Who is this guy?

Does anybody really know James Arthur Ray?  Who do you think he is?  It's time for you to sound off on your take on James Arthur Ray's 411.
Be sure to take the poll at the bottom of the page. Sorry ... I tried posting it in other places but it didn't quite work there.

The James Arthur Ray Legal Dream Team

That James Arthur Ray has too many attorneys would be an understatement. I mean how many lawyers does one man need? Especially if he's innocent? In Mr Ray's case obviously a LOT. But then James Arthur Ray is more special than most, which might explain his need for more special representation.

I still can't figure out how he manages to pay for all this more special representation ::: Kind'a boggles the mind actually ::: but I'm sure they aren't representing him on a more special pro bono basis.

Munger, Tolles & Olson have been James Arthur Ray's representative for some time. Who could forget Lawyer Brad Brian's interview on Larry King after the deaths of Kirby Brown, James Shore and Liz Neuman. It sort'a kind'a pissed off Yavapai County, who quickly placed a gag order on ANYONE with a desire for more special conversations with Larry King and/or other media coverage fame.



Munger, Tolles & Olsen currently employs 193 lawyers ::: that's a lot of fire power for one firm. Munger, Tolles & Olson Company Profile - Recruitment Page ::: anyone need a job?

Four of James Arthur Ray's lawyers Brad Brian [above], Luis Li, Truc T Do, and Miriam Sheifter [below left to right].

Click on any of the photos below to be directed to their Munger, Tolles & Olsen Bio page. These three are all amazingly qualified and astonishingly well educated individuals.

Remember James Arthur Ray's infamous White Papers?

You can download the PDF files here. Warning, these things are LONG.

White Paper 1
White Paper 2




Question: How do a bunch of California based lawyers get to practice law in Arizona?
Answer: Lawyers are admitted on a temporary basis as pro hac vice.

Question: How does an out of state lawyer apply for pro hac vice?
Answer: A nonresident attorney desiring to appear as counsel pro hac vice must comply with Rule 38(a), Arizona Rules of the Supreme Court.

They must complete a pro hac vice form and send it ::: along with the required fees ::: to the State Bar of Arizona.

James Arthur Ray's Arizona Area Lawyers

Daniel (Dan) C. Barr
Partner / Perkins Coie

has more than 20 years of experience in the areas of civil litigation, media law and employment litigation. He works with numerous clients, including Qwest Communications, Belo Corp., Freedom Communications, the Arizona Daily Star, and the First Amendment Coalition of Arizona, Inc.

Thomas K. Kelly, P.C.
425 E Gurley
Prescott, AZ 86301-0001

Certified Specialist, Criminal Law




Of James Arthur Rays entire defense team ::: I like Tom Kelly best. While I don't exactly like who he's defending ::: or some of his legal tactics ::: but you gott'a admire the guy.

The following information was taken from one of Tom Kelly's websites.

Tom Kelly was born and raised in Prescott, Arizona. After graduating from NAU with a degree in zoology and chemistry, Tom worked in a variety of fields. Prior to attending law school he worked as a union ironworker helping construct high-rise buildings and bridge decks, as a high school teacher and coach helping educate young people in science and athletics and, working as a U.S. Forest Service Hotshot, Tom spent years helping suppress wild-land fires throughout the western U.S. This work experience has proved to be a valuable asset to the practice of criminal law.

This wide range of life experience helps Tom to better understand the complexities of problems facing his clients as well as understanding human behavior as it relates to criminal law. The diversity of his experience has helped Mr. Kelly understand the importance of witness integrity, attorney credibility and juror comprehension during trials. The end result has been a significant level of professional success as a trial attorney.

Realizing the importance of contributing time and energy to his home town, Tom has participated in numerous volunteer activities. Currently as a member of the “sheriff’s posse” Tom spends considerable time with the posse raising money for college scholarships for local high-school students. Past volunteer activities range from spending six years as an elected board member and president of Prescott Unified School District, coaching a variety of youth athletics, and volunteering legal services to local veterans and high school students. Tom serves as adjunct professor teaching law classes at Yavapai Community College.

Tom is married to Tamra Kelly. As the parents of six children, their greatest love is their family. The Kelly family enjoys to traveling and outdoor activities ranging from river running to skiing. In addition, the Kelly’s maintain a sizeable herd of cattle on public desert wilderness lands. When not practicing law, Tom is working cattle with his family, participating in a wide-range of outdoor activities, or traveling.

Just another Manic [James Ray] Monday ...

Sometimes I wonder if James Arthur Ray ever thinks about what he's posting ... let alone WHY he posts the stuff he does. I mean sometimes his tweets reads like they're written in some sort of code.

The Devil and Merriam-Webster.com
definitions posted below come from Merriam Webster.com

Since there's no trial on today ::: and I'm a little bored ::: I thought I'd take a deeper look at two of the inane tweets James Arthur Ray left on Twitter today.

Release from any life challenge or problem lies through it, not away from it. The only way to get beyond it is to go through it.
@JamesARay April 25, 2011 3pm PST

The word release can mean a number of things ...

Definition of RELEASE - transitive verb

1: to set free from restraint, confinement, or servitude <release hostages> <release pent-up emotions> <release the brakes>; also : to let go : dismiss <released from her job>

2: to relieve from something that confines, burdens, or oppresses released from her promise>

3: to give up in favor of another : relinquish <release a claim to property>

4: to give permission for publication, performance, exhibition, or sale of; also : to make available to the public released its findings> <release a new movie>

It appears that our friend Mr Ray is talking about getting away from or letting go of one's problems, which he also defines as a "life Challenge". The problem (pun intended) is, there's a bit of a difference between problems and challenges.

I know you think you understand what you thought you heard me say but you misunderstood.

Yeah, I know that the word challenge is a synonym for problem ... and one could argue that I'm splitting hairs over syntax. (another word Mr Ray redefined for his own personal use)

However, Mr Ray constantly substitutes words we would normally use with words having similar ::: but not quite the same ::: meanings ::: often mixing things up so much that the true meaning is lost. A process also known as Reframing (A Neuro-linguistic programming method) not to be confused with Word Salad a symptom of mental illness.

In this Tweet Mr Ray says two different things ... in the same paragraph ... wanting us to believe they make one cohesive and comprehensive statement. Which they do not.

TALK ABOUT CONFUSING THE ISSUE. First he says that the solution to problems lies through it, not away from it ::: which is really confusing.

The problem is you don't know what he means by "through it". Does he mean the experience of going through a problem, or that the problem somehow supplies it's own solution to the problem? Neither of which make a whole lot of sense when taken in context with the rest of his post.

Also you have to wonder what he means by "not away from it". What does "it" mean? Does he mean you need to face your problems ::: because he's sure not big on facing his. But then what do I know.

Going on to the last sentence of his statement. Would Mr Ray have us believe that the only way to get beyond a problem is to go through it? (Again ::: what does "it" mean) An ambiguous statement if ever there was one. How does one "get beyond" or "go through" a problem? [shaking head and blinking eyes in confusion]

Generally speaking, problems aren't things we get beyond or go through. Problems are usually situations ::: sometimes difficult or life threatening ::: which need to be faced, looked into the eye and dealt with as they arise.

Mr Rays last post, makes perfect sense. Too bad he never takes his own advice.

Only when you are accountable for everything in your life can you be responsible to change or control your life - The Science of Success...
@JamesARay April 25, 2011 4:30pm PST





James Ray: So who do we have on the line, I apologize I don’t have the name…but I know you are holding?

Dan Harris: Hi James. My name is Dan Harris, I am from ABC News. And my question is, If the Law of Attraction really works — and you know how to use it, why have so many bad things happened to you and your followers?

James Ray: Well, you know Dan, um, Mickey, I think we need to flush Dan right, right on down the stream, because, um, that’s — that’s not something that we are going to talk to here. And if you had been following along, you would recognize that part of going down the stream is getting in the rapids.

Easter: A time for Gratitude and Renewal

A Story about Friendship ...

In June of 2005 I'd just been released from ICU. I could barely walk, I'd feel faint and my heart hammered every time I stood up ::: I didn't know why. It would be five more years before I learned I have Dysautonomia ::: and how to live with it.

Insanely worried, and stressed practically to the point of immobility ::: I sat down at my piano and played. Fruit-loop that I am ::: I got the wild idea to videotape myself while playing. I was bald at the time ::: which should give an idea of how much of a fruit-loop.

I mean what type of crazy woman would videotape herself after all her hair fell out?!

Eventually I merged photos, this video along with a song I wrote for Cameron into a sort'a kind'a video thank you note. Cameron Charles Switzer ::: a musician / welder ::: who saved my life.

I met Cameron Switzer almost a decade ago. We were both into music and corresponded on the web a long time before meeting and becoming friends.

In 2004, I'd told my family I wanted to die. No more hospitals ::: no more doctors ::: no more fear. In February of that year, when I was near death Cameron showed up at my home ::: he later told me he'd had a bad feeling.

He'd driven well over an hour to my house ::: where he found me alone unconscious on the floor of my office. He packed a bag ::: told my husband I was NOT going to die ::: and took me to his home. That night he literally saved my life when I went into respiratory arrest.

Cameron cared for me for almost 9 months, helping me relearn how to walk, sit up and move around ::: with out terror welling up inside me.

He set up my keyboard next to my bed and encouraged me to sit up and play. At first I could only play a few minutes at a time. Gradually as my strength and stamina returned ::: he pushed my physical limits even further ::: encouraging me to perform (with him) as a member of the Los Angeles Scottish Fiddlers. (The most amazing group people I've ever met)

Eventually Cameron also helped me reconnect with the technical part of music, and encouraged me to start composing again ::: the old fashioned way. It was because of Cameron I again learned to read and write music.

I composed this song in Spring of 2004, during the 9 months he cared for me. I finished the final score during the Summer of 2007. This song is dedicated to the memory of a special person and what was once amazing friendship.

Once in a Life
by Jeanne Barkemeijer de Wit


While Cameron is no longer a part of my life, I will be forever grateful for having known him.

Links to Cameron Charles Switzer

Cameron's Facebook Page
Cameron's Myspace Artist's Page
Cameron's Photographer's Page

Life and Death in el Valle de los Ángeles

On April 22, Ms Do ::: one of James Arthur Ray's army of defense attorneys attempted to take apart Michael Hamilton. It was painful to watch and agonizing to hear.

Michael Hamilton seems like a genuine, well meaning and sincere man. Michael Hamilton and Angel Valley had a seven year history with James Arthur Ray. James Ray used to speak about Angel Valley and the Hamiltons in glowing terms. Michael Hamilton ::: went out of his way to supply James Arthur Ray ::: excuse me ::: James Ray International ::: with everything he/they requested. (big mistake ::: but who knew)

Fast forward October 2009 ::: dozens of people were injured during a sweat lodge (heat endurance event) held on the last day of JRI's Spiritual Warrior event. Three people died as a result of the extreme heat in the sweat lodge. Eventually James Arthur Ray was charged with three counts of Manslaughter. (Thank you God)

As if three people dying because of James Arthur Ray's neglect isn't bad enough ::: he is now in the process of blaming those deaths on EVERYTHING and ANYTHING else BUT HIS ACTIONS. So much for personal accountability or living an honorable life!

I get the fact that James Arthur Ray is scared and overwhelmed. (I don't really care, but I get it.) He fucked up (don't usually use that term, but I believe it's appropriate here) in a phenomenally and incomprehensibly bad way. He should be scared.

James Arthur Ray permanently messed up the lives of a whole lot of people, AND THOSE ARE JUST THE PEOPLE WHO SURVIVED! While killing three people in the process ... and messing up the lives of ALL the victim's friends and their families.

It takes an especially talented (translation: deviant) person to facilitate the staggering amount of pathos, chaos, pain, suffering and death, James Arthur Ray managed to pull off during Spiritual Warrior 2009. I won't even mention the other person who died or the dozens of people who suffered shattered bones and other fun wounds at some of his other events.

Now a reasonable person ::: you know the type ::: someone with a conscience , let alone a sense of right and wrong ::: would have done everything in their power to make things right. Actually ANYONE with half a brain would have stopped the sweat lodge THE INSTANT they heard people were in physical distress.

MEMO to James Arthur Ray: vomiting, passing out, having convulsions, and DYING is NOT normal healthy behavior under ANY circumstance.

Actually a reasonable person wouldn't even have thought of exposing ANYONE to the level of heat and humidity James Arthur Ray did for over two hours!!! A reasonable person wouldn't have forced people to NOT DRINK or EAT for 36 hours BEFORE the sweat lodge ::: while sitting exposed ALONE in the high desert.

All of which sort'a kind'a makes one realize that James Arthur Ray never was ::: or ever will be ::: a reasonable and honorable person. (DUH)

Now James Arthur Ray (our new age wunder kind) is blithely tossing everyone who ever helped him or worked with him during Spiritual Warrior under the proverbial bus. INCLUDING THOSE WHO HELPED KEEP PEOPLE ALIVE!

If this is how James Arthur Ray treats his friends and business partners ::: heaven help his enemies.

Michael and Amayra Hamilton had a dream :::

In April of 2002 Michael and Amayra Hamilton discovered "Deer Pass Ranch". This ranch is located in a isolated and picturesque valley close to Sedona, surrounded by mountains. Michael says that he and his wife Amayra "just felt it, knew it: This was going to be their new place, the temple in nature that they had been dreaming of."

"They felt it was Archangel Michael, who had been their inspiration for their work at "Michael's Vision" [1] since 1997, who now invited them to embark on this adventure, a project bigger than either of them had ever undertaken. It could not possibly be done in the traditional way. Divine assistance was required." [2]

The Hamiltons eventually purchased "Deer Pass Ranch" and renamed it "Angel Valley." That was before they met an Angel of Death name James Arthur Ray who talked them into building a ginormous sweat lodge on their property. Michael Hamilton had a bad feeling about building one that big ::: suffice it to say ::: he should have followed his instincts.

That said it wasn't the size of the sweat lodge which killed or maimed ::: it was the insane heat and duration of the sweat ::: along other contributing factors like dehydration, fatigue and other nasty stuff foisted on the participants by James Arthur Ray. Oh and an other minor detail ::: when people started getting ill and dying ::: James Arthur Ray did NOTHING.

Now the Hamiltons are struggling to keep Angel Valley afloat. It seems as if everything James Arthur Ray touches turns to you-know-what. Michael's wife Amayra testifies next. My heart goes out to her and the rest of the witnesses yet to testify.

1. Angel Valley Website
2. Michael's Vision - Angel Valley's Website

Demons in our Midst

James Arthur Ray is an empty soulless man who appears to enjoy causing others to suffer.

Yeah ... I've read the statistics showing that 90 percent of those abused go on to become abusers. Which most likely means ::: somewhere down the road ::: some well meaning individual will go on record to state they believe James Arthur Ray was abused.

Millions of people have survived abuse of one type or another. Not all abused people end up hurting others. The 10 percent that DON'T hurt others made a choice to grow beyond their past.

Which gets me to my next point ::: it really doesn't matter if :::

::: James Arthur Ray was or wasn't abused.
~ not all of those abused become abusers ~

::: is a sociopath, narcissist, malignant sociopath.
~ not all sociopaths end up charged with manslaughter ~

::: suffers from any of a dozen different personality disorders.
~ people with personality disorders can lead normal lives ~

::: is eventually diagnosed as being mentally ill.
~ most mental illness is treatable ~

When all is said is done ::: we ::: all of us ::: have free will to choose the way we live our lives.

James Arthur Ray made a conscious decision to:
cause pain
bully
steal
lie
maim
K I L L

The Truth is Out There

::: it's just sad 4 people had to die before people learned who James Arthur Ray really was.

My Journey to the Truth

I've been trying to figure out what makes James Arthur Ray tick for years. I met him briefly in 2007 at the end of a free seminar he had given at the Anaheim Marriott. One moment I was happy, the next (after meeting James) I was in a wild panic and frantically suicidal. After JAR hurled insults at me and literally screamed me down in front of a room full of people.

Here's the kicker ::: I'm not that easy to insult ::: trust me. I was also NOT suicidal and had NEVER done an emotional 180 like that in my life. The fact that mere words, from a man I had never met and I didn't know ::: could put me that close to the edge ::: filled me with horror.

Weeks later, when my depression finally lifted ::: I began reading everything I could on Sociopathic, Narcissistic and psychopathic behavior (that's a LOT of books). And I searched the web for everything I could on who James Arthur Ray really was, and what made him tick.

One of the first places I located was the Rick A. Ross Institute. (A great resource)

I eventually became active in one of their Cult Education Forums. In particular "James Arthur Ray - 2 die at Arizona retreat's sweat lodge"

I advise anyone who has not already read the Rick Ross forum on James Arthur Ray to click the link above. It points to the first page, which shows how Rick Ross exposed JAR while Oprah and others were building him up.

The second place I located was The Salty Droid. I can't say enough good things about this site. [insert voice of voice of Nell Fenwick -of Rocky and Bullwinkle fame- saying "My Hero"]

Operated by a real live lawyer ::: who fearlessly chases down perpetrators of evil like James Arthur Ray, Frank Kern, Sean McAlister, James Malinchak, etc., etc., etc., then exposes the truth to all via "Salty", his friendly droid robot and numerous videos.

The wonderful people operating these sites have done much to help me (and countless others) understand how and why people like James Arthur Ray are able to maneuver and hurt people.

While I'm sure he'll keep on selling, twittering inane BS, and attempting to lead people ::: for all ostensive purposes, James Arthur Ray's career as a guide, teacher and healer is over. The only question remaining is if a jury will find him guilty of manslaughter X3. If not, well, I don't want to go down that road. Karma is Karma, and James Arthur Ray has earned a shit pile.

Sadly, the next James Arthur Ray is already out there ::: waiting to take his place. Hopefully, when that person shows up, we'll know the signs. Here's to no more deaths, no more pain, and no more abuse.

Links on abuse, sociopaths, and other good stuff ...

What is Spiritual Abuse?

John M. Knapp, LMSW
CHSCA

• a group or leader manipulates and exploits members to achieve the group's ends by appealing to unquestioned goods larger than themselves, such as God, the Buddha, the Bible, the Vedas, the Koran, the Constitution, the American way, salvation, enlightenment, spiritual growth, psychological health, going clear, success, or any other external, unchallengeable principle, and
  
• a member experiences involuntary suffering due to high-intensity demands on time, energy, money, and/or emotional resources to fulfill the dictates of the leader or group.

All Definitions listed below were copied from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

God complex

A god complex is a non-clinical term generally used to describe an individual who consistently believes he or she can accomplish more than is humanly possible or that their opinion is automatically above those with whom he or she may disagree.[1] The individual may believe he or she is above the rules of society and should be given special consideration or privileges. The term "god complex" does not appear in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).[2]

Narcissist Personality Disorder

Narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is a personality disorder.[3]

The narcissist is described as being excessively preoccupied with issues of personal adequacy, power, prestige and vanity. [4] Narcissistic personality disorder is closely linked to self-centeredness.

Diagnosis
DSM-IV-TR 301.81

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition, DSM IV-TR, a widely used manual for diagnosing mental disorders, defines narcissistic personality disorder (in Axis II Cluster B) as: [3]

A pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), need for admiration, and lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:

1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements)
2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love
3. Believes that he or she is "special" and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions)
4. Requires excessive admiration
5. Has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations
6. Is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends
7. Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others
8. Is often envious of others or believes others are envious of him or her
9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes
10. Often mild to moderate paranoia, that others are out to do him in.
11. Predominant "name dropper" boasting or suggestion association with people or affiliations of importance.

Millon's subtypes

Theodore Millon identified five subtypes of narcissist. Any individual narcissist may exhibit none or one of the following:

• Unprincipled narcissist - including antisocial features. A charlatan - is a fraudulent, exploitative, deceptive and unscrupulous individual.
• Amorous narcissist - including histrionic features. The Don Juan or Casanova of our times - is erotic, exhibitionist.
• Compensatory narcissist - including negativistic (passive-aggressive), avoidant features.
• Elitist narcissist - variant of pure pattern. Corresponds to Wilhelm Reich's "phallic narcissistic" personality type.
• Fanatic narcissist - including paranoid features. An individual whose self-esteem was severely arrested during childhood, who usually displays major paranoid tendencies, and who holds on to an illusion of omnipotence. These people are fighting delusions of insignificance and lost value, and trying to re-establish their self-esteem through grandiose fantasies and self-reinforcement. When unable to gain recognition or support from others, they take on the role of a heroic or worshipped person with a grandiose mission.

Pointers

Thomas suggests the following pointers may indicate the presence of someone with narcissistic personality disorder.

• They expect others to do the day-to-day chores as they feel too important to waste their time on common things.
• They very rarely talk about their inner life - for example their memories and dreams.
• There tends to be a higher level of stress with people who work with or interact with a narcissist, which in turn increases absenteeism and staff turnover.
• They feel that rules at work don't apply to them.
• Their sense of self-importance and lack of empathy means that they will often interrupt the conversation of others.
• They get impatient and restless when the topic of conversation is about someone else, and not about them.
• They constantly use "I", "me" and "my" when they talk.
• If you share the workload with them, expect to do the lion's share yourself.
• They lack empathy and this colors everything they do.
• They love to delegate work, and then interfere by micromanaging it. If it goes well they take the credit (plagiarism); if it goes badly, they blame the person they delegated it to.
• Blame others for their actions and misfortunes.
• During a conversation, no matter what topic is being discussed, they usually end up talking about themselves.
• They will always cheat whenever they think they will get away with it.
• Virtually all their ideas or ways of behaving in a given situation are taken from others.

Hare's Checklist and other mental disorders

Psychopathy, as measured on the PCL-R, is negatively correlated with all DSM-IV Axis I disorders exceptsubstance abuse disorders. Psychopathy is most strongly correlated with DSM-IV antisocial personality disorder.

Factor1: Personality "Aggressive narcissism"

• Glibness / superficial charm
• Grandiose sense of self-worth
• Pathological lying
• Cunning / manipulative
• Lack of remorse or guilt
• Shallow affect (genuine emotion is short-lived and egocentric)
• Callous / lack of empathy
• Failure to accept responsibility for own actions

Factor2: Case history "Socially deviant lifestyle"

• Need for stimulation / proneness to boredom
• Parasitic lifestyle
• Poor behavioral control
• Lack of realistic long-term goals
• Impulsivity
• Irresponsibility
• Juvenile delinquency
• Early behavior problems
• Revocation of conditional release

Traits not correlated with either factor

• Promiscuous sexual behavior
• Many short-term marital relationships
• Criminal versatility
• Aquired behavioural sociopathy / sociological conditioning (a newly identified trait i.e. a person relying on sociological strategies and tricks to deceive)

Links

1. McLemee.com - 'The Shrink with a God Complex' Ronald Hayman Newsday, (April 22, 2001)

2. News-Service.Stanford.edu - 'Did Caligula have a God complex? Stanford, Oxford archaeologists find evidence that depraved tyrant annexed sacred temple', John Sanford (September 10, 2003)

3. Narcissistic personality disorder - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth edition Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) American Psychiatric Association (2000)

4. Millon, Theodore (1996). Disorders of Personality: DSM-IV-TM and Beyond. New York: John Wiley and Sons. p. 393. ISBN 0-471-01186-X.

Should You Trust James Arthur Ray?

You'd be surprised just how much information can be located on the internet.

Anyone willing to take the time and effort can log on to the various State Superior Court websites offering free or low cost internet access to public information. This includes Civil, Criminal, Traffic and Domestic cases. Places like INTELIUS.com let you pay to search or run background checks on a state or national level.

A couple of years back, I started doing my own little background checks on James A Ray and James Ray International. I found links to past steroid abuse (while he was still a body builder), a speeding violation in Orange County, California, and lots of civil litigation. I also learned James Arthur Ray signed up with Patti Stanger's Millionair's Club ::: while technically still married.

The funny thing is, the more damning articles and/or blogs more or less vanished within days of publication. People can ::: and do ::: hire I.T. specialists to find and kill these types of posts. As this is what was happening to posts negative to James Arthur Ray, I assumed he had an I.T. specialist working for him ::: or had signed with a firm to do it for him. Which kind'a left a sick feeling in the pit of my stomach.

Nowadays there's just too much information being posted on James Arthur Ray for any one person to try and kill. I'm also assuming he's a bit too busy taking care of trial business ::: if you know what I mean ::: to even try.

A Partial List of Civil Suits - Past and Present
James A Ray and James Ray International

Superior Court of California, County of San Diego

07/24/2007 ::: Small Claims
SHAWN S LAWLER VS. JAMES RAY INTERNATIONAL, INC.

06/25/2008 ::: Small Claims
DONNA FLEMING VS. JAMES RAY INTERNATIONAL, INC.

11/17/2009 ::: Small Claims
ROBERT S BULLEN VS. JAMES A RAY

01/19/2010 ::: Small Claims
MCCRIGHT VS. JAMES RAY INTERNATIONAL INC (DESTROYED)

01/28/2010 ::: Other Collections
PALOMAR REPROGRAPHICS, INC. VS. JAMES RAY INTERNATIONAL, INC.,

03/15/2010 ::: Small Claims
JOANNA L MCCRIGHT VS. JAMES RAY INTERNATIONAL INC

04/06/2010 ::: Breach of Contract/Warranty
AMERICAN EXPRESS BANK, FSB VS. JAMES RAY

04/06/2010 ::: Rule 3.740 Collections [what this means]
AMERICAN EXPRESS BANK, FSB VS. JAMES RAY

08/12/2010 ::: Small Claims
LEXA B DELL PRETTE VS. JAMES RAY INTERNATIONAL

12/06/2010 ::: Breach of Contract/Warranty
AMERICAN EXPRESS TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES COMPANY INC VS. JAMES RAY INTERNATIONAL INC

03/14/2011 ::: Enforcement
AMY HALL VS. JAMES RAY INTERNATIONAL INC.

03/14/2011 ::: PI/PD/WD - Other
LARA PRIEVE VS. JAMES RAY INTERNATIONAL INC

Superior Court of California, County of Orange

06/07/2010 ::: OTHER COLLECTIONS
This link directs you to a search page, which gets the info after you enter in a pass word.
FULLERTON COMMUNITY BANK, FSB VS. JAMES RAY INTERNATIONAL INC.
THE DEFAULT PROVE-UP HEARING IS SCHEDULED FOR 06/03/2011 AT 09:00 AM IN DEPARTMENT C19.

State of Arizona Supreme Court
Public Access to Court Information

STATE OF ARIZONA VS JAMES ARTHUR RAY
02/03/2010 ::: Criminal ::: V-1300-CR-201080049

ATTORNEY ::: DANIEL C BARR
ATTORNEY ::: BRAD D BRIAN
ATTORNEY ::: SHANNON L CLARK
ATTORNEY ::: LOUIS M DIESEL
ATTORNEY ::: TRUC T DO
ATTORNEY ::: THOMAS K KELLY
ATTORNEY ::: LUIS LI
ATTORNEY ::: MICHAEL R MURPHY

DEFENDANT ::: JAMES ARTHUR RAY ::: Date of Birth: 11/22/1957

Case ID: AZAOC11951477-1 FELONY ::: MANSLAUGHTER - RECKLESS
Case ID: AZAOC11951477-2 FELONY ::: MANSLAUGHTER - RECKLESS
Case ID: AZAOC11951477-3 FELONY ::: MANSLAUGHTER - RECKLESS

KPNX BROADCASTING COMPANY
KTVK TV


After seeing some of the lawsuits against James A Ray :::
After hearing all the testimony in court :::
After reading about his lies :::
After learning about his fake credentials :::
After learning how he pilfered and Plagiarized :::

Knowing what you know ::: would you trust ANYTHING this man said???

In dreams they take flight ...

Dedicated to Kirby Brown, James Shore and Liz Neuman

Music has always calmed my heart and soothed my spirit. During the worst of times ::: and the best ::: music has kept me sane.

In 2008 ::: tough year ::: I started work on my first full symphony. My Father-in-law Mel had been going in and out of congestive heart failure ::: and my Brother-in-law Tom had terminal cancer. My husband Johnnie and I cared for them both. Like I said, it was a tough year.

Between medications, blood pressure checks, bed pans, etc., I played my keyboard. Mostly I played for Mel ::: when he was stressed or couldn't sleep. When I felt overwhelmed or sad ::: I played for myself.

Mel died on September 20, 2008 ::: at which point Tom moved in. I kept at work on my symphony until Tom's death [melanoma] on April 7, 2009.

When I read about the deaths of Kirby Brown, James Shore and Liz Neuman during Spiritual Warrior I stopped playing any music. In 2010 my husband Johnnie was diagnosed with melanoma and I suffered a mini stroke. All thoughts of resuming work on my first symphony ended then.

This week I've been reading Tom McFeeley's posts about his cousin Kirby Brown. The picture he paints ::: of a woman so vibrantly alive and full of love ::: touched something within.

For the first time in almost two years I fired up my keyboard. For the first time in almost two years I started composing music again.

I may never be able to fully express why Kirby Brown, James Shore and Liz Neuman have touched me as deeply as they have. Now that my brain and fingers are working together again ::: I'll let my music speak for me.


Three Souls Passing
Dedicated to Kirby, James and Liz

My heart goes out to the families who's loved ones were taken away. Blessings to you all.

Jeanne Barkemeijer de Wit
AKA the artist known as Jeannika

Woohooo am I tired ...

I cried a again today ::: damned stupid Mistrial Hearing ::: a lot.

I should have known better ::: trusted my own gut ::: not allow the bullshit words from a bunch of bullshit news commentators get to me.

The Mistrial hearing was over and I had In Session on in the background. Just curious ::: trying to see if there was any news from Judge Darrow. I had twitter open and was reading over posts ::: answering tweets ::: trying to sort through what was going on ::: when I ran across James Arthur Ray's victory Tweet.

Judge ruled it was Brady... That's in our favor. Now he needs to decide what to do. Woohooo!! ~ @JamesARay

Woohooo!!! ???

The slimy bastard couldn't wait to gloat ::: couldn't wait to let everyone who thought he was toast know otherwise.

Woohooo!!!

At about the same time, some nameless faceless retired judge was on the phone to In Session giving her opinion as to the state of James Arthur Ray's Trial :::

DOA - Obvious Mistrial

Beth Karas - One of In Sessions Team was making the same benediction. Trial DOA - Obvious Mistrial.

Even Vinnie Politan - Whom I used to admire - was sort'a kind'a reciting the same obvious mistrial jibber jabber as almost everyone else.

Someone who called in stated "If I were Judge I'd declare a mistrial and then give the DA her walking papers." Are some people really that clueless???!!!

Something about James Arthur Ray's victory Woohooo made my stomach churn and gave me an instant migraine. Yeah yeah yeah, I only met the bastard once ::: and never signed up for any of his paying events ::: BUT I WOULD HAVE. In a heartbeat.

I can still hear the arrogance in James Arthur Ray's voice when he cut me down four years ago.

You know I survived a lot of shit in my life. Child abuse, neglect, rape, physical assault ::: and that's just the stuff I'm willing to talk about. There was more ::: lots more. Couple my nightmare childhood with chronic physical illness and you get a small idea of what I've had to deal with ::: grow past.

When I met James Arthur Ray I'd thought I had made my peace with most of that stuff. I worked my fat ass off to get past it ::: took therapy ::: got an education ::: made myself a great life, with a great career.

When I met James Arthur Ray I'd been ill for years ::: I was just starting to regain my health. The wheelchair was gone. I was walking again (with a walker), seeing people again, CHOOSING LIFE again ::: after being told there was no hope ::: I was slowly dying (NOT).

I'd read James Arthur Ray's book and wanted to meet him ::: to see if he had anything to help me heal and move forward faster. But he shot me down when he learned I had no money. Such brutal words from a stranger ::: his words took my breath away ::: I wanted to run (I physically could not) and I wanted to die.

I don't know why I cared so much about what James Arthur Ray thought about me ::: but I did. I only know while listening to him tell me what a looser I was ::: and would always be ::: I wanted to die.

During that moment ::: while hearing his words ::: I felt as if my soul were made of glass. I still don't understand my response that evening. I only know he ::: James Arthur Ray ::: knew he had shattered me to the core ::: then smiled.

I had the same response when I first read about the deaths at Spiritual Warrior 2009. I wept for hours that day ::: for the wounded and the dead.

The idea that this creature ::: James Arthur Ray ::: who calls himself a teacher and a life coach ::: could wield so much power over so many people ::: filled me with despair. That the media cared more about the Balloon Boy hoax ::: than the deaths of three people ::: was almost more than I could comprehend. It seemed as if no one cared and that James Arthur Ray would continue on forever.

After reading James Arthur Ray's stupid tweet - I was flooded with grief.

grief for the victims ::: grief for the survivors ::: grief for all family members forced to face his ::: James Arthur Ray's ::: blatant disregard of those taken from them.

After listening to the Judge on In Session ::: I mean you gotta respect and believe a Judge ::: I thought the trial must be over. I thought all justice was lost ::: so ::: idiot that I am ::: I cried ::: again.

After I calmed down a bit ::: I started to pray.

I prayed that Kirby Brown, James Shore, Liz Neuman and Colleen Conaway are at peace.

I prayed that the families of these people eventually find peace and solace.

I prayed that James Arthur Ray is never never allowed to harm anyone again.

I heard one of my friends telling me "the trial isn't over yet Jeanne, so stop crying and do something constructive. Judge Darrow wouldn't let it end this way."

So I got up off my tired old ass and made my husband a hot lunch. He's sick in bed with the flu. When I finished cooking, Judge Darrow had posted his ruling. The carnival starts again in the morning.

Sorry Vinnie, but I don't think I'm ever going to watch In Session again. Oh and I twittered James Arthur Ray.

@JamesARay The Law of Attraction WORKS!!! Your friend Brady just bit you in the WooHooo!! See ya tomorrow #JamesRay

The Sky is falling the Sky is falling

Today I opened a couple emails saying it looked as if the James Arthur Ray manslaughter case may be declared a mistrial. I was stunned and asked why.

[one of the answers] I heard it on "In Session" ::: so it must be true.

[Gawd I miss Walter Cronkite]

Sometimes people forget that CNN, In Session and news commentators aren't running the trial. Just because some talking head says they believe the trial will be declared a mistrial ::: with prejudice no less ::: doesn't mean it's true.

James Arthur Ray's defense has filed enough objections, motions, arguments, replies, etc., etc., etc., to plug up all the toilets in Yavapai County. If you think I'm exaggerating just point your browser to the Yavapai County Superior Court's High Profile Case page.

James Arthur Ray's stuff is located under the following heading:
State of Arizona vs James Arthur Ray
Case Number: V1300CR201080049

I haven't bothered to count them all, or sort out which belong to the state or the defense ::: but trust me ::: it's a lot of reading. I know, because I've read them all. (Not all in one sitting)

The way things stand, James Arthur Ray and his dream team of Defense Attorneys know that the state has proven their Negligent Homicide case against Mr Ray. Which means defense is now forced to do anything in their power to kill the trial.

Frankly ::: the way things have been going ::: I'm surprised the dream team took this long to file this mistrial motion.

Mark my words ::: this motion will be denied ::: just like the last one. Unfortunately there will be many more motions for mistrial before the trial finally ends and goes to jury. What other option does defense have? Other than having James Arthur Ray feign a psychotic break and changing to an insanity defense ... they have none.

Smoke, mirrors, noise, accusations, hyperbole, indignation, half truths, innuendo exaggerations and lies ::: part and parcel of a good [well paid] defense team at work. [Translation: How much justice can YOU afford] In James Arthur Ray's case, obviously a LOT.

Question: how can a man who's as broke as James Arthur Ray claims to be, afford to pay for an amazingly good [well paid] dream team of multiple attorneys? If you remember, after the deaths of James Shore, Kirby Brown, and Liz Neuman, James Arthur Ray transferred all cash from his corporate accounts into his own and lawyered up ::: big time.

James Arthur Ray
such a nice young man ::: so honest ::: so trustworthy ::: so good

Judging from the number of civil lawsuits now pending nationwide ::: James Arthur Ray embezzled / stole enough cash to pay for MUCHO GUSTO justice. A simple fact his good [well paid] defense team seems all too willing to overlook. Obviously money talks, but that's an other blog.

Defense knows:
Stalling for time is good
It puts extra strain (financial and otherwise) on Jurors wanting and needing to get back to taking care of their lives. Loose enough jurors - get a mistrial and everything starts over again.

Clouding facts and confusing the issues is good
All the defense has to do is plant doubt ::: any doubt ::: in a juror's mind.
Confuse enough enough jurors and James Arthur Ray wins.

There are a lot of reasons for requesting a mistrial now.

The testimony has been, and keeps getting, more and more damning
(a) No medical support during sweat lodge
(b) People were told to ignore their physical symptoms
(c) People were told not to eat OR DRINK for 36 hours prior to the sweat
(d) James Arthur Ray didn't stop the event when people started getting ill
(e) James Arthur Ray didn't offer comfort or asistance to anyone

I could go on and on, but I think you get the picture. Things are looking bad for Mr James, so it's in his best interests to stop the trial ASAP.

James Arthur Ray's defense team doesn't want the Hamiltons to testify.
Because if they do the jury will learn that the lodge was built to James Arthur Ray's specifications - AT HIS PERSONAL REQUEST.

James Arthur Ray's defense team doesn't want Rick Ross to testify.
Because if he does the jury will learn how easy it was for James Arthur Ray to control and manipulate people into doing whatever he asked.

I find it somewhat ironic ::: in a bizarre sort of way ::: that James Arthur Ray's emergency hearing takes place on the 13th. I wonder if it will be lucky for him?

Lastly, by what stretch of the imagination does James Arthur Ray's Dream Team think the information listed in Richard Haddow's report exonerates Mr Ray? If possible ::: it actually makes his actions look worse!

But then what do I know, I'm just a fat slob looser (Mr Ray's words) with a blog.

Tears Outrage and Sacrilege

James Arthur Ray Trial - April 8, 2011

I've watched the James Arthur Ray trial almost Every day since it began. These days I have a ritual, I point one browser to CNN Live and another to Twitter. There are roughly 50 people who's tweets I follow and respond to, all of them tweeting about #JamesRay.

James Arthur Ray would have the world believe the deaths of Kirby Brown, James Shore and Liz Neuman were all tragic accidents. His lawyers would have us believe organophosphates or some other poison is to blame, anything BUT the insane heat inside the sweat lodge, let alone the ugly and chaotic way victims were ignored and left to suffer (sometimes face down in the mud).

Sometimes the testimony is mind numbingly dull, other times it's sad and heart breaking. I've appreciated the tweets/comments (humor, sarcasm, shock, dismay, sadness) as they have helped me to assimilate the horror of what transpired during the 2009 Spiritual Warrior Event. That said, Friday April 8, 2011 was a hard day to watch. Debbie Mercer testified.

Friday, while Listening to Debbie Mercer's 911 calls, I found myself crying like a baby. Suddenly it was all too real ::: the fear and concern in her voice ::: as she described the physical condition of the sick, the dead and the dying.

The Hamiltons (owners of Angel Valley) allowed James Arthur Ray to return year after year to hold his sweat lodges. For years the Hamiltons knew (or should have known) people were fainting, getting horribly ill, vomiting, and nearly dying from heat exhaustion ::: so they should have known something was horribly wrong ::: but then it's too easy to judge.

Ted and Debbie Mercer were there for most of James Arthur Ray's sweat lodges, and helped build the big lodge. I like the Mercers, they seem like honest caring and sincere people. I don't want to think about how many more people might have died if Ted and Debbie Mercer hadn't helped as many people as they did. How many more people would have died had Debbie Mercer not taken the time to help and to call 911.

It's beyond shameful that these two souls were forced into the position of having to make the right choices ::: let alone forced to ask what to do ::: when those in charge (that's a laugh) couldn't, wouldn't and didn't.

James Arthur Ray sat in the shade and cooled off, he shrugged, DID NOTHING. In years past he flew into a rage when 911 was called. By the time James Arthur Ray's Heat Endurance Event ended, so many people were sick, unconscious and near death, no one checked or noticed there were still people inside the lodge. They were too busy tending to the sick and dying to notice some people were missing.

So three poor souls lay lost and forgotten, (by everyone BUT Debbie Mercer) their lives ebbing away within the sweltering steam and heat. Sacrilege to stop the sweat, sacrilege to peel back the covers and remove the dying, sacrilege to question the authority of self professed [demi] God James Arthur Ray.

Kirby Brown and James Shore, were discovered dead, faces ashen, lips blue, with their hands intertwined, another man was found as well. Sacrilege!

Debbie Mercer screamed for help.

Debbie Mercer asked James Arthur Ray if she could lift up the tarp on the lodge to get them out. No, that would be sacrilege ::: he stated still sitting in the shade.

Debbie removed it anyway, tugging away the heavy layers of tarp. Debbie and Ted Mercer pulled these people out, with the help of their then 17 year-old daughter. (What type of nightmares must this young woman now suffer?)

Sacrilege that James Arthur Ray's defense team hinted at an affair between the Kirby Brown and James Shore. :: Wink :: Wink :: Smirk :: Cheap and profane words, slandering the dead. No thought for the family members present in the court.

God forgive me, but there's way too much guilt to spread around. I'm reminded by the words said during the Nuremberg trials. "I was just following orders" or "I was just doing my job" It seemed as if a good portion of the German population had been hypnotized and seduced by Adolph Hitler.

The Blame Game

It's way too easy to state everything (4 people dead, dozens injured and maimed, thousands bilked out of millions) is James Arthur Ray's fault ::: and that he's a money grubbing narcissistic sociopath who doesn't give a damn about anyone but himself.

The question we should be asking is how was the spiritual Juggernaut that was James Arthur Ray in his prime - created ::: and by whom? And should any these people (how ever well meaning) be held accountable for his actions?

In the Beginning - just a man talking

'Salty Droid Video

In the beginning James Arthur Ray's words seemed harmless enough. He was, is, a good looking man with a glib tongue and quick mind. He seems to have come from a picture perfect all American family. Minister Father, loving stay at home Mom. Then again he was/is good at avoiding the truth while telling people what they want to hear ::: good at appealing to people's wishes and desires, what ever they may be.

James Arthur Ray was Good at hiding his dark side

How people saw/see James Arthur Ray, says more about THEM than James Arthur Ray. If you're an honest person you tend to take other people at their word and see them as honest. This simple fact of nature is one of the reasons sociopaths like James Arthur Ray are able to get away with the things they do.

When you mix in the fact that highly respected people such as Oprah Winfrey, Larry King along with almost every major television network was interviewing and promoting James Arthur Ray as "the real thing" ::: the die was cast.

'Salty Droid Video

Is Rhonda Byrne (Author of the Secret) responsible? Prior to being part of "The Secret Book and DVD, James Arthur Ray was still a mostly unknown motivational speaker.

Are Oprah Winfrey, Larry King and others in the media responsible? They created and promoted the James Arthur Ray who's words and actions ultimately lead to the deaths of four people and the maiming of countless more.

Are Michael and Amayra Hamilton (Angel Valley owners) responsible for allowing sacrilege to occur, not just once, but many times on their property? How sad that three people had to die before these events finally stopped!

Are JRI employees Josh and Megan Frederickson responsible for enabling James Arthur Ray's power and covering up his misdeeds?

While it's most likely true that someone else would have been found to heat the rocks for James Arthur Ray's Heat Endurance fiasco ::: Ted Mercer was the one who did ::: and will be forced to live with that simple fact for the rest of his life.

Ultimately it's up to the Jury to decide if James Arthur Ray will be held accountable for the deaths of Liz Neuman, Kirby Brown and James Shore.

'My Favorite Salty Droid James Arthur Ray Video

The Death of Thomas Johnson ~ Two Years Later

Today Marks the 2 year anniversary of my Brother-in-Law Tom's Death. It also marks the 1 year anniversary of the day my Husband Johnnie was diagnosed with Melanoma. The irony being that Tom died of stage IV Melanoma.

Johnnie discovered his tumor while being treated for a pit bull attack. I guess life is just full of irony. Tom waited 17 years to see a doctor about the lump in his neck and eventually died. Johnnie started treatment ASAP and is still with us. A year and multiple outpatient surgeries later, Johnnie remains cancer free.

I'm fat, which to a lot of people is the same as being worthless and ugly. Doesn't matter I'm smart and talented ... they can't hear me, and when these people look at me ... all they see is FAT. My brother-in-law Tom was one of those people.

The day my future brother-in-law Tom learned I was going to marry his brother he took it upon himself to drive to my home. He didn't want me to marry his then 46-year-old brother.

He came with a basket full of reasons why I should leave Johnnie. Tom said (1) it was too soon after the death of his Mother, (2) Johnnie hadn't yet dated enough women, Johnnie needed another type of woman (translation: NOT FAT LIKE YOU), and that there's no way Johnnie would have thought of marrying had "I" not put the idea in his head. (For the record Johnnie asked me, not the other way around).

I told Tom I loved Johnnie but I wasn't desperate, if Johnnie told me he didn't want to get married I'd leave him alone. The thing is, Johnnie wanted to get married and was righteously pissed off at his Brother for suggesting otherwise.

When we got past Tom's polite BS, the simple truth was he didn't think me good enough, successful enough or attractive enough to be in HIS family. He refused to come to our wedding. And for the entire time we were married, until the time he was diagnosed with malignant melanoma, he took every opportunity to make my life a living hell.

I'm not going to write about the things Tom did to hurt me, or drive Johnnie and I apart, other than to say he very nearly succeeded. In 2003 I moved out for six months, and returned only after Mel developed health problems. Johnnie and I cared for Mel - unassisted by Tom - until his death five years later.

Three months after Mel died, Tom moved in to do hospice in our home. We cared for him until his death, three months later.

Tom and I talked a lot during his last days. We talked about the weather, about movies, cooking, about the crazy things he'd done over the years, and how sad it was that we'd never been friends. Ever the opinionated bitch, I told him that was his fault. He looked at me with sad eyes and answered, "I know I know".

I'm not sure if it was the all pain medication making him chatty, or what. He apologized to me and begged Johnnie's forgiveness for a lot of bad stuff he'd done. It was a heartbreaking time for the everyone.

Tom died a slow, agonizing and painful death. Prior to his passing, I wondered if I had it in me to comfort and/or hold him when he died. Some of the wounds were still to raw and painful ... the past too close.

When told he was dying, Tom's beloved x-girlfriend Kris came and stayed at the house. Amazingly Tom rallied and came back to life. After a week of no food, Tom ate everything Kris gave him, drank fluids, and seemed to rally. She called her family and all their friends who also came and sat with Tom. Our home was filled with Tom's friends. Kris took amazing and loving care of Tom. After two weeks she needed to take care of a few work related things.

I'll never forget the day Tom died. Kris had to leave. I'm a respiratory therapist. As such I worked in the medical field for the better part of two decades, so I knew the signs. I told her I thought Tom only had a few hours. But then I'd told her Tom was dying two weeks ago ... and he kept coming back.

About a half hour after Kris left the house, Tom's breathing became labored and rapid. I talked with Tom and held his hand, the fear in his eyes filled me with a type of sadness I've never known.

Over the years I've stood vigil to hundreds of deaths ... just part of my job. I also did CPR on both my Dad and Uncle when they each succumb to heart disease. But I've never seen a death like Tom's. As ordered, I put a Ativan under his tongue and told Tom to try and relax. I called Johnnie into the room and told him it was time. I left a message on Kris' phone.

As Tom lay dying, Johnnie scooped him up in his arms and talked to him. He kept talking with Tom until his breathing stopped. I was telling Tom to relax and not be afraid ... to let go. He was looking at me and crying. When it was over I was amazed to find myself laying on the bed beside Tom, cradling his hand in mine. Something I hadn't thought myself capable of.

I don't know if my presence gave Tom any sort of comfort during his death, I only know I'm glad I was able to try.