Surviving a tough year

This is a sobering post. I wish I could say all is well, but that isn't my nature. When beginning a new job with new promise just north of Atlanta, I thought this is finally it. Now, I can begin a career. And what a beginning it was.

I drove up a narrow stretch of road to a majestic, post-modern facility. A few long, glass doors were directly in front of me. Inside, an affable, attractive young receptionist calls for the President of the company. He arrives.

We sat down for about 20 minutes, knowing I delivered another one of those great first impressions. Everything he said sold me. "We're laid back, have a family-like environment,..." He even offered to let me try the job out for two weeks and decide whether or not this is for me. Pass. I'll take the job and finally, I'm on salary. He even offered to cover my expenses which included staying in a hotel for two weeks. How great it was.

I trained under an older, wirey flamboyant guy who had been with the company for several years. He made everything look routine. No problems. He did forewarn me that "you have to prioritize what you do around here. You'll feel overwhelmed if you don't." O.k. Point well taken.

Kenny slightly resembles Morgan Freeman's voice except he's quite a bit shorter in staure and frankly, mentality to go along with it. After a week, I felt somewhat confident to take over. I knew to this point every one seemed tolerant I was new there. Boy, I was sorely naive.

The days went by and with them, the stress increased. It became unbearable. My heart raced at night. Sleep became difficult. How much more demands will be added tomorrow.

This will continue with some more lighthearted moments shared. In short, I went from an executive-type position to incoming receptionist with my time at this place waning in the balance. Santa knows I need high heels now. Besides, I'm much prettier than the one they've got now. Remember what Richard Pryor did in The Toy?

Everything I oppose exists at this company. I might've stated this before, but your average company thinks and acts like a psychopath. A 2004 documentary, The Corporation, sheds light on this ugly truth. Take the entity and look at it as an individual. That's what it is. It has a callous disregard for any human compassion and emotion.

The health care reform bill is a step in the right direction. I'm disappointed some other progressives don't look at this as historic. Other major pieces of legislation took years to finally cover everyone. I look at this in the same light.

Afterlife experiences

"Let there be, let there always be neverending light," VNV Nation -- song 'Perpetual'

The burning question we have, What am I doing here and what happens after I die? Here's a very interesting article posted on CNN's website. Do people really experience a taste of the afterlife or are there scientific explanations out there on why people might experience vivid dreams while being brought back to life?

http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/10/16/cheating.near.death/index.html

Keith Olbermann delivers a timeless 'Special Comment'

The battle for health care reform will be ingrained in my memory til my death. There is nothing that takes priority over quality of life, and Keith delivered one of those commentaries last night one might look back on and simply say, "Thank you." Here is the encore in case you missed it:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#33217219

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#33217296

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#33217346

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#33217446

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#33217592

Are we really the greatest country?

As one might see on here under my interests, I'm a huge Boston Red Sox fan and hate the New York Yankees. Compare the two. Games at Fenway Park are sold out throughout the season. The team does more for charity than perhaps all major league baseball teams combined. It's a way of life in New England. Now, let's look at the Yankees' business model.

When attending a game at Yankee Stadium, vendors sell only Yankee paraphenalia. The seats on the front row during this very difficult economic time range from a thousand on upward. This is why you don't see the stadium filled up, unless the Red Sox are in town. The team has to conform to a strict physical appearance code -- no long hair. Basically, this is a microcosm of your typical workplace; once you enter the office doors, you lose your democratic rights.

Every time Michael Moore has done a documentary, nothing changes. In fact, conditions seem to worsen. He's demonized by the monopolized radio medium and for his new one, "Capitalism: A Love Story," I'm waiting to hear the first person say he favors Socialism. Time and time again, I keep saying capitalism is great for those earning more than $250,000. If you don't, well, you can consider yourself working under a feudalist system. People who watch his documentaries are enamored by his hard-hitting list of facts, quick wit, and personal stories that affect anyone with a conscience. But once the film is over, it's back to business as usual.

Robin came in town last week and just arrived in Augusta last night. We spent the weekend in Helen for Oktoberfest. We had a blast and she reminded me of all the different cutural events, castles, history, and recreation Germany has to offer. "If you visited there, you wouldn't want to come back," she told me. She has a point. Politicians say we live in the greatest country to get elected and we've always had this strong nationalism pushed down our throats. Let's look at recent statistics.

We shun immigrants who come to this country. Naturally, you don't see immigrants from Europe yearning to come here. And why should they? The poor and poverty stricken aren't living in squalor there. They have a health system that far surpasses ours. They aren't obsessed with carrying firearms and killing off each other like we are. They truly value family and as a result, spend more time away from work. They aren't stricken with obesity and offer plentiful recreation facilities for kids. Add walking and mass transit systems instead of personal motor vehicles to a healthier lifestyle. This is just for starters without going into education.

Robin had already seen "District 9" and strongly recommended it. I'm strongly doing the same for anyone who reads this. It's a documentary film style with great cinematography and what I expected by seeing a brief preview. Yes, there is sympathy shown for an unlikely character. The film begins a tad slow but picks up quickly.

Change you don't believe in

What the hell is going on inside people's heads these days? I've seen the health insurance industry led protests at these town halls and am literally sickened by how disgusting these people are. What the hell goes on inside their heads? You see swastikas, images comparing Obama to Hitler (No individual in history can be compared to the biggest mass murderer. The insurance companies are catching up though), and the other greatest lie, "No to Socialism." We don't even have strong, organized unions in more than half this country. What data do you have suggesting this country remotely is overrun by Socialism? Here's a little stat: Less than 1 percent, yes, 1 percent of this country is run by socialism. I know the Glenn Becks and other prostitutes for the insurance industry might want to check out early at one of those death panels if forced to report that fact. And quite frankly, it would serve us better as a whole if the so-called Greatest Generation moves on to the death panels with the Glenn Becks of the world. They're the ones holding everyone else back. I'm obviously being facitious here, but this illustrates just how stupid the average self-absorbed, apathetic American is. And the rhetorical question you hear from these people whining, "What about what will be left for our children and grandchildren?" Give me a break. They could care less.

If I sound cold-hearted here, you're damn right. I don't tolerate seeing people denied their basic right to care and my immediate family is no exception. Where are all those people who organized for Obama in '08? That was easy. Now, you actually have to do something. Lyndon Johnson said he wouldn't pass Civil Rights legislation until people demanded he did so. Well? Where are you people? Why these nuts who shout with ignorance and blind stupidity aren't silenced is beyond comprehension?

Peaceful protests are an order here. We should attend these Republicans' town halls and simply ask this, "Do you like your government-run insurance plan?" If they try to divert, ask them to specifically list what they don't like about their insurance as a member of Congress. You will see more and more tongue tied; I promise you that.

Spread the message to clergy leaders, friends, and family why a public option will save, yes, save everyone in the long-term. Continue following what transpires. Don't let the interests of a powerful few defeat the majority of us as a whole.

The 3 D's -- Disrupt, Distract, Defeat

Look below the title of this blog and read it. Over the course of the 20th and 21st centuries, it should come as no surprise what we see transpiring. Older white people who want to stay the course are using the age-old, "I'm fine. Don't tread on me," argument. That is until these people lose their jobs or personally affected when it comes to health care reform.

Here is what I would like to see from Democrats and the White House, besides growing a spine. Explain in detail how a public option will save money in the long term. Republicans do have a legitimate argument when not shouting about the accumulating deficit. Assure us how this competitive addition will benefit everyone on a public or private plan. This way, we can avoid the corporate slaves who are eternally indebted to the likes of Milton Friedman.

You've been birthirized

I've been puzzled over the last six months over the controversy of whether President Barack Obama is a naturalized citizen. A few days ago, I knew the charge was bogus. Here on this planet, we were introduced to Orly Taitz, a missing link from the Haley's Comet cult. Her face and gravity don't go together and her hairstyle is a cutout from the 50s.

The birther movement produced a forged and phony birth certificate. You would think these people would be more cunning. A notary was named after a laundry detergent? Come on. Then, these people said he was born in the Republic of Kenya when it didn't become one until December of that year. Let's hope we can put this to rest and return to what's really important -- jobs and true health care reform.

Changing of the guard

I haven't posted in awhile. This new job I've taken on comes with high pressure, stress, and profound humility. There's never a dull moment for the 8, 9, and occasional, 10 hour work day. Paper work mounts on my new desk. Purchase orders come in like clockwork. Continous contact with our distributors, major accounts, shipping department, and colleagues is daily routine. Now, I leave what was comfortable and controllable.

My good friends and family are at a distance despite daily phone calls on our days during the evenings. The Motel 6 stay (no, I didn't want to place a huge burden on my company's expenditures) now turns to a new apartment. This place is still foreign. I'm confident this will work out with a great boss and hopefully, new friends along the way.

Praise our country's blessings and continue fighting for progress

Watching Saving Private Ryan several years ago, tears streamed down my face. American troops stormed the beaches of Normandy and confronted fierce resistance. Many didn't return home, and my grandfather was carried to a camp by one of his fellow soldiers after a piece of shrapnel sliced through his leg. Precious minutes determined his fate.

My grandfather returned to a camp with an article of his clothing used to apply pressure to the open wound. He began praying, and he saw a priest walking by the camp. He asked the priest to read him his Last Rites, but the priest coldly responded, "I'm sorry. I only have time for the living."
Read more at examiner.com under Religion & Spirituality.

Moving on up to the northwest side

I've been offered an attractive management position outside Atlanta. This has been a very exciting time and look forward to working with another outstanding group of people. So, au revoir Augusta. I 'm also freelance writing for a great online publication, examiner.com. Feel free to visit and you'll find me under Augusta Liberal Christian Examiner. After the first article, you won't see the preachy tone; don't worry. It's more of an outlet to expand my love for writing on here and although it might be minimal pay, I'm very grateful to work for a publication that has so much to offer. Visit examiner.com and you'll understand what I'm talking about.

Harold and Kumar kick ass

I ended up watching Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay last night, thinking this film would be like many of the other stupid spoof movies i.e. Scary Movie. It wasn't. Harold and Kumar presented themselves as a hybrid of geeks and Beavis and Butthead. I loved how the film played on stereotypes and here are two brief examples, so I don't ruin it.

On their journey, they met Neil Patrick Harris, the actor who played the squeaky, geeky prodigy, Doogie Howser M.D. They're relieved to see him, knowing he will drive them to where they need to go. However, Neil began taking copius amounts of shrooms and began hallucinating through the drive. Although they were shocked by Neil's drug use, their conversations with him on relationships taps into their commonalities. A few great lines Neil uses: "I'm ready to get my fuck on." "I'm ready to rock out with my cock out."

The second meeting is with our former Prez., W. He takes them inside his recreation room where there are cutouts from magazines of naked women hanging on the wall. There's a joint Kumar sees in an ashtray. He asks him why he's hypocritical for smoking it while making it illegal for everyone else. He proceeds to ask Kumar the following: "Let me ask you something Kumar. Do you like giving hand jobs?" "No." "Do you like getting hand jobs?" "Yeah," Kumar responds with a wide-eyed grin. "O.k. Well, that makes you a hypocriticizer." Great Bushism and his grammatically incorrect use of the English language is timeless.

This was one of the best comedic films I've seen in awhile. I highly recommend it.

Liz' 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' policy

Many people I've been around are easily offended by the smallest of things. Basically, they're just miserable people. Whenever they've tried to lower me to their level, I'm quick to lower them down another notch with sarcasm. This is what you can expect when watching Keith Olbermann's Countdown and how he exposes nutcases every night. Last night, his producers did a reenactment of a woman who let's just say appeared to internally combust at any moment. This is too good for even the most talented comedians to script. Hilarious.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#31435502

Great editorial by Bill Maher slamming Pres. Obama's weakness to appease all

Don't you just love the nonsensical rants Republicans have made recently on health care reform? Here's one I love: We don't want a government bureaucrat getting in the way of a patient and his doctor. Personally, you can fill the room with bureaucrats and while we're at it, you can even have them watch if my doctor uses a surgical instrument to go up my anus. All I care about is that bill I pay at the cashier counter.

You know, I talked with an elderly friend of mine yesterday. He's a self-described Truman Democrat who told me about his recent visit to his doctor. The doctor was incensed that a little money might be taken out of his pocket if this country adopts a government public option plan. This doctor earns about $6 million a year and complained about how much he had to pay for his facility. Tough shit. In many industrialized countries, it's illegal to practice medicine for profit. So, do you want your care provided by someone who is in the profession for the paycheck or someone who truly loves the practice of healing the sick?

This is another unavoidable truth Obama should address and those doctors in the AMA union, think and act just like my elderly friend's doctor. Currently, we're not seeing that aggressive push a majority of Americans are desperately seeking. The longer this push stalls, the more unlikely this will pass Congress.

The banks are another huge problem. I'd love to see the tax money I've paid along with all of you going into real change: firing every son-of-a-bitch in upper management who screwed all of us and their employees. Take Merrill Lynch as an example. They worked the shit out of their employees -- extremely long hours, minimal pay, and gave them a pink slip with minimum compensation. In the meantime, these top execs. walked away with millions before selling off to Bank of America.

Here's Bill Maher's New Rules segment from last Friday's show:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVl_oix5MTQ

Climate Change -- More than just rhetoric
"How a nation treats its animals is how a nation deserves to be treated," Gandhi

Some time ago, I was riding in the car with my dad. I looked out the passenger side window and noticed a heavily wooded area had been cleared for development. Another franchised retail outfit was set to be built. This was the last thing this area needed.

"Oh, great. Let's clear more trees for another business we don't need."

"Trees don't grow jobs," he sarcastically replied.

Point well taken. However, there's a flipside to that coin. I'm encouraged when businesses make conscientious efforts to plant trees around its structures. This has a great impact on reducing energy costs. There's another broader issue to this though and it has to do with dominionism. Since the majority of our country still identifies themselves as Christians, I feel dominionism has been perverted over the years.

A parent sends his or her child to school. How do you think this parent wants the child returned? Obviously, you want the child to be returned in the same condition or better than before. This same concept should be applied to nature. What we take away from nature should be returned and restored in as good or better shape than before. This is where the majority of Evangelicals and right-wing chatter boxes love to blame a boogeyman like Al Gore.

I remember being subjected to the numb and dumb talking heads like Neal Boortz and Rush Limbaugh at a few different workplaces. Environmentalism drives them nuts. Take the Alaskan National Wildlife Arctic Refuge (ANWAR) and drilling oil there as an example. They cherry pick this area and say things like, "The environmental wackos are wanting to stop our oil shortages by protecting a bunch of caribou." First and foremost, this argument is literally meaningless. There's much more diverse wildlife there than caribou. Second, studies have shown it would take 50 years in this area to provide us with what we receive on average in one year. Finally, oil drilling is a public health hazard to all wildlife, including us.

I forgive these narrow-minded views to just tear everything down for our own petty interests. Once again, this all stems back to the Reagan era when the Religious Right became empowered and have completely decimated the Separation of Church and State that Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Benjamin Franklin, and Roger Williams warned us about; you know, the Founding Fathers. We are and always have been meant to be a secular nation.

The process for Evangelicals who do believe in environmentalism and influencing their fellow believers is a slow, gradual one. It's encouraging to see more and more turn from mocking climate change as a hoax to a crisis needed to be taken seriously. Here's an alarming article by CNN:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/06/10/climate.change.refugees/index.html

Michael Moore continues to stay ahead of the curve and adding a great video from a recently discovered brilliant director

Documentary filmmaker Michael Moore stepped up to the podium to receive his Oscar for Best Documentary, Bowling for Columbine. Instead of the typical speech you hear delivered praising all those surrounding him, he attacked President Bush over our invasion of Iraq. The so-called Hollywood liberals were offended and responded with a chorus of boos. Where was he wrong?

I've enjoyed his documentaries and his most recent one, Sicko, received high praise. There were some broad generalizations made I knew weren't accurate. For example, he walked into a hospital in England where there wasn't a cashier asking for money like our country. He was elated. Their system isn't perfect either and here's why.

There's an ongoing debate in the United Kingdom over prescription drug costs. People who are milking the system and needlessly receiving the drugs are driving costs up for the lower and middle class. They practice that evil SOCIALIZED MEDICINE (translation: the government provides all the plans and options for the people and there isn't a single private company involved). This was really the only qualm I had with the film. Otherwise, he delivered another powerful punch, having those affected by greedy insurers tell their heartbreaking stories.

Moore's latest documentary will expose how our wealthiest top 1 percent literally stole from the rest of us. Some I've spoke to on here are under the impression I'm a hypocrite and yes, I changed my opinion over the first TARP phase for bailing out the banks. Why? Naturally, I didn't read the entire bill. What I did learn from multiple sources was a band aid treatment to the problem. There was still no oversight involved or strings attached to hold these greedy, incompetent buffoons accountable. Here's an article from USA Today on Moore's latest project:

http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2009-06-10-michael-moore-inside_N.htm

Check your area for VNV Nation shows at vnvnation.com and what this video says about nature, humanity, and our continuing relationship throughout history with technology for better or worse

There are few bands I've heard who strike the right chords through their music and lyrics that nurture my soul. VNV Nation is one of those special bands. One friend is more open-minded to their sound, while everyone else says, "I'm not into techno." Personally, I really can't pinpoint a genre they represent, and everything I've heard presents different soundscapes.

This particular video was posted with clips from an innovative film director, Ron Fricke. I highly doubt I can check these films out at my local video store or On Demand. Reading up on Fricke, he was praised by one genius director, Francis Ford Coppola, and contributed to one of the Star Wars prequels with legendary director and visionary, George Lucas. I like Fricke's concept to integrate multiple themes in his works, greatness and destructiveness of humanity, and our continued relationship with technology.

VNV Nation will be playing at The Masquerade in Atlanta on July 23. It's in an unsavory part of the city with crack dealers nearby (based on my last experience nearly a decade ago coming from The Afghan Whigs' concert) but uniquely structured in its interior. From the outside, it appears to be an old, rickety three-story building. It was formally used as a firehouse. Once inside, certain rooms still have long, thick wooden beams at ceiling level. The bars have a postmodern appearance with long, glossy countertops and neon lit shelves containing multiple bottles of liquor and mixers. I was impressed and would love to sit down, have a Guiness or two, with these guys. There seems to be common approaches we take on humanity. Trivia question: This female pop artist earns more than any other musician. What video of hers is influenced by Fricke's work? Here's the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oUJ6UMhMguY

Change Won't Happen, Unless...

I want world peace. This is the pat statement you typically hear at beauty pageants with no cerebral, analytical details on how to achieve it. Yes, it's been awhile since my last post, and after countless hours spent reflecting and reviewing how to change my life for the better, I still want to refer you to my last post.

You had avant-garde filmmaker David Lynch quote Maharshi by saying forget about watering the leaves, it's the root that needs to be treated. After my nine day stay with family in Nebraska, our dysfunctionality never ceases. One cousin is in the process of losing his wife and four children. Simply, the root is a lack of communication to perfect he and his wife's long-term relationship. There was some crazy drama involved I don't want to delve into.

Here is a list of what I feel needs to be changed:

1.) We need to have a very limited military presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. I oppose both of these occupations, because we have approximately 250,000 contractors in these two theaters. Like our country, the predominantly rural areas don't want change. They don't ask for much, receive very little, and are content with their lives. When you intervene with outsourcing to contractors, bombing campaigns where inevitably civilians are severely injured or killed, and expect a steadfast transition to a governing system mirroring ours, we're continuing to spread a wildfire for extremism. We have our own problems with extremism in this country. As my father continues to say, "the data will lead the way." A year or two ago, the Rand Corporation conducted a poll and revealed only seven percent of the time is terrorism defeated through military action. These two endless quagmires have to stop.

2.) True health care reform isn't cowering to the private health insurance companies' recent concessions. I was extremely fortunate to have an outstanding medical and dental plan with my most recent employer. Even if a single payer option was available, I would've continued to pay into my employer's plan. We have 16 states who basically hold a monopoly on what consumers can choose. Approximately one in three individuals covered by health insurance are covered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield. This isn't competition, it's an oligopoly structure. We have approximately 20,000 people in this country who die each year, resulting from no insurance or a provider denying a claim.

Republicans say everyone will opt for a government run health care system. With the recent concessions, they contend Americans will have a choice through the for-profit insurance companies. Four decades have proven if these guys have their way, we will gradually return to where we're at now. I'm confident single payer will be an option. We have too many small businesses who are unable to afford health care for their employees. If single payer is so bad, why are other countries who offer public and private insurance have a significantly higher rate of covered individuals than we do without their citizens having to file for bankruptcy or losing their lives at our country's rate?

3.) I will continue advocating for implementing humanistic philosophy in our public schools. We have to overcome our superficiality and condescending views of those who are less fortunate. Here is a link that thwarts the powerful Religious Right's attempts to revise what our Constitution explicitly states on the Separation of Church and State. Once again, we need a once-a-week type The Breakfast Club model where each student has to write a few pages on what he or she learned from the peer. This is where controversial topics viewed by the Puritan Peddlers and corporate-owned mainstream media won't be perceived to be imposed on the students by the State. They will introduce their feelings on why they might be gay, bisexual, suffering from depression, etc. This is the root and when they enter the workforce, we won't have these silly shenanigans where factions are formed simply based on similarities. http://www.religioustolerance.org/humanism2.htm

4.) Finally, I need to change. My self-discovery is realizing I always have this incessant need to provide constructive advice to others. Initially, I thought about hiding away at a university by obtaining a Master's or Juris Doctorate degree. That would all be for naught. My realistic objective is getting my foot in the door, preferably in civil service or government. The benefits are excellent, and it's common practice employees are awarded through bonuses and vacation through simple hard work. This is a better risk, since this area and others around the country seem beholden to reward others who are family, friends, or those who think and act like the company's upper management.

Avant-Garde filmmaker David Lynch on Transformation: For Better or Worse?

Yesterday, I emphasized the need to implement a humanistic philosophy in our public schools. There is one university in Fairfield, Iowa who seems to grasp this need. Filmmaker David Lynch is a visionary who explores the dark, mysterious unknown. His films (Lost Highway and Mulholland Drive) intertwine reality with a dream world or afterlife. He addressed a question by a journalist at this university, asking him if he is able to eradicate anxiety and hatred while working on a film project.

Films intrigue us with snapshots. In a sense, they're like our dreams. Typically, I idly stand by watching events transpire before my eyes. A creative writing instructor said he attempted to jot down everything he remembered about his dreams when he woke up each morning. Admittedly, I applied this same routine for a mere few days and stopped.

President Barack Obama persistently used one word throughout his campaign, "Change." For political speak, Republicans said this was code for the government to interfere in their lives. Some numb Democrats believed and perhaps still do, government can and will soon be the answer to all their woes. Lynch quite succinctly tells this journalist how change has to come from within. Enjoy this brief video clip.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1TCvzLDzKg&feature=channel

Today's America: 'We're strangers to each other'

I'm at a crossroads in my life and know I'm not alone. These past two weeks have been extraordinarily devastating. My BFF, who works as a car salesman, has struggled to sell a car and works off commission only. A woman he met on Match.com was from Nebraska (my state or should I say where my parents grew up and relatives live -- i.e. grandparents immigrated from New York City). After talking to her via the Match.com website, she invited him to her house. He was only there for thirty minutes and yes, believe it or not, she initiated the next step for sex. They met again and it was the same routine. Then, the confusion came.

She works in upper management, finishing her M.B.A., and wants to leave Augusta. So, she basically brushed him off through text messages. His lack of sales has driven him to drinking a few beers on his lunch hour and several more after work. I've gotten onto him about that. When he does make a sale, guess who profits the most? Yes, it's the good ole' boys who are predominantly in upper management because they're friends of the family who owns the business or family itself. Finally, he has his sights set on leaving this city he has known for his whole life.

I'm also great friends with twin brothers. One works as a chemical operator and is approaching a six figure annual income. He has recently come under fire from his borish, obnoxious boss who yells at him. This has really dampened his spirits and I've told him it's natural for those with low self-esteem to take out their frustrations on others. Unfortunately, his brother tops the list for overcoming a shattered state of mind.

I learned he was admitted into a mental institution earlier this week. He has a beautiful wife, two children (one who has autism), and beautiful home. His wife works as a registered nurse and is the bread winner. He works for a company delivering propane to businesses and residents and feels his life has been a failure. The warning signs weren't there. We spoke on the phone about the overwhelming greed that takes place at his wife's hospital and his company. Yes, you're learning, I responded. I wish I had known he was suffering and would've changed the direction of our conversation to a more positive, upbeat one.

This past Friday, I was laid off from my job -- AGAIN. This time, it appears to be permanent and is probably the best thing that could've happened. I began to be more and more unhappy working at an overly simplistic job. Our major account began to pick up its production again in April, only to see it flatline in May. My boss kept reiterating, "You're overqualified to be here. This is about as far as these guys (colleagues) can go." He's right. I took refuge in this place, because it was comfortable and family-like every day. I made good money, received a health care and dental plan that was top notch, and great benefits. However, there's a much broader issue to the problems my friends and I currently confront.

Today's America isn't going to change for the better anytime soon. When I bowed out of my Middle Grades Education degree with one semester left, I was appauled by how teachers treated their students. They ignored those who struggled and paid more attention to the high achievers. Isn't this a microcosm of our society? "The wealthy elite are always first in line for public services," Noam Chomsky once said. We need true reform in our public schools to shape future generations to simply treat each other better than we treat ourselves right now.

I've said for several years how we need to implement humanistic teachings in our schools. One of my newspaper columns touched on this and was referred to as The Breakfast Club model. I promise you this column received ample praise from educators and a few elected officials after it was published. What did you have in that 80s blockbuster film? You had troubled students who came from different backgrounds who eventually gained respect and appreciation for each other. Once a week, no matter the school size, students should get together and truly learn from each other. What's troubling them? Where do they see commonalities with each other? It is then and only then will we one day finally see the downfall of greed.

There's a huge difference between myself and best friends -- I don't care how society views me. After my friend is released from the hospital, I will wait a week or so and give him the greatest gift I've received, Paulo Coehlo's The Alchemist. This was hailed as the best book ever read by the likes of Madonna, Will Smith, and renowned entrepreneur and salesman, Spencer Johnson. This book is based on a spiritual journey and is a simple read where you don't run into obtuse language. There are two critical themes that apply to all our lives: There are many obstacles we confront, but we ultimately control our own destinies. Do what you want in life. Second, you might feel guilty during your journey that you're abandoning those you love. Those who truly love you will still be there with that same love after you've completed your journey. I recommend this book to any of you reading this post.

Reviews of X-Men Origins: Wolverine, Star Trek, and Blood Games?

The first three X-Men films were well directed and presented all-star casts. Its latest installment has Liev Schreiber taking the spotlight. Schreiber (Sabertooth) is a highly talented actor with a vernacular for quick wit, cool disposition, and an imposing physical presence. Hugh Jackman (Wolverine) was often seen through the film making these grunt noises, trying to allow the beast from within come out. I thought this was a mistake. Second, some of the special effects weren't necessary in some action sequences. Overall, this wasn't a bad film, but it was lost without its original director.

Star Trek

There are certain cults who scare the hell out of me: Trekkies, Dungeons and Dragons players, and those who spend way too much time playing World of Warcraft. When I was in college, I wanted to use the power of telepathy to let those Dungeons & Dragons players in the game room realize I was just there to play a few games of Galagga. I didn't want to be cast with some evil spell or heaven forbid, they think of me as The Grim Reaper. These alternate realities I truly believe are their realities. Anyway, I'll give you my take on Star Trek.

Director J.J. Abrams and his team pulled off some amazing special effects, set designs, and brilliant cinematography. I will say some of the lighting in certain settings was too glossy and unnecessary. Trekkies, I'm sure are pissed after watching this film. Although I was a casual fan of the original series by Gene Roddenberry, I knew certain events didn't take place and Abrams revised some of the original script. For example, Spock is much older than his counterparts but not in this film. I also questioned some of the interpersonal relationships and family history. This also might've strayed from the original storylines. Otherwise, this was a great film and thus far, leads the way for early summer film releases.

Blood Games

This was probably the most overly stereotypical film I've ever seen. It's hard for me to fathom the writers wanted the viewers to take this one seriously. Intentionally or not, this film intertwined The Bad News Bears, Deliverance, and Missing in Action. An athletic set of tomboys square off against a rowdy redneck baseball team. The rednecks, albeit their uncordination, are already reveling in their drunken debauchery. Its town folk are missing teeth, yelling and squealing like pigs, and appear to be ready to stage a mob attack on the gals. The girls easily win the game and the lead redneck for the other team, Ray who coincidentally is celebrating his birthday, receives some harsh advice from his Vietnam Vet dad.

The girls' coach has some unfinished business to attend with Ray's father. This is when all hell breaks loose. The rednecks continue their squarely actions like hitting each other upside the head with beer cans. Reaching the film's climax, there are actually some graphic violent moments that surprised me. I was torn at certain points on who to root for: The tomboys who are conflicted on whether they should continue focusing on their bawlin' baseball skills or find good men in their lives or the comical rednecks who can win at something. This was a corny movie that helped me gain more appreciation for so many other films.

The Dumb leads the Dumber

South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford is a disaster. Recently, he made national headlines for refusing to accept federal stimulus money. His argument is his state already has too much debt on its hands and doesn't need any more. Today, he went on Conservative talk radio host, Austin Rhodes' show, to say well, absolutely nothing. Typical. If you want to torture me, send me to a townhall filled with Conservative speakers who spend more than an hour talking.

Sanford predictably received softball questions from Rhodes. Now, he claims he only rejects 10 percent of the stimulus money. You know, he doesn't want any more scrutiny or embarassment by those who are keeping an eye on him. He echoed at least four times how his state's top priority is paying off its debt. Funny though how he didn't provide one example of outrageous spending or where he wants cuts to take place. Anyone want to take a guess where his cuts might be directed? Since the state heavily relies on tourism and big tax breaks for businesses who decide to set up their sweatshops there, you don't need to be a policy geek or follow every detail about his opposition to his state's budget to know where he stands.

You heard President Obama talk about the road to nowhere in South Carolina during the Presidential campaign, most notably a school that still operates and was built back in the mid 1800s. Each time a train passes nearby, teachers have to stop while their rooms shake from the vibrations. This is just one of many examples of infrastructure and road construction that needs to take place.

Try driving in the state's largest city, Columbia. On some roads, you're having to dodge potholes that look like large meteors landed on these roads. The biggest revelation is how reckless Sanford is with spending.

The National Tax Foundation reported for every federal dollar South Carolina receives, it spends $1.30. Fiscal responsibility? It's no wonder Sanford didn't provide any specifics on his state spending problem.

Today, My Brother Talked to Me

Enter an imprisoned mind. Sights and sounds overwhelm your synapses. Everything is moving too fast. You want to tell someone, but you can't. This is the world of autism.

My brother Matt was one of the first out of 250 autistic individuals worldwide who began using facilitated communication. This invention by two Australian scientists was a major breakthrough. Naysayers believe the handler is the one typing out the thoughts. However, Matt has typed out some very intimate information pertaining to relatives' names that his handler wouldn't know, correctly multiplied high numbers without a calculator, and has expressed how he felt at the present time.

Matt is my polar opposite. He loves country living (visits to my grandmother's farmland in Nebraska), country music, and dreadfully sides with my mother's parents as a Republican. Just before last year's Presidential election, he typed out, "I like McCain. Obama wants too much money." Alright, bro, that's a common misperception by Republicans.

Here is a brief article on today's breaking news for identifying a chromosome that is believed to trigger autism. This is encouraging news, but unfortunately, there's more to what might cause this disorder. After you read this brief excerpt, there's an interesting column written by Jim Carey about vaccination injury that has been proven in a court of law to cause autism. The consensus in the autism community believes this disorder is gene-environment based. By no means is Carey, his wife and former goofy co-host of MTV's Singled Out, trying to scare people into not taking vaccines. Their argument is "one size doesn't fit all." You don't administer an adult dosage to an infant. Also, they argue the vaccine schedule should be spread out more. Finally, there were 13 mandatory vaccines listed in 1983. That number is now at 36. It seems the CDC and Big Pharma are in a happy marriage. Here are the two articles:

PHILADELPHIA, PA.; April 28, 2009 (WPVI) -- Three new studies, including the largest ever conducted on the genetics of autism, have identified genes which contribute to the disorders.
One study pinpoints a gene region that may account for as many as 15 percent of autism cases, while another study identifies missing or duplicated stretches of DNA along two crucial gene pathways. Significantly, both studies detected genes implicated in the development of brain circuitry in early childhood. The study leader, Dr. Hakon Hakonarson, of Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, used automated genotyping tools that scan the entire genome of thousands of individuals. The researchers found that children with ASDs were more likely than healthy controls to have gene variants on a particular region of chromosome 5. Hakonarson's second study also used genetic scans to identify copy number variations, deletions, or duplications that increase the risk of an Autism Spectrum Disorder. The gene discoveries correspond with evidence gathered from functional magnetic resonance imaging that children with autism may have reduced connectivity between brain cells. Anatomy studies have also found that children with autism may have abnormal development of the brain's frontal lobes. Doctors hope the gene findings will not only open the doors to better understanding the brains and behaviors involved in autism, but to more targeted treatment and therapy. Autism Speaks assisted in the research, both with funding, and with access to the DNA of thousands of children affected by autism. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that one out of every 166 U.S. children has autism spectrum disorder.

(The author of this article should make a retraction. The number is now 1 out of every 150 U.S. children. What it also fails to mention is in 1987 it was 1 out of every 10,000.)

Link for Jim Carey's column

I wrote an article nearly two years ago on many issues Carey addresses. It's too lengthy and I believe it might have been copied and pasted to a previous entry on here.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jim-carrey/the-judgment-on-vaccines_b_189777.html

Let Me Rock

Interactivity is fun. I can be a pain in the ass sometimes, and Robin can attest to that. She has Sirius radio in her car and inevitably one song is played on it just about every time I'm riding in the car with her. First, I enjoy what I feel to be a damn good job harmonizing with this band's lead singer. Second, I love miming with the lyrics for this song. For example, one lyric I misunderstood one word in it. I still enjoy improvising with my version: "Like a twister, I was born to walk alone." So, I twirl my forefinger and finish with using my two forefingers to imitate someone walking. All this occurs while singing along. This makes me feel like a teenie bopper again. By far, this is my favorite band to use these hand gestures and besides, ya' never know when you might be driving down the road with someone who is hard of hearing. My interaction (hand gestures -- pointing to the side of my head and pressing my hand against my chest for the heart and singing along) easily lasts through the duration of this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKTiwCez6Zs

Alright. I respect my actions can be annoying. Initially, Robin corrected me, "It's like a drifter, not like a twister." "Yeah, but let's go with twister. It sounds much better." The song continues. "You're so fucking crazy." "What? You've gotta' add some flavor to it." Unfortunately, her patience begins running thin. "Alright. I'm changing it." "No. I'll stop." I stop singing along while getting in an occasional mime or two. About 30 seconds later, I tone it down a few decibels and begin singing again. "P.J.," she yells. "Alright. I'll stop," I repeat. Damn it. Just let me rock.

In high school, I practiced tennis and practiced tennis some more. I was your typical naive American teen with a dream: Become a rock star or professional athlete. Obviously, neither came to fruition. I did love music and wanted to learn how to play some of my favorite grunge songs at the time on guitar. So, I went to a guitar instructor who taught a mutual friend of mine at the time. This friend now professionally plays for a rock band who has gained many props. Google "Dead Confederate."

O.k. I completely expected this guitar instructor to have at least three earings in each ear and several tattoos. Nope. He turned out to be a square. Nice guy, just a square. He basically dissed the 90s sound, saying it's a takeoff from Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, and a few other bands. Thanks for the vote of confidence there, Chet (not his real name).

He wanted me to learn the basic chords like G-Major, D-Minor, etc. However, I wasn't paying this guy to learn some silly lullaby songs; I was paying him to rock. I wanted to ride the bicycle by taking off the training wheels already. So, he jumped ahead and had me practice a few songs. I did o.k. but never practiced after our sessions. I was hoping he would magically transform me into a rock star by our mere one-hour, one day a week time frame.

This lasted only for approximately a month-and-a-half. He was a nice guy who loved Pink Floyd (I can stand a few of their songs along with The Moody Blues but not many). I also livened the mood when we met, since this guy was dry as toast. He was also a computer nerd who had to stop our sessions a few times to explain to some kid over the phone how to work a certain software program. All and all, he was a nice guy but lame. That was the end of my brief attempt to become a rock star. Once again, you do all the work and just let me rock.

Christopher Hitchens destroys Ken Blackwell

I'm comfortable debating many people on topics I know, but Christopher Hitchens isn't one of them. I had a few college professors who I felt I was smarter than and still do today. One nut, an English professor, tried to make the nonsensical argument that poetry should have a singular interpretation. I think he took offense to my rebuttal and consequently, my grade was lowered one down from where it should've been ("B"). Here's the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJNsWN-QGW8

I Dream of Janeane! Well, not exactly

Here are some personality traits I look for in the ideal woman: sarcastic and silly sense of humor, cynical, and down-to-earth. Janeane Garofalo fits these descriptions, but I have a rule of thumb for tattoos. If it takes you more than 5 minutes to explain each tattoo on your body, you've already lost me. I can understand one or two. However, I don't want to be staring at some fire-breathing dragon or goofy Chinese caricatures that you use to try and make yourself appear to be this benevolent, spiritual person. Janeane has too many but to her credit, she's lost that frumpy physical appearance she had for awhile.

I'm not picky when it comes to women. There are two things in life I refuse to share: my remote control and women. I like women who are sinewy and voluptious. Last night, Garofalo assessed the tea baggers much better than I did on yesterday's post with Keith Olbermann. Enjoy.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#30255102

O.k. You should've probably known the right wing mouthpieces would respond to this critique. As usual, they play the McCarthy card and dismiss her as an out-of-touch celebrity. Pay close attention to what Garafalo has to say to some more sheep one month before our invasion of Iraq. "We're not racists. I didn't see any signs using race at the rally I attended." The Republican Party's positions on policies pertaining to equal rights have historically been associated with a nihilist.

Garafalo cites a few publications, notably not those major newspapers constantly dubbed as liberal like The New York Times and The Washington Post by right-wingers. The McClatchy Newspaper Washington, D.C. bureau and journalists like Jeremy Scahil and Amy Goodman were also ahead of the curve. Perhaps, more people should view Garafalo as an American and not merely a know-nothing entertainer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3MjivZU2w4&feature=related

Stop Throwing Away My Lipton, Fake Paranoia, and Upcoming Post on Ridiculous Bans on Smoking

Perfectly good tea bags were thrown away yesterday. Anti-tax protestors rebelled like it was The Boston Tea Party even though the majority is taxed with representation. I'm sure there were some well-meaning Libertarians who follow the likes of Ross Perot and Ron Paul. However, the vast majority seemed to simply use ignorance and are wanting to deregulate and continue the failed tax cut policies we implemented over the past eight years.

My assessment of the majority of these people are this: they dismiss you if you don't adhere to their beliefs and call you names like "stupid" and "idiot," love stockpiling their homes with guns they don't need, and want you to subscribe to their narrow, religious views. My tax return was the best yet this year. A recent Gallup poll showed the most amount of Americans supporting this tax structure since the 1950s. Besides, why would you complain when 95 percent of those are getting breaks?

The signs held yesterday were absurd, "No to Socialism" (We're the one industrialized nation who uses very little socialist policies -- Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, public safety, and public buildings. So, you can assume they don't know what Socialism is. "Born to Live, Taxed to Death." Compare how you're taxed to a European country. The bottom line is this: These same people are going against their own economic interests. They wanted us to sit back and do nothing about this economic crisis. Currently, we're seeing signs the economy is turning around.

It's laughable Conservative talking heads feel they're targeted over this latest memo released by the Department of Homeland Security. The Southern Law Poverty Center reported that Hate Crimes increased by 54 percent in 2008. In no way, does this report target those idiots like The Boss Limbaugh and other cooks who simply spew hot air on their radio programs. This memo targets those who have or are potentially forming militia groups. Yes, they're looking at recruiting veterans who are already vulnerable after returning from overseas. It's also a lie when they say Veterans are targeted.

Many of these people are the same kids who got everything from their parents growing up. They're not used to not getting their way. Now, they're pissed and we see like a spoiled child, just how immature and irrational they act.

Personal favorite top 5 bands of the 90s -- #1

I lack musical talent. All I have to offer is a halfway decent singing voice and on many occasions, its not good. My father's side of the family has some very talented musicians.

This week marks the 15th anniversary of Kurt Cobain's suicide. While I wasn't a big fan of Nirvana, I appreciate what he and his two bandmates offered to identify with this generation -- willingness to break away from societal norms, emphasizing individualism, and occasionally yelling to release that inner rage of solitude that existed for so long. I chose to do this through writing. Even if you're a casual fan of Nirvana, I saw a very interesting documentary several years ago questioning whether Cobain's death was indeed a suicide.

My grandmother gave me a gift certificate to a music store. I was indifferent to music, but this album caught my attention with a bare-chested man folding his arms with a burning cross in the background. It symbolized to me how all the ills of society were burning on that cross, while a man possesses the inner strength to reach out to others with benevolence. That certainly seemed to be the theme of the music. To this day, they still along with U2, sound like no one else to me. I'll give you a hint who this is: you'll find the band name on this blog's sidebar. Several hundred poems, one published along with a short story, brief stint in journalism, and trying to juggle the ambivalent thoughts that prevent me from continuing a novel can all be attributed to these guys.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tvBFbtQ1NwM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsOculxtdX8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=velIlLxxnb8

Trigger Happy Conservatives and personal favorite top 5 bands of the 90s -- #2

Conservatives have a difficult time pretending to be grown-ups. I'm baffled by this recent wave of resistance they're spewing over the 2nd amendment. The Obama administration and Congress is seeking to ban assault rifles. However, you wouldn't know it by their actions. A caller to our local baffoon, Austin Rhodes, invoked his fear by saying he had problems finding amunition anywhere for his assault rifle. He ended by saying he wanted to purchase a few hundred rounds. This hardly sounds like a guy who simply wants to hunt deer.

Why do people feel such an urge to own guns in this country? There are countless examples of manufacturing defects and people who completely lose their minds that use guns for all the wrong reasons. It would be nice to have a complete ban and leave the guns to our police and military. Sorry, Rep. Michelle Bachmann. Your recent insanity over peacefully taking up arms against our government makes you an accessory to the potential deadly crimes that inevitably will transpire.

#2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61R0LO9Sa0k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkSBY7O0-mc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3XSJjzheHs8

The Master-bators invade Augusta again and personal favorite top 5 bands of the 90s -- #3

There are certain competitive games that shouldn't be classified as sports -- billiards, bowling, any card game, trashy car racing, and yes, golf. Put these games on ESPN Ocho (Dodgeball film reference). The Augusta National golf course is a picturesque scene I've been very grateful to see firsthand. You won't find grass finely manicured, beautiful colors of azaleas, pine, and old oak trees. But aside from nature's beauty, you see golf competitors and spectators acting like 10-year-olds. Though there's no scientific poll out, I'm willing to guess many in attendance are heirs to fortunes. They're some of the most dim-witted people I've come across. Southern Hospitality abounds this time of year, since you're spending your money to the natives.

Our goofy mayor who likes to begin many non-government proceedings with a prayer, because he can, offered the key to the city to a true humanitarian, Fuzzy Zoeller. This is the same douchenozzle who had this to say about Tiger Woods' win at the tourney:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ufpU3X-t4w

#3

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9b8aICpyEg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBBBg3Ue2ug

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eq9Dq1I1yM4

Personal top 5 bands of the 90s -- #4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egugSdWvHzc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmej68ut3KA&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urW9aQNwX34&feature=related

Personal favorite top 5 bands of the 90s -- #5

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMEqVAt7s8U

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-58-36lSqG4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Vk0wTbzyLg

I'sa like this, how 'bout you?

Next week, I'll relive my top 5 favorite bands from my generation, the 90s. Speaking of the 90s, I haven't heard these guys in quite some time. It's nice to see there are a few plugs of them live. This harkens back to my days as a terrible radio DJ during my first year of college. Think Howard Stern in Private Parts before he revolutionized the "shock jock" wave of DJs. I look back and believe I would get under people's skin just a tad, as I've become more and more outspoken. Tell me what you think about these two vids:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7luK_mQrOs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5I7apl4s-0

Uncomfortable Realities We Often Ignore

Hubert Selby Jr. is one of my favorite writers. Known for his gratuitous imagery, exploring the mind's stream of consciousness, its self-deception, and humanizing the inhumane, he writes about characters who are shunned by society. This music video features a montage of clips from a very intense dramatic film, Requiem for a Dream. Adapted from Selby's novel, director Darren Arnofsky delivers a very stark, surreal set of images that captivates individuals' desires and addictions. I vomitted after watching this movie the first time. Yes, it was that intense. Ironically, Selby did the same after he read The Room once he completed writing it.

This artist is one of the true musical geniuses of our time. He is the great-great nephew of Herman Melville and uses his music industry's monicker after Melville's most famous character. This is one of my favorite tracks Moby has recorded. Enjoy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txuXjUk_voU

Southern Sloppies

One of the symptoms I've noticed about the South is how spineless people are when calling you out on mistakes. Yes, I'm venting on my lunch hour. Here's a typical example. When working as a journalist, my boss came up to me one day and said, "Someone called and said you need to make a correction on your Development Authority article. The second to the last paragraph is inaccurate." O.k. I responded by saying this was what was said at the meeting. "It doesn't matter." "Well, who called in to make the complaint?" "It doesn't matter. We're going to have to run a retraction for the next issue." Translation: If you don't like the message, blame the messenger.

The South is completely opposite from New England and other places I've worked and lived in. In New England, people are considered rude for how blunt they are. I don't consider someone's uninhibited honesty as a sign of rudeness. This way, I'm not having to guess for future endeavors what I need to do to correct past mistakes or accomodate this person's requests. Bottom line, don't be a pussy if you have a problem with someone. Have some balls or pussy control to be up front and express your qualms.

Yesterday, some jackass at our main account was completely disorganized. I knew today exactly whom made the complaint. Naturally, I received the proverbial, "We provide them a service. It doesn't matter who said it. Just monitor what you're doing." This guy who made the complaint had his work station completely dishoveled, so I couldn't completely fix his mess he created. Plus, I made a sarcastic comment to him one day when he was trying to be pushy with me. This tells me a lot about the Southern culture as a whole. Yes, I make mistakes but don't call me out on them. This observation can also be applied to the sloppy, reckless Conservative pundits.

Comparing my brackets to the Prez.

It's very cool to see how down-to-earth President Barack Obama is. Yes, I've been a harsh critic over his decision to support school vouchers, since a relative is strongly involved with spearheading her state's teacher's union. I understand both sides of the argument. Unions can and have impeded progress in some areas. However, they're necessary and needed, particularly in the South where they don't exist. First, public schools are more prone for kids to embrace diversity. Second, private schools have proven to be too insular and those who have outstanding academic success end up flunking out in college because their social skills are limited to those like them. Finally, unions are safety nets for teachers who confront rogue administrators who wish to rid good teachers for frivalous reasons. That said, I'm grateful Barack has tirelessly worked to help rebuild and restore our country. Even his critics can agree that he is hard at work.

I'm competing against my best friend and 40 other employees at my company in an office pool. My friend and I agreed whomever loses will buy new cases of tennis balls for the rest of the year (inexpensive). I threw in a mere $5 on our office pool. This hasn't been my best year, and I'm jealous my friend has been nearly flawless through the first two rounds of the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship. Barack has also done very well thus far. For a little fun, I thought I'd give you a comparison of how I've fared compared to our Prez.:

Here's mine:

http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/entry?entryID=2334133

President Obama's:

http://games.espn.go.com/tcmen/entry?entryID=2813746

Alright. You can laugh at my picks and yes, I had a terrible start last year as well. However, my Final Four teams are still in play. I highly doubt many have taken Gonzaga to get to where I've got them going. It's risky, but they've played lights out since their loss to Memphis. They're very well balanced, have great perimeter shooters, and a few guys down low who are capable shut down defenders. If I lose, let's take it out on the basketball court. (my perfect redneck voice impersonation) Come out, come out, wherever you are. I think this was from Deliverance, but everyone I ask isn't sure.

Con-Servatives blame Obama's handling of economy on March Madness?

Con-Servatives really need to get off the plantation and get their hands dirty from time to time with the rest of us. Yesterday, it was laughable watching a Tennessee Senator blame Obama's handling of the economy for participating in the March Madness tournament selection picks. If anyone has taken part in this, it takes no more than 30 minutes to fill out your brackets. No, Mr. President. You're a public servant. You must work. Work. Work. You can't eat, drink, sleep, piss, shit, until our country looks like Pleasantville.

And what about these Conservatives these days? I love how Keith Olbermann dubs Rush Limbaugh as Boss Limbaugh. Fortunately for Republicans as a whole, you have some intellectuals who are critical of The Boss who include David Frum. My head continues spinning on who I should be called today, "Socialist, Marxist, Communist, McCarthyist." They don't even know what these terms mean let alone having some democratic process like unions. We're not staring down the barrel of a gun when we let our dissenting voices out. Well, perhaps Texas is the exception.

The point of this blog and what I've said repeatedly is the GOP is the "Until it Happens to Me Party." They will continue using extreme policy positions to thwart common sense. When they begin suffering from misfortunes, that's when they want the rest of us to enter the picture and give them handouts. It seems we've given them quite a few handouts these past eight years.

My tradition continues

I've taken part in the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament since I was 6. Yes, that was the age when I made my first basket a mere few feet away from the basket. Instantly, I became hooked on the game of basketball. My height helped me gain an advantage over those my age and some older. The strengths to my game were outside shooting and defense. Today, I still enjoy watching others duke it out on the court.

Last year, I was extremely lucky when picking Kansas to win it all. All Memphis had to do was make a few free throws down the stretch and foul the ball handler who received an inbounds pass with less than 10 seconds remaining and this pick would've been all for naught. Luckily, Mario Chalmers drained a three and the Jayhawks prevailed in overtime. This year, I see a lot of similarities in Louisville to that Kansas team, so I've got Rick Pitino's team winning it all.

The same can be said about pundits you see on cable news networks. My advice is don't listen to the ESPN analysts. I was hopeful that Creighton (attended basketball camp there in Omaha, Neb.) was going to be the last team in based on this bracketology expert, Joe Lunardi. He was practically wrong on every team that he believed would be selected as the last ones. I've seen just about every one of the teams in this field play this year, so I can make informed decisions based on matchups. It's funny how the ones who usually win their office pools or other contests don't even follow the game. I think those who enjoy the college hoops game tend to overanalyze.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! If you're not wearing green, I'm gonna' virtually pinch ya'. Some prefer wearing the orange.

Skip from my Lou Holtz my darlin' and Proof Reality T.V. isn't Real? OMG! LOL!

My family lived about 10 minutes away from the University of Notre Dame for nearly 10 years. I grew up as a huge Fightin' Irish football and basketball fan. My dad took me to the games, and I remember the rise the Irish took to football supremacy. Dating back to the Gerry Faust administration, the Irish had some mediocore seasons to say the least. There was one memorable game when quarterback Steve Beurlein nearly led the Irish to an improbably upset over Michigan. They came up a little short and so did Faust's tenure with the team. The South Bend Tribune's sports section had a glaring headline, Oust Faust. Sure enough, the university fired Faust and hired a feisty up and comer, Lou Holtz.

The team began recruiting some legendary players like Tim Brown, Raghib "Rocket" Ismael, and Tony "Tony, Toni, Toney has done it again and you can't go wrong with Uncle Ben's" Rice. Holtz was known for persistently pacing back and forth on the sideline and occasionally suffering from nervous twitches that had him picking grass off the field. The Irish quickly became a national powerhouse and finally, won a national championship over West Virginia in 1988.

Today, Lou Holtz serves as a sentimental college football analyst for ESPN. If you're a betting man, don't put your odds on Holtz' picks. I know he loves pepping up the underdog, but his expectations are unrealistic. I have a soft spot in my heart for Lou, but he needs to stick to football. Recently, he was seen palling around with Sean Hannity on Hannity's America. If you suffer from any mental deficiencies, you can expect to have a few more if you believe what Hannity tells you. Here's Herr Keith Olbermann's analysis of Lou and Hannity on their silly thoughts about global warming:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#29498957

Keep it Real

A few old friends and seemingly self-proclaimed entertainment experts used to criticize my choice to watch World Wrestling Entertainment's Monday Night Raw. "Huh, huh, you have to be gay to watch men in tights. You know it's fake." My sharp tongue replies, "You just don't see the true entertainment value behind wrestling. It offers great parodies of people we meet each and every day." I provide a few examples and they responded with a deer in the headlights look.

Here's why I've returned to watching Monday Night Raw. Take Randy Orton's character. It takes great non-verbal skills i.e. facial expressions to pull off his cerebral and callous actions. Lately, his character suffers from IED (Intermittent Explosive Disorder). It's a disorder where the character suffers bouts of uncontrollable rage and thus, he doesn't take responsiblity for his brutal actions, most notably Vince McMahon's family for hospitalizing them. You also have an egotistical, primadona in Chris Jericho. He mocks the audience for their lack of contributions to society and lately, has called on all the washed up WWE legends to challenge him to a match. Ricky "The Dragon" Steamboat came out and was quickly dismantled by Jericho. Wrestling entertainment offers more than skillful athleticism; it also offers great comedy.

The Village Voice's Michael Musto is drop down hilarious. However, he just looks like a guy who has a snotty streak to him. If I met him out somewhere, I'd ask him what he finds most intriguing or provocative in the latest pop culture news. Ten minutes later, I'd probably leave. Hell, I might as hell play you the entire Olbermann show from last night. My favorite line he used was directed at The View's Elizabeth Hasselbeck, "Her priorities are so far up her hoo hah, Barbara Walters can't find them." He also used a term I never heard before, "douchenozzle." Eventually, if the time is right, I hope to use this term. Here's his take on the latest shenanigans from ABC's The Bachelor:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#29499036

You ain't nothin' but a Slumdog
Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal makes a mockery of himself, GOP

Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal had a transparent message he wanted to deliver after Barack Obama's brilliant address to the joint session of Congress -- I want to be your next Commander-in-Chief in 2012. His road to Hell might've been paved with good intentions, but he looked and acted like a complete jackass. Let's start with those forceful smiles. The average person knows he's not happy to represent a clueless political party. Second, it's easy to use government as a scapegoat when you don't have any concrete solutions. He spent this time using broad strokes to commend the American people and bash government. Third, the only health care reform his party could accomplish is catering even more to the insurance companies. Finally, invoking the response to Hurricane Katrina and government is the worst thing he could've done. That was the most reprehensible inaction our federal government ever did in our nation's history. Chris Matthews shouldn't have to explain why he muttered "Oh, God" while Jindal moseyed around the corner to face the cameras. Jindal looked like a fool and should be shamed. Here is desperation at its finest:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cAXvnJ972RE

Your Reaction

A picture is worth a thousand words is a common cliche. I want to get your reaction to one of my favorite tracks off Radiohead's In Rainbows album. Frame by frame you see a story unfolding. This is a compelling video that isn't as narrowly interpreted as you might perceive per the message at the end. This song has some great melodic hooks and really hones in on Thom Yorke's great vocal range. Read and examine the lyrics and perhaps a second viewing might change your perspective.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdrCalO5BDs

The Purity of seeing the world through a child and Look Out! Here comes Jimmy Justice

I'm reminded of the great poetic works of William Wordsworth. His writings focused on how life comes at us full circle. Naturally, we're born with a blank slate. We learn through the innocence of not knowing what is good and bad and safety versus danger. Eventually, our experiences corrupt who we were at that stage of childhood purity. Wordsworth emphasized how we should look at the child to learn through our experiences. Based on a short story by F. Scott Fitgerald and adapted for a screenplay, this is essentially how I perceived the theme of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

There have been few films in my lifetime that have made me cry and this was one of them. It's an epic emotional tale seen and told through one man's experiences. The audience might be immersed with the man's unnatural phenomenon, but one should observe how he approaches everything with no pretentions. He absorbs what is presented to him with a blank slate. So, I think this song by VNV Nation is symbolic on the rest of us and the rest of the characters in this film:

Secluded Spaces

It seems so long ago now
That I was sitting here
Taking in everything
Taking in everything
I stopped to look around me
As far as I could see
Across this precious land
Shadows painted by the sun

I don't think I remember
How long I waited here
Watching everything
Watching everything
My thoughts began to wander
Then I realized
Every moment I had lived
Everything that I had seen
Pass like this moment now
Pass like this moment now

Its clear to me as now
Is the moment when I knew
That I can let go
Its time to let it go
With it came the feeling
Strange I'd waited for it
I think all my life

A thousand words brace for it
From my very soul
I didn't feel alone
I didn't feel alone
I didn't feel alone
I didn't feel alone

Here comes Jimmy Justice

MSNBC did a profile series on "Video Vigilantes." One videotaped public safety officials' abuses and another on prostitution. Jimmy Justice cracked me up. His no-nonsense, combative approach had me hysterically laughing. Here are some of his encounters on display:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyACkTTn8Ho&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=052S1yg-zR0&feature=channel_page

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jf-tcjc87hw&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJMITfyd3I8&feature=channel

The Inside on Daily Dirty Talk

Shiva' Me Timba-Land. By now, I'm sure many of you have seen and heard the Chirstian Bale meltdown while shooting a scene last July for Terminator: Salvation. I seriously believe everyone was tuckered out, since these guys have a limited budget and on time constraints to finish production. However, I will appease all my McCarthy, anti-Hollywood Angry Right friends (why do they always say in Congress, "I'd like to yield the rest of my time to the distinguished gentleman from Mississippi?" I'd say I'd like to yield my time to the idiot from Mississippi who will spend 15 minutes bitching about problems and presenting no solutions to them.).

I'd love to take Bale out for dinner. Here's how I think it would go down. Bale would be very particular about what he orders, say poached salmon that he demands to be lightly sauteed. I'd excuse myself and say I need to go to the restroom when I approach our waiter. I'd tell him to sautee the hell out of that salmon and slip him a 20. Bale would then go on a vicious tirade, "I said lightly sauteed." The waiter interjects by saying, "Yes, I'm sorry sir. I'll be more than happy to get you another one." Bale barks back, "Oh, you already f***ed this one up and I've waited for 45 minutes. I don't have time for you and won't be coming back here."

If I had a small child, I'd simply say that Batman is trying to save Gotham City when asked why he's yelling and you hear so many bleeps. Bale might be a nice guy who has some anger management issues and once again, he could've been stressed out after a long day. O.k. In case you've missed it, here's a heavily edited remix clip with Barbara Streisand interjecting?:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82WCj8AbfsE

I know Valentine's Day is approaching. Everyone's minds seems to be on the economy and the stimulus package. Here's my gift to the single women out there. I'll drop trou and show you my stimulus package between my legs. In all seriousness, this is another silly holiday that emphasizes consumerism. Couples should be celebrating their unions together 365, 24/7.

Anyone still wondering why my beautiful face isn't on here, don't worry. It's on the way with one of my friends who has the camera phone that can upload the pic. Patience is a virtue. Before parting, Rupert Murdoch seemed to out himself, how he handles his phony News Corp., and all his suboridnates. The way Fox Noise reports the news it wouldn't surprise me if this was a Freudian slip.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036677/#29061993

Some of my favorite cover songs

I've never been a fan of cover bands. While in college, I saw a few and even after a good buzz settled from a pitcher or two from beer, I used to say, "Man, they killed that song." There are a few exceptions. I don't mind when bands take time out to cover some great songs from the past. Here are a few I like. Obviously, if you've read any past entries or via profile, you know one of these bands is one of my all-time favorites.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecgSFef4ov4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kc8hzb0daK8

Watching Republicans make excuses and Harvey Milk still is ahead of our time

This week, I've watched Republicans debate, well, about nothing. I've seen some on the Senate floor debate literally spend 15 minutes talking about absolutely nothing. News outlets have it right. Republicans are bitching about spending in this bill and argue we should just give all this money in the form of tax cuts to the American people. The average American knows more about how to use it than we in Congress do. That sounds enticing, but how did tax cuts work the first time?

Oklahoma Republican Sen. Coburn is one of those who offers little substance. He provided an amendment that strips away Community Development Block Grants. I have several problems with this. Thinking back to my days as a pion journalist, the one main attraction for a community was its recreation facilities. Literally, everyone I spoke to who attended a baseball tournament from out-of-state said this facility offered the best baseball fields of any other they visited.

On the flipside, I understand Coburn's argument. The communities will just waste away the money on useless projects that don't stimulate the economy. O.k. What problems are we facing right now? Obesity rates and juvenile delinquency are rapidly rising. So, I think this small portion of a large pot is conducive for the quality of life in communities. Ask military brats who lived in Germany what they thought about it. I'm willing to bet you they won't complain to you about a lack of recreation and things to do.

The Democratic Senator from Hawaii and forgive me for not remembering his name, argued about the provision in this bill. If you strip away any construction on swimming pools, then you intentionally or unintentionally take away pools for Veterans, those at Trauma Centers, and those used for Coast Guard training. It seems to me Republicans are more concerned about their interests ONCE AGAIN, then those the American people voted on back in November. Finally, I'm for much more spending to get this economy going again. The concessions made for Republicans have too much for short-term in the form of tax cuts. Rome wasn't built overnight and neither will more efficient energy grids if we don't start somewhere.

'Milk'

This was another stirring biopic, but Sean Penn's performance wasn't as captivating as Phillip Seymour Hoffman's portrayal as Truman Capote. However, they're two different films and this takes nothing away from Penn. This biopic focuses on a gay man who struggles to find his purpose in life. For most of it, he hides his homosexuality and witnesses atrocities to the gay community.

Once settled in San Fransisco, he and his partner set up a small business. Naturally, some don't greet them with open arms. Milk becomes increasingly active with those in and around his business. His bold actions lead him to pursuing a life in politics.

Waves of resistance from bigot-ridden groups are who Milk fights. He tells those in the gay community to "come out of the closet and let your voices be heard." His famous opening before gatherers was, "My name is Harvey Milk and I'm here to recruit you." Interspersed with archival footage and compelling events in this film, this is another one I highly recommend. You'll understand why there should be more Harvey Milks out there today resisting discrimination laws like California's Prop 8.

There's a great website I found when traveling the blogosphere. We exchanged an e-mail one time when I had some questions leading up to California's Supreme Court ruling gay marriage is legal. Unlike myself, she was born and raised in Georgia and lived in Newt Gingrich's area. She covers City Hall there and breaks down complex government rules, ordinances, and statutes to their simplest forms. Basically, she knows her shit. You can see how San Fransisco has evolved or devolved since Harvey Milk worked as a Supervisor by checking out thesweetmelissa.com. Guys, she looks good too!

The other tragic September 11th you might not know about

Well, it's another week my company laid our small crew off. Sales are absolutely horrendous and production has flatlined at our primary account. I had to kid when I said to a few colleagues, "You mean I have to go down to that unemployment office and deal with those scuzzy scumbags?" There were two things I've decided to do on my week off: re-read portions of Naomi Klein's The Shock Doctrine and watch two films I've put off for so long, Good Night, and Good Luck and Syriana. After reviewing Klein's accounts and viewing Syriana, this all hits at the heart of what I'm so fervently against -- GREED.

Here are some excerpts Klein recounts from Sept. 11, 1973:

General Augusto Pinochet and his supporters consistently referred to the events of September 11, 1973, not as a coup d' etat but as "a war." Santiago (Chile) certainly looked like a war zone: tanks fired as they rolled down the boulevards, and government buildings were under air assault by fighter jets. But there was something strange about this war. It had only one side.

From the start, Pinochet had complete control of the army, navy, marines and police. Meanwhile, President Salvador Allende had refused to organize his supporters into armed defense leagues, so he had no army of his own. The only resistance came from the presidential palace, La Moneda, and the rooftops around it, where Allende and his inner circle made a valiant effort to defend the seat of democracy. It was hardly a fair fight: though there were just thirty-six Allende supporters inside, the military launched twenty-four rockets into the palace. (p. 75)

Note: This was also spearheaded by Milton Friedman who persuaded Pinochet to adopt "pure capitalism" and President Richard Nixon's Secretary of State Henry Kissinger who also supported Pinochet's overthrow to open up American companies to operate in Chile and its increasing efforts to adopt free trade. Chilean students who studied at a Catholic University in their home country had transferred to the United States to adopt Friedman's "pure capitalist" theories. Some studied at McGill University in Chicago (also the institution that conducted torture lab experiments on unsuspecting volunteers) and the University of California at Berkley. They were dubbed the "Chicago Boys" and "Berkley Boys." Thousands who were Allende supporters were promptly taken to football stadiums and executed on Sept. 11, 1973.

The Aftermath

In 1974, inflation reached 375 percent -- the highest rate in the world and almost twice the top level under Allende. (p. 79)

Immediately after Friedman's visit, Pinochet fired his economic minister and handed the job to Sergio de Castro, whom he later promoted to finance minister. De Castro stacked the government with his fellow Chicago Boys, appointing one of them to head the central bank. (p. 74)

Freed of the naysayers, Pinochet and de Castro got to work stripping away the welfare state to arrive at their pure capitalist utopia. In 1975, they cut public spending by 27 percent in one blow -- and they kept cutting until, by 1980, it was half of what it had been under Allende. Even The Economist, a free-market cheerleader, called it "an orgy of self-mutilation." De Castro privatized almost five hundred state-owned companies and banks, practically giving many of them away, since the point was to get them as quickly as possible into their rightful place in the economic order. He took no pity on local companies and removed even more trade barriers; the result was the loss of 177,000 industrial jobs between 1973 and 1983. By the mid-eighties, manufacturing as a percentage of the economy dropped to levels last seen during the Second World War. (p. 82)

Pinochet held power for seventeen years, and during that time he changed political direction several times. The country's period of steady growth that is held up as proof of its miraculous success did not begin until the mid-eighties -- a full decade after the Chicago Boys implemented shock therapy and well after Pinochet was forced to make a radical course correction. That's because in 1982, despite its strict adherence to Chicago doctrine, Chile's economy crashed: its debt exploded, it faced hyperinflation once again and unemployment hit 30 percent -- ten times higher than it was under Allende. The main cause was the piranhas, the Enron-style financial houses that the Chicago Boys had freed from all regulation, had bought up the country's assets on borrowed money and run up an enormous debt of $14 billion. (p. 85)

Syriana

Ironically, this film provides narratives of a CIA agent, energy analyst, royal prince, attorney for a recently merged oil company, and two recently laid off Pakistani migrant workers. All of their work tended to intersect each other in an increasingly demanding time for oil addiction, deregulation, and privatization. Human lives were expendible in some circumstances to maximize the oil company's profits, even despite allegations the merger was illegally handled.

After watching this film, it reaffirmed that we have our own problems in our country spreading terrorism. Defense Secretary Robert Gates reports only 4 to 5 percent of those released from Gitmo have engaged in terrorist propaganda, debunking the mythical figure of 61 former detainees by ex-Vice President Dick Cheney. All these past and recent past actions are a wakeup call for how we need to treat the rest of the world. It's safe to say that many Muslims don't just simply hate the West for their religious and idealogical beliefs; they turn to radical Islamic schools and institutions when they've said enough is enough with being occupied by an American presence.

My Super Bowl and 'Slumdog' tops my new rankings

From the Appalachian Mountains in the great state of North Carolina where it all began to the flat plains in Nebraska and ending in the sweltering heat and humidity of Georgia, I've had many fond memories of traveling to tennis tournaments. This is one sport I know. Sure, I stopped playing during my freshman year of college, but I obviously had the goal to one day make it to the highest level. After watching this year's Australian Open, these guys have the complete pedigree -- conditioning, uncanny footwork, blistering serves and groundstrokes, mentally unflappable, and impeccable shot selections. The first two listed, conditioning and footwork, are what separates the good players from the great.

I woke up after a great dream followed by a nightmare. Seriously, this was my first dream I had where I was in a threesome with two hotties. Very nice. It dramatically shifted when I found myself stuck or feeling imprisoned. I couldn't make it back home and was stuck with my dad's side of the family. There were some important tasks I had to attend to at home, and I needed to get back. My mind and body were numb. I couldn't do anything about my situation. So, I woke up around 6:45.

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer were in the middle of the third set. I was delighted (hear this word from executives a lot) to wake up in time to see the rest of this awesome match. Nadal is one of the best counterpunchers I've ever seen. He's able to track down the ball from the other side of the court and hit outright winners. Federer has a scorching serve with great placement and is a great all-court player. These guys played some unbelievable points.

Once again, Nadal prevailed over Federer. He denied Federer a record-tying 14th Grand Slam title and has won 13 out of their 19 meetings. Nadal has that one intangible to beat Federer at the baseline. If there's one thing Federer needs to do, it's attacking the net more frequently. Nadal is too good of a ball striker to play with him at the baseline. If Federer hits the ball deep and low with a slice, he could shorten the points. This also plays into why Nadal appears to be the fitter of the two.

Slumdog Millionaire

This is a definite must-see film. The cinematograpy was captivating in this coming-of-age tale of hardships and triumphs. There were some very intense moments in this. Overall, this was just a brilliant story complemented by great filmwork and all who contributed.