Truth: No New Cars

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. No new cars for me.

Why?

I don't see the point. Apologies to the Motor City, and all the fine people that run the show, and work hard. But I just don't see the point and how anyone can cost justify it. As soon as you take it off the lot, it depreciates in value big time. Add some miles and you are taking an even bigger hit.

My biggest gripe though is, who the hell is buying these things? There's some affluent cities nearby where the high school parking lots are all filled with brand new cars that parents have bought their kids. So I guess they would be the ones for sure. Or those who just can't stand to buy something used. Maybe people with money to burn? Maybe people who think $400 to $500 a month car payment is ok.

I'm a very big fan Ford Motor Company and how they run the show. Impressive, and Alan Mullaly is someone I really follow. I can't say they have any cars that I really like besides the F150, and the Taurus though....but I respect how they run their business. Personally, I'm a Camaro and Vette guy...always have been. And I love the Hemi's too. However a new car? I just don't see it happening ever.

I walked on a car lot the other day; on a weekend so I wouldn't get pelted my an annoying salesman and looked at the sticker prices. STICKER SHOCK. $30,000! For what? I don't get it.

Dear Ford, Dear Chrysler, Dear GM, please make your cars less expensive. You'll get more sales, increase volume, and people will be happy. Then again your cars last longer right? Well I agree there...but this whole depreciation thing bugs me.

I wish I could afford a new car but I just don't see it as viable.

I was told recently that "you get what you pay for". Yeah whatever, just lower the prices and you'll make more money people. Yeah even the UAW would benefit.

So if you bought a new car, tell me why. Pimpin!

Truth: I'm Naive To Think

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

I am naive to think that people won't back stab you.

I am naive to think that no one will throw you under the bus.

I am naive to think that voters will do the right thing.

I am naive to think that liberty is important to the masses.

I am naive to think that in natural disasters people will do the right thing.

I am naive to think that your friends won't look at you funny.

I am naive to think that for the most part people are always good.

I am naive to think that the media is doing their job.

I am naive to think that Ron Paul will get the coverage he deserves.

I am naive to think that red meat won't make me feel rotten.

I am naive to think that I can still run like I did 20 years ago.

I am naive to think that I can quit drinking coffee.

I am naive to think the hair that I've lost will magically grow back.

I am naive to think that they will find a cure for cancer in my lifetime.

I am naive to think that the U.S. population will get sick of funding other countries.

I am naive to think that that the U.S. population will get sick of funding wars.

I am naive to think that chasing butterflies is ok.

I am naive to think that you don't think you are naive about some things.

I am naive to think that people will stop selling their gold.

I am naive to think that you don't know Evian is naive spelled backwards.

I am naive to think.

Are you naive about anything?

Truth: People Are Gross

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  There's a saying that you cannot appreciate the good without experiencing the bad.  Really?  Why does this have to be?  Why can't we just know that the bad exists and not experience it?

I'm on a camping trip at a state park. The water is beautiful...the weather is perfect..the air is nice..the wind is calm.  Just a perfect summer day.

But wait.

At a state park are rest rooms. In the rest rooms are PEOPLE.  I'm not a fan of them as you know.  Well except you of course.  So I'm washing my hands in the rest room, and I see about 5 people leave behind me without washing their hands.  Ok so we are camping, and being a grub is part of the deal..I get it.  However if you are in proximity of others, or are using a shared facility.. wash your freaking hands. I had to wait by the door so someone else would open it then walk out.  The thought of touching the handle, grossed me out!

Not only that, many walked in the rest room barefoot. Now I'm no health expert, even though I play one here on the Internet, but that can't be good.  Barefoot in a rest room?

The whole experience just put a mark on an otherwise perfect time.  People gross me out.

I'm going to invent a Ferris wheel style toilet system. When you are done, the floor collapses down into a sterilization container, then a new stall comes down from the wall like a Murphy bed that is brand new and clean.  Then I will put in automatic door openers. Or better yet someone with a label gun that will put "pig" labels on those that don't wash their hands.

The thought of all the bacteria that was near me...

Truth: Disaster Ready

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I recently heard a statement from the mayor of Detroit saying that the city of Detroit was prepared in case of an Earthquake or natural disaster.

What?  Is he talking about Detroit?  Wait a minute, is he talking about any city actually?  Come on. Who is he fooling?

First off, there is no way he can believe that.  If he does, he is naive. When there was a blackout in 2003 it took me 3 hours to drive 20 miles.  It took some people longer. Why?  Because they aren't ready.  The infrastructure is meant to handle traffic during rush hour not a major event or disaster with no power.

Despite the readiness of the emergency teams, do you want to be stuck in some city trying to get home when a million other people or so who are doing the same? Not me pal.

Does it ever cross your mind that these things could occur? I think I'd rather be up north away from it all when disaster strikes.  I can hunker down and watch the end of the world on TV, instead of being directly in it.

Detroit ready? I can't stop laughing.  Detroit can't even function when there is no disaster let alone with one.  Are you kidding me?  Well I guess the mayor needs to spin, but geez...I'm not buying it. Would you?  Are you ready for an earthquake? Hurricane? Tornado? Vancouver Sports Championship? 

Truth: Math Sucks

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  All throughout school I could not get math. It was a real struggle for me. I just had a hard time with it.  With the exception of Geometry, for some odd reason, any kind of math was like a mountain to climb.

 

Math in school gave me anxiety attacks. I hated to be tested on it. I hated the story problems.  No matter how hard I tried or studied, I did not do well on math tests.

 

It wasn't like I didn't want to learn or know, I just couldn't focu on it. I could not grasp the concept.  It was weird too, because I was a stat freak when it came to sports. I knew how to calculate on base percentages, slugging percentages, WHIP, ERA, Goals Against Average...etc.  I also memorized numbers, players jerseys, their stats. I would read baseball cards and study stats. I guess I was into Saber Metrics long before I even knew about it.

 

So the concept or career of being an engineer, doctor, scientist, and of course astronaut wasnt going to happen for me.  Heck, astronony which I loved, turned out to be numbers and number and numbers. 

 

One day though about 4 years ago I was working on some math problems, and some things started to click.  It was as if somehting turned on.  Of course it didnt, as it was just the realization that I did know some math, that I could figure it out without struggle. That it wasnt stressful. 

 

I don't know what happended, but now it's not a big deal. Math doesnt suck so much anymore, accept the fact I couldnt figure out it probably changed my life. I could have been a nuclerar phyiscist you know. I could have been an astronomer you know. I could have been a math teacher you know.

 

Math sucks.

Truth: She Is So Nice

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Hi would you like to meet so and so, she is really nice?

No.

Hi a friend of mine is really nice and I'd like you to meet her.

No.

I have a friend who is really nice and fun, I want you to meet her.

No.

You would like my friend, she is fun and active and a great talker.

No.

I think you and my friend would be perfect.

No.

Would you like to meet my nice friend, she is very sweet.

No.

How about we find you a nice girl that you can date?

No.

You know when anyone says they have a nice friend they want you to meet, run. Why can't anyone tell me they have a Supermodel who is rich, and interested, and nice? I think the truth would be better - Hey I have a friend who has baggage, issues, is a drama queen, she likes the Krispy Kreme, and she is a bit of a psycho.

I think the truth is more enticing than NICE!

Chicks: Multiple Partners

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. My friend says that there is a reason people don't spend the rest of their lives with the first person they are with.

I asked what is that reason?

Well naturally she said because one or both people feel that there is something better out there.

Oh so the grass is always greener?

Perhaps.

But what about those people that do stay together with the very first person they were with. Are they just lucky or dumb? What about those people that are in arranged marriages and are very happy? Are they just lucky or dumb? What about all the single people that don't have someone? Are they just unlucky or dumb? Or maybe smart?

I struggle with the multiple partners concept because it just doesn't make sense from a scientific standpoint. At the same time, it makes sense that one of the partners, or perhaps both do not posses the skills or brains necessary to make it work.

Fate? Destiny? Things are just meant to be? I don't think so. I think if you have two people willing from day one to grow together, be together, and are committed it will work out. I also think the smoke screen of courting messes things up. "He was so nice and sweet when we dated, and now I hate him". Well that's because you focused on him focusing on you, rather than focusing on who he really is. Get it?

So while you are in the buffet line of life, picking and choosing between new mates, try a nicer restaurant instead. You'll find the nutrition you need, and then some. Make the effort.

Truth: This Year's Christmas List

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I figured I'd get this year's list soon for you, so you wouldn't be bugging me for it. It's pretty much done, but here is what I have so far. Happy Shopping:

1970 Vespa Special - light green or light blue
Ducati Monster black or red
Motto Guzzi
1971 Cadillac Eldorado
1968 Camara Z28
Ferrari
Alfa Romeo Spyder
Pontoon boat
Deck boat
1966 Buick Skylark Sport
Vespa Ape
Slinky
Any Triumph bike
Hammock
Gold
Electric Football
Air soft pellet hand gun
Air soft sub machine gun
100 gallon wine barrel
Silver forks
Wave Runner
Pop up camper
Cash
Mountain Bike
Pineapple
Hawaiian vacation
French Maid
Long sleeve t-shirts
Baseball glove
Galaxy Tablet
Cookies
Megan Fox

Due to the clueless administration and economic climate, I've made this year's list shorter.

Truth: Attention, Deficit

It was the best of times, I was the worst of times. I was eating my lunch, when in my head was this problem I was trying to solve.  I was trying to figure out the logic of a certain process. It just didn't make sense.

 

Now I don't know if my A.D.D. kicked in or what.  While I was chewing and thinking this thought came to me.  I wanted to be able to think about something else at the same time I was trying to figure out the problem. A huge part of me didn't want to figure out the problem.  I had this struggle of trying to figure it out, then trying to think about something else at the same time.

 

How come my motor skills were working to help me breathe, and chew, but the focus part of my brain wouldn't allow to me do multiple things.

 

Granted there are probably scientific reasons for all of this,and perhaps answers to these questions. I know I might appear to be a brain expert, but I really just play one on the Internet.  So I have these questions as to why I can't really multi task at the same time. Why can't my brain work on multiple things like a computer can? I mean it already does, with hearing, vision etc.  Why not evolve or turn on a certain part of your brain to do that.  Imagine how much more productive people could be.

 

Imagine having your woman nag at you, you actually listen, and watch the game at the same time and you wouldn't miss what she said.  Ok, wait..bad example.  I don't think anyone wants that. Ok ok ok...how about you are at work, you can work on a problem, while at the same time think about your fantasy football trade.  Imagine how much productivity would go up.

 

That weird feeling where I wanted to do more, is still driving me nuts.  Now I'm constantly feeling I should be multi-tasking on a higher level.  There's something there, something to it. My guess is, I will never know.

Truth: It Tastes So Good

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. As I was eating my pineapple chicken rice Thai thingy, I said "I don't want to finish eating this. It tastes so good! I don't want it to ever end". So I put my fork down; which is good since I can't poke my eye out with it, and just stared at my food. That lasted all about 15 seconds before I devoured the rest. I have no will power.

Which got me thinking...what do I like to eat or drink that I just don't ever want it to end?

Coconut
Pineapple
Samoas
Peanut Buster Parfait
Aero Bars
Pizza
Lasagna
Chicken Shwarma
Lemon Garlic Hummus
Almond Joys
Pesto
Peach Pie
Apple Pie
Pecan Pie
Blueberry Pie
Key Lime Pie
Carrot Cake
Louisiana Crunch Cake
Eggplant
Rigatoni with Ricotta Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Fontanella Cheese
Chocolate Chip Cookies
Bananas Foster
Canoli
Peach
Plum
Malbec
Riesling
Sangria
Vanilla anything
Meatloaf
Ribs
Salmon
Turkey cutlets

Anchovies

OK I'll stop for now, because I know full well you have no will power either.

Truth: Recharging Batteries

It was the best of times, it was the worst if times.  I often hear people say how they need a vacation.  These are the people that actually go on vacation too.   Me, I haven't taken a real vacation in 7 years.  It just hasn't worked out to get away for a long period of time. 

That does not bode well since I love to travel.  I think that makes me somewhat grumpy.  Not that anyone could ever tell though of course.

I do weekend trips every now and then but nothing substantial.  Substantial in the sense of when it comes to length of time, not quality.

As I am crafting this bit of excellence on my not so smart phone, I am recharging my so called batteries.  Sun...water...chillin...sleep. The usual stuff.

Where?  Up North Michigan, where Hemingway called it God's Country.  That is where I like to chill.  Everything in me shuts down.  Time does not matter.  Rules don't matter. Diet doesn't matter.  Nothing matters but the fresh air, and the lure of the bait that is on my fishing line.

The air is different Up North.  Aside from the boats on the lake, the sounds of nature are vibrant and loud.  The people are different too. Everyone waves or says hello.  The stress of the city doesn't exist.  It's fun to worry that a stop sign might be a deer instead.

I have friends who don't believe in God. I tell them, go Up North...God is everywhere.  Except for those damn Walmarts that are showing up here and there. Ugh!.  Well , then again if you don't believe in the devil, you can just see one of those stores in the middle of God's country.

I need a vacation.

LoveMail Hate Mail 62011

Love Mail
-I 'm not sure it matters, but I'll say it anyway.  Well, I find myself thinking about you. I miss your one word answers to my paragraphs while having my coffee in the morning. And I like your poetic side that is soulful. I have never found that quality in a man. And while some women may find it a weakness, I find it incredibly courageous and brave. To shatter the illusion of what a man should be. You have done that publicly and I doubt that people have given it much thought of how being that open is not so easy. I am always amazed at the tightrope walk of yours between The Walls going up and the vulnerability that is meekness and reveals such strength. To me at least. I just thought I'd share that with you. I had a good friend of mine send me an amazing email about how much I have inspired here and I thought I'd pass the gift of unexpected appreciation on to someone else. You. You inspire me. Thank you.

-Ha ha ha ha ha!!!!!!! Women are retarded! We don't know what the fck we want half the time. I know for me I just want someone as fcked up in the head as I am. It's about love, trust and putting up with shit! Bottom line, he has to be willing to put up with my sh!t and vise versa. Let's not forget that he has to be hot and good in the sack!!!!! That's huge, even if most chicks don't admit it. I wanna be worshiped half the time and scolded the other half. I want to come home to some BBQ and some a$$! Of course when I cry, empathy is the last thing I want. I want sympathy until I stop crying and then help me get back up on the horse and ride again. Make me feel like I'm the hottest woman on earth. Make me feel like it's ok to be me exactly how I am. But he has to be a strong man, none of that whiney nerd shit. I like a man who reads books. I like a well spoken man who speaks like trash when it suits him. I need him to be loving and gentle but not afraid to grab me by the throat and push me down on him hard so he can feel me moan through my esophages. I want him to stand in awe of me only to realize that I stand in more awe of him. I want a man who watches porn when I'm not around because hes thinking about doing it with me. I want him to let me play dirty even though he plays fair. I want the male version of me. Oh sh!t, I just just described my ex. I'm a loser! Love ya. Hugs

Hate Mail-Please stop talking about sports. I'm a chick and I hate sports. I won't talk to you, so be happy.

-Your followers are very funny.  Funny like a cult.

-You are so vague.

-ok whatever you say MR. VAGUE.

Sports: Blah Blah Football Blah

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.I love football, college and pro. I love listening to it, watching it, playing it. I love football video games. I love fantasy football. I love throwing the football around. I love tackle football, touch, flag, electronic...you name it - I dig it.

However there is one thing about football I can't stand. That is talking about it. All the preseason prognostication drives me nuts. Every called and every talk show host on television or radio is an expert. They just go on and on about this player and that player. They go on and on about football schemes. They talk about coaching trees, where players ended up in the draft.

Mind you this is different than actual play by play, which is fine. This is different than talking about the history of the game - which I personally love (being a sports nostalgia freak). This is different than talking about it with our buddies over a few brewski's too.

It is just the mind numbing ad nausea same old garbled junk turned over and over, full of speculation and conjecture. And it is all based on what? Just the industry (football) that everyone feels the need to be a part of - that where everyone and their uncle is an expert of the game and every single wanderlich test result for the last 20 friggin years.

Enough. Enjoy the game. Play it, otherwise you are just wasting time. Of all the sports, football has to be the least and most uninteresting sport to discuss. I love football!. Oh wait, I just went on and on about football didn't I?

Punt

Liberty: Ron Paul Invisible

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The media doesn't want Ron Paul to be elected. Not even Faux News wants him in the mix.  Why? 

By the same token my friends only care about one thing; my Republican friends that is - and that is to beat Obama. They don't care if statists (Palin), collectivsts (Perry) and former IRS employees (Bachman) who run the show - as long as Obama is out of the picture.

I don't disagree he should be out of the picture, but if you are going to get the same type of ideologue in place, what's the point? You've gained nothing.

He isn't electable they say of Ron Paul. Why?

Seriously why would anyone in their RIGHT man support Bachman?  I don't get it. She believes anyone who is gay is mentally ill. I watched her on Meet The Depressed and she was horrible.  If the GOP keeps throwing loons like her and Palin in front of everyone, it's no wonder the donkeys will stay in power.  Then again, that's what the media wants.  They want the status quo.

Sorry, but it's true.  With that comes the bastardization of the Tea Party movement because everyone (the media induced) starts thinking Bachman and Palin are Tea Partiers...when they are clearly not even on the same planet.

Heck, I almost got into a heated debate until my eyes started to roll into crazy mode.  This person was telling me that Ron Paul is a hypocrite because he says the states should decide gay marriage, not the Feds.  Since he voted for DOMA, that made him a hypocrite.  DOMA makes sure that the Feds don't have control, and the states do.   At the same time he is telling me that state government is the same as the Federal.  Well the control part is I agree, but constitutionally it is not.   Then I realized what he was about when he was very concerned that a state could have too much power (and leave the union!) and that would not be good.   So I've learned to not engage with the statists as they are of no use to me anymore.

Checkout what Jon Stewart had to say:  

http://www.theatlanticwire.com/entertainment/2011/08/jon-stewart-ron-paul/41311/

Truth: The Dunkin Donuts Crowd

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I had this professor back in college who was a real trip.  It was some media class or something, I forget.  The first day of class he says "Many of you are going to quit this class, because you don't care".  Then he said "Many of you are going to amount to nothing in life".  Well over the next week or so, about 5 people quit the class.  As far as amounting to nothing, I have no idea if that ever happened.  Although my hunch is he was probably right. He said one thing though that stuck with me for many years.  I still observe this concept too.  He said, there are people, then there is the Dunkin Donuts crowd. 

What was he talking about?  The Dunkin Donuts crowd?  He went on to explain.  He said drive by a Dunkin Donuts and inevitably you will see the same people at the counter eating donuts, drinking coffee, and having the same daily conversations. When he said that I could easily envision what he was talking about. There was a Dunkin Donuts nearby school, and as I drove to class I would always look at it.  Sure enough, the same crowd every morning doing the same thing. 

Nothing wrong with those folks mind you, and Dunkin Donuts makes a fine bear claw.  Heck my friend Boston Cas knew where every Dunkin Donuts in the state of Michigan was...and he went to them all.  He would rave about their coffee. One time, they didnt serve their own coffee or something.  He noticed!  He wrote them, and got some freebies for his trouble.  I have to admit, it is the best coffee around.

Now when I go to Dunkin Donuts or drive by, I still say "Hey, it's the Dunkin Donuts Crowd!".   Wait a minute, does that make me a part of them too?  Well I don't sit in one, talk, or watch the world go by.  So inevitably no I am not part of the crowd.  

One of my questions about life is this: If you are part of the Dunkin Donuts Crowd, have you amounted to nothing or something?  

I bet no one knows that answer. Not even my professor.

A.D.D. Rumblings No. 61611

1. I think apple pie perfume would be delicious

2. There is a pen in my brain and I am constantly doodling. Need more scrap paper

3. I think Facebook "like" stickers would be fun. At the bar you could like people. Hey check out that chick...she has 46 LIKES.

5.  I am officially hooked, or should I say sliced?...on Arnold Palmer tea.

4.  I think plastic bags on your feet filled with sand would make you feel like you were walking on the beach.

6.  I want to get a tshirt that says NO CLOTHES. that way I could walk around with no clothes on.

7.  I think frosting should come in little packets like ketchup.

[This blog is brought to you by the word vacillation and the number 83929292]

8.  I am going to name my next dog "Myself". Hey don't mind me I am talking and playing with Myself.  Dealing with Myself is quite a bit of work.

9.  I don't like carpet any more as a floor covering.

10. If stop signs had a picture of breasts ...no one would drive through them.

Sports: I Don't Want To Grow Up Any More

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. As a kid I would play baseball all day long with my friends.  We'd get up in the morning, head over to the sandlot or ball field, pick teams, then have at it until lunch.  We'd talk about the Tigers.  We played until lunch.  Then after lunch we'd go out and play more baseball.  Then we'd go home for dinner. Then after dinner we'd play ball until the street lights came on.  But even then, we'd still try to the throw the ball in the dark.  Heck one time we even spray painted a baseball yellow just to play longer. It didn't really work, but we tried.

For every season we played a different sport.  Street hockey, basketball, baseball, football.  It's what we did.  Sure we did the other stuff, guns, army, tag, pickle, kickball, bike riding, dodgeball, trading baseball cards, strikeout, curbeball, four square, board games, fort etc. It just seemed that baseball was the glue. Baseball was the foundation. Baseball was our core, and everything else was wrapped around it.

Then one day, I think I was about 15. It just stopped.  Where did everyone go?  We couldn't get any games going. There were no younger kids after us playing either.  We were the last bunch.   What happened? 

It was like some nuclear war came in and wiped out all of the baseball players.  The only ones left were a few reptiles like me searching for a game. Everyone went to work, started driving their cars, hanging out with girls and just doing things differently.  Hey what about me?

So here I was just playing catch with myself throwing the ball off the roof of the house.  It was depressing. I didn't want to grow up.  I didn't want to work. I just wanted to play baseball with my friends.  That was a very empty feeling when that change occurred in my life occurred. I was not prepared for it. I didn't want it. I didn't like it.

Now decades later, I feel the same way.  I just want to play baseball with my friends.  All day long.  I'll come in after the street lights are on, I promise.

Truth: Cringe Words

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. There are words and phrases that make me cringe. They are buzz words that are over used far too often. I don't know how they go around and get over used..but like a bad virus it spreads.

Epic - Noah's Arc is Epic, not some movie.

Amazing - I was once having dinner with this guy, who kept saying how amazing every part of the meal was. Amazing this, amazing that. The only thing that is amazing is grace if you ask me, or Spiderman.

Journey - When people say Life is a journey, it drives me absolutely insane.

Purpose - You have no idea what anyone's purpose is but your own. Half the time you don't even know what your purpose is.

Debt Ceiling - We need to increase the debt ceiling. Hello? That's rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.

At the end of the day - Nothing else matters but this point. It's all fluff, because at the end of the day... So why did we just waste 10 minutes talking when you could have told me the end game up front? Oh, because you like to talk. Great.

Phenomenal - Yeah it's really out of this world. Rise from the dead, and then you can use that word.

Common Ground - Used in politics often. No we don't need common ground, that has gotten us to this place. We need higher ground.

I'm so over it - Darn Valley Girls never die out.

Work Together - No, let's just work. How about that instead?

Think outside the box - Probably the worst. When people say that, what they mean is you are dumb and they are not.

Staycation - Really? Hey you are broke, stay home and smile. We'll call it a staycation! Shoot me.

The 80's Called - The 80's called and the want their hair back. The 80's called and they want their clothes back. This is funny mind you, but it's overused. Get a hair cut there stoner.

Truth: Just Words

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. A friend wrote to me - "Words, words, words. Means nothing. Neither do actions. There is nothing left I am convinced."

My response: "What is left is that concept or feeling, call it love or hope, that we have for our kids…so that they will figure it out or be sheltered from that reality. That’s what keeps us going I believe."

I am talking about purpose. I hate to say that word though, it gives me the creeps! Just like the word "journey". Ugh! As if there is some grand design we need to follow or adhere to. Even if there is, why would you? How would you really know?

The human condition is what I'm referring to. The human spirit. It is something bigger than words or even actions I believe. It is that driving force for good, evil, greed, inspiration...the point of carrying on. The reason to just do. The reason to just be. The reason to think.

There's an element of moving forward in thought or action, call it life...I suppose that just is it.

What I wrote is just words. The writing is just actions. Your response is just words, or just actions. I think.

Does this seem confusing? It is. Word.

Truth: All In The Family

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I'm sitting in this quaint middle eastern restaurant during my quest of the perfect shwarma samich...and I look up on the wall, and there is a picture of the 3 brothers who own the place. The first thought that comes to my mind is, SO WHAT! Who cares!?! I'm sure they care...but I don't. I see this in many restaurants. I kind of like the family pictures mind you, it adds some character and home feeling to the place. However the display of ownership as if I was looking at Mount Rushmore bugs me. It always has.

I don't care who the owners are in that sense. I only really care if I have a complaint or compliment. It's like some weird form or pre-Facebook status update on the wall. LOOK AT ME. LOOK AT ME!

Hey if you are proud of your restaurant, great..show it off. My point is this - As a customer I find no solace or redeeming value that the picture is up there. It's not a criticism either. From a marketing standpoint it just does nothing for me. Try again. The product entices me, not if the person likes to see a picture of himself on the wall.

Here's a better example. On television there's a local family that practices law. In face their motto is all about their family working for yours. Are you kidding me? I don't care about that family. Obviously they are very successful in what they do. I just want to know, does anyone go to them because they tout they are family? That they tout how there family will fight for your family? Do people really fall for this stuff? I am sure there studies and stats that probably prove it...but it aint me.

That reminds me, should I change my picture up on my page?

Truth: Crazy Cat People

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  Within the past couple of weeks I've seen people post pictures of there cats.  My immediate thought is, dogs are so much cooler than cats.  However my second thought is why do these people let their cats walk on the kitchen counter? On the kitchen table?  On the their pillows? 

 

Disgusting.

 

Unless your cat puts on little plastic footies like the cable guy around the house, it's grosses me out.  Are they hovering over the kitty litter box like it's a rest stop toilet?  No, I don't think so. They walk in it.  Clean you say?  No. Notta. Nope.

 

I came home one time and this chick I knew at the time had her dog on my bed. It was Standing on my pillow.  "Isn't he cute she said?". I wanted to throw up right there. 

 

Hello! The dog runs on the grass where he relieves himself and you are going to have him on my pillow?  Yeah cute.

 

What is wrong with you people? I know pets are family, but do you let your family stand barefoot on your kitchen table? On your pillow?  Maybe some of you do.

 

Pets cool, people not so much.

Truth: Answer Your Question

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Pet peeve time!

"You mean to tell me you don't talk sports with chicks?" Wow!

"So you get annoyed when people don't agree with you?" Amazing.

Why do people ask me questions, then answer it with their commentary before I can even answer?

It is as if they already have their mind made up no matter the context of the response. Assume much? Why do you ask me a question if you already have the answer you want to hear in your head. How about you ask me the question, then I respond? Then you can come back with WOW or AMAZING (Amazing is an overused word by the way).

You put people on the defensive with that posturing, which pretty much makes it very hard to communicate. Surely the predecessor point or question caused you to ask the next question...but geez, get a grip and give a person (me me me) a break.

I often get "So you really don't like women do you? Unbelievable.". Of course they only get this stupid assessment based on a line in my profile and no real proof of that. That's fine and nothing wrong with that I suppose. But if you are going to ask me a question, let me answer first!

Do you always answer your own questions? Crazy!

A.D.D. Rumblings No. 80911

1.  I wish donuts were healthy.

2.  I wish I didn't drive in fear of getting pulled over all of the time.

3.  I wish I'd never have to get an oil change on my car.

5.  I wish garlic sauce would come in water bottles that I could carry around.

4.  I wish Megan Fox would stop trying to contact me telepathically.

6.  I wish there would be no troops in Afghanistan any more.

7.  I wish people would really listen to the message that Ron Paul stands for instead of being blinded by the statists.

[This blog is brought to you by the word wishful and the number 10]

8.  I wish I could walk around in a knight suit all day, even though I'm currently retired.

9.  I wish it would make no difference who I am, so I could wish upon a star.

10.I wish all my inventions and ideas would come to life and we'd all live happily ever after.

Truth: So Many Questions

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. What's Happening? What's my line? Who's the boss? Who wants to be a millionaire? Without prejudice? Whose line is it anyway? Who wants to be a superhero? What's new Scooby Doo? Anyone for Tennyson? Are you afraid of the dark? Are you being served? Are you smarter than a 5th grader? Bethenny getting married? Car 54, where are you? Dude, what would happen? Friend or foe? How do they do it? Samantha who? What ever happened to Robot Jones? Who Wants to Be a Super Millionaire? Who wants to marry a multi-millionaire? What's the story? Who wants to marry my dad?

Truth: Original Sin, Original Thought

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Why are people so dang obsessed with quoting other people? Why do quotes from famous people ultimately define them?

I'm not knocking the quotes. From Thomas Jefferson to Yogi Berra, there are some great ones out there. I have used them and refer to them sometimes. It just seems it is out of hand.

I do often wonder if the quotes are just famous because of the person, rather than the quote itself.

If your neighbor came up to you and said "Give me liberty or give me death", you'd look at him funny.

If your coworker said, "We have nothing to fear, but fear itself", you'd ask to have a job transfer.

If walked around saying, "Don't ask what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country"; you'd get half the population thinking you are a progressive brown shirt.

I'm a bit tired of seeing famous quotes. They are clever, they are cute, they do make a point. I though, am in search of original quotes...original thoughts from non famous people. I will credit them. I want to learn from them.

Give me a quote that is yours. Tell me something, I can repeat in my head over and over. Move me. Surely you have an original thought don't you?

"And the meek shall inherit the earth" Me.

Wait, did I say that originally?

Truth: Thrill of The Chase

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Said a hunted fox followed by twenty horsemen and a pack of twenty hounds, “Of course they will kill me. But how poor and how stupid they must be. Surely it would not be worthwhile for twenty foxes riding on twenty asses and accompanied by twenty wolves to chase and kill one man.”–Khalil Gibran

A friend posted this as their status update. Someone replied that they wanted to borrow it. I replied that I don't get it.

The fact is, I still don't get it.

The reason 20 men chase a fox is for sport. If you think the sport is stupid, fine. However like any game, all games, all sports, the reason is for the sport of it. Waste of time? Pointless? Dumb? Boring? Whatever...that's a judgment and subjective call.

The thrill of the hunt. The thrill of the chase. The adrenalin. It is a choice by those who seek that.

I don't get wrestling or ultimate fighting; but I do get how other people do.

If the crux of the message, which most likely it is; is that wasting so much effort on something easy is pointless, then maybe just maybe you have something. However, as the numbers of 20 hunters decrease, the catch becomes that more difficult...expending more resources and time...the game/hunt goes on longer. At some point, through attrition it no longer becomes a game or a sport.

Until The Prince can tame the Fox, he'll have to chase it. I don't talk sports with chicks.

Truth: I Can't Be Trusted

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

A friend says this to me, "I don't trust you".

I said why?

The friend says "I don't know what it is, but I just don't".

I said why?

The friend says "Because I think you are lying to me!"

I said I have no reason to lie.

The friend said "I know. That's what is bothering me".

I said, then it is you who don't trust yourself and are projecting your fears on to me.

Silence.

[crickets]

Ah ha!

Then the friend said "Well the truth is, I really don't trust anyone".

What a great way to go through life.

I really don't care if people trust me or not. I just don't want to know or hear about it. It is stressful to have someone tell you they don't trust you...you can never relax around them. You have to defend every word, and every action wondering if they are on the same wavelength as you.

There are people I don't trust, because I just don't know them or they have rubbed me the wrong way. It's fine, it's natural. It's not a big deal. I don't know though, I think commitment and loyalty is more important than trust anyway. Trust me on this.

[crickets]

A.D.D. Rumblings No. 80411

1. If I were in a band and I were to release my first album - I would call it GREATEST HITS or BEST OF. Surely that will translate in to more sales just on the title alone. I used to be one of those guys who bought all the Best of compilations.

2. I am on a mission to find the best chicken shwarma in the United States. Send me suggestions, I'm hungry. I'm hungry, send me suggestions.

3. I wish there were more knuckleball pitchers. They impress me far more than any fastball hurler. Tim Wakefield is 44. I love him.

5. Sometimes I just want to fling soft batch cookies at people's heads. I don't want to hurt them, I just want to hit them. Do you know what I mean?

4. I wonder if the mullet will ever be acceptable again? Not that I want one or could sport one...I am just curious. It is and never was a good look. All business in the front, party in the back.

6. I have reaffirmed my feelings regarding painting. The setup, the cleanup, the mess, the taping, the over splash, the touch up, the redundancy, the second coat, the primer, the drop cloths, the brushes, the rollers - HATE HATE HATE. I don't like it either.

7. Someday I want to interview Charlie Rose.

[This blog is brought to you by the word shoulders and the number 2]

8. I have discovered that my Amygdala is a woman. I want to cry about it. It's very upsetting.

9. I love speed. I'm not afraid of heights (unless she is way taller than me). But I just don't care for roller coasters though because they hurt like crazy. Hold me.

10.I like to give. I like to receive. I have a problem with sharing. I'm not sure why. I'd rather just give. I find joy in giving, not so much in sharing. It's probably where Selfish and Selfless collide.

Truth: The Not So Red Herring

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. There is this fish who is adamant that he goes with the flow. He wants to be part of the group. He follows all the latest trends and fashions. He jumps on bandwagons. He attaches himself to the whims of the day. He's a slave to pop culture, while at the same time he complains about it. He complains about it, because he is then somewhat heard. He will complain about those things in which he is a part of, to make a point that he is indeed still a part of it.

He's part of a school of fish that seems to flow with the current of things. He can't swim on his own so he needs the help of others to ease his swim. He finds power and safety in that energy stream. He doesn't have to work as hard, because the school carries him. There's strength in numbers and he feels an inner strength belonging. He is part of the gang. No one can stop them, no one can touch them. If some big shark is hungry and a few have to be sacrificed, so be it...there's still plenty of fish to keep the pack going strong.

If some of the fish get eaten up, no worries...they will keep producing and raising the same lineage over and over. The same dependency will flourish in the group for generations on and on.

The poor fish, thinks it's better to be a regular herring, then a red one. He doesn't realize the red one stands out. The red one gets the real attention. The red one discovers new lands and explores ideas. The red one meets new fish and start their own schools. The red truly are the free ones.

I know many herring. Most think they are red. The truth is, they are color blind. If they knew they were, they'd complain about that too. Just to be herd or just to be heard.