Truth: I Feel Naked

Why do I feel naked?  Because my computer has been down for 4 weeks now. It's really weird being without that puppy.  I've been using an archaic laptop that doesnt have my software or data.  In summary it just basically sucks. 

At the same time I feel liberated too.  I can't stand typing on a laptop, but I love the portability of it.  They keyboard is too small.  The screen is too small.  It's just overall too small.   Yet, I don't have to sit in front of a desktop computer to write.  I can carry my laptop into another room or coffee shop and take in the atmosphere.  I find that it helps clear my mind, stretch my muscles, and offer a different perspective on my surroundings.

I still have my trusty blackberry to check on things and stay connected should I need.  I find though, that I don't check it as often as I used too.  I'm just too overwhelmed by it, and I know I'll never catch up. I don't feel bad though, because getting away from the pc feels good.  It's a nice break.  

My friend is a teacher and he asked his students how much time they sit in front of a computer or tv during the week.  Based on 111 responses the average student spends 90.42% of their life attached to a computer, tv, or smartphone.   That's astonishing and sad at the same time. Is that you?

I'm all for technology.  I understand Twitter.  I get Facebook.  Games are cool.  I enjoy a good movie. I'm a news junkie too.  However at somepoint you need to live your life and actually do things.  You have to get out and take it in.  You have to step outside the box that you've created.   I'm always realizing how we are all slaves to certain industries.  The technology industry is no different.  While super important it often overtakes the simplicity of life instead of enhancing it.

Having a broken computer aint that bad really.  It feels good to feel naked!


(Don't worry, I'm not)

Truth: Facebook Status Updates 1/30/10

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.

It's dinner time what should I do?
- How about eat dinner you nitwit.

I love all of you, you are the best ever!!!!
- Pay my bills

I'm drunk
-You are still annoying.

FML
-No thanks

Roll, Jordan, Roll!
-Like we are supposed to know what you are talking about. I assume it's American Idol or Biggest Loser related.  Friggin Ohioan. Duh.

If you have a best friend that will drop everything for you, be there for you through thick and thin, and still love you when you mess up, and still loves you for all your faults; copy and paste this to your status!!!!....You know who you are!
-Kill me

Is in womanly hell.....cramps......ugh!
-How do you think I feel reading about this?

Won't be fooled again.
- I won't be either...I won't check your status anymore.

Ok now I'm a little addicted to Farmville...honestly!!!!! Thanks guys!!! :)
-Expect another video tape from Osama Bin Laden soon.

Is sittin' here.....
-GREAT!!!!

At the laundrymat doing laundry...then picking kiddes up from school then its a skate night yay i lovr rollerskating...lol. and of course later its thr fountains its, THURSDAY BIOTCHES....haha
-oh

4 more days till my B-Day party!!!!!!!!!
-I've noticed women have birthday weeks and months, not just day celebrations.

When did bald guys become so hot? Are we really just reliving some Mr. Clean fantasy from our childhood?
-Maybe I should shave my head?

My uterus is scratching at the inside of my belly button like a caged animal trying to get out!!
-Anyone know the stock market symbol for Midol?

Remember this.......; wherever you go......you will always be there!!!!
-OK

Total gyn is kickin my ass
-It's like gin

Getting ready to watch some Reba re-runs:)
- God has a sense of humor right?

Truth - Cars Cars Cars

I love cars. Always have.  Although I'm not a freak about them. The cars I've owned have been practical for the most part or what I can afford.  They havent been what I really wanted, but they have been what I pretty much needed.  I know if I strike it rich I'd probably have a nice car to drive, then a sports car, and a muscle car. To make my list the car has to have muscle, speed, the look, and a high chick factor.  Here are some of the cars I like:

Any Lamborghini
Any Ferrari
Bugati Veyron (0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds!)
Any Porsche
Corvette pre 1980
Mustang pre 1972
Camaro Z28
Monte Carlo SS 87
87 Grand National
66 Buick Skylark
Any Hummer
Any Lotus
Pagani
69 Charger
AC Cobra (Shelby)
1970 Chevy Nova
1970 Chevelle SS
1960 Baricuda
1955 Chevy
Hudson Hornet
66 Olds Cutlass 442
67 Mercury Cougar White Top
Any Cadillac from 1948 to 1978, preferably with fins.
1970 Roadrunner
1966 GTO
Packard
1958 and 1966 Thunderbird
Tucker  (out of principle)
1954 Alfa Romeo Guiliatta

I like cars that are fast.
I like white walled tires.
I like cars that are the size of small yachts and get 10 miles to the gallon.
I like convertables.
I like cars that look mean.
I like cars that are old.

Liberty: State of the Onion Address

It's time for my State of the Union address that follows the President's speech of the same.  The difference is, my speech isnt about blah blah blah, useless rhetoric, cliche, and buzz words.

Here's the deal my fellow Americans.  You are screwed.

Why are you screwed?  Because you've let the Federal Reserve dictate your lives. You've let the bankers own you.  You've let government get bigger.  You've lost your way.

We do NOT need government to work better for us.  We need it to stop working for us.  I don't want Obama working for me. I just don't.  I know I pay him, but he isnt returning what I need, want, and deserve. 

Who's fault is that?  Mine? A little...because I'm not getting through to you.  Mostly though it's your fault for being apathetic, and not thinking about the big picture.  You voted for Obama, and now what?  Where's the change?  We have no change...we have more of the same.  Actually it's worse.

Things can change, but government has to get smaller. We have to privatize whenever possible and quickly.

There's this mind set that voting for conservative principles is voting for anti-choice, and for religion.  That is not the case. Think people think!

So I offer you this solution:

Think.
Care.
Buy American.
Invest properly.
Create something.
Be Charitable.
Research.
Study.
Sell something.
Be productive.
Don't waste time.
Tune out reality tv.
Create your own reality.
Click on my ads.
Eat better.
Stop smoking.
Laugh.
Love.
Embrace the truth.
Uphold reason.
Follow logic.
Make things.
Be resourceful.
Make wine.
Grow a garden.
Recycle.
Just say no.
Let her win.
Play catch.
Read.
Write.

Oh and at the risk of some of you who will surely call me mean, and also say I should NEVER tell someone what to do....whatever.  You obviously don't get it.


God Bless Amerika!

Truth: Yes and No

Golfing Yes
Golf on TV No

Red Pepper Yes
Green Pepper No

Mustard on Hot Dog Yes
Ketchup on Hot Dog No

Head Cheese Yes
Bologona No

Camaro Yes
Mustang No

Johnny Cash Yes
Johnny Winter No

Frankestein Yes
Al Franken No

Christina Aquilera Yes
Britney Spears No

Chicago Style Dog Yes
Coney Dog No

Walking Yes
Running No

Monopoly Yes
Yahtzee No

Star Wars Yes
Harry Potter No

Michigan Yes
Michigan State No

Saints Yes
Colts No

Basketball Yes
NBA No

Watching Paint Dry Yes
Detroit Lions No

Pulling out my fingernails Yes
Listening to Susan Boyle No

Watching a car wreck Yes
Watching American Idol No

Eating a bag of nails Yes
Eating at Olga's No

Facebook Yes
Myspace No

Twitter Yes
Texting No

Email Yes
Phone No

Ford Yes
GM No

Google Yes
Microsoft No

MAC Yes
PC No

Conference Calls Yes
Meetings No

Sushi Yes
Mexican No

TLC Yes
Hallmark Channel No

Gouda Yes
Blue No

Goo Goo Dolls Yes
Bon Jovi No

Jewell Yes
Celine Dion No

Robert Redford Yes
Alex Baldwin No

Richard Pryor Yes
Chelsea Handler No

Chopped Yes
Iron Chef No

Rand Yes
Voltaire No


Meanwhile reports say when the economy is bad, men don't buy underwear. They try to strectch their money. My friend Buckshot Chris says "when you get to be my age, underwear lasts you one day if you are lucky. So I'm good for the economy, I just keep buying new underwear"

Truth - Top Sitcoms

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. These are my top sitcoms.  Not in any order.  I'm in a list mood lately.  Must be that time of the month or something?

1.   Seinfeld - I'm not fanatic about it, but I think it's pretty darn good.
2.   Curb Your Enthusiasm - Probably my favorite of all time.
3.   M.A.S.H - The early episodes were the best.
5.   Cheers - I once created my own Cheers marathon. I couldnt get enough.
4.   Everybody Loves Raymond - Good stuff...not great.
6.   The Office - it's losing its luster.
7.   The Wonder Years - Timeless.
8.   All in the Family - There will never be another Archie Bunker.   I'm close, but no cigar.
9.   I Love Lucy - I know I've got some splainin to do.
10. Maclom in the Middle - Freakin Hilarious.
11. Barney Miller - Perfection. Mushy Mushy.
12. Taxi - Great characters.
13. WKRP in Cincinnati - Dr. Johnny Fever and Herb Tarlic baby.
14. The Larry Sanders Show - Hey Now!
15. The Odd Couple - The theme song along makes the list.
16. Dinosaurs - Pure brilliance.  I dont think people understood how good it really was.
17. Freaks and Geeks - Wish it lasted longer.
18. The Munsters - Much better than The Adams Family.
19. Happy Days - Corny, but at one time I loved this show.
20. Get Smart - Agent 99.
21. The Monkees - I'm probably the only guy I know who liked this show.
22. The Andy Griffith Show - I apologize, but I liked it.
23. Hogan's Heroes - Good clean fun.
24. Get A Life - Too short lived.
25. The Montefuscos - It's an Italian thing.

No I didnt care for Night Court, Friends, Wings, or Mad About You.  So lay off of me.

Truth: The Top Cartoons

 Here is my current list of top cartoons of all time.  Not really in any order.

1.  The Flintstones - Duh!
2.  The Jetsons - Rut Roh.
3.  Bugs Bunny  - Throw in Sylvester, Foghorn, Daffy, Pepe, Roadrunner, Coyote too
5.  Speed Racer - I actually thought he was a fruit. I liked Racer X.
4.  Laff A Limpics - Yogi Yahooeys.
6.  Wacky Races - There were guys on there I still have no idea who they were.
7.  Super Friends - not the one with the Wonder Twins. Lame.
8.  Star Trek - I liked the animated version way over the regular series.
9.  Felix the Cat - Don't care for cats so much, but who doesnt like a magic bag full of tricks?
10.Underdog - I shouldnt like him, but I do.
11.Hong Kong Phoey - Super number one hero guy.
12.Ren and Stimpy - I miss them.
13.Beavis and Butthead - I went to school with these guys.
14.Spongebob Squarepants - the supporting characters make the show.
15.Iron Man - best of the marvel series.
16.SpiderMan - does whatever a spider can.
17.Tom & Jerry - Pretty much The 3 Stooges animated. You cant go wrong.
18.Charlie Brown - I like the holiday specials.
19.Mr. Magoo - His voice alone made the show.
20.Woody Woodpecker - Loved the laugh. 
21.South Park - At it's peak, nothing came close.
22.Yogi Bear - Simple but fun.
23.Batman - There was one series that was pretty dark. It was the only one worth watching.
24.Archie - I just liked Veronica.
25.The Rocky & Bullwinkle Show - their side shows were just as good - Mr. Peabody, Boris & Natasha.
26.Ed, Edd, and Eddy - Freaking hilarious.
27.CatDog - Probably the most underrated of all time.
28.Pink Panther - It's not my dog.
29.Super Globetrotters - Aooga Aooga!
30.Fat Albert - Hey Hey Hey!

Liberty: Nodding in Agreement

When I was back in college I used to listen to the professors just rail on the president.  At the time it was Ronald Reagan.  They hated Republicans. They hated conservatives.  They hated money. They hated the United States, unless it was about hugging trees.  

My buddy and I wouldnt stand for it.  We would lash back at them during class, and we would not let them get away with it.  Most of the students thought we were idiots, and naive.  They thought we just wanted to debate...to be contrary.  That was not the case, we were mad.  Wow I just realized I was a young Republican ( I never liked those guys...too preppy for me)!

Is there anything worse than sitting in an audience and watching everyone shake their heads and nod in agreement with the speaker - no matter what he says?   I think not.  I still see this when I am in meetings, concerts, speaking events, churches etc.  People arent really listening.  They are just there and in the moment.  They are not thinking. They are not paying attention.

So what I've learned since college is, things have not really changed.  Today someone told me millions of people are going to die now because Massachusetts elected a Republican to the Senate.  Another said that those people of that state want Americans to die.  See what I'm dealing with here folks?  It's those damn professors from colllege still lurking about.  Who are these people without brains that come up with this stuff? 

Yes of course this replies to Republicans too who support politicians without thinking.  Don't get me wrong, stupidity knows no party lines.  My work is never done.  It's getting worse.

A friend of mine took the short political quiz and came up with the results Moderate. She said she was happy.  I said you may be happy, but you aren't free!!!  I'll help her, don't worry.

And the meek shall inherit the earth.

Truth: Inner Struggle

Brilliant...funny...smart....good looking...  ok that's enough about what you think about me, let's talk about what I think about me.   Nah that's ok...but here's my deal lately.

I have this habit of beating myself up.  The thing is, I don't know if I am beating myself up really or if I am just going through the exercise of identifying and justifying my actions. 

I often say:

I'm not thinking
Gotta think
That was stupid
I'm not thinking clearly
What am I doing? 
That was dumb
I'm so stupid
What the hell am I doing?
I cant believe I just did that
What the hell is going on?
Why did I do that?

Get my drift here?  I'm not sure if it's a bad thing to keep saying these things out of habit, or if they are good things making myself recognize that I should be better, I can be better, I have to be better. What do you think?

Truth: The American Idle

American Idle


I can't say I've really tried to get it, but on the surface I just don't get it. I don't get American Idol. I don't get reality TV at all.

I think the only reality TV I liked was The Osbournes, and that was because I believed Ozzy wasn't acting. I also believed he didn't know cameras were on him.

Is American Idol reality TV? Probably not, but it's pretty darn close. To me it's contrived. That whole British chick..Boyle..I found a complete joke. And everyone bought it hook line and sinker. I don't understand. Ok so she can sing, but every time I hear her voice I want to take my bottom lip and pull it over my head.

Now I hear something called Pants on the Ground. Suddenly everyone is talking about it, singing it. I didn't know what it was. So I googled it. How stupid and contrived, but mostly lame.

American Idol has you by the throat, because you will pay and laugh for anything. Stop it.

Your brain is on the ground, and your wallet belongs to Simon Cowell.

Truth: The 30 Year Itch

When the Federal Reserve was established in 1913...soon to follow was not ecomomic growth; but a great depression.  What got us out of that depression was World War II.  That war spurred economic growth and ingeniuty at it's best for America.
30 years after that inflation caught up with us, and we a horrible time with another recession.  Just following Vietnam, the mid 70's while fun for me, were not that great for the country.  Jimmy Carter, inflation, long gas lines, Iran, etc.  What got us out of that?  Reagan's tax cuts, out spending the Russians. 

Now 30 years after that we are at rock bottom again.  The war, a president who's ratings are super low (in most categories, not all), unemployment, terrorism etc.

So what's going to get us out of this recession?  I don't know.  I wish I did, I would invest in it. 

Oddly enough I see ominous parralels occuring every 30 years. I am no conspiracy theorist. I just know bigger things are at play - like the Federal Reserve printing money out of thin air, how banks make profits while the common man suffers.  

And so it never ends.

Truth: What I Hate

My friend Holder of the Truth once said: I say what I hate because it reveals what I love. 

I've always kept that in my head for some reason. It makes sense.  Probably because I feel the same way, and I'm constantly bitching about things I "hate".

Hate perhaps is too strong a word, but it depends on the context. I hate terrorists and Michael Jordan.  Do I really hate them the same way, and for the same reasons? No of course not.  Most hate has to do with actions, not the person. 

I recently posed the question if anyone really hated someone.  I got quite a bit of responses from people saying that they do not hate, could not hate, and that it was just wrong to hate. I happen to think these people are in denial, or perhaps have some intestinal fortitude that I'm lacking.  Most likely they are in denial, and are singing Kumbaya all of the time.

In any event..here are some things I hate:

I hate spiders
I hate snakes
I hate terrorists
I hate fidel castro
I hate hugo chavez
I hate france
I hate eggs
I hate coney dogs
I hate people that are always late
I hate gangsta rap
I hate mariah carey music
I hate the movie titanic
I hate cigarettes
I hate reality tv
I hate paying for gas
I hate liberal politicians
I hate pat robertson types
I hate guys who won't talk sports
I hate soap operas
I hate winter
I hate new york sports
I hate east coast sports writers
I hate lol
I hate facebook applications
I hate long meetings
I hate commercials
I hate reid and pelosi politics
I hate running out of toothpaste
I hate the pet industry
I hate animal abusers
I hate dead beat dads
I hate party girls
I hate the lifetime channel
I hate alarm clocks
I hate self serving status updates
I hate how milk makes me sick
I hate white castle
I hate the view
I hate waiting
I hate traffic jams
I hate shopping for clothes
I hate christmas shopping
I hate when no one listens
I hate sneezing
I hate getting sick
I hate the detroit lions

Truth: My List of Favorite People

I don't know why but I always have this list in my head of people I just want to know more about. I can never get enough info on them.

Ty Cobb
Nikolai Tesla
Wayne Gretzky
Thomas Paine
John Stossell
Chuck Bednarik
Muhammad Ali
Leonardo Da Vinci
Frank Lloyd Wright
Bill Belichek
Niccolò Machiavelli
Ted Williams
Ayn Rand
John Locke
James Madison
Thomas Jefferson
Theodore Roosevelt
Neil Peart
Ludvig Von Mises
John Adams
Ron Paul
George Brett
Sandy Koufax
Ken Dryden
Jim Brown
Jim Thorpe
Ron Duguay
Patrick Henry
Robert E. Lee
George Patton
George Washington Carver
Jimmy Page
Elvis Presley
Elvis Costello
Mark Twain
George Washington
Archimedes
Michaelangelo
George Harrison
Evel Knievel


So you come across any essays, anecdotes, new articles, or stories on any of these figures...please send them my way.  Who would be on your list?

Liberty - The Pursuit of Happiness

My friend Michelle posted this on her facebook status the other day:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Great words for sure.

I said it was just rhetoric and it does not apply anymore because people don't care. That people use it to make themselves feel good.

She went on to say that she still believes it still all applies, and its the principal this Country was founded on not something that "makes us or me feel good". Unfortunately, today's world is not the same as it was when this was initially written and order to protect our unalienable rights of "life, liberty and pursuit of happiness" certain measures have to be taken.

Again I still say it's just rhetoric right now. Perhaps not just for you or me, but for a majority of the populous in the United States. They may like how it sounds, they may believe it to be the case...however it is not. Everyday our rights, our freedoms, or liberty is being infringed upon. All in the name of welfare, security, and war.

What people fail to see is, that when you take my money from me, you are taking what is mine. There is no choice involved. When you put more government sanctions and restrictions without offsetting previous ones that shackle the man, you are limiting liberty. When you put tighter security restrictions based on knee jerk reactions, and hope it all works to fight terrorism, then you are infringing on liberty.

I content while this is the greatest country in the world, we have to take it back. We have to adhere to the principles of the constitution. We have to make it the greatest country in the world, not just say it is. All the feel good stuff is nothing if you vote for things that make those words pointless.

My work is never done. Is yours?

Truth: No Time For You

Time is a man made concept.  A shared universal unit of measure.  Seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years etc. 

Screw it I say. 

It's time for a new way of measuring things.  Reason being I have no time for anything. If time was different then I would have more time. 

Everyone says they could use an extra two or three hours in a day.  Well let's make days 27 hours then per day.  Life would take longer.  It would take longer to get older.  You could then get things done that you wanted to.  More sleep? More fun? More work?

Dogs age differently than humans.  A day for a dog is like 3 days. A year is like 7.  Maybe we need to be on dog time?

I think I have too much time on my hands to be thinking about time. Wait a second.

Yeah I'm not liking getting old. It seems like time is going by really fast.  The years are flying by and I don't like it. Life is short.





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqeSUAlI5uI

A.D.D. Rumblings No. 11610

1. Pat Robertson said that Haiti made a deal with the devil. That the earthquake was payback for that. Well Haiti is a Christian nation, and about 80% catholic. Pat Robertson is not the sharpest bulb in the box now is he? The bigger problem is the people that follow him, the people that listen to him. Yeah you know...those 700 freaks who ruined the last election for the GOP.

2. It amazes me how many scam artists come out of the woodwork trying to rip people off money during a natural disaster. I'm equally amazed by people that say they don't care...that even make jokes. Yeah I heard some Haiti jokes. Now I'm all for a good distasteful joke every now and again...but let's get real. Just because you can joke about something, doesn't mean you should.

3. Is there anything more annoying than a coworker sucking up to the boss? Always telling everyone how they worked late at night, or how they worked on the weekend. Hey ...NO ONE CARES.

5. I went to a wine party. It was pretty cool. Except the wine pourer person was also eating from the snack table. He would take a chip, put it in the dip. Then dip would get on his finger. Then he would lick his fingers. Then he would go back to pouring wine. Grabbing every one's glass from their hands, near the top by the rim, then pouring the wine. I was sick just looking at it. I forced his hand by giving him the glass by the top so he had no choice to grab it by the stem. It bothered him, but he bothered me. Pig.

4. I saw that Tiger Woods is going to donate $3million to the relief efforts in Haiti. Can you say PR move? Tiger give the money...we don't need to know.

6. Chase Bank just released the information that they made a $3 billion profit. How nice!!! Aren't you so happy for them?

7. I hope sea salt has nutritional benefits, because I've been using it instead of salt on most things. Please tell me it's good for me.

[ This blog is brought to you by the word humanity and the number 1 ]

8. I've concluded the best channel on TV is AMC. A little too many commercials for my liking, but still pretty much perfect for the most part. Great classic movies on all of the time. Without a doubt too is their show Breaking Bad..which I say is the best show on television. I feel that nothing comes close. It's riveting, well written, dark, and fun to watch. You have to watch it.

9. Fleece. Satin. Cotton. Wool. Cashmere. Polyester. Spandex. Felt. Nylon. I don't know about you, but I see a pattern here.

10. I've always felt guilty about my sweet tooth. I just love a good cake, a good cookie, a good dessert. They don't love me back of course. That's always been the problem. Truthfully I enjoy a sweet when I don't eat it often. It makes it more special. Now that the holidays have passed (Christmas, New Years, My Birthday), I'll shy away from the sweets easily for a while. My friend runs this blog: http://thejoyisinthesugar.blogspot.com//. It hasn't been updated in a while, I'll keep bugging her to get on it.

Chicks: The Biggest Losers?

What the hell is goin on here? And you wonder why the terrorists are coming here? Because our men are
watching The Young and the Restless. Are you freaking kidding me? Men...it's one thing to be complete
and utter wusses, it's another to have your wives broadcast it all over the interent.

I got the following chain of comments I saw on Facebook. I'm so sad by this, I don't know what to do:

S - Is blessed with such a great hubby!!! He folds and puts away laundry, will watch Housewives of the OC with me and NEVER complains!!!! Ahhh life is SOOOOO good!

K - Ahhh bless his heart

S - Yes Young and the Restless! He doesnt like me to watch it without him...and he rubs my feet

while we watch it even. Biggest Loser is also his all time fave! It is nice!

S - I've got my man hooked on Cougartown...we just crack up everytime!!! It so nice to be pampered by our good men!!! :)

J- I got you one better. Mine gave up the remote tonight for me, and went to finish my bedroom closet. So thet he could put all the clothes away...wasnt even my idea. And by the way, Rob loves Y&R... LOL and is a faithful fan of the Biggest Loser. LOL . I got it good!!!

S - Yes girls we got it good!!!!!

Jen - That sounds like my hubby! LOL!

S - Me Too! Mine does the same things! Watches Y&$! I'm Spoiled!



The economy is in the pits, we are at war, and guys are watching Young & The Restless. Have they no shame? No soul. The terrorists have won.

Truth - What Do You Do?

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. When natural or man-made disasters hit, like the earthquake in Haiti I can't help but feel totally helpless. It's frustrating to watch people suffer and die. I can't imagine all the pain and suffering they are going through.

Haiti's population is something like 80% at poverty level, where the average person makes $2 a day. Hard to comprehend how such a place can exist like that. Why does a country in such shambles economically exist and continue to exist in it's current state? I just don't get it.

When things like this hit, the first think I do naturally is feel awful. I watch quite a bit of news to take it all in, so I can get an understanding of things. I get that "taking care of business" feeling where I tie up loose ends. I stock up on food and supplies. I check the perimiter of my dwelling before I to sleep. I do all of those things to be prepared. I was a scout once ya know...it never leaves you.

So you can send money to a charity. You can give blood. You can even get on a plane, go to Haiti and help (while also hogging up resources they probably don't have). What do you do?

I remember when 9/11 hit. A part of me wanted to sign up for the military and fight. The other part of me wanted to pack it all in and go Up North away from it all. This earthquake wants me to pack it all up and take off. I think when you are in highly populated areas, stuff like this is bound to happen sooner or later...at least in the back of your mind.

What do you do?

Truth: Intense Auburn On Cars

Today's post is brought to you by guest blogger Intense Auburn.  I enjoy her posts.  She's pretty smart for a chick, and entertaining too.  Please by all means stop by and sign up for her blog http://intenseauburn.blogspot.com or catch her on facebook.  That reminds me; chicks with red hair are evil.


There is never an end to my pet-peeves. Here are some involving cars:

Abandoned cars on the side of the road. I can understand seeing a total clunker abandoned, but today I saw a newer model car, in good condition. Don't the owners care about what happens to it? Cars aren’t cheap! How much does it cost to get it towed? $50? Compared to $25,000 to buy it?

HockeyDino likes license plates. Saw a car today with the Michigan license plate that read "TEXXXAS". It also had a rear window cover of University of Texas and many bumper stickers about Texas. If you like Texas so much, why the heck are you in Michigan? Duh!

Another thing I’ve noticed is there are a lot more damaged cars on the road than there used to be. I mean cars that need obvious body work- that have been in accidents and never been repaired. Either (a) the people don’t have insurance/money to cover the repairs or (b) they don’t care. I am thinking the latter. People are stupid.

Sports: Steroid Morons

Former baseball star ( and I use the term star with create hesitation ) Mark McGwire admitted to using steroids when he played baseball.  This comes years after he left the game, and after he spoke to congress.

He finally felt that he had to come clean.

Screw him. Screw all the cheaters of baseball. He sad it was the worst day of his life and that he regretted playing during the steroid era.  Oh really? You didnt regret all the money you made.  How about a refund punk?  You are a joke.

He cheated me out of baseball.  His home run chase made me watched the game that year.  I was rooting for him.  I rooted for Sammy Sosa too.  It was fake.  I feel like I've been kissing a girl who was interested in another guy.  Waste of my life.

I hate them.  I will never forgive them for what they did.  Roger Clemens...same to you. 

Everyone makes mistakes. Everyone deserves second chances.  Most everyone might be deserving of forgiveness.  But not here. Not baseball.  Not my game. 

Have you no shame?  Baseball is bigger than any of the players.  Respect the game.

Dang they piss me off - steroid users, lazy players...morons!

Truth: What A Scam!

Perhaps I'm just not trusting.  I just feel like everything is a scam or rip off.  I feel like I'm getting ripped off left and right at every turn. 

Ever look at a bank statement and see all those crazy fees.  Fees for this, fees for that.  Geezus.

I'm getting gas the other day and it's about $2.50 a gallon.  Last night I get gas and it's up to $2.75.  So in a week it goes up...and for what?  It's all based on speculation.  Speculation?  It surely isnt based on reserves that's for sure.  Hey I thought freeing Iraq was going to lower oil prices?  It's been almost a decade...what's the deal here?  I suppose we need to invade Yemen and Iran then we'll get cheaper gas prices?  Yeah right..I'm not holding my breath.

Grocery shopping. I buy a bag of apples that was $4.99.  Last week they were $2.99.  Come on...do you really need to raise the price?  How do you like them apples?  I don't!

Free Credit Report . Com.  - You have to pay for it.  Jerks.

Watching the main stream media - Is there any interest in reporting the truth? What a scam.
I feel like there are snake oil salesman on every corner looking to take my dime for things unwarranted. 

What do you feel is a rip off?



Excelsior


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Truth: Places Long Forgotten

I don't know why, but I was thinking about all of the stores and restaurants that I used to know...that are no longer around.

Burger Chef
Great Scott
Arthur Treacher's Fish & Chips
H Salt Fish & Chips
Taco Grande
Rio Bravo
Farmer Jack
Federals
Folands
Korvette's
Chathams
Arbor Drugs
Woolworth's
Kresge
Stouffer's
Sanders
Chess King
Farrell's
Hughes & Hatcher
Jack in the Box (I know they are in other places around the country)
Hardees ( I dont think they are in Michigan any more)
Red Barn (I loved the Red Barn)
The Sveden House
Bill Knapp's
Charley's
Friendly's
Cookers
Jim's Garage
Checker Drugs
Gay Drugs
The Wine Barrell
Bodega
Daly's
Topinka
Merriweathers
Dino's Pizza! (I think there is one left)
The Fox & Hound
Macchus Red Fox
Salvatore Scalopini
Chi Chi's
Harbor House
Winkleman's (my mom used to drag me there)
Crowley's

Truth: Taking The Class

Some catalog came across my desk for training and seminars. Most of the time I don't look at this stuff. I could care less. The other day though, my friend said I should teach a class on how to tick people off, or how to create anger. While I was deeply touched by his suggestion, I have no interest in sharing my quirks or habits. Not with the way teachers get paid...no way!

Anyways I'm checking out this catalog and I cannot believe some of the classes/seminars that people actually pay for. What a friggin scam!

Managing Emotions in the Workplace

- are you freaking kidding me?

Developing Your Emotional Intelligence

- why so you can run on the habi-trail faster?

Projecting a Positive Professional Image

- How about just washing your freaking hands after using the rest room? That's all I ask.

Communication Boot Camp

- If you are married you must be excluded from this I'm sure.

Keeping Your Cool, Dealing with Difficult People

- Just read my blog.

Emotional Intelligence for Administrative Professionals

- Emotional and Intelligence rarely go hand in hand folks

Now I'm sure there's an element of good from each of these. But for Pete's sake...who the heck comes up with these ideas? Are there crazy psychologists (oxymoron I know) looking to delve in to the world of teaching? Who creates these classes.

Come to think of it...I may just do this. Come up with some important sounding class, and make a go of it.



Excelsior

Truth: What I Love About Winter

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exclesior

Truth: Rating My Stuff

I really don't like the word blog. It sounds like something from Star Trek. I don't like calling it that either. It sounds so generic. I certainly don't like the term diary or journal. I've been told that it's a "lifestream", yet I don't think that's the case. I am not blogging about my life. I'm blogging about my ideas, my concerns, my gripes, and you know...those rumblings.


Anyways on my Year in Review post, which most of you did not receive, I listed the popularity of my posts. I listed which ones got the most feedback, which got the least. I usually do keep track of this sort of thing myself just for kicks. Yet I never really thought about posting it. My friend Joy & Pain sent me her ratings for my posts which inspired me to share the ratings. Listed by most popular:

1. A.D.D. Rumblings

2. Chicks

3. Truth

5. Lovemail Hatemail

4. Liberty

6. Facebook Updates

7. Dear HockeyDino

8. Sports

So if for some reason you care which you like most, just let me know. I'll think about it, but honestly I don't care. I just write what I feel like. I do appreciate you reading this and your responses..but if I start listening to what you want, then I've sold out.

My soul is for sale, but you can't afford it.

Excelsior!

Liberty - Financial Slavery

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Things are going to get better THEY say. They are? Things can't get no worse. They can't?

I'm not liking these THEY people. Who are THEY anyways? THEY just are talking heads, who change their tune a year later, spouting off what sounds good - much like our current Commander in Chief.

The way I see it, we are all slaves to the system. No I don't believe that there are secret societies controlling things in some lower level of a Masonic temple. I don't think there's some ancient Greek club that meets and performs secret rituals that dictate the economy.

The system that's controlled by the Feds and the bankers. They control the credit, the loans, the policies, the mortgages. We are slaves to those systems. They ties us down. They make us forever in debt.

When you are in debt you do 1 of 2 things. You either pay it off or you don't. When you pay it off, you become a slave to that debt. When you don't pay it off, someone else pays it off for you, thus ultimately hurting everyone, or they take something of value from you. Debt owns you.

I was always told that a little debt is a good thing. It shows you have good credit, that you can then buy a house, or a car, or get some other loan. Well sure that's a good thing, but is really being in debt that good of a thing. Hmmmmm...the price most of us pay just to live free.

Excelsior
 
 
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Truth: See Food Diet

I don't eat everything in sight.
I am not hungry all day.

I don't snack left and right.

I do however love food.  Not all food, but food in general.  Who doesn't?

But here is the catch. I don't really pay attention when I'm eating.  I don't really focus on eating, and I find it a waste of time.  I know I need to eat, eat right, eat heatlhy.  I also realize I need to eat and focus.  Yet I don't.

I just don't do it. I don't realize until after I eat something, that I ate it.  I don't realize how much I've eaten until I walk away ...then stop myself and say, "Did I just eat all of that?".

Inevitably I always ask myself, "Why did I just eat that?".  Like the other day I had some pudding. Well duh, I can't have dairy.  So what happens?  I pay for it.   STUPID.

Am I stupid or dumb? I should know better.  How do you know better?

When I do eat well....the right food, and not alot, I feel great.  I have energy. I need to instill some pavlov type bells to remind me what to eat, when, and how much.

FOCUS.




Excelsior!

Truth - Technology Sucks

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Within 24 hours, my blackberry went out. My blog's (what you are reading now) rss feed stopped working. Then my computer died. Well it didn't really die, it just stopped working properly. I guess that's the same thing. The computer went into reboot mode continuously and it would not stop. I have no idea why. No one seems to know. Why not?  Coz computers suck!

I had a friend try to help me remotely with the computer. My computer repair skills are at least a decade behind. At one time it's what I did for a living. Now from a hardware standpoint, it's not much different. However the software elements are quite confusing. I now know how car mechanics feel who used to work on cars back in the 1970's compared to today.

I didn't care that the blackberry went out. They seem to go out quite a bit lately. The blog RSS feed not working was a bit of a bother since about 50 of you kept hammering me asking where the blog was. Sorry. I contacted google and someone indicated that there was an earthquake in Mexico near their servers. I wasn't buying that, but anything was possible.

Well I'm almost back to full speed. I need to fix the computer still. I will reinstall XP operating system, then readd my data. I had some data on secured folders which are now lost, because the XP security wont allow me to view the files on another system without the service pack. Sound like Greek to you? Well it is.

As much as I love technology and how it can make your life easier. I am just as much disgusted with how difficult it can be to fix things when they go down. Sometimes its not worth the pain to have the gain. I feel like a techno-moron!

I think I'm at wit's end with the pc world. It may be time to listen to my computer geek friends (who fix PC's by the way for a living) and get a MAC.  MACs cost more, but they do not have nearly the problems a pc does.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNnX6XRQBec

Excelsior!

Sports - Shut Up NHL

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. There are so many things wrong with pro hockey (NHL) it's just too long to list.  The fact they are so out of touch with the fans is always the main gripe I have.  The biggest gripe just dawned on me though!

For the last 20 years on just about every game on television the announcers have to mention how something is good for the game.  They have to mention how such and such aspect is good for growth of the game.  From Don Cherry to Ron McClean, to Mike Emerick to Bob Costas...it never ends. 

SHUT UP already. 

The game does not need growth. Growth for who? For me?  How does the NHL bigger do anything for me?  Expansion has ticked me off to no end!

Can we please get a telecast where there is no mention how the NHL is in trouble, how the community needs it, now the league will be better if such and such takes place.  Blah blah blah. 

T

There's a reason I'm not called BasketballDino; coz I know what the hell I'm talking about here. I don't know who needs me more to run , the country or the NHL.

My work is never done!!!

Excelsior!

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Truth - Bappy Hirthday

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Well without being a complete hypocrite, I'd like to preface this post by saying I don't like attention being drawn to me about my birthday.  And unlike people wishing me a Happy New Year or asking me how my Christmas was, I actually appreciate people wishing me a Happy Birthday. I always think it's genuine, and that's cool with me.

So every birthday I stop to think if this one is any different than the previous ones.  While it's early in the year, I tend to always have plans and goals to achieve that's aligned with the New Year and my birthday.  I don't make bonafied resolutions, because that sets me up for failure.  Weird I know.  I just find resolutions as something I should be doing and not announcing to everybody.  There are things though I want to do and achieve.  I use my birthday as the measuring line.  Let's say I'm not happy.  Failed and unfinished projects are at the top of the list from 2009.  Back to the drawing board.  Live and learn. Cliche cliche cliche.

People ask me what I want for my birthday.  When I was a kid if I got socks or underwear I was pretty disappointed.  Now, I would like socks and underwear, and that would make me very happy.

Anyways another year older and deeper in debt. I think that's how the song goes.

Excelsior!

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Liberty: Giving Up Your Rights

"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security"
Ben Franklin

It kills me when the media interviews someone at the airport security line, and that person says something to the effect, " well I don't mind waiting longer in line if it means I'll be safe" or " I trust security to know what they are doing".  Really?  That's why some slacker let that bomber on the flight to Detroit?  

How much of your personal freedoms are you willing to give up to be "safe"?  Soon you'll be asked to fly naked, with your belongings on a different flight, that will meet up with you when you land (yeah we all know full well how precise all the airlines are).

We are paying something like $50 billion a year for DHS.  Yet it takes a passenger to put this bomber in a headlock.  Nice!

These were passed along to me and are quite humorous or sad - depending on your reality.  Sorry I don't know the author:

Ever more restrictions place on air travel for your own safety.
(1) No shoes, pants, or underware allowed on commercial aircraft.
(2) All passengers are suspect and will be handcuffed to their seats.
(3) Only one passenger allowed to use the bathroom at a time.
(4) Video monitors will be installed in all bathrooms.
(5) No talking to other passengers while in the air.
(6) No more blankets, pillows, large hats, or any other winter wear.
(7) All passengers must allow a complete strip search prior to boarding.
(8) No reaching, stretching, yawning, scratching, or looking around.
(9) No snacks, drinks, or other hospitality will be provided or allowed.

THIS IS ALL FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY.
ENJOY YOUR FLIGHT.
WELCOME TO THE FREE COUNTRY OF AMERICA.










Excelsior!

Truth - Happy New Years?

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Now now..don't get on my case here...I'm not Anti-New Years.  However I've tried and I've tried...but I just don't get New Year's as a holiday.  I've watched the ball drop on TV, I've watched Dick Clark (why is he still on?) over the years, I've been to parties, to bars, slept through it.  I don't get what the big deal is.

I've tried to fake it, it hasnt worked. I've answered people wishing me Happy New Years, and I'm just going through the motions.  I just don't care. I want to care, but how can I care when I don't get it?

The holiday means nothing to me, except watching football, and the hockey game. By the way, if I eat another holiday freakin ham I'm going to puke.  Ham needs to be outlawed as a holiday meal.

Why are you wishing me a Happy New Year anyways?  It's not going to change anything.  Doesn't everyone (except Pelosi, Reid, and Obama) want a prosperous and healthy New Year for everyone? I don't know, it sort of like stating the obvious to me. Believe me I'm not being a total negative toad about this, I just have questions.  It's all about hope right?  My friend Tiny Tim told me this "Hope is the thing with feathers."  Maybe I'm thinking too much about this.

I've asked people why they celebrate and they say it's a reason to drink.  What?...you need a reason to drink?  I thought Halloween, Cinco De Mayo, July 4th, Christmas, St. Patrick's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day...etc were reasons to drink? Oh so this is another holiday to drink!

It's a day off...guess that's a good thing.

Happy Day Off!

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Excelsior!



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