Really that what we all are, just animals. Lately I have been watching the Big Cat diaries on the Animal planet. It’s surprising how personality traits can be seen in the cats that many of us humans instinctively possess. For example, the cheetah – they hunt during the hottest part of the day so the heat from the earth can help hide them to their prey. In order to do this they have to calculate every move, for if they spring too early they won’t have enough energy to catch what they are chasing.
In humans you don’t see too many cheetahs, more and more we see boars or hyenas who like to pick on others and scavenge for their food, taking the easy route. I mean really, why hunt during the hottest freaking part of the day, other than the fact that it frees your time up to hit the cheetah clubs and cruise for cheetah chicks. Another by-product is that some of the other carnivores in the African terrain tend to cool down and you don’t have to share your food. So sometimes tings that dont make sense have other advantages we dont readily think of.
I like to think that maybe I am sort of a cheetah, I have calculated most of my moves to great detail, I tend to do things in the crazy times of the day and my decisions are somewhat fast. Really I find it interesting that animals have the basics down and they seem to enjoy daily life. We humans have gizmos, gadgets and things that will do stuff for us and yet we seem to get farther and farther away from true happiness. Will we ever learn? Probably not – but I can try.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Time
Lately I have had the time to ponder more and engage in some research of various subjects. Now as I wasn’t sure of what I wanted to research I thought I would grab whatever held my attention. It was soon after that decision that I found my topic on one of the automotive forums I frequent daily.
The question was posed asking what our thoughts were on aliens, (no the Mexican kind but the outer space kind).Being the ever curious person that I am I thought I would follow this thread to see the consensus of my fellow enthusiasts. While I never posted my personal opinion I started to think that this could be the source of my research and to see if there really was a possibility to this theory. Do they exist? Can they exist and if they do or can exist have they visited us and are still visiting us?
More and more the questions kept coming and surprisingly the answers we found online. (Now as a disclaimer, I know that not everything you read online isn't true but the results are very interesting.) I have listed 2 links on some interesting information regarding the alien race. Recently the question was raised if I personally believed in Aliens and did I buy into the whole conspiracy theory that our government is involved. My answer is that it’s up to you to decide for yourself, as for my view, well that will remain silent until I am satisfied with my research. Here is one of my differing thoughts: I think extra terrestrials would look like us and if they differed in appearance it was due to their space suits not any crazy characteristics.
This post is in by no means a way to sway you to believe the existence of extra terrestrials but think about how much wasted space is out there if we were the only ones in the solar system. Also as you dig you can see the possibility of some religious ties to some of the stores.
Another thought is along the similar lines of the easing of society into the idea of having a black president. If you noticed that for years leading up to the election of our current president Hollywood started producing movies and TV shows that cast a black president in the office. Following that trend, look at the types of shows we are privy to today. For example there is Fringe, the re-make of V, movies like the 4th Kind, and documentaries following the M.U.F.O.N. group have become common. Does this mean we will be told about an alien race in the future? Does this mean we will be invaded? Who knows but it is interesting.
Just something to think about. . .
www.mufon.com
www.crystalinks.com/ufohistory.html
www.tearingdownstrongholds.com/joint-bases.htm
The question was posed asking what our thoughts were on aliens, (no the Mexican kind but the outer space kind).Being the ever curious person that I am I thought I would follow this thread to see the consensus of my fellow enthusiasts. While I never posted my personal opinion I started to think that this could be the source of my research and to see if there really was a possibility to this theory. Do they exist? Can they exist and if they do or can exist have they visited us and are still visiting us?
More and more the questions kept coming and surprisingly the answers we found online. (Now as a disclaimer, I know that not everything you read online isn't true but the results are very interesting.) I have listed 2 links on some interesting information regarding the alien race. Recently the question was raised if I personally believed in Aliens and did I buy into the whole conspiracy theory that our government is involved. My answer is that it’s up to you to decide for yourself, as for my view, well that will remain silent until I am satisfied with my research. Here is one of my differing thoughts: I think extra terrestrials would look like us and if they differed in appearance it was due to their space suits not any crazy characteristics.
This post is in by no means a way to sway you to believe the existence of extra terrestrials but think about how much wasted space is out there if we were the only ones in the solar system. Also as you dig you can see the possibility of some religious ties to some of the stores.
Another thought is along the similar lines of the easing of society into the idea of having a black president. If you noticed that for years leading up to the election of our current president Hollywood started producing movies and TV shows that cast a black president in the office. Following that trend, look at the types of shows we are privy to today. For example there is Fringe, the re-make of V, movies like the 4th Kind, and documentaries following the M.U.F.O.N. group have become common. Does this mean we will be told about an alien race in the future? Does this mean we will be invaded? Who knows but it is interesting.
Just something to think about. . .
www.mufon.com
www.crystalinks.com/ufohistory.html
www.tearingdownstrongholds.com/joint-bases.htm
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Impromptu Social Experiment:
Last night something happened that has not happened to me before. (Or at least that I can remember) I ran out of gas in the middle of the road. I was on a 4 lane road, 2 lanes in each direction. Luckily I was in the outside lane and was able to pull over as close to the curb as possible. I actually put on my hazards when I saw all my dash lights come on. I would think there would have been a sputter from the engine but NOPE, it was as if my car just fell asleep at the wheel.
Once I got over to the curb, I noticed that there were many cars that would come up on me at a high rate of speed and cut over to the other lane at the last minute. So wanting to be in the safest position possible I figure I would get out of the car, open the hood so they could see there was a disabled car, (thinking they needed more notice then the flashers) and then I stood near the car on the sidewalk.
During my wait for the friend I called for rescue I noticed several things. The main and obvious thing was that there are many inattentive drivers out there. I would say there were four instances of people almost ramming my car at full speed, and countless others tried at a slower speed.
The second observation and sadly somewhat a shocker, I actually had three people stop and ask if I needed help. Granted they stopped in a dangerous manner but stopped none the less. It was a sad shocker to me because I admit I don’t have faith in humanity and didn’t expect anyone to stop at all. Now the Ironic thing is that the one person who I expected to stop didn’t. That person was our lovely law enforcement officer. I would think that as a public servant you would check out any car on the public roads that appeared to be in distress, but alas, that wasn’t the case.
Either way, the situation was handled easily, it was a nice evening and I now know that my gas warning light doesn’t work and that when the needle reaches the big E to fill err up!
Once I got over to the curb, I noticed that there were many cars that would come up on me at a high rate of speed and cut over to the other lane at the last minute. So wanting to be in the safest position possible I figure I would get out of the car, open the hood so they could see there was a disabled car, (thinking they needed more notice then the flashers) and then I stood near the car on the sidewalk.
During my wait for the friend I called for rescue I noticed several things. The main and obvious thing was that there are many inattentive drivers out there. I would say there were four instances of people almost ramming my car at full speed, and countless others tried at a slower speed.
The second observation and sadly somewhat a shocker, I actually had three people stop and ask if I needed help. Granted they stopped in a dangerous manner but stopped none the less. It was a sad shocker to me because I admit I don’t have faith in humanity and didn’t expect anyone to stop at all. Now the Ironic thing is that the one person who I expected to stop didn’t. That person was our lovely law enforcement officer. I would think that as a public servant you would check out any car on the public roads that appeared to be in distress, but alas, that wasn’t the case.
Either way, the situation was handled easily, it was a nice evening and I now know that my gas warning light doesn’t work and that when the needle reaches the big E to fill err up!
Friday, October 2, 2009
Blogs
So I have to admit this post is extremely hypocritical but I am going to post it anyway.
You see I “blog surf” daily and over the past year since I have started I have noticed that some people are good to update frequently and some very seldom update their blogs. The post becomes hypocritical because I am part of the latter. My reasons are solely based on the fact that I know very few read my blog and probably don’t miss it.
What I don’t like is the family blogs, the non rant blogs that very seldom get updated. If you have a blog that is about you, your family or what you do then by all means UPDATE at least weekly. Those of us who frequent your blog get tired of reading or seeing the same picture and or story on your blog for 3 months straight. We visit your blog on a regular basis because we want to know what you are doing. Obviously you want us to know because you opted to use this form of communication to let us know about your life. USE IT!
We are fine that you would rather us read about you vs. call you or visit but at least keep it updated. Even if you have nothing to report that you think is worthwhile, at a minimum you can post a picture.
So with that said . . . enjoy the wait for my next post :)
You see I “blog surf” daily and over the past year since I have started I have noticed that some people are good to update frequently and some very seldom update their blogs. The post becomes hypocritical because I am part of the latter. My reasons are solely based on the fact that I know very few read my blog and probably don’t miss it.
What I don’t like is the family blogs, the non rant blogs that very seldom get updated. If you have a blog that is about you, your family or what you do then by all means UPDATE at least weekly. Those of us who frequent your blog get tired of reading or seeing the same picture and or story on your blog for 3 months straight. We visit your blog on a regular basis because we want to know what you are doing. Obviously you want us to know because you opted to use this form of communication to let us know about your life. USE IT!
We are fine that you would rather us read about you vs. call you or visit but at least keep it updated. Even if you have nothing to report that you think is worthwhile, at a minimum you can post a picture.
So with that said . . . enjoy the wait for my next post :)
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
LIFE
No matter how much you plan, LIFE will always win.
(Life in this post is the decisions others make on your behalf that you have no control over)
This past year has been very trying and taxing to my mental and physical strengths. Luckily I have had support from the usual and some unusual places. Normally I am a fighter so the lack of challenging and fighting has also taxed me greatly. I think I am at a point where I can honestly say I have gotten the closest to broken as I have ever been.
Now I don’t want to complain and blame others for what I have had to go through but there is a large portion that is completely out of my control. My overall feeling for this isn’t anger about the situation; it’s more of disgust or disappointment.
I am disgusted by the actions of others and disappointed in how we act as humans toward each other. I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s and as a kid I looked up to those older then me. I enjoyed fishing trips with my father, walking across town and joking with my grandfather. I was able to learn much from these two men and how we should treat others in the workplace and in business dealings.
Maybe that is my downfall, what I learned was that you should keep your word, you should work hard and do your best. Sometimes the small extra things can go a long way. I also learned that in general people were rewarded for their hard work and not for who they knew.
My disappointment is that today our workplaces are so far from that ideal that those concepts are foreign or antiquated. Customer service has almost become non-existent. Today managers orchestrate careers based on their personal feelings about a person and not their skill sets.
Will we go back, probably not, and I find that very unfortunate. Can one like me survive in that type of climate? So far it doesn’t look so good.
Really my only hope with this post is that for those of you who are in management and have the ability to make a difference in others lives, please do so with integrity, honesty and without your personal feelings. Business decisions should be based on what’s best for the company and not what’s best for you or your friends.
So to me that’s life and how Life happens.
(Life in this post is the decisions others make on your behalf that you have no control over)
This past year has been very trying and taxing to my mental and physical strengths. Luckily I have had support from the usual and some unusual places. Normally I am a fighter so the lack of challenging and fighting has also taxed me greatly. I think I am at a point where I can honestly say I have gotten the closest to broken as I have ever been.
Now I don’t want to complain and blame others for what I have had to go through but there is a large portion that is completely out of my control. My overall feeling for this isn’t anger about the situation; it’s more of disgust or disappointment.
I am disgusted by the actions of others and disappointed in how we act as humans toward each other. I grew up in the 80’s and 90’s and as a kid I looked up to those older then me. I enjoyed fishing trips with my father, walking across town and joking with my grandfather. I was able to learn much from these two men and how we should treat others in the workplace and in business dealings.
Maybe that is my downfall, what I learned was that you should keep your word, you should work hard and do your best. Sometimes the small extra things can go a long way. I also learned that in general people were rewarded for their hard work and not for who they knew.
My disappointment is that today our workplaces are so far from that ideal that those concepts are foreign or antiquated. Customer service has almost become non-existent. Today managers orchestrate careers based on their personal feelings about a person and not their skill sets.
Will we go back, probably not, and I find that very unfortunate. Can one like me survive in that type of climate? So far it doesn’t look so good.
Really my only hope with this post is that for those of you who are in management and have the ability to make a difference in others lives, please do so with integrity, honesty and without your personal feelings. Business decisions should be based on what’s best for the company and not what’s best for you or your friends.
So to me that’s life and how Life happens.
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Weapon of Mass Destruction
So I haven’t updated my blog for a while, and for the few of you who read this, My Apologies.
I haven’t been on for various reasons and actually one of which is my topic today. The Weapon of Mass destruction I am referring to is none other then facebook.
While there is a valid point to be made as to the value of facebook and its social properties, I find that more and more there are many who just sit on there day after day to maintain certain applications. For example you have My Zoo, My farm, Farmville, Mafia Wars, Pirates and even a restaurant you can manage. Now I have fallen into some if not all of the traps listed to eat up my time. Recently, I had a thought and was slightly saddened. I see many of my friends make it a point to logon daily to ensure that their farm has been harvested, their money deposited in Mafia or Pirates at a minimum. While this is good it made me think of how many have done and do that in their real world lives.
How many of us make sure that certain things are taken care of daily? How many of us deposit our money before it’s lost to over spending? How many of us make sure that the fruits of our labors are harvested? How much time do we spend making sure our families and loved ones are taken care of and our lives free from clutter?
While some would say they do that daily, my question to them is really? Do we make it a priority to listen to others, to tend to their needs? I think if society took care of themselves, like we take care of our Farms, our Mafia and our Pirates on facebook daily the world would be a better place for all of us.
Unfortunately people don’t pay as much attention on living in this world as they do in their internet based applications. If we all focused on what we need to do like we focus on the applications we could accomplish even more in our lives.
I am not trying to get on a soapbox and I do waste a good amount of time on facebook and its apps. I hope to change that and only go on when I am alone and have absolutely NOTHING to do. Who knows?, maybe I’ll be the only one who tries this but hopefully I will be happier for it and possibly these who I am around will be happier for it as well.
(The Weapon of Mass Destruction is meant to imply that facebook is destroying our time and in person interaction with one another)
I haven’t been on for various reasons and actually one of which is my topic today. The Weapon of Mass destruction I am referring to is none other then facebook.
While there is a valid point to be made as to the value of facebook and its social properties, I find that more and more there are many who just sit on there day after day to maintain certain applications. For example you have My Zoo, My farm, Farmville, Mafia Wars, Pirates and even a restaurant you can manage. Now I have fallen into some if not all of the traps listed to eat up my time. Recently, I had a thought and was slightly saddened. I see many of my friends make it a point to logon daily to ensure that their farm has been harvested, their money deposited in Mafia or Pirates at a minimum. While this is good it made me think of how many have done and do that in their real world lives.
How many of us make sure that certain things are taken care of daily? How many of us deposit our money before it’s lost to over spending? How many of us make sure that the fruits of our labors are harvested? How much time do we spend making sure our families and loved ones are taken care of and our lives free from clutter?
While some would say they do that daily, my question to them is really? Do we make it a priority to listen to others, to tend to their needs? I think if society took care of themselves, like we take care of our Farms, our Mafia and our Pirates on facebook daily the world would be a better place for all of us.
Unfortunately people don’t pay as much attention on living in this world as they do in their internet based applications. If we all focused on what we need to do like we focus on the applications we could accomplish even more in our lives.
I am not trying to get on a soapbox and I do waste a good amount of time on facebook and its apps. I hope to change that and only go on when I am alone and have absolutely NOTHING to do. Who knows?, maybe I’ll be the only one who tries this but hopefully I will be happier for it and possibly these who I am around will be happier for it as well.
(The Weapon of Mass Destruction is meant to imply that facebook is destroying our time and in person interaction with one another)
Friday, June 26, 2009
Life . . . or lack thereof:
Well yesterday was interesting. We had two Celebrities die. One almost could have slipped away without notice and the other was of Iconic proportions. (Not physically)
Now I am not hit hard by death as …..Well it seems everyone. Yeah it’s sad, but it happens and we all have our time, and it WILL come, there is no way around that. I wasn’t making a big deal of it and actually grew tired of all the coverage.
So this morning I am driving to work and of course the only things you can hear on the radio are the recent deaths of both celebrities. Fine…. I understand our society feels like the world revolves around entertainers. (Look at the following of Miley Cyrus or Jonas brothers) As I am listing something a caller said just hit me slightly wrong. Now on a radio show you can’t easily tell the ethnicity of a caller unless you are given certain indicators. This caller started out by saying how sad she was and how much of a great entertainer Michael Jackson was. I completely agree with that. You couldn’t have lived through the 80’s without knowing who Michael Jackson was. I don’t think it was possible.
After the caller said that she then said that the loss was even worse because now they only have Barrack left. Why does the race card has to come up all the time? Michael even said himself that it doesn’t matter if you are black or white.
He was a great entertainer, showman and had enormous talent. Leave it at that.
Now I am not hit hard by death as …..Well it seems everyone. Yeah it’s sad, but it happens and we all have our time, and it WILL come, there is no way around that. I wasn’t making a big deal of it and actually grew tired of all the coverage.
So this morning I am driving to work and of course the only things you can hear on the radio are the recent deaths of both celebrities. Fine…. I understand our society feels like the world revolves around entertainers. (Look at the following of Miley Cyrus or Jonas brothers) As I am listing something a caller said just hit me slightly wrong. Now on a radio show you can’t easily tell the ethnicity of a caller unless you are given certain indicators. This caller started out by saying how sad she was and how much of a great entertainer Michael Jackson was. I completely agree with that. You couldn’t have lived through the 80’s without knowing who Michael Jackson was. I don’t think it was possible.
After the caller said that she then said that the loss was even worse because now they only have Barrack left. Why does the race card has to come up all the time? Michael even said himself that it doesn’t matter if you are black or white.
He was a great entertainer, showman and had enormous talent. Leave it at that.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
The stuff you hear:
I have mentioned in past posts that I am a cube rat. I come to work and sit in a box all day long. At times I am surprised they haven’t installed a crap hole in one corner and attached a water bottle to a wall.
The other thing about cubes is that they aren’t very sound proof, but for some reason people seem to think they are. Maybe more of society lives by the thought that if you can’t see me you can’t hear me? I don’t know.
To my point, we have a person in the office that spends more time at work on personal maters then work matters. Unfortunately they are in management so they are able to get away with more then the average worker. (Another rant in the making) ANYWAY, they are recently going through a split up and in the early stages of a divorce. On one hand it’s sad to hear the drama but on the other hand – karmas a bitch.
Another co-worker rants and raves about how stupid the sales people she is paid to support are to others within the company over the phone. Unfortunately those she complains to work with those she is complaining about. Also her volume levels could rival that of a rock concert in a stadium. What posses’ one to feel the need to talk so loud?
All of this makes me realize the wisdom people like the Unabomber had when they choose the secluded office space they worked in. I think another dying aspect of society could be discretion. What if anything is handled privately anymore? Is it done publicly because people are looking for sympathy? Are they looking for approval of their decisions? I can’t imagine they are doing it to show those around them their true colors or are so starved for attention they have chosen this route. Of course that wouldn’t surprise me; look at Perez Hilton, that joker would seem to do anything for attention.
The other thing about cubes is that they aren’t very sound proof, but for some reason people seem to think they are. Maybe more of society lives by the thought that if you can’t see me you can’t hear me? I don’t know.
To my point, we have a person in the office that spends more time at work on personal maters then work matters. Unfortunately they are in management so they are able to get away with more then the average worker. (Another rant in the making) ANYWAY, they are recently going through a split up and in the early stages of a divorce. On one hand it’s sad to hear the drama but on the other hand – karmas a bitch.
Another co-worker rants and raves about how stupid the sales people she is paid to support are to others within the company over the phone. Unfortunately those she complains to work with those she is complaining about. Also her volume levels could rival that of a rock concert in a stadium. What posses’ one to feel the need to talk so loud?
All of this makes me realize the wisdom people like the Unabomber had when they choose the secluded office space they worked in. I think another dying aspect of society could be discretion. What if anything is handled privately anymore? Is it done publicly because people are looking for sympathy? Are they looking for approval of their decisions? I can’t imagine they are doing it to show those around them their true colors or are so starved for attention they have chosen this route. Of course that wouldn’t surprise me; look at Perez Hilton, that joker would seem to do anything for attention.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Ironic:
I work for a LARGE company, (too large if you ask me) and in my many years of working here, I have seen the employees cycle over to a VERY heavily Woman based demographic.
While I am a white male, this can prove a problem. Understandably I also know that I am and will be the new minority in the world and will have to learn to deal and live with it until someone forms the N.A.W.E.M. or the National Association for White Educated Males.
So this morning I started talking to our admin and a comment was made that at first surprised me to hear, and made it difficult for me not to respond. (And I didn’t)
I was talking to her about the changes in the departments that have and are happening as a result of our merger. She became apparently disgusted with the situation and then started sharing her view.
That is when she made the comment “I find it interesting that they are keeping all the male managers from the other company and demoting the female managers from ours. It’s just basic discrimination.”
Now I have felt for a Long time that the reverse was true, and there are some strong examples to back my argument. What I found interesting is that the admin was so quick to jump at that conclusion.
If one were to look at the bigger picture, they aren’t really doing such. I think the problem came that the team she supports has been split up, the manager she reports to has lost some thunder and perceived authority. Basically the little group they carved out for themselves based on the buddy system is getting pulled apart, and they don’t like it.
Maybe now some of the charlatans will be exposed and the company might clean itself up from within. . . (ha ha who am I kidding?)
I do think that some of the fear is because some of the protective coating is getting removed from some people and perks and privileges will be removed as well. It will definitely be for the good.
As for the discrimination aspect,….. it’s life. We need to stop complaining about it, embrace it and just admit if you are a racist, bigot or just simply don’t like someone.
I prefer honesty to politically correctness any day.
While I am a white male, this can prove a problem. Understandably I also know that I am and will be the new minority in the world and will have to learn to deal and live with it until someone forms the N.A.W.E.M. or the National Association for White Educated Males.
So this morning I started talking to our admin and a comment was made that at first surprised me to hear, and made it difficult for me not to respond. (And I didn’t)
I was talking to her about the changes in the departments that have and are happening as a result of our merger. She became apparently disgusted with the situation and then started sharing her view.
That is when she made the comment “I find it interesting that they are keeping all the male managers from the other company and demoting the female managers from ours. It’s just basic discrimination.”
Now I have felt for a Long time that the reverse was true, and there are some strong examples to back my argument. What I found interesting is that the admin was so quick to jump at that conclusion.
If one were to look at the bigger picture, they aren’t really doing such. I think the problem came that the team she supports has been split up, the manager she reports to has lost some thunder and perceived authority. Basically the little group they carved out for themselves based on the buddy system is getting pulled apart, and they don’t like it.
Maybe now some of the charlatans will be exposed and the company might clean itself up from within. . . (ha ha who am I kidding?)
I do think that some of the fear is because some of the protective coating is getting removed from some people and perks and privileges will be removed as well. It will definitely be for the good.
As for the discrimination aspect,….. it’s life. We need to stop complaining about it, embrace it and just admit if you are a racist, bigot or just simply don’t like someone.
I prefer honesty to politically correctness any day.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Attitude
For the past year I have had to try hard to maintain a positive attitude towards work and some of the situations I have been and are in.
I can honestly say that it has been extremely difficult and at times daunting. I think situations like this try ones values and in a way more of their true character shows.
While some may say this is a good thing, I think we don’t realize is that too much of this situation could cause someone to snap.
So those of you, who are close to me, don’t take it personally or freak out when this person snaps. I can feel it coming soon and who knows what will happen.
Right not the general attitude is “who cares about what happens all I KNOW is that my value system is antiquated and could be considered endangered. Unfortunately this endangered species will not go on the save list. Once discovered it will and is being squashed like a freaking roach. (Not the weed - kind of roach either, a cockroach!)
Today is a “To Hell” with society day.
I can honestly say that it has been extremely difficult and at times daunting. I think situations like this try ones values and in a way more of their true character shows.
While some may say this is a good thing, I think we don’t realize is that too much of this situation could cause someone to snap.
So those of you, who are close to me, don’t take it personally or freak out when this person snaps. I can feel it coming soon and who knows what will happen.
Right not the general attitude is “who cares about what happens all I KNOW is that my value system is antiquated and could be considered endangered. Unfortunately this endangered species will not go on the save list. Once discovered it will and is being squashed like a freaking roach. (Not the weed - kind of roach either, a cockroach!)
Today is a “To Hell” with society day.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Why?
So I have allot …. Allot of time at work to surf blogs, the internet and well, look busy. One thing I have noticed, and mine is no exception, is that there are several types of blogs out there. You have your rant blogs, your informative blogs, and the self promoting blogs. Some are fun to read, some are boring and others make me wish I never stumbled upon them in the first place.
As I think about them my thoughts move on to the future. What will generations down the road think if and when they find our mind vomit out there? (I know mind vomit is extreme but ….well use my blog for example) If you think about the past, we as a society communicated face to face more. I don’t think in the 1800’s there were Indians making smoke signals about a new blanket they just wove. Is it a sign of self involvement? Or do we feel a need to communicate to others and instead of talking to those around us we blab it out to blogs?
I know for me I used to blab my thoughts out to others but some have told me to try to be more PC and nice so …… now I blab on a freakin blog that very very few read just so I can fit in with society.
Somehow, sometime soon I feel I am going back to the old ways and open the flood gates. The water might get choppy but life is sure more enjoyable when you are in the rapids and not just floating down the river.
As I think about them my thoughts move on to the future. What will generations down the road think if and when they find our mind vomit out there? (I know mind vomit is extreme but ….well use my blog for example) If you think about the past, we as a society communicated face to face more. I don’t think in the 1800’s there were Indians making smoke signals about a new blanket they just wove. Is it a sign of self involvement? Or do we feel a need to communicate to others and instead of talking to those around us we blab it out to blogs?
I know for me I used to blab my thoughts out to others but some have told me to try to be more PC and nice so …… now I blab on a freakin blog that very very few read just so I can fit in with society.
Somehow, sometime soon I feel I am going back to the old ways and open the flood gates. The water might get choppy but life is sure more enjoyable when you are in the rapids and not just floating down the river.
Monday, May 4, 2009
LABELS
Constantly we hear about how we need to be as one, the country needs to overcome racial and bias issues. While I do agree with this and hope that one day it will happen, I don’t hold my breath.
I don’t think it will happen because those same people who want or say they want to put the differences aside, cling so hard to the labels they are comfortable with. For example, how many rainbow stickers do you see attached to the back of car windows while driving around town? What is February known as? It isn’t Valentines Day or the month of love.
The stickers and the month are a “celebration of who we are” items, when in fact those items are labeling you and setting you apart from others. I think if we all said we are Americans or Anti-Americans (whichever you prefer) and left it to those two choices, maybe we would get along better, or maybe a huge war would break out and we would kill each other off. Either way, don’t you think it’s a step in the right direction to remove the labels from society?
I don’t think it will happen because those same people who want or say they want to put the differences aside, cling so hard to the labels they are comfortable with. For example, how many rainbow stickers do you see attached to the back of car windows while driving around town? What is February known as? It isn’t Valentines Day or the month of love.
The stickers and the month are a “celebration of who we are” items, when in fact those items are labeling you and setting you apart from others. I think if we all said we are Americans or Anti-Americans (whichever you prefer) and left it to those two choices, maybe we would get along better, or maybe a huge war would break out and we would kill each other off. Either way, don’t you think it’s a step in the right direction to remove the labels from society?
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Bumper Stickers
I live in a state where you can see almost anything on a bumper sticker, and since I have increased my driving latley I have noticed one in particular.
The sticker that has sparked some thought is "God Bless America". Now this isnt a new statement and the stickers I have seen have been very very old as well as new and fresh.
The spark of thought I had on this is, - well yes he did, he does, and will continue to do so but really why should he Bless America? With all that we are given it seems like every year WE screw it up and WE have to work harder to recognize those blessings. Also in the past WE have tried so hard to remove any religion from our country when the reason this country was founded was for the freedom to worship who when and where we please.
Luckily God if more forgiving of us then we are of others. If he wasnt I dont think things would be as nice sice we are continually turning our back on him.
Of course I have heard rumors that we are no longer a christian nation, so I had better get to studying the teachings of Muhammad. . . . . maybe I will see bumper stickers of "Muhammad Bless America".
The sticker that has sparked some thought is "God Bless America". Now this isnt a new statement and the stickers I have seen have been very very old as well as new and fresh.
The spark of thought I had on this is, - well yes he did, he does, and will continue to do so but really why should he Bless America? With all that we are given it seems like every year WE screw it up and WE have to work harder to recognize those blessings. Also in the past WE have tried so hard to remove any religion from our country when the reason this country was founded was for the freedom to worship who when and where we please.
Luckily God if more forgiving of us then we are of others. If he wasnt I dont think things would be as nice sice we are continually turning our back on him.
Of course I have heard rumors that we are no longer a christian nation, so I had better get to studying the teachings of Muhammad. . . . . maybe I will see bumper stickers of "Muhammad Bless America".
Thursday, April 9, 2009
NINJA Skills
I have noticed one of the words that impact us but go un-noticed like a NINJA.
That word is PERCEPTION. Basically, it’s how we as people perceive one another. Or view one another in our own minds.
For example, what makes a person a king? Is it Entitlement or Heritage? The ONLY one I know of who has the right to be called a King is Jesus Christ and yes, his is based on Entitlement and Heritage, and the fact that he is the son of God.
For me it boils down to how well that person has made those around him see them as better, wiser, and therefore has more authority then those around him.
Look at how we view Movie Stars, Politicians, and …well……anyone. What makes us revere those we see as role models? Why do we get so wrapped up in THEIR lives, and not handle our own?
WE perceive them and their lives as better. WE give them the authority to make choices for us. WE give them power over us.
The main point I am trying to make is, take a look at your relationships with others and how you perceive others. Does a change need to be made? Are we giving someone power over us who shouldn’t?
I just think we are looking up to or respecting others for the wrong reasons. It’s ok to do it for the right reasons, but are we?
Unfortunately - Perception has become reality in today’s society. Truth and fact has taken a back seat on this turbulent ride.
That word is PERCEPTION. Basically, it’s how we as people perceive one another. Or view one another in our own minds.
For example, what makes a person a king? Is it Entitlement or Heritage? The ONLY one I know of who has the right to be called a King is Jesus Christ and yes, his is based on Entitlement and Heritage, and the fact that he is the son of God.
For me it boils down to how well that person has made those around him see them as better, wiser, and therefore has more authority then those around him.
Look at how we view Movie Stars, Politicians, and …well……anyone. What makes us revere those we see as role models? Why do we get so wrapped up in THEIR lives, and not handle our own?
WE perceive them and their lives as better. WE give them the authority to make choices for us. WE give them power over us.
The main point I am trying to make is, take a look at your relationships with others and how you perceive others. Does a change need to be made? Are we giving someone power over us who shouldn’t?
I just think we are looking up to or respecting others for the wrong reasons. It’s ok to do it for the right reasons, but are we?
Unfortunately - Perception has become reality in today’s society. Truth and fact has taken a back seat on this turbulent ride.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
We the Sheeple of the United States. . . .
A topic has run though my mind allot recently so I thought I would post about it. It has a lot to do with the change in America and where we are heading.
Now you may not believe what I have noticed to be correct, and that’s fine, for now we can all have our own opinions. My point is, if you really think about it, television impacts society more then most of us realize. I am sure we are all thinking, ok the violence, sex and the news reports do effect us. What I think we are missing are the subliminal ideas to get us used to certain things without us knowing about it.
For example, how many shows / movies in the past 10 years have had an African American President? There was a time when that idea was not the norm, now it is. You can apply that to other things as well, like homosexuality and the lack of monogamy in young lifestyles.
What scares me are the movies and shows that are starting to highlight governments run by Kings, and the glamour that comes with it. Is this a foreshadowing of Obama’s “2nd” Term? Is that when we actually use the constitution as toilet paper and start anew? I certainly hope not and that I am crazy for thinking it.
With all the spending, and the lack of respect for the general population, I am SCARED for the way we are heading.
When I started this blog I mentioned something about sheeple. . . well We the Sheeple of America . . .
It’s happened so BBaaaaaaa . . . . . where do I get my cut?
Now you may not believe what I have noticed to be correct, and that’s fine, for now we can all have our own opinions. My point is, if you really think about it, television impacts society more then most of us realize. I am sure we are all thinking, ok the violence, sex and the news reports do effect us. What I think we are missing are the subliminal ideas to get us used to certain things without us knowing about it.
For example, how many shows / movies in the past 10 years have had an African American President? There was a time when that idea was not the norm, now it is. You can apply that to other things as well, like homosexuality and the lack of monogamy in young lifestyles.
What scares me are the movies and shows that are starting to highlight governments run by Kings, and the glamour that comes with it. Is this a foreshadowing of Obama’s “2nd” Term? Is that when we actually use the constitution as toilet paper and start anew? I certainly hope not and that I am crazy for thinking it.
With all the spending, and the lack of respect for the general population, I am SCARED for the way we are heading.
When I started this blog I mentioned something about sheeple. . . well We the Sheeple of America . . .
It’s happened so BBaaaaaaa . . . . . where do I get my cut?
Monday, March 2, 2009
Where to start?
Ok – I was about to blog about another observation but at work today several things jumped out that to me should be Headlines.
Mainly it’s about the apparent lack of ownership of our actions. I have 3 examples that demonstrate this. Two that really deal with my point and the last also highlights why customer service sucks in this country.
Example 1 – My co-worker received a call this morning from his apartment complex asking for the keys to his apartment. They said the new tenant was ready to move in and they wanted to know why he didn’t turn them in. Confused he asked to leave so he could go straighten things out. It was his understanding his lease went till March 31st so he hadn’t packed or made arrangements yet.
An hour and a half later, the update was that he did give his 60 day notice at the first of January to vacate – thus breaking his lease a month early and requiring him to be out by March 2nd. As he came back to get his computer and things I overheard him say, “I can’t believe they didn’t tell me that was the case or remind me to be out”
Lesson – the phrase should be “I’m a moron, and should have read the document I signed”
Example 2 – Another co-worker made a call this morning concerning his daughter and her recent speeding ticket. Apparently she neglected to tell her parents about this issue and now has a warrant out for her arrest. The co-worker was trying to “fix” the ticket to have it go away, but quickly found out that wasn’t an option. So the next step of course was for him to pay it. Now the lesson is a gray area but for me this is the course of action I would choose.
Lesson – Tell the girl to take care of it, and if needed let her go to jail. What better example of consequences is there then a night in the joint! Obviously she wanted to handle it on her own since I wasn’t notified about it when she got it.
Example 3 – Once again, another co-worker has apparently been getting emails from a customer complaining about his services. Finally it came to a head today and he wants to escalate it to upper upper management. I hear her tell management about the situation and that this customer has complained in every email and I quote “he complains so much I don’t read half the emails.” I then hear the manager say “he must be the type of customer that can’t understand and if HE can’t understand then it’s our fault.” – INSAINE
Lesson – Listen to people, read their emails and because you don’t want to be bothered shouldn’t be a sufficient excuse. DO YOUR JOB! Apparently it has become the norm to do the opposite.
End of rant.
Mainly it’s about the apparent lack of ownership of our actions. I have 3 examples that demonstrate this. Two that really deal with my point and the last also highlights why customer service sucks in this country.
Example 1 – My co-worker received a call this morning from his apartment complex asking for the keys to his apartment. They said the new tenant was ready to move in and they wanted to know why he didn’t turn them in. Confused he asked to leave so he could go straighten things out. It was his understanding his lease went till March 31st so he hadn’t packed or made arrangements yet.
An hour and a half later, the update was that he did give his 60 day notice at the first of January to vacate – thus breaking his lease a month early and requiring him to be out by March 2nd. As he came back to get his computer and things I overheard him say, “I can’t believe they didn’t tell me that was the case or remind me to be out”
Lesson – the phrase should be “I’m a moron, and should have read the document I signed”
Example 2 – Another co-worker made a call this morning concerning his daughter and her recent speeding ticket. Apparently she neglected to tell her parents about this issue and now has a warrant out for her arrest. The co-worker was trying to “fix” the ticket to have it go away, but quickly found out that wasn’t an option. So the next step of course was for him to pay it. Now the lesson is a gray area but for me this is the course of action I would choose.
Lesson – Tell the girl to take care of it, and if needed let her go to jail. What better example of consequences is there then a night in the joint! Obviously she wanted to handle it on her own since I wasn’t notified about it when she got it.
Example 3 – Once again, another co-worker has apparently been getting emails from a customer complaining about his services. Finally it came to a head today and he wants to escalate it to upper upper management. I hear her tell management about the situation and that this customer has complained in every email and I quote “he complains so much I don’t read half the emails.” I then hear the manager say “he must be the type of customer that can’t understand and if HE can’t understand then it’s our fault.” – INSAINE
Lesson – Listen to people, read their emails and because you don’t want to be bothered shouldn’t be a sufficient excuse. DO YOUR JOB! Apparently it has become the norm to do the opposite.
End of rant.
Friday, February 20, 2009
I don’t know how much longer I can tolerate it
I know it shouldn’t matter, but one of the best examples of hypocrisy happened today. I have a co-worker who has a birthday on Sunday. Of course the office went out for lunch for her birthday; we signed the obligatory card and even had cake and ice cream. Well today she received a small bouquet of flowers from another member of our team located in another state.
This is the funny part, almost on a daily basis this co-worker complains, speaks ill of and escalates any issue to upper management about this person. Now if it were me, I would feel like an ass or heel. Of course this girl didn’t at all. She called the person who sent her the flowers, thanked her and carried on a small conversation; afterward she started in again about how nice she was to call her back but the girl was still an idiot. I wonder if the other worker would send the flowers if she knew what my co-worker really thought about them.
I should record what I hear daily in this department. You then could witness the phenomenon and hear for yourselves how people can be extremely nice and polite one minute and nasty and vicious the next.
This is the funny part, almost on a daily basis this co-worker complains, speaks ill of and escalates any issue to upper management about this person. Now if it were me, I would feel like an ass or heel. Of course this girl didn’t at all. She called the person who sent her the flowers, thanked her and carried on a small conversation; afterward she started in again about how nice she was to call her back but the girl was still an idiot. I wonder if the other worker would send the flowers if she knew what my co-worker really thought about them.
I should record what I hear daily in this department. You then could witness the phenomenon and hear for yourselves how people can be extremely nice and polite one minute and nasty and vicious the next.
Hopefully you can understand why I dont speak at work.
DisappointingSunday, February 15, 2009
Why are we so . . . . . . Immigrant!
I recently heard that there was a group of ILLEGAL immigrants who were suing a rancher for stopping them from entering the United States illegally. They cite it was a violation of their civil rights.
At first I thought . . naw . . that cant be then found the article and was astounded!
http://washingtontimes.com/news/2009/feb/09/16-illegals-sue-arizona-rancher/
I can understand the need to treat everyone equally no matter what country they are from, what I cant understand is the increasing need for America to give rights and privileges to those who aren’t citizens and not bound by the same obligations the true citizens of this country are.
As this trend continues we will see our rights slip away and our hard work handed out like halloween candy, to those who just show up on our doorstep.
I guess I will have to start looking for a doorstep to show up on my own for my families future.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Grease Lightning
Recently certain actions have been appearing more and more in the corporate world and I find it interesting that people wonder why the country is in the mess it’s currently in.
To get more to the point, each generation has its own flair, its own common trait it’s known for. For example, my parents grew up in the Vietnam era or the 60’s and for the most part the good values remained from their parents. (Of course some were loosened with weed)
Now take my generation, looking back we were called generation X, but actually we should be called the High School’rs. For some reason it seems the majority of those in this generation (who were teens in the late 70’s and 80’s) mentally can’t graduate from high school. Movies like Grease, Dirty Dancing and Ferris Bullers Day off were a weekend staple no matter how many times we had seen them.
Fast forward into adulthood and look at their actions. Jobs are had by who you know and not what you know. While at work you had better be in the popularity contest, if not you will be quickly left behind. Almost all responsibility is avoided in ALL areas. The disappointing thing is that the generation following us is worse yet.
I guesstimate that in 10 to 20 years Jobs will be had by how nice of a present you bring to the interview. Some of the WHO you know will be there as well. Oh and forget about working ANYWHERE if you look like a goon and can afford a designer or knock off designer bag/ and or clothing.
All of this is greatly disheartening to people like me who hold close to what are now becoming ancient values like, integrity, honesty, trustworthy and the ability to be upfront with others.
I agree that networking is a great tool but I don’t think it should be the only tool in filling positions. Unfortunately skills, experience and education have fallen behind networking as requirements.
So my advice to those of you who have children in school, tell them to be social, participate in everything they can. As long as they have a passing grade they will do well if they are the most popular kids at school. Oh and start saving now for that first interview bribe (whoops present) for when they get out of college. They’ll need a good job since by then minimum wage will be $100,000 a year. (With inflation and all)
End of rant
To get more to the point, each generation has its own flair, its own common trait it’s known for. For example, my parents grew up in the Vietnam era or the 60’s and for the most part the good values remained from their parents. (Of course some were loosened with weed)
Now take my generation, looking back we were called generation X, but actually we should be called the High School’rs. For some reason it seems the majority of those in this generation (who were teens in the late 70’s and 80’s) mentally can’t graduate from high school. Movies like Grease, Dirty Dancing and Ferris Bullers Day off were a weekend staple no matter how many times we had seen them.
Fast forward into adulthood and look at their actions. Jobs are had by who you know and not what you know. While at work you had better be in the popularity contest, if not you will be quickly left behind. Almost all responsibility is avoided in ALL areas. The disappointing thing is that the generation following us is worse yet.
I guesstimate that in 10 to 20 years Jobs will be had by how nice of a present you bring to the interview. Some of the WHO you know will be there as well. Oh and forget about working ANYWHERE if you look like a goon and can afford a designer or knock off designer bag/ and or clothing.
All of this is greatly disheartening to people like me who hold close to what are now becoming ancient values like, integrity, honesty, trustworthy and the ability to be upfront with others.
I agree that networking is a great tool but I don’t think it should be the only tool in filling positions. Unfortunately skills, experience and education have fallen behind networking as requirements.
So my advice to those of you who have children in school, tell them to be social, participate in everything they can. As long as they have a passing grade they will do well if they are the most popular kids at school. Oh and start saving now for that first interview bribe (whoops present) for when they get out of college. They’ll need a good job since by then minimum wage will be $100,000 a year. (With inflation and all)
End of rant
Friday, January 30, 2009
To the LEFT
OK, POP Quiz -
There are two lanes to a freeway as a minimum, what is the left lane used for?
A. Kickin it old school so my homies can see my ride?
B. Passing those who go at or under the speed limit?
C. Semi Trucks to caravan in so cars may exit easily?
D. Multitaskers, those who can eat, text, apply makeup, or change their clothes while driving?
and the correct answer is.. . . . . . . . . . . .
B. PASSING
PLEASE People - this is why the autobahn concept wouldn't work in this country! If you want to cruise or go slower, keep your cracker jack a** in the right lane. Too bad if you have to take the car off cruise control!
You're not making the roads any safer by causing the person doing 90 to hit their brakes or try to climb into your backseat. In most instances YOU are making the roads more dangerous.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
THE LIST
Ok, so I have seen this list for a few months now on Blogs and I thought I would put a different spin on mine. Of course the ones in Bold are things I have done. I think once this list is completed it's time for me to Die. Now that I have an end in sight I better get to work!
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland.
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a Praying Mantis.
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train.
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David.
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in movie.
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox.
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Talked your way out of a ticket
Hmmmm after looking at some of these, it looks like I will never die. :)
1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland.
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a Praying Mantis.
10. Sung a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train.
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David.
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in movie.
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone.
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox.
89. Saved someone’s life.
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Talked your way out of a ticket
Hmmmm after looking at some of these, it looks like I will never die. :)
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
DEUTCHLAND
Hmm, I might be the only one but somehow I think in the next 4 years we all will get to experience what Germans felt when Hitler was on his rise to power and attempted world domination.
Let the PROPAGANDA begin!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Changes I have noticed as I get older
For some reason lately I have noticed scouting a bit more and realized there have been changes since I was a boy in the program. The main one that is sort of upsetting is the way Eagle Scouts are completing their service projects.
I am an Eagle Scout and have been most of my scouting years. I will tell you about my service project and tell me if you see a difference in an example of one completed today.
For my service project, I decided to paint the trash cans for the parks and recreation department for our city parks. (It was a smaller town so maybe 50 cans or barrels total)
To complete this project I had to call the Parks and Rec. dept, arrange a place to paint the barrels, find the materials, or someone to donate the materials and coordinate the troop to complete the labor. During all of this my leaders and my father told me they were there if I had a question but basically I was on my own.
Now I had an edge since our family was in the painting business, so the tools and the painting area were easy to arrange. I remember it taking me several weeks to complete the planning and setting up the arrangements. As young as I was, it felt like a great accomplishment and I can see the lessons I learned in what I do today.
Now let’s look at the current projects. So far I have seen 2 boys complete “coat drives” for their project. Now I haven’t completed this but I don’t see how much involvement it takes to set up a box, ask the Church leadership if they can place them in the foyer, and make an announcement. Yeah maybe the boy and his father has to go around picking them up and dropping them off but where is the involvement of the troop? Where is the display of leadership over other scouts?
Maybe the focus is all about the charity now, I think for me it was more about the leading and management skills learned in the process. I don’t see our youth learning much of that and I would hope that that level of scouting would provide that.
But then again, other then when I got my Eagle Badge, my wife has been the only one who has mentioned the Eagle Scout accomplishment. Maybe that distinction has lost its mark in society.
I am an Eagle Scout and have been most of my scouting years. I will tell you about my service project and tell me if you see a difference in an example of one completed today.
For my service project, I decided to paint the trash cans for the parks and recreation department for our city parks. (It was a smaller town so maybe 50 cans or barrels total)
To complete this project I had to call the Parks and Rec. dept, arrange a place to paint the barrels, find the materials, or someone to donate the materials and coordinate the troop to complete the labor. During all of this my leaders and my father told me they were there if I had a question but basically I was on my own.
Now I had an edge since our family was in the painting business, so the tools and the painting area were easy to arrange. I remember it taking me several weeks to complete the planning and setting up the arrangements. As young as I was, it felt like a great accomplishment and I can see the lessons I learned in what I do today.
Now let’s look at the current projects. So far I have seen 2 boys complete “coat drives” for their project. Now I haven’t completed this but I don’t see how much involvement it takes to set up a box, ask the Church leadership if they can place them in the foyer, and make an announcement. Yeah maybe the boy and his father has to go around picking them up and dropping them off but where is the involvement of the troop? Where is the display of leadership over other scouts?
Maybe the focus is all about the charity now, I think for me it was more about the leading and management skills learned in the process. I don’t see our youth learning much of that and I would hope that that level of scouting would provide that.
But then again, other then when I got my Eagle Badge, my wife has been the only one who has mentioned the Eagle Scout accomplishment. Maybe that distinction has lost its mark in society.
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