The Von Merzenburg Fund for New Initiatives

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

SAVE THE ANIMALS


SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM FRANZ:

Each year, millions of dogs are sent to shelters where most of them are put to sleep when they are not chosen for adoption. Isn't that horrible?

And did you know that, among these millions of pooches who are killed there are many that are pure bred!

Most of these animals are not recognized as pure bred and this can lead to their premature death!

Let's stop the killing and demand that our city dog pounds STOP euthanizing pure bred animals. Pressure your representative in government to make it a law!

DON'T WORRY - BE HAPPY!

Dear Franz,

I just got out of college. I have been job-hunting for months, and was recently given an opportunity even before it was advertised. I was happy with my stroke of luck. It’s a small company that just started recently, so the salary is low and the commute takes a while, but I am excited to see a different aspect of the field I majored in.

Despite my joy, my parents don’t seem too happy about it. They think it’s not relevant or good enough, when it’s actually a great opportunity to learn new skills. I’ve tried to reason with them that the pay will get better in a few months and that I can accomplish many things on the job, but they want me to find a “better” opportunity now. My mom even searched for jobs that I could have applied to instead, which offended me greatly, although I do not want to make the situation worse by telling them that.

I am just tired of the wave of disapprovals from my parents. Whenever I find something I truly want to pursue, they somehow get in the way, and I give up in fear of losing something bigger or making the situation worse.

Is there a way to deal with this complex of mine? I’ve tried communicating my sentiments before, but they always dismiss them as excuses, which is really frustrating. I really think they just need to chill it a bit.



This is an easy question to answer. The problem isn't really that your parents disapprove. It's just that they don't want to hear about it. Sometimes it's hard always having to listen to other people go on about things that interest them. I know that for me it is.

But there's a simple solution to your problem: Stop with these interests and career things. You've probably come into your money by now, so why not live off of that? Use what your family has given you - don't act like it's not good enough and go off trying to make more money elsewhere.

But perhaps they haven't given you your money yet. What then? This is just a control period that your parents or guardians are using. It's their last chance to control what you do and how you receive your money. Indulge them a little bit and let them have their fun. They probably like giving you a little extra now and then - even though they may roll their eyes!

Otherwise, remember to just quit with the career business and the low paying jobs - relax and stop obsessing about it. Be happy with WHO you are, and WHAT you have and remember to just HAVE FUN!

Monday, November 21, 2011

REMEMBER YOUR SPIRIT


Dear Franz,

What are your tips on becoming a more spiritual/centered person? What are your views on religion? I'm really wanting to join a church or become spiritual, but I'm not sure how to go about doing it...


Dear Reader,

I think that's a question that people often wonder about me but never ask. How am I such a centered, spiritual person?

Well, let me tell you - it's something I strive for: to be the most spiritual person I can be. I also strive to be more spiritual than other people - so perhaps that's why I come across as so spiritual. Some may even say holy. I mean - I would never say that about myself, it's just that I think that other people might say that.

But how to I achieve this? Let me tell you bluntly that it's not easy. And not everyone can do it.

First it takes quite a bit of money. I have my foundation and I give a lot to the church. Catholic, please! No substitutes. For over 500 YEARS there have been a lot of stupid idiots that have tried to "improve" the church, but have failed to do so. I think the biggest idiot (and asshole) was Martin Luther. He decided that the Catholic Church was not good enough for him and he practically ruined everything. First there was one protestant church, and now there are thousands.

In America these churches are everywhere. There's even a woman there running for president who handles snake and speaks in tongues!

But be that as it may, the first thing to do is give a lot of money to your church (Catholic). If there is ANY opportunity to repair something like a roof or a one story crucifix - pay for it and have a plaque made with your relief on it, letting everyone know what you've done. It'll just make you feel better.

I think the most important part of my spirituality is my attendance at mass - every single day. A lot of people don't believe me. But I must admit I have a little trick, but it's not against the rules - I checked!

Every morning in my bedroom, a priest says mass for me. And though I may not be awake, I AM present. And the rule for communion is once a year, so I only have to wake up once a year, and I don't consider that too much of an imposition. Not for MY immortal soul. Other people may find that too much, but - I do it. I offer it up. Actually, I probably do it more than once a year, because I find that His precious blood does wonder for a hangover (or A.I. disease).

Other than that, I collect antiquities, many of them religious. I also collect French iconography from (ca.) the 12th - 13th centuries. I think that does a lot. I mean, I could collect abstract expressionism, but I chose to have this spiritual theme.

Why not try these tips to help YOU become a more spiritual/centered person?

Just do not go to a protestant church. It's not worth it. They may try to brainwash you, but more than that - it's not worth your immortal soul..

Speaking of your immortal soul. My book "Dear Franz" is available on iTunes for your little iPads and iPhones. And it's available for your little Kindle as well on Amazon.com