Liberty: Bring The Troops Home

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. For about 10 years now I've seen flags lowered at half mast, because some soldier in the state has died. I see it far too often, and quite frankly I'm very tired of it.

Soldiers are brave, courageous...but does that mean they have to die? Die for what? To promote democracy in Iraq? To topple some dictator? To promote the free flow of oil? I don't get it. I don't think I ever will.

I know they don't die in vain. They do it in the name of freedom and liberty. I know they sign up for it knowing they could be called to duty. But enough is enough.

I'm all for a strong military. It is one of the few aspects of government that makes sense, because not much else does. However invading other countries, as much as I used to think it was the right thing to do, I don't anymore. Yeah I was a neo con. I believe the designers, Wolfowitz and the like had this grand plan that would bring stability to the region.

It didn't. I was wrong.

All of these years later and nothing really has changed. I don't buy into the notion that "they" hate us. I buy into the notion they hate us because we are over there. That stands to reason. I do not believe they will attack us, I believe they will fight each other.

Americans have a weak stomach watching other countries kill each other. I get it. Compassion is a hard thing to hide, nor should it be. However I'm a staunch believe in peace through prosperity, not war. The military industrial complex benefits from war - subsidized by the American public via blood and wealth. Meanwhile millions of innocent people die and are misplaced. Thousands of soldiers are either killed or injured, and often suffer from psychological damage - thus putting an even great tax on their welfare.

I used to always qualify my rants by saying "I'm not pacifist", because it wasn't the American thing to do. I support the military, a strong defense of our liberties; however I am a pacifist after all. There's a reason why most of the military who donates to politicians, donate to Ron Paul the most. He gets it, the other war mongers do not. If you want real hope and change on the political scene vote for Ron Paul. If you want real hope and change, keep the hope and be the change.

I used this analogy the other day. You don't see me walking into a bad part of a city because I may be mugged. I am not going in there to have a gun fight, because its not my turf. Why stick your hand in a bee hive? Leave the bees alone, and if they attack you, then kill them. Don't poke them with a stick. Defense wins ball games, always. Bring the troops home.

Truth: Angels Night

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  The night before Halloween used to be called Devil's Night.   Well at least in Detroit it was called that.  In other places it is called Mischief Night.  Then about 10 or 15 years ago, the citizens of Detroit had enough.  Curfews installed, and local neighborhood watch groups would comb the streets to combat it.  Fires, shootings, just rampant vandalism just tormented the city of Detroit for years.  Every morning on Halloween, the news would show the hundreds of fires that destroyed buildings.  It was if every Devil's Night the Germans bombed London again.  It was as if the Vancouver Canucks lost a Stanley Cup series.  It just did not make sense.  Soccer Hooligans run a muck.

I used to go out on Devil's Night with my friends but never doing any damage.  We were pretty much just looking for other people who were doing things.  We were defending our turf I guess. One time there was about 15 of us, we were probably 16 years old I guess.  One of my friends went up into this tree which hung over the street.  He dropped a dummy onto the road as a car approached.  Well the guy got of the car saw all of us then started to chase us.  We ran like crazy over a bunch of fences...probably 10 houses just go get as far away as possible. My friend up in the tree was still there, above the car.  The driver went back to his car, but then got out again and looked up at my friend in the tree.  He was hurling obscenities at him; we were told this after the fact, and told him to come down.  My friend didn't come down, and the guy finally left after about 15 minutes.   Later on we hooked up with him and just laughed.  We laughed but we knew how stupid it was.  Scary.

Dumb.

Vandalism, pranks, all that stuff...dumb.  Just young dumb fun.  But then what do you call those that burn a city?  That torch garages, empty homes, and cars?  I had friends who were Detroit Fireman, and Devil's Night was their busiest night of the year.  They would tell us how they would drive past fires in order to get to bigger fires.

Now the fires still happen, but on a much smaller scale. With 100,000 empty building in Detroit it is quite possible for the entire city to burn.  The vigilance of the citizens to keep it low, along with the media doing everything it can to make Detroit look good, keeps things in check.  I personally think most arent reported.

I can't say I miss those days of Detroit burning.  In fact quite the opposite.  I was always embarrassed and ashamed that I lived so close to thugs and criminals.  Why do people hurt, burn, steal, destroy what is not theirs?  It's one of the questions I've been asking myself quite a bit lately as I try to understand the human condition.  For one, ignorance is passed on from generation to generation and peer to peer - there is no doubt.  The fact evil exists, well I am still trying to understand that concept albeit truism. I know it does, but why?  Because you can soap windows or burn garages?

Liberty: 3 Kinds Of Leaders

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. There is the control freak. These leaders have to have their hands in every single detail of the operations. They need to sign off and control everything. Often very effective, yet they can slow down productivity and growth because it was not their idea, or it impedes their current processes. Their current processes they are so in love with because it validates their day to day decisions. After all how could they be wrong when things are going right? They are in charge...the process must be perfect.

There is the fake leader. This one has checked out, and people go to him because of his title. The leader is tired, and really has been beat by the system. They will agree and sign off on things just to be done with it. Not much productivity from these types, but they are easy to work with.

There is the leader that hires smart people around or under him. This is a very effective leader. This is the guy who can make decisions and is responsible. He trusts those around him, after all it was his decision to hire them...to validate their positions.

What type of leader are you? What type of leader do you deal with? What type of leader do you want to be?

I deal with all 3 types, and I admire the leader who surrounds himself with great people the most. They are the most interesting. These are the Alan Mullaly's, the Steve Jobs. The others, whatever. Dime a dozen.

What kind of leader am I? Send me your resume if you are smart, we'll see.

Truth - Depressing Lunch

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.   Hey Dino want to go out to lunch? Yeah sure, I said.

The conversation at lunch:
Mortgage. Bills. Bankruptcy. Foreclosure. Job. Stuck. Sick. Cancer. Broke. Spending. Taxes. Health. Yelling. Options. Stubborn. Bleak. Despair. Depression. Recession. Sad. Content. Trying to be happy. Money. Death. Future. Underwater. Refinance. Interest rates. Fees. Family. Arguing. Fights. Wills. Chores. Ailments. Sore. Gas. Payments. Transactions. Property. Grief. Mortality.


I should have brought my lunch.

Truth: Gaucamole Spoils

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I tend to buy avocados and make my own Guacamole. It's damn good if I do say so myself. I also buy pre-made guacamole from the local deli. It's damn good if I do say so myself.

However avocados don't last long. They spoil quickly. I don't know why. Guacamole doesn't last more than a couple of days in the fridge either. I don't know why.

So I love the stuff, but I end up throwing a bit of it away since it spoils. I'm getting hosed here on cost.

There are many foods that I buy, that I just end up throwing away or it spoils. Obviously I'm not a good food shopper, but I have good intentions.

The whole thing bothers me, as it bothers me there is so much food being wasted by everyone. There's got to be a better way to preserve foods (without preservatives of course). There's got to be away to manage my foods better. I'm throwing money out the door, when food goes to waste.

I know a guy that buys his dinner everyday from the market. That way he knows what to buy, what to make, what to eat. There are no left overs and he's good to go. I've heard you save money this way. I suppose one could. I also don't go to the big member stores like Costco. I know you end up spending more and using more than you need. Buying in quantity, well you are still spending money. I think it works for parties or for cleaning supplies, but never everyday food.

Food spoiling and being thrown away. There's got to be a better solution. What I'm doing isn't working. What do you do? Do you even notice?

Truth: Throwing Trust

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. In a conversation recently I had online, I mentioned to a friend that I could not trust another person whom we were talking about, as far as I could throw them.

What that someone did after the fact was tell that person I said that.

Awkward.

That person repeated to me what I had said. Yikes. That looked bad. The truth is, it's not that I didn't trust him or couldn't trust him...I just did not because I didn't really know him is all. He was just an online friend. Really how much can you trust online friends?

In real life you trust friends in different degrees, and people trust you differently as well. It all has to do with familiarity, experiences etc.

Granted you can totally be fooled and snowed by someone, but you have to open up somewhat right? Heck the someone I trusted to not say anything turnned around and blabbed to the person I didn't trust. How is that for in your face irony?

It was bad judgement on my part to say that, because I really like that person that I had talked about. A very entertaining and talented person and now that person thinks less of me because of what I said. I even explained it, but it still tarnishes things. How could it not?

As for my "friend" whom I did trust, well that's just automatically gone. It's going to be hard as heck to earn that trust again. I'm not holding my breath.

When I was in 2nd grade I had to make a banner for a project about friendship. The banner said "Trust Is A Loving Friendship". It was hanging up in my parents' basement for years. I always read it, and never really thought about what it means. Now I get it.

Truth:God's Ant Farm

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. A friend of mine always refers to the world as God's ant farm. I laugh at every mention of it.

Think about the potential that we are just an ant farm, in some bigger being's little aquarium. When he sets something with force down on his table, it creates earthquakes. When he sneezes there are tornadoes.

Truthfully, when you look at the world in that construct it is a very small place. It's a small world after all? Depending on your perspective it sure is and can be.

However too many people are focused on the crumb at hand that they are carrying. Too many people are focused on being an army ant and fighting wars. Too many people focus on pleasing the queen ant.

Ants...everyone has their role in the colony. Everyone keeps doing their thing for the big picture. Many ants, most don't even know their purpose...but they scatter for crumbs, they work for their new tunnels, they protect their nests. Rinse, lather, repeat.

Are you a queen ant? A worker ant? An army ant? Most of you are worker ants. Clouded by crumbs that won't let you look towards the sky. You don't know what it means to be free. You are too scared to dig your own tunnel, you follow others. You work to please the queen ant, and you don't even know why. You just do it because everyone else does. This is what you know. This is what you see. This is what you do.

You are an ant. Keep dreaming about that picnic...there's bound to be one nearby. Keep hoping.

Truth: Be Wery Wery Quiet

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I have been in many situations lately where I have nothing to say. I actually have quite a bit to say, just nothing to say. Are you following me? I quickly become an observer and I'm in the middle of the freakin conversation.

It has nothing to do with confidence. It has more to do with the premonition that what I saw won't matter at the time, or make any kind of difference. Are you following me?

I've become a head nodder. Much to the dismay of the other people who think I am ignoring them or not interested. Yeah it sways to the scale of not interested for sure, but it's because I don't see the point of it.

I have a hunger to be involved in a great conversation, yet those are few and far between. Two dear friends of mine get involved in these conversations that involve spending money or buying this and that. There's nothing wrong with that, but I'm more interested in saving money and making money. So I'm detached from the get go. It makes for awkward situations, and I'm not exactly life of the party.

I'm not proud of this predicament I seem to fall into lately mind you; I just am very aware of it. Do you ever feel like you are on the outside and looking in? That's how I feel lately when it comes to conversations.

So yeah I am quiet. I have nothing to say. Wait a minute? Don't ask what I can do for you, ask what you can do for me. This makes me an arrogant snob doesn't it? Let's talk about it.

A.D.D. Rumblings No.102311

1. If I'm walking by and you say hi, and I just wave, it is because I am in very deep reflective thought. Most likely trying to solve a world problem and cannot speak.

2. Lately the progressives have been combating me with the words "logic" and "reason".  I cannot help but laugh and be scared at the same time that they actually believe logic and reason apply to their line of thinking.

3. Kroger needs a drive thru.

5. President Nobel Peace Prize approved the U.s. spending $1 billion to remove his friend from power in Libya. With friends like that who needs enemies?

4. Acorn, Butternut, Spaghetti squash is what my garden produced this year. All from seeds from the previous year. I call that productive and tasty.

6. I've been accused of violating my man card because I discussed some interior decorating.  I'm not happy about this accusation. I'm lost, hold me.

7. Guacamole spoils very quickly, and I don't like that.

[This blog is brought to you by the word protocol and the number 6]

8. I think if trains were run like car ferries, it would make traffic much better.

9. I just figured out what I like about raking leaves; and that is absolutely nothing.

10.I want to open a cider mill that just servers cider and bacon.  I think that would go over well.

Truth: My Happy Place

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. People often talk about their "happy place". A place outside of their home that they go to to get away from it all, to find tranquility or serenity.

Many people say its just a state of mind. They find solace in their thoughts. They think of a serene feeling or place, and they are there.

Many go Up North to the wilderness, or on a hike. Some go by the ocean, or float aimlessly down a river.

I don't have a place like that. There are indeed many places that make feel "happy". I am more concerned with content then being happy, but I still look for it.

I feel happy on the ball field playing a double header. I feel happy at the lake fishing. I feel happy waking up in the summer outdoors while camping. I feel happy when I force myself into meditation. All the places that are real or in a state of mind are good. However with each I always feel, think, and know that there is someplace better.

I'm never completely satisfied is the issue. I am never content with what is my happy place.

I don' t know why. Even Publish Postin my happy place I am questioning what is my happy place. What is your happy place?

Truth: Life In Snippets

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I've noticed more so now that the attention span of the public is worse than mine. Everyone has to get their snippets of information short and quickly. It has to be to the point. Bullet points, Facebook, ticker updates, Twitter updates, line entries, streams.

That's the way of the news world today. News updates on the radio, television, Internet. It's all a continuous flow of status updates.

It doesn't seem right. For me, I like to multi task, and my mind is all over the place. However...there's too much of it going on. I can function this way, it is what I do. Others though I think, and probably the majority can't function this way.

I am not talking about multi-tasking, I am talking about getting targeted with the continuous barrage of information bullet points. It is enough to dumb people down at an alarming rate. It clouds their judgement. I'm not immune to it either, I get so much stuff I don't know what to believe anymore. Then again, it just adds my mistrust of everything and everyone. So I guess that's good right? Smirk.

There is something dishonest about getting bits and pieces of things. How often do you hear someone say "yeah I head something about that". Heck that's usually what I say, because it is the truth. I heard something about it but I didn't get all of it.

I've even had people tell me that my posts need to be in bullet points, so they will stop and read it.

-OK

-maybe

- someday

photo by http://www.flickr.com/photos/doctabu/

Sports: The Torch of Football

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. My dear friend Beautiful Mess wrote me this about her son playing football. It reminded me of former Redskins great John Riggins putting on his old uniform years after retirement and then running on to the field before an NFL game. They asked him why he did it. He said because he missed that feeling and wanted to experience the crowd cheering for him. It's what he lived for.

I need to talk about a sport. When I first got my son into football he was in third grade. I stressed so many things about football that I wanted him to experience. I pushed camaraderie, passion, how he would never work so hard, how it would teach him to be a man. How he would make friends with people he wouldn't normally be friends with in school, how they would have each others backs regardless of where they are and what they're doing.

From the get-go, he cried after his last game. Every single time. I would have a winning team, yet a pile of sobbing little boys and parents wondering what the hell was wrong. No one got it when I said, "it's their last game."

Last night they played in pink for breast cancer awareness. They lost. The boys came walking back and low and behold, there's my gigantic man-child crying his eyes out. Of course, when he saw me, he cried more. His dad was like wtf? I said, "Last game, dad..." My friend was like wtf? "last game, ..."

So I walked arm and arm with my son back to the car. I praised him and how well he's done and how much he's gone through in the last few years. He cried and cried. I got a glimpse of our shadow as we were walking. Suddenly instead of carrying my little boy off the field, I was walking arm in arm with a man much bigger than me, but crying just like he did each year. It was surreal. I will never regret my decision to live as though football IS life. I love that he loves it so much.

He didn't say a word on the way home. I sent his soggy butt to the shower. He came out refreshed. We never mentioned it again.

Football IS life.

Someday in the future that kid will be walking his kid back to the car, and thinking how great it is to watch his kid love something. Beautiful Mess done good.

By the way, I don't talk sports with chicks.

Liberty: My Propaganda

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Recently during a political debate my opponent Frank, said I was delivering propaganda.

It made me think for second...was I doing that? Do I do that?  Do I have that?

So I looked up the word and got this definition of the word propaganda:
information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc.

Who me????

Help a person? Yes me.
Help a group? My friends I guess
Help a movement?  Voluntaryists and libertarians
Help an institution?  The status quo to get a clue
Help a nation? No

Harm a person? No
Harm a group? Well if it puts an end to liberalism, yes...but not physical harm.
Harm a movement? Yes, the progressives must be stopped.
Harm an institution? Yes if the current republican vs democrat situation can stop, then yes.
Harm a nation? No. I'm about peace.

So yeah I am promoting my ideas, and the ideals of libertarianism and objectivism as best I can.  I'll pass along rumors that have merit, and promote discussion, but its not my aim.  I'm all about passing along information that is useful too.

So yes, I am guilty, without guilt of course.  Then I had to re validate what my agenda is for my propaganda.

I don't talk sports with chicks.
I'm support the libertarian ideals with a heavy dose of paleo conservatism while treading towards minarchy.
Send me samoas and almond joys.
Subscribe to my blog, share it, and click on the links, I appreciate it.
The opposite of reason is woman.
Stay the hell away from Eastern European chicks.
Winning is everything.
Free market capitalism works.
Don't support corporatism.
Statism sucks.
Be the change you want to be in the world.

There's more, but I'm still writing it out on napkins.

Sports: Same Old Lions

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  So after not seeing a Detroit Lions game live since 2008, the year they lost all 16 games, I decided to see a game.  Heck they were 5 and 0...what would the harm be?  Things are turning around right?  Go Lions!?!

Well I went and it was as if I never left.  Boring football. No offensive creativity.  A Quarterback that was asleep most of the game. An offensive coordinator that forget the name of the game is first downs.  Yeah they lost.

It's ok they lost, I wasn't bummed. I'm so used to it.  Losing is one thing, how you lose is another. No offense but San Fran is the most over achieving team in football this year.  The Lions should have spanked them, trap game or not.

However the Lions have holes. They can't run, and they don't blitz.  That for another team is called "containment".  They better fix those holes or their season will be lost. I'm sure they will do well, but they are no match for the Pack right now.

So after the game, having felt like they lost because I attended with my friends again...I hear that the coaches had a scuffle.  I watched the video of it, and to be honest I don't get it.  You have an arrogant snob in one coach who doesn't follow protocol with a macho fist pumping coach.  A recipe for dumb.

Stupid waste of time.  The Lions lost, they got out coached.  So what if he didn't shake your hand correctly, you have bigger problems...like protecting your quarterback on the weak side.  I for one am tired of coaching personalities.  Until you win it all, you mean nothing.  Everything is rhetoric and just a show.

If The Schwartz wins it all, great..I'll be happy.  Until then, I still don't care about his machismo. I don't care about his fist pumping, I don't care about his lame cliche press conferences. I just want wins. I'll pump my fist when they win in the playoffs as I am still divorced from them.

Forward down the field/..there's always next year.  1957

Liberty: Those Crazy Paul Tards

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Anyone who doesn't like Ron Paul or the Revolution, call his supporters "Paul Tards".

They are wacko, out of touch, loons, and people that don't believe America should be defended.

Oh for the love of God, how dare there be anyone like that supporting Ron Paul! That's just crazy!

Decreased personal liberties, a bigger government, more entitlement and welfare programs, housing bubble, extended war, the dollar collapse, the rise of the value of gold. What are these things? These are the things that Ron Paul predicted; and with certainty is is all around us now.

Yet he is considered a whack job. Was this all a lucky guess? Hardly. He is a student of history, and if you are a student of history you will see that when you violate the founders design of the constitution, you will have the fall of Rome.

Now I get how one could be against the truthers, because they happen to vote for Paul. But they vote for him because he believes in the CIA report of blowback, and the entanglement of other nation's affairs that Thomas Jefferson said to avoid. So that is the commonality. However as nutty as a truther is, are they really nuttier than anyone who voted for Obama because Oprah told them to? Hardly.

So as these young people who get out of college hoping for all of that "hope and change" to occur, that is happening in the wrong way, they may want to look towards the message of smaller government; of limited government. Of perhaps not being in debt for 30 years after they graduate.

The message of the revolution started thousands of years ago. It will continue long past Dr. Paul is gone. Let's hope that spirit of freedom and liberty last forever, and the desire to make America great again is more powerful than the desire to undermine it like the power elite and ignorant have done.

I am not a truther. I am not against defending our borders. I am not against military spending. I am for bring our troops home. I am for sound money. I am for limited government. I am for a strong economy. I am against giving money to other nations. I support Ron Paul's message. If that makes me a Paul Tard, so be it. I'll still believe in the libertarian way long after he's gone.

FYI : Ron Paul has received the least news coverage of any major presidential candidate! Ron Paul's announcement today of his 'Plan to Restore America' which includes 1st yr spending cut of $1 trillion, cutting the President’s pay from $400,000 to $39,336, were ignored by CNN, FOX etc...

Sports - Tigers Debacle

The 2011 Detroit Tigers, my baseball team that I follow had me stressed out most of the season.  I don't think a team has ever stressed me out as much. I"m still having a hard time pinpointing as to the main reason why.  There are so many things that bugged the hell out of me, yet somehow I'm supposed to feel content they made it to the ALCS.  I'm not. I'm upset about it all.

I am not one of those slappys, or I should say most of the Tigers Fan base that says how proud they are for what they did. I never do that stuff. It serves no purpose other than for self serving denial of losing.  Yes I am one that believes when it comes to professional sports, if you don't win it all, nothing else matters.  Now I have to hear an entire off season on what a great season it was.  It was not that great.  The team had a hard time winning the weak central division, then after a few excellent trades finally made it interesting.  They could have easily won 10 more games if they played better baseball.  If they had a manager that knew how to set batting lineups up that would make life easier.

I am convinced finally that Jim Leyland and his crying eyes are not what the Tigers need.  While he applauds the fans for second guessing, he misses the point that he gives us that opportunity more often than not.  You can't win every game, but baseball purists know when things are not right.

There are too many holes on this team. Time to say good bye to Mags, Guillen, and Penny. Hopefully that will free up their budget to get some holes filled.

They need another veteran starting pitcher.  Sorry, I can't deal with Porcello.  Max to me is a number 4, not a number 2 or 3.  I'd like to see a lefty like Beurhle or a veteran ace like Oswalt make the cut.  Turner should be the spot starter.  Yeah I'm saying throw Porcello in the pen.

They need a second baseman.  Worth, Rayburn, and Rhymes are backup players at best. Santiago I like, but  is he really a starter?

They need a third baseman too. Inge is a great defensive replacement only. I'd go after a power hitting 3b that can bat in the 6th or 7th hole.  Betemit and Kelly are not starters.  I really like Kelly, I just think he is the replacement for the infield and outfield, the spark you need off the bench.

They need a lead off hitter. Austin Jackson is the worst in the league.  He's good on defense (except in the playoffs), but is lost at the plate.  He puts his team in a bad spot with all of his 180 strikeouts.  I'd like to see him go.  You are fine with Boesch and Young in the outfield I guess.  Young can't play defense, but you are stuck with Vmart at DH.  You can't move him. So we have a defensive hole in left field.  Can you live with that? If Young gets 30 hrs and bats 300 sure.

The bullpen is a joke. I know Papa Grande was perfect in save situations.  But I never once felt like he was the man for the job.  He isn't going anywhere, but another closer would sure help things.  I like Benoit, that's about it. Schlereth and Penny show me nothing.  Alberquerque I think has lost it. Pauley didn't pan out.  Pick up a reliever or two, veterans who can eat some innings and set things up. Coke can say good bye too for all I care.

The team messed up by not getting a back up catcher.  Vmart was never that guy.  When the Indians, Red Sox, and Yankees let him go you have to wonder why.  It is because he can't throw people out.  Avilla who was a surprise was spent because he caught so much.

Speed. Well since they don't play smart baseball speed isn't really needed. I just love small ball (i.e. Cardinals) and would like to see more bunts, sacrifices, and stolen bases.  I think when you live by the long ball, it isn't a good thing.  The odds are against you.  They left so many players on base during the playoffs it was sick.

It is too easy to say that the Texas Rangers were a better team, they clearly are.  However a smart baseball can beat any team.  The Tigers didn't play smart baseball in the 2011 ALCS and that is why I think they lost.

Chicks: Blind Leading the Blind

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Nothing more annoying than some chick, and I say chick because guys don't do this. that is trying to hook you up with a friend.

Not just any friend mind you, but a "cute' friend. A "really pretty friend".  A "very nice" friend.

{insert record skip}

No thanks!

I watched these girls go nuts over trying to hook my buddy up, and to no end they would not quit.  You see, secretly they want him, and the only way to get him in the picture is to hook up their friend. Do they really care about their friend?  No, not really.  But the game, they love that. 

The match maker game.  The "look who I hooked up game".

Someone tried to hook me up with their friend too recently. Homey don't play that.

9 times out of 10 when you see them, you hear organ music playing.  I don't want to deal with that.

If you are trying to hook up people, do it on Facebook.  Let them see some photos, or get to know each other.  The blind date thing...no dice.  Too many horror stories.

Hey I've hooked up people before too...but I wasn't playing any game, and I didn't care if it worked or not. Glad it did.  3 times.

Sports: Chicks And Forks

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  At least once a week I get asked why I don't talk sports with chicks. I saw this post in regards to the Detroit Tigers who are in the baseball playoffs. Then I saw all the subsequent comments. Do you really need to ask me anything???

Jeff Oh wow...what a picture...

Jennifer baby-doll.... I love it...I am going to repost it ok :-)

Lisa SHARE...away....

Keith Love the picture !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lisa I am glad Keith!!!

Michaeline Amazing photo...

Kevin BEAUTIFUL creatures!

Susan . Let's go Tigers. Tonite is your nite.

Michaeline Michigan was on the ABC news tonight because the Tigers, the Lions, Michigan State's football team as well as the U of M's team have been victorious! Makes me proud to be from Michigan!

Stu Hope it's not feeding time! Here kitties!

Debbie Love the picture my fav animal !

Mike Grrrrrrrrrrreat!

Bob ....awesome picture! Going to repost it on my site!

Lisa ‎'SHARE' AWAY BOB..

Therisa Beutiful tigers just beutiful

Tracy this pic is awesome! those cats posed better than my kids ever did!

Wendy Beautiful puddy cats!!

Marijo Aren't they gorgeous?!

Betty Cool

Mary How cute...I LOVE MIXED FAMILIES.

Kathleen Some of them are Liger's

Donna here kitty kitty kitty

Gayla reposted, love the big cats

Lee I want them

Phillip A reason for paws...

Zia Amazin wow .

Patty WOW! Beautiful!!!!

Reñee Great Pic! ;-) xo



Where is my fork?

Truth: CEO Spin

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I am not one of those people who berate CEO's because they make great amounts of money.  It's none of my business how much they make, and I believe it is up to each company to set the pay scale.  Good for them I say. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  

 

However I saw a news interview with GE CEO Jeff Immelt that bugged me.  GE has something like 60% growth around the world, and only 1% growth in the U.S.  That's a bit of a problem for sure.

 

Now aside from the fact he is also the U.S. Jobs Czar, he is also the company cheerleader.  That's fine. He answers to the share holders and his main goal should be to turn a profit. Again, good for him.

 

Here is my issue though with what he had to say.  He said that Americans should cheer for his company to succeed, instead of knocking it down.  The Japanese and Brazilians cheer their companies while in the U.S. profitable companies are berated. 

 

If it was just that easy, then I would agree.  I cheer profit and capitalism.  However the berating isn't about profit to me.  The berating stems from the lobbying and special interest groups that Corporatism breeds - ultimately hurting the economy.

 

So Mr... Immelt, stop giving money to politicians who end up sticking it to us.  We want you to succeed, but when you are in bed with the government we don't care about your profits.  All we see are jobs overseas, and loophole after loophole.  It is not your company we don't like, its the behavior of your company and who you sleep with.

 

How about taking that money given to politician and using it for jobs here in the U.S?  We want you to win Jeff, but we have to win too...and we aren't.

Truth: Stuck In A Rut

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

Do you ever feel that way or are you just caught up in the routine or game so much you don't notice or care?  That you are so busy that it doesn't even concern you. There's just too much to do, and you need to be productive.

Years ago I used to keep track at how long it took me to put on a tie everyday. Then I would take that time, and add it up.  I took all of those minutes totaled and realized I was doing not much to making my life productive, let alone leaving a mark.  Sure the productivity aspect is all relative, but leaving a mark? I don't think so. 

I am not talking about notoriety, fame, or even fortune. Millions of people die everyday.  What happens after that for that person's legacy or the memory of them?  It fades away and only the few and far between ever get really remembered. This day and age, recording events and people is far more common.  However thoughts and everyday experiences are rarely ever carried on.

When I was a kid, I remember my mom telling us that our father was home from work.  We would run to the side door where he was sitting on the steps removing his work shoes. We kissed him hello, and we were happy he was there.  But all of that is just a memory that will never be passed along to anyone else. How important was those moments in life?  I don't know.  They were important to me, and I guess that is all that matters. Yet those moments are going to fade awayinto some miniscule dust over clouded by new memories.

I was with this girl one time, who I was very much in love with.  We could never wait until we saw each other. When we did, it was great the moment we would meet up. I remember those things, those embraces. She probably forgot, but for me those were great moments.  Where does that go? Just in my head...and when I grow old and more forgetful, then what?  If she forgot now, and I'll forget someday...then what was the entire point? Just some exercise in dating? Shoot me.

Nothing lasts forever, except forever and I am not an fan of that concept.

Truth: Types Of Readers

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  After several years of doing this brilliant blog, I have discovered there are certain types of people of whom actually read this blog. I've gathered this from the responses I've gotten over the years.  While I do enjoy the feedback very much, I must say I am amused at how many people fit these labels with their replies. Do I have you pegged?

The Narcissists:
You are blogging about me! I knew it. Hey everyone, HD is blogging about me.

The Paranoids:
Are you blogging about me? I won't respond, but I'm just checking.  Right?

The Teammates:
I know you are blogging about so & so.  Can you believe them?!  Some people have the nerve.

The Curious Cats:
Who are you blogging about? I won't tell, I promise.

The Elitists:
I write better than you, even though I don't have a blog. Your writing is not entertaining.  Where are your sources?  Everyone has an opinion you know.

The Scardy Cats:
I have nothing to say to you.  You can't attack me. I'm done and I won't respond.  I won't have you or your minions attack what I have to say.

The Lurkers:
I have a fork, and I love samoas, but I never drink beer out of a bottle. I can't comment because I don't want my email going crazy. I also believe it is the best of times and worst of times too!

The Tomboys:
I know my sports, just ask me. I'm not like any other woman, I know my sports!  My God, Inge is so cute!!! Happy Birthday Calvin Johnson!

The Assumers:
Oh so you don't like socialism? You must support the rinos then.  Oh you have a problem with Bachman, you just love Fox News.

The Jerks:
Ironically these are my family and close friends who won't read my stuff, and when they do just make fun of me or don't take my blog seriously.  In truth, they keep me grounded.

Truth: The Sounds I See

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I like the sounds of...

a bat hitting a baseball

a stick hitting a puck

the ball popping the glove

children whispering

rock and roll

a jet at night

a Corvette driving by

packaging popcorn being popped

gum smacking

snowballs hitting a garage door

dog paws on the pavement

frying bacon

a waterfall

a baby laughing

the roar of the crowd at a game

the singing of a crowd at a concert

a woman with a soft voice

the start of a car race

whistling

money from the slot machine

rhythmic clapping

silence

birds early in the morning

crickets when I read your status updates

ocean waves

sawing wood

The toaster popping

a big wheel

the ice cream truck

a marching band live

a symphony life

an outdoor concert

the clanking of forks and spoons in a restaurant

old ladies singing church songs

fuel station bells

the cork of a champagne bottle

sparklers

the triangle

a Spanish guitar

the net after a basketball shot

embers from the fireplace

Can you hear it?

A.D.D. Rumblings No.10911

1. When are they going to have bacon flavored m&m's?

2. I've never seen a badger in the wild, not even a honey badger in real life. It is on my list, along with Elk, Eagle, and Platypus.

3. I own over 500 pens and pencils. Don't be jealous. It's not as cool as you ink.

5. There needs to be a real Wonka Factory where people can go to. Where oompa loompas are the employees. I think, I will build it.

4. A friend said to me that the President was never given a chance. Yes he was, he's the President. Chello?

6. I think the world is ripe for more Steve Jobs types. At the same time I think the government stifles the Steve Jobs types from ever succeeding.

7. I know you've been patiently waiting; but someone else created the clap off bra. Sorry.

[This blog is brought to you by the word jobs and the number 21]

8. I bought some Beatle boots. Chicks dig it.

9. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

10. I am fascinated by park benches. How old are they? Who decides to put them there? How many people have sat on them. Whenever I see one, I think these things.

Truth: So Out of Date

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. You know sometimes I go into establishments and I wonder how in the world they survive. Their menus, their floors, their decor, their everything is just so old.

 

I don't want to bad mouth any business in such a poor economic time, but geezus...are you kidding me?  Have you been to a KMart lately?  They are worse than Walmart.  Have you been to Olive Garden, Chili's or Big Boy?  There's no freaking way I'd go there.  I feel grossed out just driving by those places.

 

I don't get it.  There's an Italian restaurant that is near me that hasn't changed it's decor since 1978.  It's dark, it is ugly, gaudy, no windows, and there are paper signs on the door.  The parking lot is a mess, and no one goes there. It is in a very prime location with high traffic.  A large retail store offered him 1.2 million for it.  He wouldn't sell because he wanted 1.4.  Yeah.

 

I can understand people not being able to update because of the economy, or they just physically can't.  Or perhaps they are stuck in a mode where they actually like what they see.  However these type of places need help, or they will eventually die.  There is something cool about old; but there is nothing cool about ugly.

 

I mean you don't keep the same women around for 30 years, why wouldn't you want to update your store?

Truth: Wall Street Revolution!

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  Hey have you heard there is a very large protest movement happening in Manhattan.  It's about protesting against home foreclosures, high unemployment, and the 2008 bailouts.  You know, the stuff that is killing this nation by the day.  You know it as DEBT.

I'm ok with protests, I even support this one a great deal.  What? A free market capitalist pig like myself aligning with a bunch of hippies, Susan Sarandon, and Michael Moore?  Well I'm not siding with those two tools, but I agree with the movement, and maybe not for the same reasons.

My gripe is that government is in bed with the big banks and Wall Street, which screws us over.  I have no issue with Wall Street making money, or the underlying greed.  They answer to the shareholders - I get it.  So go protest the shareholders (your neighbors), if you really want something to get done.

Although as this gains more exposure, it is a good thing..and maybe your neighbors will hear the call.   700 people have been arrested. Wow...nothing like a good use of government resources.  Were any of the bankers and law makers who allowed this mess arrested? Nope. Ok just so I'm clear..

Other protests are happening in Chicago, LA, and Boston.  Detroit can't have one because no one lives there anymore.

Whether you agree or not; one thing to be sure...the media (normally left bending) is not going out of their way to show these protests - only the arrests.  I suppose in their eyes that is the only newsworthy thing about these events.  Actually there is some bitter irony going on here.  The protesters are predominantly progressives and liberals - who are protesting the wall street that owns congress, and the likes of Senator Chuck Schumer..not to mention all of the POTUS Administrations who are all from Wall Street.  See the connections?

The left...they are so clueless.

Truth: Snowbirds Are Smart!

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. There is something wrong about living in climates where you have to bundle up. Can you see that?  Think about it. Humans on a very basic level are naked right? - yes. Well you can't live in Minnesota without clothes. You can live in North Dakota or Calgary, or London, or Montreal.  Do you see what I'm saying? I know you agree with me again.

It is not natural to wear clothes. No I'm not calling for nudist colonies or that sort of thing. I'm actual quite thankful most people are always clothed. I'm referring to the weather.  It's not natural to live in a place where you have to have clothes on.


Not me. I haven't adapted, and I haven't learned to deal with it. I don't like the cold, it is not natural and I don't like it. Humans have adapted to living in cold conditions, looking for food, and eventually through the centuries jobs.  So if you think it is natural to live Up North somewhere, you are freaking high. It's not, you've just adapted and you have learned to deal with it. 

Good deal of course that humans can adapt, migrate, and deal with nature. However on a very basic natural humanistic level, if you have to live where there are clothes you are just fooling yourself  - and that's the truth.

There's no way out of course.  We all can't live in the tropics, there's just not enough space. But we probably should...it is that natural.

I'm moving there after I win the lottery. Who is going with me? I know I know not you snow lovers, and people who think being cold is invigorating - you wack jobs.

Truth: R.I.P. Steve Jobs - Our Edison

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. What's wrong with the world today?  People praise snake oil salesmen instead of the trut people who should get the credit.  They don't praise the testers, the pioneers, the inventors, the nomads seeking out to make the world a better place.  No, the world looks to follow the empty rhetoric of Snookie, Athletes, or Dancing With the Stars celebrities.

Steve Jobs was the Thomas Edison of our generation.  Know this.

Apple computer - the Mac, IPhone, ITunes, IPad, ITouch,..and Pixar revolutionized the film and computer industry.  You can thank Steve Jobs for that cool computer or phone that you are reading this on.

A true visionary..a pioneer.  The world's hard drive skipped a sector today, with the loss of Steve Jobs.  We need more of him.  Less Snookie, more Jobs.

Even though this was at a liberal puke university, it was a very good speech.  Check it out.





Be Hungry, Stay Foolish

Truth: Thanks For Nothing!

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  "Be thankful for who you are and for what you have" This is what people are constantly try to tell me.  Unsolicited mind you.  You know what...Shut up.  Who the hell are you to tell me what I should or shouldn't be thankful for?  Stop it. Really. As if I didn't know.

 

Now if you tell me you are thankful for who you are and for what you have out of your own words...great!  But please don't tell me what to do, what to think, how to act.  It's all psycho babble and a waste of our time. 

 

Yes it is a waste of time to tell me to be thankful.  It's more feel good rah rah rah stuff, aimed at those who need their daily "inspiration" because they can't go on without.  More rah rah feel good stuff in order to fill the minds of those with no original thoughts of their own.

 

Do I sound angry?  No not at all, just annoyed. I am beyond frustrated.  Send me or post messages that make me think, not messages that make me want to think you are a walking greeting card.  I'd be most thankful if you did. I'd also tell the world!. You also would inspire me instead of annoy me.  I know that isn't your goal, but maybe just maybe that matters.

 

Enough with the quotes. Enough with the excerpts from the thought police.  Give me something original. You have a brain, USE IT.  Does anything you do, think, or say inspire you without it coming from another source? 

 

In search of remotely interesting people is getting harder by the day. Bring it. I beg thee.

A.D.D. Rumblings No. 10311

1. I like stepping on acorns.

 

2. Raise your hand if you are reading this still.

 

3. I've been reading quite a bit that the current POTUS spends most of his free time, when not on vacation of course, watching Fox news. Heck I can't stand watching that, how does he watch a channel that bashes him to no end?

 

5. I've been buying gluten free products.  They taste horrible in case you where wondering.  They should rename them to Gluten & Taste Free.

 

4. I play in a softball league where many players use illegal modified bats. Then when they hit home runs, they feel good about themselves.  It is very telling on the type of people they really are. Probably Ohio State fans I'm sure.

 

6. Cars should come with coffee makers. At each gas station is a coffee hookup box. You fill your tank with gas, you fill your coffee maker with new grounds.   Presto changeo!

 

7. If the Tigers lose in the playoffs and I have to hear from everyone how proud they are of them, I'm going to lose it. Again. Enough of the slappy stuff, please! Winning is everything and the only thing. 

 

[This blog is brought to you by the word determination and the number 46,000]

 

8. I saw a lady driving the other day and her car was decorated with fake leaves for the fall. 

 

9. Well it took a while, but for the first time in my life I pulled a hamstring. I think now all that is left is my Achilles. That's the one thing I don't want to happen though! 

 

10.I think there should never be any town or city that has the same name as another. Portland and Portland is just dumb. When I become President, I'm changing city names everywhere.  I promise.                 

                                  

Liberty: Stuck In My Head

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Stuck In My Head!

There is nothing worse, I repeat, nothing worse than having a song repeat inside of your head over and over. 

So much so you think you are going crazy.  It's bad enough to turn on the radio and hear something twice, three times in an hour. But to have these songs play in your head years later? These won't go away!

"..how sweet it is to be loved by you" James Taylor

"...said I am what I am, what do you want from me" Billy Squier

"...Lonely is the night...."Billy Squier

"...fire in the sky"....Deep Purple

"...oh oh we're half way there, oh oh living on a prayer" Bon Jovi

"...Lady...." Styx

"...You take it on the run baby" REO

"...like a plastic bag drifting through the wind" Katy Perry

"...and the men who hold high places must be the one to start" Rush

"...I'm a loser and I've lose someone who's dear to me" The Beatles

"...if you like pina coladas getting caught in the rain..." Don't care

"...baby you, you got what I need"..Biz Markie

"Hit it"...Rob base

"...scaramouche scaramouche..." Queen

SOMEONE MAKE IT STOP. IT IS KILLING ME

Truth: I Like Choo Choos

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  I dig trains.  All kind of trains.  Diesel, electric, toy, model, locomotives, cabooses, freight cars, coal cars, HO, N Gauge, Tyco, Lionel, passenger, Amtrak, steam, high speed, Thomas, you name the kind, I dig them.

I am not train expert. I never got that involved. However I am in awe of them. I don't know why.  I just think the immense power they have and what they do.  It is cool to me how how much they are still used day in and day out.

Actually when I see a train, that is full of freight I can't help but think that at least some part of the economy is moving. There's something very American about a train.  Growth, speed, power, productivity; it's all there. 

Whenever I am at a train stop, I turn off my engine, roll down my windows and just listen to the train going by. I listen to the wheels, the creaking, the pounding of the ground by the enormous weight.  The clunks, and the beatings, the squeaks, the repetitive industrious noise that only a train can make.  It's just so cool and somewhat theraputic to me.  

I also like to hear trains in the middle of the night blare their horn at each rail road crossing.

I used to play with my model trains as a kid. I still have mine and come Christmas time I will put them up again. There's something cool about trains. They've each got their own soul.

Someday I'll share with you my high speed mass transit plant that will save Detroit. 

Don Cornelius where have you gone?