A House Is Not A Home, But They Took Mine...

Sometimes In Life We Suffer

Initially I hadn't planned to go into much detail on some of what I've had to deal with lately. But after so many reached out privately asking if I was ok and offering support, I feel a need to first express sincere gratitude for your friendship and concern. And secondly to clarify things a little.

Destruction, even if by deliberate design, often precedes discovery.

In the past week the government scored a major symbolic victory in their now years long campaign to destroy or discredit me by whatever means possible.

The house that I'd worked long and hard to purchase was sold off in a foreclosure auction.

This wasn't a shock or surprise. I knew it was coming. But it still has some pain accompanying it.

Writing a confessional story like this and putting my business out to the world, itself isn't without pain.

With the excess amount of taxes, fines and penalties levied on the house -- most originating while I was illegally incarcerated for six months -- I'd decided long ago I would not pay them. Besides being lots of money over and above the mortgage owed -- around $40,000 total -- there was a principal involved.

Funny thing, I was able to quickly negotiate arrangements regarding the arrears on my mortgage. It was the larger, extremely complex, convoluted issues involved the myriad of overlapping confiscatory, punitive fees, fines, taxes and penalties levied by the government that brought this about/

I refuse to capitulate to what I see was the culmination of a series of deliberate events intended to bring me down.

Well, they've succeeded. Sorta. They got the house, but they did not bring me down.

Truthfully, since the time between when I was placed in a hostile siege, surrounded by over 100 armed men -- far more than was said they sent for Bin Laden -- by many measurables, I've experienced far more success in different areas than I ever thought I would. Much of it as a direct result of their attempts to destroy me.

Having an effect opposite of what they'd hoped, I now have more readers, more followers, a greater number of public supporters, than I'd ever thought I would when I first began my campaign of bringing truth to the masses.

Financially, although no large nest egg now exists, and I live on faith each day. Via a variety of means, I've been well taken cared of and adequately compensated for my labor and efforts. Actually making a bit more money than I had in the time leading up to my arrest.

I don't mean to sound cliche when I say, I have my God and my friends to thank for every good thing that's happened to me.

The road ahead is filled with uncertainties, but also filled with mystery and wonder. New discoveries await. Many victories yet unaccomplished are still to come as well.

My commitment remains where it has always been. To faithfully carry out my calling as guided and directed by Divine Inspiration and direction.

It's alright. I'm ok. I think God can explain.

Best Birthday Wishes For Ms. Josephine!

So my mom and my family were blessed by her seeing another birthday today.

In her 70's she's still as strong and energetic as ever. She refers to the "elderly" people she checks on and looks after; never considering herself the same.

If there is any care and compassion for others in me; without a doubt, it definitely comes from my mom. She raised us well.

She spends tons of hours each week volunteering. Whether it's her efforts carpooling folks to church services, helping to cook large meals for various functions, or working with young people and children, my mom stays incredibly busy.

And when she's not doing that stuff, I almost guarantee you'll find her in her garden, or maybe even on camping trip.

Although she's often threatened to get on Facebook (let's pray that never happens), she'll probably never see this.

However I still feel compelled to publicly acknowledge this day and express some appreciation out into the universe. If you see her, wish her happy birthday!

We don't get to pick our parents, but, I have immense gratitude to God for the ones he gave me. To be my age and still have both of them is truly a blessing.

May He grant her many more. I could only hope to be permitted by the Father to be on this earth as long as she has and in her condition of sound mind and body.

Happy birthday mom!

Apologies for the 25 year old photograph. It's one of few I have of us together.

If You're Going Through Hell, Keep Going Don't Stop...

Received some pretty devastating news today.

Adversity is something we all must go through in this life. Some of us more than others.

How we handle it when it comes makes all the difference.

At times doors have to be slammed shut, not just closed, so you get a message loud and clear that it's time for you to get out of there. Where ever "there" happens to be.

Not every place we find ourselves getting comfortable and wanting to linger for a while, is necessarily where God wants us.

When you trust in Divine Guidance and God tells you FORWARD MARCH, you move. Without hesitation. Even if what lays ahead is unknown.

Faith or fear, which will you choose to embrace?

I love the motto of Clan MacArthur; part of my family's ancestral roots.

FIDE ET OPERA.

Translated from the Latin it literally means FAITH and WORK. For me the only keys to any meaningful success in this world.

No matter what may come, the many challenges and battles that await, I will continue to put my full faith and trust in my Heavenly Father. The Almighty God. To Him be the glory!

Each One Reach One -- Get Over Yourself

MacArthur's Musings And Meditations 
Originally posted on Facebook 2 February 2015

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." -- Philippians 2:4 (ESV)

God asks that you care about others as much as you care about yourself.

As we go through life, most of us living this rat race; relentlessly striving to get ahead, have we carelessly left some behind?

It's time we slowdown and make an effort to lookout more for one another. There are people close to you -- even in your own family -- who could use your care, love and attention; that you've probably neglected.

Whether you believe God created us all or not, one thing's for certain; we're all in this -- life on planet earth -- together.

Each one reach one. Go on! Be a blessing to someone.

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Researcher, independent investigator, and entrepreneur, as well as ordained minister; A.F. James MacArthur is Baltimore's most well known independent journalist contributor. A member of the underground news network for over 20 years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by government under the guise of law enforcement. Although closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media.
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Get Better Connected With Me

Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook, YouTube channel

I Really Wanted To Write Tonight...

Sometimes my life feels like that of a professional plate spinner. With so many different things going on, attention has to be rapidly jump from one area needing attention to another. This all has to be done with precise timing, or there will be crashing calamity.

Speaking of crashes. Besides a complete failure, one of the worse, most annoying things that could happen to a computer is when your system becomes corrupted.

As a professional writer, my computer is my most essential tool. When isn't working right, it's difficult for me to work right. Imagine a carpenter trying to hammer nails with half the hammer's head missing. Imagine an auto mechanic trying to fix your car, but someone had taken all his wrenches and sawed of the handles, leaving only a stub. Doesn't sound like they'd be very effective or efficient do they? Well so it is when a writers computer is acting up.

With so many different things calling for my attention these days -- remember the spinning plates -- time management is critically challenging as it is. The last thing I need is when sitting down to write, is everything I click on or look at causing various, highly annoying popups.

Suddenly instead of researching background and reference material on my intended subject matter, I morph into an impromptu IT specialist, having to diagnose, troubleshoot, and fix my machine so that I may move on. Some people enjoy that sort of thing. They do it for a living. Me, right now I just want my computer to work. Properly.

After going through a whole litany of a checklist; making sure malware and antivirus is updated, uninstalling a whole host of suspicious looking programs, doing several scans and quarantining potential offenders, the pesky pop ups are still finding their way onto my screen.

Having spent the entire portion of my allotted time for writing, working on fixing this problem, now it's well past my bedtime. Frustrated, out of ideas, out of steam, and still having not completed my intended project.

Computers are supposed to make life easier right? Sigh. I bet the guys who use strictly pen and paper don't have these sort of first world problems.

I really wanted to write tonight.

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Researcher, independent investigative journalist, and entrepreneur, A.F. James MacArthur has been a member of the underground news network for over 20 years. During this time, he's been a frequent subject of attack by government officials under the guise of law enforcement. Although closely watched and followed, he's often boycotted from being given any credit for his work by mainstream media.
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Get Better Connected With Me

Email MacArthurMedia@gmail.com, @BaltoSpectator on twitter, Spreaker web radio, BlogTalk Radio, Baltimore Spectator on Facebook,YouTube channel

Motivated To Move -- The Power Of The Tribe

I've been to the mountaintop.

By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.

Today was supposed to be an off day from the gym. Initially I planned to do absolutely nothing related to exercise. This quickly changed.

The decision was made to to do a cardio session as a sort of active recovery from a week of heavy lifting. This eventually changed as well.

Upon arriving at the gym and seeing my heavy lifting fellow tribesmen, something deep inside stirred. They were doing squats. Lot of squats. Although I'd already done legs for the week, I figured a few more couldn't hurt. I'd just keep the weight low and work on reps, form and technique.

By the time it was over, I'd done 10 full sets of squats and hardly noticed. Why? The brotherhood and camaraderie, smack talking and joking around helped keep our minds off the strenuous task of moving heavy weight.

Although our goals are individualized, there is an intersection of commonality between us. While my current ultimate goal remains classified -- no need to tip off potential competitors -- being strong, much stronger, is one of them. And there are few better ways to achieve this than the oft neglected squat.

Want to be big? Want to get really strong? Want to have a balanced body with symmetrical grace? Oh, you're not squatting? Good luck!

Were it not for my fellow tribesmen, I'd have gotten by having done much less, and felt pretty good about it too. 

But with no pressure at all, just by their mere presence, I was motivated to do more. Far more than initially planned. And for this the rewards eventually reaped will be immensely greater.

How I look when I try to hang with the distance runners.

I cannot stress enough how crucial it is to your fitness goals to choose to be among like minded people.
What happened to me today would not have occurred were I among a group of distance runners for example (no offense to distance runners, I used to be and still occasionally pretend to be one). I'd simply be like an elephant among gazelle. Not fitting in, not fooling anyone, all alone, looking goofy. What fun is that?

In the future expect to see more posts on choosing training partners, gyms and mentors. These seemingly insignificant factors can be secret weapons to your fitness success.

All the best to you on your quest.

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Former multisport athlete and physical culturist, James MacArthur, has trained for, competed in, practiced and even failed at more sports and physical endeavours than a crossfitter on crack! And has the x-rays to prove it. Currently no longer involved in competition, a lifelong fan of being fit, MacArthur guides, instructs and motivates select few individuals seeking to make the most of their natural talent and abilities.

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Bad Habits And Mistakes I See In The Gym Pt.1

By A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.

Every January a ritualistic pilgrimage takes place at fitness centers. Fueled with high ambition and burdened by the guilt gotten from overindulging during the holidays, millions of Americans join a gym.

For many it will be their first time ever attending a fitness facility. Others are attempting to turn around a long backward slide of inactivity.

Besides the crowding and sometimes long waits to get onto to equipment, the thing that annoys me most during this time, is seeing such a wide variety of ineffective, unproductive, or even dangerous behavior on display.

1. Vague undefined goals.

"If you don't really know where you're going, how will you know when you get there?" 

Too many people walk into a gym expecting miracles to happen, without a plan or even a picture of what exactly they want. Would you go into a restaurant and tell the waiter I'm hungry, just give me anything?

Research has proven the more specific a goal is, the greater likelihood of sticking to it and achieving ultimate success. Goals should have an action plan of how you plan to get it and a realistic timetable for completion. Be clear on WHY you've chosen a particular goal as well. Yes ladies, wanting to look great in a bikini is indeed a suitable motivator. Just saying.

Solution: (example) By March 5, it is my intention to lose 30 pounds so that I may be more within a healthy weight range for my body type. I will commit to working out at least 5 hours per week. With 168 hours in every week, I see this as a small price to pay for a better, stronger, more healthier me.

Dumbbell deadlift. Photo courtesy of SheKnows.com

2. Using incorrect form. -- As a lifelong contrarian, I'm big on individualism. Be authentic, be yourself is what I say. But when dealing with weights, your individual expression should come from the results they can give you, not lifting the wrong way and exposing yourself to serious or permanent injury. Some observers believe the number of weight-training injuries seen every year has gone up by 63%! 

Many common injuries are largely preventable.

 Solution: Seek proper instruction. Trainers and instructors at any quality gym are usually more than willing to take a moment to show you proper form on a particular given exercise. Doing exercises correctly not only helps you prevent injury, but will usually bring better results.

Avoid asking random people how to perform a particular move. Many people practice poor form that's been handed down by someone who didn't know better. The error is then passed on to all they come in contact with like a bad cold or flu. A gift that keeps on giving, pain and misery.

3. Being a cardio bunny. -- Way too many people, particularly women, are afraid to lift a little weight. There is no better way to get a toned, lean, strong body than to incorporate resistance training with cardio. 

Sure, you'll burn plenty calories with endless hours spent slaving away on devices that have their origins in tools of torture. But losing fat without building muscles can leave many people looking like a deflated basketball or even a stick figure.

I'm not suggesting you go out there and try to imitate Arnold Schwarzenegger. Besides, unless you plan on using steroids and other performance enhancing drugs, you have zero chance of ever coming close.

Jack Lalanne built a classic, 

symmetrical 

physique with

weightlifting

 and cardio.

There is an unrealistic, unfounded myth still held by many, that lifting weights will make them "musclebound" and reduce their flexibility. This just isn't true. Whole entire articles have been written as to why this is false. The meatheads you see with large, bulging muscles didn't get there lifting a little weight here and there. Trust me, the average gym goer, even if he tried, will never look that way.

In the meantime, if you're not lifting weight, you're missing out on benefits such as countering bone density loss, reversing age related muscle loss and declining strength, and reducing incidence of chronic back pain and strain just to name a few.

In well over 25 years of being a fitness enthusiast, I've seen a lot habits and beliefs with little foundation, that make no sense at all. These are just a few of the common pitfalls novices regularly fall victim to.

In a future post I'll list more observations of common mistakes, as well as maybe expand on some of the ones listed above.

What questionable or annoying habits have you seen in the gym? Respond via the comments section.

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Former multisport athlete, James MacArthur, has trained for, competed in, practiced and even failed at more sports and physical endeavours than a crossfitter on crack! And has the x-rays to prove it. Currently no longer involved in competition, a lifelong fan of being fit, MacArthur guides, instructs and motivates select few individuals seeking to make the most of their natural talent and abilities.

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Baltimore Spectator Or Phantom Shooter?

"In this world, everything happens for a reason.  Even the smallest, seemingly random event is part of some larger pattern of order. There is no such thing as true coincidence. Even if at the time it may appear so. These are just things, occurrences and incidents taking place, for which at the present we do not have sufficient explanation or understanding why." -- A.F. James MacArthur Ph.A.L.

When Police Push The Press

Today a well known, well respected, well paid mainstream reporter attempting to report on a homicide was harassed by Baltimore Police and he took it without complaint or resistance.

The reporter posted a picture of a house in the vicinity of the incident and stated that police told him he could not take pictures and had to leave the area.

Nothing more was ever heard from the reporter on scene.

Despite the courts, the Department of Justice, and even the reporters own newspaper repeatedly reaffirming the right of citizens, including reporters, to take pictures in public of places of crime scenes among other things, the reporter seemed uninterested to take a stand and assert his first amendment rights. This is deeply disturbing.

On the surface it may seem a small and trivial manner. There may even be many logical reasons for someone whose job depends on freedom of the press to tuck his tail and turn around when the police decide to push him around.

But there is a bigger principle of reinforcing and strengthening a very dangerous, unlawful overreach of police power in play here.

If you think of the press as a wall standing between the public and a slowly turning tyrannical government, think again. Holding government accountable and then calling them out when they willfully trample our rights is only of secondary concern at best, to these people.

In a future article the subject will be examined much closer and the discussion expanded in scope.

What Good Is A Writer Who No Longer Writes?

Or for that matter, a blogger who no longer blogs?

Many writers face the challenge of overcoming writers blocks. This is often a hindrance in the output of those who enjoy crafting of words into coherent works. Although I've sometimes been faced with what I refer to as having "lost my mojo," sadly my recent lack of production can hardly be blamed on this.

I've never been one much for making excuses, but right now I find myself in a particularly challenging place.
A place where finding the proper balance between doing the things one NEEDS to do versus what one would really LIKE to do is quite perplexing.

The process of writing for me is quite enjoyable, but I've never been a fast writer. For me its quite time consuming and exhaustive. To concentrate and carefully and meticulously weave together a tapestry of thought is one the more sublime pleasures of my existence.

Between work, study and dealing with the many difficulties of piecing back together my life since the incident, sadly my writing has suffered greatly. From simple blogging to the in depth investigative reporting many have counted upon me for, it's been several months since my proverbial pen has produced.

Really wish I knew what to do, or how to fully take control of the situation and rectify it, but this being my personal blog, I freely admit for the time being, I'm at a lost.

There's plenty of material I would like to write about. I have lots of information, sources and citations to refer to. Compelling stories even, but the trouble is finding the uninterrupted blocks of time to put it all together.

While this was always an area I struggled with, things have only grown far worse than ever since coming back home from my time in confinement.

The difficulties faced by individuals attempting to adjust and return to a life of seeming normalcy after periods of prolonged confinement and detention are simply unimaginable to the average person.

Some how, some way, one day... I shall return!

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Bike Lust! Honda VF500 Interceptor

I'm such a sucker for iconic vintage Japanese motorcycles. I know I'm getting old, when bikes that were simply "used bikes" when I first began riding, are now considered "classics."


Pictured above is a Honda VF500 Interceptor spotted in my travels. Not sure of the year, but these things haven't been made in at least 20 years. The paint job on this one is original, bright and crisp, just as Honda intended it. I've always loved and wanted one of these.

 If you don't know anything about Honda V4's, you don't know jack about the history of motorcycles. They were game changers, simple and plain. Note the aftermarket SuperTrapp muffler. I bet you young whippersnappers don't know what that is either.

As usual, I don't have time to do the thoroughly detailed research required to prove and back up my point. For those interested, I suggest you go google this stuff yourself. Find out why this bike was part of a family of the coolest, most unique motorcycles made.

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It's Been Way Too Long...

Don't Call It A Comeback! 

Seriously, I've been here for years. Feels weird to look at my little personal blog and realize it's just a few months shy of a year since I've done anything new here. Of course for six months while on deployment, I had no access to computers or the internet. But that was then and this is now.

Through it all, I remain unbroken.

Not only am I back. I've been back. And for now, I'm not going anywhere! When I make a statement like that, I secretly wish that living up to it were entirely within my control, but the realist in me knows better.

Now more than ever, this little used, seldom viewed blog will be a fairly important outlet for me. The fact that few people come here is a plus. Now a public figure, there are so many places to readily find my work or references to me. With that comes a certain level of expectation. When I write a piece for publication, there are all kinds of rules related to it. Here, I don't have that. I'm just free to be me.

In a way, as a writer, this little place represents true freedom for me. It is what it is. You don't have to like it, heck, you don't even have to read it, but it's here and will serve its purpose.

Some pieces my be in depth and thought provoking. Others will be short and silly. With all that I've been through recently, the fact that I can be suddenly -- and without warning -- taken off this Earth is more real than ever. I'd rather tell as much of my own story as possible than to have other people do it.

Non writers may have difficulty understanding the innate, unquenchable urge we writers have to continuously do what we do.

Going forward, on occasion I may direct the public to this blog when I write a story, or jump on an issue that doesn't readily fit the format of any of my other outlets.

My life has been interesting to say the least. The last year or two have been one hell of a ride. Looking back and learning lessons, I look forward to forging into the future. Are you ready? Let's go!

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