Blogging Dirty

Fanisfesto

2011-12-04T10:02:00.000-06:00

A true fan's manifesto (Fanisfesto)

If you can't praise or criticize your team without mentioning your rival you aren't a good fan.
You don't root for your rivals ever if you are a true fan.
If you think your rival's fans are horrible - look around there is a good chance yours are too.

Doubt Ceiling

2011-08-05T15:46:00.000-05:00

Is it really a compromise if everyone is unhappy? The definition is that everyone gets something they want while letting go of something else.

It appears everyone agreed to a bad deal and now the markets are showing no confidence.

Respect

2010-09-17T10:53:00.003-05:00

I am unpatriotic. That's what I have been told. The reason I am not patriotic is because I don't show patriotism in the same way others do. I don't fly a large American flag in my front yard. I don't have flag stickers on my car or an American flag t-shirt. I am not a flamboyant patriot therefore I must not be patriotic at all.

Our country has become a strange diverse population. Groups are decrying the President and Congress saying their individual rights are being taken away and BY GOD they can't do that. They also are saying that everyone must worship as they do and believe in Jesus as well as fly a flag in the front yard. They don't see the hypocrisy in what they say because it can't be hypocritical if THEY believe it. The only hypocrites are the ones who believe differently than they do. Please do not hurt your head trying to figure it out.

You can not tell someone how to grieve or worship or how to be a patriot. People ask you to respect their religion or their grieving process but few do. They actually openly bash anyone who does not believe as they do. They do not offer evidence of their belief other than to stand behind the bible or some other religious text and say if it's in there it's the "only way".

I am a big believer in individual's rights. I think you forfeit those rights when you choose to harm someone ("harm" sometimes is open for interpretation). I think that other than that you should have individual rights on all things. If I choose to be a very quiet, private patriot that is my right. If I choose to openly question all religions and search for my own truth that is my right. If I choose to work harder or escape in my own world as a way of grief that is my right. The great thing is that it is your right too.

It's the end of the summer as we know it

2010-08-19T20:16:00.000-05:00

I can't believe it's over. Not really over just over for all those kids. They just got out of school and now they go back in. Soon they will be adults with no summer leaving their parents with no excuses to go to amusement parks or the movies or summer camp.

I have had a very roller coaster summer. Some very big highs and a very low, low. Maybe in another time I will feel the need or desire to speak of the low but for now I try not to let it take any more from me than it already has.

I think people are losing their minds. We are becoming more and more divided. People are finding new things to rail about and some are keeping the torch burning for the old standbys. Obama was not born in America, Gays shouldn't marry and Sarah Palin is smart. All out dated paradigms that don't really solve anything.

We are out of Iraq. I mean we have 60K still there but we are out of Iraq. NBC said so.

I am trying to construct a plan for what I want to be when I grow up. I still have dreams of being something else. The problem is what that something else is - I don't know.

We have a tea party movement. We have birthers. We have a nation and a world that lost 47% of its worth. We don't have civil discord. We have scary, lock the door and hide discord.

In the future, I am going to pick a topic and discuss it. For now my brain just needed to throw some things out there. not real things, not complete thoughts - just some therapy and cleaning out the gutter of my mind.

Almost the end of the week

2010-07-08T14:36:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the middle of summer. I love summer. If it is hot then it is good. I don't thrive in the cold. I need my brain to sweat.

Is Mel Gibson real? Can anyone be that stupid and shallow? Someone needs to kick his ass for hitting his baby mama. I imagine there is more than one ethnic group volunteering for the job. UPDATE: Urkel hit his baby mama too? Let's have Mel and Urkel fight. Then let the ethnic group of each beat the crap out the other.
Is government too big? Where were all these so-called small government proponents when GWB was President? Also isn't government not only a fairly large employer but aren't they also a fairly large consumer?
I want to see an equal tax system for all. That means that everyone pays their fair share. I paid more in taxes than Exxon Mobil last year. Make up your mind quick tea baggers there are only 120 days until mid term elections.
Lindsay Lohan needs to be put away for a good while and taught how the real world functions.
Divorce rates continue to go up. Teen pregnancy on the rise. When are we going to abandon this one size fits all approach to teaching our children about life? Abstinence? Sounds great on paper but how about we bring in some divorce attorneys and explain what it really costs and what is gained when you want to "break up".
Professed oil man T Boone Pickens is hawking for alternative fuels and asking to ease America's dependence on OPEC oil? Where is the right wing outrage against this crazy hippy?
Red State crazies yell about less government intervention but have the audacity to criticize the President for taking too long to react to the crisis in the Gulf. He let the company sort it out themselves and they screwed it up royally. So if we leave companies alone and let them take care it of themselves they won't budge? Too bad we don't have some vehicle or entity that could watch over that kind of stuff for us.

I am out for now..

Tuesday Thoughts

2010-06-01T15:23:00.000-05:00

Man it is tough to keep up with this blogging thing. I started up on twitter and am liking it but need some room to roam. Sometimes my thoughts are more than 140 characters. Facebook will be off limits until they update my security settings. I want to be able to block people from seeing my friends again and my pages too! I am glad they finally gave us this option.

Al and Tipper Gore are calling it quits after 40 years of marriage. That is going to be one weird story.
This oil spill is one crazy f'd up mess. I think it's funny that conservatives are criticizing Obama, calling this his Katrina. This is the kind of thing where they should be crying out for BP to take care of itself right? That's what we give them all the tax breaks for right? Now they want a bailout.
Gas prices are falling? You would think with a big hole of oil spilling out into the gulf that it would be rising. Guess what - gas prices have nothing to do with supply and demand. This is why we need to leverage additional resources or be subject to whatever profit whims the oil producers and companies have up their sleeve.
Good health to you Bret Michaels. If an STD hasn't gotten you - a heart issue should not.
Man I want an iPad... in six months... when the price goes down... and the features go up.... and I can have one data plan..
NOT A NEW IDEA: How about instead of deporting illegal immigrants - we make them citizens? Then make them pay taxes and back taxes. We need the money.
It's going to be a fun political season this year. Haha no it's not..

Stay Classy Arizona..

Contradictions are about 6 minutes apart

2010-04-29T10:20:00.003-05:00

The reign of terror that is the Oklahoma legislature continues. Earlier this week they overrode the veto of Governor Henry on some critical abortion legislation.

http://newsok.com/hearing-set-on-abortion-lawsuit/article/3457614?custom_click=lead_story_title

HB 2656 allows doctors the ability to hide information regarding the health of a fetus if they "feel" like that information will be used to make a decision that they morally disagree with. Huh?
House Bill 2780 requires women seeking abortions to undergo ultrasounds within an hour before the procedure and to have the results explained.

Let's be clear. Abortion is bad. The right to have an abortion is good. There is a lot of shit I don't agree with that people have the right to do. I understand their intent but if they only carried this intent into the life of the child after they were born. Let's say for example, Universal Healthcare would be a great thing for all children to have access to, right?

http://www.edmondsun.com/opinion/x69399429/Oklahoma-responds-to-federal-health-care-legislation

Nope, the legislature feels the federal government is in some sort of power grab and we should thumb our noses at that.

Let's send a clear message - Children are precious until they are born or they don't believe as we do or if they want health care or an education or if they want to be told the truth.

I had the best of intentions

2010-03-16T15:05:00.004-05:00

I was going to come back and comment on things that happened in 2009. Really I was. I was going to try to "blog" more frequently. I was going to be a better blogger. Instead I decided to be a better father, husband and friend. It has been fun but thought I would check into the "cloud" and see what is happening on our block.

Healthcare. Three months later and we are still debating this? In the last 10 years personal health care has gone up 120%, family coverage has gone up 140%. Has the care gotten that much better? Has the expense incurred by insurance and healthcare providers gone up that much? Should we allow these companies regulate the free market and see how more affordable health care becomes? No one wants a government run system but our current system is out of control and somehow along the way we have decided health care is a privilege not a right. Ticking time bomb for middle class americans.
Tiger Woods is going to play the Masters. Already the tournament has limited commercial interruptions, very particular rules on how they announce the tournament - I was watching any way but now I may watch more.
Earthquakes in Chile and Haiti. Massive devastation .. very different results. According to Pat Robertson God was punishing Haiti and apparently gave Chile a pass.
Back on health - too many people smoke and not enough exercise. I'd like to see the statistics on the wealth of those people. I am betting rich people are getting better advice because they go to the doctor... yet many think this is a privilege...Are we looking at some sort of natural selection argument?
Yep record snow falls show that climate change is a myth. What if climate change is real (shock) and what if we could lead the world in "green" industry creation not only lessening our dependence on oil but also creating a completely new wave of jobs? The US was built on many things including the ability to innovate. Now the leading industry seems to be wealth protection not wealth building. Wouldn't it be great if we could create another great industry?
Enjoy the spring - maybe I will think of something to say before summer.

Merry Christmas Eve Eve

2009-12-23T07:35:00.003-06:00

I wish I could slow down and enjoy the energy in the air right now. I can barely peel my kids from the rooftop. I am so busy between the Christmas prep and end of the year business, that this year's Christmas bender might be a doozy! Celebrate your family and friends, sit down and have a conversation or just take a big nap. The giving, thankful season continues. I will start my descent into next year next week. Fun, Fun!

14 majors, 14 mistresses. Tiger Woods has so much to be thankful for but has shown that his arrogance has blinded him to the the blessings. That is going to be one hell of an Oprah.
My Blackberry went AWOL yesterday. Apparently I was not alone. I thought I might miss it but ironically I didn't. Maybe it was the two other computers and constant access to email that held me over.
Healthcare looks like it will pass. I am not sure what that means but I would think everyone would be for Healthcare. It's those details that get you.
Jon and Kate finalized their trainwreck.. I mean divorce. I am waiting for Kate plus 8 go on a date and for Jon to join celebrity rehab.
I am trying to be healthier. I started on Dec 1 not Jan1. Maybe the stigma of breaking a "resolution" will let this lifestyle change take hold. I hope to stick around a few more years.
Now if he could just bring this common sense to every debate, we would be just fine. http://mediamattersaction.org/blog/200912210001

Short and sweet. Not much content or opinion. I am talking about this blog as well as your Christmas Party. Soak it up.

I will come back next week and try to do a real good look back at 2009.

Be safe, yo.

Sunday, Sunday

2009-12-13T13:51:00.003-06:00

I think we are at the twelve days of Christmas. I say I think because I am not sure when that starts or stops. I do know I like it best when the Chipmunks or Ozzy Osbourne sing the song. If both would sing it that would be lovely.

Tiger, Tiger, Tiger. It has been awhile since such a mighty person has fallen this low. I admit I love golf and I love to watch that guy play golf. I am the demographic that shows 50% more watch golf when he plays. Apparently 50% more also includes a stable of women he has bedded in various locations. I cannot believe how quickly this thing has spiraled from "Was Tiger drunk when he hit that hydrant" to "How many orgies has he been to?".
Man's failings at this monogamy thing are fairly well recorded. I have friends who swear monogamy does not work (these are women too) and think we underestimate our animal backgrounds. That may be true but we all know when we can or can't live up to those standards. Some people never marry, some people are never faithful and some people never tempted. While it certainly sounds fun for a no-strings attached weekend to everyone (don't lie), it sounds exhausting to live that life all the time. His actions show an immaturity that few knew he had and his life will never be the same.
No offense to Houston , but I can't believe that a Texas city was the first to elect an openly gay mayor. I still have hope.
Do you think your doctor prescribes based on who has the best sales pitch, biggest boobs or best perks?
Speaking of - a new drugs for premature ejaculation are being called the next wave of sexual disfunction superstars. I am very excited about the commercials. "Two pumps and done? Try Concretus"
Oh Jacksons please don't capitalize on one of your families death.... ohhh too late
I am breaking out like a teenager nowadays.. I thought I earned my way out of that
A conversation overheard in many a household: "honey, honest, I don't know where my phone is"
Facebook has opened a whole new window into the world of people you haven't seen in 20 years. The funny thing it is the same shit as 20 years ago except now kids are involved. Please be very clear on your relationship status - it will save the rest of us from guessing..

Be good and get me a great present!

Here Kitty, Kitty

2009-12-03T07:48:00.005-06:00

A happy post Thanksgiving, pre Christmas hello to you. A much needed break before the crazy time before the end of the year. Either you are trying to do too much or nothing. Strike a balance and try not to hit any fire hydrants.

Speaking of fire hydrants maybe you have heard of this Tiger Woods fella? What a crappy holiday he had. Try to go out for some Taco Bell and the next thing you know your other cravings are all over the place. I do not want to imagine what it is like to be Tiger Woods. I can't imagine going anywhere and there being people who will do anything to be in your life. Women constantly throwing themselves at him for the table scraps. I cherish true meaningful relationships - I had my share of shallow ones, they were not that great.
He made his choices - he should have known that keeping the company of these kind of people was not a good idea. These are the kind of people who save your texts, record your messages and are surprised (and jealous apparently) when you have other "girlfriends".
I feel sorriest for his children. They will one day read that daddy cheated on mommy and paid her off to stay with him. They will grow up with a warped sense of reality any way but this makes them prime targets for celebrity children gone wild.
Taxation without representation got this country started. It was not just the idea of taxes but the idea that our ideals and principles were not being considered. Now we have a system where the so-called representatives are looking out for the companies that lobby them, law and lobbying firms that will hire them and the sole interest of getting re-elected. These are the guys that think it's a good idea to dig up the old play book and read it on the floor instead of discussing how we fix a system that charges us $125 dollars (after insurance) to see a doctor to get a prescription.
Death and Taxes are inevitable they say. Shouldn't we use taxes to hold off death?
I was asked why I "hate" so and so. I immediately said I don't hate them - I refuse to spend that kind of energy on something so useless. Perhaps when I was younger I used that kind of energy on something but now I am trying to be (and show) a better me. I will however analyze why my behavior appears to show hate.

Be gracious in life!

Pre and Post Thanksgiving smells

2009-11-25T09:04:00.002-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

One thing they don't mention about becoming a parent is how much stuff ends up in your pockets. Random wrappers, tissues, clothing, things you see on the floor you know they will put in their mouth. The fun part is when these things show up in the dryer... "where did this condom package come from?"... I am guessing this is what started it for Jon and Kate..
Enjoy the holiday. Make it what you want it to be - don't get tied down to old traditions or crazy relatives (literally don't let them tie you down). If making pizza with the kids is what you want to do every 4th Thursday of November go crazy..
Now is not the time to be trying to pass a city improvement tax... unless you are a business owner... and a Republican... who is against every other tax and does not want employees to have affordable healthcare... amen
T- baggers: go hug a fireman or police officer - you need to show them some love.
Jermaine Jackson: Money has already divided your family.
Adam Lambert: I didn't care about you before.. less now.
Black Friday Ads: Cyber Monday I can do in my pjs.
Global Warming detractors: Slow down on your gloating..it's 75 degrees in October something isn't right..

I will enjoy my steak on Thursday. Catching up on my DVR'd shows and playing with my kids. A tradition like no other... Be safe out there..

If only Tuesday were also Thursday

2009-11-10T08:29:00.003-06:00

We approach the holiday season and it seems that there is less communal spirit among than at any time. People are more disenchanted by something (insert your own thought/word/idea here) and are acting out in horrible ways. Asking others to rise up in violence against others or spreading lies or just be assholes. I hope for all of us that this discord strikes a more civil tone - I know the majority of people agree but it seems even the sane ones get sucked into the crazy now and then.

Fort Hood shootings are senseless and outrageous. These Americans risk their lives for us and we are forever grateful. We should be able to protect them better in our own country (and abroad) both from themselves and others. We are taxing our military to the point of exhaustion both mentally and physically. We are also driving recruitment to the fringes - we need to make some real changes to save us all.
A deadly rampage at an Orlando office park is another in an unfortunate long line of Americans taking out misguided anger on others. Please - if you feel like you can't take it anymore or are approaching a breaking point - reach out to someone (local clergy) and talk about your stress/anguish. We have enough unexplained tragedy in our daily lives - don't add to it by unfairly sending undeserving families into chaos.
Health Care continues to strike a strong chord amongst everyone. "Don't raise my taxes" "Government shouldn't be in the healthcare business" are common shouts among the T-Baggers (really?). If you can have higher taxes but overall your expenses go down - isn't that good thing? We have seen the other side where lower taxes and rising costs have gotten us - can we at least try it out?
Is there anything optimistic out there? I think Modern Family is a funny show. I love Mad Men. Dexter is still hanging on and Community has been a surprise. I escape in TV so I can laugh and be surprised for roughly 20 - 40 minutes.
Watch any of the Real Housewives on Bravo and you will see what years of not listening in therapy will get you.
Carrie Prejean - your values aren't a brand and you can't sell them as such.
Glenn Beck - our country's salesman of crazy.
David Letterman - want to take back any of those Monica Lewinsky jokes, now?
Celebrity children - we are sorry there is a group of people obsessed with you. You didn't ask for this.
Randy Quaid - Cousin Eddie was a character not a suggestion.
Twitter - I am trying to figure out if I want to or not.
Facebook - I am trying to regulate you.

Keep up the good fight and by good fight I mean don't fight.

Thinking Tuesday

2009-10-20T11:08:00.002-05:00

Did you miss me? Do I know who "you" are? I went on a blog sabbatical. I charged my batteries, I fed my soul, I got lazy.

Quite a lot has happened in our little world in October. I am equal parts amazed and hopeful on some of the comments and actions of our fellow earthlings. I hope they continue down the right path but often am in awe of them.

I cannot figure out the swine flu (H1N1). I hear some people say it is really bad and others shrug it off. Pregnant women, young children (up to 24) and older folks should pay attention. Our doctor is saying get the vaccine - I advise checking with your doc to get their assessment.
They want us to bring our own bags to the stores. Help save the environment. I need a bigger bag.
Now my 401K is in trouble? What the hell? Have these people not been paying attention? My 401K has been in trouble for awhile. Change it to where my 401K is like my cellphone number - it goes with me wherever I go and I own the account - make these companies fight for mine (and my company(ies)' business). "They" are saying 401k should be ended and that they are a bad idea - saying they won't provide in the way they are attended or are advertised to do.
Football, Football, Football - I am glad you are back but you are losing my attention to the fun of hanging with my 4 and 1 year old. Newsflash - you never had a chance.
Working on creating better people. Start with children. Do everything you can to nurture, console, support and teach a child. I am finding nothing makes me happier than to see the wonder of a child discovering their world. I hope I can help them see the good without making them too weary of those who don't.
Famous people who are famous for being famous - go away.
If you are having a crisis of identity - ask your friends who they think you are. The answers will surprise you.

I will try to be more prompt next time.

Blogged Down

2009-09-28T12:35:00.002-05:00

I had a great weekend. Nonstop activities, fun for the kids, and exhaustion for the parents.

You watch these how- to or organization shows on TLC or HGN and you get motivated to organize your stuff. You put everything away or throw it away or give it away. Then after you done - you can't find anything.
Fall is coming. Temperatures are going down. My ability to stay up past 10 is going away.
Once or twice a week I forget totally what I was doing, where I was going, wait what was I saying?
3-D TV in full HD? I am barely getting over seeing my local newscast in HD. Those people have wrinkles on wrinkles.
I have some big concerts I am going to in the next few weeks. I can't wait to see how many people I am older than.
I no longer save any manuals - I throw them away. then google them when I need advice on how to delete TV shows off my iPod. At least I don't print them.
Remember when your boss would print all his emails? I loved finding copies of emails in my physical inbox along with the rest of my mail. He'd scribble notes on them and everything. This was the same guy who got a new laptop every few months when the old one got too slow from all the downloads he didn't protect against.
Concalls are the new meeting. If you can't get everyone in a real meeting call a virtual one. Count the number of flushes you hear after the mute button is accidentally pushed.

I am off to Denmark to plug for the Olympics.

Thinking Thursday

2009-09-17T13:06:00.004-05:00

It is rare for me to post anything more than once a week. Work, family and my pre planned activities keep me from being a daily blogger. This week is different. For some reason, it seems like the rhetoric has ramped up. I don't know if I am looking for it or it's just there, but I know one thing I am starting to lose hope.

Jimmy Carter is a moron. That is what people want you to think. He had the audacity to call Joe Wilson's outburst some form of racism. That may be the wrong assumption however it would also be the wrong assumption to condemn Jimmy Carter. Joe Wilson yelled "You lie!" during the portion of President Obama's speech where he stated that his bill would not insure illegal aliens. This is true - it won't. (see factcheck.org) So if he is calling the President a liar there are several assumptions that one could make. 1. He did not read the bill and therefore made a jackass of himself. 2. He read the bill, doesn't understand it and therefore made a jackass of himself. 3. He read the bill, understands it and therefore made a jackass of himself. At some point a question must be asked of what motivates someone to make that kind of leap on national television. He is either ignorant, overtly politically motivated or possibly a racist. Jimmy Carter is assuming that Joe Wilson is not ignorant but he is assuming of the last two that he is racist. That may be false but the question should be asked. Don't be so blind as to see that no criticism is not based in racism. I have friends who swear up and down that health care is fine now they filed medical bankruptcy a few years back and had to move out of their house into a smaller one but by no means should we change that. The medical emergency that caused this? The premature birth of their son. I don't think we should have to risk financial jeopardy to have good health care.
I would pay any amount of money to make sure my children our healthy - I mean my own children and the nation's children. We are first and foremost a country of children who's future is in our protection. No amount of money can ease the pain and suffering of a child if the benefits of good health care aren't available.
People are just making stuff up. I was told that the President wants to take everyone's guns. I have never heard any administration person say that much less the President. This is what they say to get the rednecks fired up. Don't believe it all people and if you do don't condemn those who don't. This was how I was introduced after saying I was an "Obama Lover". Nice.
I don't agree with everything that has gone on so far with the new President but I most certainly don't agree with the tactics of the neocons and the righty right wingers.

The care of human life and happiness and not their destruction is the first and only legitimate object of good government." --Thomas Jefferson

Moron Free Monday

2009-09-14T12:31:00.002-05:00

The weather is changing and I don't like it. I don't mind cooler temperatures (give me 65-85 any day) but all this rain and dreary skies is for the birds - though they hate it too I am sure.

Before going all Kanye on anyone about politics (regardless of your leaning). Check out FactCheck.org - they give a true reading of what is and isn't being said about things. You might learn something.
Speaking of Kanye that was an event staged for the twitter, facebook and interneters out there. all that was missing was "MTV does not like black people".
I think people are getting crazier as I get older.
I agree with Serena Williams. I can't believe I do but I do.
Budget and Avis are banning smoking in rental cars so now all their cars will smell like smoke.
Latoya Jackson said Michael was as close to a god as she had encountered. Ummmm... nevermind..
My money apparently needs to be in a mattress somewhere.
Should older people pay more for insurance? I say no. I will be an old person soon.
There's a mute button on most stuff and if that doesn't work keep your mouth shut.

Keeping it real for a record 1723 days.

Tuesday time

2009-09-08T16:41:00.003-05:00

I enjoyed Labor Day. I took extra days and really decompressed. Lots and lots of reflection. Hard to believe this year is 66% over, it doesn't feel a day over 65.

The President addressed school children about staying in school and working hard. Last week everyone was up in arms about him speaking directly to school children bypassing parents. From what I have observed some parents should be bypassed. People have got to get a clue. Newt Gingrich recommended it which I think was a backhanded compliment.
9/11 curriculum is being introduced into schools. Please don't let it become political, please don't let it become.... too late
First luggage, now the wait on the tarmac? Congress is thinking about passing a bill that would allow passengers to get off planes that were on the tarmac for three hours. Now pass a law that makes airlines have to tell passengers whats going on in a timely manner too - we might have a winner.
Unfun fact - Many businesses are being urged to plan for a flu epidemic this winter. I hate the regular flu I will endure the needle hopefully I can avoid the big one this year. Don't shake hands, bring plenty of sanitizer and wash your hands - often.
Misinformation time - I will be passing along info that is not true in hopes of being sited as a valid source. Socialism is being touted as our only hope. To this end we are paying to have Stalin raised from the dead.
College Football started last week and while my team laid an egg, it is good to be back in the business of watching football. I hope things get better for my team and yours unless they are playing my team.

Have a good time and enjoy the show.

Tuesdays are tough

2009-08-25T07:56:00.006-05:00

Tuesdays are tough. Monday's younger but yet equally annoying brother (sister?). You are technically one day closer but the weekend still has a ways to go before it gets here. I try to get a lot accomplished on Tuesdays. Motivation is high and the full brunt of the week hasn't hit. I make lists and check things off on Tuesdays. It is good.

I talk to people. I say things straight to their face. I write it down for clarification. People don't listen. I say "don't touch that -it's hot" and yet they still touch it. I also love being in the situation where they question why things did not go as planned? really? you went down a path I told you not to, gave you the reasons why, the pitfalls and you wonder what went wrong?
so I am going to start saying the opposite. "Touch it, it's hot, you will love that"
I also am going to adopt a program of throwing out one bit of misinformation each week. This week's bit of misinformation is: The government is working with your dentist to install tracking devices in your teeth. If your dentist has asked you to replace a crown or filling they are trying to track you.
Bonus misinformation (this time misguided assumption): Your cat and dog can understand the words you say so they can actually talk but won't because they find you uninteresting.
I do not do the "Twitter". I am not comfortable with the verb tense yet.
I want you to know that I have a friend review panel. I tell you this so we don't get too close too soon. The rules are currently under construction. Facebook has certainly made it more complicated. I have a list called "Why am I friends with these people?"
They want to create a law limiting the size of your carryon. They also want to see your tightie whities. Soon they will want you to just show up at the airport naked where they dress you in a flying uniform. It will be tasteful, promise. It's the government, they will get it right.
You have to watch out for everything and everyone nowadays. It's hard. Your money is under attack, your kids are under attack, you are under attack, your car, your house. We have just gone too long without anyone minding the store. It is overwhelming. If you are wondering I drink and yell a lot to cope.
I tried to set a "record" for using parenthesis. How did I do?
Credit cards are a big waste of space. If it wasn't for the rewards I would dump them all. Buy from the store direct and use their no-interest for x amount of time. Now that I think of it - I see less of those. more drinking.
Michael Jackson - still not buried and still not exactly sure what happened. The circus never leaves town.
Healthcare reform - read up on it and don't just go to one side of the fence either. Find out what the other side is saying. The truth lies between.

Keep your fellow citizens in mind and do something nice. Before they do something mean to you.

Whoops it's Wednesday

2009-08-19T08:45:00.003-05:00

Time slips by so fast sometimes you forget the little things. Last night I was doing my mental checklist for the week and seemed to be missing something. Then it hit me, I hadn't put in my (semi) weekly submission of blog greatness. To those who do this daily or multiple days in a week I salute you.

I have lots of friends whose children started school last week or will start this week. I know some teachers, too. I remember when we went to school the week before Labor Day. School is starting sooner and sooner. I wish we could figure out how to work smarter not necessarily longer. I add this to my long line of wishes.

To the week at hand and the week that was:

Not sure where healthcare stands this week, but I know what it isn't is fixed. I got a bill today from my dentist because insurance didn't cover all of teeth cleaning (I get 2 fee ones a year). Apparently they don't want my teeth THAT clean.
I think there must be sex in your sex tape otherwise it's just weird. The first thing you worry about when leaked personal footage of you is circulated - does it seem weird?
Is it possible to be equal parts curious and disgusted by Brett Favre? Apparently so
I want to plan a vacation, but every time I turn on the news or read the internets - I see some other place I have to scratch off my list. Blow up pool in the backyard does not work in December, January or February.
I heard someone say Tiger Woods is bad for golf. Yes and Michael Jordan was bad for basketball. I watched a lot of sports this week (can you tell?) - get ready college football will dominate my mind soon enough.
FBI has a 600 page file on Michael Jackson. That is going to be one hell of a movie.

I think its time we all got together and worked on this planet just this once. I fear our chances are dwindling and the guy in the back is going to pull the trigger pretty soon. Do something nice for somebody this week - would ya?

Manic Monday August 10th Edition

2009-08-10T16:19:00.004-05:00

This world we live in is pretty good to us most of the time. We see tragedy but from tragedy we see people rise up and do great things. I look at my kids and hope the best for them but also hope that if adversity finds them they fill have the resolve to keep going and make things better. Let's say I had a "reflective" time in the pool this weekend and it has already started as one of those weeks.

Healthcare, Healthcare, Healthcare. If we want to be a truly great Christian nation - why is it that so many are against making health care affordable for all people. Isn't the phrase "Blessed are the poor" meaningful? Currently the insured pay more for healthcare because of healthcare writing off the insured claims, higher malpractice insurance and passing it along thus causing fewer to be able to afford it (current system). The new system would level the playing field and give access to everyone (or at the least more people) but they are against it because the government has some involvement (proposed system). These guys aren't going to get competitive unless someone with real weight gets in the game.
Katherine Jackson seemed like the sane one but even years of the crazy have rubbed off on her.
So Bill Clinton goes to North Korea gets the journalists back and that's a bad thing how? We don't negotiate with terrorists? He undermined our country's position in the world? or did he do what ex-Presidents should do? He acted as an agent but gave us the complete ability to disavow any cooperation on our part. This speaks to electing younger Presidents who can help as statesmen in their life after the Presidency. I hope GWB takes a cue from his Dad and becomes this kind of statesman.
Dear Wall Street - Just add those bonuses to the bill of what you owe us.
Dear Jon Gosselin - Back away from the light and hug your kids ..often.
Dear People - It is not just healthcare that needs overhauling - our attitudes towards exercise could use a readjustment too.
Dear GM - eBay? really? Amazon would have been a better choice.

I am going to work on making myself better and helping some folks this week. I think this is a respectable goal. I hope I can.

Manic Monday August 3rd Edition

2009-08-03T10:33:00.003-05:00

Time for another edition of what the heck is happening or has happened in the world and who cares? I had a good weekend cavorting with family. I hope you did too. Let's look inside the glass.

Cash for clunkers was a PR nightmare running out of money and having to go back for more. Critics pounced saying "see why would we want the government running healthcare if they can't do this?". Problem is dealerships love it - people are coming in the doors and sometimes buying. Explain to me again why this is bad? tell me what else has been done outside of this to drive sales for a fledgling industry?
Healthcare is no fun to talk about. It is no fun because the need to fix it is the right decision to make but everyone wants to make it political and say it's bad because its the other guy's idea. Healthcare represents the next great financial crisis. if we don't get in front of it - it could be doozy.
Get ready for the circus. Michael Jackson's estate hearings are this week and the great money grab begins. In some kind of weird karma I hope Paul McCartney ends up with the rights to all of MJ's songs and gets the Beatles catalog back. I think the lineup of who is related to who and secret children are going to be the big stories coming out of this.
Man I love Apple. I bought an Apple remote for my laptop before I took out of the package it was synced and working.
Fantasy Football starts soon. The only reason to pay attention to the NFL. I have watched a grand total of 2 games in the last 3-4 years. The drama around it is much more interesting than the games.
Christian Mafia? Google "The Family". They have some strange ways of conveying their message.
Why the hell did Hugh Hefner have a house next to the Playboy Mansion? I would not stay there much. I guess raising kids in the mansion might be tough. "Eat your sprouts and stop staring at her rack!"
GI Joe roars to a theater near you this week. A real American hero whose weapons clogged more vacuum cleaners in the 80's than Fluffy's hairballs.
Finally I present my birth certificate as validation that I can write this crappy blog. I hope its enough.

Have a good week. I will tune in later if necessary.

Manic Monday

2009-07-27T17:11:00.003-05:00

Another day , another dollar.

I do not want to ever be arrested for breaking into my own home. I want to be arrested for something cool like naked high wire walking.
I think its funny that the people who are for drug testing to get welfare - are the same people who couldn't pass the test.
I think if you do get arrested , get arrested in New Jersey. It appears they have done away with racism or segregation - everyone is corrupt. Your time in jail will be profitable and great networking.
I will miss all the Viagra and Cialis commercials. The four hour erection is the highest rated show on TV.
I think its getting more and more attractive to do everything online. It's getting dangerous out there.
Complain about a solution when you have a solution. "Theirs sucks" is not a position.

stay tuned.

Catching up

2009-07-08T12:15:00.004-05:00

I took time off from my very lucrative and busy blogging career to visit with some old friends (some found via Facebook), celebrate children's birthdays, celebrate country's birthday and reflect on whether I should be doing this or not.

Most of my good thoughts are random and not blog-worthy but I have some thoughts on the randomness from the last few weeks:

Dear Health Care Plan haters - if you have a better idea please float it because all I have heard you say is it is too expensive. Everything is too expensive especially when its been broke for so long.
Dear Michael Jackson family - it appears you are going to pick up his weird torch and run with it. Good for you - it was needed too - there wasn't any other weirdness out there.
Dear Oklahoma politicians - why do you have to be just enough of a fool to make us look bad but not fool enough to get kicked out of office?
Dear Space Shuttle - you are still around?
Dear GM - you want to sell cars on eBay? Sounds like a great way to kick off the post bankruptcy blues. Did someone see a late night eBay millionaire infomercial while they couldn't sleep?
Dear Pope - hope you are okay .. watch out jumping on those hotel beds..
Did you hear some states are saving money by closing rest stops? did you know that states still have (and spend money on) rest stops? By the looks of them I would have never guessed. That should save them a good $10.
Dear Weirdos - keep it to yourselves

Love and Marriage

2009-06-30T08:19:00.009-05:00

Clark Matthews over at the Lost Ogle wrote a very good post on recent events in Oklahoma regarding gay marriage.

He asserts that there should be no legal marriage and that all marriage in law should be converted to civil unions. This allows homosexuals to marry within their religion and allows everyone else to marry, divorce, marry again and divorce in their religion- free of any laws binding them to do so.

Rather than go point by point over his post (he did a great job - better than anything this novice could produce), I thought I would throw out a few other points. Go read his (see link at the right) - come back and read mine. Or if you have already been there - aloha!

The word marriage gets thrown about quite a bit. This is because its in the Bible and that means its true. There is a lot stuff in the Bible - it doesn't make it all stuff we should believe or follow. See the video to the right on the Bible's definitions on marriage.
Marriage = Money. I think the real underlying principal is that some people would prefer not to pay or extend rights to homosexuals. They use religion as their shield and sword. By marrying, homosexuals would get benefits, tax breaks and family discounts at the gym. This cannot happen - if more homosexuals go to the gym - I will look even worse than I do by comparison.
I could do a couple of days on hypocrisy. If you don't know what I mean Google Ted Haggard (he would prefer that the males Google him more than the gals). He was the leader of the evangelicals, he got caught with a male hooker and some drugs, he was excommunicated not only from his church but was told to not live in the same state as them and though they "forgave" him ...they are doing everything they can to forget him. Why do I bring this up? It shows that despite everything that is preached and told to you, when he needed the Church the most, they turned their back on him. Not all churches are like this, but there are plenty that are and growing. Why would we want to turn our government more into church? Church is emotional and irrational sometimes (Church is people, people), we need a government that is logical and practical.

We face hard times and we need all the people we can get with us on the boat. If the homosexuals are with us ... the entertainment and parties are going to be a hell of lot more fun.

Sales of sequins takes a hit

2009-06-26T11:49:00.002-05:00

Michael Jackson via last.fm

Man, people in my generation lost some pretty big names yesterday. I am torn on how I feel about Michael Jackson on one hand he seemingly went to great lengths to destroy a legacy that would have stood against anyone. He put out some of the most recognized music in the world but lately (last 20 years +) he has just continually done horrible things to people, children, his face and society that will be swept away in few years due to his passing. He became a recluse because he had no choice.

The other side of me remembers Thriller and Bad. Albums that caused this white boy to want to go out and buy some activator and short pants. I knew all the words, watched all the videos and thought he was cool in a weird way.

Ironically his dissent started after he released "off the wall" - go look at that album and compare some pictures of recent - its spooky. I know people will eulogize him many different ways but its hard to get past his transgressions which it was obvious he couldn't get past them either.

The passing of an icon

2009-06-25T14:51:00.004-05:00

Today everyone lost a true icon in Farrah Fawcett. Men in my age range 35ish to 45ish all had the poster. I inspected every inch of that poster on my wall as a boy. She provided a friendly face (and more) whenever it seemed as though everything was going wrong.

Farrah - you will be missed.

What did you say?

2009-06-24T10:52:00.005-05:00

Recent events have forced me to reflect on the evolution of relationships. From media whores to people in my "inner circle" it seems one common theme is evident when it comes to problems - communication.

I got married later in life so it gave me time to craft and rework what it is and was I really wanted. But I knew one thing I wouldn't keep my mouth shut about things. I am not shy when it comes to telling people exactly how I feel and how intensely I feel it. I don't have time to waste dancing around it - say it and get to work moving forward.

I think the best advice I can give someone who is looking for someone to spend a long time with is tell them stuff. If you don't know the answer to whether or not your partner wants kids - ask them. If you know the answer but believe you can change them - you will end up miserable. If you like things a certain way - whether it be your clothes, your home or you food or whatever - tell them. It is far better to exhaust a subject and tell the person over and over and over your thoughts, feelings and beliefs than it is to sit in silence to save trouble. You are not saving yourself trouble - you are only delaying it. It's better to discuss it (or fight about it- so long as you have a good resolution strategy) now than when the stakes are higher and there are others in the wake. By practicing this early on you prepare yourself for the conversations of the future and are better prepared to find the one person who fits with you.

Guys are going to moan and say "I don't want to share my feelings" but believe me if you wait until its too late you risk being miserable because she will constantly nag or worse yet she will look for the things she wants outside of your relationship. Also if you say or do things just to keep the peace (or to get a piece) you will have to live with that for the remainder of the relationship. If you forgo guys night out to go to a movie or museum or whatever every time she asks that will be what she expects always. I am not saying forsake all activities and take a hardline but remember to tell her that you want to go out with your friends once in awhile and expect that it won't be a huge deal.

Girls are going to jump up and down and say "Great we get to share!" but be warned you may hear things you don't want to hear like he does not want kids, he does not want to include your mother on every decision or he wants to watch as much sports as possible even if it means delaying or not doing some project or event you want to. Every Saturday in the fall may be off limits for weddings, outings, etc because he has season tickets to football. If he is the person you want to be with then these things will fit with you but if the "things" are more important than who you do it with - then move on.

No one wants to fight about everything and ideally you shouldn't but healthy debate on the critical topics of your lives is the best way to ensure you don't end up hurt. This is the advice I will give my daughter and son - I hope they can find their way to use it.

Anticipating Nothing

2009-06-22T08:34:00.001-05:00

Tonight's episode of Jon and Kate plus 8 promises a life changing announcement. I would say they have already made enough "announcements" throughout the last year.

Announcements like:

"our kids are commodities"

"our marriage is inconveniently convenient"

"I am tired of this"

"I can't get enough of this"

I hope that the announcement is that after they drain every last bit out of this season (40 episodes? holy cow!) that they will end the show and focus on repairing their children's lives. I can hope but am not optimistic.

Happy Father's Day

2009-06-21T10:43:00.000-05:00

To those who are and are going to be fathers, enjoy today. This is a great day to reflect on what you have done right, improve on it and bask in the attention.

Tomorrow you can go back to being cranky.