Unforgivable Sins....

(Let me start off by saying that I'm, in no way, planning on quoting scripture or any other type of religious text. I only used that title as a means to convey that I plan to talk a lot of hate towards people doing things they shouldn't.)

What has happened with the world of entertainment these days? Every third movie, song, or tv show you see (or hear) is a remake of something that has already been done. What happened to creativity? What happened to new ideas?

I know it's a tactic that has been employed for years, but unless you take the original concept and completely re-do it in a totally different way, you're just copying someone else's work and resubmitting it. Telling the same story with different actors, is just trying to cash in on the popularity of the old movie. Making music where half the song is just samples of someone else's hit song, is being lazy.

Maybe I'm just being pissy, but I hate when I'm out and about and I hear a beat or guitar riff from Queen, or The Police, or any other badass song from my youth, and when I think the song is about to start.... some thug starts rappin about shit. P Puff Diddy Daddy has no right to ruin my favorite tunes. And seeing as how he considers himself an artist, why does he need someone else's hit to help him along?

I guess society is getting as lazy as everyone says. Get as much as you can, for as little effort as possible. Society sucks. Work for it, have pride in your achievements, and a little self respect as well. Coasting on someone else's success is pitiful.

I'm done bitching for tonight.

Goodnight/Good Day/Go Away
-B-

“I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the ordeal of meeting me is another matter.” -- Winston Churchill

Its All Good....

If you've been reading the crap I've written since the beginning, you might be surprised by what I'm going to say here shortly. The majority of the drivel that has been posted on here is angry, annoyed, or at the very least harshly opinionated.

Here comes the crazy...

I actually have a pretty good life. I have a good job, awesome friends, and a loving family. I make good money, have good taste in music, look absolutely debonair in whatever I wear, and am just an all around awesome dude. And I know how to brag and lie about myself in the most obvious way possible!

Seriously though, life is good. As long as you look at the right way. If you cling to all the setbacks and bad experiences, then life will suck for you. If you spend time whining about a bad experience, you are only locking yourself into that point in time. One of the things that bothers me most is listening to people whine and bitch, for long periods of time, about how someone screwed them over. Move on. Obviously they don't deserve your attention.

Its hard to believe the amount of times that I've read a certain dialogue. Back in the MySpace times, and in the FB era too. And it usually goes something like this:

"I met this guy/girl tonight, he/she is really hot. I feel the magic."

1 week later: FB status changed to "In A Relationship" and the dialogue continues:

"My boyfriend/girlfriend is the greatest!"

1 more week later: "The love of my life is taking me out to dinner and a movie."

The next week: "I hate liars and cheaters, love is BS, all men/women suck."

Do you get my point of all this? Your decisions make who you are. if you made a bad decision, accept it, learn from it, and move on. Life is good. Being alive is good. Whats the point in worrying about the bad stuff? That's just wasted time.

We have only a limited amount of time that we can spend as living beings, why waste it focusing on the negative? Instead of thinking stuff like "Why doesn't he/she like me?" Think more like: "Its their loss, I'm gonna go have fun with my friends instead."

Life can be good, if you really want it to be.

-B-

P.S. It's still OK to be annoyed by stupid people.

Manifesto of Sorts....

I've been wanting to say this for years....

I've spent a lot of time trying to find a way to mix my personal life with the life my family wants me to have. I've realized that a harmonious situation will never be. So, I've abandoned the idea of trying to please everyone. I'm just going to be me. This is who I am, love it or hate it.

I may change some things in my life as time goes on, but it will only be when I think I need too. I've always been someone who does not respond well to pressure, so pushing stuff on me only sends me in the opposite direction. I'm not interested in religion. There, I said it. I've tried studying it, evaluating it, and applying it. Nothing worked for me. I have what is called a scientific mind. I need proof. "Faith" is not good enough. Some say faith is all you need. If you believe in something strongly enough, than it is so. I spent a week believing I had a million dollars in my account, but when I checked, $6.30. Faith can move mountains? Yeah, only if you have faith that your bulldozer will start.

I'm not trying to dissuade anyone from their chosen beliefs, just trying to explain mine. I've spent my life avoiding opportunities to speak my mind. And, in a sense, I still am. But, I have to say it somehow.

Basically, all I am saying is: I'm not a religious guy, my morals/principles may not be the same as yours, and I won't change because someone thinks I should.

I'd like to think I'm a decent person. I love my family, close and extended. I'd do anything for them and for my friends. I understand the basics of "right" and "wrong". But, I won't let an organized religion tell me how to live my life or care about those that I do. And any religion that tells my family or friends to dislike me because I'm not one of them, well, that just isn't right. Family should be able to transcend all that. So should friendship.

Besides, most religions are just business. If they have an accountant, and lawyers, then you have to suspect their motives...

I'm just saying....

Done for the night.
-B-

“A horse is a horse,it ain´t make a difference what color it is.” --John Wayne

This Sucks....

I've found a new feeling, a feeling that I hate. I discovered it when I started thinking about all the wrong choices I've made over the years. All the promising relationships I've abandoned for stupid reasons. All of the responsibilities I've dodged to pursue something more fun.

It's like remorse mixed with regret, and a little shame sprinkled on top.

I've spent the majority of my life looking out for me. And only me. I've avoided or removed myself from situations when I thought something better might be around the corner. It usually wasn't beneficial to me, but I had the mindset of a greedy individual.

Many times this involved me excusing myself from a relationship. I thought I was some type of Alpha Male and I could find whatever I wanted. Usually this cost me a relationship that was already established, and probably better than any I'd find. But, I was stupid and ventured out any ways. A lot of people like to look back on past relationships and wonder about "what might have been."
I try to avoid doing that because I know that "what might have been" won't be because of my actions. But that doesn't mean I don't think back on those wasted chances and wish I'd acted differently. There are times when I'd like to try to get back what I had, but rematches are unlikely in this game.

For so long in my life I've had problems developing an emotional attachment to anything. Sometimes, I wish I could feel a need for someone like some of my friends do for their Missus or Mr's. As I've gotten older I've started to realize the value in connections such as this, which has caused me to look at my past with disdain and a slight disgust. I was always looking at how things would benefit me "now" and not in the long run.

It's time to grow up now. Time to establish myself. Need to gain some footing in the real world. Maybe then I can attempt to revisit and possibly repair my past mistakes.

Not getting my hopes up though. You only get a few chances to bat out of your league, and I might have used all of mine up.

This concludes my boring lesson for tonight....

Goodnight / Good Day / Go Away

-B-

"I'm letting you have shotgun, but 'cause it's 'cause only 'cause I'm going inside." -- Slater (Dazed & Confused)

Solace.....

There are may things we may find comfort in. A favorite blanket, a fast car, a high powered rifle, or the embrace of your sweet thing.

Brain-fetish people, or psychologists, if thats what you want to call them; they'll tell you all kinds of different theories as to why you might find comfort in the item you prefer. Blanket = needing to be smothered in attention. Fast cars and nasty rifles = craving for Alpha Male Status. The embrace = co-dependency.

Screw all that.

I find comfort in all of those things. And there isn't any psychobabble crap about any of them. Unfortunately for you, I'm going to explain it all. In list form. Deal with it.

1. Favorite blanket: It brings me comfort because it's comfortable.

2. Fast Cars: I find a bit of a joining of body and mind with driving a vehicle at high speeds. Focus and reaction must be synchronized or you could die in a ball of fire. This excites and intimidates me a bit, but I feel alive while doing it.

3. High Powered Rifle: Being able to know I could turn a Pepsi can/ watermelon / propane tank into shrapnel.... with a slight squeeze of the finger. Ok, maybe this is a bit Alpha Male, but it is also awesome.

4.Honey-Bunch Huggin: I'm out of practice in this area, but from what I remember, it's not about co-dependency. It's about being like Friday's Gannon, or The Scarecrow's Mrs. King. They're your right hand(or your left hand for you crazy-handed people, I won't discriminate.) And the comfort isn't from a mutual need, it's from a common wanting, and knowing the wanting is mutual.

Ok, enough with my pseudo scientific crap.

There are a few things that always bring me comfort though. The little, red train blanket I've had since I was a tiny grunt, the Pac-man sheets I got a few years after that, Big Nasty & Brutus, and my custom "Largent" Seahawks jersey. I always try to have at least one of them near me or on me when I'm at home. Of course, I'd prefer to have a Sweet-thing or Honey-bunch on or near me, but I'll find happiness where it's available.

Even you probably have at least one thing you can look at or hold that makes you feel better. Don't worry about the science behind it. Just enjoy the warmth.

Once again, done for the day.

Goodnight / Good Day / Go Away.

-B-

"What?" -- That one guy....

The Spoon.... RIP.

So I made the mistake of clicking on the "Design" tab and selected something I liked, thinking it would be customizable and all that. Boy, was I wrong. While the new templates are somewhat customizable, and you still can switch back to an old template, the problem lies within the dense melon which resides a few inches above my shoulders. I wanted to try out one of the new templates, with an older background. No dice. So, I then tried to go back to the old template, with the aforementioned older background. I can get the pic in there, but my memory of HTML coding has become shady at best. I no longer possess the skills to make it a static image. Non scrolling. As in: the image stays, the rest moves. So for the time being; you, me, and the two other people who read this are just going to have to deal with this atrocious new page.

If anyone knows how I can make this happen, I'd appreciate it if you slapped me with some knowledge. Also, if anyone knows how to make my headphones louder, or my ears more sensitive, that too would be really, really cool.

Sorry if this wasn't an insightful, introspective, revealing, or bullying rant. I figured I'd join the masses and beg for a handout. In lieu of technical information, I also accept cash.

Goodnight / Good Day / Go Away.

-B-

"Is that a ten gallon hat, or are you just enjoying the show?" --Lily Von Schtupp

Age & Maturity: The Destroyers of Youthful Dreams....

I, like the rest of you 3 people that might read this, get older every day. Some say we get wiser each day we live. Some say we grow dumber, and more lazy with each day, because technology makes it so. I won't deny that I enjoy the ever-expanding lazy aspect of modern tech, but thats not what I'm wanting to drill into your mind with this writing excursion.

I would like to try something new. But first you must clear your mind of all opinions of your life now, so we can dig into your youthful aspirations. Are you ready? Are you sure? (This might get ugly...) Ok, here we go....

I want you to think back to when you were between the ages of 16 - 18. Did you want to get married? Did you want to produce small replicas of yourself? (AKA: Kids.) Did you think that money would be a deciding factor in either of the above? And, did you feel rushed to achieve any of the above?

Now, I want you to look at your life now. Have any of your feelings on the previously mentioned things changed? And if so, how?

If they have changed, and you are not where you imagined yourself back then, have you managed to find a silver lining on that cloud? Or are you bitter and angry?

Alright, I'm done with all the questions, and I'll get to the point.

I never wanted to get married. Never wanted kids. As I've gotten older, I've continuously thought about how messed up a kid would be if I was raising them. A quote I heard on TV that I felt related very much to me was something like: I fear that a child following my lead, would become horribly lost. I've always thought that way. But.... as I continue to age, and that awful, dreaded wisdom continues to creep in, I find myself relaxing a bit on the issue. Yes, I'd love to have someone to fall asleep next to, and wake up against every day. And, I'd probably get a kick out out of mowing the yard, painting the picket fence, barbecues on the weekends, cleaning the gutters, and all that nonsense. And as far as the kids go, my nieces and nephews love me, so maybe that's a sign.

Maybe it's just my aging, and deteriorating brain, or that fact that I'm finally growing up a bit, but, a physical, emotional, and mental feeling of attachment to someone is something that sounds really good.

My main thought right now is to just delete this all, and forget about it. But, I'm working on becoming a better writer, and to do that you have to speak your mind sometimes.

I'm done for tonight.
Goodnight / Good Morning / Go Away.

-B-

"What you call the disease, I call the remedy. And what you're calling the cause, I call the cure." --TMMB

Why?

I've kind of stepped away from writing on here, not because I don't like pushing my opinions on people, I'll always enjoy that. I've just started to wonder what the point of it all is. And I've come up with a list of reasons to stop. See below:

1. It's not gonna make me famous. I'm not that good of a writer, and besides, I'm just another schmuck spilling his thoughts upon the masses. Did I say masses? I meant the 3 of you who read this.

2. Its not going to help me find a lady. Telling a girl you just met at the bar that you write a blog is just marginally above telling them you have leprosy.

3. I'm not going to get rich. I'm not a sell-out, I don't post ads on my page. But that's just because no one has asked. If someone wants to pay me to randomly switch between telling happy stories and destroying dreams, just tell me where to sign.

4..... (C'mon man, you can think of at least one more reason.).....Oh yeah, I've never really tried hard enough at this whole writing bit.....

Yet.

-B-

“By persistently remaining single, a man converts himself into a permanent public temptation.” -- Oscar Wilde

Caution: Reading This Might Make You Think.

What the hell has happened to society people? Everything has to have a warning label on it. Why? Are we that stupid? I'm not trying to be dramatic or sarcastic, I'd really like to know. Do we really need to be warned not to use an electric hair dryer in the shower? After a couple hundred years of using electricity, are people still grasping the fact that it doesn't mix well with water? Are we really that dumb, or are the corporations of the world trying their best to avoid any liability for accidents?

Yes.

Yes, some of us are that dumb, and yes the businesses of the world don't want to be sued because of it.

Common sense will cease to exist in future generations. Because there will be no need for it. Most kids learned the stove was hot by touching it, but in the future there will be neon signs deterring that, and alarms that go off when a hand gets near the burner.

I believe car accidents will go up though. When I learned to drive, I was taught that a car was an object to be respected and feared. It was something that could help you achieve anything, but it could kill you. Could kill you by your mistake, or someone else's. Nowadays, with all the safety features that come standard (Airbags everywhere, ABS, crumple zones, LED lights,) you'd assume it was completely safe. No. They aren't. Kids these days think that, because they have all these features, they can drive like idiots. Wrong. In my opinion, instead of making cars safer in an accident, they should set stronger restrictions for driving. Enforce the fact that driving is a privilege and not a right.

But, anyhow, all of this just goes to prove that we have become a society of victims. People that will sue over the slightest thing, just because it's easy money.

It makes me sick. Apparently, responsibility and common sense are no longer welcome today. Well, I guess I could sue all you people for causing me to feel depressed. Hope you have a good lawyer....


I'm done....

Goodnight / Good Day / Go Away.

-B-

“By persistently remaining single, a man converts himself into a permanent public temptation.” -- Oscar Wilde

Ghosts of the Past....

Every once in a while I get to thinking about past relationships, and wondering where it all went wrong. Usually, I can't figure out what killed the situation. but sometimes, I know exactly what brought about the end.

Let's go over the 3 most prominent in my mind....

The Most Recent:
She was great. She was hot, knew how to cook, and was really fun to hang out with. Unfortunately, all she ever wanted to do was hang out and watch TV. That gets old. We'd go out to breakfast or dinner, then it was back to watching rented movies or DVDs. The regular boredom is what killed that one. But, like the rest, I'd try it again.

The One That I Didn't See Coming:
Oh man, where do I begin? She was it. Had the looks, the brains, and the same love for music that I do. Still wish I knew why it ended.

The One I Walked Away From:
She was awesome. She was good looking, had a good attitude, and was all around cool. But after a while she seemed to change a bit, and it was enough for me to walk away.

All three of these, I'd try again. It'll never happen, but I would. It all just makes me realize more and more that I need to consider everything before letting stuff go. Relationships come and go. But maybe we ought to think things through before letting them end. Work through the problems and stuff. Who knows? I surely don't.

The best way I can deal with all of this is to think about The One I Haven't Caught Yet.

Someday, she will be mine.

I'm done for tonight.
Goodnight/ Good Day / Go away.

 -B-

"It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives." -- Unknown

Life Is Great, But It Kinda Sucks At Times....

We've all found ourselves at a certain point in our lives where we think "Why?" And if you haven't, you will.

What's it all for? Why should I choose that path?  Is this really going to be worth it? How is this better than what that guy offered me?

Between TV commercials, corporate job opportunities, and various religions; someone is always trying to sell you an idea. It's up to you to decide what is best. Good luck with that. They'll tell you stuff like: Pepsi is better than Coca Cola, 7-11 is better than Circle K, Buddha is better than Jesus, or that Budweiser is better than Coors.  Well, that last one is true, but the rest of them are just opinions. And anyone trying to get you to believe anything, is just trying to sell you an idea. You're free to believe anything you want. We all are.

 Just don't forget to ask yourself that one important question before you commit yourself to anything.... "Why?"

I'm done.

Goodnight / Good Day / Go Away

-B-

 "If you only question others, and never yourself, then you will always be blind to the world." -- BLR

Cinematic Awesomeness....

Car chases. A key ingredient to any good action movie. Yes, explosions and gun fights are needed as well, but without a good scene of high-speed vehicular mayhem, the movie will lose points in a man's mind. I'm not going to claim to be any sort of expert in this field or anything, but I would like to provide a list of the most badass car chase movies ever filmed.

Let's begin:

1. (It's a tie) Bullitt: The Mustang vs Charger chase is always on the top of every list of this type. But, I think it's on the same level as the next one on this list, aka the other #1.


1. French Connection. I know, the chase isn't a car chase in the traditional sense. But the dude is chasing an elevated train and destroying shit left and right to keep up with it. It was filmed very well, so the viewer feels the intensity of the situation.


2. Ronin. There were a few car chase scenes in this movie, and all of them kicked ass. Audis,  Alfa Romeos, and BMWs chasing each other off road and all across Europe.... Oh Yeah! "Please sir , may I have some more...."


3. Mad Max. The original. Everyone always wants to talk about the second movie (The Road Warrior), but I don't. The first one sets the precedent. It establishes why he's so "mad."




4. Vanishing Point. The fact that the whole movie is just one long chase with cops from several states after one dude in a '70 Challenger, is reason enough to put it on the list. Plus, it has one of those "Didn't see that coming... " endings.


5. Gone in 60 Seconds. Yeah, it wasn't the greatest flick. But it had a lot of good looking automobiles in it. And the parts with Eleanor racing around were pretty well done.


Honorable Mention-
The Blues Brothers: C'mon, they drove an old cop car through a friggin mall while chased by the cops. And they were on a mission from God. This had to make the list.


Others that almost made the list: All of the Bourne movies, Transporter movies, Cannonball Run movies, and Gumball Rally (really good flick).

Others that I refused to put on the list: Anything that has Fast and Furious in it's title. They all suck.

I'm done.

Goodnight / Good day / Go Away....

-B-

"It takes 8,460 bolts to assemble an automobile, and one nut to scatter it all over the road." ~Author Unknown

Reaching back.....

I haven't done any rhyming stuff in years, but I can't think of anything else to do. I kind of want you to hate it even though it isn't written yet. I guess that could be yet another reason to see a therapist. Anyways....




Life is a tremendous thing to behold
It throws you here and there
Grasping for ground, grasping for air
Feet always searching a hold

It tosses you up, and rapidly down
Gives some good, and then some bad
A little happy, a little sad
Soon your feet find the ground

You start to grow, then age
You get beyond the past
The partying won't last
You finally have to turn the page

You think of husband or a wife
The drink loses it's hold
The smoke kinda gets old
You start to want a real life.

I think of all these thoughts
Of moving on in life
Of avoiding all the strife
Of connecting all the dots

Some day it might be so
Some day I'll know what's right
Some day I might see the light
Some day it might be so

But with a soul this corrupt
I wouldn't get your hopes up.

-B-

12 Good Ones.....

It's been an interesting day. I'm up for trying something new, so let's do this in a time-line fashion....

3:24pm: Wake up, groggy, confused. DVR'd ATHF repeating itself. Drainage time!

4:00pm: Watching TV.

6:45pm: Still watching TV, but agreeing to help Roomie work on his car.

7:30pm: Still working on Roomie's car, slight tinge of regret for offering.

10:15pm: Still fixing the car, went with a "Lehi Solution," (which basically means bypassing anything that you don't understand.) Problem solved. I can't claim credit, though I want to, because he thought of it first.

11:00pm: Head out for some fun.

1:15am: Find out the cook at the bar went to Jr High with me. Mind is officially boggled.

1:16-2:15am: Re-telling of old stories with newfound old friend.

2:20-2:45: Ride home.

2:45 to present: Reflection on the day.... Thoughts of the day went in this order: "Sweet, finally caught up on my DVR'd stuff."
"Learning how to work on Asian import cars is cool!"
"Working on Asian Import cars sucks ass!"
"Crap.... I'm bleeding."
"WooHoo, we fixed the car, working on imports is cool again."
"Lets go out and enjoy the night off"
"Crap, finger is bleeding again."
"Yessir, I would like another."
"Dammit, wont this thing just heal and stop gushing?"
"Shots? Sure!"
"If this any type of a normal day for me, Life ain't so bad."

And possibly the worst thought of the night happened next....

"Damn, I really want to write about this stuff...."


Maybe I didn't meet any hot chicks, or get offered a high paying job, didn't win the lottery, was fully clothed the whole time, and I ended up spending the night playing on the Unholy Internet as usual. Who cares? As far as life goes... That was a damned good 12 hrs. Watched TV, worked on a car, and hung out with friends. The only thing that was missing was video games, but I covered that before I went to sleep in the morning.

Hey, I'm a single dude, this is seriously about as good as it gets. The only way it could've been better is if there was tacos or bacon involved. Of course a hot chick would've been cool too.

Today was a good day.

Goodnight / Good Day / Whatever...

-B-


"Today I didn't even have to use my AK, I got to say it was a good day" -- Ice Cube

-Love the stuff, hate the stuff, or even just tolerate it.... Let me know.-

Marriage, why?

I'm one of those few people that actually understand the true concept of marriage. Yes, I understand wanting to spend the rest of your life with someone. I have met some people that I feel that way about. Unfortunately it didn't happen. What I don't understand is people getting married in the midst of a whirlwind romance, and then divorcing after their first real argument. Irreconcilable differences and such. Whatever happened to knowing what you wanted, and fighting to keep it. Arguments happen, differences of opinion happen. Fight through it. Accept the bad with the good.

Or you could just not let yourself believe that temporary lust and desire is the same as the theoretical feeling of love. You have to remember the stages of attraction. I will list them here.

1. Attracted
2. I'd Hit it
3. I'd date it
4. I'd buy jewelry
5. I have to have it forever.

If your feelings aren't registered around #5, then you shouldn't even think about getting married. Marriage is forever. Even if you get divorced, its on the record that you'd been married before. In my opinion, I say make it a one time deal. Know when you want it, and work through the good and the bad.

I'm done....

Goodnight/ good day/ go away.

-B-

"Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia." ~Charles Schulz

Wait.... What?!?

So, let me get this straight.... There are websites that exist solely to help people find someone to have an extramarital affair with? Seriously? And they are advertising on TV and in magazines? And these businesses are highly profitable to the extent of making millions?

Ok, the last question was a waste of typing since I can totally understand the profitability of offering adulterous sex nowadays. Being able to set it up at home, online, and not having to deal with the complications of going to a bar, or the possible harassment suits with attempting something at work. But does this make it right? No.

I'm not completely innocent in situations such as this, since I have strayed in the past, but I'll still say it isn't right. If you are unhappy enough to search for pleasure elsewhere, just end your current situation and move on.

I've heard the argument that you can have love with one, and pleasure with another. I call Bullshit on that one. My understanding of the theoretical relationship style emotion of love is the want and desire of one person and no-one else. As in; that is the only person you ever want to be with, physically, and emotionally. I've never experienced it, so I don't know, but that seems like a good description. If you feel strongly enough for someone to devote the rest of your life to them, then stick with it. If somewhere along the line, you realize it's not that great, then end it. Apparently that love you feel isn't the devotion kind, it's just the friend kind.

And please.... Do not even start with the "My hubby/wifey isn't as good looking as they were when we got married." or "I'm not physically attracted to them anymore." Grow up. We all age. Yeah, the majority of the time, a woman isn't going to have the same body she had before she had kids. And most dudes won't have their high school bodies all their lives. It's called aging. It happens. Deal with it.

Which brings me to my final point.

In my opinion, anyone who is willing to sleep with someone they know is married, is probably only after the benefits. Rich married dudes, and rich married chicks tend to shower their love-toys with gifts. Which kind of counts as payment. In other words, I think they're all sort of whores in a way. Man-whores, she-whores, whatever.

In summation: I hate the fact that society has degraded to the point where adultery is now being advertised on TV. What's next? Professional kidnappers or hitmen advertising on billboards? We're in a downward spiral, and I fear we've got a long way to go before it corrects itself.

I'm Done...

Goodnight / Good Day / Good Luck (you're gonna need it.)

-B-

"A vasectomy means never having to say you're sorry." -- Unknown

Bacon, Gasoline and Football.....

I doubt any of the things in the title will be mentioned, but as I've learned from the music today, the title doesn't have to have any correlation to the content. In fact; I could just write up a bunch of lines that have no business being together, as long as they rhyme. Music was so much better back when each song told a story. But I digress....

As strange and unlikely as it may sound, I was actually subjected to a moment of deep thought and contemplation while watching an episode of "Futurama." I know, deep thought and a show that may actually lower your IQ should never be related in any way, but somehow they were....

Synopsis: Two humanoids are on a planet populated by robots that hate humans, and they are dressed up as robots to avoid detection. They come upon a checkpoint where two giant robots ask them this test question: "Which of the following would you most prefer: A- A puppy, B- A pretty flower from your sweetie, or C- A large properly formatted data file?"

Sadly enough, the only thing that sounded interesting to me was C. Pets cost money and cause headaches. I'm a heterosexual dude, so the flower is out of the question. But the data file might be an upgrade to one of my video games, or maybe, just maybe the one upgrade that makes Vista worth fighting with. Wait, they said properly formatted, so that rules out the Vista thingy.

Then my twitchy mentality started thinking about how having a sweetie would be awesome, no matter what gifts she might give me. *TWITCH*... Puppies are cute as hell, especially when they are just learning to walk and falling over all the time....

Wait, where was I going with this? Oh yeah, I've recently figured out that I'm this weird hybrid of a computer junkie crossed with a blue-collar manly man. I enjoy tech-ish stuff like Flat-screen HD TVs, Surround Sound, Fast 'Unholy Internet' access, Video Games.... And manly stuff such as: sitting around the campfire, shooting stuff, blowing stuff up, welding, telling dirty jokes, laughing at farts and putting my feet on the furniture. Yet for some reason I'm still single.

Actually, now that I think about it, that pretty much sums up why I'm not tied down.

Somewhere in this world, there has to be a gal who laughs at farts. And I'll find her.

I'm done. Goodnight/Good day/ Go Away.

-B-

“I just broke up with someone and the last thing she said to me was "You'll never find anyone like me again!" I'm thinking, "I should hope not! If I don't want you, why would I want someone like you."” -- Unknown

I'm A Bit Confused....

Now, let me see if I have this straight:

Current estimates have the oil flow in the gulf equal to the Exxon Valdez every 3 days. And its been flowing for 55 days now. Let's see, that's roughly 18 1/3 times more oil in the water than what was previously considered the worst oil spill in U.S. history. And that number gets bigger every day.

Now here's where it gets a little iffy, stupid or just plain dumb. When the Valdez ran aground, the hardcore investigation into every crew member, every officer, the captain, and the owner of the boat, went into effect within hours. It didn't happen for 3 weeks with the Deepwater Horizon. And by then it had already surpassed the Valdez in amount spilled.

I've read, in a few different publications, about how BP hotshots basically rammed shortcuts down the throats of guys who knew they wouldn't be good. Stuff like: Replacing heavy mud in the system with regular seawater because it's faster and cheaper, though not proven to be safe. It's like being lucky at drawing straws, eventually, you're gonna lose. So why take the risk? Oh wait, that's right, it costs $750K a day to run this ship, and I know how to save $25k. It's a risk to multiple lives, but I'm cool with that.

I hope that the guy who made that decision gets put in the shocky chair. Not only did he cost 11 people their lives, but also ruined the lives of everyone close to them. And he/she also caused a yet unrecognized amount of destruction to the whole gulf-coastal southeastern United States, along with the North Eastern coasts of South America. Seriously, how many families that relied on fishing jobs are now pretty much screwed?

And it's all because of greed. Someone wanted to get get the job done on time or early, and get their bonus.

But then again, who am I kidding? If the person responsible gets busted, it'll be nothing more than a year or so behind bars, and 6 months of probation. All those Oil Co. assholes have way too many political connections.

I hate to say it, but Yes, in modern society, money does equal power....

I'm done for now-
Goodnight / Good Day / Whatever

-B-

"The best way to regain the world you loved, is to get rid of the ones who took it from you." -- Me (Vote the Bastards Out)

Our Own Worst Enemy....

I ask you to take a look at the world around you. Read a few newspaper headlines, maybe a few blogs that might have a different opinion of yours, or even watch the news. Notice any trends?

Apparently, according to what's out there: Global Warming is bad, even though it doesn't exist. Drilling for oil is necessary, but natural gas is more efficient and more abundant. Racial Harmony is on the horizon, but racism is growing....

Society is beating itself to death.

Why can't we spend less time and money on beating each other down, and spend more on finding the common ground? If the world is going to end some day, wouldn't it be cool if we could all wave goodbye at the same time?

-B-

Oblivion awaits...

Lets just come right out with it, we all hate each other, and think killing everyone is the answer.

No? That's not a good idea? Ok, what do you suggest.... kill the Jesus guys or the Muslim folks? It's gotta be one or the other because neither of them can pull their brains from their rectum. Both religions think the others are unworthy. So, what do you do at this point? You try to get them to just get along, and not have problems with each other. Good luck with that shit.

My God is tougher than your God, my beliefs are more sacred than yours, and I have a better internet connection through my PS3. Who really gives a shit? I'm not going to judge you by your religious choices. Do whatever you want. Worship the mullet of MacGyver for all I care, just don't try to force it on anyone.

Fuck it, I'm done.

-B-

The Little Things....

All my life I've been told to focus on the little things that make you happy. This couldn't be more true. If something that you do, no matter how small, makes you feel good. Do it. And do it as often as you can.

Me? I like shooting my guns, grilling meat, and listening to my headphones at an unreasonable volume. I also have this weird fondness for baking cornbread, but that's something that would best be discussed with a therapist.

Anyhow, find your little things, and make the best of them.

I know, it was short, but who really cares?
-B-

"Of all the things I've lost, I miss my mind the most" -- Ozzy Osbourne

Risky business.....

As I sit here eating my sub sammich with it's Au Jus, it reminds me of risky stuff we do from time to time. Right now it's mostly me risking the Au Jus dripping all over my overpriced keyboard and frying it all to hell.

But in the whole, we all face risks almost daily. Sometimes we don't even realize it. But then there are those that we do know about. And those usually involve a change of some sort. Changing jobs, changing relationships, or changing locations. Or the Trifecta: Changing job and location, because of a relationship. Sometimes you have a good feeling about it, sometimes it's an iffy feeling, and sometimes it's just bad. But usually, the feeling you had when you first came upon the choice, is the one to follow. Yeah, it might hit on all the logical points, but if it doesn't feel right, then maybe it isn't.

Maybe you're looking at changing jobs. Let's say there is a job that pays more, has better benefits, and is closer to home, but there's no guarantee of job security beyond 6 months. Do you take it? With nothing more than what I have told you, hopefully you wouldn't. But if you met the folks at the job and thought it was good, then follow your instinct.

Relationships are pretty much the same. Most people look for the trophy aspects; more money, better looks, benefits... But those factors really mean nothing in the big picture. Happiness, comfort, and longevity are the true goals to seek in life. Whether it be a job, a location, or a relationship, those should be the 3 main requirements.

If they can't be fulfilled, then the risk ain't worth it.

I'm done preaching for the night.

Goodnight, Good Morning, Whatever....

-B-

“Love is like a booger. You keep picking at it until you get it, then wonder what to do with it.” -- Anonymous

Yeah, Maybe....

Please read this article...

Say Wha?

-----------------

So, apparently, me ranting and raving about whatever is going on in the world is a way to help heal and calm my spirit. Right. Usually, whenever I go back and read what I have written, it just reminds me of what pissed me off in the first place. Ready for round 2 and all that.

But... There is something to be learned here. Apparently, if you can come up some far-fetched idea about how some mundane activity might be able to improve your life, or lower your chances of getting cancer, people will fund you to do the research.

Granted, this woman does have a point, sort of. All this e-literary growling and hissing does help in a way. But not really in a healing or learning way. For some it's more like: "I just needed to say it to relieve some of this friggin stress, or else I'm gonna start popping off rounds." Then there are those that think their writing is only there to help others. Or at least to help others fall into their political arena. And then there is the third group....

The coolest group...

We do it because we know that being an Unholy Internet Blogger is a good way to pick up chicks.... Yeah, they go crazy for that sort of thing.

Don't deny it, You know its true.

As a last note here; I have my own theory on how to live longer and be happy. Work the night shift. You can't get skin cancer from the moon, and romance is more common in the later hours. Any funding you want to donate to further my research can be sent to the usual address.


Thank you.
-B-

"People must be taken as they are, and we should never try make them or ourselves better by quarreling with them." --Edmund Burke

Hmmm.....

Darwin explained how we became what we are, Kennedy, Nixon, and Armstrong showed us how far we could go, opened our eyes to the dream of what might be. Reagan said we all should be friends, He and Bush Sr. showed that we could by convincing the Soviets to let the Berlin Wall be torn down. Clinton? Well, he doinked his secretary and forced banks to approve risky loans.(Yeah, the banking failure was not caused by W. or the Republicans. Do some research.) George Jr. got us into a war with a country that needed liberation, but gave the wrong reasoning for it. And now here we are with a President who ignores all history, has re-angered the nations in what was the Soviet empire, has thrown money at large businesses that have obviously horrible business plans, would rather play basketball than deal with issues at hand, and has now cancelled a 13 billion dollar plan to return to the moon. Now, 9 billion of that has already been spent. We're like 3/4 of the way there. But, no. Apparently we need to scrap all of that and focus on Mars. So by the time that they are ready to start researching, and evaluating stuff, the cost will be around 30 bil to get there. That's like going to the grocery store, having a coupon for bacon that says $1 for a pound, and spending $50 to put in your basket. The logic in that? Its right over there, yes out the window, it's right on top of the pile marked "Stupid As Hell"...

I'm done...

-B-

"When I get to heaven, tie me to a tree
For I'll begin to roam and soon you'll know where I will be" -- Lee Marvin in "Paint Your Wagon"

Free..... With A Paid Subscription....

So.... Now our government is in the insurance business. Well, health insurance anyways. Handing it out. Everyone gets a piece. Wait, you can't afford it? No problem. Won't cost you a dime. Well, at least not until next tax season. Oh, that's right, it still won't cost you anything. All of us dumbasses who have a job and work for a living will pay for yours. Those of us who live within our means and haven't dug ourselves into a financial hole. Yes, I know, some of you say you've always had a job but can't afford health insurance. And, yes some of you are right, and I have no problem with giving a little assistance to you. But those of you have never worked anywhere but behind a cash register at a fast food joint and still thought it was a good idea to pop out 17 kids, well, you made the bed.... here's your chance to lie in it. But I'll be damned if I'm willing to pay for your blanket.

Since the powers that be are so concerned with handing stuff out, let's make car insurance the next priority. If I have to pay extra taxes to cover the hospital bills for some guy who ODs on speed, shouldn't I also be willing to cover the guy in the stolen Mustang who "Feels The Need For Speed?"

Hell, let's cover all the bases. You're a crack-smoking junkie with a toothache, and your mouth is basically a science project about decomposition, I guess I should be willing to pay for your crowns and fillings. Why not, it's not like I had my own bills to pay or anything.

This used to be a capitalist country, where the market determined itself. It was about finding ways to offer someone something that nobody else did. It slowly evolved into a world where people decided to offer you something that was already available, but at a lower cost. So it became a competition of sorts. And that's what made it work. That's what kept everything within reason. Sometimes companies offered too good of deals and took over the industry. The government wisely applied some regulations about monopolies and such. And those regulations basically stated that no single entity could control the entire field of a particular business practice, or even the majority of it. Nobody could become the only paper supplier in the U.S., or the only manufacturer of ladies undergarments in the country. The Man made a smart move in that area, keep it competitive, and keep the industry alive.

But here we are now. The government that once embraced capitalism, and all it's positives, has now tossed it aside. It, as a single entity, has taken control of an entire industry. No, it doesn't own a majority share in the field, or own the majority. But it basically can dictate costs and distribution. They say they want this so they can make it affordable. Affordable to who? The people who wrote this this don't pay anything, and make insane amounts of money. I figure the people who already pay might save a $100 or so a month if they have a family, less if they're single. And those who don't have anything will get a free ride, or at least get the same coverage for around $20 a month.

It's not right. My taxes are paying for this, I should have a say. The people we elected won't speak for us like they're supposed to, so we should. Don't hand it out. Offer assistance to those who are trying, and can't quite afford it. But don't just give it to every worthless asshole out there. They didn't earn my fucking money. I did. Me.


I'm done....

Goodnight / Good Morning / Whatever

-B-

"Every government degenerates when trusted to the rulers of the people alone. The people themselves are its only safe depositories." -- Thomas Jefferson

A Lesson In Dictionary Usage....

DISCLAIMER; The author of this piece has absolutely no problem with immigration, as long as it's done the right way....


I read an article in the paper last night about yet another immigration bill rolling around. Mostly it was about how people are protesting, and wanting the Governor to not support any legislation against illegal immigrants. And this type of protest amuses me. Basically, its a bunch of people saying, "Hey, we/they/he/she have entered into this country, bypassed all the typical protocol and legal procedure, entered into the country without permission, but are completely innocent of any wrongdoing."

Previously there was a quote that I saw on TV during one of the marches a few years back that I considered my favorite in relation to this discussion: "Just the fact that we're illegal immigrants doesn't make us criminals."

Umm.... According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of "Illegal" is: 'not according to or authorized by law : unlawful, illicit.' Illegal means "against the law", and therefore a crime. And if you commit a crime, your are a criminal.

But, I now have a new favorite quote....

(Quoted from azcentral.com)
-Alfredo Gutierrez, a former state senator, said it would be unconstitutional to charge people in the country illegally with trespassing.

"These are people who aren't even jaywalking," he said. "It is merely their presence and their status of being undocumented that will make them criminals."

Yes. Exactly. If someone hops my fence, and enters my yard without permission, I can have them arrested for trespassing. If I can do that as a citizen, why can't the federal government do it? They have entered into an area that they do not have permission to be in. That is trespassing.

I know the whole immigration process needs reform. There is a huge waiting line for applications to be approved, and visas to be handed out, basically a huge pain in the ass. But isn't the few months of waiting better than a life of constantly looking over your shoulder? Wondering when you'll be caught?

All I ask is that you don't try to tell me that people who snuck into this country, while intentionally avoiding law enforcement, did nothing wrong. And don't pull the "Constitutional Rights" card. They had no respect for our laws or practices when they snuck in, why use those same laws and practices to protect them?

I'm done for now.

Goodnight / Good Morning / Go Away.

-B-

"If all else fails, immortality can always be assured by spectacular error." ~John Kenneth Galbraith

Movies Are Ruining My TV Memories....

Just watched the trailer for the new A-Team movie. I was unimpressed. Not only did the horribly edited, constant, rapid fire switching of images throughout almost send me into seizures, it also let me down. Big time. It looks like this will be yet another instance of some hot-shot director thinking he can make a badass TV show into a movie franchise. Odds of success: I'd say 1 in 100. Or, basically, a 1% chance. Now there have been a few TV shows that have made a successful transition on the big screen. Superman, Batman(especially the newer movies), Firefly(Serenity was an extension of the show), Transformers (some people hated it, but it made boo-koo dollars. Which amounts to success), and umm.... Hmm...

I guess we could also look at the ones that didn't fare so well. Dukes of Hazzard. Get Smart (decent movie, but the predictable jokes brought it down a bit. Alan Arkin's parts, and getting to stare at Anne Hathaway made it worth the $9 though), G.I.JOE was like the Heisman Trophy winner of years past. So much potential, so many ways you could turn it into something big, and yet the viewer finds themselves sitting there and thinking "If it wasn't for the rare genius moments of Sienna Miller in a leather cat-suit, or Rachel Nichols running on a treadmill, I'd demand my money back. And ask for restitution for pain and suffering." In the past people have tried to convert shows like Car 54, Dragnet, a couple of different attempts at Knight Rider (that only ended up being TV movies), and none of them worked.

I think it all boils down to the idea that TV shows fit into a certain formula. Each week the characters find themselves in a new and exciting story line that will be solved by the show's end. Turning that show into a movie presents a shopping list of problems. In the movie you have to assume that no one ever saw the show(some people have never heard of the A-Team, or Dukes of Hazzard.) So, therefore you have to devote a bit of time to the backstory of every plot-oriented character you have. Which takes up time. But you can't get too in-depth with the stories or the die hard fans of the show will get frustrated with all the reminders and wonder why you don't just move the current story along. Joss Whedon nailed this tactic to the wall with Serenity. He established the history within the dialog. Little hints here and there, not too much, not too little. Just enough to draw the viewer into the world on the screen.

But, I think the reason Serenity did so well was because it was still fresh in peoples' minds. It was only 5 yrs after the show was on TV. Therefore, they could drag the original cast in and make it work. Dukes of Hazzard or A-Team nowadays? How many people out there want to watch a bunch of 50+ yr old dudes trying to fight bad guys and drive hot-rods? Not many. Which is why they always stack the cast with the "Who's Who" of Hollywood. Sometimes it might work, but Liam Neeson as Hannibal Smith? Maybe I just don't get it. Though I am kind of interested in seeing Sharlto Copley's version of "Howling Mad" Murdock. He kicked ass as a freaked out semi-neurotic dude in Distict 9.

Maybe it's just a desire to preserve the integrity of my nostalgia. A need to view my heroes and idols as I did when I discovered their awesomeness for the first time. I don't want their badass quotes and catchphrases watered down and diluted to something kids these days might like. Imagine Ben Affleck playing Dirty Harry and saying something like "I totally know what's going through your mind. It's like, 'Did he shoot 11 rounds, or 12?' I'm so high I can't really remember myself. But this, this is a 9mm. It ain't much, but it'll get the job done... eventually. So you gotta dig deep within your soul and ask yourself, Do you feel like Karma is on your side dude?"

In what is possibly the worst idea of I've heard of remakes/re-imaginings being made.... True Grit. One of The Duke's best movies. I thought his flicks were off limits. NO one, and I mean NO one can be the badass cowboy like John Wayne could. Clint Eastwood solidly latched on to the number two spot, and other than Lee Marvin, no one comes close. Jeff Bridges is an awesome actor, one of my favorites, but he's no Duke. And trying to claim the identity of a character made famous by John Wayne will probably alienate a lot of people. Despite an all-star supporting cast including Matt Damon, Barry Pepper, and Josh Brolin; I think the movie will fail.

Anyhow, I'm done trying to force my opinion upon you for now.

Goodnight / Good Morning / Whatever

-B-

"Well, I have the inclination, the maturity, and the wherewithal... but unfortunately, I don't have the time" --- Jebediah Nightlinger(Roscoe Lee Browne in The Cowboys)

Rooting for the Home Team....

If you live, or have lived in AZ, chances are you may have shopped at a store called Bashas'. If not, or if you don't know the history of the company, let me fill you in....

A dude named Najeeb Basha immigrated to the US from Lebanon in 1886. He and his wife moved to the area that became Arizona in 1910. They set up shop with a retail business and struggled to get by for some time. Unfortunately, Najeeb died in 1932. But later that year two of their sons, Ike and Eddie, opened a company store for employees of the J.G. Boswell Company. These employees could buy stuff there with company scrip, which is kind of like credit allowed to people on the payroll. This store was the first to carry the name Bashas'.

The Bashas' company now includes stores like AJ's Fine Foods, and Food City. And it is currently run by Eddie Basha Jr, the son of one of the founders. It started in Arizona, and is still mostly only in Arizona. There's only a couple stores outside of the state. And they didn't go any farther than California and New Mexico.

Here's where things head south....

When the "economic downturn" hit, everyone lost money. The company eventually had to close a few stores. Then they had to file for bankruptcy. They've been working their way back, and have even re-opened a few stores they had to close to recuperate. In the process of re-organizing, Albertsons' (a national super-market chain)swooped in and offered to buy them out. The Basha family told them that it isn't going to happen. They are determined to rebuild and return to profitability. Albertsons', being the money grubbing, soul-deprived, and arrogant corporation that they are, decided they could make the sale happen by using the court system. They want to appeal to the creditors by promising to pay them off faster through a buyout. Bashas' wants the creditors to realize the eventual payoff. Bashas' holds a 13% market share in sales for AZ, Albertsons' has been declining and currently only holds about 6.5%.

This doesn't make sense to me. They want to buy a company, plus pay off it's creditors, and then spend money to convert all the stores to their system (which is proving itself as a failure)in an effort to make money? This kind of reminds me of when Daimler(Mercedes) bought into Chrysler. They lost their ass and ran as soon as they could.

Personally, I'd love to see this home-grown, home-raised company regain it's prominence in the state. I'd hate to see it become another victim of the corporate machine. All the charity work and community based projects that this company provides would most likely cease to exist if they are overtaken. And if you don't know about the community service that the Basha family provides, well, they do enough that there is a public school in Chandler, AZ that carries the family name.

If the Judge that is presiding over the case gives the OK to Albertsons' to take control, I'll never set another foot in any of their stores. Even if they keep the name.


I'm done for tonight / today / whatever...

-B-

“I am ready to meet my Maker. Whether my Maker is prepared for the ordeal of meeting me is another matter.” -- Winston Churchill

Got Screwed With My Pants On....

Let's start this off with a flashback of sorts for anyone who might not know the story...

(the word "Allegedly" will not ever appear in this post or any subsequent posts)

Last September my apartment was broken into. Second story apt, and he came in through the balcony. The dude made off with my new Flat screen TV, PS3, Xbox 360, a few games and movies, one of my pistols, and my roommate's pistol and cell phone. My roomie woke up in time to see him walking down the hall with my rifles and chased him out. Turned out that the dude lived in the complex under an assumed identity. Got all my stuff back by the end of the day, so I didn't have to go crazy and start hunting the bastard.

Anyways... Let's fast-forward to the present day.

After multiple hearings and meetings, Monday morning, February 22nd, was the date set for the pre-trial hearing. I was ordered to appear as a witness(even though I was at work, didn't see anything, and still to this day couldn't tell you what the guy looked like). Well, we showed up and it turns out that he took a Plea Bargain about 20 minutes before we showed up. This pisses me off for a few reasons. One, he's been claiming innocence for the last five months, even though my stuff was found in his apt. Two, I'm under the impression that if he needs to steal things to survive he can't afford a lawyer, which means my tax dollars have been spent for a Public Defender Attorney to help the guy who stole from me. And Three, I had to take a night off of work so I could make it to a court appearance that was cancelled while I was on my way there. And taking that night off cost me another 200+ dollars.

It all boils down to the theory of people's rights. And in this case, criminal's rights. I understand the judge and jury system is designed to provide fairness and equality. Innocent until proven guilty and all that. But if you are charged with stealing someone's stuff, and every last bit of it is found in your apartment, with your fingerprints on every single piece... You have already been proven guilty. What kind of defense could there be? "He loaned it to me?" Yeah, I loaned you my TV, PS3, Xbox, games, 30.06, 12g Shotgun, .22 Rifle, and my 9mm pistol all at once. And by some coincidence, my roomie loaned you his 40cal pistol and cell phone at the exact same time. Even though neither one of us had ever met you before.

The worst part is that he'll probably blame all sorts of things. Upbringing, environment, opportunity, etc, etc... But the worst thing he could peg it on is respect. A lot of criminals out there work on the respect theory. Stealing something big gains you some respect from your boys. But that's not true respect. That's just admiration. True respect could be gained by helping those dudes realize that there are better ways to make a living. Ways that don't involve anyone suffering. Ways that benefit everyone involved. Get a job, contribute to society. Don't be a cancer on society.

The dude that stole my stuff is eligible for probation, but I've been invited to appear at his sentencing hearing and can speak a few words if I want in order to recommend a jail sentence. I plan to do exactly that, and will probably print this out as a guideline to follow. He orchestrated an attack on my residence, took my things, and took 5 months to finally fess up to it. Even though he was arrested the same day he did it.

Society confuses me more and more every day.

But I'm done for tonight.

Goodnight / Good Morning / Whatever

-B-

"Life is hard; it's harder if you're stupid." -- John Wayne

Cranial Rectumitis....

I work in a world where time actually does equal money. The product has to move quickly. Run it through the press, move it to the finish area(stretch it, de-twist it, make it true), and pack it for shipping. The more we get done, the more money we make. My personal connection to all that is making sure that all the tools needed to achieve those things are working properly. I'm a Maintenance monkey. I wear a blue uniform, I have a smorgasbord of tools hanging off my hip, and I go home filthy every day. But I love it.

I will clarify that I do not necessarily love the people I work for, but I love what I do. It's a corporate world these days. People will be promoted to their highest level of incompetence, or to their highest level of placing lips to ass. I don't do that. So I'll be turning wrenches and swinging hammers until I die. But I'm OK with that. That's what I'm paid to do. I'll turn those wrenches, and swing those hammers to the best of my ability, and keep my mouth shut. Well, up until someone tries to take credit for my work. When that happens, I turn into a ruthless A-hole. I'm cool with just doing my job, and staying in the shadows. If I happen to fix something faster than anyone else has, Yeah it'll boost my pride a bit, and maybe cause me to brag a little. I will own that achievement. But when it goes out in the plant newsletter that "Him or Her" got their guy to fix something really fast.... No. It doesn't work that way. Maybe I'm just too proud of myself and my work, or maybe I just refuse to be the next rung in someone else's ladder to the top. Who knows. Personally, I feel recognition should go to the person that did the job. Which brings us back to...

I love the work I do. I just hate that it is in a corporate world. Forever inundated with new terminology, new "Action Plans," new process developments, new leadership every year, new redundant safety rules, and more and more lunacy. Yet less and less accountability for people who screw up(less lawsuits) and less recognition for the people who actually do the work.

So, let's have more meetings, more committee planning, more brainstorming and more hiring of consultants, instead of walking out on the production floor and asking those same questions of the people you are already paying. The people who do the job day in and day out will give you better advice than some dude in a fancy suit every time. It goes along with that long-forgotten idea of "common sense." They might talk all fancy with stuff like "performance metrics" and "quality dynamics" or whatever. But if you really want the people who work for you to buy into your plan.... You have to go to them. Appeal to them. Listen to them. Buy into their advice. They work on the floor, they know what really works on the floor. Gain their respect, and you gain their loyalty. And then they will want to work. Half-hearted rewards and incentives only go so far. You have to get them to want to work for you. You can't force them. Piss them off, and they don't give a damn if the company goes under.

Oh, and one last thing....

When the monthly party for the people who were recognized for their achievements rolls around; saying you're going to treat them to breakfast and then showing up with cold coffee and donuts is not a good idea.

I learned my work ethic from my father. He was a hard, relentless boss. He'd always point out your faults. But he'd do it in a way that made you realize them. And when you busted your ass and got something right, it was acknowledged. Pretty soon, it became natural to just do the things you were expected to do. Shovel dirt, shovel dirt, shovel dirt... Drive Bobcat... Shovel mud, shovel mud, shovel mud.... Toss block, toss block.... bucket of water, bucket of tack oil... Shovel dirt, shovel dirt. It was my job. I took pride in it, and wanted to do it better than anyone else. Partly because of pride, partly because of wanting job security, and partly because I had a job and needed it to pay bills. And the only way to keep the job you need is to be the best at it. I received a lot of "positive feedback" from my dad the last time I worked for him. And it was because I took ownership of the job. I knew what was expected of me, and I did it.

I've rambled on enough for today. I just hope people will learn to take a certain level of pride in their jobs. Learn to enjoy doing some work for the feeling of having accomplished something. And not as something that is a burden and only bearable because the law demands you get an hour of break time every day. Earning your place in society is what a strong person does. Feeling entitled to that place is for the weak.


I'm done....

Goodnight / Good Morning

Get on with your life....

-B-


“Tomorrow is the most important thing in life. Comes into us at midnight very clean. It's perfect when it arrives and it puts itself in our hands. It hopes we've learned something from yesterday.” -- John Wayne


(And for those of you that are curious about the title of this installment: Cranial Rectumitis is a pseudo-clinical term for "Head up the Ass")

Glass Houses and Flying Stones....

For any of you who may not live in Arizona, this may not make sense, so I'll give you the run-down. We have cameras set up on the freeways that take pictures of speeders who are then cited for the offense. Simple enough... don't speed... don't have to pay. Unfortunately, society is stupid. It's been called everything from a revenue machine to infringement on free speech. Yes, free speech. Apparently hauling ass down the road should count as rebellion against government or some other crap.

There are a lot of people out there that claim these cameras are illegal. They aren't. These are probably the same folks that claimed the cams that caught red light runners were illegal. The cams are a law enforcement tool. It's just like a cop on the side of the road with a radar gun. Don't break the law, and you don't get busted.

As far as the speed cams are concerned, I've met a lot of folks who hate them. But, of all those who hate them, 100% have been busted by them. I have yet to meet anyone who hates the cams that obeys the laws of the road. Yes, it is a money gathering idea. And it will make money because people will always haul ass down the road. I wish I would've thought of the idea and leased cams to the state.

I'm not innocent in all of this, I do speed sometimes. But I usually only do 5 mph or so over the limit. And when the limit changes, so does my speed. People whine and cry about the cams being placed strategically to catch people when the limits change. Sometimes this is true. But if you pay attention, put down the phone, and actually observe the road as you should, you'd see the signs before the cam flash goes off.

In my opinion, I say leave them. Hell, put more up. Put them on residential streets. Put them in parking lots. If people can't be responsible, and at least be moderately safe on their own, make it so they have to. Otherwise, they'll haul ass down the roads all the time and the time they screw up and kill someone, they'll sue the state for not having better laws for the road.

I still say leave the cams up. And I also say they should set up a website so people can view the pics. Freewayscofflawsdotcom or something.

I'm done for tonight.

Goodnight / Good Morning
Just go away....

-B-

"Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them and you have their shoes."

--Jack Handey

A Tale of Two Glasses....

One of the most common ways to judge somebody's outlook on life is the process of their reaction towards a half-filled glass. Is it halfway full? Or is it halfway empty? Of course, the few times I've been asked if I'm a "Glass Half-full or a Glass Half-empty" guy, I usually say something like "It all depends on who's buying," or "Who's been drinking out of my glass?!?"

Unfortunately, a person's outlook on life can't be bottled into one of two categories. We all have our days of Half-full, and our days of "Who's been drinking my Kool-aid?" In my years on this planet I've never met anyone who is consistently positive or negative. I know plenty who reside on either side for the majority, but never completely.

I, myself, am one of those who have tended to focus more on the negative side of things for a while. As I've aged I've become more jaded, cynical and angry at everything. I believe almost all politicians are whores, selling themselves to the highest bidder regardless of what their constituents want. As long as they get re-elected, its good business. I also believe the government, as a whole, needs fixing. Businesses can be "too big to fail", and are propped up by our tax dollars, so the rich folks don't stop getting their spa treatments. Yet small businesses get no relief whatsoever. Small businesses that are Owner-operated, and usually staffed with people trying to start a career. The those small businesses fail. And all their employees can't pay their bills. They lose their homes, their cars, their everything. Why? Because of the F'd-up banks. The same F'd-up banks that were given money specifically to loan to these small businesses. The banks thought it better to hang on to the money or send it overseas as investments.

It's hard for anyone these days not to have a negative outlook. We're in a financial crisis that is the worst that the majority of us have ever experienced. Caused by the people that received the most backing from the government. It's not right, and if it isn't illegal, it should be.

But, all of that aside, there are a lot of positives to all of this. Points I try to focus on to avoid being a negative person. All over the globe we have communities banding together, families pulling in and helping each other, and in some places a wonderful sense of camaraderie.

People joining together, to help each other no matter what. It's a good theory. But unfortunately not likely to happen in the US. We're too political. One side wants to work, be responsible for oneself, support oneself. The other side believes people are entitled to the basics of life, or hand-outs.

With all this in-fighting, greed, selfishness, and animosity, how can we not have a bitter opinion of the world around us? Actually, that's an easy question to answer.

Look around you. Look at all the people you care about. Think of all they've done for you, and all you've done for them. And all that you're willing to do for each other in the future.

And if you're lucky like me, there might be a couple people that you know you can count on, no matter what. That's all I need.


I'm done.

Goodnight / Good Day / Whatever

-B-


"To act coolly, intelligently and prudently in perilous circumstances is the test of a man - and also a nation." -- Adlai Stevenson

These Times... They are a'changin....

It is now 2010. And the biggest question of the day is how you will say that? Is it "Twenty-Ten," "Two Thousand and Ten," "Ought-Ten," or "O-Ten." I prefer to follow the practice that has been in use for years. It's 20-10 for me. I mean, c'mon, all throughout our lives we've been saying stuff like "Nineteen Ninety Eight" and so on and so forth. Why not continue that tradition? Do we recognize our date of Independence as "The year One Thousand, Seven Hundred, Seventy Six." Or do we say we gained independence in "Seventeen Seventy-six?" Or even better, a rhyme we all learned in grade school.... "Columbus sailed the ocean blue in the year of... One Thousand, Four Hundred Ninety Two?"

Seriously, I really don't care how you choose to say it. Today is a new page. Make your resolutions if you want, follow them if you wish, but know that it is a new year. Any and all failings or mis-steps you made are now in the past. It's time to start over. And I really hope you all can make a change that you really want to make.

I'm done for tonight.

Goodnight / Good Morning / Whatever...

-B-

"Where's my bat? That friggin car-alarm is driving me nuts...." -BLR-