Truth: The Point Of Friends

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I think the issue that I'm seeing here is that people don't value friendship.  What is the point of having friends if you can't be friendly?

 

I know this guy who constantly talks bad about his friends.  At every chance he gets, he just says something negative about them.  Why? Honestly I don't even think he knows he does this. I think there's just some engrained up bringing where it just becomes second nature to be this way. I mean he will trash his friends but not sound ticked off or upset. It is just the way it is.

 

It baffles me, because I know and always assumed he did the same about me.  According to my friends, yes that is the case.  So I am not bothered by it, that's just how he is.  I just don't get it. I'd like to understand this line of thinking and what not.

 

I mean there is a level of discourse where you have to talk about someone and their behaviors, whether is is positive or not. I get that.  However to routinely go out of your way to dog your "friends" in a non constructive way, well that's just not very productive. 

 

Experts will say that people who put down other people are essentially ignoring their own faults and limitations by highlighting the low points of others.  Yeah maybe, but I am not so sure.

 

I am no angel here, I've criticized the acts and behaviors of my friends.  But I make sure to not dog them, because what's the point? I think we get caught up so much in the separation of our relationships, that we lose sight of how strong friends can be.  We lose sight of how important it is to be there for people, because they will need you,and you will at some point need them.  If you are working against that, then you really shouldn't have friends; and ultimately they don't deserve you, they deserve better. That's my friend soap box delivery for the day.

Truth: The World's Longest Thread

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Rewind March 2011. Just like Seinfeld a show about nothing. I created a photo and decided that I wanted it to have the longest comment thread in the history of Facebook. My goal was to have 46,000 comments by Dec 31, 2011. So that's 9 months of comments. By October 2011, there were 35,000 comments. Not bad.

It's safe to say that probably 100 people have really contributed but well over 400 have commented to it do date.

What is commented on is everything under the sun. Truth, sports, liberty, chicks, spam, everything. It is a smorgasbord of nuts. A cornucopia of crazy. A plethora of platitudes. One stop shopping of uselessness.

I tend to think the post is a microcosm of society online. A mish mash of fonts amounting to a whole lot of nothing. Throw in the human desire to break all records.

There are some folks that I consider the the heavy lifters and I need to mention them so they don't quit. These are the storm troopers who are determined to make the thread a place of history - Aaron the Tractor, Jsexy, Debbie-does-Dino, Mariathepinko,Kapra, Tam Hands, Jackie the Sizer, Jazzy,Vic, Aphonic Reverie, HelpmeRhonda, Karabear,TomDefiance, Lp, Wipa, Kia, TamTata, Powers, JentheDealer, C-Lo, Cristine the Facebook Crack Addict, Lesismore...I'm sure I missed some major players, apologies to them - and get back to work, you are on the clock!

I do threaten them daily with deleting the post. I love that power. Wait? I have power over "nothing".

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150160964136285&set=a.200962836284.169764.50849061284&type=1&theater

Care to join?

Sports: Quarterback Love

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.   I remember as a kid playing football, and always wanting to be the quarterback. If I wasn't the quarterback, I designed plays to make me throw the ball, some how, some way. I loved throwing the ball. I would practice for hours trying to hit targets with accuracy, on the run too. I could heave a ball pretty good, 65 yards I think was the longest I could throw at my peak. Now I probably could do 45 to 50 but not without pain!  I don't think I want to try either.

 

I also remember memorizing every quarterback in the league and I knew their backups too.  I knew who got drafted, and who went where. I did this for years.  I've always had an affinity towards the quarterback. They got the chicks right?

 

As I currently watch the NFL and see the long list of quarterbacks playing, there are only a few that stand out. They are: Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford, Sam Bradford.  Stafford has the potential to be the next Tom Brady.  He has that football swagger that you want in a quarterback.  Brady and Rodgers have it, but theirs are more of a pretty boy cocky swagger...where as Stafford is the kind of guy you want to have some beers with. (wow I said the same thing about George W. Bush too...ok forget that).

 

Sorry, I'm not a Vick or McNabb fan.  Scrambling quarterbacks to me, might be a weapon, however I always believed that the reason they are that way is because they aren't quick enough to make a count down choice when passing. With all due respect of course to Fran Tarkenton who was a great scrambler...it's just not my cup of tea. Ok I admit I really liked Randall Cunningham's cannon too.

 

Then of course the are the freaks, like Culpepper and Cam Newton. Those guys were something else, huge arms, built like mack trucks, crazy power. I really liked the gunslingers like Marino, Fouts,  and Elway.  Jeff George who could heave a ball 70 yards blew my mind too.  I thought Joe Montana was the best quarterback I ever saw, but Steve Young might have even been better stats wise. Jim Kelley could call a game like no other; I'll throw Simms and Theisman right there too.  Great field generals, and that's what I loved about them.

 

Then there is Favre. I hated the guy, but he sure was a gamer. I'll give him that; if not the best pure arm I ever saw.  He could sling it like Elway and if he didn't force things, his rating would be so much higher in my mind. I also wish he wasn't a dreaded Packer or Viking either.

 

I am not old enough to give due credence to Baugh, Nameth, Dawson, Unitas, Graham, Starr, Van Brocklin....  They are just pure legends to me. I wish I would have seen them play.

 

Here's my list of all time favorite quarterbacks:

 

1. Joe Montana
2. Steve Young
3. Dan Fouts
4. Fran Tarkenton
5. Phil Simms
6. Terry Bradshaw
7. Dan Marino
8. Ken Stabler
9. Roger Staubach
10.Gary Danielson

 

Here is my list of current favorite quarterbacks:

 

1. Tom Brady
2. Matthew Stafford
3. Aaron Rodgers
4. Sam Bradford
5. Joe Flacco
6. Peyton Manning
7. Philip Rivers
8. Matt Schaub
9. Ryan Fitzpatrick
10.Philip Rivers

 

Who do you like?

Truth: Fear Itself

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. When I was probably about 8 or 9 years old I went to the zoo with my family. I remember my uncle was with us, and we were check out all of exhibits and what not. We were looking at the zebras.

I remember it vividly what happened. I remember it every time I go back to the same spot. It's one of those things in your life where it never goes away. I remember looking at the zebras, then I turned around and my family was gone. I kept looking in circles for them.

I started to panic. I was freaking out. Immediately I got this sick feeling in my stomach. This element of fear over took everything about me. Oh no, what was I going to do? Why did they leave me? Where should I go? I remember my body was going into some kind of weird panic mode.

Thankfully, my uncle came running back to get me, as he was looking for me. Realistically I probably wasn't lost. It probably only was for a minute at most. At the time, it felt forever though.

I hate that feeling and subsequently have felt that way before many times. Well not really lost, but in panic mode depending on things that have occurred to me. It's those same feelings. When it happens, it is because I fear something, albeit stress or whatever.I've come to learn that cortisol is a chemical that your system kicks out and drags you down when you are stressed or in fear.

It's not good for your system. I've learned that an old injury had my body in a constant state of stress for quite a bit of time. Making it hard to relax if ever. Now with some physical treatment, and working on eliminating any potential real stress...I am far better off.

I'm sure fear will strike me again. Most people say I am a very laid back person from a caring standpoint; that I seem aloof. The truth is I don't care, and I'm stressing about something else. Although I'm working on removing any cortisol from attacking my body.

Fear...a doctor once told me, that fear is just in my head. The only real fear humans have are loud noises or actually physical pain. The rest is all trained and choice driven. Yeah maybe, but then again why was I scared at the zoo?

A.D.D. Rumblings No. 92611

1. I know a guy who spray painted a tan on himself. Can you say  Snookie?  Yes he is 49 years old.

2. I will create a bacon flavored Hookah.

3. I've noticed the people that always swear damn it, like to make it a point of everyone knowing that they swear, and how great they are for swearing.

5. Mashed avocado with lemon, lime, basil, and garlic salt. It's what's for dinner.

4. People are all freaked out about the amount of fights at football games. Heck in the old days at the Pontiac Silverdome,there were at least 10 fights a game. Nothing beats $20 tickets and $5 beers for the restless.

6. Pens..they are everywhere. Do you ever run out of ink? Sure, but there are far more pens on the market because people lose or misplace them. I'm in the wrong business.

7. Facebook was losing people to Google+ and Twitter, so they decided to take the best from both and integrated. My only issue with FB, is that they force you to see stuff, where as on  Google you choose yourself. Choice...what a concept!

[This blog is brought to you by the word pesto and the number 7]

8. The only cool part about the cooler weather approaching is that bicyclists will be off the road.  Good riddance!

9. I have a Speed Racer lunch box.

10. The chick who plays Whitney on the tv show Whitney is madly in love with me. I just thought you'd want to know.  I think I feel the same way, but it's none of your business.

Liberty: Sharing Your Music

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. The new Online Graph Timeline that FB wants us to start using is geared towards SHARING everything.  Sharing music.  Somehow this is important that you share what you like, and let everyone know what type of music you listen to.  This according to his highness lord Darth Zucker-berg.

Why?

I don't care what you listen to. If I wanted to know, I'd ask you. I listen to so many different kinds of music, I just don't care if anyone really knows.  Sure I share what I like, concerts, what I've purchased, collections etc. But I don't need to. I can't say I always want to either.  Not in a recorded fashion.

Yes this helps the music industry who's sales are tanking, capture what people are listening to, by getting ads to those areas of heavy traffic. Sounds like their problem, not mine.

There's apparently a half a billion people who pirate music. What does that tell you?  People don't want to pay for music, and they don't care if the artists are getting paid. I know many musicians, so I am not against them making a living.  My point is, people will pay for good music, and good musicians...so bring it.

Then again, Lady Gaga sells...so that throws that logic out the window.  Or does it?  Well it just proves the point that music is subjective when it comes to what people like.

I have no real interest in sharing my music, or letting people know what I am listening to. I've dabbled in Pandora and Spotify sharing, but it's an experiment.  I will tend to do it less now to displease the DeathStar.

How do I learn what is out there?  I just look for it. Do I rely on what other share or like?  I don't know. I see many people liking songs on the Internet, and it does nothing for me. Maybe I'm weird, maybe I'm the music industry's worst nightmare.

Let the music, do the talking.

Truth: No More Concept Cars

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  So I ask you - Would you drive a car that on the outside looked like a Ferrri, but the engine was that of an Escort? 

 

Would you drive a car that on the outside looked like a Lamborghini, but the engine was that of Prius?

 

Would you drive a car that looked like the Bat Mobile, but had the engine of an Impala?

 

Why yes, yes you would.  Every single one of you would.

 

So tell me, why don't the auto companies make cars like these?  Tell me?

 

Every year at the Auto and Hot Rod shows they show off their futuristic concept cars that people love to look at.  Why do they look at them?  Because the are great, cool, sleek etc. 

 

When I see a concept car it does not inspire me to by the latest Ford Explorer or Chevy Malibu.  Sorry, I just don't care that Ford has a new Fusion out or Taurus when I want their concept car. I don't see the tie in.  I am not brand loyal when it comes to cars. I'm wallet loyal.

 

Marketers of the companies may think that about the customers. However the fact remains this - If I want something that looks customized, rare, and cool...the there has to be a good percentage that feels like I do.  Right now we are stuck with what they offer, not with what we want.

 

If I wear a fake rolex, I don't tell anyone it is real. I tell them it is fake, but I wear it because it looks cool to me. (No I don't have one - I did buy one once off a street vendor in Manhattan...it broke hours later).  So that same concept or I should say desire remains with cars.  Give me something that looks like a Ferrari but costs as much as an Escort. Watch your sales take off.

 

Is that too much to ask? It may happen. Then again, when I was a kid, we were expecting their to be flying cars by the year 2000.

Liberty: Social Emotional Rescue

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Open Graph: Facebook wants you to tell the story of who you are. They want you from birth through life to record your timeline..what you eat, what you do, what you share, what you write, what you listen to, what you say - all that you do on the internet. It's a living breathing photo album of your life with narration. You know what, that's pretty freaking cool technology. However, on the internet??? No thanks. Is nothing sacred anymore? I'm a huge tech and gadget lover, considered among some of my peers to be on the cutting edge of social media (I'm not, I just play one on the internet). However a timeline of my life is not something I am interested in sharing, let alone knowing about anyone else. Is that just me? Government agencies are salivating at having all this information at their fingertips.

Imagine you get into a car accident and the other person eventually dies from the accident. The news media pulls up your life story about how you did this and that, and the whole world judges you. Perhaps an employer looks at your timeline, sees you are Republican, and decides there's no way I'm hiring this conservative wack job. Or you were at some peace protest, and your employer supplies parts to the military.

There's something cool about the emerging technology, yet at the same time scary. Perhaps because I just can't grasp the whole timeline of one person being recorded for all to see. I love time capsules...I just don't want Facebook owning it, sharing it...selling it? Yes I want that information...yet I don't anyone but a select few to have it or see it. I certainly am not going to trust the storm troopers at Facebook to guard my privacy.

Do you see what they are doing here? They are latching on to what make's people buy things. What makes people watch? It's what makes the lemmings follow each other off of the cliff. That data, while cute to be shared, is what will drive their revenue. Advertisers would kill to play on those emotions, the same ones that drive people to wait in line for hours for the next game, the same one that get people to watch a television show. People like to show off, they like to shout out. They like to be apart of something. Sharing your entire life is a marketers dream, a government agencies perfect tool. The narcissist's mirror.

It's no longer Social Networking. It is now Social Sharing. I'm at a loss here. What was once super cool, is now becoming super convoluted. I need someone to explain this to me.

Truth: Social Invasion Of Privacy

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Welcome to the Death Star (aka Facebook).  They've now implemented new features because they want to think for you.  They want to control what you see, and what everyone sees. Which is everything!

There is a ticker in place, that shows every single thing you do (except pokes, and emails...but that I am sure is on deck).

So every ticker update shows what you like, what you post, what you comment everywhere. Great!

Oh oh oh, and they've removed the automatic input of this brilliant blog (rss) post because they think it is better for me to manually do it. It will then create an emotional attachment between me and my Facebook friends.   Happy joy!

Needless to say many people have left Facebook because of this. Do they care? No! At 750 million people what is a few million people leaving in a few days?  Nothing...since kids are being born every day.  They will be fine, just fine.

Facebook vs Google Plus.  Just remember, Google does things for good, and Facebook does things for themselves. So their mantra says.

So back to the Ticker. Are you kidding me?  It's embarrassing.  I get to see people doing everything, which validates they are idiots, when before I just assumed it. And and and...people see what I'm doing. Screw that noise.  How can I deal on 20 chicks, when they all see what I'm saying?  Facebook is hating the player, and I hate the game!

It is forcing me to be just an observer, because I don't want people to know what I like, what I say, and what I do..  And you know full well these stormtroopers are recording all your clicks. What? Your wife who is divorcing you is going to get a subpoena of your facebook activity.  You what? You clicked LIKE on a Victoria Secrets photo album?  Now she's going to use this against you, that you are an online pervert, and you'll lose parenting rights? Wonderful!

If you had a clue, you'd limit your Facebook activity if anything just to tell them they SUCK.  Many of you will say you have nothing to hide; which is probably the case...yet it is data that can be manipulated and used against you.  Interpretation ring a bell?  I often find the people who don't care about rights being infringed upon, are more concerned about Dancing with the Stars.

Truth: Life Is Not A Journey

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. If I hear one more person tell me Life is a journey or that something is a part of "life's journey"; I'm going to lose it. I repeat, I am going to lose it.

Stop it. You get on these buzz words and phrases, and it never ends. I see it all over Google+ and Facebook "just another adventure in life's journey", "God's journey is full of grace","one must support your children through their journey" etc.

Stop it.

A friend of mine said she is supporting her children's journey through Catholicism. I about tackled her on the spot. She said would you prefer I used the word adventure? I said sure by all means. An Adventure is fun, spontaneous, you don't know what to expect. A journey is just full of plague, 40 years of desert walking, locust, and its a cheap Dodge vehicle. No thanks. It's also a chick rock band too that I never cared for.

The simplified definition attached to life with the word journey just bugs me. I know it sounds like a contradiction to my latest mantra of making life simple, but it is not. I want life to be simple. I just believe if you put it all under this umbrella called "journey" you are cutting it short. Simple is fine, short is not. Even a long journey can be short if the perspective is lessened.

Don't stop believing

.

Truth: Craving A Simpler Time

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I often hear people tell me how great it would be to live in the 1950's. Life was more simple and easy. It was just poodle skirts and rock and roll. Leave it to Beaver and Buddy Holly. Alas talk to someone who grew up in the 1950's and their recollection is the same. I tend to think that if that was your time, you loved it.

For me, I'm a child of the 70's and 80's...so it is what I like. I was impressionable, young..things were new. I latched on to sports heroes, rock bands, games, fashions, and trends. News of that era is what I know when it comes to Trivia. I suppose children of the 1990's say the same thing about that decade, which to me has to be the most non-descript boring decade ever.

When I ask people about the 1990's they say Grunge music. Really? that's all you have for that? Well I for one tend to agree...boring. I'm sure many events and inventions happened in the 90's. So it's probably just perspective or perception.

If your life is busy, you are going to miss out on what the world is offering. If you are swamped, you'll take new events and occurrences at face value, not have time to soak it in or study. It becomes just another episode in a series of episodes. Life becomes one predictable event after another.

Simply your life, and this decade can be the one you treasure most. Slow down Holmes, life is passing you by. Inventions and ingenuity just passed you by. Be free, it's a choice.

Liberty: D.C. Control Freaks

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It amazes me how those in Congress, those who run Federal Agencies, those who run the administration think they know better than you and I. 

Yes these intellectual pencil pushers, think that their jobs are above everyone else's. That being a public servant is more than just serving, but it is public directing.

I listen to the President tell congress that they SHOULD vote for his bill about 10 times. Yet the bill isn't even on paper.  What is on paper is a bunch of rhetoric, and hidden taxes, and costs that you and I will have to pay. 

But that's ok right, because the elitists know what is best for you and I.  We can't take responsibility for the market, we need to be protected at all costs...no matter the cost. Then he uttered his famous "..so you can pay your fair share".  Every time I hear that liberal tripe I want to scream. AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!! 

There is NO SUCH THING AS FAIR.  And you can't legislate it. When you do i.e. TAXES, someone gets hurt.  That someone is EVERYONE in some way shape or form.

Why don't they get this?  The machine is out of control, being run by the control freaks who are running us into the ground.

I try to not let these weasels get to me, and for the most part they do not.  However how can I continue to live my life through peace and prosperity when most people don't care that the control freaks are running the show? HOW HOW HOW?

Apathy is the only way.  I just have a hard time caring about apathy.

A.D.D. Rumblings No. 91811

1. A.J. Green's game winning touchdown catch was the longest fourth quarter game winning grab in NFL history by a rookie. What? Yes, this is a useless stat that someone actually took the time to look up and report about. Are you kidding me?

2. While babysitting my men's softball team, an argument broke out between 3 of the players because we lost. Swearing, threats, yelling. Anyone know where I can get adult pacifiers?

3. I do think video traffic signs would be more effective...solar powered of course. That would glow when traffic approaches, and actually tells you to STOP, or YIELD. Or better yet, one that flashes COPS when they are parked and ready for the money grab.

5. My question: So why did you drop me from Facebok? I'm curious? Her Answer: Have you seen your status updates? They are nothing but humor, silly stuff, and nothing personal about you. You offered me nothing of value.

4.Samoa Cookie Milkshake. I wish I wish I wish I was not lactose intolerant.

6.She says to me, "you know women do like talking sports, I know you hate that". I don't hate that, I just don't care.

7.Baseball is the only sport where I try to strategize while watching it. The other sports, while strategy is clearly involved...I just sit back and enjoy. But baseball, I'm in it for every pitch and situation. That reminds me, I have to see Moneyball.

[This blog is brought to you by the word glib and the number 47757]

8.I was happy to be nominated for best local blogger contest. I didn't expect to win, but when a blog about reality TV won...well that just hurt! I despise that stuff.

9.Ashwagandha.

10.Does anyone see a problem with traffic cameras being used as just another money grab for speeding tickets? Raise your hand.

Truth: Sport Car Justification

I was driving behind a brand new red Corvette ZR1 for about 20 miles.  At first I thought hey what a cool car.  Then though as I started to drive behind it, I kept looking at all the very cool features. Nice curves.  The deep immaculate color. The wide tires. The sound was powerful as if some bull was storming down the street after you. The tinted glass made it look mean.  This car screamed American Ferrari!

 

I was falling in love with that car as I could not look away.  It was love at first sight. Now I have no intention of ever buying that thing, because I just have other cars I would like and want more.  But darn it, that car is the whip.

 

I was also thinking about my critiques of cars over the years. How I wouldn't drive this or that, because of the stigmatism, the way it looks, the manufacturer.  Many reasons, many things as to why I would or would not drive a certain car.

 

No matter the reason, the one thing I can say is it seems whenever anyone puts down a car, it is probably because they can't cost justify it.  I probably feel that way about Jaguars. I'm not a fan. I wouldn't kick it out of bed for eating crackers mind you, but I just don't have interest. Again though, it's more about the cost and functionality than the looks.

 

Just as I'd never buy a German car, yet how could I ever deny a Porsche, Mercedes, or BMW? I'm not a fan of British cars, but geez give me an Aston Martin or Triumph any day.

 

I used to dream about nice sports cars. I used to know every car there was that was out there. Then when reality set in, that I would never own a  Lamborghini, the dream was clouded.  Clouded by reason, by functionality, by need, and attainability.

 

I think I'm going to go back and enjoy cars like I once did. They are after call pretty freaking cool. Now where is that Ferrari Testarosa I really want?

Truth: Working For The Weekend

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Everybody is working for the weekend! Loverboy used to sing a song called that. Weekend Warrior was jammed out by Ted Nugent. Cool songs and poignant for sure. The mentality though, not so much.

Who doesn't like the weekend? I mean for most it's time off of work, it is time to drink, vacation, sleep, go up north, play, church, chores etc. I get it. I understand the lure.

However if you spend all of your time thanking God it is Friday, or celebrating humpday, let alone feeling a case of the Mondays; then there is something seriously wrong with you.

Perhaps and most likely you are not in a position to change that, thus the weekend is all you have right now, if ever. However what it does though, is really indicate how trapped we've become to routine, society, schedules, and just overall being slaves to those things as a whole. That has to put a damper on the overall productivity and happiness of people. It just has to do that.

I don't know if there is an escape for us all to rid ourselves of that wall called the work week. There may not be a way out. However, since we love the weekend so much, it just goes to show what we do during the week may not be natural at all.

I don't believe I was meant to be a slave. I don't believe I was meant to work for the man. I don't believe I was meant to fit into this peg created by society, then to just wait for my rationed morsel of cornbread called the weekend. It makes no sense.

If only I had the vision years ago, I would have not put myself in to this rat maze, searching endlessly for the elusive cheese. I know there is still time to figure it out. I will after the weekend I guess.

People used to leave these glitter images all over my myspace account every Friday. I can't say I miss that. But I figure you might, so enjoy the pic!

Truth: Online Mirrors Life

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  Without risking hurting any one's feelings, again...I'll try to be as generic as possible in explaining this.

I have this group on Facebook, and I created a few rules. One is chicks can't talk sports.  No explanation necessary.  The second one is, everyone has to talk in the third person. The third, no emoticons or LOL, or text lingo.

The thought of having rules, that was just crazy to some! I got the usual "I'm a rebel, I don't like rules, rules are made to be broken" jive. Whatever. So whenever anyone posted such things, their comments would be deleted by myself or an admin.  There wasn't any malice or anger, it was just to get the point of cross...and have fun.

This infuriated people. CENSORSHIP they cried!  I started getting hate mail saying I was purposely trying to shut people up,that I wouldn't let them talk.  That it was annoying, they were hurt, I was being a jerk etc etc.

Really? Yeah they were hurt.

Am I the only one that sees humor in this?

It's just Facebook people, and in the context of the rules/group settings how can anyone take it personal?

Well needless to say I ended up deleting 100 comments in just one day to get rid of the "I" being used so much.  It was just too much trouble for people to lighten up and have fun.

Well it didn't work, so I said screw it. Well if I removed at least one emoticon from the world, I did my part and it wasn't a complete failure.  That's one less wasted second of every one's lives, you can thank me later.

Truth: All Over The Map

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

Is there something wrong with me? I'm all over the map on things.  One minute I'm designing a proposal to revamp my fantasy football league, the next I am designing a customized irrigation flow from my sump pump.  Then I'm looking for prices of new tires for my vehicle.  Then I'm interested in having a wireless web cam security system in place that is solar powered. Then I'm looking at paint samples. Then I am sorting some baseball cards.  Then I'm looking at how to get some company to create a prototype for this product I want created. I'm trying to figure out how to throw a knuckelball in softball. Trying to assess some website stuff. Looking at a stuffed tomato recipe. Scrambling to find a defensive lineman for my fantasy football team.

No wonder I can't get anything done. I think I am failing miserably at the shotgun approach. However, it's the only gun I have in this mental arsenal. 

All of that, then I'm thinking about writing about all of that and actually do. They're coming to take me away ha ha. They're coming to take me away ha ha.

Truth: I Gotta See it Now!

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

I've never seen an entire episode of the Simpsons. I've never seen an entire episode of The Family Guy.  I've never seen anything from Entourage. Never saw a minute of Dexter. I've never watched Sons of Anarchy either.

Some people say I'm weird for this.  Some say I'm missing out.
Weird perhaps, but I don't feel as though I'm missing out.  Having not watched the Simpsons, but still knowing who Homer,Bart, and Lisa are should account for something.

I hear the other shows are great, and I believe people when they say it.  I just don't care. I love Breaking Bad, and when it is on, I'll watch it.  I just never go out of my way to watch it or make time for it. It is just not a priority for me.

I believe with On Demand, DVRs, the Internet, DVDs etc, I can always watch an entire season of something and not miss out when I feel the need. 

I'm the same way with movies. I'll see them whenever. Many years ago I had a list of movies I wanted to see. Well that list got bigger and bigger.  Now, I'll just not even worry about it that list. If I see it, cool. If not, no big deal...another movie will come around.

I do feel a bit out of the loop, because everyone I know goes to the movies and sees everything.  Everyone I know sees all of these television series.  Not me.

I probably should put a higher level of value on media entertainment at some point. Maybe I just have to take on the notion that I gotta see it now.  Then I'll actually see things.

A.D.D. Rumblings No. 91211

1. I want to see the Great Wall of China...from outer space.

 

2. I want to see Mexico city from an airplane just once.

 

3. I want to swim with the dolphins wearing a great white shark costume.

 

5. I want to drive a Lamborghini that isn't a hot wheels

 

4. I want to make a pizza that is two inches wide but 2 feet long...so you can just eat it continuously in your mouth, like a marathon bar.

 

6. I want to catch lightning in a bottle then put it on a shelf next to a jar of fireflies.

 

7. I want there to be moving walk ways that go 40 miles per hour.

 

[This blog is brought to you by the word balloons and the number 1.69]

 

8. I want to come up with a gimmick.

 

9. I want Samoas pizza, samoas pasta, samoas cupcakes, samoas pie, samoas super models, samoas candy bars...

 

10.I want liberals to admit how flawed their policies are, while at the same time rinos get back on the right track to restoring liberty and prosperity.

Truth: 9/11 Ten Years Gone

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

Every 9/11 I always think about what I was doing that day. I don't just think about it on 9/11, I do think about it at other times as well. Everyone remembers where they were, and what they did that day...my story isn't that different.

I was at work that day when my friend came over and told me that a plane crashed into the World Trade Center. I immediately went on the Internet to look for the news. Sure enough early reports said something had happened. Another friend stopped by and told me some more news. We were a bit stunned, and new something was up.

Many of my immediate coworkers were in a meeting, and I remember saying something to them about what was going on, and they chuckled and scoffed at it like it was no big deal. I found that to be mind boggling. The meeting was more important than what was going on? I don't think they knew the impact of what was happening at the time. That still bothers me.

Then news of the Pentagon crash. Ok now it was really freaking us out. So we went into my bosses office, and put on his television. Holy cow. The 2nd plane hit! I looked at my friend and the fear in his voice when he said "we are at war", well I'll never forget it.

I didn't work that day much, just read emails, and watched TV. I looked outside and saw a mass exodus from nearby companies. I had some emails to my relatives in New York, one whom was watching the terror from his office building. He won't talk about it still, and I can only imagine why not.

Aside from all the chaos, I remember going to work the next day. I walked into the building, and said hi to someone I didn't know. She said hi back. I said to her "the world is a different place today." She said "it sure is." We both smiled at each other. We still don't know each other, but 10 years later we'll smile when we see each other and say hi. My guess is she remembers that day too.

I don't like living in fear, but I accept the reality that evil exists. 9/11 is a clear reminder of that. I am against all the liberties we as Americans have given up because of 9/11, and I can't support that. I am upset at all of the lives that have been lost as a result of 9/11, it is something I don't understand.

Many and most have taken an approach of war no matter the cost. The idea of resilience in preserving, rebuilding, and truly being a super power based on liberty and freedom should be the route we take. A police state at home, and a constant war machine on the road is not working.

There was something special about the pre 9/11 days. Hope, the American dream, and liberty ideals were more attainable. I miss that. Do you?

Sports: Slappys Are Everywhere

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I belong to a few different sports groups on Facebook. I like them because I can get up to date news and information from my friends.  I also like the fact you can vent about things going on about my favorite teams.  So all in all it is pretty cool.

However there are the sports Slappys that troll these groups. I just can't handle them. I suppose they make the sports world go around, but they make my eyes roll even more!

There are three types of fans: 

1.Fair Weather: The band wagon types, who just want to see their teams do good. You know, the office person who catches glimpses of what's going on from news clips and the radio and tries to talk to you. These people don't bother me actually.  I just don't talk sports with them if at all possible.  When I do, I just patronize them shake my head and mumble a few words here and there in agreement. I offer no value to the conversation because it is pointless.

2.The Die Hards.  These guys are students of the game. They know the x's and o's, the history, the trends, and they respect the game.  They may follow their teams, but they will respect a good opponent easily. They love the game more than anything, the team or jersey is second, and the player is a distant third if that. I crave to talk to these types.

3.Slappys. These are the types who live, breathe, and die with a sports team. No only do they watch every game. They watch pre game and post game shows, know where the players live, grow an emotional bond with the player based on their looks, or even their home town.  These are the grown ups who wear sports jerseys with current players names on them. These types have tunnel vision around their teams.  They are also apologists.  I try to avoid these people as much as possible.  This bunch is a marketer's dream.

Truth: The Sparrow Catcher

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. When I was 4 years old my grandfather came to visit us from Italy. I remember several things about him, mostly how he smelled like Kool cigarettes though. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

From what I recall he would take me to the grocery store which was about 8 blocks away. So we would walk there. I remember holding his hand, and he would go on and on mumbling about something in Italian. He didn't speak any English at all, but somehow he still got by at the grocery store.

On these walks, at the end of my street were these tall bushes that lined someone's yard. Apparently there were sparrows in there nesting. European sparrows, the kind you see everywhere; perhaps the most uninteresting birds there are.

I remember waking up one summer morning and going in the back yard. In the yard was this very big box. The kind you put a TV in. At the time, TVs were pretty big. On top of the box was a wired mesh fence like cover. Inside the box was a sparrow.

A sparrow! How did that get in there? Well my father told me that my grandfather caught him with his hands. It was like Superman caught him he told me. Wow!

I couldn't believe it! He got a bird with his own hands? Magic. Unreal. Wow. Now even for 4 years old could I believe that. I guess even at the time I knew birds were hard to catch.

He just caught the bird, because he could. He put it in a box, so I could see it. As clear as day I remember looking at that scared bird. Then he let him out of the box and he flew away.

Now I'm not sure, but I think he caught another one. That part I don't remember. I do remember my father telling me that the bird was sleeping at night in the bushes; then my grandfather went up to the nest and just grabbed him.

That story still blows me away. Every time I see a sparrow I think about how my grandfather caught him with his bare hands. It's a very simple story, but just think about how many sparrows I've seen? Yes, every single sparrow has reminded me of that event. I didn't know my grandfather that well, but he sure shows up alot still.

Liberty - Fences Make Good Neighbors?

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. So most of the GOP candidates and probably most of the country wants to put up a big fence along the Mexico - Texas border. They want to put 2000 more Federal guards along the border too.

Why?

Oh, to keep the illegals from coming across the border.

Why?

So they don't take welfare benefits and have kids here who become citizens, and....and...and...take our jobs. OH NO!! Not our jobs!!!!

Wait? I thought there were no jobs? What jobs? We have stinkin jobs?

Newsflash: but that isn't going to work. Sure you'll get more people dead, higher taxes (you love that right), more red tape (that's always fun). However nothing will really change.

If you want the illegals to stop coming over, fix the economy stupid. Once you fix the economy jobs will be plentiful, wages will go up and the world will be a better place. Companies would then hire people who are legal since they can finally pay them. See how that works? Right now companies in order to stay alive seek to hire illegals and ship jobs overseas because they are handcuffed.

I understand that large corporations only care about the bottom line, and if human resources are cheaper they will leave the country. However if you want corporations to profit here, then let them profit here. Give them incentive to profit here, and not seek illegals to work for them.

Simple simple simple.

Truth: Junk or Treasure

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  One man's junk is another man's treasure. One man's treasure is mostly junk.

On the eve of trash pick up day, I'll ride my bike around and notice what people are throwing out.  Televisions, furniture, toys, tools, etc.  What I also notice are the beat up pick up trucks that comb the neighborhoods picking up all of that junk.

What do they do with that stuff? Sell it? Fix it? Burn it? Give it away?  There is obviously value in that stuff for them. I'd like to know.  I once picked up a really good table chair.  There was nothing wrong with it. That was 10 years ago, and I still have it on my porch. Someone thought it was junk.

I am slowly on a quest to rid myself of "things" that I no longer need, want, or use. Selling it, throwing it out, giving it away...in any event I am going to lighten the load of my junk.

Junk weighs you down. Even if you don't deal with it, you are still dealing with it psychologically.  You know in your head it has to be taken care of. You know in the back of your mind that someday you are going to have to deal with it sooner or later.  To me the accumulation of junk is just procrastination.  Unless of course you have OCD and Hoarder tendencies, then you are just wacked out nuts.

I've got a 1980 12 Speed Racing Bicycle in my garage collecting dust.  Junk or treasure?

Liberty: Home Depot Kills The Economy

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. No offense to Home Depot or anyone that works there. I'm sure they are a fine company. I know people that work there, and I go there often actually. I won't even begin to tell you all of the coin I've shelled over the years. I do enjoy how friendly and helpful the employees are too. So this isn't me bashing the company, it is bashing the idea of self home improvement.

Home improvement is great, when you are paying someone else to do it. Why isn't it great when you do it yourself? Because you are killing the economy stupid. But wait, you are buying products so that must be good right? Well it isn't bad of course, but it would be better if you were paying someone to do the work while you are off enjoying life, working yourself, or actually being productive.

I was helping a friend recently do some home repair work. Took up most of the day. Did I have anything else to do? No, not really except I was going to paint. Ugh! Is that really productive? Wouldn't it make more sense to be making money while someone is doing work for you. So if you are spending $100 for the plumber to fix your sink while you are making $50 in that hour at work, you've only spent $50. Yet if you were to spend 3 hours doing it yourself, not working, and not making money, you are in the hole a potential $150. You think you've saved coin. Actually you wasted 3 hours, and the plumber is doing nothing at home.

That's less money into the economy being spent on more products by the plumber, because over the last 15 years everyone is now a home improvement do it yourself expert. If you want the price of goods and services to go down, create competition. How do you great competition? Create the need for those jobs. You can't do that when you've bought into the "I'm saving money" by doing it all myself.

Hey, if you are self sufficient, can get your hands dirty, and know a trade...well rock and roll to you. Why don't you offer those services to someone else for a fee, the go buy a boat, or car, or cottage?

My friend Adam Helfman has the right idea with Hire it done http://www.hireitdone.com. Check it out. I've always supported him, but now I truly understand why. It just makes sense. Home Depot, you've got great hot dog stands, but we've got an economic crisis on hand. The president needs to hire me to fix things.

A.D.D. Rumblings No. 9511

1. Grease or oil always finds a way to the front of my shirt. It never fails.

2. I think I may wear white after Labor Day just to see if anyone notices.

3. Ask me about making pineapple upside down cake at a campfire.

5. I figured out what I don't like about fantasy football - everything.

4. I saw a brown recluse spider. If its recluse, how come I saw it?

6. Kim Kardashian is beautiful, yet at the same time I find her revolting.

7. Lately I'm getting invited to these "positive message" seminars. Are you trying to tell me something?

[This blog is brought to you by the word culmination and the number 8.3]

8. I'd like a moat around my house filled with piranhas.

9. I'm sure I would never want to know the muffin man.

10.In the old days milk and eggs were delivered to your home. I want that now.

Liberty: FEMA or Bust

FEMA is a bust the way I see it. Why and how can there be an agency to decide who gets what for what disaster? How is it possible for there not be any red tape? Do you think this thing just runs out of the goodness of their hearts from everyone who works there?

Granted, it has provided major relief. However no one can tell me that charities or private entities created to do the same thing would not do better.

Hurricane Katrina ring a bell? Those stuck in the remote areas of Vermont after Hurricane Irene expected to wait 2 weeks before relief. Anyone see a problem here?

If they had unlimited funds, it sure would run better. For example if we stopped giving money to Somalia and Pakistan, and used it for medical supplies and water here, that would help. Then again if the disaster was bigger, or even in multiple places, what would extra funds do? FEMA would not be able to handle it.

It's too big, it is too slow. It IS government. Government isn't in the business to be in business. They just exist through laws and regulations.

Obviously we are stuck with these guys until a better option is found. Churches, local municipalities, volunteers, clubs, and funds dedicated to such things would make far more sense. Privatization is always the better route, unless you are talking about wars and things of that nature.

I'd rather see money spent on local firefighters and rescue units than wasting money on a military base in Greenland. Do you get my drift?

Heaven help those who rely on the government who moves at a snails pace.