Liberty: Turn Off The Lights

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. "Turn off the lights, the party is over"....the late Dandy Don Merideth would sing this on Monday Night Football. Well now Congress has passed a law (signed by Bush) that will ban the incandescent light bulb (100watt) and FORCE everyone to use the new CFL(compact fluorescent lamps) bulbs. Oh EPA, alas I hardly knew ya.

Apologies to Thomas Edison.

Yes the new bulbs will save money over time. So what? Why is it the government's business to tell us what we can or can't spend on a light bulb? Why does the government care about impeding choice?

Does the Free Market matter to anyone anymore? Do you care? Let the market decide what the people want to use. If it cleans the air, saves money...then won't the market start buying these new bulbs (which buy the way are far more expensive)? Well they've been around for several years and people aren't buying them. Why? Because they cost to much..they are dangerous...and they don't look as nice when lighting up a room (the light that is).

I've had one that I use on my porch. Actually the truth is, I've replaced it 4 times since they easily burned out. Apparently they can't be used outdoors, or on garage door openers, or even on dimmer lights. Of course when they break, the powder will kill your pets, and you shouldn't touch it. Never mind you need a special place to dispose of these things. Not like anyone is going to ever mistakenly put them in the trash. Heaven forbid. Maybe people that do that should be arrested?

Arrested? What? Well that's what is what you are telling me you want with these new bulbs. When you FORCE people to do something, you are telling them to obey or be arrested. What a nice new law. Thank you republicans and George Bush for caving in to the leftist green lobbyists.

The government in its infinite wisdom, will tell you what kind of lighting is best for you. When it comes to congress, the lights are on but nobody is home. I'm off to the hardware store to buy 100 incandescent bulbs. DON'T TELL ANYONE!

Maybe I'll be on that Hoarders TV show? ... "Libertarian Light Bulb Hoarders"

Chicks - 2011 Top Hot Chicks

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  The 5th Annual 2011 Top Hot Chicks: 

It's that time of year again, and the votes have been tallied:

1.   Megan Fox
2.   Monica Belluci
3.   Keira Knightley
5.   Elisha Cuthbert
4.   Scarlett Johansson
6.   Adriana Lima
7.   Mini Anden
8.   Audrey Hepburn
9.   Sophia Loren
10. Grace Kelly


Other receiving multiple votes:
Aishwarya RaiAva Gardner
Angelina JolieBeyonce
Betty RubbleClaudia Lynx 
Christina HendricksCatherine Deneuve
Dorothy DandridgeElisha Cuthbert
Eva MendezFaith HillHalle BerryJane Russell
Jessica BielJennifer Love Hewitt
Jessica RabbitKate BeckinsaleKaty Perry
Liv TylerLiz Hurley
Marilyn Monroe
Michelle Pfeiffer
Mila Kunis 
Marissa MillerNatalie Wood
Nicole Scherzinger
Olivia Wilde
Penelope Cruz
Princess KateRaquel Welch
Rita Hayworth
Rosie Huntington Whiteley 
Salma Hayek
Sarah Shahi
Shakira


Whitney Cummings was kept off, because I didn't want to share (per her request), as well as the Tmobile Girl.

Thanks for voting

Truth: Nickels and Dimes

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. So Verizon will charge me $2.00 for making me a payment online using their website. What?  What is this another Bank of America deal?

Yes I have to pay for a stamp and send in a check to avoid the cost. Or or or...I can walk into a store and make a payment and not get charged.  Gee what a great company.

What choice do I have?  None.  

Just another company telling me they need to offset their credit card fees etc.  Ok?  So the employee you are paying  is ok to pay, but...oh never mind.  It doesn't make sense.  It's not supposed to make sense.

Yes yes yes they have a right to do what they want, I get it.  However what they don't get is...this is going to tick people off. You might even get some lame bloggers bitchin about it, thus creating bad press.  Perhaps a person looking for a new company is going to see this, and say screw Verizon...I'm going somewhere else.

Companies for the most part are clueless when it comes to these things.  I don't know why.  I suppose some pencil neck geek is trying to impress the boss by showing how they can increase profits by x amount per month with another money grab.  Image be damned.

They provide me great customer and phone service.  So what do they do, they stick it to me.  Verizon, you suck!  Can you hear me now?

Truth: What If...

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  What if a bullfrog had wings, would it bump its butt?  What if gasoline was $20 a gallon?  What if Chinese Food was actually good?  What if people stopped buying dogs?  What if plaid was the new polyester?  What if asking what if was equal to saying as if?  What if men started watching the Lifetime channel?  What if it really was the worst of times, and not the best of times?  What if I didn't shave for an entire year?  What if I stopped asking questions?  What if I ate pumpkin pie everyday for a month?  What if I signed my name in chalk everywhere?  What if I just signed my name as X?  What if I put a message in a bottle that said this is a message in a bottle?   What if I told you I don't like Bon Jovi?  What if I told you I don't talk sports with chicks?  What if I told you I can't blow a bubble?  What if I told you that the opposite of reason is woman?  What if I told you that my Facebook friends are nice for a bunch of freakazoids?  What if curiosity really killed the cat?  What if I went over Niagara Falls in a barrel?  What if I had to do it all over again?  What if my mind stopped working?  What if they found a cure for ADD?  What if they finally said who they were?  What if beer could fuel a car?  What if you had to jump rope everyday of your life?  What if there was a jenga tower that was 10 stories high?  What if people took pogo sticks to work instead of driving?  What if it me and not you?  What if you really want to be just friends?  What if you put the lime in the coconut?  What if PMS was really men's fault?  What if God was one of us?

Liberty: You Are Crazy But

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  I've have pretty much indicated my libertarian view points and stance when it comes to politics and philosophy many times.  It is a part of who I am, it is a part of what I think.

However lately I've been getting alot of gruff about it, because someone says it's just my opinion.  Then I get the usual "you have a right to your opinion but".  The "but" qualifier always gets thrown in there.  I love you BUT.  Then the "what you stand for is crazy but...".   Or "some of what you say makes sense BUT...".

But but but...

There's always a qualifier of "but".  This is to appease the obvious disrespect or disagreement they have for your thoughts and opinions.

I agree, but.

I like you, but.

I think you are right, but.

The way I see it, is everyone is crazy, but it is all different degrees of it.  They won't admit it, see it, or tell you...but they'll sure peg you as crazy.  Whatever happened to the "hey thanks for your thoughts" then just move on?  No..everything has to be a fight.  Everything has to be a "but".

I may be crazy, BUT so are you.  Oh and my favorite, "Dino there are a million things I love about you, but". I used to work with a guy who constantly threw in the word "but".

But.

Truth: Shopping Madness

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  While at the various stores and malls during the holiday season I often was just amazed at the amount of people buying everything in site.   What would happen if the majority of people suddenly realize the should only buy what they need, not what they want... is what I wondered.  That they would not buy things on impulse but rather on bargain.  Hmmmm.

What would happen?  Well the economy would probably nose dive.  Prices would probably go down as inventory would creep up.  It would surely make it a blessing for the consumer, but the sellers would suffer. The sellers would stop stocking their shelves.  They would stop taking on goods that don't move.  They would not hire people, they would be in big trouble. It would hurt everyone.

So if everyone comes to their senses, we are screwed.  Granted, we are in a debt mess because people are for the most part clueless.  Should we thank them for that?  It's a catch 22.  If you don't spend, then the economy tanks.  If you go in debt, then the economy tanks.

You people scare me.  You control too much of the economy.  For the most part, I've pretty much felt like an outsider on the economy.  I don't charge anything.  No cash, no sale brotha.  Do I buy things I don't need?  Sure I could have not purchased the jar of capers, or the extra avocado that spoiled.  Yes I could have bought a cheaper wireless router.  I'm not immune to stupid or not so smart purchases.  I am though very aware of where the coin flows. Are you?

It sure didn't seem like the masses paid much attention to what they purchased during the shopping season.  I see people stock up on things that just seem so darn silly to me. Hey, it is ok...it makes the world go around. I hope. So keep being clueless and spend spend spend...just pay cash.

Truth: Give, Give, Give

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  They say it is better to give than to receive.  Yeah maybe. I mean if no one gave, then there would be nothing to receive.  Then again you need people to receive what is given, so you need the receivers too. Then it must be equal?

So which is better?  To give or to receive?  Receiving means someone cares about you, or loves you, or is doing the right thing to help you.  That's OK right?  Of course the issue lies in those who take for granted what is given to them.  Or those that expect things.  Or those who feel a sense of entitlement.

OK I think I've answered my own questions.  The givers have won the argument.  They are better.  At least you know their intent, even if it is guilt riddled.

There is a sentiment that altruism is why people give.  To help others.  Ultimately, even Mother Theresa who was considered the ultimate altruistic person in our time did things for herself.  What?  Yes, she gave and gave to make her world a better place.  To make herself feel better, to make the world better, to do her part. So does altruism truly exist?   No, not really.  Maybe in the animal world it does, but not with humans. Humans are always doing it for themselves when it comes right down to it.

Give!

Truth: Christmas & You

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Christmas, my favorite time of the year.  Why?  Well mostly because of Christmas past...and great food.  Oh yeah, and toys.

Now though, because of hope.  Hope of peace, love, and prosperity for all.

You know the human spirit is the strongest force in the universe. If we get on the same page we can make it work.   Invent, make, spend, give, pay it forward, prosper. Do the right thing. Simple.

Merry Christmas, and thank you for keeping this silly blog going.  Your comments and support inspire me.

Truth: Life Without Search Engines

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  Imagine your life without a search engine. Many and most people still don't use them. I reckon though, that you do.  I use it, at least once a day for something.  I'm looking up how to spell words, how to get definitions. I'm looking for directions, and reference points.  I often use it to search images as well.  I look up old articles, and I use wikipedia quite often to get biography information.

What did we do before search engines?  Oh yeah, the library.  Oh yeah, the dictionary.  Oh yeah, the encyclopedia Brittanica.   Hard to imagine a life like that, but learning something new was not at your fingertips. You pretty much had to take notes in your book, or you had to write down important points of information.  Oh so that's what an index card is used for!

I'm on a political discussion group, and there's a crazy cat who tries to bait me, buy doing 3 year old searches on Ron Paul...trying to get old stuff and post it as if it were somehow relevant today.  I imagine he spends alot of time googling stuff to support his side of the argument.  It might make him feel good, as I'm sure it does anyone who is looking to support their stance to find something.  What would he have done in the past?  I mean that's great to get something so quick..however what did we do before that?  We just relied on our memory, or what we perceived to be the truth.  I'm not knocking search engines or getting things so quickly...I think it is great. However what it does, is make everyone an expert instantly.  At least it makes them seem that way or feel that way.  Hey look what I searched!

If you are going to bring it, you had better understand that the Googlers are going to pepper you with hoards of information at their fingertips.  They will bring it too.

So two things are happening. The first is, everyone can blast information that they have gathered and put it in your face.  False and misleading information can then become gospel just because it is out there.  Scary thought.  The second is, there is so much information because of search engines, you will need to figure out what is correct and what is not...and filter out the good from the garbage.

The information age amazes me.  The Library of Congress recording every keystroke is pretty cool, and again at the same time scary.  Search and destroy takes on a whole new meaning.  Wikileaks or Wikipedia...information you can count on. Count on to do what? That's the everlasting question.  I tend to think it puts a strain on any critical thinking or rational thought.  Life is becoming easy.

Liberty: Lighten Up Christians

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Hey that really funny and zany guy over at CBN is at it again. You know him as Pat Robertson. The guy who once ran for President of the United States.  The head of the 700 Club thingy. You know, the guy that pretty much destroyed the Republican party with his controlling rhetoric, and close mindedness. Yeah that guy.  The guy who calls himself a conservative and ruins it for all other liberty seeking individuals.

Saturday Night Live did a skit where Jesus tells Quarterback Tim Tebow (the next annointed one) to tone it down a bit.   That is, tone down his preaching and love of Jesus.  Now it was all in fun and well done.  But but but this is what old Pat had to say about it "“If this would have been a Muslim country, and they would have shown that, there would have been bombs going off and bodies in the street.”.

Really? Well this isnt a muslim country, so that's why we have have jokes and parodues without people freaking out dude!  Except you Pat!  Do you want bombs to go off because people are jabbing Wonder Boy, or talking about Jesus?  Where's the comparison homeboy?

Look Holmes...if you don't want to talk about Jesus, then don't.  If others are talking about him then ignore them.   Yet, you talk about him every single day when you freaking ask for money in his name.  WWJD?  I'm pretty sure he wouldn't have a television show asking for money, nor blasting SNL for talking about him.

Mr. Robertson, I know Jesus and he aint too happy with the likes of you.  Christian bigotry you say? Right. Peace brother!

By the way what do you folks think of this sausage, bacon, ham nativitiy scene? I bet it smells great!

Truth: Just Shoot Me Now

It was the best of times it was the worst of times. I am no Neruda. I'm not Tolstoy, Twain, nor Emerson. I'm no Hemingway or even Frost. I'm better than Angelou of course, but I'm no wordsmith. However, I stand by this: Words Mean Something. Say what you mean, mean what you say.   It is very simple.

I get this photo sent to me from Karaberry , my Cookie Wench. I heard about this very thing the other day, and it is true! It is a disposable camera that prints LOL , WTF , OMG among others on the photos you take with it.

Now it's not just a fad, it is a way of life. LOL, OMG, WTF, LMAO...it never ends. Just shoot me. People think I'm kidding when I say I can't stand this stuff. I'm not kidding, I can't STAND IT.

Stop using these things. They are killing the English language, let alone...you look like an idiot!

English mother... do you speak it?!!!

Truth: Jam Traffic

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. When it's traffic time, it usually is the worst of times. How people deal with traffic in larger cities is beyond me. They spend many hours per week in their car, breathing exhaust fumes, listening to depressing news, listening to endless commercials, looking at nothing but steel and red lights.

For someone who loves to drive, I loathe traffic. Traffic is not driving. Traffic is survival.  Survival of the luckiest.  If you make it home in any amount of time without an incident, you are one lucky son of a gun.

What I don't like about traffic is EVERYTHING.  Seeing people talking on the phone, texting, putting on their make up, eating their quarter pounder with cheese....yeah, it makes a grown man cry.

Who do I blame for traffic? I blame poor city planners. I blame poor road conditions. I blame stupid people who have no concept of depth, speed, and mostly time.  You people who rubber neck to see every accident.  You people who drive super slow because there is a drop of water on your windshield  You people who forget what lane you need to be in.  You people who day dream when you should be focusing. You people who don't use your mirrors. You people who just don't get it. Look, you know you are already an outcase of society in all you do - the road is no different.  You think it changes onces you are in your car? NO!  Your dorkiness or dweebness is now magnified because you have a weapon.

Yes the car is a weapon.  I'm not talking just about an accident type of weapon - that goes without saying.  What I am referring to is the weapon of embarrasment. The weapon of shame. The weapon that wields to the masses that you just don't belong, and you'll impede productivity because you have no clue.  You do it at home, you do it at work, you do it on the road.  You add no value to society. You take up space.  You make everyone late, upset, irritated.  You cause road rage. You cause accidents. You cause wear and tear on vehicles from braking for you. It's your fault.  You might not even know who you are, because you have Star Trek or Wheel of Fortune on the brain.

Traffic...brought to you by the people who just don't belong.

Chicks: Different Chicks

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  I probably get 100 emails a week from people who write me out of the blue telling me about their life scenarios that pertain to my blog postings. 99% are from chicks who always go out of their way to tell me how different they are from other chicks.  Now everyone is different of course, by why do you have to announce it?

Now I realize by writing this, I'm alienating or perhaps calling out some people who think and feel this way.  Please know I am not.  I am not pointing out any one person.  It's a generalization that I am making based on feedback. Most chicks who write me, tell me how different they are from the other chicks.  Yet are they really that different when they all need to tell me how different they are? That's the same thing!

If you need to tell me that you are different, than perhaps there is this quality that makes you have to say that?  Perhaps you are wanting to avoid them or being lumped in with them.  While I understand that; it also kind of proves you are all the same. No, not all of you, just the ones going out of their way to tell me they are different.

It's like they are embarrassed to be associated with certain behaviors or something.  I can't point my finger on it; other than to say you are just probably nuts.  Yeah, that's it.  You are nuts.

Sports: Missing Old School

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  Some of my friends and I miss the good old days of sports.  We miss the time when it wasn't so commercial and polished.  When it was raw and had character.  Today, sports is all marketing.  I watched a special the other day on Tim Tebow. It was a show following his days leading up to the draft.  The tool, I mean player never played a down but they recorded every minute before he was ever even drafted.  It's gone too far if you ask me.

The whole thing bothered me.  It was just a reality TV show about a guy who never even played a game in the NFL, yet they were going to market this guy - because that's what they do in the NFL.  The worst part is, that people by it hook, line, and sinker.  They love the image, the marketing, the everything about everything aspect of a player.  And and and most couldn't even tell you what his stats are.

I miss old school sports.  I've said it a million times, please just give an outlet for those who just want X's and O's. We just want the games. We don't want the frill, the bling, the glam.  There are many out there like me, I know.  I hope anyways.  Who is with me?  Are you out there? Bueller? Bueller?

So can you give us something to watch?  Something to support?  Instead of subjecting us to chick induced (no offense to women...you know what I mean) marketing emotional crap. It has to stop or I'm going to lose my mind.  No wait, I already have lost my mind. I mean I would like to get piece of mind back. Uh huh..yep, that's what I want.

Joe Namath wearing a fur coat...where have you gone?

A.D.D. Rumblings No.121711

1.  I know this person who says "Uh Huh Yep" all of the time. It's like Tourette's or something.

2.  I was standing in line at the check out counter, and this old lady kept bumping her cart into me.  I kept looking back and she was oblivious to my existence. Every time I moved up in line, she rammed into the back of my legs.  I refrained from going all ninja like because of the holiday season.

3.  Is it weird for an Italian to cut their spaghetti with a fork?  Just asking is all. Not that I would know anything about such lunacy.

5.  Pet peeve number 58395782 is wrapping gifts. I'd rather stick a fork in your eye.

4.  My dog sleeps about 23 hours a day, just like a Lion.

6.  People I love you, but enough with the baked goods being sent. Soon I'll change my name to Whaledino.  Killin me!

7. Oh no. My junk drawer won't close anymore. Time to purge.  Amazing how many stupid things one can accumulate over a short period of time.

[This blog is brought to you by the word islands and the number 6.5]

8. I think all professional sports in the late 1970's was the best.  Color, flare, character.  I miss that.

9. When I am in a store, I always listen to other people's conversations. Usually it's couples talking about NOTHING.  I'm like, wow they sound like fun - NOT.  I guess the settings have an impact of course. I heard a couple going on and on about a pepper mill.  As if it was the latest and greatest thing since sliced bread.

10. People always say that they want to have flying cars. Are you kidding me?  Do you want the people who can't drive on the ground to be flying up in the air?  Are you nuts?

Truth: Desert of Dessert

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Sweet tooth. Uh huh, yep that's me.!

Never a shortage of sweets nearby.  Do I buy them?....not really but sometimes. So what's up?  There's always candy, cookies, chocolate, cakes, pies, cookies, donuts, cookies, and every sweet under the sun nearby...at home, work, friends, family.  I got some awesome homemade cookies in the mail too. Son of a...

What's a Sweet Tooth boy to do?  Give it up? Go cold turkey?  Take a 5 step program? HELP.

I don't crave sugary stuff...I can go weeks without it, not even noticing it.  However at times, it is all just there.  During the holidays even more so.  But here is the deal. I love it.

I love the taste of it. I know its bad, I know I don't need it. I don't even think about it.  I don't gorge. I don't eat allot of it.  But I just don't say no.  The weird thing is, I know sugar is bad for you. However when in front of me, that's the last thing I'm thinking about. It's some government plot I tell you.  I'm under some permanent hypnosis about it.  It makes no sense.  Am I really that dumb?  Don't say it.

That's I'm done!  I'm just saying no. I don't need sweets, I am sweet enough as is.

Truth: Everything Is Past

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Now, what I just wrote was in the past. There is no future, there is no present.  There is only the past.  Nothing exists except the past.

Everything is in the past.  You can prepare, hope, wish, dream, plan, expect, and assume the future...but all of that is behind you, and just a past notion.   As I type these letters, they are all history.  There is no present, because every single instance has gone by.  Every spec of time is behind us. It is all gone, and just a memory.

Do you follow?  Can you dig? Capiche? Comprehende?

Quantum Physics dicta's this. Everything is gone. There is nothing but the past.  It also begs the point of knowing your history, because it is all we really have.  Our shared perceptions are the bond that keeps things flowing, so that the illusion of the future becomes the reality of our past; or the reality of what we call the present.

Time...it's just in your head. Your words, your thoughts, your actions are indeed time capsules for others to react to, to create more past memories.  They are important because they dictate how others will react, teach, endure.

Time...calendars....math, are all man made constructs to deal with not walking around in a complete fog, or reference point.  The quality of life...improve it, but making your time capsule better and better.

No I am not drugs. Uh huh - yep!

Truth: My Christmas List

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. It would be the better of times if someone would adhere to my Christmas list this year.  Hook a brotha up!  By the way, does it bother you that I might say Xmas instead of Christmas?  TOO BAD.  Times are tough, so the list is short this year. I'm sympathetic to your economic plight.

Samsung Slate 7 Tablet PC
Wireless tera byte hard drive
Triple monitor set for my pc
Slingbox
My clothes to stop shrinking
Dumb people to get smarter
Ron Paul to make a difference
Tea
A new NFL Commissioner
A new MLB Commissioner
A new NHL Commissioner
The NBA to fold
NCAA Football Playoffs
Kayak
Hummer
Boat
Camper
All The Muppets episodes
Whitney Cummings
52 inch Plasma TV
Short wave ham radio
Free coffee
Free breathmints
The elimination of "lol"
Homemade samoas
A big giant fork
More forks
More fridge pics
Tub of garlic
1971 Cadillac Convertible
To stop sneezing
A vacuum tube that you can place shedding dogs in.
Peace
Apple pie
Pool table
Stuff
Money
Gift Certificates
Change
Coins
Gold
Silver
Pig
Bacon
Illusions
Deception
Ohio State to get penalized
Michigan State to just go away
Chicks
Baseball cards

Uh huh - Yep!

Truth: Know Your Facts Jack

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. Man is it just me or what?  With the ever increasing expansion of the Internet by the day, everyone is just spewing more information, misinformation, spins, twists, and turns.  It never ends and it is getting out of control. I just don't know how you stop it or harness it correctly.

The other day someone was trying to tell me how crazy Ron Paul is, because of an article from The Blaze. I was like, well he may be crazy, but what does that make you for using the Blaze as a point of reference??? Seriously. Get real.

So not only are there obvious questionable sources we have to deal with, we have to deal with obvious questionable people spinning things from those sources...then infecting the minds of the sheep who have an empty slate to write on.

"You are crazy", "You said neocon, that's all I need to know", "You said statist", or "You aren't as learned as I am in history".  Everyone just is so much smarter than everyone else.  Those that are smarter of course will tell you so.

Then of course you get the usual response of "well that is your opinion" or "I have a right to my opinion", and of course the famous " I respect your opinion BUT".  Which when they throw in "but" that actually means they are just politely telling you to screw off.

The never ending battle of people trying to tell me that the GOP is for the rich while the Dems are for the middle class is mind boggling.  Really?  Do you really think there is a different between the two parties?  In origin sure...but in practice and action? NO WAY.  Pay attention.  That is not just my opinion...it's true.  I keep asking people to tell me the difference between Obama and Bush? Aside from taking more vacation, not much.  So why were you upset with Bush and not Obama, or why are you upset with Obama and not Bush?  

Some days I just want to scream and thrown in the towel. It is like one step forward, 3 steps back all of the time. I don't know what to do.

Shoot me

A.D.D. Rumblings No. 121211

1.  Check out the Free State Project when you get a chance. I just wished they picked a warmer climate.

2.  I've noticed there are quite a few people just filled with hate and stupidity lately.  I'm not sure what is worse.

3.  There is a black market for homemade samoas.  Don't tell anyone, it is a secret.

5.  I think everyone should store hula hoops in their cars. Then use them when they have to wait in line somewhere. Should be standard equipment.

4.  Do people actually eat Steakums?

6.  The Detroit Lions are frauds. Sorry, they just don't have the mental make up of a winning team. They have the talent, but not the brains.

7.   Fish oil. It's good for your brain. You need a case of it.

[This blog is brought to you by the word penalties and the number 200]

8.  I think the Wheel of Fortune Wheel would make for some cool looking hubcaps.

9.  If one more person tells me how smart they are, I am going to take a frying pan to my head.  Enough already.

10. My friends complain how the stock market has crippled their 401k accounts and investments.  Hello!...stop supporting politicians who screw you over.

Truth: The Gifts Keep Giving

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. A nutty friend jokingly said that she was only giving her kids 3 gifts each for Christmas. Well I chimed in that I would get the kids more gifts, because only getting 3 sucks. And people call me Scrooge or Grinch? Come on!

You know I get the whole entitlement thing. We've raised a generation of kids, who are now in college who expect everything handed to them (see Occupy Wall Street movement). Is that their fault, even though they are so freaking annoying? No, it's the fault of those teaching this stuff, or letting them get away with it. Don't hate the players, hate game.

Lead by example and teach virtues. Don't just throw gifts at people for the sake of gift giving. Give with intent and measure. But gift giving is good. Don't knock it. Don't stop giving to make a point. Instead give with a point. Every kid should get tons of Christmas gifts...why not? Life is short...give give give.

The naysayers will say "well when I was a kid my dad gave me a piece of wood...blah blah blah". So what have you learned? You learned that it sucked, that times were tough maybe, that your dad was a jerk. What? That's no better or different than an entitlement of a spoiled kid who has learned nothing.

Teach the virtue of gift giving, and give give give. If you just give without a lesson, a thought, an experience then it will fade away with time. And for those of you who can't keep up, I am not talking just about material gifts. Are you with me?

I wear a size 17 shirt in case you were wondering what gift to get me.

Liberty: Mean People Suck

It was the best of times it was the worst of times. My personal philosophy is at odds with what I want it to be. My political libertarian leanings always point to minarchism. That is a very limited government that pretty much only contains a military, fire, police, courts, and administrative legislature. What I want is anarcho-capitalism, a complete non aggressive state based on pure voluntarism.

So what is the issue? The issue is I can't trust the masses to do the right thing. More often than not at all times people are doing the right things. There is no doubt in my mind. It is though those few times where people do wrong things.

People that are sick...stressed...whacked out, well they just can't be trusted. I also know evil exists and that alone means I would like to be protected. Do I need the state to that? I would prefer to pay for private services of course because taxes are immoral. However until I figure out how to combat evil or sick people...paying for these services through an immoral tax or agreed fee will have to do. It makes it sound like I am a hypocrite. The fact is I am pretty sure I can't trust people. That is a problem.

Minarchism and anarcho capitalism are both tenets of libertarianism to be sure...yet still at odds. I have no problem with them. I think they are a bit naive perhaps or they are more in tune with their Utopian state of existence than I am currently. Noble to be sure. I would though prefer an optional contract only state service. I think that makes sense.

So in my debates with my voluntarist friends...they can never get me to trust people. Well at least John Galt agrees with me. I don't trust him either!

Truth: Fun Sucks

It was the best of times it was the worst of times. Do you know what sucks about having fun? Is that it ends. All fun comes to an end, nothing lasts a long time at all when it comes to fun. From a laughing fit, to a long giggle, to a slap and prankfest...it all ends.

There is the old saying, that you can't appreciate the good unless you can experience the bad. That you wouldn't know what fun is, unless you knew the opposite. Yeah maybe that's the deal.

Everyone tells me they are having fun. They look forward to fun. Life is a big giant fun house and everyone is walking through crazy mirrors. Fun, fun, fun until her daddy took the t-bird away kinds of fun.

Here is my issue of fun. During fun, I realize it is going to end. So with that knowledge or realization, I can never fully enjoy the fun. It is as if something is holding back. The reality that its going to end soon. I don't let myself get to high, because I know it won't last.

I don't like that feeling at all. I don't like that little cloud of Debbie Downer waiting in the wings above me. What the hell is that all about?

It's not cool, and it has to go away. Make it stop please. Maybe its my way of keeping a balance? Maybe its my way of not letting myself enjoy things. I'm not too much fun not having fun.

What's your secret to having fun?

Liberty: Lennon Libertarian

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.  Years ago in my young neocon days I was a staunch dittohead. I listened to Rush Limbaugh every single day. Heck I even saw him once in concert once on his speaking tour.  I was very pro Republican and enjoyed all the liberal bashing daily.  It took me some time to realize not only was he just some entertainer, he was spewing the same non-objective easy stuff day after day. It is very easy to point out the wrong doings of democrats and liberals - that kind of goes without saying.  It was not challenging or eye opening.  I was getting bored very quickly. It just became common place to hear all the jazz and I learned nothing new.

What Rush rarely did was bash on conservatives or Republicans.  He did later on, but naturally not as much.  One thing he did one time was bash former Beatle John Lennon.  It bothered me because I was such a huge Beatles fan.  He would say that John Lennon supported communism, because of the lyrics in "Imagine" - having no possessions etc.  Well the truth is, the song is more about libertarianism or voluntarism; not at all about communism.  Communism may not be about having any possessions, but that is done by force of the state. A big difference. Lennon wanted none of that and was completely against communism.  Yes he was anti-war, but is that wrong? I can see how war mongers would not like the guy; how the message of peace is in direct opposite of imperialism and war.  Perhaps those who support the military industrial complex would see him as a problem.

The one that that has always bothered me is how the left have assumed Lennon to side with their plight.  The only think they have in common may have been drug use, long hair, and the generation of the 60's.  However today's left, the progressives want change done by government. They want entitlements.  Lennon didn't want that. He didn't want leaders or the government to do anything.  He was all about peace.   Ghandi, MLK, Rosa Parks, John Lennon...you know, all they were saying was to give peace a chance.  Is that ever going to happen?



You say you'll change the constitution 
Well, you know 
We all want to change the world
You tell me it's the institution 
Well, you know 
You better free your mind instead 
But if you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao 
You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow

Truth: Fabric Store Hell

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. In this case, pretty much one of the worst of times. Ok so I had to go to a Fabric store. I won't tell you why, as just going is bad enough.  So needless to say the stress increases as I approach the store. As I walk in to the store I see about 5 guys waiting outside while their wives and girlfriends are inside.  [Gotta get me one of those I guess].

So I walk in, then do my usual walk around aimlessly for a very long time. It was probably 5 minutes, but it seemed like 60. I don't know where I am going.  All I see are women who give me dirty looks, as if I was in the women's shower or something.  Geez, can't a guy be a the fabric store?  What the hell!

Soon I find what I'm looking for, but but but...there was another man at the same shelf.  What?  Could it be that he had to get what I was getting too?  What were the odds.  He looked at me. I looked at him.  We both looked away.  We probably could have helped each other, but muttering anything was taboo.  We just had to pretend neither one of us ever saw each other, and to never ever report.  Bad enough we were both stressing out at that time. The poor guy. POOR ME!

So I get what I need then go to pay for it.  The lady at the register says "Do you have a question?".  I said "No".  She said " Well the line is over there to the left".  I look to the left and there are 20 women, all with frowns and scowls looking at me like I as in the women's shower or something.  So I went to the back of the line.

Then this lady in front of me says " you know you need to get that cut at the cutting center".  What?  I said "Thanks!".  Then I walked around looking for some cutting center.  I found it.  Oh no, I had to pull a number from the number thingy and get in law.  It was like the deli counter.  After waiting forever, I finally get called.  The lady asks me a bunch of questions. I respond with "I don't know" to everything.  Why?  Because I don't know. I just don't know.  So she rolls her eyes and makes some comments as if I was some idiot or something.  Well duh.

Then I go back to the register and wait some more. Why? Because 20 people in line and there are only 2 people working the register. Why?  Because the store is STUPID.  Almost as stupid as me, for being there. Then of course I get to the register, nothing works, the person has to call a manager.

What would have been a 5 minute purchase, took me 60 minutes.  55 minutes of my life stolen from me.  STOLEN!

Sports: Tebowing Jesus

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I am not a fan of Tim Tebow. Why? Because I can't stand the over exposure of him and all the hype.

Is he a good quarterback? Probably not, but he is a good football player. He's a winner, and he is surely a great athlete. I have no issues with any of that, it's all good. I'm not a Broncos fan, and not a Gators fan...never will be either.

However I am not a hater of the man either. The "tebowing" act, where people get down on one knee, then put their first on their head is funny. A bit classless, but funny. It's only funny because if you google search tebowing you will find some very funny pictures of people doing this. However when football players mock him, it is in poor taste. Then again, it was the punk Detroit Lions who started this. Really?...you have to mock a guy who prays? Let him be.

On the flip side to Mr. Tebow, his mission trips, his faith...needs to be kept to himself. He is just asking for the ridicule. Does he deserve it? No...but if he had any clue, he'd realize people are going to bash him for who he is and what he represents. It's no reflection of him; it is more a reflection of them naturally.

There is a strong sentiment that people need to keep their faith to themselves. It rubs people the wrong way when they preach. It's natural for me to be obstinate when people preach to me unsolicited. Actually it drives me nuts. God this, God that.... I should put a No-God-Soliciting sign on my forehead.

So in a nutshell that's my issue with Tebow or any athlete that praises God, thanks God, and is all about God. Play the damn game. I don't care what you do in your personal life. I don't care what you worship. Just play football.

There is a degree of hypocrisy in a sense, because it may sound like I support punks, criminals, and thugs who play sports as opposed to openly Christian athletes. That's not really the case. Sure a league of Tebows would be better than a league of Suhs. Actually the world would be come to think of it. But opposite of Tebow is not punks. The opposite is "quiet and keep it to yourself" players.

Give me X's and O's please.

A.D.D. Rumblings No.120511

1. I miss Evel Knievel.

2. I love all the muppets except the pig and the frog.  I don't like the pig, because she reminds me of about 400 women I know. The frog is too sesame street.  The rest are just darn funny.  That really was a great TV show.

3. I have friends who work for micromanagers. These people pay attention to the minute where their employees are every minute of the day.  Productivity doenst matter to them, just being under their thumb. Nevermind the cutting edge companies that let the workers do what they want, and are profitable. What year is it anyways?

5. For the first time in my life the other day I forgot to bring my wallet with me. I hate myself.

4. Friends had a kids party on a Sunday at 2pm. I repeat, Sunday at 2pm - In the middle of football. They have 1 tv and I have to fight with kids who want to play video games. I can't forgive them.

6. The Detroit Lions are a team filled with arrogant immature punks.  Talent means nothing without sportsmanship.  They need to clean house or they will never win.

7. Proscuitto, Sopressta, Pancetta. That's what I'm talking about. Are you talking about it?  You should, trust me.

[This blog is brought to you by the word wheels and the number 98.7]

8. The President is going on a 17 day vacation. 17 days. Seventeen days. That's 2 weeks and 3 days. I knew I chose the wrong career.

9. This this happen to you? It happens to me often. I meet someone that I've met before and they say "it's nice to meet you".  When I've already met them before and they forgot.  Embarrassing.  I don't make good impressions apparently.

10. Shagging with roller blades should be legal. I'm talking about grabbing on to a car bumper then getting pulled to your destination.  Potholes...nevermind.

Truth: What Christmas Spirit?

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I'm looking for the positive...I'm looking for that Christmas cheer.

Friends and family with cancer.
Friends who get cheated on.
Friends out of work.
Unemployment at an all time high.

People actually supporting Gingrich.

A clueless administration.

Snow.

Cold weather.

All of the lonely people.

Detroit.
Blight.

War.

Death.

NBA is back.

Soldiers dying everyday.

Taxes.

Debt.
Spam.

Lions season over.
Gas prices.
Friends fighting.

Inflation.

Starving kids.

Junk mail.
Missing kids.

Penn State idiots.
Recession.

The Kardashians.

Debbie downer music.

Christmas spirit...someone talk me into it. I can't find the mistletoe.

Sports: Confession of An NFL Junkie

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I have a confession. I've been in denial for a very long time. I have loved the NFL over college football my whole life.

I've been an idiot about it. I always said the play was superior, and at times it sure can be. There's no doubt the NFL is the best of the best. However, the games...not so much.

How am I supposed to get fired up about Washington vs. Seattle?  How am I supposed to care about Arizona vs. Carolina?  Or Jacksonville vs. Indy?  I can't.  The only reason I follow these lame teams is for fantasy football purposes.

In fact, if fantasy football didn't exist, who the hell would even watch these over paid clowns anymore?  I mean compared to college?  Give me LSU vs Bama any day of the week. Or Michigan vs. Ohio. Or Clemson vs. Auburn.

Yes I know there are many cake games in college. It's something I can't stand.  I also can't stand the BSC rankings and crazy formulas.  Yes yes yes there needs to be a playoff system too.

Here is my solution from years past. Some of you gave me a hard time about it, saying that small schools shouldn't be in it because of scholarships.  Yeah whatever. Make it work.

Alas with all of the pointless post game shows, the gazillion penalties, the endless commercials, I am spent.  I long for the days of the simple NFL, not this complicated mess of marketing and drama.  They've taken football out of football, with all the penalties, the stoppage and manipulation.  It hurts. It hurts big time.

Passion!

Truth: Making Amends

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I used to work with a guy where we always just went at it. We would disagree on things about everything.  He was more by the book, a real prude when it came to work.  I was more, let's get it done, let's make some money now.  He was the book smart guy, I was the street smart guy; if I can say that.

He was also the type of guy who when he had to make his point, would make sure everyone knew his point. It was as if he was scolding or belittling.  Now I know what wasn't his intent, but that was the outcome.  He was just trying to toot his own horn about what was the right thing to do. He was beating his chest, not in arrogance, but in just doing the right thing.  It wasn't wrong, just different than what I do.

Well the dude was sick, but I didn't really know how sick. Enough were he was missing time from work more and more. Turns out he was dying, but no one really knew. However when he returned to work, he was still trying to be "king" and our personalities clashed.

Finally after about 6 months of this, I decided to end it. I mean it was pointless to bicker. I asked him out to lunch, and we talked.  I pretty much explained my position, and he understood. He explained his, and I understood. We actually got along great after that. I didn't step on his toes, and he didn't make me out to be some short cut taker.

He went back in to the hospital about a month later...never came back to work; then died soon after.

I felt good that at least I made amends with him. I didn't want the tension to be the last thing we ever had.  I often think, does it really matter to be at peace with someone or not?  Well it's purely selfish of me to want that I believe. Yes it is for the greater good, and I understand that, but does it really matter?  Well I feel good about it, because I believe I would choose to feel guilty had I not made amends.  I'm not sure why I would choose that, other than I know me.  Now why I choose guilt and to do the right thing...that's something I am forever trying to figure out.

Truth: Spend Spend Spend

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. I've got a friend who constantly mentions spending money.  This friend has no idea the amount of money being spent.  Well perhaps they do, but for conversation points they just have no clue.  It is non stop.

Every other word is about what they bought, where they went out to eat, what they need to buy, what movie they rented etc.  It just never ends.

I notice it, because I wonder if this person realizes or can actually enjoy life without spending every single penny they have.  A marketer's dream to be sure.

This person is going this place, then going that place. Spends money on fancy dinners, and arts and crafts, vacations, and home improvements.

No, I'm not jealous.  If you have the coin, go for it. However me personally I can't really relate to the spenders anymore.  The economy is going to collapse at some point, and sure they will have their "stuff", but what exactly will they talk about?  What exactly are they going to do to replace their fix?

Hey I like stuff too, but I don't talk about it.  Too many people with nothing right now, and it just doesn't matter or mean a whole lot.

Buy gold.