This is what cyber defamation looks like!

My stalker from Portland is at it again. *Yawn*

Cecil the Lion needs to have justice!

Photo Courtesy of theweek.co.uk

Cecil the lion was a celebrity among his fellow lions and needs justice for his murder! He was also the leader of his pride in which he fought so hard for. And was murdered by a dentist with a blood lust for hunting big animals. Do anyone ever think of the repercussions for what happens when they do that! NO! Because they only want a trophy! 

They don't care that they are either endangered or about to be endangered. Cecil was 1 of 20,000 lions in the wild and they will be soon endangered or almost extinct like the Rhinoceros and the Tigers as well. And its up to every one to stop this illegal hunting and everything because there will be no more Lions, Tigers, Rhinos  and other of God's amazing creations! These animals have feelings and lives too and just like many humans was murdered and never given a chance to live life to its fullest!

Here is a little bit about Cecil the Lion. He was studied by Oxford University in a part of a big study on lions and their habits and of their every day life so we can better understand them. Cecil and his brother had a huge fight over who was going to control the pride and Cecil lost and went on to form his own pride of about 20 lions. And every one would come to see Cecil and his pride to see the lions and everything. Cecil lived in Matabeleland North in Zimbabwe on the Hwange National Park. Cecil was born in 2002 and died at the young age of 12 to 13 years old.

Photo Courtesy of dailymail.co.uk 

Cecil was murdered on July 1st 2015 by a dentist named Walter Palmer from Minnesota. And by his horrendous actions of murdering Cecil the Lion the King of his pride of about 20 lions, has set off a global stir. the Zimbabwe Gov't has  urged the United States to have Walter Palmer extradited back to Zimbabwe for the punishment for his crimes. and the United nations has gotten involved in the this as well as the U.S. gov't and other agencies as well.  Celebrities have also gotten involved and there was also a petition for the President to get involved too with well over the necessary 100,000 signatures required for the petition as well! 

As a vegetarian thanks to my girlfriend Sarah, I have seen that the meat that we all eat has a direct impact on other animals and that the animals are just like us and have feelings and families and so forth. Sarah told me that you can get parasites from eating meat like tape worms and Trichinela  from pigs and also dont forget that flounders have parasites in them just like bears and so forth. And I did do my research and found this to be true as well.  But from switching over to being a vegetarian has greatly helped my over all health and has helped amazing gods creations live the life they deserve just like us. Thank you Sarah for helping me to change and be more healthy.

Also did you know that since Cecil the Lion the king of his pride was murdered that all his cubs will be killed by the new king of the Pride. Which will undoubtedly lower the amount of the over all Lion population!  Justice will be done and there will be no excuses!!  Check out these other links to find out more about the quest of justice for Cecil the Lion and updates in everything that is happening.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cecil_(lion)

http://www.cnn.com/2015/07/31/world/zimbabwe-cecil-lion-dentist/

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/07/28/minnesota-dentist-walter-james-palmer-cecil-lion-africa/30785881/

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/07/30/us/cecil-the-lion-walter-palmer.html?_r=0

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/speaking-of-science/wp/2015/07/30/u-s-officials-cant-find-the-dentist-who-killed-cecil-the-lion/

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/zimbabwe/11767119/Cecil-the-lions-killer-revealed-as-American-dentist.html

Photo Courtesy of dailymail.co.uk 

Photo Courtesy of valleynewslive.com

Also if you see the dentist Walter Palmer call the local law enforcement. Also I believe that he may have tried to go to Canada as well. Lets help to bring Cecil the Lion's ( Cecil Rhodes) killer to justice!! 

Photo Courtesy of theweek.co.uk

R.I.P. Cecil the Lion ( Cecil Rhodes ) 

You may be gone but will never be forgotten!!!! 

GNC has everything you need.

Everyone has at one point in time either has heard of GNC through a commercial, word of mouth, been in one of their stores or mini stores. But have you been to their web site? They have much more than what they have in the stores with better deals too, but you can also find a lot of really great deals in the stores too. 

If you go into the stores the sales associate has training and the knowledge to help you with what you need whether its to lose some weight, getting ripped, putting on muscle to helping you find the right supplement for you whether it's a pre-workout. post workout, vitamins, super foods and so forth. 

They have all the name brands of supplements like MuscleTech, Cellucor, Optimum Nutrition, BSN, and MusclePharm just to name a few. GNC also has their own line of supplements and vitamins for just about every need as well. When you go on their web site you can find some amazing things such as gifts with purchase, BOGO sales and even new products that you wont even find in the store as well. 

You can find daily deals and so forth too. They even have a section for pets too, which is amazing. You can find just about everything you need from work out equipment to shaker cups to you favorite supplements and vitamins too. GNC also has their website set up to where you can easily find everything as well. So go to their website and check it out.

BRUT, The 5 product review!

Photo By Joseph Valo III

I recently got Brut Aftershave, Cologne, and Splash On as well as two of the new Brut Deodorants, Stamina and Overdrive, for my birthday from my girlfriend Sarah. I'm going to do a review of all five of these amazing products.  Here is a little about the company that makes these amazing products.

Brute has been in business for over 40 years and was first launched in 1968 under Brut 33 by Faberge. With some rights purchased by Idelle Laboratory and is also a division under Helen Of Troy Limited. Brut is a house hold brand name that's known around the world with Joe Namath, Wilt Chamberlain, Mohammad Ali, and Hank Aaron as some of their past famous spokes people as well. And Brut has been living up to it's tagline, " The Essence of Man" for  over 40 years.

Photo By Joseph Valo 

  Brut Aftershave:We all know that the purpose is of the aftershave  is. But for those who don't know its to help close the pores in your skin, and helps to fight irritation of the skin. And also has some fragrance added as well too. When I first opened up the aftershave I could immediately smell that classic Brut smell and when I applied it to my face it had a burning sensation. But that is with all aftershaves because of alcohol and is disinfecting the shaven area as well. And then the burning sensation went away in a few seconds leaving my face feeling nice, smooth, and clean. You only need a little bit because a little goes a long way. The day after there was no irritation what so ever. And I'm extremely happy with this product. And there is a reason that Brute has been a house hold name for over 40 years!
Pros:  This product does what it says and is made of the most quality products and exceeded my expectations, Only need a little but and a little goes a long way. Easy to use. And has been around for over 40 years.
Cons: Due to the alcohol content do not use near an open flame.

Photo By Joseph Valo III

Brut Cologne: Everyone knows that classic Brut Cologne smell. And a little goes a long way! When Brute first released this amazing product it was known as  Brut 33 because the cheaper bottles only had 33% of the fragrance of the original product. Also described as "Lighter Fragrance" by the company too.  Also this product is a house hold name for over 40 years and still counting! When I opened the bottle The smell brought me back to when I was a little kid and smelling it for the first time. And I went and only put a little bit on my neck and wrists because you only need a little bit. And I'm extremely happy with this product because it lasts for hours and you only need a little bit.

Pros:  This product smells great and is long lasting. Made of the most quality ingredients. Only need a little because a little goes along way. And has been around for over 40 years. And easy to use too.
Cons: Due to the alcohol content do not use near an open flame.

Photo By Joseph Valo III

  Brut Splash On:  The Splash On is great for when you don't want the full strength of the Brut Cologne but you just want that subtle hint. You can put this on your body and all over to make you smell great as well. When I opened the bottle up I noticed the smell of the Brut Splash On wasn't as strong the Brut Cologne but only a toned down version of the cologne and that you can put is all over your body as well. And I put it on just like the cologne and I also used it like a body spray minus the pump for the spray!. There is a definite reason that Brut is a house hold name! Its a quality product with quality ingredients and they take pride in their product too!
Pros: The product is made with the most quality ingredients and long lasting. Not as strong as the Brut Cologne so you can have that subtle hint of that great smelling classic scent. Easy to use. And only need a little because a little goes a long way. You can put it all over your body.

Cons: Due to the alcohol content do not use near an open flame.


And now I want to talk about their new scents for underarm deodorant. They have 5 new ones and they are, Stamina, Overdrive, Black Ice,  Blue Wave and those are the 48 hour protection ones that will keep you dry and smelling great through the hottest of days and nights as well. And they have a 24 hour protection one that is Active Sport and you cannot leave out the Classic scent as well!!  So here are the 2 reviews for Brut Stamina and Brut Overdrive.

Photo By Joseph Valo III

Brut Stamina: Stamina is one of five new scents that bring a clean bold warm smell with that hint of the trademark scent of the Brut fragrance. They also coupled that with the new technology of making it last for Forty- Eight hours and provide you with the dryness and odor protection as well. When I opened the deodorant container the deodorant is white and has that clean warm bold smell like I said earlier. I applied it to my underarms and there is the white residue but that is the deodorant. It lasted for the full Forty-Eight hours too. I'm completely satisfied with this amazing product. But the only draw back is, that the deodorant is white and if you are wearing a black shirt the deodorant will make marks on the shirt if you are not careful.

Pros: Clean bold warm smell with that hint of the trademark scent of the Brut fragrance. Easy to use. Protects against odor and wetness for 48 hours. Has that hint of classic Brut scent.

Cons:  Deodorant is white and if you are wearing a black shirt the deodorant will make marks on the shirt if you are not careful.

Photo By Joseph Valo III

   Brut Overdrive:  Overdrive amazing product is also one of the new scents of deodorant from Brut that has the Forty-Eight hour protection from odor and wetness. This new deodorant has that clean, cool, bold smell with that hint of the classic Brut fragrance coupled with the technology to fight odor and sweat for Forty-Eight hours and this product does what it says! When I took the lid off of the deodorant the deodorant is white and if you wear a black shirt use caution because it will mark up the the black with the white deodorant. I noticed that like i said earlier it has a clean, bold, cool smell with that trademark scent of the Brute fragrance. And when I applied it to my underarms it went on nice and smooth abut left that white residue which is the deodorant. This amazing product does what it says, it kept me smelling great with no odor and no wetness from sweat.  I'm completely satisfied with this amazing product!

Pros: This product protects you against odor and wetness for an amazing 48 hours and has a clean cool smell with a hit of that classic Brute scent. Easy to use.

Cons: Deodorant is white and if you are wearing a black shirt the deodorant will make marks on the shirt if you are not careful.

In conclusion. I would recommend these Five amazing products from Brut to any man whether is family, friend or just some one off the street. And these products carry a house hold name that has been around for over 40 years! And these amazing products do what they say and I'm extremely pleased with the products. And I know that you will be too. Here is the link where you can find out more about the company and the amazing products in this review. www.brutworld.com  

BRUT, " The Essence Of Man"

Until next time, pay it forward and help one another.

Product Disclaimer: These said products were a gift from my girlfriend.

A Message from Whitney Houston and Bobbi Kristina Brown (Channel)

Today marks a tragic loss for the Brown family. Bobbi Kristina will be greatly missed but will be greatly remembered by all the great and wonderful memories of Bobbi Kristina and she is watching over her family and friends. Earlier this year I channeled Whitney Houston and Bobbi Kristina Brown. And you can check it out here. A Message from Whitney Houston and Bobbi Kristina Brown (Channel)

R.I.P. Bobbi Kristina Brown.

My stalker Michael Odegard just keeps on spewing more lies!

Michael Odegard is now messaging random people on Facebook saying that I am stalking him and there is a warrant out for my arrest. This man is mentally sick and an evident liar. Everything he has said is not true. I don't even live in Portland (never been there, as I have never been to the state of Oregon) and this guy still continues to lie about me and other people. I think it is official I have a cyberstalker and his name is Michael Coleman Odegard.

Joseph Valo III: What happened to Morgan Ingram?

Joseph Valo III: What happened to Morgan Ingram?: Joseph Valo III Morgan Ingram was murdered in December of 2011. I, Joseph Valo III, decided to use my abilities to see if I can f...

Review: Karuna Luxe Skin Restoring Treatment Mask and Skin Regenerating Neck Mask.

I want to take the time to talk about skin care again. And these 2 amazing products; Karuna Luxe Skin Restoring Treatment Mask and Karuna Luxe Skin Regenerating Neck Mask are amazing!!!! My amazing girlfriens got me these masks and I was eager to try them because I really wanted to put them through the test. These 2 amazing masks are 100% all natural masks and they are paraben free, have aloe vera and chamomile as well as other high quality ingredients too.  Now don't get me wrong, but men need to take care of their skin as well. So this can be used by both men and women as well.

Photo Courtesy of www.karunaskin.com

Karuna Luxe Skin Restoring Treatment Mask: First and foremost, this amazing mask does what it says! It hydrates, helps with the fine lines, detoxifies, helps to get rid of dehydration, dryness and flakiness as well as pampering your skin to it's finest with an added boost of Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Algae Extract, and Peptides to help hydrate, heal, detoxify and renew the skin.  Also this amazing mask has: coconut & bamboo water, sweet orange and pomegranate extracts, advanced hyaluronic acid and soothing probiotics that help increase the collagen production for your skin. 

When I opened up the package, the mask was neatly folded up and soaked in the serum. I did exactly that the instructions said to do. I went and unfolded it, took off the white backing, adjusted the mask to fit. Then I removed the blue backing and smoothed out the mask. Relaxed and waited until the mask turned from translucent to a white color, took off the mask, And WOW! to my surprise I seen a definite difference!!  The; fine lines were gone, my face felt hydrated, felt smooth and cool as well. Also that another thing I love about this mask is the cooling sensation that it had. My skin has that healthy glow about it that I haven't seen for a while. 

Photo Courtesy of www.karunaskin.com

Karuna Luxe Skin Regenerating Neck Mask: This mask is a little different in this way, it helps to regenerate skin around your neck area. This amazing mast has Kendi Oil that hydrates and soothes the skin, Oat Kernal Oil that can help to reduce inflammation & redness, Sea Buckthorn to help the skin to look and appear visibly younger, Bio-Cellulose to help repair the tissue of the skin. This mask does more that a clay or gel mask too! this mask supports skin recovery, deeply conditions the skin, and helps to promote smoother, softer, and hydrated skin. This mask can also be used by both men and women too. 

When I opened up the package the mask was neatly folded up and soaked in the serum. I did exactly that the instructions said to do. I unfolded the mask, took off the white backing, adjusted the mask to fit and then I removed the blue backing. after that I went and smoothed out the mask. Then relaxed and waited until the mask to dry. Then I took off the mask and to my surprise I seen a definite difference!! WOW!!! My skin looked rejuvenated, hydrated, visibly younger, smooth and softer!  This mask does exactly what is says!!

Pros: Hydrates, helps with the fine lines, detoxifies, gets rid of dehydration and dry & flakiness skin, repairs the tissue of the skin to promote smoother, softer skin, reduces inflammation & redness, heals, and renew the skin

Cons: Must read the entire label to see if you are allergic to anything. 

In conclusion, these masks are amazing and do exactly what they say they do! I would recommend these masks to anyone who whats health great looking skin and family and friends as well. And just remember, that skincare is just not only for women but its for men too. Here is a link to Karuna Luxe Skin Restoring Treatment Mask, here is the link to Karuna Luxe Skin Regenerating Neck Mask. Make sure you go and see what other amazing skincare products karunaskin.com, also I hear that they are now offering free shipping on orders over $50.00. 

Until next time, remember that skincare is not just for women its for men too

Product Disclaimer: The said products above were a gift from my girlfriend.

Question of the Day: What is your favorite TV show?

Q: Hey Joe. I am a big fan of your blog and what it represents. I really enjoyed your story about overcoming struggle and how you lost 70 pounds. It is one of my favorites. I want to know, what is your favorite TV show?

First, I just want to say thank you. That means a lot that you are inspired by my story. Thank you for your question. It's a good question. I have a lot of favorites so I can't choose just one. I love Ancient Aliens, Forged in Fire, Hanger One, on the History Channel. I love watching Animal Planet because my girlfriend is addicted to it. I also like My cat from hell, I really like Breaking Bad and the spinoff show, Better Call Saul. And I see Better Call Saul getting a bunch of Emmy's as well because its just as good as Breaking Bad.  It depends on my mood. But I usually tend to watch the History channel and the Animal Planet the most. Also I just want to add that, if you put your mind to it, have that drive and motivation, you can achieve what ever you set out to accomplish. For me it was to lose 70 pounds and do a lifestyle change. 

Question of the Day: Why is Michael Odegard saying you are stalking him?

Q: Hi Joe. How are you? I was listening to episode 12 of Sword & Scale and I cannot help but notice that Boudet allowed a man named Michael Odegard from Portland to libel you and your girlfriend. You could tell he was lying by what he said, but my question for you is, why is he saying you are stalking him?

This man, out of the blue, decided he was going to lie about me, slander me, and as you stated, libel me simply because I recorded a podcast telling the truth defending myself and my girlfriend. In the podcast, I simply told the truth and exposed his lies for what they are, lies. You can listen to the podcast here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0nctMBJV5s. After the podcast, he created multiple hate blogs about me and tried to perpetuate the idea that I am conspiring with Brian Mann (a guy from Portland, who I have never met mind you) to ruin his life. He is trying to cover up the fact he is a liar by painting me as a stalker. It doesn't bother me because I know it is not true. He also knows it is not true. He's just saying it for his 15 minutes of fame. He's also trying to blame his lack of success on me simply because I defended myself from his lies, as well. So in the end of everything, it is unemployed 40+ year old Michael Coleman Odegard from Portland, Oregon who is stalking me, stalking my girlfriend, and stalking the other people he lies about including Brian Mann.

Question of the Day: What is the name of your new band?

Q: I read on Facebook that you stared a new band with Sarah Afshar. I've heard Sarah sing and she sounds like Etta James and has a completely different sound to the lead singer of Gods and Aliens who sounds kind of like Josh Todd. My question for you Joe is, what is the name of your new band and what is the sound like? Is it similar to GnA?

Hi. The name of the band is Unchained Echo and as of right now, it's more of a dynamic duo, so it isn't a band, but I guess can be considered one since there is more than just one person. It is completely different. Unchained Echo is a combination of several different things. A little bit of rock, a little bit of soul, some industrial, some blues, some trance, and more. Gods and Aliens is more of a classic rock, coverage, bar friendly kind of band. Unchained Echo is nothing like you have heard. It's more innovative, more modern, and mixes several genres and uses more than just a guitar and a set of drums. We released a demo song called "Golpari" which was composed, written, performed, and produced by us and it gained attention by several of our fans from Iran during the Persian New Year, Norooz. We are hoping to re-record this tune in a studio soon along with our other originals. Unchained Echo is nothing that you have heard before. I think most people will love us, but there will be a few that will hate us which is good because it is better than being boring. We are working on some real cool stuff right now so stay tuned for that. Thanks for your question.

Question of the Day: Who is your celebrity crush?

Q: Joe, I am curious. I read on a website that you had a crush on Kate Upton. Is this true? Who is your celebrity crush?

Honestly, that is not true. Someone is either impersonating me or just assuming that. I think Kate Upton is very average looking. I really don't have a crush right now because I am with the most beautiful woman in the world. Before I was with Sarah though, my crush was Kim Kardashian and it is because she reminded me a lot of Sarah. The Kim Kardashian 4-5 years ago was very attractive. I remember being at the gym at the fire department in McKees Rocks working out and the Keeping Up With The Kardashian show came on TV. My first thought was "is that Sarah?" when I first saw Kim. I have to admit, I have a thing for Middle Eastern women. I will say this. although I have blue eyes, I am not into women with light eyes. Just isn't my thing. Persian women are the hottest and I have always leaned towards the big, dark exotic eyes. I also love women who are short and curvy and have weight in all of the right places. Sarah is everything I want, need, and desire in a woman. She is not only strikingly stunning, but she's intelligent, classy, compassionate, and very talented too. She always puts others before her and always loves helping other people. She helped me many times including in recent years when I was at my lowest. I have never met a woman with such determination, spirit, and fire like my girlfriend. I have known Sarah for 18 years and in my 37 years of living, I have never met a woman at all like her.

One thing to say.

In my pod cast about band bullying, I never mentioned any names of the former band mates and yet he goes and starts crap with me because I was raising awareness for that. Here is the link to the pod cast as I have only One thing to say.

http://mbasman23.tumblr.com/post/110138040023/this-is-one-thing-i-have-to-say

My experience with Band Bullying.

Here is a pod cast I did on band bullying. and the pod cast speaks for it's self. So, here is a link to it and check it out.

http://mbasman23.tumblr.com/post/110050449178/mbasman23-my-experience-with-band-bullying

Question of the Day: How do you know Michael Odegard?

Q: Hi Joe. My name is Emily. I was listening to the Sword & Scale podcast and a man by the name of Michael Odegard came on. I really didn't see his connection to the entire Toni Ingram saga, so I thought it was just weird. I know that Mike tried to interview you for the podcast. I have to ask, how do you know Michael Odegard? How does your girlfriend Sarah Afshar know him?

Hello Emily. Thanks for the question. Michael Odegard has no connection to Toni Ingram or anyone for that matter. He simply wanted his 15 minutes of fame to blame his lack of success on my girlfriend and others who simply ignore his lunacy. I put out the podcast with actual proof, evidence that he was the one cyberstalking and bullying my girlfriend and me for defending her.

My girlfriend has no clue who Michael Odegard is. She has never talked to him. He has, however, talked to her mother. When her mother was single, her mother recently told both Sarah and I that she did talk to him in a Star Wars chatroom back in 2002. They were friends for only a few months. After noticing Odegard's outre behavior, she stopped talking to him completely that same year and cut all ties with the man completely. Everything he said on the podcast about Sarah is a boldface lie, as everything he has said about me is a lie. I never met the guy in my life. The only thing I am guilty of is defending myself from his allegations against me and my girlfriend.

I have no idea how he even made the connection that I am conspiring with Brian Mann to ruin his life. Like I said previously, the man is blaming his failures on me and anyone who speaks out against him. I never met Brian Mann in my life. I didn't even know who he was until Odegard tried to perpetuate the idea that we are both part of some plan to ruin his life. I never talked to the guy. I filed several police reports against Odegard for harassment. I allowed the police to listen to the voicemails that I received from his phone number along with various from Portland including the state hospital. Odegard visits mental health on a regular basis and has bragged about how he would come up with multiple syndromes using people's names including my name and my girlfriend Sarah Afshar's name. With that said, the police attempted to call the Portland police and the Portland police said they could not find Odegard at the address on file.

Michael Odegard has made hate blogs about me and tried to connect me to Brian Mann. I have never been to Portland at all, let alone the state of Oregon. He claims that I have stalked him when we both were in high school. Michael Odegard is in his 40s. I just turned 37 last month. How on earth could we be in the same grade unless he flunked several? The man graduated in the early 90s and there is record he started PSU when I was still in high school. In fact, I graduated in the mid-to-late 90s. The ideas this guy comes up with to lie and discredit people is as sinister as his political rants against police and Republicans. I think if you put a gun in this guy's hand, you are looking at the next Michael Meyers. With that said, everything Odegard said about me is not true and I have no clue who this guy is.

As for appearing on Sword & Scale, both of us have been busy with a lot and by the time we were interested, the podcast was already published. I know that Boudet has made some contact since, but we haven't been in communication with him. To be honest, when we were first approached about it, we really didn't know what to think because there is still no justice for Morgan Ingram or her family. We both want to appear on Sword & Scale because what Mayra and Odegard said is untrue and we want Boudet to hear our side of the story. We really have no opinion of Boudet. We know he is good as what he does and is all about the ratings, so we are hoping in the future Boudet will give us a chance to hear our side of the story.

Thanks again for your question.

My lowest in life.

Hello everyone. How are you? It's been a while since I wrote a blog that had some meaning, some substance. Well, tonightI am going to do just that. I have had my highs and my lows in life, but several years ago I really hit rock bottom when I joined a band called Gods n Aliens. How everything came about was, when I was searching for places to play in the area open mic, I discovered this local joint called the Revolutionaries Café. The place was pretty much a dive, but it was something to do when I wasn't working making endless subs at the local sub shop just down the road.

When I played open mic, I filled in occasionally for different musical acts that would frequent this place. As time went on, I was approached by the co-owner of this place to become a bass player of the band. I jumped at the opportunity. After all, I love being on stage. There is something gratifying about playing for other people and what else can I say? I love music and any opportunity involving music is an opportunity that interests me.

In 2011, is when I met Andy. Andy was a suave, stern, artistic guy. Sort of a free spirit, he was really nice in the beginning. He persuaded me to take the opportunity. I also met Guy. The guy's name is Guy and he was the guitar player. He was a true talent. Kind of a classic guitar player who was all about the music. These two men made me believe that the band was going somewhere and that the opportunity was just getting started. So, what did I do? I took the opportunity because I loved playing on stage.

I noticed some minor things, but overlooked them because I wanted to be a part of something great. As time went on, one of the band members ended up getting addicted to drugs. Not just any, but heroin and I witnessed a lot of highs and lows with him. He didn't last long, but he ended up getting help and decided to come back. We went on tour, but it was a joke because we were broke. The money we did have was minimal, so there was a budget. At the time, I was smoking cigarettes and eating enough for 10 people, so this wasn't a good lifestyle for me. During the tour, I was falsely accused of taking money that I never took. I was ganged up on. I was pretty much the guy everyone bullied. The fill out drummer actually came to me and told me that I should quit because music isn't for everyone and I wasn't doing anything to help the band. Nice guy right? The guy was a has been in his 50s, so his words of wisdom really meant nothing and still doesn't. I am only sharing it because it's part of the story. Lol.

The tour was a nightmare, but I put up with it because at the time I had no money, barely any friends (except people far far away), and I knew no one in Georgia. I cut ties from those that mattered. After begging my mother for money, she couldn't lend me any because she didn't have it, I just gave up on myself and just went with it. I put up with being bullied simply because I was too weak and didn't care about myself to even give in to what was happening. I was always being insulted. My band members never cared either. They knew I was at my lowest, but they never helped me. Why is that? Fast forward a few months, I ended up making terrible choices. I hooked up with a bar hag who stalks me still to this day, I ripped my pants and everything was hanging out. No one said anything to me, but laughed that I was humiliating myself. I was the punchline to their jokes. And when they would compliment me, they would follow with an insult. The lead singer did this to me often. I drank so much that I shit myself on stage. You would think that these band members who claim they care would actually help me out of this mess? Well, they didn't.

Last night I was bombarded with messages that I am being attacked again. In fact, here is the screenshot that was sent to me:

This picture is going around. It's going around the internet because one of the band members decided to take a dip at me for no reason at all. I guess he believes I am still the same person in the photo, which is sad. This was taken in 2012 and I was at my lowest, as you can kind of tell by the image. I mean, look at me? That is a person in need of help. I will admit, I lead a lifestyle that I would wish on no one. On top of drinking a 30 pack of beer a day, I was taking 50 mg of Trazadone and 40 mg of Paxil. Instead of feeling happy, I was depressed. I had no job and really no motivation at all. In the picture, I look like a nightmare. Why? Because I was living one. I was living a nightmare. I did not care about myself or my life at. So, in early 2013, I attempted suicide. I did not succeed. I overdosed on pills. I thought it would solve everything and I just thought the world would be better without me. I had no purpose. As I cried myself into oblivion praying to God that if someone loved me, they would help me, that is when Sarah Afshar came back into my life.

You see, at this time, Sarah and I were just friends. We connected in 2011, but we spoke sporadically because of the distance between us. At the time, Sarah was living in Dillon, MT and I was at in McKees Rocks, PA. We talked about getting back together for years, but she always sort of shot me down and told me she just wanted to be friends because she was too busy for a relationship. When Sarah contacted me, it was as if God answered my prayers. Sarah is seriously an angel in disguise. Why? Because she saved my life.

As I confided into her about what was going on, she told me the truth. She also gave me an ultimatum which literally saved my life. She said "Joe, it is either them or me?" That is when I realized there is just no way I would ever choose anyone over Sarah, so I did what any man would do and took her advice. When I didn't look back at those people, cut them out of my life, and not even thought twice about living that lifestyle again, I could feel myself changing. The change was real. I had more motivation and on top of that, I had direction. The good kind, not the bad kind. Instead of having direction towards the local bar, I had direction to better my life. I was unemployed and ended up getting and working a stable, full-time job where I helped other people. I met new friends, as well. It is a great feeling and I am loving how my life has turned out.

In the end, Sarah is the reason why I am at my highest and it is because of her, I realize who I am as a person and my worth. In the end, I am worth something and the changes I made are real. When I look at the picture above, I can't believe I ever let myself go, but I don't see myself as that person in the picture anymore. The point I am making is, if you are at your lowest and feel like giving up on your life, just remember there is always someone out there that will give you that motivation, that little helping hand of tough love to get you going. That angel in disguise will also push you in the direction you are meant to go.

In this case, my angel is Sarah Afshar. Sarah, I cannot say thank you enough. I love you more than you know. I do believe Sarah is responsible for my change, but I will say that I changed my life for the better and as for those people from my past who continue to talk about me and belittle me for being depressed and at my lowest, I am living in the present. The Joe Valo 3, 4, and even 5 years ago is not the same Joe Valo now. I am happy and I am living my life. If I can do it, you can too.

Experience with Michael Odegard

More from the man from Portland who I have never met.

Is Michael Odegard drunk or just so obsessed with me that he failed to read what he typed before hitting submit? The guy just won't stop. Still trying to understand how I can conspire with someone whom I have never met. With that said, I have filed multiple police reports and have case numbers to back it up which leads me to ask, who is stalking who?

Review of Dr.Jart+ Pore Minimalist Mask

Being a man, we have bigger pores than women, So we have to make sure the skin is cleansed and our pores are unclogged. When the pores get clogged you can get infected hairs, pimples boils and so forth. But there are products out there to help us to deal with this problem.

Most men look at masks as an unmanly thing. but the reality of this is that the skin is the largest organ of the body. So, what all can we do? Well, other than washing with soap and water and doing the skincare routine (cleanse, exfoliate, and apply the serums and then the moisturizers), you can use masks. And they do work as well. So this brings me in this review. I was in that mindset where, "that masks are for women" but I was wrong and my girlfriend Sarah, showed me the importance of skin care.

So here is the review, Dr.Jart+ Pore Minimalist Black charcoal sheet mask.  You can find this amazing mask at Sephora for a single use mask its $7.50 and a box of 5 is $35.00. This mask is good for large pores, excess sebum and pimples. You can use this amazing product anytime and it also detoxes you skin with the charcoal in the mask and draws out the things that clogs pores. This had activated charcoal spearmint extract and arginine as well. All you do is take it out of the package and carefully unfold it and put it on your face and smooth out the mask and leave it on for about 15 - 20 minutes and then just massage the excess serum in your face and hand.

When I first opened the package I noticed that it was neatly folded and soaked in the serum and that the mask was black with the charcoal, and no the charcoal don't rub off on the skin. I went and put the mask on and it felt cold and wet when I put the mask on. Then I smoothed out the edges. and I noticed that the mask didn't stick to my facial hair. I left it on for 20 minutes and in that time at first it felt a little tingly cold. the mask formed to my face and felt great. I know that my skin after I took the mask off felt smooth and was glowing and also that the pores were not as noticeable too and also not that oily as well.

Pros: Helps clean pores, closes pores and helps with the oils on your face, hypoallergenic, makes your skin smooth. And both men and women can use this product. Helps with blemishes, Paraben, Sulfate, Phthalate free. Clearer, healthier complexion. Dermatologist tested.

Cons: You must read everything on the label. And if you have facial hair and you want the full effect you need to shave.

I would recommend this product to anyone one who wants to have great looking skin and small pores and healthy looking skin too. In closing, this product does what it says and is a great quality product. And I cannot stress that skin care is not only for women but for men as well. And Also of you want to see what all other products are from Dr.Jart+ just visit there website at http://us.drjart.com/products

Until next time think positive and pay it forward.


Product Disclaimer: The said product is a Birthday Gift from my girlfriend.