With the end to the calendar year looming, the Internet and TV are overloaded with lists of the best of 2010 in numerous areas, from celebrity romance to best music. While most are overwhelmingly annoyed with the amount of lists and TV specials on the subject, I am fascinated by the annual pandemic.
It's the time of year when people pause from life's hysteria and look back at the past 12 months to reflect and take stock. What did you do this past year -- did you get married, divorced or start a new romance? Did you start a new job? What changed? It's a progress report but this time you are both teacher and student -- learning and advising.
It's also the time when people reflect on what hasn't changed. Are you still smoking? Are you still working a job you hate? Did you not lose those pounds you so were so motivated about at the beginning of 2010? Are you in the same life position as last year at this time, reflecting on the year and being disappointed?
We all do it -- there's something about the start of a new year, starting January over, that feels like a fresh start, like a rainfall washing away last year's mistakes and setbacks. People don't think in terms of getting older, but starting over. This time they will lose weight or stop smoking or quit their job or end their failing marriage. This time will be different. You don't want another year to pass by and be in the same situation. It's the ultimate renewal.
There is no seizing the day to this annual rubbish. It's an excuse -- like looking at a hunk of chocolate and saying, "I'll start my diet tomorrow" and then chowing down. The motivating factor is soon gone and when "tomorrow" comes, there are always more tomorrows for your reasoning.
The best way to stop smoking or lose weight or whatever it is that bothers you is to do it! Today is the perfect day, right now. Even if you already ate something fattening today or smoked cigarettes or whatever, so what? Instead of thinking in days or months or years, think in terms of minutes and seconds because you don't know when your final second will come, your final heart beat, your final breath, your final thought.
Friday, December 31, 2010
Monday, December 27, 2010
Barack Obama's waste of time
Really? Barry O ... I've made excuses for you since your election, telling people that change doesn't happen overnight, that you're doing the best you can with the given situation, blah blah blah. So when I learned today that you called Philadelphia Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie to thank and congratulate him for giving monster Michael Vick a second chance, making a worldwide statement ... I sighed with disgust. Really?
As president of the United States, you have the floor, people across the world are in waiting for your thoughts, feelings and actions, whether they like you or hate your guts. With this floor comes the accepted understanding that you are a busy man, with wars, a bad economy, terrorism, high unemployment, etc. So to make a public statement like this with such a busy schedule, makes people pay attention.
Why on Earth would this be on your to-do list for the day or for ever? Michael Vick is a convicted monster. Does he deserve to be unemployed forever? No. Does he deserve to be re-instated into the NFL, which is a privilege, where he is idolized by impressionable children, makes millions of dollars and lives in luxury. Hell no. He didn't just make a mistake, he made a serious of mistakes for a long time and was only "sorry" after he got caught, which happens to most criminals! He was told by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that his conduct was "not only illegal, but also cruel and reprehensible." Pretty strong words.
People deserve second chances but you shouldn't forget about their mistakes, especially if they were heinous. Vick deserves a second chance but he does not deserve to be a part of the NFL because he broke the rules and does not deserve the privilege. Shame on you Obama for making this statement. Yeah, you are probably fishing for votes but to make such a statement really is stupid and a waste of your time. How about trying to fix the state of affairs for the U.S. instead of trying to get votes and praise a monster! How about using a true success story as an example, like an individual who made a mistake but then worked to turn their life around, not some overpaid monster.
As president of the United States, you have the floor, people across the world are in waiting for your thoughts, feelings and actions, whether they like you or hate your guts. With this floor comes the accepted understanding that you are a busy man, with wars, a bad economy, terrorism, high unemployment, etc. So to make a public statement like this with such a busy schedule, makes people pay attention.
Why on Earth would this be on your to-do list for the day or for ever? Michael Vick is a convicted monster. Does he deserve to be unemployed forever? No. Does he deserve to be re-instated into the NFL, which is a privilege, where he is idolized by impressionable children, makes millions of dollars and lives in luxury. Hell no. He didn't just make a mistake, he made a serious of mistakes for a long time and was only "sorry" after he got caught, which happens to most criminals! He was told by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell that his conduct was "not only illegal, but also cruel and reprehensible." Pretty strong words.
People deserve second chances but you shouldn't forget about their mistakes, especially if they were heinous. Vick deserves a second chance but he does not deserve to be a part of the NFL because he broke the rules and does not deserve the privilege. Shame on you Obama for making this statement. Yeah, you are probably fishing for votes but to make such a statement really is stupid and a waste of your time. How about trying to fix the state of affairs for the U.S. instead of trying to get votes and praise a monster! How about using a true success story as an example, like an individual who made a mistake but then worked to turn their life around, not some overpaid monster.
Hugh Hefner and vanity
The World Wide Web is buzzing with news of Hugh Hefner presenting his 24-year-old girlfriend, Crystal Harris, with an engagement ring on Christmas Eve. Normally news of a holiday engagement would fill me with fuzzy feelings of cliche-ridden envy, but with Hefner's age peaking years ago and, at 84, on a free-fall towards earning him 72 virgins and a one-way ticket to hell ... all I think is why? What's the point?
Yes ... as her wikipage notes, she is blonde, 34-25-35, 5'6", 124 pounds, D-cup (yes I got this all from wikipedia) which equals American men panting vigorously from closed bathroom doors, but that's not what I thought of when I saw the announcement on yahoo.com's homepage (which, as their big news of the day, makes me sad).
Hugh Hefner is 84. He can claim this young, hot blonde as his (grunt grunt), but dude, you're old as shit. Come on. I could go on and on about this girl wanting you for your money and fame (After beginning dating him, the struggling musician signed a recording contract ... shocker!), but the relationship and engagement is embarassing. Instead of it being seen as a reason for men and some women across the globe to be envious, I find it sad. Very sad.
You have a lot of money and fame, so you can get stereotypically hot women. So what? You look like an idiot, a creepy idiot. I'm not putting down anyone who dates older people. From five years older to even 25 years older ... it's done all the time and isn't that big of a deal. But when you're 84 and past your prime, when you're probably more concerned with buying the right type of Depends or Metamucil or hearing aid, it's time to throw in the towel (not as in it's time to die but it's time to realize you aren't a pussymagnet). When you are that old and known for not being able to "perform," what's the point? You can't do anything with her, she's just arm candy.
I guess some may say since he is the mogul of Playboy, he must have a Playgirl by his side. How about one that's like 40 or 50? That would make more sense. Seeing a picture of Hefner with that blonde bimbo makes my stomach uneasy. Your mind quickly goes to A. he's in it because he thinks she's very hot. B. He think she's hot so he's sexually attracted to her. C. He is going to have some sort of sexual relation with her. D. An image of him naked. Gross.
Yes ... as her wikipage notes, she is blonde, 34-25-35, 5'6", 124 pounds, D-cup (yes I got this all from wikipedia) which equals American men panting vigorously from closed bathroom doors, but that's not what I thought of when I saw the announcement on yahoo.com's homepage (which, as their big news of the day, makes me sad).
Hugh Hefner is 84. He can claim this young, hot blonde as his (grunt grunt), but dude, you're old as shit. Come on. I could go on and on about this girl wanting you for your money and fame (After beginning dating him, the struggling musician signed a recording contract ... shocker!), but the relationship and engagement is embarassing. Instead of it being seen as a reason for men and some women across the globe to be envious, I find it sad. Very sad.
You have a lot of money and fame, so you can get stereotypically hot women. So what? You look like an idiot, a creepy idiot. I'm not putting down anyone who dates older people. From five years older to even 25 years older ... it's done all the time and isn't that big of a deal. But when you're 84 and past your prime, when you're probably more concerned with buying the right type of Depends or Metamucil or hearing aid, it's time to throw in the towel (not as in it's time to die but it's time to realize you aren't a pussymagnet). When you are that old and known for not being able to "perform," what's the point? You can't do anything with her, she's just arm candy.
I guess some may say since he is the mogul of Playboy, he must have a Playgirl by his side. How about one that's like 40 or 50? That would make more sense. Seeing a picture of Hefner with that blonde bimbo makes my stomach uneasy. Your mind quickly goes to A. he's in it because he thinks she's very hot. B. He think she's hot so he's sexually attracted to her. C. He is going to have some sort of sexual relation with her. D. An image of him naked. Gross.
Friday, December 17, 2010
Myths and truth
What would you think if someone confided in you something typically thought of as outlandish? From the pleasant -- Santa Claus is real -- to the sinister -- they had a run-in with a vampire, a zombie or a demon. Would you quickly think their confession was bogus or would there be a part of your thinking that wasn't shocked into disbelief? A small tickle at the back of your mind that said: "Oh man, they are real!"
I'm not talking about what you would think after getting all the facts and making a decision. I mean your gut reaction to their confession.
People are quick to deny anything they can't understand or don't want to understand. If vampires were real, for example, this would change day-to-day life and the balance between folklore and truth. These mythological creatures of ancient lore would no longer be something merely scaring teenagers on the big screen in blockbuster movies a couple times a year, but lurking in the shadows or whatever the legend leads us to believe. You know, pale skin, dark clothing, fangs, coffins ...
Maybe vampires are real and they spread the lore so people will be cautious OR so people think the legend is bogus so they can live freely and no one would suspect a thing. Then they create more and more movies and literature about themselves, making it more and more accepted that vampires are bogus.
I just watched the 2008 version of "Let the Right One In" (which I highly recommend). In addition to highlighting bullying and murder, the film is about a vampire. As the bodies pile up, I couldn't stop wondering what I would think if someone told me vampires were real or if I read about it in the newspaper. Bodies, sucked dry of blood. Two teeth marks on the neck. Would you believe it?
I'm not talking about what you would think after getting all the facts and making a decision. I mean your gut reaction to their confession.
People are quick to deny anything they can't understand or don't want to understand. If vampires were real, for example, this would change day-to-day life and the balance between folklore and truth. These mythological creatures of ancient lore would no longer be something merely scaring teenagers on the big screen in blockbuster movies a couple times a year, but lurking in the shadows or whatever the legend leads us to believe. You know, pale skin, dark clothing, fangs, coffins ...
Maybe vampires are real and they spread the lore so people will be cautious OR so people think the legend is bogus so they can live freely and no one would suspect a thing. Then they create more and more movies and literature about themselves, making it more and more accepted that vampires are bogus.
I just watched the 2008 version of "Let the Right One In" (which I highly recommend). In addition to highlighting bullying and murder, the film is about a vampire. As the bodies pile up, I couldn't stop wondering what I would think if someone told me vampires were real or if I read about it in the newspaper. Bodies, sucked dry of blood. Two teeth marks on the neck. Would you believe it?
Friday, December 3, 2010
NFL not just for heroes
A headline in the news today had me confused ... "Pittsburgh Steelers list Ben Roethlisberger as questionable." Yes, very questionable indeed.
Although the article discusses the broken bone in his right foot that may keep him from playing in Sunday's big game against rivals the Baltimore Ravens, my first thought was questionable in terms of character.
Big Ben, who I often refer to as Ben Rapelsberger, has been in the news over the past year or so for more than his good throwing arm. Two sexual assault allegations, one resulting in his six-game (later reduced to four) suspension. Story is he likes to pick up drunk-ass college chicks at college bars (who doesn't?). However, Benny Boy likes to get his bodyguard to usher them into the bathroom so he can share what he's working with (which makes me think of Brett Favre sexting pics of his wang -- not something I'd define as a turn on for most ladies).
Being in the NFL is a privilege. While males across the U.S. work 9 to 5 jobs, climb the corporate later and put in overtime doing work they typically don't enjoy, NFL players toss around the pigskin, playing the all American game of football for millions of dollars. The workouts and trainings are hard, don't get me wrong, but the bottom line is that they play a game for millions. Playing for big name teams, they are thrust into the spotlight and with this shining light comes attention from young and old, impressionable and impassive.
Most boys and some girls begin watching football early on with the male (typically) role models in their lives -- uncles, fathers, older brothers. It's a pastime that is passed down from generation to generation. Men and women alike spend hundreds of dollars and hours devoted to a football team each year, the wins and the losses. It's a large part of their lives -- preseason, the draft, regular season, playoffs, the Superbowl, injuries, paying $8+ for a draft beer at the stadium, etc.
What I don't understand is how people like Big Ben or Michael Vick (who served time in prison for an illegal dog fighting ring) are allowed to play with such misconduct in their personal lives. When I see Michael Vick on the big screen, I am filled with anger and disgust. A convicted monster (Vick) is given the privilege of playing football. He gets paid millions of dollars and lives a life of luxury even though he is a criminal!
Of course we know why he was allowed back -- he's a good player, but think about the children that watch the Eagles and see his strong throwing arm and think, "wow, I want to be like Michael Vick." What are you going to do? Tell your child to not root for Vick or Benny? When he asks "why daddy," what are you going to say?
The whole thing leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
The NFL needs to have more respect for the tradition of professional football and not allow these undesirables the privilege!
Although the article discusses the broken bone in his right foot that may keep him from playing in Sunday's big game against rivals the Baltimore Ravens, my first thought was questionable in terms of character.
Big Ben, who I often refer to as Ben Rapelsberger, has been in the news over the past year or so for more than his good throwing arm. Two sexual assault allegations, one resulting in his six-game (later reduced to four) suspension. Story is he likes to pick up drunk-ass college chicks at college bars (who doesn't?). However, Benny Boy likes to get his bodyguard to usher them into the bathroom so he can share what he's working with (which makes me think of Brett Favre sexting pics of his wang -- not something I'd define as a turn on for most ladies).
Being in the NFL is a privilege. While males across the U.S. work 9 to 5 jobs, climb the corporate later and put in overtime doing work they typically don't enjoy, NFL players toss around the pigskin, playing the all American game of football for millions of dollars. The workouts and trainings are hard, don't get me wrong, but the bottom line is that they play a game for millions. Playing for big name teams, they are thrust into the spotlight and with this shining light comes attention from young and old, impressionable and impassive.
Most boys and some girls begin watching football early on with the male (typically) role models in their lives -- uncles, fathers, older brothers. It's a pastime that is passed down from generation to generation. Men and women alike spend hundreds of dollars and hours devoted to a football team each year, the wins and the losses. It's a large part of their lives -- preseason, the draft, regular season, playoffs, the Superbowl, injuries, paying $8+ for a draft beer at the stadium, etc.
What I don't understand is how people like Big Ben or Michael Vick (who served time in prison for an illegal dog fighting ring) are allowed to play with such misconduct in their personal lives. When I see Michael Vick on the big screen, I am filled with anger and disgust. A convicted monster (Vick) is given the privilege of playing football. He gets paid millions of dollars and lives a life of luxury even though he is a criminal!
Of course we know why he was allowed back -- he's a good player, but think about the children that watch the Eagles and see his strong throwing arm and think, "wow, I want to be like Michael Vick." What are you going to do? Tell your child to not root for Vick or Benny? When he asks "why daddy," what are you going to say?
The whole thing leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
The NFL needs to have more respect for the tradition of professional football and not allow these undesirables the privilege!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Grammy Awards ... and the nominees are ...
... "creators" of mostly stale, unoriginal notes, beats and nonsense.
I can't be the only one who has stopped listening to new music -- not listening to music on the radio or downloading new songs or albums from iTunes. I haven't watched a new music video -- or a music video for that matter -- for at least 10 years.
Maybe I'm getting long in the tooth but as I read the hype about the recent Grammy nods -- who's in and whose feelings got miffed -- I am indifferent. Is there any new music?
Obviously there are millions of people across the world who care, you are surfing the web or TV for news about the nominees and their reactions to being nominated ... blah blah blah ... but I can't find any interest -- except for the fashion part of the event, which I review the day after the big soiree on the Internet, eyeballing the photos as if I could afford any of those threads or looks.
I'm not so out of the loop that I don't know and enjoy some of the nominees ... Eminem, Cee-Lo, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga ... as for the rest, I either don't recognize the name or do but never listened to their work. I only listen to the radio for talk or for oldies (I'm talking '90s and later). I won't switch it off if a new song comes on but I don't search them out.
I attribute this love of new music to youth, budding teenagers meet these artists as their first taste of the music scene, the first drop that will linger in their system forever. To them, this is new because of their lack of past experiences with older music to use as comparison or this isn't their first taste but they hate their parents so much that they also hate their musical tastes, as well as their fashion, speech and overall existence. I remember my youth and the bands and musicians I was obsessed with, their posters glued to my wall, their notes screaming out of my headphones as if they knew exactly what I was going through and could help.
What I don't understand are the older folk. Yeah, I like Lady Gaga, but I love older stuff. Music is like relationships: human beings are only capable of handling so many close friends. Isn't it the same for music? There are people who will fall for anything new, new music, new restaurant, new TV show, new books, new clothing styles, new, new new ... check me out, I know what's cool!
Stop cheating on your first love with these posers! Love the one you're with.
I can't be the only one who has stopped listening to new music -- not listening to music on the radio or downloading new songs or albums from iTunes. I haven't watched a new music video -- or a music video for that matter -- for at least 10 years.
Maybe I'm getting long in the tooth but as I read the hype about the recent Grammy nods -- who's in and whose feelings got miffed -- I am indifferent. Is there any new music?
Obviously there are millions of people across the world who care, you are surfing the web or TV for news about the nominees and their reactions to being nominated ... blah blah blah ... but I can't find any interest -- except for the fashion part of the event, which I review the day after the big soiree on the Internet, eyeballing the photos as if I could afford any of those threads or looks.
I'm not so out of the loop that I don't know and enjoy some of the nominees ... Eminem, Cee-Lo, Jay-Z, Lady Gaga ... as for the rest, I either don't recognize the name or do but never listened to their work. I only listen to the radio for talk or for oldies (I'm talking '90s and later). I won't switch it off if a new song comes on but I don't search them out.
I attribute this love of new music to youth, budding teenagers meet these artists as their first taste of the music scene, the first drop that will linger in their system forever. To them, this is new because of their lack of past experiences with older music to use as comparison or this isn't their first taste but they hate their parents so much that they also hate their musical tastes, as well as their fashion, speech and overall existence. I remember my youth and the bands and musicians I was obsessed with, their posters glued to my wall, their notes screaming out of my headphones as if they knew exactly what I was going through and could help.
What I don't understand are the older folk. Yeah, I like Lady Gaga, but I love older stuff. Music is like relationships: human beings are only capable of handling so many close friends. Isn't it the same for music? There are people who will fall for anything new, new music, new restaurant, new TV show, new books, new clothing styles, new, new new ... check me out, I know what's cool!
Stop cheating on your first love with these posers! Love the one you're with.
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