Truth: What A Year Looks Like

Ever since I can remember I have had this vision of what a calendar year looks like in my head. I don't know why I have this idea of how it is spread out, but I know it's there.  I've tried to change it, I've looked at different ways, but this always sticks.

Maybe you don't have any idea of what a year looks like in your head, but I do.  If you do have something, let me know.  When I think of a year, I think of calendar months all aligned in an oval circle.  No matter which day I am on, I look to the right of the circle to see the other months.  If I'm in January I am at the top of the circle.

I tend to feel good when I'm in April because I know the best part of the circle is near.  Once September comes up, it starts to get depressing. April is such a long way away.

As I get older time seems to go by much quicker.  I seem to picture the past years as squares all on top of each other.  They are no longer circles, but old squares.  I have limited rememberence of months in those years, but I do remember the years.  Perhaps that's why I put them in squares.

Am I the only one that thinks like this, or am I just wacked out?  It bothers me from the standpoint that I don't share this with anyone.  This is my reality.  That in itself is cool of course, but still puts me a place of having a hard time explaining time and it's importance.

Excelsior



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Truth: To Drink and Drive

On December 30, 2007 a drunk driver killed my friends.  Some of you who know the story may be tired of me talking about it.  But, I will not forget.

I am no prude. I have a hard time though drinking in public because of this story.  I'm not against drinking; I am against drunk driving and everyone praising the almighty alcohol every time they open their mouths.  Are your lives that empty you can't smile without a drink?  Are you that shallow you have nothing to offer but getting plastered?  Are you that boring and uninteresting that you just live for the weekend to party?   Those are questions you need to answer yourself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2Xf048GoRw



Rest in peace, Bethany, Jordan, Haley, Lacie, and Vadie

Excelsior

A.D.D. Rumblings No. 122809

1. I can't stand when people put food in their mouth, then immediately take a drink of something to wash it down while the food is still in their mouth.  I find that totally gross.  The thought of it makes me want to gag.

2. Inevitably people always ask me how my Christmas was.  Why?  Do they really care? I don't think they do, because I could make something up and it would go right past them.  I often do that too. I'll make something up, just to ease the conversation.  Truthfully, I have nothing to say about it. If there was something to tell them, I would.  I don't ask people how their Christmas was, because I just don't care. If they want to tell me something, I'm all ears and I'm interested.  However I have no curiosity for the small talk.

3. Miley Hannah Montana Cyrus has a tattoo and she is only 17.  Is that too young to get a tattoo? I personally don't care if she has one or not. I'm just wondering if there should be a law or a rule on this.

5. You ever noticed that people who have tattoos always wear clothes that show them off?  It could be cold as hell outside, and they will still wear short sleeves so you can see their barbed wire or dragon.  Which makes me wonder if they have the tattoo because it means something, or they just want something to show off  to begin with? As if they just want the attention of having a tattoo, because it's "cool" and it draws attention to them?

4. On social sites like Myspace and Facebook, there are certain people that like to leave pictures of partially dressed people on other's sites.  The thing is, guys will be leaving pictures of naked men on women's sites, and women will be leaving pictures of women on men's sites.  I don't get this. Do you people find this as a way of flirting or something?  A guy I know had a naked picture of a guy on his profile picture dressed in nothing but a strategically placed Santa hat.  Why?  I asked him if he was gay, he said no. Somehow he thought the ladies would like it (I'm sure they did), and it would give him attention?  Makes no sense to me.

6. One thing I've never really understood is how anyone can criticize someones occupation.  Oh he's just a janitor, or he's just a carpenter, or he's just a technician.  I don't think someones occupation has ever made me stop to think that I should judge a person less or more by what they do. I know full well people to this. I've heard them.

[ This blog brought to you by the word festive and the number 42 ]

7. I've taken about 47,000 digital photos in 6 years. Is that too much?

8. I was asked recently how content I am. I said not very.  Not that I feel bad, but I just don't think it's attainable. I've always had this feeling when I ultimately feel that way, it will be either when I'm old and my life is just about over; or when I've given up and just settled for things being the way they are.

9. The Detroit Lions sent me 2 free tickets to the last game of the season.  Being a former season ticket holder, they wanted to show their appreciation and hopefully get me to come back.  2 free tickets?  How about 8 years worth of my money back instead?  No, I'm not going.  Screw them.

10. How many people that you see walking around talking on their phones or texting, do you think actually are doing that?  I bet a certain percentage are just faking it so they don't have to talk to people, or to make themselves look busy or important.  That has to be the case.  Like a computer monitor, the phone is easy to hid behind.  Ironically it's a communication device being used as a shield.  Can you hear me now?

Liberty: Man-Caused Disasters!

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano was interviewed by a German paper  earlier this year regarding what she calls terrorist acts.  She calls them "Man-Caused Disasters" instead of acts of terrorism.  Why?  So, in her mind, we can move away from the "politics of fear " towards a policy that can be prepared for all risks that may occurs.

WHAT

An act or terrorism is what happened at Fort Hood. Of course the current administration refuses to admit that still.  Yet the recent TERRORIST ACT that occurred on a flight to Detroit was referred to as a terrorist act by the White House.  Why the sudden change of heart?  The potential for the act in Detroit was for greater; but what actually happened at Fort Hood was more tragic in nature.  Yet they still did not call it a terrorist act.

You know I may be splitting hairs here, but the point is...all this political correctness, especially when it's from the mouth of a security "leader" is just downright sickening.

A Man Caused Disaster is how the sheeple voted the Obama administration in to office, with all his socialist tendencies.  That's a disaster!

The politics of fear???  I've said it, and I'll say it again. Evil exists, don't trust anyone, and be vigilant to those walking around you.  Fear that, and fear your Secretary of Homeland Security and her socialist minions who think killing a bunch of soldiers was a man-caused disaster.

The late and great Mark Scott used to say, " I love my country, but I fear my government".  

Excelsior

P.S.
Check out my The Angry Conservative - my good friend Steve, a true patriot runs this online rag. Good stuff. You'll enjoy it, even if you sway to the left.  http://theangryconservative.net/

Chicks - Two Hearts Beat As One?

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I was at the store doing some Christmas shopping and on several occasions, I saw three couples who caught my eye. These couples all had one thing in common.  They were dressed like their partner.

I saw one couple both wearing grey sweat pants, and white t-shirts. They both had athletic shoes on.  They both looked very sloppy, had their noses pierced, their eyebrows pierced.  I think they were in their mid-twenties.

Another couple was probably in their 40's.  They both had the same same Nascar jacket.  Both actually were wearing the same polo red polo shirts.  They had a weathered look about them, like they've spent most of their life in a bowling alley.

Another couple, were both wearing Detroit Red Wings hockey jerseys.

Some of you are going to say how cute. Some of you are going to say that I pay too much attention to clothes.  Some of you will say it's a coincidence.  You may be right on all accounts to a degree.  I just know there are many couples, that become one.  They are no longer two people.  They are no longer John and Jane...they are JohnJane.  Everyone refers to them in lockstep. They do everything together. They lose their identity.  They even share the same Facebook profile; and the same email address.

This is not a criticism (well the bowling part is); it's an observation.  These are the people that do the couple-mumble.  You know when they talk to each other every where quietly in some strange mumbling rambling that only they know what they are talking about.

Not all couples are like this of course, that's why these stick out to me.  What makes the people function like that?  What makes them cross the line of being an individual to being part of a joined at the hip couple?  I wonder if they even know they do this. I wonder if these are the type of couples that don't get divorced?  Are JohnJane happy?

Excelsior

Truth: Detroit Destination Unknown

"...Detroit got a hell of a hockey team"
from Papa Hobo - by Paul Simon


I've noticed through the years on Facebook and Myspace that people always post their vacation pictures.  Seems normal enough obviously.  What I've noticed is that many Detroiters will always post "Chicago" and "Toronto" photos.  Yet I never see Chicago or Toronto folks list their "Detroit" vacation photos. .


Perhaps I'm not privy to such information just based on logistics, but I doubt that's the case. 


When people I know come in from out of town, I struggle to take them anywhere when it comes to Detroit.  I have to think real hard to figure out what there is to do in Detroit.  What is there to see?


I don't want to be anti-Detroit; I want the opposite actually.  Yet I struggle on where to take people.  When I ask friends for advice I get the standard: Greektown, Tigers Game, Henry Ford Museum.    Then it's all up in the air.  Oh yeah, I can always take them to a smokey casino.  


Inevitably I take them to hokey Frankenmuth, Mackinac, Windsor, or Ann Arbor which isnt Detroit.  I know there has to be more to do and see, but I struggle.  Help me.

If you wanted to go to Detroit where would want to go?  If you are from Detroit where do you take people to pass the time?  Hook a brotha up!

Excelsior!


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Truth - So This Is Christmas

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I've always liked the song Happy Christmas (War is Over) by John Lennon.  Well I like most of it until you hear Yoko's vocals kick in and pretty much ruin it...like nails on a chalkboard.  Nonetheless the first part of the lyrics always gets me thinking.  "And what have you done"

So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
Ans so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

I am big on tradition. I think it's very important to the fabric of our country, as well to the fabric of family and character.  Yet there's something weird about Christmas that doesnt jive with me.  That is the reoccuring "wishing" the "questioning" the "let's provide good will towards all men" aspect of it all.

Tis the season?  Yeah I'm ok with that being the focal point.  I'm good with the love, the spirit, and the cheer. I just am trying to figure out how much of it is actually empty rhetoric or perhaps just something people say at this time of year because they have to.

Perhaps it's too much to ask to feel the Christmas spirit all year long? Maybe this time of the year is a perfect time to feel this way.  Maybe it's a perfect time to live in the spirit.  These are weird questions I ask myself.  However I ask myself quietly, because I don't want to come across as a scrooge and ruin a good thing.  I really don't.  Keep up the good work folks...I just hope you mean it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8jw-ifqwkM

Buon Natale/ Excelsior

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A.D.D. Rumblings No. 122009

1. A choir teacher took her class out to eat. She could not find a place that could accommodate the large group. So the teacher took them to Hooters.  So members of the community are all up and arms about this, thinking it was tasteless and inappropriate.  What do you think?  Is this teacher a boob or what?  By the way, their food sucks.

2. It is totally obvious that Tiger Woods is a psychopath.  Not that he likes to sleep with easy women, or that he cheated on his wife. It's because he thought he could get away with it.  He got caught in this world of power and arrogance.  I can't help but think that mindset is what makes him the greatest golfer in the world.  I think right now, he isn't even acknowledging what he's done; he's thinking about how he can beat it, use it, and overcome this.  I never liked him.

3. Vanna White is looking old. Can I buy a W for wrinkle cream?

5.  A recent study just came out and it said that couples that do the dishes together stay together. I wonder if having a dishwasher is somehow linked to the high divorce rate?  No where in the study was anything about psycho wives who throw dishes at their husbands though.

4. The President's approval rating is super low. Unemployment is at about 9%.  Roughly 2.5 million jobs have been lost since he's been in office.  Gee I wonder why?  Then I get people in my face telling me I should give him a chance. Give him a chance?  Start creating JOBS now. It's not impossible. Just do it, instead of wasting time in Copenhagen hugging the Green Industry Liars.

6. Why was the Empire State Building decorated recently in the colors of red and yellow as a tribute to 60 years of Chinese communism?  I don't get it. I don't get it.  Maybe we were thanking them for making all of our products, and for taking all of our jobs?  Way to go Empire State Building. Where's King Kong when you need him?

[ This blog is brought to you by the word STRESS and the number 99 ]

7. The new Health Care Reform GARBAGE plan is going to tax those who get a tan at a tanning booth. Expecting to pay 10 percent is what is being proposed.  See the government is telling you how to look too.  

8. I hate public rest rooms. They disgust me.  Everything about them.  The thought of a communal area like this makes me vomit.  Sometimes I think I can trick myself into thinking it's not so bad. Yet every time I go in one, I feel like I'm in a war zone, and can't wait to get the hell out.  Gross me out the door.

9. At least twice a week, I kid you not...people write DINA in an email to me instead of Dino.  So inevitably I only respond with Who's Dina?  Then I just blow them off after they apologize.  It makes them feel guilty.  

10. This website came up in my spam catcher.  http://www.howtobehandsome.com.   I find this very funny. I wonder how many of these books/cds does this website actually sell. How much of this do people actually believe?  Why do people fall for this stuff?  Someone is getting rich at the whims of those who feel ugly and think this can help.  I need to create a self help book...maybe to make the dumb not so dumb?

What's the point of all the Pez? There is none. Enjoy.




Excelsior

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Chicks: What's Sexy?

A few friends of mine were discussing what was sexy.  It was interesting to hear the different things people fancy.

They thought having fingernails or toe nails painted was sexy.  To me...could care less. I never notice that sort of thing. Can you really pin point what you think is sexy?  I guess I want to know if there is a universal thing that makes someone sexy?

Most people will say eyes.  But if the person is so ugly you hear organ music when you see them, pretty eyes arent going to cut it.

Some people will say a great smile.  But what if that person is a complete moron, doesnt that smile just mean they are phony?

Other say confidence...but then how do you tell the difference between that and arrogance?

I don't think there are universal things that men or women can agree on. You'll always here how women just love intelligience.  Well if that's the case, then why are so many people from Ohio married?

I'll settle for hip huggers, hats, glasses, and girls who drive trucks as criteria.

Truth: What The Heck Is This?

What the hell is this bridge supposed to be anyways?  This is located on I-94 and US 24 in Taylor, Michigan.  This was made in 2005 to welcome those coming to Detroit for the Super Bowl.  It was supposed to represent 2 footballs in a gateway type architecture.

Here's the kicker.  It won an architecture contest.  

Big Whoop!

I love unique architecture, and while this may be structurally sound...it's completely POINTLESS.  Pointless to the tune of $14 milllion.   Yep, that's right...in a city that is now boasting an unemployment rate of 28%, they can say they have a football bridge.

How many people come to Detroit to see this bridge? I'm thinking ZERO.  I could be wrong; there could be a handful of bridge freaks that want to take a picture of this mess for sure.  This is reason #456788 why Detroit sucks.

...



Oh by the way, if you want to check out a very unique boutique, my friend Wendy has this pretty fab and hip shop called Poppy.  I recommend you shop Poppy.

Sports: Sports Bliss

My friend Eric posted this: 10 Perfect Sports Bliss Moments


* Softball double-header in September, followed by beer at Herman's (tavern) with late season baseball on the big screen, and a bunch of old dudes trying to figure out all the teams that wore powder blue road uniforms in the '70s and '80.
* Hockey at Dearborn High with the best group of old-school guys I've ever been around.
* Not going to Lions games. I miss you Church of the NFL.
* Calgary vs. Edmonton on the late game. Falling asleep on the couch with a Molson in hand.
* Wrigley Field bleachers on a weekday.
* Throwing the football around while tailgating on the U of M golf course.
* Taking a road trip with the Wings and watching them deflate the crowd as they dominate.
* UofM vs. MSU at Yost Arena
* Shuffling through thousands of baseball cards in search of the illusive '72s.
* Golf at dusk up north.



A couple of these things I've never done, but I can surely identify and agree with most though.  My list is a little different:


*Reliving goals I've scored in my lifetime over and over. I think it's the Al Bundy in me who does this.
*The first 10 minutes of Monday Night Football. There's always a chance there will be a good game, and the build up is great.
*Sitting around with the guys talking nothing but sports for 3 hours. This is rare, but when it happens...it's great.
*Coaching. Being able to teach, watch, and relive my childhood is wonderful. Just standing on the sidelines is not for me. 
*Driving home late on a summer night, scanning the AM Radio and picking up a Cardinals or Pirates game. 
*In softball when you hit the ball perfectly off the bat, and it goes exactly where you want it.  There isnt a much better feeling.
*The Old Tiger Stadium; as soon as you walked in, there was the smell of hot dogs, the echo of the PA Announcer....then seeing the grass of the field through the tunnel.  It was as if angels opened up heaven so you could take a peak. I miss that.
*Baseball Tonight. I'm still trying to find a better sports show on TV.
*Softball twice a week, then if you are lucky someone calls and needs a sub on a Sunday night.
*Playing catch.

Excelsior!

Truth: The Way Church Ought To Be?

So I'm driving home and I see a license plate cover in the car in front of me with the words "The Way Church Ought To Be".  This of course was listed along with the name of the church.

So I was thinking, how does this church know what church ought to be?  More importantly why would they need to promote their church through some cheap marketing gadget like a license plate cover?

Then I couldn't help but think the driver of this car was one of those church sheeple who go on and on about their church and how it's the best thing ever.  How their church is so much better than anything else they've ever been to.  How now they feel like they finally belong to something new and special.  How wonderful their service is, because it's so modern and what not.

Hey..to each his own. Just shut up about it because I don't care about you whims and fads regarding God or churches.  Sell it to the folks who are aching to join the next "best thing".  Oh and yeah I've been to a few of these places...where the people are all wanting to be ROCK and ROLL to Jesus. Yeah whatever.

Keep it to yourself, that's how it ought to be.






Excelsior!

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Sports: We Need College Playoffs!

We need college football playoffs. Yes we do!.  They can do it in basketball and baseball, they can surely do it in football.  It's just DUMB the championship boils down to silly computer formulas. SILLY!

I devised this genius schedule for a playoff system a couple of years ago. I even wrote the BCS.  They replied back with some generic line about blah blah blah..  It made no sense. I may have more luck writing my Senator. On second thought...it was the same thing!

Anyways check it out, tell me what you think. In a nut shell, all bowl games remain, but each one becomes a playoff game.


32 Bowl Games:
29 BSC Tournament Games
3 non championship games (Hawaii, Vegas, International)

2 Leagues - East & West:
5 Conferences in the West
5 Conferences in the east

Each team listed across from each other is the Rivarly Week game matchup

Each Team plays 12 games
8 Conference Games
1 Rivarly Week Game
2 Non-Conference Games
1 Other League game

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff42/hockeydino/college.jpg

Excelsior!

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Liberty: Because They Can?

Every winter it seems I see news stories of two things that boggle my mind.

The first one is fishermen who get stuck on ice break offs.   They ice fish on the Great Lakes or smaller lakes...but inevitably the ice breaks off and they are lost.  Rescue teams and police resources are utilized to go get these people; to save their lives.  I'm not knocking ice fishing, but do you really need to have your SUV on the ice with you?  Come on.

The second is mountain climbers.  There's always a report of several climbers missing after a storm or an avalanche.  Well what are they doing there in the first place?   Who are these people that climb mountains in the middle of winter just do it?  Again helicopters and rescuse teams spend hours and tons of money going after these people.

I don't get it. Who are these people who have no regard for danger and harms way?  Thrill seekers? Dumb? Some day I'll figure it out. If you know, please let me know.

I think about Sir Edmund Hillary. He was famous for climbing Mt. Everest. Again I say..SO?


Excelsior!

Truth: Talk To Me

Look, I know people need people. I get it. When I say I hate people, know that I don't really hate people. I just don't like many and most whom I have no interest in dealing with.  This is rarely the case on a personal scale, but from dealing with the groups or strangers - yikes.  It's surely prevelant when dealing with those I don't know or hardly know more often than not.

That being said, I have a hard time listening to people who want to talk to me. I'm just not interested.  More often than not, I'm forcing the conversation to avoid the uncomfortable silence that's about to happen because they are not speaking.

So the question lies, is it me or is it them? I'm open to it being me as the issue instead of them but I'd like to know. I find myself daydreaming, looking away, thinking about other things to talk about. I'm just not listening. I'm usually just picking up a few words here and there just to be polite.  I try, I really do. I just float off into another world.  My own world, where I'm thinking about sugar plums dancing in my head...that sort of thing.

I know it's rude. I don't want to be rude. I know it's selfish. I just want people to get to the point. I want them to wow me.  When they don't, I tend to move on.  Don't ask what I can do for you...ask what you can tell me!


Excelsior!

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Truth: hApPy HaPpY JoY jOy!

I've been asked to write about more positive and uplifting things. I've been asked to write about JOYUS things.  I've been told I need to be more happier. Oh really?  Who says I'm not happy?  Who says that this just isnt the place where I vent and post my frustrations...man?

Do you think I'm a pissed off sog and a grumpy old toad because I moan and groan often?  Tell me what you think. I want to know. I don't really care, but I want to know.  Do I need to "get a life" as I've recently been told because I complain about too many things?  Perhaps I should not complain about the government until I run for congress either? [Not that I would, just sayin].

There's this HUGE movement of people; probably in the tens of millions that say you must think happy, to be happy.  That you most think positive thoughts in order to be positive. You must choose to feel joy in order to let your heart be filled with it.  You know these people...and who they are. They are everywhere.  These are the people with more flare, surely more cowbell.

The thing is, is this really the case?  Can you fool yourself into thinking all is well, when you know you are fooling yourself to begin with?  That's my gripe peeps.  I know it's a sham, so it's hard to do.  In order for me to be "happy", I really have to be happy.  I have to feel it.  It may be a choice; but I'm not one of those who can fake it. I can't fake it until I make it.

I'm not striving to be happy anyways. I'm trying to be content.  I don't want to settle. I want it all.

Excelsior!


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Truth: Christmas vs. Xmas

I often get told by people I know that I should never use the word XMAS.  That it's disrespectful.  I tend to write that word often actually.  I don't think twice about it, and I surely don't mean to be disrespectful. I know how violent Christians can be!

So for the sake of this conversation I'll list what I like about Christmas, and won't I don't like about Christmas (Xmas).

What I like about Christmas:
Elegant decorations
Traditional decorations
Christmas lights
Good Christmas music (Redding. Guaraldi, TSO..)
Receiving Gifts
Egg Nog
Christmas Trees
Snow
The Grinch
Traditions
A Christmas Carol
Memories
Christmas spirit
Santa Claus
Football
Gift bags
Manicotti
Stocking stuffers
Christmas morning
Breakfast
Dinner
Wishing someone a Merry Christmas
Getting wished a Merry Christmas
Midnight mass
A Christmas Story 24hr marathon

What I don't like about Xmas:
Gaudy decorations
Annoying lawn inflatable lawn decorations
Lame Christmas music (Mariah Carey, Amy Grant, Rascal Flatts..)
Shopping
Putting up decorations
Spending money
Wrapping gifts
Cold weather
People constantly telling me what the season is about
The Nutcracker
Bell ringers
Candy canes
Frosty the Snowman
Driving
Putting things together
Toys that have 5 tons of plastic wrap and ties
Fruitcake
Seasons Greetings
Taking down decorations
Some assembly required
Arts and Crafts made Christmas sweaters

Truth: My Favorite Christmas Flicks

I've seen many Christmas movies.  Here is my list, not in order of the ones I really like.  I'm sure as usual I'm missing something good; but that's where you come in to remind me..or at least recommend something to me.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946) - I don't watch this every year, which probably keeps it fresh for me. Great story, and I'm a Jimmy Stewart fan.  There's something very believable about him, especially in this classic.

A Christmas Story (1983) - When they show the 24 marathon on TBS every Christmas, I probably watch this 12 times.  I fell in love with this movie the very first time I saw it. It never gets old for me.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965 - TV) - I love the simplicity of it; but more so I'm a fan of the music.  My brother has a Charlie Brown Christmas Tree by the way in his living room.  He denies it, but everyone knows it to be true.

Elf (2003) - I'm not a Will Ferrell fan for the most part, but I did like this movie and enjoy it.  Unfortunately it's pretty predictable, but I'm ok with some holiday fluff, and this fits right in. The snowball fight is something I've day dreamed about since I was a kid.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) - I didn't care for he Jim Carrey version, but this cartoon is classic. It's only 26 minutes, but what a great story.  Surely the best theme song ever. You're a bad banana with a greasy black peel!

The Polar Express (2004) - I'm so not a Tom Hanks fan, and I think the fact he is in it makes me not want to watch it.  However when I saw this for the first time I was very impressed.  It's a great story with even greater special effects.  I'm still not sure if this is a classic because it's good, or because it's forced fed to us.  I'm still judging this actually.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (1989) - Randy Quaid makes the movie, sorry.  The lights on the roof - been there!

A Christmas Carol (1999) - This was for television and starred one of my favorite actors Patrick Stewart. He was absolutely brilliant.

A Christmas Carol (1984) - George C. Scott was brilliant in this one.  Totally believable as Scrooge. When he sees Marley's Ghost, it still gets me.

A Christmas Carol (2009) - In 3d. Jim Carrey is great in all the part of this soon to be classic. If you haven't seen it, please do so.  Sure you know the story by now, but in 3d?...come on...love it.  All movies should be in 3d!

While we are down memory lane, who remembers this animated version?  I grew up on this one:

Miracle on 34th Street (1947) - Some people like the beauty of this movie. For me, Santa creeps me out. I studied this film back in college from a shooting standpoint. I still look at it technically.  So it makes my list.  Black and whites are great I might add.

The Santa Clause (1994) - I guess there's like 3 or 4 of these out there.  I don't know, but the first two were pretty good.  Not enough to see the others one.  Darn it, I hate sequels. Why ruin a good thing?

Home Alone (1990) - Simple, slapstick nonsense. I can't stand the annoying spoiled brat kid, but Pesci makes the film. Good stuff.

Frosty The Snowman (1969) - Burl Ives scares the hell out of me, but I liked this old classic.  =it reminds me of my childhood.

Scrooged (1988) - Anything Bill Murray is good in my book. Not great, but it had some funny moments.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) - It's a good kid flick. Timeless.

Three movies I did not see yet:

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) -

Bad Santa (2003) -
Joyeux Noel (Merry Christmas) (2005) -

Truth: Love Mail Hate Mail 121209

LOVE MAIL

You make me so smile Dino!!

I like you ...

I adore you.

You were up late and smokin' your brain when you wrote this one Dino Man.....entertaining :)
thanks for sharing.

On chick requirements:
Nooooo, you aren't asking for much (sic).  Forget about it and keep renting.  Remember the motto: If it flies, floats, or fu_ks, Rent it....it's cheaper and will cost you less in the long run!!!!

I am convinced we are soulmates Dino!

You make me laugh.

You are so funny Dino, oh and wise too.  Every morning when I get to work I check my e-mail and laugh my head off!!  After I have read your e-mails, I then Forward it to many many friends, who in turn have a laugh themselves.  I’ve been knowing you since myspace, long time and you never get old.  Love ya Dino

HATE MAIL
Did you forget to take your meds today?

Come on, Dino.  There are women that can golf.  I'll remember not invite you to come join me on the course.  What am I going to do with you?!!!

Why ban women from golf courses--do you want some guy in daisy dukes and cut off tshirt driving the beer cart?

You are not right Mr. Dino. I can prove it. Email me.

You are so grumpy. Get a girlfriend.

It's no wonder you are single. You have many caveman qualities.

Real men watch the Hallmark channel and cry.

Oh I forget everyone is perfect like you.


DUMB MAIL
Do you play Farmville?

Sports: Role Models

The Tigers traded Curtis Granderson to the Yankees. I always liked Curtis Granderson.  However I liked him because he played hard, and he offered a dimension that is rare in baseball - hustle.  There are certain ball players that I just like no matter what team they are on, because they are "ball players".  Nick Punto, Kevin Youkulis, Mark Teixiera, Granderson etc.  These are the guys you build teams around for the most part.  These are the guys I enjoy watching.

There's been an uproar in Motown about trading away Granderson.  The talk about how he was such a good person off the field, how likeable he was, how good he was for the community.  WHO CARES!  I don't care!  I'm supposed to like this guy because he does charity events, and represents "baseball" on ambassador tours around the world?  Please!  Spare me.  This guy should be working on the hole in his swing, instead of traveling to Africa visiting school children there promoting baseball. How does he help my team by going to Africa?  He doesnt.

Sure there's an element to judging the character of an athlete when off the field they conduct themselves in a good manner.  Yet if this guy acted like a jerk like his ex-teammater Cabera it would'nt bother me one bit assuming he performed on the field.  You see that's the problem, I think Cabrera is an underachiever bum, and Granderson didnt perform even with the hustly.  So how they act off the field means nothing to me, good or bad.  Should it?  Alex I'll take 10 Jack Tatums please.

Anyways I'm sad to see him go, but the fact is he wasnt great. He was good. I always thought he should bat eighth and play left field anyways.  Nonetheless, he's going to rock in the Big Apple with that lineup around him - Arod, Jeter, Posada, Teixiera. I don't know if it's a good trade or not...I'm not one for prospects..but we'll see. But enough of the role model junk. Role models don't win ball games.  They might fill seats, but then again so does winning.  Do you want a bunch of nice players or a winning ball club?



Give me Ty Cobb, Mickey Mantle, Jack Tatum, Night Train Lane. You can keep your Mike Sweeneys, Curtis Grandersons, Brandon Inges, and your other Lady Bing types.

Truth: Got You Under A Spell

They say swearing is a sign that indicates lack of intelligence.  Well damn them who say this I say. But what is it when you constantly misspell a word?  There are certain words that I just never seem to type correctly.  The one common one is "tomorrow"  It always gets me. I don't know why, I cant write this word.  I don't think I've ever written it correctly in my life. I must be dumb. Perhaps its my sub conscious that doesn't want to deal with tommyrot? Nahh...ok maybe.

 

Am I one of those people who correct people when they misspell words? No, I let it go.  I do though get on their(Not there) case when they misuse a word.  I understand trying to type on a phone, or replying quickly to an email can be cumbersome.  It happens.

 

The fact spell check isn't turned on though, is embarrassing enough.  Heck I've had some prominent people send me emails where their spell check wasn't turned on.  They are only embarrassing themselves the way I see it.  Keep on typing.

 

I constantly get emails or comments that have YOUR instead of YOU'RE. Why? Tell me Cheif, I need to know if misusing a word is the same as misspelling a word.  Are they both the result of being lazy or just dumb?

Just stop with the "no one is perfect" and "everyone makes mistakes" comments right now.

Chicks: Men With No Clue

So a friend comes up to me and says "Hey I need to tell you about this movie I saw on the Hallmark channel last night.."

[Insert RECORD SKIPPING sound effect now]

I said "The Hallmark Channel?
He said "Yes it was pretty good...it was about this guy with.."
I said "STOP"
He said "Why? There was this hot chick in there, and I was thinking he was like you.."
I said "Just stop right now.  The Hallmark Channel?"
He said "Yes there are good movies on there"
I said  "I suppose you watch The Lifetime Channel too?"
He said "Yeah sometimes.  I watch it with my wife".
I said "No I missed it, I WAS WATCHING FOOTBALL YESTERDAY"
He said "I can't watch football.  I hate watching football. The Lions ruin it for me, there are not teams I like to watch "
I just shook my head.
He asked "What teams do you watch and root for?"
I said "Every team except the Lions"
He said "No way."

I didn't want to ask him if he watched The View, Oprah, and taped everything on the Oxygen channel.  I was too afraid to find out. I know I know...you are all upset with me that he's my friend. Well I do have a heart for the clueless, mind you. So cut me some slack.

I understand sometimes you'll watch a chick flick so she can get off your back for buying that new power drill. I get it.  I understand you watch it, to make her happy. I get it. You can deal with looking at Julia Roberts while your wife drools over Hugh Grant. I get it. But are you really going to openly admit to watching The Hallmark channel or Lifetime?  Who in their right mind does this?

For one, why are you watching these mind numbing channels?  Secondly why admit such a thing? I swear there's a generation that's lost out there and I don't like it. I'm having a hard time not smacking him upside the head.  The poor fellow.  I think he's too far lost to be saved.

If there are any of you out there that need help from this sort of thing, please come to me before it's too late.  Ladies if you have a man that watches Hallmark with you, well I'm sorry for your loss. No worries, there are real men out there..you just have to look.

Truth: Facebook Updates 12/8/09

Facebook status updates can be lame, funny, and boring. More often than not, they annoy the hell out of me and I try to avoid them. Here is my latest collection that made my eyes roll with my comments.



Relaxin & getting ready to watch a movie.
- SO

wow.. 530 and the airport is packed with people.
- Thanks now we can get on with this really helpful knowledge.

monday
- master of the obvious here.

watching football. life is good
- glad to see you are independantly wealthy, found the cure for cancer, and have made the world a better place.

Good Morning!!!!!
-shut up

porterhouse, baked sweet potato, green beans and shiraz......yummy!!
- you lost me at elipses.

trying to talk to someone on an iPhone that keeps going in and out of service... Stupid iPhone!!
- and we need to know that someone's phone is going out? No we don't.  Stupid update.

loves short work weeks....Wednesday will be here before you know it! Got lots ta do!!!
- like updating your facebook?

what should I eat for dinner??
- No one cares if you eat. And if you starve to death, no one will miss your updates.

relaxing watch football on the tv
- Don't strain yourself there cowboy.

DAMN.. They screwed up my flight..wtf?!?!
- Those "they" get you everytime. You want sympathy right?

I worked out way to much tonight... I have no feeling in my arms
- did you know your fingers are attached to your arms? Because you typed this.

hmmmm... the candy was sooo good. now what should i do?
- suicide

What to do???? What goin on out there...hit up the cell for directions where to go...
- there's a mass amount of people jumping off the Ambassador bridge. Hurry and join them!

I love my life!!!

- Yea

I'm so borrrrred.

-We know.

Amazing Race Finale is comming on, got my beef jerky and Pepsi Max, in my jammies curled up on the couch in front of the Tree...Could life be ANY better???

- No you've reached the pinnacle of Utopia

 

Liberty: Always Connected

I heard some freaky stat the other day that there are only 223 Million people out of 309 million in the U.S. on the Internet.  I thought the number would be higher, but I guess not.  I also heard that 50 percent of businesses do not have a web presence.  Now that really surprised me. Who are these people that aren't online? We can't possibly  have that many politicians!

How can a business not be online?  I don't get it. How do they hire people? How do they promote their brand?  I suppose their some super duper double secret weapon and spy companies that just don't need the pr.  But 50 percent?  What year is this anyways?

I've also come in contact recently with more people who don't even have an email account.  Now that baffles me.  I do suppose they are the people keeping the Postal Service in business.  I also have friends and associates who do not check their email at least once a day.  What?  Yes it's true...they'll check it every few days or once a week.  I tell these people to check their email often, because I hate waiting!  They reply "Well if you need me, you know how to get me."  No. I emailed you because that is your email address. Use it. There's a reason you have it, use it.

Lately I've been asked often to set up Facebook pages for businesses, Twitter accounts, and static web pages.  So I know many want to be online and connected and they see the value.  I also get many requests a day to join my Facebook or Linkedin accounts too.  I'm averaging between 10 and 20 requests per day. These people get it.
If you are reading this (thanks!) then you get it too. You are either getting this via RSS, email, Twitter, Friendfeed, Myspace or Facebook.  You understand the simplicity of it all.  You get it. Do your friends get it?  Does your company get it?

Get in touch, stay in touch...use the power of technology.

Liberty: Ideas Matter

The Tea Party movement which is sweeping the nation is not a fad.  People ae sick and tired of the two main parties screwing them over.  Die hard democrats arent happy.  Old school Republicans arent happy.  No one is happy. This movement is about taking our country back.  This is not a new concept in American History.

This movement is about those who understand that towing the party line isnt good enough anymore.  Accountability is what counts.  Most policiticans are not accountable for their actions; they don't even represent the needs and wants of their constituients.  They are bought and paid for by special interest groups.

It has to stop. Who is listening? Where is John Galt when you need him?

The liberals will say the Tea Movement is just a fringe group of small protesters who really don't matter.  The conservatives in power will not align themselves, for fear of media backlash.  Okay so if the politicians are going to turn a blind eye to the reality of things and live with the status quo..so be it.  The next elections are near, and the
Tea is stocking up.

Now if we can only get the hard line party towing fools to wake up, we'll be better off. What to do?

Every now and again, a revolution is a good thing.

Pray for whirled peas

Truth: I Can't Hear You!!!

Do you ever notice that there are certain people who always have to be heard when speaking?  They make sure that whatever they say can be heard by everyone at all times.  They speak loudly naturally, but they also over project words to emphasize clarity.  Not to mention when they do yell or speak loudly, they are always looking around to see who else is listening.  I'm sure they don't want to miss anyone.

 

These people also tend to look up in the air when they are speaking. I don't know what they are looking at, but they look up over your head.  They also laugh really loud at the lame and unfunny things in order to fit it seems.  When it's something serious, they really extend on how serious things are. 

 

I've noticed these people when talking to each other, tend to really turn it up a notch. They exaggerate whatever is funny, they scream, they laugh even louder if need be.  They try to out shout each other.  I've noticed they even begin to shake their bodies and really use their hands.

 

Needless to say they may have charm, charisma, and exuberance.  Yet they are not conversationalists.  Sure they talk like crazy, but its all one sided.  They don't hear you, they only want to hear themselves. Freakin robots.

 

I really try to not look at these people when they are speaking. I feel if I do, I'm giving them license to carry on.  On the flip side, if I don't look at them they may try harder to get their point across to the world.  It's a no win situation.

 

I wonder if they are attention whores, or if they lack self esteem? Perhaps a few people have embellished their behavior in the past and it works for them after a while? 

Liberty: Under God?

I was asked to give my opinion of this picture on another site. Here is what I posted:

http://www.mcnaughtonart.com/artwork/view_zoom/?artpiece_id=353

The picture bothers me greatly.   I'm a firm believer in separation of church and state.   I
have a problem with Abraham Lincoln being next to Jesus.   He's the man responsible for
Americans killing Americans (over 600,000) to preserve the union.   Pragamatically the
end result has worked out, but at the time how could it have been???   He also broke
Habeus Corpus, which in my book is one of the worst things a President can do.

Having some of the founding fathers on there is a bit weird to me.   Thomas Jefferson who
was a deist did not follow any religion.   As a side note, his interpretation of Jesus's
works and sayings is pretty cool.   The Jeffersonian Bible is a good read, and it makes
sense.

When I see pictures like this, I think it's what makes people run from the GOP.   I see it
nothing more than this artist trying to cash in on the whims of those who hide behind the
cross and the flag; and claim since they are right, God is on their side.

The slant towards the left being against the constitution has some great merit on many
levels. However parts of the right do the same thing, especially when it involves growing
the government and increasing it's powers.   When Bush created Faith Based Initiative
Programs to help prisoners turn to God with tax payer money; the religious right said
that was ok.   Well that's not preserving the constitution!   That's hiding behind God while
taking your rights away.   It just doesnt jive.

To be a conservative means to conserve the principles of the constitution. The founding
fathers created a brilliant framework for religion to thrive and prosper without government
intervention.   Once that line is crossed from the right or the left to minimze the
constitution, you have strife.   Separation of church and state...I think Jesus would agree.

Liberty: That Darn Media

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Why does the media beat a story to death? How long before they stop covering a story? What is the shelf life of a story? How come all the media outlets are on the same story what seems to the same amount if time? I just don't get it.

Truth: Frustration Thy Name is

I'm done. I've checked out. I bought a one way ticket on the last train to Clarksville. Why do I feel no one is on the same page as me?  No one has the urgency?  No one has the sense of internal scream to have things be different?  I'm screaming in the forest, can you hear me?  Is anyone out there?

I deal with situations and people that just simply drive me off the edge.  They are slow...they are apathetic...they are dumb.  Maybe they aren't dumb, but I sure see them that way.  I know it sounds arrogant, but I don't care!

Oh I know, I shouldn't judge people that are dumb right?  Oh shut up. I will, and I will, and I will until things change.  What does that accomplish? Affirmation. I need to know until proven otherwise that I'm wrong.  I'll easily admit that when it happens.  It's not a problem.  I do have a problem accepting other people when they are wrong because it effects me.

Sure everyone makes mistakes, but come on.  But all the time?  I need to be one of those guys who can whip out a guitar and start singing kumbaya and not let things bother me. Do these guys have any fire in them is what I want to know!

Happy Go Lucky. Positive. Hooray! Sis Boom Bah! Rejoice. Smile. Carpe Diem! How many times do I have to repeat this stuff in order for it to start working?  Must suffer fools gladly.

Frustration thy name is me.

Liberty: How Do They Do It?

How do people just walk away from their mortgages like it's no big deal?  How do people just rack up their charge cards and their credit card debt like there's no tomorrow?  How do people buy these big fancy homes and live pay check to pay check?

How do people spend so much money every day on coffee and fast food?  How do people run to the store and spend hours in line waiting for the next video game?  How do people run to the party store every day to buy lottery tickets?

I know a guy who watches one movie every day - Pay per view, cable, or rental.  How does he do it?  He's been doing it since 1988.

How do people go to the Casino several times a week, thinking they are making money?  How do people spend fifty cents on a newspaper when they can get it online for free?

How do people buy every premium movie channel but only see a few movies a month? How do people pay for new ringtones every friggin day?  How do people pay for itunes all of the time? How do people spend $155 for a pair of hockey tickets?  How do people accept getting new charge cards from department stores in order to save $10 on a purchase?

People...the answer isn't because they have money or they can.  There's something more to it.  How do they do it?

Tell me.

Truth - Celebrity Curious

I'm not sure where the line exists from when I care about celebrity news and when I don't.  More often than not I just don't care.  Take the Tiger Woods incident.  Do I really care?  No I don't care about his personal life at all.  I do care from having an interest to peak my curiosity as to what really happened.  I find the incident incredibly funny.  Is that sick or weird?

I think I'd be interested in the story even if it was some Joe Blow off the street.  Just from a curiosity standpoint, and to appease my laughter I'd like to know.  Since it's the greatest golfer in the world, makes it even more funny to me.  Not that I want to see him fall or fail, because I don't.  Not that I find humor in knowing that celebrities are people too; I know they are.  What I find humorous is all the speculation, all the lying, the all the money spent on reporting on the speculation before the facts come out.  It's just downright crazy!   It's like watching a television reporter in a movie cover a story.  It's just not believable. 

There's real news stories like this, which may in fact be nothing after all.  Then there are stories that just are meant for slow news days.  I call them the contrived stories.  For example, recently I heard an interview with actor Willie Ames and how he just went through rehab, lost a bunch of money etc.   Then a few months ago there was a story about Mackenzie Phillips and how she slept with her father.  It's all contrived junk!  Sure it may be true, but to publicize it? Come on!  Who would want to talk about that stuff?   It's all to make a buck, sell a book, and get some PR so they can get some residuals on past work. Don't support these idiot celebrities looking to get press by having bad press.  They feed off of you.

So I guess I need to figure out if I am guilty for this Tiger Woods type news story even existing because I'm reading about it? Am I adding fuel to the media for "caring"?  Or doesn't it matter what I want to then