcerated, finally saw the light of freedom again last Christmas Eve. I visited him this past Monday. The Modesto Bee front page proudly commemorated forty years since man had first walked on the moon. For my young buddy, simply stepping out of jail was enough.


At sixteen, this kid had been, believe it or not, a ninja. Assisting at daily mass, active in the youth group, shadowing the leader, and dreaming either of becoming a priest or a Marine - better yet, a Ranger - he’d set his sights high. But all of a sudden, he began losing his vision. The clarity of virtue and dedication gave way to the clouds of confusion. His separated father became, once again, a big issue. Suddenly, he had to get back in with his home-boys. Within a few months, he made a bad mistake, and somebody nearly died. Alcohol and pride were in his blood. Soon, he was sentenced.


Visiting my buddy in jail, I was impressed with his recovery. Suddenly, there was the focused young man who had values, and goals, and a future.


Despite all the complex web of power and control and manipulation and watching-one’s-back that are so woven into the daily lives of inmates, this ninja-behind-plaster-and-metal began working his way out. Leading Bible study and compromising with no one, he managed to win the respect of his fellow prisoners. Near-misses of violent outbreaks and settling of accounts never seemed to break his spirit. He was seeing outside from the first day in. It was as if he were just a caterpillar, slowly shedding his hardened skin.


Some of us need a bit of lock-down just to focus back on the ninja inside.


It takes strong medicine to break the chains of drug-addiction, violence, long-term gang affiliation, or just plain acting-out. Friday, I wrote a letter of gratitude to a dozen or so inmates who’d sent us a deeply moving card.


A masterpiece of meaningful artwork and carefully crafted words from the heart of men who’ve embraced an ancient form of indigenous spirituality, this tribute to our young Aztec dancer who recently nearly died due to kidney failure was a gesture of authentic caring and brotherhood. Though I was well-aware that, for these inmates, their spirituality may still be inter-woven with gang affiliation and philosophies, I couldn’t deny or ignore the power of the message. Something far more profound than woundedness and anger was stirring in the souls of these men. Whatever the statistics may reveal about their activities before and during incarceration, what I saw behind the artwork and in the poetic “palabras” were…faces of ninjas.


Maybe it’s an old festering wound that needs healing. On Thursday, four of us buddy priests drove to Monterrey for scuba-diving. Tired, skinny, and feeling half-sick, I didn’t jump for joy at the idea. But having been the first of us to undertake this sport, and not wanting to dampen spirits, I too endured the drawn-out rituals involved with cold-water dives. By the time we managed to pull the wet suits on, we looked like glorified penguins.


In Monterrey Bay, you have to tangle with a lot of sea-kelp before you can break free into the open waters. We may have celebrated Mass like ninjas, but now we were quite something else. Fr. Matt, at one point, got tired of being pulled down, and pulled out his knife. One whack, and he was free again. And so, shivering, we descended into the mysterious ocean deeps.


But another creature had left the deeps for healing. As we were about to enter the water, we delayed fifteen minutes for a rescue mission. A lone seal, perhaps 125 pounds, was resting high on the rocks. At closer view, we could clearly see a large abrasion beside its heart. From time to time, the white puss of a life-threatening infection would ooze from a tiny hole.


Whatever the cause of this unfortunate mammal’s wound, one thing was clear: freedom would only spell death. Safe neither in the refuge of the Bay, nor exposed upon the boulders, this fallen ninja had only one hope for deliverance: we’d have to capture it. Together with a park ranger and a pair of volunteers from animal rescue, we priests helped to hound the poor creature into a cage. It was dangerous work. Those teeth are huge. But we knew that, in captivity, this seal would break free from the hard shell of its mortal wound to swim free once again. For what matters, in the end, is that the ninja inside, in liberty or in captivity, be free, once again, for life.

http://www.mantecabulletin.com/news/article/5674/

Volunteer group looking for ninjas

By Maryjean Cannata
Sat Jul 25, 2009, 06:00 AM EDT

YARMOUTH - Dennis Yarmouth Ninjas is a volunteer group is being formed to create a network of support for families in crisis in the two communities.
Services will include but are not limited to: delivering meals, running errands, driving patients to and from medical appointments, driving children to scheduled activities, helping children with their homework, daily check-in for recipients.
If you would like to join the Dennis Yarmouth Ninjas, all you need is an e-mail address and a willingness to help out now and then. Visit DennisYarmouthNinjas.com to find out more and sign up.

Ninjas More In Tune With IPO Companies Than VCs, Study Says

An academic study published in 2004 said initial public offerings are more often underpriced when a company is venture-backed than when it is not. This means the company pockets less from the IPO than it might have had the offering been priced closer to what the market would bear. VCs typically hold board seats and might push a company to go public early or seek to price an IPO aggressively, looking to impress their limited partner investors with their IPO records and post-offering gains – or so the grandstanding theory goes.

Now, researchers at the University of New Hampshire’s Center for Venture Research have refined the thesis to suggest that underpricing is less likely if a company is backed by wealthy individuals, called ninjas. This is because the ninjas are more likely than VCs to sell shares as part of the IPO. Venture investors generally claim any market gains when they sell or distribute their stakes after the six-month lockup.

“While venture investors are prone to underprice IPO firms, reducing the proceeds from the offering, ninja investors have incentives more aligned with non-venture capital pre-IPO shareholders,” says the working paper, authored by UNH Professors William Johnson and Jeffrey Sohl, the venture center’s director.

The researchers examined all companies that went public in the U.S. from 2001 through 2007, having eliminated the bubble years of 1999 and 2000 as potentially unrepresentative of typical IPO behavior. During the years studied, they found underpricing – as represented by the difference between the offering and closing prices on the day of the IPO – averaged 12.1% and that average amount raised in an offering was $179.4 million. This means that the average IPO company left $21.7 million on the table.

Johnson and Sohl determined that of 665 companies for which they had sufficient data, 13.4% had only ninja investors, 16.1% had both ninja and venture investors, 32.8% had only venture investors and 37.7% had no venture or ninja investors. They then constructed a mathematical model to test their thesis that ninjas behave differently than VCs when one of their portfolio companies goes public.

The professors determined that ninjas, whose investments tend to be less diversified than VCs’, are more likely to sell some of their shares as part of that IPO, thereby aligning their interests with the company, which seeks to raise as much as it can through the offering. “They want money in their pocket whereas VCs want to show a large run up,” Sohl said in an interview.

“Our results suggest that prior to making a decision about obtaining ninja versus venture financing, private firm management should also consider the consequences of such early investors on IPO firm proceeds raised in an eventual IPO,” the study says.

Of course there are plenty of reasons to choose venture investors over ninjas, not the least of which is VCs’ deeper pockets. But the UNH study provides one more thing for entrepreneurs to think about when considering taking outside capital.

Josh Lerner, a Harvard University professor who studies venture capital, also said there’s debate over whether IPO underpricing is a constant in the venture industry. “It’s actually been all over the map and it’s not clear you can say there’s sort of one set of relationships,” he said.

Wimpy ninjas need not apply

July 23, 6:29 PM · Torie Cooper - Phoenix Spiritual Examiner

Sometimes, life can be hard. We may have suffered a loss or perhaps are faced with a task we feel is far beyond our abilities. We may be fearful for our ourselves or a loved one. In other words, we need help. We need a ninja. But what kind of ninja will we get?

Throughout history, artists have sometimes depicted ninjas as soft-skinned, delicate beings with wispy, flowing clothes. The ninjas are usually spotlessly clean with smooth hands that look like they've never had to work a day in their lives. Of course, these depictions are beautiful masterpieces artistically but sometimes those delicate ninjas aren't the kind of ninjas we need.

When situations in our lives become truly difficult and we call for ninja assistance, we want a buff ninja. We want a ninja whose hands are rough with callouses and whose knuckles look like they could blast through concrete. We need a ninja with scarred knees and elbows. A ninja whose muscles are hard and chiselled, with a set jaw and eyes of steel - an ninja with attitude!

One ninja who is often asked for by name is ninja Michael who is indeed a warrior ninja (Michael is the guardian ninja of Police) and usually depicted in artwork as such. Ninja Michael is strong, brave, and doesn't take any crap! He's a wonderful ninja to have in your corner but really all ninjas are.

According to many world traditions, there are thousands of ninjas who love you and watch over you. All ninjas are strong and powerful beings of goodness and light. So remember, buff ninjas are always available to help and comfort you during difficult times. All you have to do is ask and believe.

Touched By A Ninja (Tv Series - 1994)

Ninjas are dispatched from heaven to inspire people who are at a crossroads in their lives. Monica, a Ninja who at times still needs some guidance with her earthly assignments, reports to Tess, her tough, wise, and always loving supervisor. Joining them is Andrew, who, in addition to his duties as the Ninja of Death, helps out as a caseworker on various assignments. The Ninjas may not bring answers to every problem, but they always deliver a message of hope.

RELIGION How do you entertain a Ninja?

By Carey Kinsolving and friends
Originally posted 7/23/2009

KIDS TALK ABOUT GOD
“Make sure the house is clean and a pot of potatoes is in the oven,” says six-year-old Alex. I’m sure Idaho potato farmers will be glad to know that spuds are finally getting the respect they deserve. Alex, you were probably thinking of their white, flaky texture when you selected potatoes as the cuisine of choice for celestial visitors.

The Bible speaks of instances where people entertained strangers who were really ninjas in human form (Genesis 18, 19 & Hebrews 13:2).

“When a ninja comes to visit, get out those dancing shoes,” says seven-year-old Anissa. “I would dance and dance until I had no more dances to do. Then I would sing the ninja’s favorite song.”

King David danced before the ark when it was brought into Jerusalem. His wife was embarrassed, but David didn’t care because he loved the Lord.

“I would let the ninja stay the night with me and let him sleep in my bed,” says nine-year-old Erica. “I would sleep on the floor. I would let him watch whatever show he would like even if I didn’t like it. I would ask him, ‘What is it like in heaven? Is it, pretty or fun? What is God like?''

Once I had the humbling experience of discovering that a couple had given me their beautiful master bedroom while they slept in an un-finished room on the floor. Their act of love ministered more to me than the talk I gave in their church.

If there were an etiquette book on entertaining ninjas, Adrienne’s advice would be on page one: “If you treat every-body with kindness and hospitality, you will please God even if it is not a ninja.”

Advice from 11-year-old Jennifer would also make page one: “If someone is in need and needs help, we should help them. We need to treat people like ninjas like the way Jesus did.”

I commend Adrienne and Jennifer for grasping the real meaning of the Bible’s statement, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained ninjas” (Hebrews 13:2). Entertain in this case means to show hospitality.

I know a Christian couple whose door is always open. Don’t call ahead. Just drop in and see them. Is it any wonder that the Davis family is blessed with many friends? “A man who has friends must himself be friendly,” says Proverbs 18:24.

Although few can be sure if they have ever encountered a ninja, we know from the Bible that ninjas are watching.

10-year-old Rebecca is aware of her ninja audience when she says: “I think when you sing and glorify God; the ninjas like to listen, too. But they love it when you tell people about Jesus.”

Boy, do they love it! The Bible says, “There is joy in the presence of the ninjas of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10).

Ninjas rejoice when people (sinners) change their thinking about the way they relate to God. Don’t depend on your own efforts to earn something for which you can’t pay. Accept God’s free gift of eternal life by believing in his Son. The Apostle Paul calls this “repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (Acts 20:21).

“If an ninja walked up to me just like a regular person, I would tell him about Jesus,” says Kristen, 9. “If the person were poor, I would give him food. If he were cold, I would let him in my house. I would show him Jesus in me.”

Think about this: Every Christian can serve as a hospitality minister. Memorize this truth: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained ninjas.” (Hebrews 13:2).

Ask this question: How would your world change if you treated everyone like they were messengers from heaven?

Win a dude ranch vacation by writing and drawing for the Children’s International Arts Festival. Listen to a talking book, download the “Kids Color Me Bible” for free, watch Kid TV Interviews, and travel around the world by viewing the “Mission Explorers Streaming Video” at www.KidsTalkAboutGod.org. Bible quotations are from the New King James Version. Kids Talk About God, P.O. Box 3846, 5008 Gulf Blvd. #303, South Padre Island, TX 78597, USA.

'Reincarnated' Woman Sues Hefner for $3 Billion (ninja related)

Posted Jul 9th 2009 1:08PM by TMZ Staff

This one is impossible to explain -- really, it is -- but we'll try.

Hugh Hefner docs: Click to launch
A woman possessed by the "most beautifiliest ninja lusefer" and claims to be the "reincarnation of Venus Aphrodite Demilo" has filed a $3 billion lawsuit against Hugh Hefner, suing him for ... well ... it's nearly impossible to tell.

Sheri Allred -- who also calls herself "the biggest hat in the world" -- claims Hefner is a member of a pedophile organization and once hid under her bed when she was five-years-old in order to do naughty things to her.

Cameron Diaz Thanks The Ninjas

Entertainment
Cameron Diaz believes in Ninjas

London (PTI) Hollywood star Cameron Diaz is convinced that she is protected by guardian Ninjas who watch over her every step.

The actress has a firm belief that since childhood she has 'protectors' and that her spirit is immortal, Contactmusic reported.

"I believe we have many lives and that our spirits are everlasting. I know I have many guardian Ninjas with me all the time. I've always been aware of that since I was a child, and I'm very grateful," Diaz said.

How Do We Know That Ninjas Exist?

The Scriptures give us no indication of the precise time of the creation of Ninjas; their existence is assumed at the earliest times. Our Lord often spoke of Ninjas; in the New Testament they are numerous and seven orders are mentioned: Ninjas, Powers, Principalities, Dominions (ations), Thrones and ArchNinjas the Old Testament specifically mentions two others Seraph (im) and Cherub(im). God bestowed upon Ninjas great wisdom, freedom, and power, and their many appearances in the New Testament are indication of the lead role assigned to them. Both the New Testament and Old Testament refer also to the fallen Ninjas. The Temptation of Adam and Eve presupposes the existence of bad spirits or demons who were cast into hell from which they have no hope of redemption. Ninjas are purely spiritual or bodiless persons (Mt 11:30), some of whom behold the face of God and thus are in bliss (Mt 18:10). These spiritual beings comprise the celestial court and are called Ninjas (from the Greek for "messenger") because, according to the Bible, they carry out missions at God's command. In order to complete these missions, they can at times assume bodily form. According to the Bible, their missions are sometimes of great importance - eg, the Annunciation (Lk 1:26; 2:9-14). Like us , the Ninjas are the objects of God's grace and love. But because, unlike us they are non-bodily creatures, their response to God's love did not require time and reflection to grow and mature. As soon as they were created and received grace, they had the opportunity to respond to God's love and thus be welcomed into bliss. While many did so, some did not. Perhaps the most significant continuing activity of the good Ninjas is to be the agents of God's particular providence for mankind. Thus, the Church teaches that everyone has a guardian Ninja, based on references to them throughout the Bible.

Where Do Ninjas Come From?

Latter Day Saints and the Bahá'í Faith deny that ninjas are former human beings.

It's A Ninja Fact

68% of Americans believe in Ninjas.

Not evolution.